130 Chapter 130

Money, no matter which world it exists in, is always supremely important.

Even in the world of ninjas, where supernatural powers reign, it remains true. Otherwise, why would the Uchiha own so many hot spring resorts and inns? Why would the Nara breed large numbers of deer to sell antlers and venison?

Not to mention the clans, even the ninjas themselves risk their lives on missions for the sake of adequate rewards.

The olive branch extended by Kaito serves a clear purpose. On one hand, to prevent their operations from being exposed, he indeed needs sensory ninjas to help handle some affairs.

On the other hand, he aims to draw the Ino-Shika-Chō trio to his side through this matter!

When Kaito met Nara Shikaku again, he first employed the Void Walk. Besides demonstrating his capability to quietly take down Sarutobi Hiruzen, it was also to show Shikaku his strength, thereby setting the stage for the ensuing conversation.

This was a form of intimidation, even if it was carried out for the sake of ensuring safety. Shikaku could understand that, but such actions would inevitably leave an unpleasant feeling.

To soothe these feelings, Kaito had to offer something in return.

Providing tangible benefits through cooperative efforts was naturally his first choice.

"Especially with this approach, it's like killing two birds with one stone."

The chance to both showcase tangible benefits and placate the concerns of their allies while binding them to oneself, is an opportunity no one would likely miss.

Shikaku was indeed moved. As the Minister of Public Affairs, he was well aware of the amount of Konoha's weapon reserves, and how much of these resources were destroyed after their expiry date.

He also understood how much money was spent on maintaining these resources.

Although this expenditure was significant, Konoha was facing an issue - overproduction and excessive reserves!

The village established by the two strongest clans possessed countless mines due to their territorial disputes. This ensured that Konoha never lacked weapons.

Even if half of these weapon reserves were sold, Konoha wouldn't face any problems!

Moreover, these resources were only distributed for free during wartime. Ninja tools for daily use, like kunai and explosive tags, needed to be purchased.

Such a policy was intended to stimulate Konoha's economy, but it also ensured that Konoha's ninjas were never short on supplies.

So, selling off some nearly expired, or even already expired resources, wouldn't be a big deal, right?

This notion surfaced in Shikaku's mind, and he started to think it through.

The conclusion he arrived at was, aside from some moral quandaries, there didn't seem to be any significant issues!

To be honest, Shikaku had always thought about selling weapons to others, as this could greatly enhance Konoha's economic strength.

However, the Third Hokage had no such intentions. Initially, he refused this idea to maintain Konoha's image. But after the Third War, he gave it up so as not to offend other major nations, which was not a good move.

"Since Konoha isn't doing it, and these resources are in excess, waiting for them to expire is a waste. It would be better for us to find ways to sell them!"

This was the real sentiment in Shikaku's heart. However, he was still Nara Shikaku, the Minister of Public Affairs for Konoha.

In doing these things, he also had to consider the interests of Konoha. Moreover, Sarutobi Hiruzen had indeed gone too far this time.

What Kaito said was correct, with the issues concerning the Hyuga and now the Uchiha.

These constant challenges were pushing the limits of the clan ninjas. Did he truly consider Konoha as his private property?

Therefore, he agreed to cooperate with Kaito. He knew very well what this cooperation implied, but this was his stance!

"Your plan is pretty good, but there are many things you haven't considered.

For example, your route planning problem, the issue of ninja reporting before leaving the village. However, I can help you solve these things."

After making the decision, Nara Shikaku also began to express his own suggestions and thoughts.

"As for the division, the Ino-Shika-Chō trio want fifty percent, and I hope Kaito doesn't feel it's a loss.

The Akimichi and Nara families have their own cargo channels and transport teams, and the Yamanaka clan will be responsible for vigilance.

At the same time, I can also provide some policy convenience to ensure that your applications, which may not be readily approved by the Hokage, can be passed smoothly.

Moreover, I can also provide some intelligence functions. After all, the information I can actually get is more accurate than what you can get by sending Shisui to investigate."

