Konoha 40th year, April.
Mt. Miaomu.
Towering trees and incredibly large stone statues and mushrooms are the unique landscape here.
The constant chirping of frogs and insects gives people a strong sense of vitality.
"Little Minato, next I want to tell you some information about immortal magic."
Fukasaku Sennin, one of the two great sages of Mt. Myoboku, said seriously to the blond boy sitting in front of him.
The blond boy is the Konoha ninja Namikaze Minato.
As a disciple of Jiraiya, one of the three ninjas, he naturally signed a psychic contract with Mount Myoboku, and could choose to practice celestial arts more powerful than ninjutsu at Mount Myoboku.
Minato had longed for senjutsu for a long time, so when he heard Fukasaku Sennin say this, his face was extremely solemn.
"yes."
"The so-called senjutsu is to fuse the chakra you have cultivated with the natural energy absorbed by the outside world to form a unique senjutsu chakra system. Once practiced successfully, senjutsu can control illusions, ninjutsu, and taijutsu An increase of several times or even ten times. You should also know something about natural energy, right?"
"Yes, Jiraiya-sensei has told me about natural energy."
Minato replied.
"That's good. If you want to practice immortality, you must learn to perceive natural energy. But don't underestimate the perception of natural energy. Some people cannot reach the first stage of perceiving natural energy after more than ten years or decades. It is very difficult for you humans to sense natural energy."
Fukasaku Sennin knew that Minato was very talented, but since ancient times, more than ninety-five percent of the humans who came to Mount Myoki to practice immortal arts ended in failure.
"That is to say, Fukasaku Sennin, senjutsu requires knowing the method, but it is also something difficult to master, right?"
"That's right. So when you humans practice magic in Miaomu Mountain, you will take some assistance. This is toad oil. Applying this to your body can enhance your ability to perceive natural energy."
Fukasaku Sennin pointed to the oil pool next to him and said.
"I see."
Minato couldn't wait to enter the training stage of senjutsu.
"By the way, Fukasaku Sage, where did Master Jiraiya go? I haven't seen anyone else since I came here."
Minato asked as he remembered something before learning senjutsu.
"Little Jiraiya? He went to the big master's place."
Fukasaku Sennin answered Minato's question.
Compared to Minato, Jiraiya has been practicing senjutsu for many years, but due to the lack of practice when practicing senjutsu and his limited talent, he is still in the initial stage where he can only sense natural energy.
Even at this stage, Jiraiya's ability to sense natural energy is not always effective.
To be honest, Fukasaku Sennin almost wanted to give up on Jiraiya, this stupid student.
Fortunately, he had accepted a disciple with a better talent. He believed that with Minato's talent, the success rate of practicing senjutsu would be much higher than that of Jiraiya, his master.
The most important thing is that Minato is a dedicated person who will never neglect important training.
"Big Toad Immortal?"
Minato looked at the shockingly large building in the distance.
His teacher, Jiraiya, was there, communicating with the ruler of Mount Myoboku, Otoad Sennin.
"A few years ago, the elder made a prediction about the future of the ninja world. Little Jiraiya seemed confident, but in his heart he had become very impatient."
After all, it is a huge event that involves the entire ninja world. Konoha naturally cannot avoid that bad future. For Jiraiya, Konoha is a village that is more important than his own life and needs to be protected.
He would definitely not allow that to happen.
Fukasaku Sennin has lived for nearly a thousand years and has long since opened his eyes to worldly affairs.
Minato was wise enough not to ask what the prophecy was. For him, it was too early to know such a thing.
Even if he asked, Fukasaku Sennin might not answer his question.
The purpose of his coming to Miaomu Mountain at this moment is just to get in touch with the first stage of immortality, and to prepare himself for practicing perfect immortality in the future.
◎
The land of rain.
The rain was falling in thick sheets, covering up the hustle and bustle of the world.
As a group of people walked in the rain, they could only hear the sound of pouring rain and the cold chill brought by the rain.
They passed by a long-dilapidated village and saw many bodies on the roadside.
There were men and women, old people and children who were crying for food. They either starved to death or froze to death.
A group of skinny wild dogs gathered around and tore at the corpses. Then they whimpered a few times and fell down.
Why was this village destroyed and by whom?
This truth has long been unknown.
Because of this kind of cruelty, it happens every moment in the Kingdom of Rain.
