Chapter 416 Return to Konoha

After Hanzo’s defeat, the name Ninja Master Sōsuke spread throughout the Ninja World at an incredibly fast pace.

The impact and sensation caused by this event far surpassed any previous one.

Kakuzu’s strength was not weak, but his reputation in the entire Ninja World was quite ordinary; only some powerful individuals or Ninja involved in the black market knew of him.

Hanzo was different; Ninja from small and large Ninja Villages across the Ninja World, as well as rogue Ninja from various countries, all knew of a top-tier expert named Hanzo the Salamander.

Even among ordinary people, Hanzo was extremely famous, a truly awe-inspiring expert in the Ninja World.

Therefore, the news of Hanzo leading his Ninja troops to defeat against Ninja Master Sōsuke and the Shinobi Sect spread extremely quickly, which, in the current chaotic Ninja World, was considered a shocking major event.

However, the reason it spread so quickly was not entirely due to Hanzo’s fame; there were also people secretly fanning the flames.

Muzuki was a bit surprised when he learned the news had spread throughout the Ninja World, as he had not instructed the Ninja Sect to specifically spread this matter.

As for the Amegakure Ninja, it was even less likely for them to actively spread it, because after the news came out, the Amegakure even came out to refute it, stating that their leader Hanzo had not taken action, much less been defeated.

Of course, the Amegakure’s refutation did not have much effect; instead, it further substantiated the truth of the news.

This was because the Amegakure merely spoke, without immediately taking practical action, as if they were wary of something.

Additionally, the circulated news contained too many details, even clearly stating the battle location; Ninja who went to investigate found traces of a powerful Ninja battle.

Considering all factors, Hanzo’s defeat was confirmed, and Ninja Master Sōsuke was recognized as a top-tier expert in the Ninja World skilled in Fire Release.

Muzuki speculated that it might be Danzo Shimura’s doing, as this could further intensify the conflict between the Shinobi Sect and the Amegakure.

However, Muzuki didn’t pay too much attention to it; for the Shinobi Sect to develop and spread its ideology, conflict with the Amegakure was inevitable. Moreover, this matter was not without benefits; at least their reputation was established, and Ninja who agreed with the Shinobi Sect’s ideology would voluntarily join the Shinobi Sect.

Iwagakure, Tsuchikage Building.

Kitsuchi personally handed the intelligence he had gathered in the valley to Ōnoki.

“Lord Tsuchikage, Hanzo intends to cooperate with our Iwagakure to eliminate the Shinobi Sect. Should we cooperate with them?” Kitsuchi asked after Ōnoki put down the documents.

“Although Hanzo cannot defeat Sōsuke, it is not easy for Sōsuke to defeat Hanzo either.”

As someone who had watched the entire battle, Kitsuchi was very clear about the strength of both individuals.

In terms of raw strength, Muzuki was much stronger than Hanzo, capable of suppressing Hanzo’s Water Release with his Fire Release, but Muzuki had no way to deal with Hanzo the Salamander’s poisonous mist. Coupled with Hanzo’s extremely refined Water Instant Body Jutsu, it was not an easy task for Muzuki to defeat Hanzo.

Ōnoki shook his head, looked at Kitsuchi, and asked, “Why should we cooperate to eliminate the Shinobi Sect? What benefit does this bring to our Iwagakure?”

“If the Ninja on the border were indeed killed by the Shinobi Sect, I think we can cooperate with the Rain Ninja. We cannot let the Village’s Ninja die in vain; we must avenge them,” Kitsuchi stated his thoughts.

Kitsuchi would not act rashly before the matter was thoroughly investigated, but if it truly was the Shinobi Sect’s doing, Kitsuchi would never let the Shinobi Sect off the hook just because Muzuki was strong.

A hint of disappointment flashed across Ōnoki’s face. Caring for the Village’s Ninja was a good thing, but to become a Kage, one needed more.

“This matter was not done by Shinobi Sect Ninja.” Ōnoki rummaged through his desk and threw a document to Kitsuchi.

Kitsuchi took the document and began to read, discovering it detailed various deeds performed by the Shinobi Sect during their travels, such as helping villagers solve difficulties and combating bandits.

“This is a Ninja force that yearns for innocent peace. They have no reason to kill the Ninja of a great Ninja Village; that would bring disaster to the Land of Rain,” Ōnoki explained.

In Ōnoki’s imagination, the only reason for conflict between the Shinobi Sect and Iwagakure Ninja would be if Iwagakure Ninja attacked a Amegakure, and the Shinobi Sect Ninja happened to witness it.

However, attacking Amegakures was not within the scope of Iwagakure Ninja’s work; Iwagakure’s main task in the Land of Rain was to incite conflict between Konoha, Kumogakure, and Sunagakure.

Even if a conflict did arise, given the behavior of the Shinobi Sect Ninja, Ōnoki felt they shouldn’t have killed all the Iwagakure Ninja.