Nara Shikaku opened his mouth and asked for fifty percent, which indeed made Kaito involuntarily frown.

But after his explanation, Kaito had to admit that the three clans combined could indeed provide a lot of assistance.

Even based on his description, Kaito had a thought that 'giving them fifty percent might be too little'.

However, such a thought only flashed past. Kaito couldn't easily give in on the issue of benefits, but this time he indeed needed help, so fifty percent is not impossible.

"Agreed, but there is one more condition, that is, I need Minister Shikaku to provide information on other villages' war hiring."

Kaito renegotiated the terms, but his words left Nara Shikaku once again stunned.

"Minister Kaito, what are you trying to do? How big is the reform of the guard department, and how big of a gap have you created?"

Kaito didn't give a complete answer to this question, but his posture let Nara Shikaku perceive something.

After all, the authority of the guard department was too big. If Nara Shikaku didn't consider this, it would be quite unfitting.

In the end, they reached an agreement, and Nara Shikaku also made some commitments.

That is, after the guard department publicly announces its reform measures, he will send his own clan members into it.

"He is indeed a sharp guy."

Kaito lay on the bed and muttered in his heart, this time was different from the last time.

Last time, Kaito hoped the other party could send people, and this time, the other party took the initiative to send people. The difference was indeed significant!

Kaito knew very clearly in his heart, this was the result of everything he had done in the past year.

It was because he had been very restrained, knowing what he should and shouldn't do.

At the same time, he actively changed himself for everyone to see, and established clear ideas and demands for everyone to hear.

After this period of brewing and fermentation, although it was not yet a cup of sweet wine, at least he had the prototype of it!

And Nara Shikaku's choice today proved it all.

Last time, he just recognized Kaito and considered him as part of the clan ninja circle, and now he is a potential collaborator.

"However, they are still a bit cautious about Sarutobi Hiruzen, or to say, impeaching the Hokage is indeed difficult."

The matter of cooperation has been settled, but Nara Shikaku is still a bit conservative about the issue of Sarutobi Hiruzen. But such conservatism is not really a problem.

He made it clear that he needs to contact more people. Only when the number and quality can gain the upper hand.

"At the same time, we need to hold substantive evidence of Sarutobi Hiruzen's dereliction of duty, only then we can take action."

On this point, Kaito agreed rather approvingly, and he had already begun moving in this direction, otherwise he would not have gone to find Kakashi then.

"Eh? Could these pieces of information have been sent over by Kakashi?"

Suddenly, Kaito seemed to have thought of something, but he soon shook his head lightly. If Kakashi sent it, shouldn't it be done openly?

Could it be a lack of trust in me?

Kaito felt that this might be possible, but he wasn't a bad person, let alone a man-eater, why would Kakashi need to fear him?

Thinking about this, Kaito didn't feel like pondering it any further. Regardless of who the informant is, their true intentions would be exposed sooner or later.

Moreover, Kaito thought of an interesting thing, that is, he didn't seem to have a repulsion towards Jiraiya.

Upon careful thinking, it seemed normal. After all, Jiraiya's personality was really not suitable for being the Hokage, but this guy was actually highly qualified.

"However, we still need to watch the subsequent development, but my gains are far more than this!"

Kaito closed his eyes slightly, and his system interface was activated in an instant.

[Current Binding: Uchiha Clan]

[Current Status: Relative Balance - You have solved the internal problems of the clan, and eliminated one of the external enemies, but the development of the clan is multifaceted, and there are still villains]

[Prosperity: 16888 (The basic prosperity of a normal family is 10000)]

[Points have reached one thousand, and one skill draw can be performed]

[Suggestion: Moderate remodeling of the family to truly integrate it into Konoha, and to promote better development of the family]

Looking at these points, Kaito nodded in satisfaction. This time the points added weren't particularly numerous, but at least he could have a skill draw.

Moreover, Kaito believes that once everything he has arranged is completed, his points can definitely achieve a huge multiplication!