It might be a passing ninja from a powerful country, a wandering ninja from outside, or a bandit.
In short, there are so many possibilities.
If you really want to investigate the truth, you will get nothing more than these answers.
"No matter how you look at it, it looks like a hell on earth..."
one of them said.
I passed through many places along the way, and my impression of this country was only of economic depression, internal chaos, banditry, and the displacement of the people.
despair. cry.
pain. sad.
Like an unstoppable virus, it is wreaking havoc in this country and mercilessly harvesting human lives.
"There is no way, such a small country cannot recover even if the war is away for six or seven years... It is better to say that after the war, this chaos has not diminished at all."
"The 'little girl' oppressed by the big country is lingering on the ground with no clothes on..."
One of them gave a sad, sad smile.
He was also a member of this country many years ago.
To be honest, even as a former member of this country, he hates this country and the system here.
People fight, kill, loot and die here every day.
"By the way, what are the indicators for us to come here?"
"dawn."
"Ah, that newcomer organization that is very famous in the Kingdom of Rain recently. I heard that they want to liberate the Kingdom of Rain and achieve true peace."
One person showed appreciation.
"They are just so-called wild bulls now. Although they are young people with beautiful dreams, they underestimate the cruelty of the ninja world. But after all, their will is worthy of recognition and their dreams are very good. Absorb Akatsuki into our organization, this is the instruction given to us by the leader."
The leading ninja did not wear a forehead protector, but his sharp eyes had penetrated the layers of rain and saw the person they were looking for not far away.
Crossing this dilapidated village, which was like a purgatory on earth, a few people walked towards a path in front of them, built around the mountains, and walked toward the bare top of the mountain.
They wore coir raincoats tied with straw to protect them from wind and rain, and light yellow bamboo hats. Only their eyes were exposed.
"Found them."
"Hurry up and complete the task. The organization is in urgent need of fresh blood. After Akatsuki, there are others to recruit."
Halfway up the mountain, seven or eight people gathered together and rested in a cave.
They are an organization called 'Akatsuki'.
It was established two years ago in the Kingdom of Rain. The ninjas in the organization are also ninjas from the Kingdom of Rain, but they are not affiliated with the official Rain Hidden Village.
The members of this organization are mainly young people in their teens and twenties.
They freely talk about their beautiful dreams for the future in the organization. They want to change this crying country and bring real peace to this country.
But it is by no means a simple matter to end the various unrest caused by the war in the country.
Not even Hanzo from Hidden Rain Village has this ability.
Because the opening battlefield of the Second Ninja World War was set in the Land of Rain, the domestic economy has not recovered yet, but is even more serious than it was a few years ago.
Furthermore, they also have to consider life issues and solve basic food and clothing problems.
If they are determined to change the country, they must set an example and not burn, kill, and loot.
So we can only look for the residents of the Kingdom of Rain who need help. However, due to the domestic economic downturn, the rewards given by those residents are very small, sometimes only a few steamed buns.
But the Akatsuki people did not refuse.
They always earn the cheapest income and do the hardest work.
There is already too much darkness in this country, and it would be good to bring a little warmth and light.
"Yahiko, we have run out of ammunition and food now. When will we have a mission?"
A member of the Akatsuki cried miserably to the leader, a boy named Yahiko who was only in his early teens.
"You guys, listen up. The so-called ninja must not only learn to endure pain, but also be strong enough to endure hunger. What does it mean to be just hungry? Look at me, I don't feel hungry at all."
After saying that, the boy named Yahiko's stomach growled louder than the others.
Yahiko suddenly blushed.
The rest of the people laughed, and the somewhat miserable atmosphere was dispelled.
It's not that they really can't persevere. After all, when Xiao was first established, it was much more difficult than this predicament.
At least they now have a skill and a reputation, and can help their country more.
One day, it will be sunny after rain.
All of them believed that day would come.
This country will be illuminated by light.
This belief taught them strength and patience. When the time comes, they will surely resound internationally and truly change this impoverished country.
Let the people here no longer be insensitive, no longer in pain, and no longer shed tears.
Merely hungry...
Immediately, stomach growls could be heard rising and falling in the cave.
"Brother Yahiko is right, ninjas have to endure everything, and mere hunger is nothing!"
"oh!"
The others all agreed and got along happily.
A cute girl with blue hair was folding paper while looking at the group of companions with fake smiles on their faces, and she also smiled.
