As the arena continued to transform, Alex found a rare opportunity to speak with the Valkyrie Alvida. She had recently recovered from fainting—a reaction triggered when a spiritual connection formed between them. Alex still couldn’t grasp what frightened the Valkyries so much about what they glimpsed in his soul. The only logical explanation he could come up with was his Demon King’s Castle and the Sword of Destruction—both deeply tied to his spirit.

All the most dangerous memories that could irrevocably damage another’s consciousness had been securely sealed by Alex. Yet even the remnants left unsealed seemed to have a profound impact. He preferred not to dwell on what might happen if someone glimpsed fragments of his memories involving the Outer Gods.

Even the mere image of Nyan-Nyan or Yog-Sothoth could drive any living being insane, and their actual presence would be far worse. To prevent such an outcome, Alex restricted access to those memories, leaving only moments from his life in Orario and Night City as exceptions.

«Alvida, how are you feeling? Any better?» he asked cautiously, his tone gentle as he reached out to her through their spiritual link.

Alvida was within his spiritual space, having a relaxed conversation with her twin sister, Hlökk. Talking to her sister had calmed her somewhat, but her anger at Alex hadn’t subsided. She couldn’t forgive him for using the image of Hashirama—the kind and caring old man she had grown to respect and even see as an «ideal grandfather.»

When the truth was revealed to her through their spiritual link, Alvida had been genuinely shocked. The vision of the Demon King’s Castle, surrounded by the floating Sword of Destruction, and Alex’s very soul emanating a crushing force of annihilation, had been enough to make her faint.

After delving into Alex’s memories, she came to understand his motives and goals. However, the sense of betrayal lingered, especially since Alex had deceived not just her but Brunhilde as well.

Conversations with the other Valkyries bound to Alex had convinced her that, despite his deception, trusting him was still better than relying on any other ally. None of them wanted to see their sisters perish again in this senseless war.

«I’m fine, but how long do you plan to keep deceiving my sister? Or do you honestly think Brunhilde will forgive you for this?» Alvida asked, settling into a chair that resembled the one Hlökk usually sat in.

Her words made Alex tense slightly. She was right. He didn’t know if Brunhilde would forgive him. Deception, no matter how justified, was still deception. Even the old adage, «To deceive your enemy, you must first deceive your ally,» felt far less inspiring now than it once did.

With each interaction, Alex found himself growing fonder of Brunhilde. Their shared intellect and strategic inclinations had brought them closer. But he also understood that even the strongest trust could crumble under the weight of lies. Still, he had a plan to explain everything to her. He intended to rely on Völund, the spiritual bond between them, to grant her access to his thoughts and true motivations.

«Do you think I want to deceive her? I just don’t have the time to explain everything. I’ve been forced to adjust my plans on the fly because the one behind all this chaos could step out of the shadows and reveal their true self at any moment,» Alex replied, his voice heavy with frustration.

Alvida took a sip of her tea and responded calmly, «We sisters will support you in this war. But when the time comes to face Brunhilde and explain yourself, you’ll be on your own. We won’t interfere.»

Alex gave a brief nod. He understood that the responsibility for everything rested solely on his shoulders.

After those words, Alex’s hands unconsciously tightened around Brunhilde’s waist. Yet, he still hesitated. Allowing Brunhilde to form a spiritual connection with him so she could delve into his memories and thoughts seemed like the most honest way to explain himself. After all, what could be more convincing than baring one’s mind and memories, leaving no secrets behind?

However, Alex also realized that not every truth was ready to be heard. The internal conflict within him grew stronger: should he reveal everything now, or wait until the end of Ragnarok?

At that moment, the transformations on the arena concluded, pulling him from his thoughts.

On the side of the gods, the stone gates had morphed into a menacing archway reminiscent of the gates to Hell. The arch was built from bones and skulls, with eerie carvings etched into its surface. On humanity’s side, a giant tree had emerged from the ground, its sprawling branches casting shadows over the spectator stands. In the center of the tree’s trunk, the crest of the Senju Clan was intricately carved.

