Chapter 75

Leaves of the trees.

Uchiha Clan Territory.

In the underground laboratory bathed in bright yellow light, a young man in a white hooded lab coat stood in front of the workbench, diligently working.

This young man was Bai Shi.

The Second Great Ninja War ended with the conflict between Konoha and Suna, and after that, the countries entered a peaceful development and recovery period.

The border of the Land of Fire also returned to its former stability, free from attacks by foreign ninja.

However, this was already more than three years ago.

Life over these three years has been relatively peaceful.

Because he didn't need to go to the battlefield, he spent more time in the village after completing missions.

This also meant that he had much more time for research, no longer having to rush back and forth on the battlefield, constantly fighting various enemies.

Compared to his research more than three years ago, his progress was undoubtedly much more advanced.

Natural energy, senjutsu, tailed beast chakra, and the utilization of Yin and Yang release were not comparable to three years ago.

The efficient use of natural energy meant that he could specifically mass-produce soldiers.

His attitude towards Konoha's formidable power was no longer one of reverence as it was more than three years ago; he could face it with a calm attitude.

Perhaps this was what growth meant.

After all, while he was constantly improving, the village of Konoha remained largely unchanged, only increasing the number of active ninja and the military budget year by year.

With the scale of ninja continuously expanding, it was likely that the surrounding countries' ninja villages had developed a wary attitude towards Konoha.

How long would this peace last? Would a new war come in a year or two?

The only thing that could be certain was that the next attack by Suna on the Land of Fire would not make Bai Shi wait too long.

At that time, he could truly leave this extremely boring village.

Although he was reluctant to part with some people and some things, parting is a stage that must be experienced in life.

"The human phase is finally complete; next, I can try to unlock the Caged Bird..."

The experiment to replace chakra with natural energy as life energy, after more than three years of effort, has now reached a mature stage. While he couldn't guarantee 100% success, at least in the event of an accident, he could interrupt it in time to avoid fatal damage.

For the success of this experiment, a total of eleven human bodies were consumed.

The experiment went so smoothly that Bai Shi found it unbelievable. None of the eleven human bodies died, and only one person had an accident, but Bai Shi saved them with his advanced medical skills.

It was as if natural energy could naturally replace chakra as the life energy of the human body.

Although the differences between the two could not yet be analyzed, as long as he could unlock the Caged Bird, exploring this secret could wait.

Bai Shi walked to the bookshelf, his eyes scanning the titles, and reached out to search.

"I remember it was in..."

As he spoke, the floor began to move.

A black, eyeless head of earth emerged from the ground, emitting a faint golden light from the eye sockets, staring at Bai Shi.

"You're back? Thank you for your hard work."

Bai Shi stopped searching for the book and turned to look at the earth figure.

This was a 'puppet' he created using Yin and Yang chakra as the base, natural energy as the core, and some soul manipulation.

The inspiration for its creation came from the tailed beasts.

Bai Shi named it 'Earth General.'

Because it was only half a year old, it currently only had the ability to move freely in the earth and merge with it, making it an immature form.

Currently, the only help it could provide Bai Shi was communication with subordinates and the transfer of objects. As for combat... it had potential for the future.

The earth figure stared at Bai Shi, seemingly waiting for his next command.

Bai Shi smiled slightly, though he had successfully created it, the puppet's intelligence was a significant concern, or rather, it was dull and clumsy.

It could not understand complex commands or social relationships in its current state.

Without clear instructions, even Bai Shi, its creator, could not communicate with it normally.

Therefore, he gave it the evaluation of 'potential for the future.'

"What did they have you bring back? Hand it over to me."

Bai Shi ordered.

The earth figure ended its empty stare at Bai Shi.

The floor began to wriggle, spitting out a letter and a white humanoid creature.

"What is this?"

Bai Shi picked up the letter, but his gaze was on the white humanoid creature, his eyebrows furrowed.

The earth figure said nothing, only emitting a dull sound before sinking back into the ground.

Bai Shi didn't expect much from this low-intelligence puppet; it was a qualified communication tool.

Currently, it was only a communication tool.

Bai Shi opened the letter and began to understand the situation.

It only briefly mentioned two things.

Akatsuki refused the recruitment.

The identity of the white humanoid creature lying on the ground was unknown. While monitoring Akatsuki, for some reason, it targeted his subordinate, was subdued, and then brought here.

"Refused? I was thinking of expanding the organization, but never mind, I can find others."

Akatsuki's refusal was understandable, and Bai Shi didn't feel any regret.

There were too many people who could be recruited. The cultivation of natural energy had a very low threshold; even disabled people with prosthetics could be used as combatants, the only difference being strength.

However, with the foundation of being a ninja, after being enhanced by natural energy, their strength would be greater than ordinary people.

The bigger problem was the unidentified corpse in front of him.

"The texture and life energy... what is this thing?"

Bai Shi stared at the white creature's corpse with a strange expression, not calling it 'human' but referring to it as 'thing.'

