The Temple of Fire was the largest temple in the entire Land of Fire.
Tourists came daily—some praying for children, others for prosperity, and some merely to admire the sight. Because the Daimyo of the Land of Fire was a devout Buddhist, the temple had become a mandatory stop on his travels.
It was also rumored that before Konoha was established, the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, had once trained at the Temple of Fire, increasing its fame even further.
These factors had drawn a large number of monks to practice there.
By evening, the group of four finally reached their destination. From afar, the grand temple came into view.
Since the mission site was distant from the Daimyo's residence, the Temple of Fire became their resting point for the night.
But as they neared, a strong smell of smoke and gunpowder filled the air, suggesting a fire had broken out.
Jikū's expression changed, and he immediately dashed forward.
Hayashi and the others quickly followed.
Only when they arrived did they realize the extent of the devastation. The towering steel gate, originally over ten meters high, had a massive hole ripped through it. Statues on either side lay toppled on the ground.
"Be careful. The Temple of Fire has a Barrier Ninjutsu defense. For it to be destroyed like this, the enemy must be extremely powerful," Jikū warned, stepping first through the gate.
Inside, the damage was even worse. Pathways were littered with corpses and scarred by deep battle craters.
"Damn it, who could do this?"
Jikū's face darkened. There wasn't a single living person in sight, showing the enemy's overwhelming strength.
The Temple of Fire was no minor organization—it represented a significant force within the Land of Fire. Ordinary people wouldn't dare provoke it.
"Help…"
A faint cry came from distant bushes.
Jikū rushed forward, gently lifting a middle-aged monk lying on the ground.
"Dihai! What happened?!"
The monk coughed violently, pain twisting his face. After a moment, he opened his eyes to see Jikū. Trembling, he grabbed Jikū's arm.
"A Ninja attacked the Temple of Fire! He specifically asked for you! You must leave immediately!"
"Looking for me? Where is he now?"
Jikū was puzzled. He usually moved carefully and had few enemies.
"I don't know… that person broke into the temple, didn't find you, and left," Dihai coughed again, blood staining his lips.
"Enough talking! I'll treat you."
Jikū quickly drew a first-aid kit from his Ninja pouch and administered treatment.
Hayashi's expression hardened. He signaled Mikoto and Himeji, preparing to search for other survivors.
Then, a voice echoed from the shadows.
"Ah, finally found you. I knew you'd come. The monks at the Temple of Fire would notify you. My wait hasn't been wasted."
"Twelve Guardian Ninja… Jikū!"
A figure stepped out slowly. Cloaked in black, his face masked from nose to chin, pale green eyes peered out. On his forehead was the symbol of the Taki Village, but a scratch marked it, marking him as a Rogue Ninja.
Hayashi's pupils narrowed.
—Kakuzu?
"Why is he here?!"
Noticing Hayashi's reaction, Kakuzu's gaze shifted to him. "You recognize me?"
Hayashi shook his head, masking his awareness. "Famous, are you?"
His ignorance was tactical. In the Ninja World, knowledge was power. Even a Chunin with the right information could defeat a Jonin.
Kakuzu had survived in the Ninja World not just by strength but because few understood his abilities. Hayashi, however, knew him—but Kakuzu did not know that, so he would not guard against him. This gave Hayashi a strategic advantage.
Kakuzu's mask hid his reaction, but he was amused.
"Not too famous; I've almost forgotten my own name. But if Senju Hashirama were alive, he'd answer for me. That man once fought me… and left a deep impression."
Everyone, including Jikū, was astonished.
—To fight the God of Shinobi and survive, what level of power is that?!
Kakuzu reveled in their reactions. To him, it felt like finding a fortune on the street.
Hayashi, meanwhile, smiled faintly, listening as if to a joke.
Kakuzu's eyes narrowed. "Don't believe me?"
Hayashi adjusted his imaginary glasses. "I believe you. Even if you claimed to be equal to Hashirama, I'd believe it."
"I've fought hundreds of battles and seen countless foes. So what if I faced the First Hokage? I've also conversed with the Third Kazekage and Third Mizukage."
Kakuzu chuckled. "Arrogant, aren't you, kid?"
"Not arrogant. Just advising you not to cause unnecessary commotion."
This time, Kakuzu's amusement turned to genuine scrutiny.
In the dim light, he noticed Hayashi's Guardian Ninja symbol, the Konoha forehead protector, and the Wind Fan crested attire—confirming his identity.
"Are you… Konoha's Lightning Flash?"
Hayashi remained silent.
Confirming his suspicion, Kakuzu laughed. "Excellent! Jikū's head fetches thirty million Ryo on the black market, but yours, famous Konoha hero, is worth two hundred million! What a night of luck!"
Hayashi smirked. "I didn't realize my head was so valuable. But do you have what it takes to claim it?"
Kakuzu's cruel laugh pierced the air. He scanned the corpses and inhaled the heavy blood scent.
"A head worth two hundred million Ryo? I can't miss that opportunity."
His gaze cut through the shadows, imagining the fortune awaiting him.
"Then, allow me to take your head and claim your heart!"
With a cruel laugh, Kakuzu vanished into the night, his figure dissolving into the darkness.