As the changes finished, the entire coliseum fell into silence. Only the soft rustling of leaves could be heard, mesmerizing the audience. For all who watched, it was as if life and death themselves were about to clash.

«And now, ladies and gentlemen, mortals and gods! After the sixth battle of Ragnarok, the score stands tied at 3-3!» Heimdall’s booming voice filled the arena with tension.

Spectators on both sides locked eyes, as though challenging one another. Among humanity, no one blamed Alex for his interference in the sixth battle. Despite his victory, everyone had reached the same conclusion: if Alex had decided to step in, the threat posed by the dragons that emerged from Zerofuku’s body had been far more severe than it appeared.

«But the best is yet to come! We’re entering the second half of Ragnaaaröööök!» Heimdall roared, igniting the crowd.

His words were met with cheers and applause from spectators on both sides. Everyone knew: the seventh battle would be special. The stark contrast between the gods’ intimidating gates and humanity’s majestic tree spoke volumes.

Alex, observing the scene, let out a quiet sigh. He had hoped events would unfold differently from the original timeline, but he still remembered the details. Today, it was highly likely that a god would fall—a god who had already once been slain by Poseidon. Alex couldn’t recall the exact name—perhaps it was Adamantine or something similar—but that god seemed insignificant to him.

Meanwhile, Heimdall continued to build the anticipation.

«You’ve all guessed it: in the seventh battle, we’ll have a special guest. But first, let’s welcome humanity’s representative!»

All eyes turned to the giant tree. It began to bloom, showering the stands with sakura petals that danced through the air alongside green leaves. At the base of the tree, a doorway began to form. Once it fully opened, the leaves suddenly froze in mid-air, then gently descended to the ground.

«Welcome the true legend of the shinobi world—Hashirama Senju!» Heimdall proclaimed loudly. «The strongest of his clan, the God of Shinobi, a man whose legacy shaped an entire world!»

The crowd of humanity’s spectators first froze in confusion, but soon erupted into applause as they realized the greatness of the fighter presented before them. From the shadows of the passage, the outline of red armor appeared, worn over black clothing. When Hashirama stepped onto the arena, everyone could make out his red armor, the white headband with the Senju Clan crest, and the wide, friendly smile on his face.

«But that’s not all,» Heimdall continued. «Hashirama sought peace in the world of shinobi and, to achieve this goal, he founded the Hidden Leaf Village with members of his clan, as well as his childhood friend and rival. Later, he became the First Hokage, which literally means the First Shadow of the Fire that Founded. Even though he was unable to achieve peace during his lifetime, his legacy and vision for the world continued to shape not just the village, but the entire shinobi world after his death!» Heimdall added, and the crowd responded with loud applause.

Alex, watching this, merely smirked slightly. He knew that this appearance was part of his plan and hoped everything would unfold as he had intended.

The audience literally erupted in excitement. The realization that someone who had influenced an entire era and determined the course of the shinobi world had stepped onto the arena caused a storm of emotions. No one could believe that this smiling, seemingly carefree man was the same great leader who laid the foundations for the world known to everyone today.

Brunhilde and Göll instinctively compared Hashirama to the description Alex had given them. According to him, Hashirama was a passionate gambler, often giving in to his weaknesses. However, his achievements, so significant and great, more than made up for these flaws.

«His path, like that of all great individuals, was filled with hardships,» Heimdall began, his voice solemn. «Hashirama grew up in an era of constant wars, where battles spared no one, not even children. After losing his brothers on senseless battlefields, he realized that something had to change. That was when he became determined to end the wars, to create a system where children would no longer die for the ambitions of adults. This thought became his guiding star, and he turned it into reality. He founded a village that marked the beginning of a new era, and his influence changed the entire world.»

Heimdall paused, as if giving the audience time to absorb what they had just heard, then continued loudly:

«Once again, let’s welcome! HASHIRAMA SENJU! The man who changed the era!»

