Chapter 404: The Tempting Ninja Clan Heritage

“I can teach Ninjutsu, but can you first answer me what a Ninja is?” Muzuki looked at the crowd and asked with a smile.

The Ninja in the crowd looked at each other; there were too many answers to this question. One could say that people who graduated from Ninja Academy were Ninja, or that Ninja was a profession, or even that they were people who used Ninjutsu.

But they felt that a question from a strong person like Muzuki must have a deeper meaning and wouldn’t be that simple.

“A Ninja is someone who can endure everything.” Seeing no one respond, Yahiko was the first to state his answer.

Muzuki smiled and nodded without commenting.

“A Ninja is someone who can use Chakra to perform Ninjutsu.” Ikechou quickly followed up.

He really couldn’t think of any profound insights, so he decided to speak early, hoping to leave an impression on Muzuki.

The others quickly understood this point and began to state their own answers.

“A Ninja is a profession, an identity.”

“Anyone who learns Ninjutsu is a Ninja.”

Hundreds of Ninja eagerly answering the question made the scene very noisy.

Muzuki slightly pressed his palm downwards, signaling for everyone to be quiet.

In less than a minute, the field returned to its previous quiet atmosphere.

It wasn’t that Ninja Master Muzuki had become invincible at crowd control from teaching for so long, but rather that the destruction caused by Muzuki’s Ninjutsu was still evident nearby, so everyone was very polite to Muzuki.

“Broadly speaking, none of you are wrong. A Ninja can be a profession, or it can refer to someone who can use Ninjutsu.” Muzuki said while using Earth Release to clean up the traces of the battle.

“But do you know what the first Ninja were like, how the word Ninja came about, and what the responsibilities of a Ninja are?”

“It was the Six Paths Sage who created the Shinobi Sect, and then there were Ninja!” Ikechou immediately interjected.

The day he arrived, Muzuki happened to be talking about the Six Paths Sage founding the Shinobi Sect, so he remembered it very clearly.

“The Six Paths Sage, isn’t that a myth?” Someone in the crowd asked, puzzled.

Not everyone believed that the Six Paths Sage was real; some thought he was just a mythological legend.

“The Six Paths Sage is real!” Muzuki first affirmed this point.

“The real Six Paths Sage didn’t have the world-creating power described in the stories; he was the ancestor of Ninja and the founder of the Shinobi Sect.”

Many myths about the Six Paths Sage circulated in the Ninja World, one of the most widely spread being the creation myth, which claimed that the Six Paths Sage created the Ninja World.

This was also why some Ninja believed the Six Paths Sage wasn’t real; no matter how powerful one’s Ninjutsu became, it was impossible to create a world.

However, for Muzuki, who was familiar with the plot, this myth wasn’t entirely baseless.

At that time, Kaguya’s planting of the Divine Tree caused immense destruction to the Ninja World, and it was the Six Paths Sage who traveled the Ninja World, repairing the land, that led to the Ninja World as it is today.

“The first Ninja referred to the people of the Shinobi Sect. The primary responsibility of Ninja during the Shinobi Sect era was to maintain peace and create a peaceful world.” After speaking about the Six Paths Sage, Muzuki immediately began to talk about the responsibilities of ancient Ninja.

Yahiko’s eyes widened; having never attended school, he had no idea that Ninja had such an origin.

At this moment, his heart was filled with joy because they were doing the same things as the original Ninja; they were walking on the same path.

“If the responsibility of Ninja is to maintain peace, then why are there so many Ninja wars now?” Nagato couldn’t help but ask.

He didn’t want to speak initially because Yahiko liked Muzuki and wanted to recruit him, but he truly felt that Ninja were unworthy of being called peacemakers.

This was not only because Nagato’s parents died at the hands of Ninja, but Yahiko and Konan were also war orphans; they all lost their parents because of Ninja wars.

“That’s why I said the Shinobi Sect era.” Muzuki calmly replied, “After the demise of the Shinobi Sect, Ninja changed. Nowadays, Ninja are just as you initially said: people who can use Ninjutsu, a profession.”

As he spoke, Muzuki’s expression became solemn and serious, “Current Ninja have deviated too far from their original intention. As a recipient of the sage art inheritance, I truly cannot bear to see Ninja, who were once peacekeepers, become today’s war creators. Therefore, I have decided to restore the Shinobi Sect and learn from the original Ninja!”