The red-haired boy who was sitting silently in a remote location and not attracting attention also smiled sincerely.
Changing this country and bringing real peace is not only their dream, but also their mission in life.
No matter how poor and suffering this country is, it is still their motherland.
They will never abandon this country.
No matter how painful the day is, there will be a day when you can get through it.
While they were talking and laughing, the sound of footsteps came into the cave.
The Akatsuki ninjas looked seriously and looked at the entrance of the cave.
He was able to approach here silently, but he was not discovered until now... No, it was the footsteps that were deliberately revealed.
The person coming is very powerful.
There were five people standing at the entrance of the cave.
Wearing a raincoat smelling of rain and a wet bamboo hat, with only his eyes exposed, he looked at the Akatsuki ninjas in silence.
"Who are you?"
As the leader, Yahiko took the initiative to stand up and showed a hearty smile. He seemed not to be hostile because of the strange aura on the five people.
"Are you the leader of Akatsuki?"
Ninja, the leader of the five, asked softly.
He took off the hat on his head, revealing an unfamiliar male face, about thirty years old, with withered white hair.
"Yes. I am Yahiko, the leader of Akatsuki."
Yahiko observed this white-haired ninja. There was no breath in his body, and his strength was well hidden.
Very strong.
"Nice to meet you."
The white-haired ninja smiled slightly and extended a friendly hand.
Yahiko was stunned, then smiled and stretched out his hand to shake his hand.
"Although it's a bit presumptuous, may I ask you..."
"Just call me Worm Man."
Insect Man, what a weird name. Yahiko didn't know whether he should complain or not.
"Did Mr. Insect Man come to see us for something?"
"Yes, we want to get your Akatsuki power."
The insect man made his purpose clear directly, his eyes were very solemn and he did not hide anything.
Yahiko and the rest of the Akatsuki ninja were stunned.
"You can tell...it means..."
One of the Akatsuki ninja asked with a frown.
"The five of us belong to an organization. After the leader of our organization learned about some of the things you did in the Kingdom of Rain, he was very interested in you, Xiao, so we came to invite you, Xiao, to join the organization."
After a brief silence, Yahiko shook his head and declined with a smile: "Sorry, we Akatsuki have no intention of joining other organizations."
The other Akatsuki ninjas also nodded, agreeing with Yahiko's point of view.
From the very beginning, they were asked to join an organization whose details they didn't know, and things were full of abnormalities no matter how you looked at them.
"Don't you want to hear our terms?"
Insect Man never thought that he would get Akatsuki to submit just by talking nonsense.
"condition?"
"Yes. The leader knows that you Xiao want to change this impoverished country. He will give you weapons and food, and even calm the chaos in this country."
"What do we have to pay?"
"Because the organization's base is not in the Country of Rain, after joining, you need to leave the Country of Rain temporarily and come back at the right time to transform this country. At that time, you will mobilize the organization's armed forces, food, and even more A lot of resources. I can guarantee you this.”
The insect man acted in a business-like manner, without the slightest personal emotion.
They just express the original meaning of the orders issued by the leader of their organization.
"As tempting as it is, please forgive us for saying no. We will not abandon this country."
Yahiko said firmly.
"I'm not asking you to abandon the Country of Rain. I'm asking you to go to our organization to learn advanced technologies and important ideas, and then bring them back to change this poor country."
"That is no different than abandoning us. Now is when the country needs us most, and we will not leave."
After Yahiko finished speaking, he looked at the insect man like this.
After being silent for a minute, the insect man smiled bitterly and sighed: "Well, everyone has their own ambitions, and we won't force them. Just treat these as greeting gifts."
As he spoke, he took out a scroll and placed it on the ground.
"This is?"
"There are some grains and winter supplies sealed inside. I know you don't want to accept charity from others, but remember, this is not charity. It is not the public funds of our organization, but my personal support to you."
Yahiko looked at Insect Man in surprise.
The insect man looked at the pouring rain outside, and sighed quietly: "I was once a member of this country, but I am also a member of the organization, and I cannot be emotional. Therefore, this is not a charity from me to you, but only to you. A small reward for my former country."
The faces of Yahiko and others were slightly moved.
Yahiko took a step forward and said: "In this case, then you can join us Akatsuki, and let's change this country together."
After Yahiko said this, Insect Man and the other four people all looked at Yahiko, with rejection in their eyes.
