Naruto: Hatake's No Misfortune

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The pain that penetrated deep into Hizashi's bones made him grit his teeth and roar like a beast. The thought of turning into a man-eating demon was something he couldn't take lightly. But given the situation, it seemed inevitable.

Muzan, seeking to collect various kekkei genkai, had recognized the potential within Hizashi during their battle. He noticed a strange power lurking inside Hizashi's body. After weighing his options, Muzan decided that turning Hizashi into a demon would be his best course of action.

Hizashi had already been formidable, even before the transformation, and Muzan planned to use him to infiltrate Konoha and gather vital intelligence. As a member of the Hyuga clan, even as a branch family member, Hizashi shared a powerful bond with his brother, the clan leader, Hiashi. This connection would be invaluable.

The transformation process was swift, and under Muzan's control, the risk was minimal. Coldness spread throughout Hizashi's body as his wounds healed rapidly. A powerful hunger gnawed at him, growing stronger with each passing second.

"Congratulations," Muzan said, extending his hand in a welcoming gesture. His hat slipped off, revealing pale skin and blood-red eyes, illuminated by the bright moon. "Welcome to our organization, the Twelve Kizuki."

"From today, you are the Fifth Lower Moon."

Hizashi stood in stunned silence. He had heard of the Twelve Kizuki, the infamous group that had attacked Kirigakure and battled the Mizukage. To think the man standing before him was Scarlet Moon, was hard to believe.

Hizashi wasn't in a position to refuse. His main concern was the Cursed Seal of the Hyuga, the Caged Bird, that marked his forehead—an ever-present reminder that his life could be ended at any moment if activated.

"The seal... it's gone?" Hizashi touched his forehead, expecting the cursed mark to burn, but felt only a strange, hollow sensation.

Muzan smirked, noting the still-visible mark. "Not quite. But as a demon, your body will slowly transform. The Caged Bird is a feeble tool of control now. It no longer holds power over you."

The Caged Bird primarily affected the brain, but demons were resilient. Even if their heads were destroyed, they could regenerate. The curse that once bound Hizashi was now just a pathetic remnant in comparison.

Hizashi grunted in agreement. If the seal couldn't be fully removed, he could always decapitate himself and let his body regrow.

Muzan then went on to explain the demons' weaknesses and their strengths. Unlike those who had willingly become demons, Hizashi was now fully committed, reducing any risk of betrayal. He also hinted that Hizashi might develop his own Blood Demon Art in time, with his Byakugan already showing signs of mutation. Only time would reveal what new abilities might awaken.

"Let's go," Muzan ordered. "Remember your mission."

The night air was thick with tension. With two unkillable demons now on the battlefield, even the most formidable Iwa-nin, like Kitsuchi, would find it troublesome. The mission to destroy the Kannabi Bridge was not solely Muzan's responsibility; several Konoha squads had been tasked with the same objective. This region had become a warzone, with both Konoha and Iwa vying for control.

"Quick, quick! The bridge is just ahead—use the explosive tags and blow it up!"

"I can't hold on—someone, support me!"

"Help!"

A Konoha three-man squad, covered in explosive tags, made a desperate charge toward the bridge, prepared to sacrifice themselves to complete the mission. However, the Iwa-nin, skilled in Earth Release, easily thwarted this attempt. Massive earth walls shot up, trapping the Konoha-nin, stopping them dead in their tracks.

Several Iwa-nin stood atop the walls, looking down at their trapped prey with smug satisfaction. "Your end is near, Konoha shinobi."

Knowing the enemy would target the Kannabi Bridge, the Iwa forces had laid traps, killing many Konoha shinobi over the last few days. The arrogance of the Iwa-nin was palpable.

As they prepared to eliminate the trapped ninja, two figures appeared on the horizon, charging towards them. It was night, and in the dim light, only their vague shapes could be made out.

"More enemies incoming!" one of the Iwa-nin shouted.

The Iwa shinobi raised another earth wall to intercept them, but the wall suddenly exploded from the inside, a massive hole blown through it. The debris scattered as Muzan's powerful punch shattered the barrier, sending dust and rock flying.

"Boom!"

The air was thick with dust, reducing visibility. The Iwa-nin, who had previously stood proudly atop their earth walls, now watched warily as the smoke billowed out.

"Be careful. This one's dangerous," one Iwa-nin muttered, gripping his kunai.

"It seems Konoha has sent reinforcements."

Through the haze, the silhouette of a figure moved swiftly. The Iwa-nin hurled kunai and explosive tags into the smoke.

"Boom!"

Fire and shockwaves tore through the dust, and the Iwa-nin assumed their enemies had been obliterated. But suddenly, one of their comrades fell from the wall, blood spurting from a fatal slash.

A dark figure appeared beside them, moving with blinding speed, a silver-white chakra blade in hand, cutting through their ranks effortlessly. It was Muzan, his speed and strength enhanced by his demonic transformation.

The battle quickly turned into a one-sided massacre, the once-arrogant Iwa-nin lying in pools of their own blood.

"Boom!"

Muzan's punch shattered the earth wall that had trapped the Konoha-nin. As the dust cleared, some of the Konoha shinobi recognized Muzan and Hizashi as their unexpected saviors.

There was no time for thanks. The battle still raged on. The Konoha squad prepared to continue their mission, ready to sacrifice themselves to destroy the bridge.

But Muzan stopped them. "No need for suicidal heroics," he growled. "Save your strength."

The leader of the Iwa forces, Kitsuchi—renowned for his strength even during the Fourth Shinobi World War—personally commanded the enemy forces. In the current Third Shinobi World War, Kitsuchi was at his peak, a daunting adversary for anyone.

"Be careful!" one of the Konoha-nin warned, as deadly spikes of earth shot up from the ground without warning.

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