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[Konoha] Chapter 105: First Encounter with Akatsuki, a Moment of Impulse!
🕑 Added 2024-09-13 15:54:41 +0000 UTCLeaving Orochimaru's lab, Shūichi carefully contemplated the newly unlocked tag, [Devourer].
Judging by its effects, it was likely a red-level tag.
"Physical compatibility... it's probably referring to compatibility with other genetic traits."
"Perhaps it could also apply to Kekkei Genkai..."
With two consecutive tags involving physical compatibility, the pattern was becoming quite clear.
"Although my mental strength and willpower have improved, I’m still not confident in fully resisting the tailed beasts’ malice."
Shūichi thought of Naruto.
Even someone like Naruto, with his almost brainwashed optimistic personality, nearly lost control.
As for Killer B... his focus on rap seemed like another sign of questionable mental stability.
"I’ve always held a pessimistic view of human nature, and I have quite a few dark thoughts buried within me."
Shūichi pondered carefully. "Focus, and then a mental anchor..."
"The director? Shizune? Or perhaps ninjutsu? Maybe even my desire for power?"
Shūichi hesitated.
But he wasn’t in a rush.
It would be much safer to attempt it after unlocking the [Medical Master] tag and enhancing his physical compatibility.
...
Time flew by, and before he knew it, March had arrived, marking Shūichi’s 10th birthday.
In the past few years, his birthdays had mostly been spent on missions. This time, he was finally in Konoha, and it was a milestone year. So Nonō Yakushi made special preparations.
There was a birthday cake, longevity noodles, and she even invited all of Shūichi’s friends and mentors who were in the village.
So, when Shūichi returned home in the evening, he was greeted with a surprise and a grand celebration.
Tsunade, Tenka, Kushina Uzumaki, Shizune, Might Guy, Kurenai Yūhi, Asuka, Sarutobi Shinnosuke, Chihiro, Shisui Uchiha… everyone who wasn’t out on a mission was there.
This was also the first time Uzumaki Kushina met Asuka.
After the birthday song and cake, while everyone was chatting and enjoying the party, Shūichi found himself being pulled aside by Kushina, who tugged his ear, complaining that he had kept secrets from her for so long.
Shūichi could only repeatedly beg for mercy, pretending he had no idea about Kushina’s jinchūriki status.
Knowing the real reason, Kushina eventually let him off lightly and went off to chat with Asuka.
They had been childhood friends, after all!
Once Kushina was gone, Shizune quickly came over and dragged Shūichi to join Kurenai and the others in some party games.
The birthday celebration continued until after 9 p.m.
After seeing off each guest one by one, Shūichi stayed back to help Nonō and Asuka clean up, finishing only around 10 p.m.
"Rest for now. You can sort through your birthday presents tomorrow," Nonō said.
She wanted Shūichi to get some rest early.
"Understood. Don’t worry, I promise I’ll fall asleep at top speed!" Shūichi joked, quickly gathering his clothes and heading to the bathroom for a shower.
However, as he showered, his mind was focused on the tags in his mental tag tree.
Earlier, during the birthday party, the shadow clone he had left outside training had finally completed its task.
[Lightning Release Expert] activated!
Lightning Release proficiency increased by 100%, and you can now perform Lightning Release ninjutsu without hand seals.
"Next step is to develop the Lightning Release Body Flicker Technique. Once that’s done, I can unlock the [Body Flicker Expert] tag."
"In addition, [Water Release Expert] and [Earth Release Expert] are almost ready."
With those thoughts in mind, Shūichi gradually drifted into sleep.
In reality, if he focused purely on ninjutsu like Water Release, Earth Release, and Lightning Release, combined with consistent practice in battle, he could quickly master them and unlock the related tags.
But human energy is finite. With multiple projects going on at once, there had to be priorities.
His priority was raising his overall combat strength, with mastering a wide variety of techniques coming second.
In simple terms: specialization first, then breadth!
The [Body Flicker Expert] tag would significantly boost Shūichi’s speed and also help him learn the Flying Thunder God Technique faster, making it a higher priority.
