Three days passed.
No one dared approach the battlefield.
The spiritual pressure alone shattered mountains and rivers.
When the countdown ended—
Yukika landed before Kaguya, lifting her chin, glancing behind him where Hagoromo and Hamura lay silent on the ground.
He knew it was only temporary. After he left, everything would restart.
Only now, all three would retain their memories. Yet even then, the system's force would prevent the storyline from changing.
No rare treasures dropped this time.
Only the Sage's Six Paths staff remained.
"Three days," Yukika whispered.
He leaned close to Kaguya's stunned face and smiled.
"Until next time."
Touching her cheek, the young man's figure vanished from the ravaged ground.
After his disappearance, the two sons slowly stood up, as if waking from a dream.
Their eyes filled with confusion, deeply affected by Yukika.
Only Kaguya remembered his face clearly.
A new battle began.
The dungeon instance ended.
Ninja World.
In the Senju Clan's land, Yukika sat in thought, twirling the Six Paths staff in his hand.
Forged from Truth-Seeking Balls, it required Six Paths power to use. Ordinary people touching it would be obliterated.
But for Yukika, it was mostly useless.
Aside from its symbolism, it was just flashy.
He tossed the staff into the system space, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
The three-day dungeon awarded 3% template progress.
For a solo dungeon, that was an excellent reward.
Exploring dungeons was definitely the best way to improve—better than endless training or slaughter.
And yet...
Checking his template's progress, Yukika sighed.
After a month of hard work and system bonuses, he was almost at 60%.
Once he hit 60%, he would unlock the Black Winged Demon's second stage—Ulquiorra's peak form.
But that would not be his peak.
He was already preparing for the next evolution: fully merging the Zanpakutō's second form.
He only needed one more epic battle to break through completely.
The true Black Winged Demon form.
Among all the Espada, only Ulquiorra's master had wielded such power.
In a flash, Yukika appeared in Las Noches' grand plaza.
After opening the Supreme War dungeon last time, Yukika could now open portals periodically.
Even away from the Ninja World, he could sense his clan members undergoing trials.
The system's notifications informed him who entered the dungeon.
The clan leader had arrived.
On the plaza, Orochimaru and Sakumo Hatake wore grim expressions after completing experiments.
"Today, I will personally go," Yukika said calmly.
"With only one goal—complete the [Peak War] dungeon."
Dungeon clearance!
The system didn't even define what full clearance meant.
But Yukika's plan was simple: kill all valuable targets and finish fast.
From experience, the faster he killed, the better the results.
Just like a game.
The dungeon gate opened.
Yukika closed his eyes, and the transmission began.
The only difference this time was the disappearance of newbie protection.
Now the Senju Clan would face the entire world of One Piece!
But they weren't afraid.
Yukika remained calm.
In a month, their strength had skyrocketed.
Even the weakest among them could now handle marines and pirates effortlessly.
Against admirals, they might still fall short.
But against lesser foes, they were more than enough.
"Again? Again?"
"Can you just kill me already!"
On the execution platform, Ace smashed the axe beside him, trying to end his life.
Suicide?
The pirates watching were stunned.
Exchanging glances with Whitebeard, they realized all their rescued captives had died or killed themselves.
What now?
After punching an approaching enemy, Whitebeard fell into deep thought and sighed.
This war had drained them.
Wasn't there a better way?
Meanwhile, Luffy dashed forward, tireless, refusing to accept Ace's fate.
Kizaru yawned and turned away.
Sengoku glared at him.
But among all, there was one person extremely happy about Yukika's arrival.
Hancock.
For a month, she and Yukika had drifted apart—
No drama, just a shift.
After Yukika shattered her pride, she grew into a gentle, affectionate cat.
And now, seeing him approach, she smiled and waved, pulling out a chair.
"Today, I won't be sitting," Yukika smiled, eyes sweeping over the crowd.
He waved his hand.
Kill!
A massacre began.
In one month, ninja power had surged, while pirate and marine forces weakened.
Especially Yukika—the black-winged man once struggled against group attacks, but now he could slay an admiral effortlessly!
Despair spread.
The war began anew.
Ninja World.
In the Senju lands, Minato Namikaze worked tirelessly on village construction after his last talk with Yukika.
He even drafted details to discuss further.
But this time, he was told Yukika was busy and asked to wait.
Sitting in the plaza, he admired the Senju Clan's changes.
Honestly, he was excited.
The Senju were thriving, and happiness radiated from everyone's faces.
It wasn't fake.
Yukika had truly brought prosperity.
But Minato still didn't want to be Hokage.
He knew that past betrayals had hurt the Senju deeply.
Still, he believed one day Yukika would return and claim that title.
Until then, Minato would do everything he could to help.
To protect Konoha alongside Yukika.
That was his truest wish.
Although… he still wasn't sure how exactly.
Huh?
As he puzzled over it, countless beams of light flashed across the plaza!
What was this?
Minato looked closer.
Over three hundred Senju appeared simultaneously.
Flying Thunder God Technique?
His lips twitched.
Honestly, mastering it was nearly impossible. He had barely grasped the basics after much effort.
But these people… were all masters?
Yet he saw no seals on the ground.
How?
Despite his curiosity, Minato didn't pry.
This was the Senju's homeland. Wonders were normal.
Like earlier, when the Nine-Tails scrutinized him carefully, releasing him only after judging his intentions.
Like a loyal guard dog.
"Ding! Congratulations, host! You have completed [Peak War] with a 95% success rate! Special reward incoming!"
As expected.
Without waiting for the system's notice, Yukika slowly walked toward the little sun.
Smiling warmly, he reached out his hand.
"By the way, I forgot to tell you last time."
"If you want to join the Senju Clan, I won't refuse."
An invitation from the Senju!
The Espada had been established.
But Yukika needed more strong allies.
No doubt about it—
Minato Namikaze had the potential.
"Of course, no need to decide now."
"First, have a duel with Shouki. Then you'll understand."