But that is something for the future. What Kaito needs to do now is to focus on the present. He is really curious about what skills he can get now.

"I hope that the power of the Emperor will come to me, give me some better skills."

Kaito thought to himself, and soon his system produced another subtitle.

[Based on the current situation of the clan, the host can choose one of three abilities to learn, cultivate, or adapt]

[Soul Furnace (Passive): Each time you kill an enemy, you will receive 5-25 Soul Force according to the enemy's strength. Every 100 Soul Force can enhance your soul or your physical quality, this ability is not limited in number]

[Duel Dance (Passive): You can instantly see through the opponent's flaws, and attacking the flaws can restore your own chakra and stamina, allowing you to engage in long-term combat, even able to kill the opponent in the instant you break through their flaws]

[Divine Ascent (Passive): As your own strength improves to a certain stage, your bloodline and abilities will be repaired or greatly improved]

Kaito stared at the descriptions of his skills, and at that moment, he really wanted to slap himself. Was he dreaming?

Such a divine moment, Kaito had never encountered in his previous life, no matter what game he was playing!

As everyone knows, passives in games are sometimes the most powerful existence.

Although it varies from person to person, the value and significance of passives determine the upper limit of a character's growth.

And right now, Kaito got three passives at once, and none of these passives were simple. How could he not feel surprised?

"Soul Furnace, if I recall correctly, should be the ability of that guy Sion, right?"

In his past life, Kaito may have been an experienced player, but he was not good at games. So, his memory of this skill was not particularly familiar.

Regardless of whether his memory was correct, it did not affect anything. All he needed to pay attention to was the ability itself.

This skill was obviously suitable for large-scale battles, which seemed quite fitting for the war mission Kaito intended to undertake.

And the description of this ability said it could enhance one's soul power and physical qualities. If translated into the understanding of these two powers in this world, isn't that Yin and Yang Release!

The ability to directly enhance his own Yin and Yang Release, and Kaito certainly did not lack places to gain this power.

It's clear how well this ability fits for Kaito, making him quite interested.

As for the Dance of Duels, Kaito didn't find it interesting after one glance.

The effect of this ability allowed one to instantly see the weaknesses of the enemy and strike accordingly.

For others, this ability was indeed strong, but Kaito was an Uchiha. This kind of ability seemed somewhat ostentatious to him.

"My Sharingan has reached the level of Mangekyo. In terms of perception, I would certainly not be inferior to this ability. It can only be said that this ability came a little too late."

Kaito shook his head silently, then focused his gaze on the third ability.

This ability, to be honest, left him stunned when he first saw it. Not because it was bad, but because it was too strong!

If Kaito remembered correctly, this should be the passive ability that Kayle had after modification, and the strength of this passive ability was ridiculously exaggerated.

In the League, there was a saying: when Kassadin and Kayle reached level sixteen, the enemy's base was as good as destroyed!

Although this saying was not entirely applicable before Kaito crossed over, as they all had been more or less nerfed.

But no matter how much they were nerfed, the power of this ability has never changed!

Now, this ability has entered the Naruto world and naturally underwent changes, but such changes seemed even more fitting for Kaito's needs.

"Bloodline repair and ability enhancement, huh?"

Kaito murmured to himself. These two statements had made him almost certain. The ability he was going to choose was this one!

The ninja world, though full of life, still had clear strength levels.

Under the influence of the previous world where bloodline theories held sway, it still had a significant impact here, even to the point of being the foundation that could not be shaken!

The most powerful ninjas in the world, and those who held the most significant influence, were actually those who inherited Bloodline Limits for countless years.

Some of these Bloodline Limits were obtained through postnatal efforts and self-fusion of chakra.

Some were simply blessings from ancestors that could be activated once the power reached a certain level.

These clans with ancestral blessings were not numerous in the ninja world, but they were indeed centuries-old clans with formidable power that instilled fear in others.

These clans were Uchiha, Senju, Hyuga, and the Kaguya clan that was exterminated in the Mist Village.

