Orochimaru was fully aware that if Konoha ever found itself in dire straits, Tsunade would inevitably think of him first.
This was something he could guarantee without any doubt.
Tsunade's trust in him made it inevitable that she would inform the Third Hokage about his existence. Orochimaru had accounted for this in his plans.
Once the Third Hokage learned of his whereabouts and sought him out, Tsunade becoming Hokage would be all but guaranteed.
And if Sarutobi di...
Faced with Orochimaru, the Third Hokage had a few options to choose from.
He could agree to all of Orochimaru's demands and comply with his terms without hesitation.
He could simply turn around and leave, asserting the dignity of a Hokage, one who doesn't bow to anyone or allow themselves to be humiliated.
Or… he could eliminate Orochimaru right here and now, cutting off any potential future threats.
But to kill Orochimaru?
The drawbacks outweighed the ben...
Iskandar sighed dramatically. "Alas, why am I not in this picture?"
Gilgamesh smirked. "It just proves the gap between you and me."
"Tsk, that's really irritating," Iskandar muttered, crossing his arms.
The effect of the Royal Travelling Incognito that Gilgamesh had obtained. It allowed him to grant himself an invincible state for one minute, twice a day. Iskandar's Shield had its merits, but both of them acknowledged the unique advantages of each item.<...
2024-12-22 08:41:03 +0000 UTC View Post[Time is up, the quiz is over.]
[Now let's start announcing the answers.]
[A: Britomart, Occupation: Lancer.]
[The mecha man in the picture takes off their armor, revealing their true form—a beautiful girl dressed in white, her hair styled into a bun with twin ponytails.]
Illya: "...
2024-12-22 08:37:38 +0000 UTC View Post"Art… well, now that your 'performance' is over, let the 'game' continue. The people behind you are still waiting," All Might said, still a bit stunned by what he had just witnessed.
"Yes, Sensei!"
Kaminari nodded earnestly, adopting the demeanor of a well-behaved student.
Of course, he understood the situation perfectly. He'd already stolen the spotlight this time, so now was the moment to keep a low profile. After all, he knew better than to push things too far, he un...
"Although creating sculptures that resemble humans is prohibited, other designs that aren't too large... well, as long as they qualify as 'artworks,' the school has decided to allow them to remain on this field for future generations. Let's see how it goes."
"Oh, really?"
Kaminari's mood instantly brightened upon hearing this, but he still raised a skeptical golden eyebrow for confirmation.
"Yes, really," All Might affirmed with a nod, though it was clear he didn't fully ...
It wasn't just Marine, the World Government, or Claudius working tirelessly to develop their influence and recruit talents. Every major faction was doing the same. The Revolutionary Army was moving in silence, and of course, the pirates were constantly expanding their ranks.
Among the pirates, the ones developing their operations most aggressively were Charlotte Linlin, Kaido, Doflamingo, and Crocodile.
Even Enel could be counted in this group. Having ventured into the New World...
Hearing Claudius's tone of surprise, Sengoku nodded helplessly and said, "As unbelievable as it sounds, there's truth to it. This is precisely why we don't categorize Kaido as simply a human being. We call him the 'strongest creature' because we still don't understand what's going on with his body."
"So, is he a Devil Fruit user? Or, as the rumors suggest, is he actually a dragon?" Claudius asked.
Sengoku shook his head this time and replied, "It's true that some animals have mi...
When dealing with the girls from the Service Club earlier, Ryuji had deliberately suppressed the effects of his "Charisma".
But now, looking at the disheveled Tomie in front of him, Ryuji subconsciously raised an eyebrow and decided to fully unleash the ability.
As expected, Tomie's infatuation deepened significantly, her gaze becoming even more enamored and obsessive.
"So, are you willing to submit now?"
Keeping Tomie around was a decision Ryuji made on a whim.
Special thanks to Patrick Darmon for sponsoring this extra chapter 🎉🎉🎉
---
September 21st, afternoon, Stadio Friuli.
Gao Shen stood in front of the visiting team's coaching booth, his brow furrowed, silently watching the game.
The scoreboard still read 0-0.
Napoli had failed to break Udinese's defense in an away match that was proving far more challenging than expected.
Seventy minutes had passed, and the deadlock remained.
Gao Shen made t...