The insect man pondered for a moment and said: "Although your dreams are good, I don't think you have the power to change this country. You haven't realized the core nature of the matter... Let's stop here. We should go too. Yes, there are other tasks to do."
Insect Man turned around to leave.
"etc!"
Yahiko stopped him.
"What else?"
"Who is your leader?"
Yahiko asked seriously.
Insect Man paused, smiled and said, "I can't tell you my real name. If you have the chance to meet our leader, just call him 'Doctor'."
After saying that, he left here with his four companions, leaving everyone in the Akatsuki with stunned expressions.
doctor?
who is it?
This person has never been heard of in the ninja world.
"Hide the code name?"
Yahiko rubbed his chin and thought.
Obviously, this is not a person's name, but a code name used internally by his own people.
Then, Yahiko picked up the scroll left by the insect boy, and the others also looked curious.
Then Yahiko unfolded the scroll, checked that there was nothing wrong, and then unlocked the spell on it.
They saw sealed heavy wooden boxes, about a dozen of them.
When I opened one of them, I was stunned by the full amount of food inside, and started to swallow my saliva.
Not only food, but also many medicines and sophisticated ninja tools.
For their Xiao, this is undoubtedly a timely help.
"Brother Yahiko, how do you want to distribute it?"
“Take some of it and give the rest to those who cannot afford to eat.”
Yahiko also covets this food, but there are more people than them who need these supplies to survive this year.
The rest of the people did not object. They were used to this kind of hard life. If they wanted to enjoy happiness, they would have left this country long ago and gone to other countries to find a stable job. They would have no problem with food and clothing.
◎
After separating from Akatsuki, the five people walked down the mountain along the circular road.
The five people were silent on the road. Although they had expected that Xiao's people would most likely not join their organization, they still felt a lot of regret.
They also want to change this country, but nothing can be accomplished with passion alone.
Moreover, it is not enough to make this country peaceful.
Peace is only the basis for development.
Akatsuki's power is too fragile.
I hope they can understand this truth after being beaten to death with the hammer of reality.
They have done their best to help here.
"They will distribute most of the supplies to the people of the Country of Rain."
Someone spoke to break the silence.
"Ah, temporary charity can't change anything. After surviving this year, what will they do next year? They haven't realized what is really needed to change this country. Compared with checking the current Rain Country To fill in the gaps, what they need is to study hard and awaken the insensitive hearts of the people in the Land of Rain, rather than indulge in temporary charity and pity."
Insect Man breathed out and issued a ruthless sentence.
"A country that relies on the mercy and charity of others cannot become rich and strong. It will only become weaker and weaker, and its people will also become weaker and weaker. Now their vision and their limit have reached this point."
Several people walked and communicated.
Suddenly one of them stopped suddenly, extended his fist and smashed the rock wall next to him. With a scream, a strange humanoid creature whose whole body seemed to be covered in white paint was roughly pulled out from the wall by him. , holding his throat tightly.
"You guy, you can actually find me——"
The white humanoid looked in amazement at the ninja who dragged him out of the rock wall and grabbed his throat like lightning.
Before he could finish speaking, there was a click, his throat was crushed, and he died.
"What's this?"
"Who knows, he has been monitoring us before... No, is the guy monitoring Xiao the enemy of Xiao?"
The male ninja who dragged the white creature out of the rock wall was not quite sure about the identity of this strange humanoid creature.
"It doesn't look like normal human beings. Transformed humans? It's very similar to some of the doctor's transformed creatures, but this life force is much stronger than ordinary people. It still remains in the body even after death..."
The insect man knelt down, with a hint of scrutiny in his eyes.
"Take it back and show it to the doctor. He has always been interested in this weird creature that seems to transform humans."
Insect Man's opinion was nodded by the other four.
At this moment, the land in front of him began to stand out. It was a protruding object that looked like a human head, and a pair of eyes that were as dark as black holes.
A light golden light emerged from the eyes of the black hole, which was not dazzling.
The slimy mouth and head are made of mud, and a deep and deep sound comes from the mouth.
The five people did not show any fear when they saw this even weirder earth creature, but knelt down on one knee and saluted to the creature.
Its exposed head is just a part of a complete creature.
The insect man smiled and said to the clay man in front of him: "Long time no see, Your Excellency General Clay. Does the doctor have any new instructions?"