Its internal structure was so simple that Bai Shi thought it was just a conscious shell.

It felt cold, like a corpse, but a bit different.

A living dead person?

"Staring at Akatsuki... does Akatsuki have such rare value to be targeted?"

Bai Shi had learned about Akatsuki. The organization's members were all teenagers, living in harsh conditions, which forged their strong will and courage to fight.

They tried to save the entire country in the most clumsy way.

Akatsuki was founded about two years ago. At that time, it was just starting, with no specific name, and only three people in the organization.

After more than a year of development, it grew to eight or nine people, and the name 'Akatsuki' began to spread a few months ago.

But it still couldn't change anything.

After all, such a poor organization, struggling with basic living, why would it be targeted?

Internal strife in the Land of Rain?

Or did other countries not want an organization like Akatsuki to appear in the Land of Rain?

Bai Shi thought about it for a moment but gave up. He had too many things to handle, and there was no need to waste time on this.

After all, it was someone else's business, and it had nothing to do with him.

Whatever Akatsuki's future would be, it would be decided by the unknown future.

According to Bai Shi's prediction, Akatsuki's end would be very tragic.

The Land of Rain... was not suitable for development.

At least, not currently.

It was a territory contested by major powers. Unless the Fire, Wind, and Earth countries were willing to jointly establish a stable order, the Land of Rain would not become prosperous and peaceful.

But the three major countries had no such idea of building a stable order, only mutual competition.

The people of that country, long oppressed, had mostly lost the will to resist.

In this era, people died every day, and there were battles.

The way of human survival was the law of the jungle.

The same applied to the countries humans built. The weak would be bullied, and the strong could have everything.

The Land of Rain was just one of the countries built by humans.

In this chaotic era, the country had no more meaning.

◎

Early April.

A new batch of graduates walked out of the ninja school, becoming true genin, ready to write their own passionate ninja stories.

At the Ichiraku Ramen Shop in Konoha, the Shukumou team was celebrating.

"Too slow, today is an important day."

A black-haired girl stood tall in front of the ramen shop, her voice cold.

She wore a black off-shoulder tight-fitting top, with black gloves that extended past her elbows, and hard iron plates attached to the back of the gloves, a special protective gear to block kunai and shuriken.

She wore a short skirt and black knee-high socks that showed off her good legs, and her tool pouch was tied to her thigh with a belt, fitting perfectly.

On the back of her black tight-fitting top, the Uchiha fan symbol was embroidered.

This girl was Ruri.

Compared to three years ago, she had grown a lot and was now the solid second-in-command of the Shukumou team, a talented ninja widely recognized in Konoha.

She crossed her arms, her face cold, clearly dissatisfied with Bai Shi's tardiness.

"What's the problem? Isn't the timing just right?"

Another black-haired girl laughed, helping Bai Shi out.

This girl was Ayane.

Compared to Ruri, she had changed more over the three years.

For example, her figure.

And her chest.

She wore a light white custom kimono that didn't reach her knees, ensuring the flexibility of her legs.

She wore white knee-high socks similar to Ruri's, but she didn't carry a tool pouch on her thighs. If not for the forehead protector, she wouldn't look like a ninja at all.

But her weapons might be tied elsewhere.

"Is Shukumou-sensei here yet?"

Bai Shi, ignoring Ruri's dissatisfaction, asked about Shukumou.

He held a gift bag with several gift boxes inside.

Because today was a special day.

"He's already here, just waiting for you."

"Is that so? Can't be helped. I had some things to handle, but I managed to make it on time. At least I didn't forget the gifts."

As he spoke, Bai Shi lifted the gift bag and smiled.

Ruri's expression improved.

The three entered the Ichiraku Ramen Shop, where Shukumou was sitting. On his right, a boy with white hair, about five or six years old, wearing a mask and a forehead protector, was also seated.

This boy, only five or six years old, had officially graduated from the ninja school and was a qualified Konoha ninja.

"Long time no see, Kakashi."

"Long time no see, Bai Shi-senpai."

This boy was Shukumou's son, Hatake Kakashi.

After Bai Shi greeted him, he immediately responded.

"Here, Kakashi, this is a gift to congratulate you on becoming a genin."

Bai Shi placed a gift box in Kakashi's hands.

Kakashi accepted it solemnly and thanked Bai Shi.

After sitting down, Bai Shi said with a sigh, "Speaking of which, that's really impressive, Kakashi. You're only five, but you've already graduated from the ninja school and become a genin. You've broken the record for the fastest genin graduation since the establishment of the Konoha Ninja School."

Kakashi responded calmly, "Actually, it's not that difficult. The graduation exam was easy."

This was his matter-of-fact attitude. The difficulty of the graduation exam was nothing to him.

Although many people called him a genius and thought his achievements were normal, they always overlooked the effort and sweat he put in every day.

People would judge others based on their shallow views, thinking their own ideas were correct and ignoring the efforts and sweat of others, so they could dismiss it with the word 'genius.'

