Chapter 74

In the 40th year of the Village Hidden in the Leaves, April (three years later, don't ask again).

Myōboku Mountain.

The towering trees, the incredibly large stone statues, and the mushrooms are the distinctive landscapes here.

The sounds of frogs and insects never cease, giving a strong sense of vitality.

"Minato, I will now explain to you some of the situations regarding senjutsu (sage techniques)."

One of the two sages of Myōboku Mountain, the Sage Shima, said seriously to the blond-haired boy sitting in front of her.

The blond-haired boy was the Leaf ninja, Minato Namikaze.

As a disciple of Jiraiya, one of the Three Sages, he naturally signed a summoning contract with Myōboku Mountain and could choose to cultivate the more powerful senjutsu here.

Minato had long been eager to learn senjutsu, so when he heard what the Sage Shima said, his expression became very solemn.

"Yes."

"The so-called senjutsu involves blending the chakra you cultivate with the natural energy absorbed from the outside to form a unique senjutsu chakra system. Once successfully cultivated, senjutsu can enhance genjutsu, ninjutsu, and taijutsu by several times, or even ten times or more. You should know something about natural energy, right?"

"Yes, Master Jiraiya has already told me about natural energy."

Minato replied.

"That's good. To cultivate senjutsu, you must learn to sense natural energy. But don't underestimate sensing natural energy; some people spend ten or even several decades and still cannot reach the first stage of sensing natural energy. For humans, sensing natural energy is a very difficult task."

Shima knew that Minato was very talented, but historically, over 95% of humans who came to Myōboku Mountain to cultivate senjutsu failed.

"So, Sage Shima, even if you know the method, senjutsu is still very difficult to master, right?"

"Exactly. Therefore, when humans cultivate senjutsu at Myōboku Mountain, they use some assisting methods. This is toad oil. By applying it to your body, it can enhance your ability to sense natural energy."

Shima pointed to the oil pool beside her.

"I understand."

Minato was already eager to start the cultivation of senjutsu.

"By the way, Sage Shima, where is Master Jiraiya? I haven't seen him since we arrived here."

Before learning senjutsu, Minato remembered something and asked.

"Little Jiraiya? He went to see the Great Toad Sage."

Shima answered Minato's question.

Compared to Minato, Jiraiya had been cultivating senjutsu for many years, but due to his lack of effort and limited talent, he was still at the initial stage of sensing natural energy.

Even at this stage, Jiraiya's ability to sense natural energy was not always reliable.

To be honest, Shima was a bit ready to give up on this foolish student, Jiraiya.

Fortunately, he had a more talented disciple, and she believed that with Minato's talent, the success rate of cultivating senjutsu would be much higher than his master, Jiraiya.

Most importantly, Minato was a focused person who would never be careless during important cultivation.

"The Great Toad Sage?"

Minato looked at the massive building in the distance.

His master, Jiraiya, was there, communicating with the Great Toad Sage, the ruler of Myōboku Mountain.

"A few years ago, the Great Toad Sage made a prophecy about the future of the ninja world. Little Jiraiya seemed confident, but in reality, he had become very anxious inside."

After all, this was a massive event involving the entire ninja world, and the Leaf Village, which was very important to Jiraiya, could not avoid such a terrible future. The Leaf Village was more important to Jiraiya than his own life, and he needed to protect it.

He would never allow such a thing to happen.

Shima, who had lived for nearly a thousand years, had long since become indifferent to worldly affairs.

Minato wisely did not ask about the prophecy. For him, it was too early to know such things.

Even if he asked, Shima might not answer his question.

His current purpose for coming to Myōboku Mountain was merely to reach the first stage of senjutsu cultivation and prepare for the future cultivation of perfect senjutsu.

◎

The Land of Rain.

Rain fell heavily, masking the noise of the world.

A group of people walked through the rain, hearing only the sound of the heavy rain and the cold it brought.

They passed through a village that had been in ruins for a long time and saw many corpses by the roadside.

There were men, women, the elderly, and infants. Some had starved to death, while others had frozen to death.

A group of emaciated wild dogs gathered around, tearing at these corpses, and then they whimpered and fell down.

Why this village was destroyed and by whom, the truth was already unknown.

Because such cruelty was constantly happening within the Land of Rain.

It could be passing ninja from a major country, or it could be wandering ninja or bandits from outside.

In any case, there were too many possibilities.

If they really wanted to investigate the truth, they would only get a few of these answers.

"Whatever you look at, it's a scene that resembles hell on earth..."

One of them said.

On their journey, they had passed through many places, and their impression of this country was only economic depression, internal chaos, rampant bandits, and displaced people.

Despair. Crying.

Pain. Sorrow.

It was like an unstoppable virus, ravaging the country and mercilessly reaping lives.

"There's no way. For a small country like this, even after seven years of peace, it's impossible to recover... In fact, the chaos has not decreased at all after the war."

"A 'little girl' oppressed by major countries, barely surviving on the ground, barely clothed..."

One of them sighed bitterly and smiled.

Many years ago, he was also a member of this country.

To be honest, even as a former member of this country, he hated it and despised its system.

Every day, people fought, killed, plundered, and died here.

