novel-bin Chapter 370 Two Things in Zhang Village
Chapter 370 Two Things in Zhang Village
Chapter 370 A Few Things About Returning to the Village
The Land of Water, a remote little town.
Jigen, a person who was parasitized and controlled by the dying Otsutsuki Isshiki a thousand years ago.
He is currently traveling around this small town, or rather, investigating it.
For a thousand years, he has been wandering the ninja world, partly to avoid being hunted down by Kaguya or her offspring, and partly to adapt to the body he is inhabiting.
From hiding like a rat a thousand years ago, barely able to muster any strength, to now being able to travel everywhere and having at least the ability to protect oneself.
The Otsutsuki Ichishiki technique required a great deal of energy and effort.
However, Jigen was just an ordinary person among the masses, how could such a body withstand the immense power of Otsutsuki Isshiki?
Even after such a long period of meticulous modification, this body is still far from meeting the expectations of the style.
Thus, Yishi also had other plans. Since this body was not suitable, he would find a suitable one.
The body that could potentially bear his power is not so easy to find.
Over the years, he has traveled throughout the ninja world but has not found a suitable body for his reincarnation.
"Another disappointing day."
Cixian wore a cloak that covered her head, completely concealing herself, and paid no attention to the strange looks from the people around her.
He'd lost count of how many years it'd been; he'd become somewhat numb to it.
Just as he was about to leave for the next city, a familiar fluctuation came.
Cixian suddenly looked up and gazed in the direction of Loulan, the Land of Wind.
"That's... another member of our race has come to this planet, and they're fighting with humans."
A suffocating sense of frustration welled up inside me, as if my beloved possession was about to be snatched away by someone else.
This planet is special; it contains not only enormous amounts of energy, but also exceptionally high amounts of it.
The fruits of the divine tree planted on this basis will have unprecedented effects, and will surely enable him to take another step forward on the path of evolution.
Can----
Kaguya, the traitor, attacked him from behind, severely injuring him to the point that he had no choice but to become a parasite.
Now that new people have arrived, does this planet still have a place for us?
Just as he was filled with resentment, the aura of that clansman suddenly disappeared after a violent outburst.
"This is... dead? When did the ninja world produce such a powerful figure?"
An unprecedented sense of urgency washed over me.
This is not only because there is someone in the ninja world who can threaten him again, but also because of the unknown Otsutsuki clan.
He knew his people's habits all too well. If they discovered his existence, not only would this planet be lost, but he might also be sealed away for ten thousand years.
"No, we can't wait any longer. Since we can't find a suitable person, I'll make one myself."
First, we need to establish an organization to work for us; let's call it a "shell."
When Taichi, Kakashi, and Rin returned to Konoha, it was already the fourteenth day since they accepted their mission.
The first thing I did upon returning was, of course, to report the mission to the Hokage.
The Hokage's office.
Taichi led Kakashi and Rin here, but he did not rush to take out the mission report. Instead, he solemnly bowed to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Lord Hokage, please dismiss everyone."
Hiruzen Sarutobi paused in his writing, looked up at Taiichi in surprise, and seeing that Taiichi's expression was serious and not joking, he raised his hand and waved.
Taiichi's keen senses allowed him to clearly perceive that the ANBU ninjas hidden in and around the Hokage's office had quietly moved away from the area.
However, Taiyi still felt it wasn't safe. He formed a hand seal with one hand and stomped his foot, causing a sealing rune array to spread out from the sole of his foot, forming a soundproof barrier.
After doing all this, he took out the report and handed it to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Seeing Taichi's caution, Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression darkened, for even the information about Madara Uchiha last time hadn't shown such care from Taichi.
He took the intelligence report, opened it, and quickly skimmed through it. But after reading only the beginning, he suddenly looked up, his eyes wide open.
A person from the future? Naruto? Yamato? The Fifth Hokage?
are you serious?
Although the Hokage didn't say it aloud, Taichi understood, and he nodded heavily.
But this is just the beginning; the real excitement is yet to come.
When Hiruzen Sarutobi saw Tai nod, his expression became even more serious. He took a deep breath before lowering his head to continue reading.
The more he looked, the wider his eyes widened.
Taiyi was afraid that he would glare his eyes out.
After a long while, Hiruzen Sarutobi put down the report in his hand, picked up the pipe on the table, and took several deep drags of tobacco to calm his emotions.
"You guys did a great job. This kind of thing shouldn't be known by too many people."