The jubilant roar of humanity filled the arena. Even the other contenders in their rooms felt the excitement. They wondered if they would ever be able to challenge such a legendary figure.

The gods’ side responded differently. Sarcastic remarks and insults toward Hashirama echoed from their side. Alex, watching the shouting gods, couldn’t help but smirk.

In his eyes, they seemed like spoiled children whose «divine» nature was limited only to their birthplace—Valhalla. Their power seemed insignificant to him, and he unashamedly considered them simply overhyped upstarts.

Meanwhile, Hashirama seemed to completely ignore all the insults. His attention was solely focused on the side of humanity. He greeted them with his signature wide smile and waved cheerfully, as if he were happy to see everyone in the stands.

However, Heimdall’s voice once again drew everyone’s attention. His tone became mysterious, even slightly ominous:

«To participate in Ragnarok, he has come to us… from the very depths of Helheim!»

The hall fell silent instantly. Even the gods, who had mocked Hashirama earlier, rose from their seats and lowered their heads in respect. Tension hung in the air as the massive stone gates on the gods’ side slowly began to open.

Their movement was accompanied by a heavy rumble, as if the gates themselves were warning of the approach of something magnificent and terrifying. Thick white mist began to pour out from within, creeping along the ground. In the silence, only the dull echo of footsteps could be heard, methodically approaching from the darkness.

Alex watched the gates with undisguised interest. He had been expecting to see Hades and wondered how powerful he would be without the trident of Poseidon, which now rested in Alex’s inventory. His mind was filled with questions.

But Heimdall again drew the attention of all the spectators, declaring loudly:

«The very step of this god shakes the world, and even the greatest tremble before his gaze! The hellhound Cerberus is but a puppy to him, and the terrifying Typhon fears his mere presence. Before you stands the eldest of the three great brothers of Greece. The King of the Underworld! HAAAAAAADES!!!»

The hall trembled from the thunderous announcement.

When Hades and Hashirama stood face-to-face, it felt as though life itself had collided with death in physical form. Hashirama emanated warmth and life energy, while Hades brought a chill of despair.

Alex couldn’t help but smirk, imagining how Hades would be beaten by Hashirama’s wooden hands. His gleeful excitement even made him vibrate slightly, which irritated Brunhilde greatly. The girl, already tense from watching the arena, couldn’t take it anymore and slapped Alex’s hands, making him calm down.

At that moment, Heimdall loudly proclaimed:

«On one side, we have the God of Shinobi, Hashirama Senju! On the other, the King of the Underworld, Hades! The seventh battle of Ragnarok begins now! LET THE BATTLE BEGIN!!!»

The sound of his shout, directed toward the heavens, signaled the start of a clash that would be written in history as the greatest battle of Ragnarok.

When Hades and Hashirama stood opposite each other, the space between them filled with an oppressive silence. This was not just a confrontation between two fighters; it was a clash of Life and Death, embodied in these figures. Hashirama emanated energy and harmony, while Hades radiated deadly danger and the severity of inevitable death.

Hades took a step forward, his gaze turning icy.

«Hashirama Senju… I hold no personal animosity toward you. But you represent humanity, which is guilty of my brother’s death. That is unforgivable,» Hades’ voice was calm, yet it carried a threatening undertone.

His calm expression suddenly shifted to a flash of anger. In the blink of an eye, he raised his spear, and like lightning, it cut through the air with a deafening sound, breaking the sound barrier. However, Hashirama remained unflustered. Quickly forming hand seals, he activated his technique.

«Wood Style: Blocking Wooden Wall,» he muttered, and massive wooden beams instantly rose from the ground, forming a dome that shielded him from the strike.

Hades’ spear slammed into the defense with incredible force, but the wood didn’t even crack. Hades, gripping his spear tighter, tried to increase the pressure, but the dome remained unyielding, as if forged from tempered steel. When the dust settled, the spectators saw that the Lord of the Underworld’s weapon had failed to breach the defense.

