73: Visiting Akatsuki

Konoha 40 years, April.

　　Myoboku Mountain.

　　Towering trees and incredibly large stone statues and mushrooms are the characteristic landscapes here.

　　The sound of toads and insects is endless, giving people a strong sense of vitality.

　　"Little Minato, I'm going to tell you something about Immortal Art."

　　Immortal Fukasaku, one of the two great immortals of Myoboku Mountain, said seriously to the blond boy sitting in front of him.

　　The blond boy is Konoha Ninja Minato Namikaze.

　　As a disciple of Jiraiya, one of the three ninjas, he naturally signed a psychic contract with Myoboku Mountain, and he could choose to practice immortal art that is more powerful than ninjutsu in Myoboku Mountain.

　　Minato had longed for immortality for a long time, so when he heard Immortal Fukasaku say this, his face was extremely solemn.

　　"Yes."

　　"The so-called immortal art is to combine the chakra that you have cultivated with the natural energy absorbed by the outside world to form a unique immortal art chakra system. Once the practice is successful, immortal art can be used for illusion, ninjutsu, and taijutsu. Create an increase of several times or even more than ten times in power. You should also know something about natural energy, right?"

　　"Yes, Teacher Jiraiya has already told me about natural energy."

　　Minato replied.

　　"That's good. If you want to practice immortality, you must learn to perceive natural energy. But don't underestimate the perception of natural energy. Some people can't reach the first stage of perceiving natural energy after ten years or decades. It is very difficult for you humans to perceive natural energies."

　　Immortal Fukasaku knew that Minato's talent was very high, but since ancient times, more than 95% of the human beings who came to Myoboku Mountain to practice immortality ended in failure.

　　"That is to say, Immortal Fukasaku, Immortal Art is something you know how to do, but it is also difficult to practice, right?"

　　"That's right. So when humans practice immortality in Myoboku Mountain, you will need some assistance. This is toad oil. If you apply it on your body, you can enhance your ability to perceive natural energy."

　　Immortal Fukasaku pointed to the oil pool next to him and said.

　　"I see."

　　Minato can't wait to enter the cultivation stage of immortal art.

　　"By the way, Immortal Fukasaku, where did Teacher Jiraiya go? After coming here, I didn't see anyone else."

　　Minato asked what he remembered before learning the magic.

　　"Little Jiraiya? He went to the eldest master."

　　Immortal Fukasaku answered Minato's question.

　　Compared with Minato, Jiraiya has been cultivating immortality for many years, but due to the lack of effort and limited talent, he is still in the initial stage of being able to perceive natural energy.

　　Even at this stage, Jiraiya's ability to perceive natural energy is not always effective.

　　To be honest, Immortal Fukasaku wanted to give up the stupid student Jiraiya.

　　Fortunately, he accepted a more talented disciple, and he believed that with Minato's talent, the success rate of cultivating immortality would be much higher than that of his Master Jiraiya.

　　The most important thing is that Minato is a dedicated person, and he will never get lost in important cultivation.

　　"Is that the great toad sage?"

　　Minato looked at the shockingly large building in the distance.

　　His teacher Jiraiya was also there, communicating with the Immortal toad, the ruler of Myoboku Mountain.

　　"A few years ago, the eldest master made a prediction about the future of the ninja world. Little Jiraiya also seemed full of confidence, but his heart had actually become very impatient."

　　After all, it is a huge event involving the entire ninja world, and Konoha naturally cannot avoid that bad future. For Jiraiya, Konoha is a village that is more important than his own life and needs to be guarded.

　　He definitely wouldn't allow that to happen.

　　Immortal Fukasaku has lived for nearly a thousand years, and has long been open to the world.

　　Minato wisely didn't ask what the prophecy was. It was too early for him to know such a thing.

　　Even if he asked, Immortal Fukasaku might not answer him.

　　The purpose of his coming to Myoboku Mountain at this moment is just to get in touch with the first stage of immortal art and to prepare for the perfect immortal art in the future.

　　◎

　　Rain country.

　　The rain fell like a river, covering up the hustle and bustle of the world.

　　A group of people walking in the rain curtain can only hear the sound of the torrential rain and the icy chill brought by the rain.

　　They passed a long-ruined village and saw the bodies of many people on the side of the road.

　　There are men and women, old people and children waiting to be fed. They are either starved to death or frozen to death alive.

　　A group of scrawny wild dogs gathered around and bit the corpses, and then they whimpered a few times and fell down.

　　Why was this village destroyed and by whom?

　　This truth has long been unknown.

　　Because this cruelty, it is staged every moment in the Land of Rain.