Taiyi and the other two nodded silently, but did not say anything more.
After another period of silence, Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed again, "These are truly turbulent times!"
"Taiichi, what are your thoughts?"
Taiyi looked up at the Hokage. He had his own opinions, but he didn't know if the Hokage had the courage to do them.
According to this Otsutsuki Urashiki, their clan is not large and is scattered throughout the universe, so even if you encounter them in a short time, it will only be a very small number of people.
Our best option now is to inform the other four major ninja villages, unite all forces in the ninja world, and fight against this external enemy together.
Tae paused here, and sure enough, Hiruzen Sarutobi picked up the conversation.
"There's no need to even think about that. The five great ninja villages have just gone through a major battle, and they are sworn enemies. We can't produce any concrete evidence, so they won't believe us."
Hiruzen Sarutobi, worried that Taichi might overthink things, used himself as an example: "Even if it were me, I wouldn't believe it if the three of you hadn't told me."
Taiyi knew this, of course. Human nature is like this. Even if they confirmed it was true, let alone without evidence, who would be willing to join forces unless it was a matter of life and death?
The interests and responsibilities involved are unimaginably complex.
"Then—we can only take care of ourselves, strengthen education, expand school enrollment, increase research and development efforts, and integrate the strengths of all the major families—"
Taiichi listed several things that could be done, but Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression darkened as he agreed.
There's no other reason than that these decisions either involve money or the interests of various parties, making it impossible for even the Hokage to make a decision immediately.
"Alright, I understand. You must be tired from this mission. Go back and get some rest."
Tai nodded. He could see Hiruzen Sarutobi's predicament, so he didn't have much hope in the first place. He believed that Minato had to take over to make changes.
Hiruzen Sarutobi has grown old, and entangled in interests and emotions, he no longer possesses the drive he had in his youth.
Taichi, along with Kakashi and Rin, bowed and turned to leave the Hokage's office.
With no one else in the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi recalled Taichi's suggestion.
"The school and research and development—we can't leave them all to Minato, and Orochimaru too. Let him focus on what he loves. This is my last wish as his teacher."
The heavy wooden door to the Hokage's office slowly closed behind him, shutting out the lingering smell of smoke and the oppressive atmosphere inside.
The afternoon sunlight streaming through the corridor windows was a bit too bright, and Kakashi subconsciously squinted.
Taiyi walked in front, but kept a close eye on his companions behind him.
"What are your plans for the future?"
Taiyi's voice broke the silence, carrying the usual inquiry after the mission, but also with a hint of barely perceptible concern.
Lin's fingers unconsciously clenched the hem of her clothes, her knuckles turning slightly white. She took a deep breath, and when she looked up, her eyes held a resolute determination born of thought.
"I was utterly useless on this mission." Her voice was soft, yet clear to Taiichi and Kakashi. "Neither those puppets nor the enemies behind them served any purpose."
She recalled the devastating purple energy storm in the underground space, and the feeling of powerlessness she had felt as insignificant as an ant in the face of such beings; a chill still ran down her spine.
"I've discovered that I'm not suited for combat. Konoha Hospital is conducting medical ninja training, right? I plan to participate and specialize in medical ninjutsu in the future."
The three continued walking forward without stopping, while Kakashi, holding a short sword, had made up his mind.
"I'm going back to my father for special training. The White Fang Short Sword cannot break in my hands." He paused, clenched his fist, and lowered his voice even further: "Afterwards, I will submit an application to the Hokage to join the Anbu. Only in the most dangerous missions, under the pressure of life and death, can one's potential be brought out most quickly."
His tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable resolve—a choice made after witnessing a power beyond common sense and experiencing the tragedy of his companions.
Taiyi listened quietly, offering neither words of comfort nor denying their ideas.
The path of a ninja is inherently like this: every brush with death brings profound reflection and transformation.
He nodded and simply said, "You chose this path, so just keep going. If you need help, feel free to contact me anytime."
The three walked down the steps of the Hokage Building side by side and stopped at the fork in the road in front of the building.
The sunlight cast long shadows on them. They exchanged a glance, and without another word, they turned and went in different directions.
Taiichi walked towards home, his steps carrying a hint of weariness from the end of his mission, as well as a slight anticipation for the "leisurely" days to come.
However, this expectation was completely shattered the following morning.
As dawn broke and before Taiyi could even open his courtyard gate, a figure, like a cheetah that had been waiting, suddenly appeared and blocked the entrance.
