Chapter 602 Confess Everything

At the appointed time, Roshi followed Nagato and walked towards the Shinobi Sect reception hall.

At this moment, Roshi was both excited and anxious, his emotions somewhat complex.

The long-awaited meeting was finally about to happen, and Roshi couldn’t help but be excited, but he also had concerns; he wasn’t a good talker and wasn’t sure if he could express his thoughts well without causing conflict with Sōsuke.

Roshi often complained about Ōnoki in his mind, but he knew that his own temper wasn’t much better than Ōnoki’s.

Upon entering the Shinobi Sect reception hall, Roshi found that Sōsuke had already arrived and was sitting in a chair drinking tea.

“Teacher, I’ve brought the person,” Nagato said as he walked to Muzuki’s side.

Muzuki smiled and nodded at Nagato, then looked at Roshi.

Roshi also looked at Sōsuke; it wasn’t his first time seeing Sōsuke, but this close was a first.

Sōsuke outside of class was not much different from when he was lecturing, still in a white robe, often showing a gentle smile.

The long-awaited conversation finally began, but Roshi didn’t know what to say for a moment.

He had a lot he wanted to say, but he couldn’t think of the best way to say it, or in what order.

Roshi was a little anxious; this conversation could only be started by him because he knew Sōsuke, but Sōsuke didn’t know him, not even his name.

“Have you finished reading the book? Which chapter left the deepest impression?” Muzuki broke the silence first.

When Muzuki first learned that Roshi wanted to see him, he wasn’t clear about Roshi’s purpose or ideas.

Later, Muzuki investigated the villages in the northern border of the Land of Rain, learned about some of Roshi’s actions in the Land of Rain, and then, based on some information revealed in the original work, he had some conjectures.

“The book.” Roshi was slightly stunned for a moment, then quickly understood which book Sōsuke was referring to.

“I’ve finished it. The chapter that left the deepest impression should be the world after the ultimate goal is achieved—a world without discrimination, without war, where everyone is equal,” Roshi replied, recalling the book’s content.

This was probably the most beautiful fairy tale Roshi had ever read.

He could only describe this ultimate goal as a fairy tale; not to mention wars, even eliminating discrimination was an unattainable feat.

Because Roshi himself had been discriminated against since childhood due to his Jinchuriki status, he knew how difficult it was to eliminate discrimination.

Despite his powerful strength and completing so many missions for Iwagakure, the villagers still discriminated against him.

“Do you think this goal is illusory and impossible to achieve?” Muzuki seemed to see through Roshi’s thoughts.

“Yes,” Roshi nodded honestly.

In his opinion, this was a beautiful fantasy that could absolutely not be achieved.

Could war truly disappear when even the Six Paths Sage, a great being later rumored to be a creator god, could only maintain peace for a short time?

“You should know about walkie-talkies and televisions, right?” Muzuki asked with a smile, not continuing to discuss the ultimate goal.

“I know,” Roshi felt a little strange in his heart, wondering why he was talking about these two unrelated things.

“If you were a Ninja from a thousand years ago, no, five hundred years ago, could you believe that there would later be iron boxes that could communicate over long distances without Chakra?”

Roshi fell into thought; although walkie-talkies and televisions were not uncommon in his world, when Sōsuke put it that way, Roshi realized it was indeed true.

If he hadn’t known about the existence of walkie-talkies from the start, he would definitely have thought such a product was impossible.

“The development of things always spirals upward; just because something didn’t exist before doesn’t mean it can’t be achieved in the future,” Muzuki continued.

“It is precisely because it is distant that it is the ultimate goal.”

Muzuki never thought that the Shinobi Sect would achieve that ultimate goal in his hands; if he could lead the Shinobi Sect to make the Ninja World a little better, like his previous country, that would be enough.

“How similar! The Six Paths Sage also wanted to create a world without war, where people could coexist peacefully,” Four-Tails exclaimed.

Looking at Sōsuke in his white robe explaining the Shinobi Sect’s ultimate goal, Four-Tails recalled Hagoromo, who had talked about his ideals with them, the nine Tailed Beasts.

Thousands of years ago, Hagoromo created the Shinobi Sect, taught them to get along with humans, and spoke of peace.

Today, thousands of years later, Sōsuke created the Shinobi Sect and described the goal of a peaceful world in front of him.

It was only because Nagato had the Rinnegan and not Sōsuke, otherwise Four-Tails would have thought Sōsuke was the reincarnation of the Six Paths Sage.

They did similar things, had similar ideals, both liked to wear white robes, and if he had the Rinnegan, all the elements would be complete.