The surrounding Ninja looked at Muzuki with bewildered expressions. They had only come to learn Ninjutsu, not expecting such explosive news—that he intended to rebuild the Shinobi Sect.

Although most of them didn’t know what the Shinobi Sect was, after Muzuki’s introduction, with the Six Paths Sage as its first leader, the Shinobi Sect’s prestige could be said to be at its peak.

The Jonin of Hidden Rain Village and ordinary Ninja focused on different points; he focused on the sage art inheritance.

“Could it be that he gained such immense power because he accidentally acquired an ancient sage art inheritance?” The Hidden Rain Village Jonin speculated.

Given Muzuki’s strength, he was considered a strong person throughout the Ninja World, let alone in a small country like the Land of Rain; he shouldn’t have been unknown all this time.

So the Hidden Rain Village Jonin felt that the truth was that Muzuki had been cultivating in seclusion since acquiring the heritage and only recently emerged.

Nagato did not speak again; he was quite satisfied with Muzuki’s answer. Current Ninja were indeed unworthy of being associated with peace.

“Ninja Master Sōsuke, what you said makes so much sense! We Ninja should learn from the predecessors of the Shinobi Sect and create a peaceful world without war.” Yahiko said with a look of agreement.

“So, Ninja Master Sōsuke, please join our Akatsuki Organization! Let’s strive for peace together!” Yahiko extended his second invitation to Muzuki.

The surrounding Ninja looked at Yahiko with surprise, thinking this kid had a truly unique way of thinking.

Although the Akatsuki Organization had some reputation in the Land of Rain, they didn’t believe a Ninja Organization of that level could attract Muzuki.

With Muzuki’s currently demonstrated strength, he could easily create a stronger Ninja Organization in the Land of Rain just by making a call.

“The current Akatsuki is not enough.” Muzuki shook his head, refusing.

Now was not the time to join the Akatsuki Organization, unless he was preparing to take Yahiko as his disciple.

Yahiko was a bit disappointed, but he still didn’t give up in his heart, because he felt that as long as he worked hard, Muzuki, who shared the same goal, would eventually recognize him and his Akatsuki Organization.

“The Six Paths Sage once traveled the Ninja World and created the Shinobi Sect. As a successor to the Shinobi Sect, I will first travel the Land of Rain. If you agree with my ideas, come with me, and I will impart the Ninja knowledge I possess to those who acknowledge it.” Muzuki scanned the crowd and said.

There were nearly two hundred Ninja here; Muzuki would be satisfied if seventy remained in the end.

The number seventy was based on the fact that Muzuki had already screened them once.

“We are willing to follow.” Ikechou immediately pulled Kuroda to the front and said.

In his opinion, this was purely an opportunity; such a strong teacher would be impossible to find again if missed.

Other rogue Ninja also expressed their desire to restore the Shinobi Sect with Muzuki.

However, most of them were not aiming to become peace-keeping Ninja, but rather to learn powerful Ninjutsu from Muzuki.

Aside from Ninja like the Rain Ninja who wanted to investigate Muzuki’s information, almost all the Ninja who came to Oz Village chose to travel the Land of Rain with Muzuki.

Yahiko also decided to join this journey; he wanted to show Muzuki his determination.

“What about the Akatsuki Organization?” Konan asked helplessly.

“Let them all come. Maybe they can even learn some Ninjutsu from Ninja Master Sōsuke.” Yahiko thought for a moment and replied.

Konan had nothing more to say; Yahiko’s mind was clearly made up.

Thus, Muzuki began his journey through the Land of Rain with a Ninja team of nearly two hundred people.

Due to the large number of people, the chaotic Land of Rain suddenly became well-ordered, and no bandits appeared before Muzuki and his group.

On the first day, Muzuki did not talk about anything related to Ninja knowledge; he told the story of the Six Paths Sage traveling the Ninja World, and no one left the team.

On the second day, Muzuki still did not talk about Ninja knowledge; he spoke about the Shinobi Sect Ninja maintaining peace.

On the third day, Muzuki still did not teach Ninjutsu, and gradually, Ninja began to leave the team.

The departing Ninja felt that Muzuki had no intention of teaching Ninjutsu, so they were unwilling to waste their time there.

From the fourth day onwards, the number of departing Ninja gradually increased. Due to the spread of Muzuki’s deeds, new Ninja also joined the team, but not many.

On the fifth day, Muzuki and his group passed a Village where a bridge was broken. Muzuki used Earth Release to build a sturdy and wide stone bridge for the villagers. The villagers were very grateful and gave them some food.

A whole week passed, and Muzuki still had not taught Ninjutsu. More Ninja left the team, and the number was still increasing.

“Ninja Master Sōsuke, even if you don’t teach Ninjutsu, you could at least talk about some other Ninja knowledge. Otherwise, even more people will leave.” Ikechou reminded him.

He felt that Muzuki could share some small tips to stabilize morale; there was no hope of learning Ninjutsu at the moment.

In fact, Ikechou thought Muzuki should also be able to think of this point, as Muzuki’s performance had always exuded a profound and unfathomable aura.

“It is their freedom to leave.” Muzuki smiled and politely declined Ikechou’s kind offer.

Ikechou was a bit confused about what Muzuki was thinking, attracting so many people only to let them leave.

Unable to figure it out, Ikechou stopped trying. He wasn’t going to leave anyway, because he believed Muzuki would definitely teach Ninjutsu.

This was not a baseless guess, but a conclusion drawn from being with Muzuki.

Muzuki was truly practicing what he preached about the responsibilities of a Shinobi Sect Ninja, mediating conflicts within the team, and helping villagers in need.

So Ikechou believed that Muzuki would eventually fulfill his promise.

Some regretted wasting a week listening to Muzuki talk about history, while others were glad they joined the team. Yahiko was one of the grateful ones.

After following Muzuki for over a week, Yahiko felt that their Akatsuki Organization indeed had too many shortcomings.

They only helped Villages drive away rogue Ninja, while Muzuki used his own power to solve many problems for the villagers.

Moreover, Muzuki did not solely use Ninja power; if it was knowledge he understood, he would choose to solve the villagers’ difficulties with knowledge and impart that knowledge to the villagers.

Muzuki did not leave his name for the villagers he helped, but instead said he was a Ninja of the Shinobi Sect.

Because of Muzuki’s actions, the name of the Shinobi Sect was left in every place they visited, and the term Shinobi Sect gradually spread throughout the Land of Rain.

Muzuki traveled around the Land of Rain for half a month; most of the Ninja who were just there for the excitement had already left, while the remaining Ninja either agreed with Muzuki’s philosophy or didn’t want to give up due to sunk costs.

Those who agreed with Muzuki’s philosophy acted with him, and other Ninja would also listen carefully when Muzuki lectured.

Having realized his serious shortcomings, Yahiko often asked Muzuki various questions.

To Yahiko’s pleasant surprise, Muzuki could answer almost all of them, and his answers were well-reasoned and supported.

Nagato developed some goodwill towards Muzuki because Muzuki was genuinely taking action, not just speaking empty words.

Konan also liked Muzuki quite a bit; Muzuki’s smile was very warm, and he even gave her a paper crane when he noticed her fondness for origami.

By the twentieth day of Muzuki’s journey through the Ninja World, only seventy-two Ninja remained following him; a small portion were Ninja Muzuki had previously screened, another part were Akatsuki Organization Ninja led by Yahiko, and the rest were Ninja who had been screened after hearing the Ninja Master legend.

After a final check to ensure there were no issues, Muzuki officially began teaching.

As the seventy-two Ninja varied greatly in strength, with the weakest being ordinary Genin, Muzuki started by teaching Chakra control, which still involved tree climbing and water walking.

For those who mastered these techniques, Muzuki allowed them to train freely and would provide further guidance when he had free time.

The most students Muzuki had ever tutored at Konoha was nearly seven hundred, so teaching seventy-two people was very easy, ensuring everyone received attention.

Many Ninja were very excited; after enduring for so long, they had finally reached the end.

These twenty days were not spent sightseeing; it was more like rigorous cultivation.

“If those who left knew that Ninja Master Sōsuke was so skilled at teaching, they’d probably regret it so much they’d want to hit themselves.” For those who stayed, the fruits of their persistence were incredibly sweet.