Hades stepped back, retracting his spear, and the wooden defense of Hashirama slowly faded, returning to the earth. Behind it, the God of Shinobi appeared, crouched down and folding his hands in front of him.

«Phew, that was close,» he remarked with a smile. «You could’ve at least given a warning before the attack. I might’ve gotten hit!»

His words, spoken in such a carefree tone, bewildered both Hades and the spectators. The gods in the stands appeared stunned, and humanity couldn’t hide their astonishment. Even Alex, watching Hades’ reaction, barely suppressed his laughter.

«I’m surprised my spear couldn’t break your shield,» Hades finally spoke, narrowing his eyes.

«Well, it happens. Everyone has tough days,» Hashirama replied, waving it off casually, still smiling.

It seemed that Hashirama’s words, spoken with simplicity and ease, only served to further provoke Hades, signaling the continuation of the spectacle.

Hades didn’t respond. His figure vanished in an instant, and he reappeared next to Hashirama, his spear already raised for a strike. At the moment the tip was about to reach its target, Hashirama used his Body Flicker technique, instantly teleporting to a safe distance.

Once in the new position, he quickly formed hand seals, took a deep breath, and brought his fingers to his lips.

«Fire Style: Dragon Flame,» he whispered.

A powerful stream of fire burst from Hashirama’s mouth, taking the form of a dragon as it charged toward Hades. The God of the Underworld furrowed his brow, surprised by such a maneuver. Alex, watching the scene from the stands, couldn’t help but smirk, noting that his clone had chosen the perfect technique for the fight. After all, using the power of the Wood Style would have been too destructive at this stage of the battle.

Hades stepped toward the blazing dragon, and with incredible force, he struck with his spear, slicing the fire in two. The impact created a powerful shockwave that dispersed the remaining flames. Without wasting a moment, Hades vanished again and reappeared right in front of Hashirama, raising his spear like a hammer to strike from above. But Hashirama stepped aside just in time, avoiding the blow, which shattered the stone floor of the arena.

Seizing the moment, Hashirama stepped on the shaft of the spear, trying to prevent Hades from lifting it. However, the god put all his strength into a sudden jerk, lifting the weapon and Hashirama with it. Hashirama was propelled into the air, quickly forming new hand seals.

«Fire Style: Phoenix Flowers!» he called out.

Dozens of fireballs shot toward Hades from all directions, making it difficult for him to track his opponent’s movements. While Hades was defending against the attacks, Hashirama landed back on the ground and began circling him quickly, aiming to attack from behind. Feeling the approach, Hades immediately spun around and struck with his spear, which seemed to pierce Hashirama’s body through.

The spectators held their breath, realizing that the defender of humanity seemed to have lost. Göll covered her eyes with her hands to avoid seeing the grim scene. Brunhilda frowned and glanced at Alex, who, contrary to her expectations, remained completely calm.

Just as it seemed the outcome was decided, Hashirama’s body suddenly dissolved into a cloud of white smoke, leaving behind only a wooden log pierced by the spear. The spectators gasped, and Hades experienced a moment of confusion. But suddenly, he felt his legs being grabbed, and in the next instant, he was forcefully pulled downward. Before he could react, Hades found himself buried up to his neck in the ground.

«Earth Style: Underground Decapitation Technique,» Hashirama said, standing over the buried opponent.

The spectators watched in confusion, unable to comprehend how the situation had changed so drastically. Göll and Brunhilda were in shock as they saw the mighty god of the underworld literally buried. Alex, observing the scene, couldn’t resist making a joke:

«Now the god of the underworld is truly underground. Though, only up to his neck,» he said with a smile, easing the tense atmosphere.