Roshi was convinced; he felt that Sōsuke’s words made a lot of sense.

Of course, it might also be that he convinced himself.

Because the world depicted by the Shinobi Sect’s ultimate goal was truly a world Roshi couldn’t even dream of.

At most, he only dared to dream of being treated as an ordinary person; he had never dreamed of war disappearing.

Who wouldn’t want such a beautiful and peaceful world to come true? Roshi felt there should be no one.

“Having chatted for so long without introducing myself, it’s truly impolite,” Roshi stood up and bowed slightly to Sōsuke to apologize.

Due to the cooperation between the Shinobi Sect and Iwagakure, Roshi was worried about being exposed and sold out, so he hadn’t shown Sōsuke and the Shinobi Sect his true appearance and identity.

Now, however, Roshi felt his actions were disrespectful to Sōsuke.

Roshi released his Transformation Technique, revealing his true appearance, then introduced himself in a deep voice: “My name is Roshi.”

After speaking, Roshi fell silent, preparing for Sōsuke’s surprise and questions.

He was, after all, a Jinchuriki, the Ninja World’s most terrifying weapon of mass destruction; for him to suddenly come to the Shinobi Sect’s Six Paths City under a false name, any questioning from Sōsuke wouldn’t be excessive.

“Hmm,” Muzuki smiled faintly and nodded.

Roshi looked at Muzuki in confusion; he didn’t understand why Muzuki’s reaction was so calm. The person he was talking to suddenly changed their appearance, and it was a terrifying existence like a Jinchuriki; shouldn’t he be full of shock?

Roshi’s peripheral vision caught Nagato also looking calm, which made him even more bewildered. Sōsuke could be explained as having seen many storms, but how could Nagato, an underage Ninja, be so composed?

Although Roshi exposing his identity wasn’t to show off and see Sōsuke and Nagato shocked, their reactions made Roshi feel like he had confidently displayed his strength only to receive a “that’s it?” evaluation.

It was awkward, very awkward; Roshi was so embarrassed he forgot to sit down.

He really wanted others to treat him as an ordinary person, but not in this situation.

“I am the Four-Tails…” Roshi thought Sōsuke might not have immediately realized his identity.

“I know, the Four-Tails Jinchuriki of Iwagakure.”

Roshi looked at Sōsuke in surprised confusion. Since Sōsuke knew his identity, why was he still so calm?

Wasn’t he afraid that Iwagakure had some conspiracy, like pulling out a Kunai and, upon throwing it to the ground, five hundred elite Iwagakure Ninja would appear?

“You knew my identity all along?” Roshi thought of something and couldn’t help but ask.

If Sōsuke had known his identity all along, then Sōsuke and Nagato’s reactions would make sense.

“When I learned you wanted to see me, I already knew,” Muzuki answered truthfully.

Muzuki knew that pretending not to know Roshi’s identity would make Roshi like him more, but it wasn’t necessary.

Roshi looked at Muzuki in shock, not expecting his identity to be exposed so quickly.

Even Iwagakure of the Five Great Ninja Villages hadn’t discovered him; how did Sōsuke confirm his identity when they had never met before?

Moreover, since Sōsuke knew his identity, why didn’t he contact Iwagakure to inquire about the situation?

After all, he was a Jinchuriki; his own country wouldn’t be indifferent if a Jinchuriki suddenly appeared there for no reason.

“The Four-Tails Jinchuriki of Iwagakure is already history; I am no longer an Iwagakure Ninja,” Roshi said after thinking for a moment.

Since he was going to expose his identity, he would expose it completely.

Roshi’s words made Nagato’s expression change slightly.

He had remained calm earlier because Muzuki had told him Roshi’s identity before sending him to call Roshi, but Muzuki hadn’t mentioned that Roshi had become a rogue Ninja.

Ninja had a concept of retirement, but a retired Iwagakure Ninja was still considered an Iwagakure Ninja, and Roshi was far from retirement age, so he could only be a rogue Ninja.

Nagato could ignore an ordinary rogue Ninja, but a Jinchuriki rogue Ninja was a big deal; Nagato, who had been taught by Muzuki, understood its significance.

Nagato quickly looked at Muzuki and, seeing no change in Muzuki’s expression, immediately felt much relieved.

“I understand,” Muzuki nodded and quietly looked at Roshi.

Roshi:…

“Could it be that you even know why I left Iwagakure?” Sōsuke’s calmness made Roshi feel numb.

Muzuki shook his head; he only knew that Roshi’s leaving the village was related to a defeat, and there were certainly many things he didn’t know about it.