"By the way, what was our mission here?"

"Akatsuki."

"Ah, that new organization that has become famous in the Land of Rain recently. I heard they want to liberate the Land of Rain and bring true peace."

One of them showed admiration.

"They are like a wild bull, young people with beautiful dreams, but they underestimate the cruelty of the ninja world. However, their will is commendable, and their dreams are good. The leader wants us to recruit Akatsuki into our organization."

The leader of the ninjas did not wear a forehead protector, but his sharp eyes pierced through the rain, seeing the people they were looking for not far away.

They walked through the ruined village, which resembled a hell on earth, and headed towards a small path built around the mountain, walking towards the bare mountain top.

They wore straw raincoats to protect themselves from the wind and rain, and yellow straw hats, with only their eyes exposed.

"We found them."

"Let's complete the mission quickly. Our organization is in urgent need of new blood. After Akatsuki, there are others to recruit."

On the hillside, about seven or eight people were gathered, resting in a cave.

They were the organization called "Akatsuki."

Founded two years ago in the Land of Rain, the ninjas in the organization were also from the Land of Rain but were not affiliated with the Hidden Rain Village.

The members of this organization were mainly young people in their teens.

They freely discussed their beautiful dreams for the future in the organization, wanting to change this crying country and bring true peace to it.

However, ending the various turmoil caused by the war in the country was not an easy task.

Even the Hidden Rain Village's leader, Hanzo, did not have this ability.

The Second Great Ninja War began in the Land of Rain, and the country's economy has not recovered, and it has become even worse than before.

Moreover, they had to consider their living problems and solve basic food and clothing issues.

If they wanted to change the country, they had to set an example and not engage in killing, plundering, or looting.

So they could only seek out the people of the Land of Rain who needed help, but due to the poor economy, the rewards were very low, sometimes only a few buns.

But the members of Akatsuki did not refuse.

They took the cheapest income and did the hardest work.

This country already had too much darkness, and bringing a bit of warmth and light was also good.

"Yahiko, we are out of food and ammunition. When will we have a mission?"

One of the Akatsuki members complained to the leader, a young man in his teens named Yahiko.

"You all, listen up. A ninja must learn to endure pain and hunger. What's a little hunger? Look at me, I don't feel hungry at all."

As he said this, Yahiko's stomach growled louder than anyone else's.

Yahiko's face turned red.

The others laughed, and the somewhat tragic atmosphere was dispelled.

They were not really at their limit. When Akatsuki was first established, the situation was much harder than this.

At least now they had a skill and a reputation, and they could help their country more.

One day, the rain would clear up.

They all firmly believed that day would come.

This country would be illuminated by light.

This belief made them learn to be strong and endure, and when the time came, Akatsuki would surely be known internationally and truly change this poor country.

They would not let the people here be numb, suffer, or cry anymore.

A little hunger...

Suddenly, the cave was filled with the sound of growling stomachs.

"Brother Yahiko is right. A ninja must endure everything. A little hunger is nothing!"

"Right!"

The others agreed, and the atmosphere was harmonious.

A blue-haired girl was folding paper, looking at her smiling companions, and she also smiled.

A red-haired boy, sitting quietly in a corner, unnoticed, also smiled sincerely.

Changing this country and bringing true peace was not just their dream but also their mission in life.

Even if this country was poor and suffered, it was still their homeland.

They would never abandon this country.

No matter how hard the days were, there would always be a day when they would overcome them.

As they were laughing and talking, footsteps echoed in the cave.

The Akatsuki ninjas looked serious and turned towards the cave entrance.

To approach here silently and only be noticed now... No, it was a deliberately revealed sound of footsteps.

The person was very powerful.

There were five people standing at the cave entrance, wearing rain-soaked straw raincoats and wet straw hats, with only their eyes exposed, silently looking at the Akatsuki ninjas.

"Who are you?"

Yahiko, the leader, stepped forward, showing a cheerful smile, seemingly not hostile due to the strange aura around the five people.

"Are you the leader of Akatsuki?"

The leader of the five people asked softly.

He took off his straw hat, revealing a strange male face, about thirty years old, with withered white hair.

"Yes, I am the leader of Akatsuki, Yahiko."

Yahiko observed the white-haired ninja, who had no aura at all, hiding his strength very well.

Very strong.

"Pleased to meet you."

The white-haired ninja smiled and extended his hand in friendship.

Yahiko was taken aback but also smiled and shook his hand.

"Though it's a bit presumptuous, may I ask who you are?"

"Call me Worm Man."

Worm Man, what a strange name. Yahiko didn't know whether to comment on it or not.

"Does Mr. Worm Man have something to ask us?"

"Yes, we want to obtain the power of Akatsuki."

Worm Man directly stated his purpose, with a very serious look, not hiding anything.

Yahiko and the other Akatsuki ninjas were stunned.

"You mean... you want to...?"

One of the Akatsuki ninjas frowned and asked.

"We five belong to an organization. Our leader learned about what you are doing in the Land of Rain and is very interested in Akatsuki. So we came to invite you to join our organization."