　　It may be a big country ninja passing by, or a wandering ninja from outside, or a robber.

　　In short, the possibilities are simply too many.

　　If you really want to investigate the truth, you will get nothing more than these kinds of answers.

　　"No matter how you look at it, it looks like hell on earth..." One of them said.

　　Passing through many places along the way, the impression of this country is only economic depression, internal chaos, bandits, and wandering people.

　　Despair. Crying.

　　Pain. Sadness.

　　Like an unstoppable virus, it is raging freely within this country, mercilessly reaping people's lives.

　　"No way. Even if the war has passed for six or seven years in such a small country, it is impossible to recover... Rather, after the war, the chaos has not diminished in the slightest."

　　"The 'little girl' oppressed by the big country is lingering on the ground naked..."

　　One of them gave a wry smile of lamentation.

　　Many years ago, he was also a member of this country.

　　To be honest, even as a former member of the country, he hated the country and the system.

　　Everyday people fight, loot and die here.

　　"By the way, what is the indicator that we came here?"

　　"Akatsuki."

　　"Ah, that rookie organization that has recently become famous in the Land of Rain. I heard that they want to liberate the Land of Rain and achieve true peace."

　　One showed appreciation.

　　"They are now ignorant bulls. Although they are young people with beautiful dreams, they underestimate the cruelty of this ninja world. But no matter what, their will is worthy of recognition, and their dreams are very good. Incorporate Akatsuki into our organization, this is the order given to us by the leader."

　　The leading ninja did not wear a forehead guard, but a pair of sharp eyes had penetrated the layers of rain and saw the person they were looking for not far away.

　　Crossing this dilapidated village like a purgatory on earth, a few people walked towards the front, relying on a path built around the mountain, and strolled towards the bare mountain top.

　　They were draped in hoods tied with straw to shield them from the wind and rain, and they wore pale yellow hats, with only a pair of eyes exposed.

　　"Found them."

　　"Hurry up and complete the task. The organization is in desperate need of fresh blood. After Akatsuki, there are other people to recruit."

　　In the middle of the mountain, seven or eight people gathered together and rested in the cave.

　　They are an organization called 'Akatsuki'.

　　It was established in the Land of Rain two years ago, and the ninjas in the organization are all ninjas of the Land of Rain, but they are not affiliated with the official Hidden Rain Village.

　　The members of this organization are mainly young people in their teens and twenties.

　　They freely talk about their beautiful dreams for the future in the organization. They want to change this crying country and bring real peace to this country.

　　But it is by no means an easy task to end the turmoil in the country caused by the war.

　　Even Hanzo in Hidden Rain Village has no such ability.

　　Because the opening battle of the second ninja war was set in the country of rain, the domestic economy has not recovered yet, but it is more seriously messed up than a few years ago.

　　Furthermore, they have to take into account the problems of life and solve basic food and clothing problems.

　　If they are determined to change the country, they must lead by example and not burn, kill and loot.

　　Therefore, we can only go to find the residents of the Land of Rain who need help. However, due to the domestic economic downturn, the remuneration given by those residents is very small, and sometimes the remuneration is only a few steamed buns.

　　But Akatsuki's people didn't reject it.

　　They always take the cheapest income and do the hardest work.

　　There is already too much darkness in this country, and it is good to bring a little warmth and light.

　　"Yahiko, we've run out of ammunition now, when will we have a mission?"

　　One of Akatsuki's members cried miserably to the leader, a teenager named Yahiko.

　　"You people, listen carefully, so-called ninjas must not only learn to endure pain, but also be strong to endure hunger. What is mere hunger? Look at me, I don't feel hungry at all."

　　After speaking, the boy named Yahiko's stomach growled louder than the others.

　　Yahiko blushed suddenly.

　　The rest of the people laughed, and the somewhat miserable atmosphere was dispelled a lot.

　　It's not that they really can't hold on. After all, when Akatsuki was first built, it was much more difficult than this predicament.

　　At least they still have a skill, they have a reputation, and they can help their country more.

　　One day, it will be sunny.

　　All of them believed that that day would come.

　　This country will be illuminated by light.

　　This belief has taught them to be strong and patient. At that time, they will surely be heard in the world and truly change this poor country.

　　Let the people here no longer be insensitive, no longer suffer, no longer cry.

　　Just hungry...

　　Immediately, the rumbling of the stomach rang out from each other in the cave.

　　"Brother Yahiko is right, ninjas have to endure everything, so what's the point of being hungry!"

　　"Oh!"

　　The rest agreed and got along happily.

　　A cute girl with blue hair was holding origami while looking at the group of friends who were pretending to be full, and smiled.