Bai Shi knew Kakashi wasn't being modest, just stating his personal view.

Indeed, entering the ninja school at four and graduating at five... with top scores in both theory and practical exams, there was no possibility of cheating.

It's said that when Kakashi applied for graduation, even the Third Hokage was surprised.

Konoha had another talented ninja.

A cradle of geniuses.

Many ninja villages called Konoha this.

Bai Shi thought this title was well-deserved.

"What about our gifts? Today's celebration is also for Ruri and me becoming jounin."

"Understood, I've already prepared them."

Indeed, this celebration was not only for Kakashi's graduation from the ninja school and becoming a genin but also for Ruri and Ayane becoming jounin.

Bai Shi handed the gift boxes to Ruri and Ayane.

Ruri and Ayane were satisfied.

"Ruri and Ayane have become jounin, it seems our team's separation is not far off."

Shukumou sighed, his tone regretful.

He wanted to maintain the original lineup of the Shukumou team, but Ruri and Ayane's identities were too special.

They joined his team at the behest of the Uchiha and Hyuga clans, as a form of training.

Now that they were jounin, their training with the Shukumou team was naturally over.

Their current strength was beyond what Shukumou could teach, and he might even lose to them in a fight.

But seeing the village gain two more powerful members, Shukumou's gloom lifted.

He was happy for Konoha's prosperity.

Therefore, for Shukumou, this celebration was also a significant farewell ceremony.

Kakashi handed over the gifts he and Shukumou prepared for Ruri and Ayane.

At this moment, Bai Shi took out the last gift box from the gift bag, placed it in front of Shukumou, and smiled, "So I prepared four gifts. Please accept it, Shukumou-sensei."

Shukumou was slightly surprised but then smiled and accepted the gift.

"You're still as thoughtful as before. You'll make a good man. I'll accept it without hesitation."

Before Bai Shi could speak, Ayane laughed, "Of course, I have the most authority in this area."

Ruri's face was cold, her eyes filled with terrifying killing intent.

Ayane sat elegantly, unaffected by Ruri's killing intent.

"Looks like you've forgotten who's on top."

"Being angry all the time can make your skin age quickly."

Tension instantly arose between the two.

Kakashi, looking at the two women radiating killing intent, patted Bai Shi's shoulder.

"Senpai's world is truly colorful."

"Don't talk like an adult."

Bai Shi looked at him helplessly.

"Thank you for your hard work."

"You're still not cute. If you keep this up, you'll have no friends."

Kakashi had no opinion on this. His social skills were indeed average.

Apart from the members of the Shukumou team, he didn't have many people to talk to.

Even in the ninja school, he only had a few friends.

Most people kept their distance from him, the 'genius.'

"I don't need those things. My goal is to surpass my father."

Kakashi said seriously.

"Kenjutsu training is very painful, especially Shukumou-sensei's kenjutsu. I've been trained before, but it was too difficult, and I couldn't keep up."

"So you're still a genin."

"..."

He couldn't argue.

"I'm a medical ninja. I don't need great strength, just the ability to run and use medical jutsu. Combat is not a medical ninja's job."

Bai Shi was proud to be a medical ninja.

Kakashi didn't say anything. Ninjas were ranked by their strength.

Judging by medical jutsu alone, Bai Shi had the qualifications to become a chunin.

However, Konoha didn't have special treatment for medical ninjas.

But the role of medical ninjas wasn't determined by their rank.

For most medical ninjas, their rank didn't matter; the level of medical jutsu they mastered was key.

Not everyone was like Tsunade, who had both strong combat skills and top-tier medical jutsu.

Next, everyone finished their conversation and enjoyed the delicious ramen.

Of course, Shukumou paid the bill.

After paying, Shukumou sighed in relief. After this celebration, the Shukumou team was on the verge of disbanding, and he could finally escape the clutches of the big eater.

Over the past three years, he had developed a psychological shadow about paying the bill.

But it was also accompanied by a deep sense of reluctance.

Over the past three years, the Shukumou team had a 100% mission completion rate, whether it was high-difficulty A-rank missions or the most difficult S-rank missions, they were all completed beautifully.

No matter what kind of enemy they encountered, they would be eliminated silently and equally.

The name 'Konoha White Fang' naturally rose, making other countries' ninja villages wary, constantly sending people to gather intelligence and try to create tactics to kill Shukumou.

But they knew that even if they created tactics, killing Shukumou would be extremely difficult.

They were deeply troubled by how to eliminate Shukumou.

Because of this, the two girls in the team also gained fame, showcasing the strength of the noble ninja clans, adding two more talented ninjas to Konoha, making other villages jealous and filled with the urge to destroy these geniuses.

As for the medical ninja Bai Shi in the team, he was still overlooked.

Medical ninjas didn't need attention.

If it were Tsunade-level medical ninjas, it would be a different story, but unfortunately, Bai Shi wasn't.