Hearing his comment, Göll unexpectedly laughed, but quickly covered her mouth, afraid of Brunhilda’s reaction. The latter turned to Alex, casting him a silent reproachful look, as if asking if he was serious about joking at such a moment. Alex, meeting her gaze, simply smiled, kissed her on the nose, and waved his hand, signaling to continue watching the fight. Brunhilda just rolled her eyes and returned to the spectacle.

Meanwhile, Alex turned his attention to the young Valkyrie.

«So, Göll, what do you think of Hashirama’s abilities? What do you say now?» he asked, slightly leaning toward her.

Göll paused for a moment, contemplating the events. Setting aside Hashirama’s odd behavior, his actions at the start of the battle had indeed been effective. Not only had he outwitted Hades, but he had also managed to bury him up to his neck in the ground, which looked impressive.

«That was incredible! Especially the fireballs and the dragon,» Göll said, her eyes shining with admiration. «And that moment when Grandpa Hashirama left behind a wooden log instead of himself, then came out from under the ground and buried Hades… That was just fantastic!»

Alex smirked, ruffling her hair.

«Heh, this is just the beginning. Hashirama isn’t called the god of shinobi for nothing. He hasn’t even used his strongest techniques yet. Wait, the most interesting part is still ahead.»

Göll’s eyes lit up even brighter, eagerly anticipating what else Hashirama would show. Brunhilda, who had been closely watching the fight, shifted her gaze from the arena to Alex.

«And what are his strongest techniques?» she asked, her interest evident.

Göll also stared at Alex, burning with impatience to hear about the hidden abilities of the shinobi.

«Hashirama is the only master of the Wood Style in all of shinobi history. But his main advantage is the trump card he might use in this fight,» Alex replied in a mysterious tone.

«What trump card?» Göll asked, tugging at his sleeve with curiosity.

«It’s a secret for now,» Alex grinned slyly, enjoying her impatience.

While Alex teased Göll, there was a change on the arena. Hades, buried up to his neck in the earth, regained his senses. He looked up and saw Hashirama smiling at him, calmly squatting in front of him.

«So, king of the underworld, are you ready to continue? Or are we finally going to break this endless cycle of vengeance?» Hashirama began, his smile turning serious. «After all, it wasn’t us, the humans, who started this war. It was you gods who decided you could dictate terms to us. Do you think only you are allowed to seek vengeance? Where were you when your brother Zeus killed Adam, the brother of my friend? Why were you silent when Poseidon, driven by his selfishness, fought and fell at the hands of my friend in revenge for Adam’s death?»

Hashirama’s face darkened, and his gaze became firm and condemning.

Hades remained silent. A wave of energy rose around him, causing the earth to crack and split. With a slight effort, he broke free from the ground and quickly stood up. Hashirama merely stepped back, increasing the distance between them.

«You wouldn’t understand what it means to lose a brother,» Hades said, his voice cold with fury, his spear aimed at Hashirama.

«Actually, I do understand,» Hashirama replied calmly, his eyes fixed on the god. «I had three younger brothers. Two of them died in a war, senseless and cruel. I know what it’s like to lose those you swore to protect.»

A moment of tense silence hung between them, broken only by the noise of the crowd. This dialogue added not only tension but also deep emotional drama to the battle, revealing the personal motives of both fighters.

Alex watched the intense moment, silently smirking. It reminded him of a dramatic scene from a soap opera, even though the fight was for the survival of humanity. His gaze flicked to Göll and Brunhilda, who were watching Hashirama in amazement. They couldn’t believe that someone with such a kind smile and compassionate nature had endured so much pain, like the loss of his brothers.

Both Valkyries turned toward Alex in unison, waiting for confirmation of the shinobi’s words. Alex simply nodded in silence, acknowledging the truth. Göll felt a pinch in her nose from the overwhelming emotions; she imagined how hard it must have been for Hashirama and admired his determination to change the world. Brunhilda, in turn, felt an even greater fondness for this man, who not only overcame suffering but became a symbol of hope and change.