However, [Body Flicker Expert] required mastery of different types of Body Flicker techniques. In order to develop the Lightning Release Body Flicker, Shūichi had focused on unlocking [Lightning Release Expert] first.
...
Another month quickly passed.
Shūichi had just unlocked the [Earth Release Expert] tag, but before he could finish developing the Lightning Release Body Flicker Technique, an unexpected mission outside the village was assigned to him.
After leaving the village, the three-person team headed west.
"Our destination this time is the Land of Rain," Sarutobi Shinnosuke began sharing the mission details. "The objective is to investigate several ninja organizations there and assess their strength."
Shūichi's eyebrow twitched slightly as he asked, "Captain, are we evaluating these ninja organizations to help Hanzō bring order to the Land of Rain?"
Sarutobi Shinnosuke nodded. "Indeed. The Third Hokage has that in mind, mainly to curb the ambitions of Iwagakure."
"Additionally, the goal is to strengthen ties with Hanzō, preventing Sunagakure from forming an alliance with him."
Shūichi nodded, starting to grasp the strategy of Sarutobi Hiruzen. The Third Hokage was doing his best to maintain the current balance in the ninja world. Even though he knew the other major villages were plotting, he was trying to buy time for Konoha.
Hanzō still held considerable power.
If he managed to bring peace to Amegakure, both Iwagakure and Sunagakure would be forced to tread carefully.
Although Amegakure lost during the Second Great Ninja War, Hanzō's presence still made the Land of Rain a dangerous quagmire for the major ninja villages.
Hanzō was ruthless, capable of wiping out large groups effortlessly, even more so than the puppet masters of Sunagakure with their poisons.
"It seems we're likely to encounter Nagato and the others this time..." Shūichi thought with a hint of anticipation.
Chihiro added, "We may want Amegakure to stabilize, but Iwagakure, Sunagakure, and even Kumogakure might not want that."
Shūichi agreed, "For them, a chaotic Land of Rain is ideal. That way, it won’t hinder their plans. After all, Hanzō is considered a 'Demi-God' of the ninja world."
What he didn’t say aloud was that, up until now, Konoha also didn’t want peace in the Land of Rain.
In fact, the current chaos in the Land of Rain was partly due to the machinations of Konoha, Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and Sunagakure.
With the endless number of ninja organizations, who could tell how many were filled with disguised ninjas from the other major villages?
Such tactics were nothing new.
Sarutobi Shinnosuke warned, "So, we need to be extra cautious this time. The situation in the Land of Rain is extremely complicated."
Both Shūichi and Chihiro nodded, "Understood!"
They set out around 2 p.m., and that night, the team camped near the border of the Land of Fire.
The next morning, Shūichi and his teammates crossed into the Land of Rain and began investigating the ninja organizations there.
Before their arrival, ANBU had already received intel from Root, providing them with a rough understanding of the ninja organizations in the Land of Rain, along with a preliminary list.
The list wasn't definitive because ninja organizations in the Land of Rain frequently rose and fell.
Some groups might consist of just three to five people, disappearing within a month.
After three days of investigation, Shūichi and his team found the situation in the Land of Rain even worse than they had imagined.
There were ninja organizations everywhere—countless, without exaggeration.
Shūichi even saw a ninja leading a few samurai to form a ninja organization, collecting protection fees from local villages.
Shūichi almost couldn't resist the urge to cut them down right then and there.
While resting in a cave, Chihiro sighed, "I can’t imagine how terrifying it would be if the Land of Fire was in such a state!"
It was proof that happiness is relative.
Compared to the Land of Rain, the Land of Fire was a paradise.
Not to mention, the Land of Fire had always been seen as a rich prize by other great nations.
After finishing his rations, Sarutobi Shinnosuke pulled out a list. "Next, we’ll investigate a rather unique organization called Akatsuki. They advocate achieving peace without using force."
Chihiro shook his head after hearing that. "That’s too naive!"
"In a chaotic place like Amegakure, it’s impossible to achieve anything without using force."
Shūichi agreed.
People only listen to reason when you show them your strength.
Sarutobi Shinnosuke continued, "What’s more, this Akatsuki has ties to Konoha."