Special thanks to Patrick Darmon for sponsoring this extra chapter 🎉🎉🎉
---
It was a simple question: Does Gao Shen really like coaching?
The answer, however, was equally simple: Yes.
But this wasn't the answer Zidane was after. What he truly wanted to ask was: Why?
Gao Shen thought about it for a moment before deciding to tell a story he rarely shared with anyone. It was a story that might sound unbelievable to Europeans, and perhaps even to Zidane, des...
Special thanks to Zeke Ppskin for sponsoring this extra chapter 🎉🎉🎉
--
After the game against Real Madrid, Napoli didn't linger in Madrid. The team quickly returned to Italy, diving straight back into training the next morning.
Since meeting Buenaventura, Gao Shen had attached great importance to post-match recovery sessions. When Pintus joined the staff, recovery training became even more rigorous and systematic.
Even after a high-profile match like the one a...
Special thanks to Zeke Ppskin for sponsoring this extra chapter 🎉🎉🎉
---
News from the post-match press conference quickly reached Raul's ears and spread throughout the Real Madrid locker room.
In fact, within Real Madrid, whether at Valdebebas or the Bernabéu, few things remained hidden from Raul.
As captain and the face of the club for so many years, Raul's influence extended into every corner of the organization.
Sometimes, without him even needing to as...
The game ended with a humiliating scoreline of 0-7, punctuated by warm applause from the Bernabeu faithful.
As per tradition, the home team's score was announced first. Real Madrid, once a team filled with unshakable confidence, had suffered an unprecedented and devastating defeat on their own sacred ground.
What made the result even more astonishing was that it came at the hands of Napoli, a club making its first foray into the Champions League.
Seven to zero—this was ...
That's it.
Gao Shen stood calmly in front of the visiting team's coaching area, outwardly composed as though indifferent to the events unfolding on the pitch. But inside, he felt a deep sense of satisfaction. He couldn't help but feel like he had returned to the Bernabeu as a hero.
Tonight, he had emphatically proven his coaching credentials to the Real Madrid faithful.
He still remembered when he left Real Madrid, how some had fought to keep him, while others questioned ...
The Third Hokage's words might have been hard for the ANBU to hear, but they were undeniably true.
While the ANBU were charged with protecting the Hokage, there were limits to their capabilities.
And the opponent this time… was Orochimaru.
This was someone who could fend off countless enemies and injure three Kage even when besieged by three major ninja villages.
Against such overwhelming power, any shinobi below the Kage level wasn't qualified to stand before hi...
Tsunade knew deep down that everything Orochimaru said was true.
She also knew that his current attitude was entirely within her expectations.
Still, as the granddaughter of the First Hokage, she felt an obligation to try.
"I know, Orochimaru, I know everything!" Tsunade said softly, her expression tinged with sadness. "What happened back then… it was unfair to you. But no matter what, the teacher… he was only doing it for the village."
"All I'm asking is for y...
At Naval Headquarters, Marineford, the Prometheus had docked once again, bringing Claudius to witness a major transition in Marine's leadership. Marshal Kong had already departed for Mariejois to assume his new role, while Sengoku was set to officially become the new Marine Fleet Admiral.
Today was a historic moment, not only because of Sengoku's promotion but also due to the reorganization of Marine's highest combat force. For the first time in years, the long-vacant positions of the ...
At the illegal port of the Sabaody Archipelago, Claudius stood near the docks, speaking with Hancock. Gloriosa had already arrived, and upon reuniting with the three sisters, her face lit up with joy.
Sandersonia and Marigold had already boarded Gloriosa's ship. Rayleigh, true to his word, had decided to accompany them on their journey back to Amazon Lily. His presence was reassuring, ensuring the sisters' safe return to their homeland.
Watching them prepare to leave, Claudius c...
[Gray continued her chant, and this time Add's voice shifted, losing its sharp and abrasive tone, becoming calm and magnetic.]
["Psuedo personality suspended. The mana yield rate has exceeded the designated value. Initiating second-stage restriction release."]
["Seal. Thirteen—Decision. Start."]
[Artoria/Lancelot: "This is a battle that will harm no Elementals. Approved."]
Mordred: "That's my father's voice!"
Lancelot: "And mine."
Artoria: "It seems...