【Lecture Completed】

【Evaluation: S】

【Reward: Chakra Control +24, Water Release Chakra Nature Transformation +1…】

Teaching Chakra control was one thing, but when Muzuki taught Chakra Nature Transformation and Ninjutsu, the remaining Ninja once again felt fortunate for their decision.

Muzuki’s performance was truly astounding; he effortlessly demonstrated all Chakra Nature Transformations, which even surprised Nagato.

Nagato could only tell that Muzuki’s Chakra was extraordinary through his Rinnegan, but he never expected Muzuki to also be proficient in seven Chakra Nature Transformations; Nagato had only mastered six, not including Yin Release.

They thought that Muzuki was already abnormal enough, but it turned out Muzuki was also a master of Sealing Technique, teaching them knowledge of Sealing Technique they had never encountered before.

This was the benefit of teaching outside; Muzuki could teach whatever he wanted and earn whatever rewards he desired.

Out of respect for Muzuki, many Ninja began to refer to him as Teacher Sōsuke.

When Muzuki and his group arrived at a Village near the Hidden Rain Village, a team of Amegakure Ninja blocked their path.

“Ninja Master Sōsuke, Lord Hanzo wishes to see you; please come with us to the Hidden Rain Village,” a Jonin from the Hidden Rain Village respectfully said.

He was the same Jonin who had previously investigated Muzuki in Oz Village and had witnessed Muzuki’s strength.

Coupled with Muzuki’s recent reputation, as a person from the Land of Rain, he admired Muzuki’s actions.

“Only you can come,” the Hidden Rain Village Jonin added.

Muzuki had quite a few Ninja with him; including Muzuki, there were seventy-three Ninja, and Lord Hanzo would not inexplicably allow so many non-Village Ninja to enter the Hidden Rain Village.

“I’ll discuss it with my companions,” Muzuki did not give an immediate answer.

He personally felt it was worth going, because Kurosaki Ichigo had become a Chunin in the Hidden Rain Village, Muzuki had gained some intelligence about the Hidden Rain Village.

Furthermore, with Muzuki’s strength, if he wanted to leave, no one in the Hidden Rain Village could truly stop him.

However, Muzuki knew his own strength, but his followers were not as clear, so to consider their feelings, he still needed to discuss it.

“I don’t think you should go, Teacher Sōsuke; perhaps Lord Hanzo is after the sage art inheritance you possess,” Ikechou felt that Lord Hanzo had ill intentions.

Although Ikechou was from the Land of Rain, his impression of Lord Hanzo was generally neutral.

A portion of the Ninja nodded in agreement; wandering Ninja understood the principle that possessing something valuable invites trouble.

“I don’t think Lord Hanzo is that kind of person; even if they are Ninja from enemy Villages, as long as they are juniors he admires, he will give them a way out. Such a Lord Hanzo would never be a villain who schemes for Big Brother Sōsuke’s sage art inheritance,” Yahiko countered.

In contrast to Ikechou, Yahiko had a very good impression of Lord Hanzo, considering him a true powerhouse.

“What if you’re wrong? Teacher Sōsuke would be in danger, and even if you’re right, he wouldn’t gain anything,” Ikechou believed this was a very unprofitable endeavor.

Although Yahiko was much stronger than him, through their twenty days of interaction, Ikechou knew that Yahiko was a broad-minded person, so he wasn’t worried about Yahiko holding a grudge against him for disagreeing.

Yahiko was momentarily speechless; Ikechou was right on that point, Muzuki going to the Hidden Rain Village alone would not yield a proportional return for the risk.

“Thank you for your concern, but you can trust me a little more; it will be fine,” Muzuki said with a chuckle.

Seeing that Muzuki had already decided to go to the Hidden Rain Village, Ikechou stopped speaking.

He chose to trust Muzuki first; since Muzuki said it would be fine, he believed Muzuki had the ability to handle any potential incidents.

Then, Muzuki followed the Amegakure Ninja to the Hidden Rain Village.

The architecture of the Hidden Rain Village had significant stylistic differences from Konoha.

The buildings in Amegakure were primarily steel with stone as a secondary material, and the entire Village was covered with large and small steel pipes, possibly related to the frequent rainfall there.

Lord Hanzo chose not to meet Muzuki in the Hidden Rain Village’s leader’s office, but rather in one of Amegakure’s Training Grounds.