In the stands, where the representatives of humanity sat, an emotional silence fell. Many spectators quietly wiped away tears, empathizing with Hashirama, his struggles, and his dreams. But he himself seemed unaware of the crowd. His focused gaze was fixed on Hades.

«When I lost my brothers, I realized: the shinobi system must change,» Hashirama began. His voice grew firm, filled with determination. «I didn’t want anyone else to endure the pain I experienced. Slowly, people who shared my vision gathered around me. Together, we created a village where children no longer go to war.»

He paused, his gaze igniting with the fire of pride.

«I didn’t manage to achieve peace in my lifetime, but THE WILL OF FIRE CONTINUES TO BURN IN THE HEARTS OF MY DESCENDANTS!»

His words rang like thunder in a clear sky, their echo spreading across the arena. At that moment, an invisible but powerful pressure began emanating from Hashirama’s body. It made the hearts of the spectators freeze, awakening something deep and primal within them.

In the stands, a loud chorus rose: the name of Hashirama was chanted by thousands of voices. The people had finally fully understood his story and were inspired. They saw before them a man who had not been broken by the weight of loss, the first to lay the foundations of a new system—a system that protected children from senseless wars. The will of fire that burned in Hashirama’s heart now blazed in each of them.

Hades also heard the story. The shinobi’s words seemed to strike a chord with him. He felt an odd kinship with this man. They were like reflections of each other, bound by similar losses. Both had lost brothers, both had endured endless pain, both moved forward for something greater.

But Hades wasn’t going to retreat. His path was chosen, and he could not betray the memory of his younger brother.

«I never thought I would meet someone who experienced the same as I did,» he spoke, his voice trembling with anger and pain. «But know this, Hashirama: I will not back down. For my brother, I will see this through to the end, even if my vengeance changes nothing.»

Hashirama simply sighed deeply, his face turning serious, his gaze once again directed to the sky.

«You remind me of an old friend,» he said with a hint of sadness. «He too was blinded by rage, seeking to take revenge on the world. But, like him, I will stop you—to break this vicious cycle of vengeance.»

Hashirama froze in his battle stance, his aura intensifying, and his face reflecting determination. The tension in the arena reached its peak. The will of fire and the fury of the underworld collided, ready for the final and decisive confrontation.

Hades said nothing more. His gaze turned cold, and his expression became even more focused. He began to feel the pressure emanating from Hashirama, gradually filling the arena. This was not just strength—it was the confidence of a person carrying within him the will to change the world.

A flash of understanding crossed Hades’ eyes. Before him stood not just an enemy, but a man who had endured the same pain yet chosen a different path. Instead of immersing himself in hatred and seeking revenge, Hashirama had devoted his life to change. A faint, almost imperceptible smile appeared on the face of the god of the underworld. He tightened his grip on the spear, as if preparing to make a decision.

«If we had met under different circumstances, I would have gladly raised a glass with you, Hashirama,» Hades said with a quiet smirk.

«I think we could have become good friends,» the shinobi replied, his face lighting up with a warm but brief smile.

These smiles disappeared as quickly as they had appeared. Now, two warriors stood on the arena, ready to fight to the end. Their gazes met, filled with determination. Suddenly, they vanished from their spots, as if dissolving into the air.

In a split second, the entire hall was filled with flashes of their movements. Hades charged at Hashirama, his spear darting with the fury of lightning, trying to reach its target. But Hashirama, thanks to his experience and speed, skillfully dodged each strike while simultaneously counterattacking. Their figures flickered across the arena like two ghosts, clashing in the whirlwind of battle.

Finally, they stopped at opposite ends of the arena. Both were breathing heavily, their silhouettes seeming like reflections of one another—two equal opponents. Hades glanced down at his spear, as if contemplating his next move. Then he changed his grip, shifting it closer to the tip, and assumed a stance, clearly intending to use it for powerful strikes rather than thrusting attacks.

Hashirama calmly observed Hades’ change in stance. His face remained serene, as if he were waiting for the god of the underworld to make the first move.

To be continued…

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep