Naruto: The Strongest

"You're actually quite a nice person, huh?" 

Watching Orochimaru's figure disappear completely into the distance, Shuuzawa couldn't help but mutter a remark. 

At the same time, he let out a deep sigh of relief. 

The pressure that Orochimaru exuded was immense—even someone as absurd as Shuuzawa found it difficult to endure.

But that was to be expected. Despite his flashy status panel, Shuuzawa's strength, strictly speaking, was only at the level of a jōnin. 

However, looking at it from another perspective... "I joined Root at around the same age as Kabuto, both of us were about seven." 

"But unlike him, I was never assigned to missions outside the village—only internal ones. And yet, I managed to level up this much?"

Thinking about it, Shuuzawa found the whole thing ridiculous. Just how badly was Danzo exploiting child labor?! 

But after giving it more thought, he realized he was quite lucky. 

Compared to Kabuto and those unfortunate kids sent to the frontlines as cannon fodder during the Third Shinobi War, his situation wasn't so bad.

[New Mission Acquired: Rescue the Anbu Members]

Seeing the sudden new mission pop up, Shuuzawa wasn't surprised. Having a mission was a good thing for him. 

Without missions, how could he ever break free from Danzo? How else should he betray his boss and escape his current predicament? 

Besides, being a shinobi of Konohagakure, one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, was a government job. 

And at the end of the day, the ultimate goal of any veteran office worker was job security. 

He had no intention of giving up his shinobi status. But even a seasoned corporate survivor had to adapt. 

If he wanted a promotion, his boss had to be promoted first. 

If his boss couldn't be promoted, then, well… he'd just have to wait for him to kick the bucket. 

As someone well-versed in office politics, Shuuzawa knew how to play the game.

As he fastened his mask back onto his face, Shuuzawa glanced at his status panel. With five free stat points to allocate, he had quite a few options. 

Any skill at level five or below could be upgraded right away. 

But right now, he was more interested in the new ability he had just acquired—the [Masterless Cursed Seal]!

[Masterless Cursed Seal: A seal created through the transformation of natural energy. When bound to the user, it stabilizes the chaotic influence of natural energy, preventing loss of control. Upon activation, it enhances the user's abilities based on its level.]

Shuuzawa knew very well both the advantages and drawbacks of the cursed seal. 

While he was certainly excited, he also needed to be cautious—he had no intention of ending up like Jūgo or Sasuke, losing control of himself. 

But looking at the system's description, it seemed like he had worried for nothing. 

His system had never been particularly generous with its rewards, but this cursed seal seemed to be an exception.

"The only question is, how much power does a low-level cursed seal actually provide?" 

"Also, why do all my rewards seem to be pushing me toward becoming a pure stat-based powerhouse?" Shuuzawa couldn't help but complain to himself. 

But honestly, being a stat monster wasn't so bad. If anything, the First Hokage himself could be considered the ultimate stat monster, couldn't he?

"Bind the cursed seal and upgrade it," Shuuzawa commanded internally. 

Almost instantly, he felt a searing heat spread across the back of his hand. 

Quickly, he pulled off his glove and looked down. A black, three-tomoe pattern had appeared on his hand. 

At the same time, his status panel was updated.

[Cursed Seal Bound. Current Level: 1] 

[Cursed Seal Upgraded to Level 3] 

[Remaining Free Points: 2]

Absorbing the influx of information in his mind, Shuuzawa nodded in satisfaction. 

Then, after carefully scanning his surroundings, he confirmed the situation nearby. 

To his surprise, he realized that even his sensory abilities had improved. 

Apparently, [Physical Attributes] covered many enhancements—including perception. 

This must be one of the perks of being a stat-focused powerhouse. 

If it weren't for the need to maintain combat effectiveness, he would have dumped all his free points into this category.

"Alright, time to move. And while I'm at it, I might as well test out this cursed seal's capabilities."

Uzuki Yugao's face was grim as she faced off against several shinobi before her. 

Their eyes were lifeless, yet their movements were unnervingly strong and precise. 

Taking Shuuzawa's advice, she had temporarily withdrawn from confronting Orochimaru, hoping to regroup and call for reinforcements. 

However, she hadn't expected to encounter these enemies.

"As expected from one of the Legendary Sannin, Orochimaru. Even after leaving Konoha, he still has so many loyal followers…"

While dodging the enemy's relentless attacks, Yugao couldn't help but muse internally. 

Normally, a mission of this level wouldn't have been assigned to her team. But the task had been issued suddenly, and the situation was urgent. 

Since her squad was nearby, they had been dispatched as an emergency measure. 

Even though they had mentally prepared themselves for the mission's difficulty and exercised extreme caution, things had still taken a turn for the worse.

"This isn't good. I need to hurry. That kid—"

Narrowly avoiding a fatal strike, Yugao gritted her teeth, determination flashing in her eyes. 

Her resolve grew stronger, especially when she thought about Shuuzawa choosing to stay behind and face Orochimaru alone. 

Surrounded by these crazed, fearless enemies, she suddenly leaped into the air, her sword spinning in her grasp. 

This was a kenjutsu technique she had personally developed. It was still in its early stages but perfect for desperate situations.

Her blade blurred into a whirlwind of steel as she slashed toward the oncoming enemies. 

The crazed shinobi snarled and charged without hesitation, completely ignoring their safety. 

Their eyes burned with madness, their movements fearless. In mere seconds, they closed the distance between them. 

Ignoring the threat of Yugao's blade, they swung their weapons at her wrecklessly

They were undoubtedly Orochimaru's test subjects. Yet, their unwavering loyalty to him was undeniable. 

To them, anyone who dared to stand against Orochimaru was an enemy. 

And if sacrificing their lives could take down that enemy, they would do so without hesitation.

"Damn it…"

Yugao could sense their insanity, but she had to meet their attacks head-on. 

Her determination burned bright—she had to defeat these enemies, find her comrades, and, most importantly, save Shuuzawa!

The moment of impact was approaching fast. The sharp edge of her blade had already sliced through the fabric of their clothing. 

Just as both sides were about to clash, a sudden tremor shook the ground.

"Earth Release: Earth Flow Wall!"

In the blink of an eye, a massive earthen wall erupted from the ground, separating the combatants. 

The solid rock was far sturdier than expected—neither Yugao's nor the enemy's attacks could immediately break through it. 

The unexpected barrier sent both sides stumbling backward as dust filled the air.

Yugao barely regained her balance when she suddenly felt someone supporting her from behind. 

Startled, she quickly turned her head. A familiar, slightly battered yet resolute figure came into view through the settling dust.

"Senpai, that's the second time. You really should be more careful from now on."

Looking at Yuugao, who still seemed slightly dazed, Shuuzawa smiled before shifting his gaze forward. 

Even though she was wearing a mask, he knew this young senior, just a year or two older than him, was quite good-looking.

"Are you... are you okay?" 

Yuugao, unaware that this "junior" of hers was thinking about such irrelevant things at a time like this, asked with concern. "And what about Orochimaru?"

"Orochimaru didn't want to waste too much time. He's probably wary of our reinforcements." Shuuzawa replied calmly. 

Their squads had been deployed first because they were nearby, though this was also "part of Danzo's plan."

"So I got lucky and managed to hold out against him."

"That's a relief, that's a relief." Yuugao let out a sigh, feeling a mix of emotions. 

While it was regrettable that Orochimaru had escaped, simply surviving an encounter with one of the Legendary Sannin was already something to be thankful for.

"Are you sure your injuries aren't serious?"

"Don't worry, I'm fine." Shuuzawa glanced down at his body. 

His "wounds" only made him look battered, but in reality, they weren't much of an issue. After all, he had inflicted them on himself.

Not to mention, his physical condition was exceptional, and his recovery speed wasn't slow either.

Shuuzawa's earth wall finally shattered as they conversed, sending debris flying along with the enemies' echoing roars.

Yuugao gripped her ninjatō tightly, but Shuuzawa reached out and held her hand before she could step forward.

"Senpai, leave this to me."

"You can't! You're injured, how can—" Yuugao instinctively refused, but Shuuzawa shook his head.

"I only just started working with you, so our coordination isn't perfect. I don't want to risk any mistakes... and besides, I don't want to see you get hurt again."

"You—"

Shuuzawa's words quickened Yuugao's heartbeat. Did this guy not know how to pick the right time to say things like this?

Fortunately, Shuuzawa had already released her hand and was walking toward the enemies. 

These people had already lost their humanity, turning into something neither human nor beast!

"But I will need senpai's support. When the time comes, I'll be counting on you."