Chihiro was surprised, "Does that mean Root has spies in there, or ANBU?"
Sarutobi Shinnosuke smiled, "No, it’s because the three leaders of Akatsuki are Jiraiya-sama’s students."
"What?!"
Chihiro was utterly shocked.
Shūichi feigned surprise as well.
Chihiro quickly asked, "How could Jiraiya-sama have students in the Land of Rain? Was it during the last ninja war?"
Sarutobi Shinnosuke nodded, "That’s likely the case."
"We’ll know the full story soon."
Half an hour later, the three of them set out in the rain, following Root’s intel toward Akatsuki’s base, silently observing from the shadows.
Soon, Shūichi finally laid eyes on Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan.
"They all look so young, around fifteen or sixteen."
Shūichi’s gaze finally settled on Nagato.
The Rinnegan!
One of the most powerful dōjutsu!
Nagato’s ability to master all six chakra nature transformations must have been greatly aided by those eyes.
"Is Zetsu spying nearby?"
"He probably is..."
Just as he was pondering this, Shūichi suddenly felt a chill and instinctively ducked.
Nagato had turned his head to look in their direction!
...
"Nagato, what’s wrong?"
Seeing Nagato stop, Yahiko turned to ask.
Nagato frowned slightly, then shook his head, "It’s nothing."
The six members of Akatsuki continued on their way.
Hidden behind the remains of a building, Shūichi couldn’t help but marvel, "What sharp intuition!"
After Akatsuki moved away, Sarutobi Shinnosuke and Chihiro appeared next to Shūichi.
Sarutobi Shinnosuke smiled, "Jiraiya-sama’s students certainly don’t disappoint!"
"We must be even more cautious from here on, Shūichi. Don’t let your guard down."
Shūichi nodded.
The three of them continued trailing Akatsuki, keeping them under surveillance.
Soon, they witnessed a battle between Akatsuki and another ninja organization. The fight ended quickly.
Akatsuki emerged victorious, and the defeated group joined their ranks.
After Akatsuki left, Chihiro couldn’t help but say, "I underestimated them."
Akatsuki used force, but it wasn’t solely through violence.
Once they had the upper hand, they persuaded the other group with their ideals of peace.
This completely shattered Chihiro’s expectations.
Sarutobi Shinnosuke was at a loss for words, finally saying, "Let’s observe them for a few more days."
The next day, Shūichi and his team witnessed another intense battle involving Akatsuki. Although Akatsuki had the upper hand, they voluntarily retreated.
On the fourth day, Akatsuki subdued another small group of three using the same method as before.
After completing their investigation, Chihiro remarked, "They are indeed quite special and incredibly brave, practicing their own version of the ninja way."
Sarutobi Shinnosuke agreed.
Shūichi, however, felt a sense of melancholy.
Unfortunately, their fate lies in the hands of others.
...
Half a month flew by in the blink of an eye.
Hoshita Shūichi and his team had investigated over two hundred ninja organizations. Some of them, after being investigated one day, were found to be wiped out or dispersed the next.
Inside a cave.
Sarutobi Shinnosuke reviewed a booklet filled with a vast amount of intelligence they had gathered. Finally, he closed it and smiled, "We've completed the mission well. Rest up for the night, and tomorrow, we head back to the village!"
Chihiro immediately responded with relief, "It's finally over. The weather in the Land of Rain is unbearable."
Raining day in and day out, always drenched and uncomfortable.
Looking out at the drizzling rain, Shūichi couldn't help but think of the Land of Wind.
In one place, droughts ravage the land, while in another, floods never cease.
That night, Shūichi was on watch duty for the first half of the night. He left a shadow clone at the cave entrance while his main body went to a nearby river to practice the Water Severing Wave technique.
The [Water Release Expert] tag was nearly complete; only mastery of this jutsu remained. Once mastered, he would unlock the tag, achieving full mastery of the five elemental releases and summoning the [Ninjutsu Master/Professor].
“Hm?”
Suddenly, Shūichi halted his practice and vanished in a flash.
Something was happening with his shadow clone!