　　Silently sitting in a remote place, the unobtrusive red-haired boy also smiled sincerely.

　　To change this country, and to bring true peace, is not just their dream, it is their life's mission.

　　No matter how poor and miserable this country is, it is still their motherland.

　　They will never abandon this country.

　　No matter how painful the day is, there will be a day when it will come to an end.

　　Just as they were joking, footsteps passed into the cave.

　　Akatsuki's ninjas all looked serious and looked at the location of the hole.

　　Being able to approach this place without a sound, only to be discovered until now... No, it was the sound of footsteps that were deliberately exposed.

　　The strength of the people here is very strong.

　　There are five people standing at the entrance of the cave.

　　He was wearing a rain-scented shroud and a wet hat, only his eyes were exposed, and he looked at Akatsuki's Ninja's silently.

　　"Who are you?"

　　As the leader, Yahiko took the initiative to stand up and showed a hearty smile. It seemed that he was not hostile because of the strange aura of the five people.

　　"Are you the leader of Akatsuki?"

　　The leader of the five ninja asked softly.

　　He took off the hat from his head, revealing an unfamiliar male face, about thirty years old, with withered white hair.

　　"Yes. I am Yahiko, Akatsuki's leader."

　　Yahiko observed the white-haired ninja, there was no breath in his body, and his strength was hidden very well.

　　Strong.

　　"Nice to meet you."

　　The white-haired ninja smiled and extended his hand friendly.

　　Yahiko was stunned for a moment, then smiled and stretched out his hand and shook hands with him.

　　"Although it's a bit presumptuous, may I ask you who is..."

　　"Just call me Insect Man."

　　Insect man, what a weird name. Yahiko didn't know whether to complain or not.

　　"Does Mr. Insect Man have some reason to come to us?"

　　"Yes, we want to use your Akatsuki's power."

　　The Insect man directly explained his intentions clearly, his eyes were very solemn, and he didn't hide it.

　　Yahiko and the rest of the Akatsuki were dumbfounded.

　　"You can say...meaning..."

　　An Akatsuki ninja asked with a frown.

　　"The five of us belong to an organization. The leader of our organization is very interested in you Akatsuki after learning about some of the things you have done in the Land of Rain, so we invite you all to join the organization."

　　After a brief silence, Yahiko shook his head and smiled politely: "Sorry, we have no intention of joining other organizations."

　　Akatsuki's other ninjas also nodded, agreeing with Yahiko's point of view.

　　As soon as they came up, they were asked to join an organization that did not know the details. No matter how they looked at things, they were full of abnormality.

　　"Don't you want to hear our terms?"

　　Insect Man also never thought of letting Akatsuki submit to him just by utterly speaking.

　　"Conditions?"

　　"Yes. The chief knows that you want to change this impoverished country, and he will give you arms and food, and even calm the chaos in this country."

　　"Then what do we need to pay?"

　　"Because the organization's base is not in the country of rain, after joining, you need to leave the country of rain temporarily, and come back at the right time to transform the country. At that time, you can mobilize the organization's armed forces, food, and even more resources. I can assure you of that."

　　Insect man looks like a businessman, without the slightest personal emotion.

　　It was just to express the original meaning of the order issued by their leader of the organization.

　　"As attractive as it is, please forgive us for saying no. We will not abandon this country."

　　Yahiko said so decisively.

　　"It's not for you to abandon the country of rain, but for you to go to our organization to learn advanced technologies and important ideas, and then bring them back to change this poor country."

　　"That would be the same as abandonment. Now is the time when the country needs us most, and we will not leave."

　　After Yahiko finished speaking, he just stared at the Insect man.

　　After a minute of silence like this, the Insect man gave a wry smile and sighed: "Okay, everyone has their own aspirations, we won't force it. These are regarded as greetings."

　　Saying that, he took out a scroll and put it on the ground.

　　"This is?"

　　"There are some food and winter supplies sealed inside. I know you don't want to accept alms from others, but remember, this is not alms. It is not the public funds of our organization, but my personal financial support to you."

　　Yahiko looked at the bug man in surprise.

　　The Insect man looked at the pouring rain outside, and sighed: "I was a member of this country, but I am also a member of the organization, so I can't be emotional. So, this is not my charity to you, it is just to my old country, a small reward."

　　The faces of Yahiko and the others moved slightly.

　　Yahiko stepped forward and said, "If that's the case, then join us, Akatsuki, and let's change this country together."

　　After Yahiko finished saying this, the insect man and the other four all looked at Yahiko, and their eyes revealed the meaning of rejection.