[Karabo quickly joined Gray, standing side by side to face Faker.]
[As a veteran Executor of the Holy Church, Karabo showcased his formidable combat abilities.]
[Wielding six black keys, he forced Faker back with only two moves. Then, activating his Mystic Eye, he unleashed a devastating attack that left Faker in shambles, her body covered in wounds.]
[The Mystic Eye's slash manifested from the past into the present, making it impossible to defend against, neither spiritu...
"New Quirks!"
"New Quirks?"
"New Quirks?!"
Kaminari's declaration wasn't just heard by Bakugo, Todoroki, and the others nearby, it echoed across the Sports Field. Even the people watching from the viewing platform, their eyes glued to the large screen, were stunned into silence.
For a brief moment, everyone had the same reaction: they were frozen in shock, confusion, and disbelief.
"Is it true?"
Despite some earlier suspicions, All Might couldn't full...
All Might's thoughts mirrored Momo's earlier speculation about Tetsutetsu, but he still found the situation incredible.
In this world, while the understanding of Quirk Awakening isn't perfect, the basic rules are well established.
Most people awaken their Quirks before the age of four, and certainly no later than six. For Kaminari to suddenly "awaken" something new now? That was bizarre, to say the least.
If it wasn't an awakening, though, then what could it be?
"K...
Tomie's usual enjoyment came from a twisted cycle:
First, using her unnatural charm to make others fall helplessly in love with her. Then, she'd betray them, reveling in their heartbreak. Finally, she'd provoke them into killing her, taking delight in watching their complete mental collapse afterward.
That was the only thing that brought her joy.
But now, for the first time, she found herself losing control, because of someone else. A man, no less.
"AAAAHHHH!"
S...
"Relying solely on Alice?"
Nakiri hadn't anticipated that his words would not only fail to reassure Erina but would also have the opposite effect.
After all, Erina was a proud and ambitious individual.
To her, Senzaemon's comment seemed to imply that Alice was sufficient for the family's needs, that she alone was capable, leaving no need to depend on Erina.
The thought caused Erina to fall into silence.
"..."
Her fists clenched tightly, her emotions c...
When Cavani scored his hat trick and Napoli's fifth goal, the Bernabeu fell into a stunned silence.
For a moment, the vast stadium seemed eerily quiet. But within a minute or two, scattered applause began to echo throughout the stands. It wasn't coming from one section or a single group, it appeared spontaneously from fans scattered across the stadium.
Yet at the same time, a different scene was unfolding.
Fans began to rise from their seats, their heads hung low, and sil...
At the start of the second half, Real Madrid launched an aggressive assault on Napoli.
What surprised Gao Shen, however, was that Schuster made no changes to the starting lineup. He stuck with the same setup and tactics from the first half but increased the intensity of Real Madrid's pressing in midfield and the attacking third.
Ramos and Marcelo, on the flanks, pushed forward with urgency, giving the impression that Real Madrid wanted to overwhelm Napoli in one big wave of atta...
Tsunade's timing was remarkably fortunate. During this period, Orochimaru happened to be staying in the Sound Ninja Village to focus on some of his research.
This coincidence led her straight to him. However… save the village?
Hearing her request, Orochimaru paused for a moment before smirking. "Haven't I already been trying to save you? This Land of Forests… who knows what they were thinking, coming to attack my village?"
"If it weren't for wanting to conserve resour...
Seeing those words, the Third Hokage couldn't stop the tears welling up in his eyes. His hand trembled as he held the message.
Let Orochimaru come back to help?
How could he not want to?
After all, with the strength Orochimaru displayed during the Land of Frost battle, there was no doubt he could save Konoha in its dire situation.
But…
The Third Hokage couldn't ignore the bitter truth: Orochimaru's defection was largely his fault. He had forced Orochimaru ...
[El-Melloi II: "Faker—a pretender who protects the king by altering their gender, appearance, and very existence. A magical substitute, and also the king's afterimage."]
[Hephaestion: "That's correct, magician, but I'm no longer interested in listening to you."]
["I don't mind fighting here, but I'm afraid it would affect a large number of Mystic Eyes."]
[Heartless turned to Leandra and said, "Can you open the Ten Thousand Mystic Eye Bank for me?"]
[Rodin: "Under...