Back at the cave entrance, Shūichi reappeared. Standing beside him were Shinnosuke and Chihiro, who had been awakened by his dispersed shadow clone.
The rain continued to fall, the night dark and difficult to see.
"There are quite a few enemies, twelve in total. Captain, should we retreat?" Shūichi asked.
Shinnosuke considered briefly, "Can we withdraw quickly?"
Shūichi shook his head, "I'm afraid not. We'd need someone to cover our retreat, but I can leave a shadow clone to buy us some time."
"Then leave the shadow clone to cover. Move out!"
Without hesitation, Shinnosuke ordered the retreat. Shūichi left behind his clone, and his eyes suddenly lit up with a bright blue glow, illuminating the pitch-black night.
"Captain, Chihiro, follow me!"
With a low command, Shūichi led the way.
Shinnosuke and Chihiro exchanged glances and followed closely, both inwardly surprised. This was the first time they had seen Shūichi use such a unique jutsu.
"What a powerful ninjutsu talent! This eye technique must be a Fire Release application, allowing him to see in the dark," Shinnosuke speculated, impressed.
As they moved through the night, the sound of explosions came from behind.
The battle had begun!
Moments later, Chihiro's face changed under her mask. "It’s the Iwa-nin! They’re targeting us specifically!"
Shinnosuke furrowed his brow, "It seems we've been exposed."
Hearing this, Shūichi’s steps faltered slightly, and a surge of anger welled up inside him.
Since graduation, two of his teammates had been killed by Iwa-nin.
Although he had killed many of them himself, the mission in the Land of Birds still left a lingering frustration deep within him.
As they reached a sparse forest ahead, Shūichi abruptly stopped.
"Shūichi?" Shinnosuke stopped as well, puzzled.
Shūichi removed his mask and said, "Captain, since these Iwa-nin are after us, they’ll likely pursue us relentlessly."
"Chihiro, these guys are pretty strong, right?"
Chihiro nodded, "At least four Jonin-level enemies. They work well together and are excellent at altering the terrain!"
After hearing this, Shūichi spoke seriously, "The best way to deal with a pursuit is to eliminate the pursuers entirely."
Shinnosuke gave a wry smile. He hadn’t expected the usually steady and rule-abiding Shūichi to suggest something so bold.
Just as he was about to speak, Shūichi continued, "These Iwa-nin have been following us for some time. Who's to say they haven’t set up ambushes along the border of the Land of Rain?"
"If we keep retreating through the night, our condition will be terrible by morning."
Although the Iwa-nin hadn’t seen their faces, a sensory ninja could still identify people through chakra.
Shinnosuke furrowed his brow in thought. While the possibility was slim, it wasn’t impossible.
But he knew this was mostly Shūichi finding a reason.
Was it because of his fallen comrades?
With a sigh, Shinnosuke nodded, "Alright then, let’s take care of these troublesome Iwa-nin once and for all!"
Who doesn’t desire to settle their grudges?
Having decided, Shinnosuke instructed, "Chihiro, head to the far side of the forest."
"The Iwa-nin are adept at changing the terrain, which would put you at a disadvantage. Support us from the perimeter with your genjutsu."
Chihiro nodded, "Got it!"
She quickly moved through the forest to prepare.
Meanwhile, Shūichi and Shinnosuke stood silently at the edge of the woods, waiting.
Moments later, Shinnosuke spoke, "There are eight left. It looks like six Jonin-level."
"They must have been observing us for a while and realized we were the ones from the Land of Birds."
His shadow clone had been taken down as well.
In the darkness, Shūichi smiled, "If we take them all out, Iwa-nin will be in for a real heartache!"
Shinnosuke replied, "Who knows, they might stop chasing us after that."
Shūichi pulled out a flare, igniting it and sending it skyward.
Just as Shinnosuke was about to ask why, he noticed a sudden blaze of fire in the distance.
It was the location of their previous hideout.
Shinnosuke immediately understood that Shūichi had used the flare to signal his shadow clone to use that technique.
As the distant flames gradually died down, Shūichi crouched down, pressing his fingers to the ground. A grin crept across his face. "They're coming!"
"Five of them!"
(End of Chapter)