Roshi breathed a sigh of relief; finally, there was something Sōsuke didn’t know.

However, Roshi then didn’t know what to say next.

The unfolding of this meeting was something Roshi had never expected; Sōsuke not only knew his identity but also knew it so early.

This caused many chaotic thoughts to arise in Roshi’s mind, and he couldn’t clear them up for a while.

“Let’s stop here for today. If you have any questions about the book’s content or the Shinobi Sect, you can come to the Shinobi Sect to find me. I’ll have some free time coming up,” Muzuki said after Roshi fell silent.

He could sense Roshi’s interest in the Shinobi Sect; if Muzuki fully recruited, Roshi would most likely choose to join the Shinobi Sect.

The Shinobi Sect was too impactful for someone like Roshi, who had experienced a tragic childhood.

However, Muzuki didn’t insist this time.

Because although Roshi’s strength was great, his identity was indeed a big problem.

If Iwagakure knew Roshi had joined the Shinobi Sect, they would definitely try everything to get the Four-Tails back, and other Great Shinobi Villages might also covet the Shinobi Sect because of this.

Compared to the rumored sage art inheritance, a Tailed Beast was a genuine super weapon.

Roshi joining the Shinobi Sect would bring far more trouble than improvement to the Shinobi Sect.

Muzuki chose to let nature take its course; he would truthfully show Roshi everything about the Shinobi Sect.

If Roshi wanted to join the Shinobi Sect, Muzuki would not refuse; he couldn’t reject a like-minded companion because of a potential problem.

If Roshi left the Land of Rain tonight, Muzuki would not stop him.

“I… Well then.” Roshi still had many unsaid words in his heart, so when he heard Sōsuke say that was all, he anxiously stood up again, and only sat down again when he heard Sōsuke say he could ask later.

Roshi suddenly remembered that Sōsuke had been lecturing just a few hours ago, giving a day-long lecture to over a thousand people.

Given that he couldn’t think of anything to say, Sōsuke really shouldn’t have wasted time with him and should have rested.

“I’m sorry for disturbing you,” Roshi said with an apologetic look.

Facing Ōnoki, he could be a stubborn Jinchuriki, but facing Sōsuke, who was so accommodating, being so stubborn again would be inhumane; he would become like those Iwagakure villagers who looked at him with strange eyes.

Muzuki waved his hand, indicating he didn’t mind.

Roshi felt he hadn’t contributed anything, but for Muzuki, as long as Roshi listened attentively in class, he was helping him.

After leaving the Shinobi Sect reception hall, Roshi returned to the inn.

He lay on the bed, his mind full of his meeting with Sōsuke.

“Why didn’t he contact Iwagakure?” Roshi still couldn’t figure this out.

According to normal human logic, if Sōsuke knew he, a Jinchuriki, had arrived in the Land of Rain, regardless of whether he had run away privately, he would first contact Iwagakure, as they were still in a cooperative relationship.

“Wait, Sōsuke only said he didn’t know why I left Iwagakure, not that he didn’t know I left Iwagakure.” A light bulb went off in Roshi’s mind; he connected his trip to the Land of Rain and discovered a blind spot.

It was known that Sōsuke had known his identity very early, and based on his eavesdropping on the conversation between Iwagakure and Nagato, the Shinobi Sect had discovered Iwagakure’s unknown activities in the Land of Rain.

Combining these two pieces of information, Sōsuke could have deduced his current situation.

“Was the second unrestricted lecture held at this time a coincidence?” Roshi thought of the lecture event that had temporarily made Iwagakure abandon their search for him.

Roshi shook his head; although it sounded plausible, most of it was his speculation, without factual basis.

“I’ll ask Sōsuke tomorrow and see,” Roshi decided to change his itinerary.

Originally, he had planned to leave the Land of Rain immediately after meeting Sōsuke and head to the Bird Country.

Now, Roshi had many unanswered questions in his heart, and he was unwilling to leave. Moreover, he now had a strange confidence in Sōsuke, feeling that Sōsuke would definitely not betray him.

…

Meanwhile, in Amegakure.

Hanzō had just returned to Amegakure when he received news that made him frown.

“Danzo Shimura’s Ninja wants to see me?”

Honestly, Hanzō was furious whenever he heard that name now.

“Tell him I’m tired from travel and already resting,” Hanzō ordered.

He would meet the Ninja sent by Danzo Shimura because the other party was the Hokage Assistant, representing Konoha.

However, he was also a village leader and didn’t need to give Danzo Shimura that much face by meeting him immediately.

After all, it wasn’t Danzo Shimura or Hiruzen Sarutobi himself who came.