“Lord Hanzo, this is Sōsuke, who is known as the Ninja Master,” the Hidden Rain Village Jonin reported.

Lord Hanzo looked at Muzuki; Muzuki wore black clothing underneath a white long robe, appearing very refined and gentle.

Muzuki was also observing Lord Hanzo; Lord Hanzo wore a mask and a special combat uniform of the Hidden Rain Village.

When their gazes met, Lord Hanzo suddenly unleashed his aura, a mountain-like pressure that bore down on Muzuki, even making the air several times heavier.

The Hidden Rain Village Jonin standing beside Muzuki was already immobilized by Lord Hanzo’s terrifying aura, yet Muzuki still had a smile on his face.

The next moment, the Hidden Rain Village Jonin suddenly felt a chill down his spine and an extremely terrifying pressure emanating from beside him; in response to Lord Hanzo’s provocation, Muzuki also unleashed his aura.

The Hidden Rain Village Jonin’s vision was somewhat blurry; his sweat flowed into his eyes, but he couldn’t wipe it away because he dared not move, caught between two terrifying auras. He felt like a small boat caught in a turbulent storm, liable to capsize at any moment.

“You may leave,” Lord Hanzo suddenly withdrew his aura and said calmly to the Hidden Rain Village Jonin.

The Hidden Rain Village Jonin immediately felt relieved, quickly nodded, and departed.

He had initially thought this would be an easy mission, but now he felt he might have nightmares tonight.

A hint of a smile appeared at the corner of Lord Hanzo’s mouth. “You are very impressive.”

Although he hadn’t used his full power just now, Muzuki’s performance was already worthy of being called a powerhouse in the Ninja World.

“You are also very impressive,” Muzuki said with a faint smile.

Lord Hanzo was slightly taken aback; since he became the leader of the Hidden Rain Village, Muzuki was the first person to say something like that to him.

However, Lord Hanzo didn’t pay too much attention; Muzuki looked to be around twenty-seven, and Lord Hanzo was very tolerant of young people whom he recognized.

“Some say you became strong because you obtained the sage art inheritance. Before I met you, I couldn’t be sure, but now I can confirm that even without the so-called heritage, you would still be a strong individual,” Lord Hanzo said, recalling the recent rumors about Muzuki.

Having clashed auras with Muzuki, Lord Hanzo could feel that Muzuki possessed his own conviction; such a person could not be mediocre.

“Perhaps,” Muzuki replied. “I think that hypothesis is meaningless, because the reality is that I obtained the sage art inheritance, and I also possess a certain level of strength.”

“Indeed, it is meaningless,” Lord Hanzo found Muzuki somewhat interesting.

“However, I can give you a piece of advice: the vast majority of people only believe what they want to believe. Many people are interested in the sage art inheritance in your possession. Your bounty on the black market has already reached 3.5 million ryo.”

Because Muzuki’s self-made persona was too legendary, the legend of Ninja Master Sōsuke had already spread out of the Land of Rain and into the Ninja World.

When Muzuki and his Shadow Clone acted out their scene, nearly two hundred Ninja observed them, and they served as strong witnesses to the authenticity of the Ninja Master Sōsuke legend.

After all, Muzuki himself had stated he possessed the sage art inheritance, and he had indeed demonstrated the level of a Ninja World powerhouse.

“Thank you for the information, senior,” Muzuki thanked Lord Hanzo, his expression unchanged.

3.5 million ryo could fund three S-rank Missions and one A-Rank Mission in Konoha.

However, compared to the sage art inheritance, it still seemed too little; Muzuki estimated it hadn’t spread widely yet, and not many people believed it, otherwise his bounty would definitely exceed Asuma’s.

Lord Hanzo greatly admired Muzuki’s mindset; in his opinion, the most important thing for a strong person was their conviction. Losing conviction was no different from being dead.

The two did not chat much further.

As the leader of the Hidden Rain Village, Lord Hanzo had duties to attend to. If Muzuki were to join the Hidden Rain Village and become an Amegakure Ninja, they could have talked more, but merely as a promising junior, Lord Hanzo had already done his utmost.

Before leaving, Muzuki performed Appraisal Technique on Lord Hanzo again, ensuring that the information recorded in his mind was correct.