Her long, golden hair seemed somewhat disheveled, unlike her usual neatly tied hair. There was a deep bluish-black tinge under her eyes, and her once plump cheeks now showed faint signs of hollowing out.
It was Tsunade, whom I hadn't seen for half a month.
"You brat!"
Tsunade's voice was hoarse, as if it had been rubbed against sandpaper, carrying a long-suppressed anger and deep exhaustion.
She didn't give Taiyi a chance to speak at all, and with a thud, she slammed a stack of documents, almost half a person's height, into Taiyi's arms. The edge of the scroll hit his chest, causing a sharp pain.
"Do you know how I've been these past two weeks?!" Tsunade grabbed Taichi by the collar, almost lifting him up, her spittle nearly splattering onto his face.
"There are so many things at the hospital that I need to confirm and sign off on one by one. And there's a bunch of little brats waiting for me to go to the ninja academy for classes."
There's always so much to do every day!
She became increasingly angry as she spoke, forcefully poking the cover of the top scroll with her finger.
"You've got it all figured out! You've taken those two brats off to the Land of Wind for a mission, living the high life! I haven't even had time to drink!"
Taiyi was a little stunned by this sudden "attack" and the barrage of complaints. He subconsciously hugged the heavy documents in his arms and tried to explain, "Teacher, don't worry, I can handle these slowly, in batches—"
"What batches! Now! Immediately! Right now!"
Tsunade wouldn't listen to a word she said, and with her other hand, she magically produced several sheets of paper covered in dense writing, slapping them on top of the pile of documents.
"This is the surgery I need you to perform today. The original lesson plan also has flaws and needs revision. And this damned funding request for increased budget—examine it carefully, cut what needs cutting, and reject what needs rejecting!"
She spoke very quickly, issuing commands with absolute authority.
Taiichi looked at the "mountain of missions" in his arms, which had suddenly grown even taller, and felt a chill run down his spine: "Teacher, isn't this a bit too much—"
"What's wrong with you? This is all your fault!"
Tsunade glared at him, then suddenly her angry expression vanished, replaced by a triumphant, weary smile. "The rest is up to you! Anyway, I'm free now!"
Before the words had even finished—
"Bang!"
With a soft thud, white smoke exploded, so thick that it instantly engulfed Tsunade's figure. A few fallen leaves, stirred up by the blast, swirled and drifted past the suddenly empty courtyard gate.
Taiichi remained frozen in place, still holding the documents in his arms. After a few seconds, he sighed helplessly and looked down at the pile of "Tsunade's love" in his arms.
Shadow clones—that's definitely her style.
Fearing that the main body would be entangled with various excuses after explaining the mission, the clone simply sent a shadow clone to explain and then disband, cleanly and efficiently, without any room for negotiation.
"This is truly—utterly lazy! How long has this piled up?"
Taiichi shook his head and gave a wry smile. However, he understood. Tsunade was naturally free-spirited and disliked being restrained. Being forced into the positions of director of Konoha Hospital and teacher for so long must have made her feel stifled.
She's been carrying everything on her own for the past two weeks, and it's estimated that she's really lost weight from exhaustion.
Complaining aside, the work still had to be done. Taiyi turned and went back into the house with the documents, piling them up on the living room table. He rubbed his temples, but his eyes gradually sharpened.
"Fortunately—I'm better at this."
Hands form a mudra.
Shadow Clone Technique.
Seven consecutive "bang" sounds rang out one after another in the not-so-spacious living room, and seven puffs of white smoke bloomed one after another before quickly dissipating.
Seven figures, identical to Taiyi, moved their wrists and twisted their necks, standing in a row.
"Alright, everyone, let's get started. The sooner we finish, the sooner we can get to the important stuff!"
"Understood!" The seven shadow clones replied in unison, each picking up a stack of documents and disappearing swiftly from different directions, such as the door and windows, heading to their respective "posts."
In the blink of an eye, only Taiichi's true form remained in the living room, along with the last document on the table titled "Proposal for the Emergency Expansion and Training System Reform of Medical Ninjas in Wartime."
On the title page, Tsunade wrote in scribbled handwriting: "The idea is passable, but the execution details are utter nonsense! Let Taichi refine the specific plan!"
The last exclamation mark almost tore through the paper.
Taiyi picked up the proposal and sat down at the desk by the window in his study. Morning light streamed through the lattice window, casting bright spots of light on the desk.
He ran his fingers along the edge of the paper and examined it closely.