After a brief silence, Yahiko shook his head and politely declined, smiling. "Sorry, Akatsuki has no intention of joining any other organization."

The other Akatsuki ninjas also nodded, agreeing with Yahiko's view.

To ask them to join an unknown organization right away seemed very abnormal.

"Do you not want to hear our conditions?"

Worm Man did not expect to persuade Akatsuki with just words.

"Conditions?"

"Yes. Our leader knows that you want to change this poor country. He will provide you with weapons, food, and even help to stabilize the country's chaos."

"What do we need to do in return?"

"Since our organization's base is not in the Land of Rain, after joining, you will need to temporarily leave the Land of Rain and return at the right time to transform the country. At that time, you can mobilize the organization's armed forces, food, and even more resources. I can assure you of this."

Worm Man spoke in a businesslike manner, without any personal emotion, just conveying the leader's orders.

"Though it's tempting, we must decline. We will not abandon this country."

Yahiko said firmly.

"It's not about abandoning the Land of Rain. It's about going to our organization to learn advanced techniques and important ideas, and then bringing them back to change this poor country."

"That's the same as abandoning it. Now is when the country needs us the most. We will not leave."

Yahiko said this and stared at Worm Man.

They remained silent for a minute, and Worm Man sighed, smiling bitterly. "Alright, everyone has their own path. We will not force you. Consider this a gift for meeting us."

He took out a scroll and placed it on the ground.

"What is this?"

"It contains some food and supplies for the winter. I know you don't want to accept charity, but remember, this is not charity. It's not from our organization's funds, but my personal support for you."

Worm Man looked at the heavy rain outside and sighed. "I was once a part of this country, but I am also a member of the organization and cannot be emotionally driven. So, this is not charity, but a small return to my former homeland."

Yahiko and the others were moved.

Yahiko stepped forward and said, "If that's the case, why don't you join us in Akatsuki? We can change this country together."

After Yahiko said this, Worm Man and the others looked at him, their eyes showing refusal.

Worm Man pondered for a moment and said, "Though your dream is good, I don't think you have the power to change this country. You haven't realized the core of the issue... Let's leave it at that. We have other tasks to do, so we must go."

Worm Man turned to leave.

"Wait!"

Yahiko called out to him.

"What else?"

"Who is your leader?"

Yahiko asked seriously.

Worm Man paused, smiled, and said, "I can't tell you his real name. If you ever meet our leader, just call him 'Doctor.'"

After saying this, he left with his four companions, leaving the Akatsuki members stunned.

Doctor?

Who is he?

He has never been heard of in the ninja world.

"An alias?"

Yahiko rubbed his chin, thinking.

Clearly, this was not a name but a code name used internally.

Then, Yahiko picked up the scroll left by Worm Man, and the others looked curious.

Yahiko unrolled the scroll, checked it, and then released the seal.

They saw several heavy wooden boxes, about ten in total.

Opening one, they were amazed by the full supply of food, their mouths watering.

Not just food, but also medicine and high-quality ninja tools.

This was a timely help for Akatsuki.

"Brother Yahiko, how should we distribute it?"

"Take some for ourselves, and give the rest to those who can't afford food."

Yahiko also wanted the food, but more people needed these supplies to survive the year.

The others did not object. They were used to hardship. If they wanted comfort, they would have left the country long ago to find a stable job elsewhere, where they would have no worries about food and clothing.

◎

After parting ways with Akatsuki, the five people followed the circular path down the mountain.

On the way, they were silent, though they had expected that Akatsuki would likely not join their organization, they still felt a sense of regret.

They also wanted to change this country, but passion alone could not accomplish anything.

Moreover, just making the country peaceful was not enough.

Peace was just the foundation for development.

Akatsuki's power was too weak.

Hopefully, when they are beaten down by reality, they will understand this.

They have done their part.

"They will likely give most of the supplies to the people of the Land of Rain."

One of them broke the silence.

"Temporary charity changes nothing. If they survive this year, what about next year? They haven't realized what truly needs to change in this country. Instead of patching up the current situation, they need to focus on learning and awakening the numb hearts of the people, not indulging in temporary charity and pity."

Worm Man sighed, making a harsh judgment.

"A country that relies on others' pity and charity will never become strong, only weaker, and the people will become weaker. Their current vision and limits are just that."

As they walked, they continued to discuss.

Suddenly, one of them stopped, punched through the rock wall, and dragged out a strange white-painted humanoid creature, gripping its throat tightly.

"You, to actually discover me—"

The white humanoid creature looked in shock at the ninja who had dragged him out and gripped his throat like lightning.

Before he could finish, there was a crack, and his throat was crushed, and he died.

"What is this?"

"Who knows? It was eavesdropping on us... No, on Akatsuki. Is it an enemy of Akatsuki?"

The male ninja who dragged the white creature out was unsure of its identity.

"It doesn't seem like a normal human. A modified human? It's similar to some of Doctor's modified creatures, but this powerful life force, even after death, still lingers in the body..."

Worm Man squatted down, his eyes filled with a scrutinizing look.

"Let's take it back for Doctor to examine. He's always interested in such strange modified creatures."

Worm Man's suggestion was agreed upon by the other four.

At that moment, the