　　The insect man pondered for a while and said: "Although your dreams are good, I don't think you have the power to change this country. You haven't realized what the core of the matter is... Let's stop here. We should go too. Now, there are other tasks to do."

　　The insect man turned to leave.

　　"Wait!"

　　Yahiko stopped him.

　　"What else?"

　　"Who is your leader?"

　　Yahiko asked seriously.

　　The insect man paused, smiled and said, "I can't tell the real name. If you have a chance to meet our leader, you can just call him a 'doctor'."

　　After he finished speaking, he left here with his four companions, leaving behind the people of Akatsuki who looked astonished.

　　Doctor?

　　Who is it?

　　Never heard of this character in the ninja world.

　　"Hidden name?"

　　Yahiko rubbed his chin and thought.

　　Obviously, this is not a person's name, but a code name used internally by his own people.

　　Then, Yahiko picked up the scroll left by Insect Man, and the rest were also curious.

　　Then Yahiko unfolded the scroll and checked that there was no problem before unlocking the above technique.

　　They saw about a dozen heavy wooden boxes that had been sealed away.

　　When I opened one of them, I was stunned by the full amount of food inside, and my saliva began to swallow.

　　Not only food, but also a lot of medicines and sophisticated ninja tools.

　　For them Akatsuki, this is undoubtedly sending charcoal in the snow.

　　"Big Brother Yahiko, how do you distribute it?"

　　"Take part of it and give the rest to those who can't afford it."

　　Yahiko also covets these grains, but there are more people who need these materials to survive this year.

　　The rest of the people have no objection. They are used to this kind of hard life. If it was for happiness, they would have left this country long ago and went to other countries to find a stable job. There is absolutely no problem with food and clothing.

　　◎

　　After separating from Akatsuki, the five descended the mountain along the ring road.

　　The five people on the road remained silent. Although they had already expected that the people from Akatsuki would most likely not join their organization, they still felt a lot of regrets.

　　They also want to change the country, but nothing can be done with passion.

　　Moreover, it is not enough to make this country peaceful.

　　Peace is only the foundation of development.

　　Akatsuki's power is too fragile.

　　I hope that before they are beaten to death by the hammer of reality, they can understand this truth.

　　They have done their best to help here.

　　"They will distribute most of the supplies to the people of the Land of Rain."

　　One person broke the silence.

　　"Ah, a temporary charity can't change anything. After this year, what will they do next year? They haven't realized what they really need to change this country. Compared to checking the current country of rain. To fill the gaps, what they need is to sink their hearts to study and awaken the insensitive hearts of the people of the Land of Rain, rather than indulging in charity and compassion for a while."

　　The insect man sighed and handed down a ruthless sentence.

　　"A country that lives on the mercy and charity of others cannot become prosperous and strong. It will only become weaker and weaker, and its people will also become weaker. Now their vision, their limit, is here."

　　Several people walked and communicated at the same time.

　　Suddenly one of them stopped abruptly, stretched out his fist and directly smashed the rock wall next to him. With a scream, a strange humanoid creature whose whole body seemed to be covered with white paint was pulled out of the wall by him. He rudely pulled it out, strangling it by the throat.

　　"You bastard, you were able to find me—"

　　The white humanoid looked in amazement as the ninja dragged itself out of the rock wall and strangled its throat like lightning.

　　Before he could finish speaking, with a click, his throat was crushed, and he died of breathlessness.

　　"What is this?"

　　"Who knows, he has been monitoring us before... No, the guy monitoring Akatsuki is Akatsuki's enemy?"

　　The male ninja who dragged the white creature out of the rock wall wasn't quite sure of the eerie humanoid's identity either.

　　"It doesn't look like a normal human. Is it a modified human being? It's very similar to some of the modified creatures of 'Doctor', but this life force is much stronger than ordinary people, and it still remains in the body after death..."

　　The bug man squatted down, with a hint of scrutiny in his eyes.

　　"Take it back and show it to the doctor. He has always been interested in this kind of weird creature that looks like a human being."

　　Insect Man's opinion was agreed to by the other four.

　　At this moment, the land in front of it began to stand up suddenly. It was a bulge like a human head, with a pair of black eyes that looked like black holes.

　　A pale golden light appeared in the eyes of the black hole, which was not dazzling.

　　The sticky mouth and the head were all made of mud, and there was a deep, thick sound from the mouth.

　　The five people didn't show fear when they saw this more bizarre clay creature, but knelt down on one knee and saluted the creature.

　　Its exposed head is just a part of a complete creature.

　　The insect man smiled and said to the clay man in front of him: "Long time no see, Your Excellency General Tu. Does the doctor have any new instructions?"