Based on his extensive experience in causing trouble, Ōnoki judged that it was most likely other forces that killed the Iwagakure Ninja and then framed the Shinobi Sect.

Ōnoki could not determine which force it was, because ever since the news that Sōsuke possessed the sage art inheritance spread throughout the Ninja World, many people had their eyes on the Shinobi Sect and Sōsuke, especially after Sōsuke defeated Kakuzu.

“From the Shinobi Sect’s reputation, that does seem to be the case, but now all evidence points to Ninja within the Shinobi Sect. Perhaps this was the personal act of some Shinobi Sect Ninja,” Kitsuchi said after thinking for a moment.

“Then you continue to investigate in the Land of Rain. Don’t get involved for now,” Ōnoki sighed slightly.

If Kitsuchi had said that the Shinobi Sect had too much potential and might pose a threat to Iwagakure in the future, he wouldn’t have been so disappointed. Kitsuchi was simply too honest in his thinking about this matter.

Kitsuchi respectfully bid farewell and walked out of the Tsuchikage Office.

“There are too few capable people in the Village,” Ōnoki thought as he watched Kitsuchi’s retreating back.

After a long period of recuperation, Iwagakure’s Ninja force had developed quite well, with the number of combat-ready Ninja already exceeding ten thousand. However, what worried Ōnoki was that Iwagakure had not produced a successor he was satisfied with.

Kitsuchi’s strength was good, but his personality was too honest, making him unsuitable to be the Tsuchikage. Other individuals with suitable personalities were too weak in strength and could not command respect.

Land of Lightning, Raikage Office.

“What exactly is the heritage Sōsuke possesses? Is it the Six Paths Sage’s Ninjutsu?” After reading the documents, Third Raikage developed a slight interest in Sōsuke.

Although the Amegakure was not strong, Third Raikage still acknowledged Hanzo’s strength. Someone who could defeat Hanzo was definitely an extraordinary expert.

Kumogakure believed in the existence of the Six Paths Sage, as Kumogakure had descendants of the Six Paths Sage and even his Ninja tools.

“Lord Raikage, should we use our forces in the Land of Rain to investigate the sage art inheritance that Sōsuke possesses?” Dodai inquired.

“Not for now,” Third Raikage refused.

Although he had some interest, with wars breaking out everywhere, Third Raikage felt it wasn’t worth dedicating manpower and resources to this, as Sōsuke wasn’t made of mud; dealing with him would require considerable effort.

Land of Fire, Konoha.

Danzo, with a gloomy face, opened the door and walked directly into the Hokage Office without knocking.

“Hiruzen, I was right, wasn’t I? This Ninja Master Sōsuke absolutely cannot be underestimated. In such a short time, he has made such a big name for himself. We must…”

“Danzo, why did you come in without knocking?” Hiruzen Sarutobi interrupted before Danzo Shimura could finish.

The increasingly intense war was already giving Hiruzen Sarutobi a headache. He decided to reprimand Danzo Shimura to make him behave.

“Hiruzen, that’s not important. Haven’t you seen what I gave you…” Danzo Shimura wanted to continue speaking, but was interrupted again by Hiruzen Sarutobi.

“Call me by my title during work,” Hiruzen Sarutobi said seriously.

Danzo Shimura’s face darkened, and he reluctantly called out “Sandaime.”

He didn’t want to, but Hiruzen Sarutobi was being too forceful. If he didn’t do as Hiruzen Sarutobi said, they probably wouldn’t be able to continue the conversation.

“You are, after all, Konoha’s Hokage Assistant. Don’t be so hasty in matters,” Hiruzen Sarutobi removed his pipe, exhaled a puff of smoke, and said lightly.

“Hiruzen, I am doing this for the Village,” Danzo Shimura emphasized.

“See, you’re rushing again,” Hiruzen Sarutobi tapped the desk twice with his finger.

“Sandaime, how can I not be in a hurry when it concerns the future of the Village?” Danzo Shimura said with a dark face.

“Concerning the future of the Village? That’s an overstatement. Even if Sōsuke can defeat Hanzo, his Shinobi Sect is merely a Ninja Organization of less than a hundred people,” Hiruzen Sarutobi did not agree with Danzo Shimura’s words.

Hiruzen Sarutobi acknowledged Sōsuke as a top-tier expert in the Ninja World, but Hiruzen Sarutobi didn’t think Sōsuke could cause trouble for Konoha.

One person’s strength is just that—one person’s matter; it’s difficult to affect a war. In Hiruzen Sarutobi’s experience, Hanzo was more troublesome in war than Sōsuke because Hanzo’s poisonous mist was very difficult to counter.

Danzo Shimura hesitated to speak, as there was some intelligence he couldn’t reveal, otherwise it would expose Root’s unauthorized actions.

“Compared to the Land of Rain, you should put more effort into Hidden Mist. Frontline Ninja have reported that Hidden Mist is increasing its Ninja and intensifying its invasion of the East Coast. Such an invasion of our territory cannot be tolerated!” Hiruzen Sarutobi’s expression became serious.