All four of these clans had one fundamental characteristic: their Bloodline Limits were not formed by merging chakra, but a power naturally hidden in their bloodlines.

This was what truly distinguished them from ordinary people, and once they activated their bloodline powers, it would absolutely be a drastic enhancement.

The Warring States Double God Uchiha Madara and Senju Hashirama need no further explanation. The power of the Hyuga clan and the Kaguya clan also originated from the primal force.

And if one were to trace back this primal force, it would lead to Otsutsuki Hamura and Otsutsuki Kaguya.

...

Kaito has always felt that, like his own brother, the descendants of Otsutsuki Hamura may have their power split into two halves.

However, this division is not his doing, but rather, possibly due to the Hyugas and others descending from the moon and undergoing countless developments, which caused their power to be split.

"After all, after Otsutsuki Kaguya was sealed, Otsutsuki Hamura stayed on the moon.

He never left there in his lifetime. Only his descendants would have really left.

And these descendants who left, I'm afraid their powers began to dwindle in the development of the ninja world, eventually forming today's Hyuga and Kaguya clans."

Whether this theory is correct, Kaito doesn't know, but he knows one thing, that is, these powers are ultimately from the Otsutsuki!

Frankly speaking, whether it's the thousand years of changes in the ninja world, or the wars, at their core, they are just internal clashes within the Otsutsuki clan.

Uchiha, Senju, Hyuga, and now the exterminated Kaguya clan, although their ancestors are different, their most primal bloodlines are all Otsutsuki.

Kaito knows that if he wants to become the truly strongest person in this world, in order to protect his clan and his own life,

The most direct methods are only two. One is to repair the fragmented genes and make his own bloodline complete to obtain the power of the Otsutsuki.

The other, as Kaito sees it, should be a path this world has laid out for those without such terrifying bloodlines.

That is, through the fusion of chakra, the fusion of all types of chakra including Yin-Yang, thereby forming a kekkei tota for the counterattack!

However, just how difficult this path is, just look at how many clans in the entire ninja world have mastered the power of the kekkei genkai.

The fusion of two types of chakra is needed to construct a kekkei genkai, and this alone has already blocked ninety-nine percent of the ninjas.

And for the fusion of three types of chakra, only two people in the entire ninja world have achieved it so far. One is the Second Tsuchikage Mu, and the other is the Third Tsuchikage Onoki.

Besides, there hasn't even been a fusion of four types of chakra, let alone the formation of a kekkei tota with the fusion of seven!

"So for me, the best choice naturally would be that Divine Ascent, which can repair bloodlines."

Kaito took a deep breath. He had made his decision, he knew how to choose now.

Although he admits, he indeed covets the ability 'Soul Furnace', because this skill can enhance his Yin-Yang chakra, and the enhancement speed would be faster.

After all, as long as he defeats enemies, he can gain that so-called soul power, and directly choose which aspect to upgrade.

In contrast, for Divine Ascent, it has clearly stated that one's own strength must reach a certain stage to get an upgrade, so its upgrade speed is obviously not as fast as the Soul Furnace.

"After all, Kayle is a level sixteen hero, and Sion's passive seems to be available as soon as you level it, there is a natural gap between the two."

Kaito sighed a little. If he was really desperate to improve himself now, he would probably directly choose Soul Furnace.

After all, the function of Soul Furnace can be put into play faster and it belongs to something that can yield actual benefits in the short term.

However, in the long run, Divine Ascent is undoubtedly a better choice, because Kaito's current power is really not weak.

He can fight, he can run, and he can indeed set his sights a bit longer, choosing to prepare for everything in the future.

"I choose the ability, Divine Ascent."

[Host has made a choice, choosing ability - Divine Ascent]

[Divine Ascent is activating]

As the system subtitles appeared again in his pupils, Kaito immediately felt a trace of heat in his body.

With the onset of such a heat, he suddenly found that the chakra within his body began to roll uncontrollably.

Not just the chakra, even Kaito's eyes turned into Sharingan involuntarily at this moment.