A veteran knew how to handle social dynamics. 

On the one hand, Shuuzawa acknowledged their lack of coordination, and on the other, he ensured Yuugao felt included. 

This way, he preserved her dignity while mensuringshe still played an active role in the fight.

More importantly, he could finally test the power of the Cursed Seal!

"This lab… was it also researching Cursed Seals?"

Looking at the monstrous figures before him—especially the black markings spreading across their bodies and the wild, chaotic natural chakra surging around them—Shuuzawa narrowed his eyes.

"ROAR!"

One of the creatures suddenly let out a furious bellow and charged straight at him.

"Be careful!" Yuugao warned.

But at that moment, Shuuzawa moved. The Cursed Seal on the back of his hand flashed slightly, and an aura of natural chakra enveloped him.

Just as the description had said, the rampant natural energy did not erode his consciousness—he remained fully in control of his mind.

"Though… the boost isn't as overwhelming as I expected."

As a "numbers-based powerhouse," Shuuzawa was keenly aware of his abilities. 

He could immediately gauge the exact extent of the Cursed Seal's enhancement.

"It's enough to elevate me to about Elite Jounin level. But if I want to go further, either I need to grow stronger myself, or I need to upgrade the Cursed Seal."

Cursed Seals were comparable to Sage Mode, but Shuuzawa wasn't sure which was superior. 

One was obtained through external means, while the other required dedicated training. 

What he did know, however, was that this natural energy could rival the Mangekyou Sharingan!

"ROAR!"

As he pondered, another mutated shinobi lunged at him with clawed hands, slashing fiercely.

However, Shuuzawa's reaction speed had significantly increased with the Cursed Seal enhancing his perception. 

Instantly, he dodged to the side, countering with a swift kunai strike.

"He's even faster than before?"

Yuugao had been closely observing the fight, and she immediately noticed the change. At that moment, she started to understand—

"No wonder he managed to hold his own against Orochimaru..."

Shuuzawa's attack forced the enemy to adjust, but he suddenly tilted his head slightly instead of pressing forward.

Suddenly, another figure appeared behind him, several strands of cut hair floating in the air.

Shuuzawa paid no mind to it. As his body shifted, his hands swiftly formed a seal.

"Earth Release: Antlion Pit!"

With natural chakra infused into the jutsu, the ground instantly softened and spiraled. 

A shinobi barely had time to react before he was sucked underground.

Seeing this, Shuuzawa's fingers formed another seal, his chakra surging once more.

"Earth Release: Rising Earth Spears!"

The previously soft ground suddenly sprouted sharp spikes, piercing through the enemy, who was covered in Cursed Seal markings. 

He didn't even have time to scream. At the same time, Shuuzawa's kunai shot forward like a flash—

A figure eerily crashed into it on its own, the blade stabbing deep into the major artery in his neck. Blood splattered past Shuuzawa's mask.

But before he could react, the last of Orochimaru's experiments lunged at him with a frenzied roar.

"ROAR!"

With a thunderous cry, the creature threw a devastating punch straight at Shuuzawa's head.

Yet Shuuzawa remained utterly calm.

The moment the fist made contact, his body crumbled into a pile of solidified earth fragments!

"A… Earth Clone?! When?! That fast?!"

Yuugao was completely stunned. Such rapid and fluid combat maneuvers had far exceeded her expectations.

She felt both relief and helplessness—relief that the crisis seemed over, but helplessness because it felt like she had barely contributed.

"Hmm… they're here?"

Meanwhile, hidden underground, Shuuzawa sensed something approaching. Outside the lab, a squad of ANBU reinforcements had arrived.

It seemed the mission was coming to an end.

With that thought, Shuuzawa suddenly moved. The next moment, he burst out from the ground—his Cursed Seal at Level 3 wouldn't last much longer.

The earth shattered as he emerged, hands forming another seal.

"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet!"

A roaring water dragon surged forward, crashing into the final experiment subject and slamming him hard against the ground.

Even so, the test subject refused to give up, hurling several kunai at Shuuzawa in a desperate counterattack.

But in his enhanced state, Shuuzawa dodged effortlessly, weaving through the air like a shadow. The next instant, his kunai drove straight into the creature's skull.

At that moment, the system prompt flickered in his vision—

[Mission Complete: Rescue the ANBU Members]