The Lord Daimyo of Fire Country didn’t give Konoha so much money every year for nothing; now was the time to act.

Danzo Shimura nodded on the surface, feeling a slight sense of relief in his heart. With this happening, Hiruzen Sarutobi would have even less time to investigate Root, so he didn’t have to worry about his actions being discovered, and he could even use this opportunity to develop Root.

…

“This Hanzo really seems to be something. It feels like Sōsuke’s reputation suddenly grew so much after defeating Hanzo; so many people are discussing it,” Obito realized that Hanzo really seemed to be a good opponent to make a name for oneself.

The level of discussion about Ninja Master Sōsuke this time was completely different from before; even some Konoha villagers were talking about it.

“What, do you also want to challenge Hanzo?” Kakashi looked at Obito.

He felt that with Obito’s thought process, he might actually have such an idea.

“Of course not. I just think that if Teacher Muzuki went, he would definitely become famous throughout the Ninja World,” Obito waved his hand.

He did have the idea of challenging Hanzo, but not now; he would wait until he felt he was strong enough.

“Do you think Teacher Muzuki likes to show off like you?” Kakashi felt that Obito didn’t need to put himself in Muzuki’s shoes.

If Muzuki wanted to be famous, he could have been famous long ago. Just his ability to single-handedly stop the New AB Combo of Kumogakure was enough to make Muzuki famous throughout the Ninja World.

Why was Kakashi so sure? Because Minato Namikaze became famous with that very achievement.

However, Muzuki was too low-key and never publicized his achievements.

“It’s not about showing off. I just feel that the title ‘Ninja Master’ is more suitable for Teacher Muzuki,” Obito said, looking at Muzuki beside him.

“Teacher Muzuki, I truly feel this title suits you. All the students you’ve taught say you’re great. Only someone strong and good at teaching can be called a Ninja Master, right?”

“But it’s not good to steal someone else’s title. How about your title, Teacher Muzuki, becomes ‘Great Ninja Master’? It sounds more domineering,” Obito thought of a good idea.

Slap!

Muzuki’s finger accurately tapped Obito’s head. “Stop thinking about these messy things. As for the Fire Release: Great Fire Destruction we’re practicing together, Shisui uses it much more skillfully than you.”

Obito chuckled awkwardly, not caring.

Things that don’t exist cannot be criticized. In terms of learning, Obito, apart from Flame Breathing, was behind Shisui in the progress of every other Ninjutsu. So he never compared Ninjutsu progress with Shisui, only overall combat power.

“I’ll demonstrate it for you again. Watch carefully.” Muzuki called Shisui and then walked to an open space to demonstrate.

Muzuki condensed a large amount of Chakra in his throat, rapidly transforming it into Fire Release, and then instantly exhaled a vast sheet of flames capable of forming a sea of fire.

After a simple demonstration, Muzuki began to explain the techniques involved, then explained and demonstrated in slow motion.

Obito and Shisui both showed thoughtful expressions, and after a break, they quickly began to practice.

Not just Obito and Shisui, Muzuki evenly guided all the disciples training in the South Border Forest.

The disciples had accumulated two months of training, and with Muzuki’s teaching and guidance, they all felt exceptionally good today, gaining much from their training.

At this time, Muzuki was his main body, having rushed back from the Land of Rain, not a Shadow Clone.

The Enlightenment skill could be applied remotely through the system panel, but teaching could not; only Muzuki himself could produce the effect.

This was a very awkward situation, forcing Muzuki to constantly travel back and forth between Konoha and the Land of Rain.

Fortunately, the improvement of the Yang Seal had, to some extent, resolved the Shadow Clone Chakra issue, allowing Shadow Clones to exist longer. Otherwise, it would be even more troublesome, because in Konoha, he had to teach disciples and handle Ninja Academy affairs, and in the Shinobi Sect, he was still the leader, needing to teach classes and plan the Shinobi Sect’s development path.

To solve the problem of students attending classes, Muzuki had an idea: to develop a projection Ninjutsu that could allow them to see each other from thousands of miles away, so that disciples could attend his online classes.

Since the classes would still be taught by his main body, the teaching skill should theoretically activate normally.

“Shisui, the Chunin Exams are about to begin. Do you want to participate?” Muzuki asked Shisui after training ended.

This Chunin Exams was different from the one Obito and his group participated in; it was a Chunin Exams held solely by Konoha Village itself, not jointly with other Ninja Villages.

In fact, holding it independently was the norm now; joint examinations were rare.

After all, joint examinations were for showing off military power and attracting requests, and Konoha’s current situation was not suitable for a large-scale Chunin Exams.

“Yes, please,” Shisui replied after thinking for a moment.

Raising his Ninja rank was beneficial to him and harmless. A higher Ninja rank would give him slightly more standing within the Uchiha Clan.