Three tomoe, quickly spinning and linking, forming the distinctive Mangekyo Sharingan!

The patterns of the Mangekyo also began to swirl at this moment, a strange and powerful aura began to emanate from him.

Suddenly, Kaito felt a strange force appearing within his body, a force he was not unfamiliar with at all!

"Is this... the same power within Shisui and Fugaku?"

Kaito silently sensed everything, the appearance of such power made him certain that he was indeed changing.

And such a change was undoubtedly compensating for the half of the power lost in his body!

However, Kaito found it odd, he remembered that both Shisui and Fugaku had reactions to some extent when they accepted this power.

But he was different, he felt that although the appearance of power in his body made him uncomfortable, it was just that.

He had no other adverse feelings, it could even be said that his body's acceptance of such power was much higher than he had imagined!

"Is it because of Ascension, or because I used the Duskbringer before, which strengthened my body and made me stronger, that such a result occurred?"

Kaito pondered silently in his mind, but he felt that both of these were inseparable.

Just how exaggerated was the physical strength of Hashirama Senju, Kaito knew.

With such physical strength, he could heal in an instant as long as the wound was not serious.

Such physical fitness was not comparable to Tsunade in the future, and it was this physical fitness that put him in a relative advantage in the confrontation with Uchiha Madara.

Of course, Madara Uchiha's physical strength was not bad either, after all, in order to use Susanoo, one needs to have a good body to withstand its power.

In the original, whether it was Sasuke or Itachi Uchiha, after using Susanoo, apart from the problems with their eyes, there was one very obvious manifestation.

That was they felt intense pain all over their bodies!

Such a massive chakra was carried on their bodies, and such chakra was filled with the destructive power of Yin Release.

A normal person would already feel uncomfortable just sensing it, let alone having it cover their whole body.

Fortunately, Uchihas, due to their Sharingan, are naturally compatible with Yin Release power, which allowed them to use Susanoo.

But the higher the intensity, the greater the power their bodies need to carry, and the more pressure they themselves bear.

Kaito, however, was different. When he activated the third stage of Susanoo, other than feeling a bit uncomfortable in his eyes and a rapid consumption of chakra,

There was little else, his body did not react as violently, because his physical condition was just too good!

"After all, no matter where you are, your own physical condition is extremely important."

Kaito silently murmured, then turned his attention to his skill.

It was a growth type, a skill that required Kaito to adapt, so naturally he needed to understand more information.

[Divine Ascent Activated]

[Divine Ascent is divided into three stages: Ascending, Fervor, and Transcendence]

[These three stages correspond to the host's different power cycles. Currently, the host has activated the power of the Ascending stage]

[Ascending: Initial access to genetic repair, and receiving corresponding chakra reinforcement]

[Friendly reminder, all enhancement processes will be extraordinarily painful, because this process will improve the host's physical fitness to meet the needs of adapting to power. If you wish to avoid such pain, the host needs to further strengthen their physical fitness]

[Current Host Level - Ascending]

Kaito silently looked at everything displayed on the system. Essentially, he was certain his speculation was correct.

As expected, the reason he did not feel any pain was because he had already experienced it before, and he also confirmed one thing.

That is, the power produced by this Divine Ascent was the same as the power that appeared in the experiments conducted by Shisui and others. This also means that the direction of this experiment is correct!

This is good news because Kaito can then proceed with the next experiment more confidently and radiate the whole clan through such experiments.

"An entire family has been greatly uplifted. This makes the clan safer, and I don't have to worry about sudden mishaps."

Kaito is in a good mood now. The acquisition of one skill clarified so many questions for him. How could he not feel happy?

Moreover, he thought of something. The power of the Divine Ascent is divided into three levels. Could they correspond to the three stages of his power improvement?

"Now I'm in Mangekyō Sharingan mode, and I'm in the Ascending stage on the Ascension Pathway.

Does this mean that once I reach the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, I can initiate the state of Fervor?

Then, does the Transcendence stage correspond to the Rinnegan?"

Kaito muttered to himself quietly. However, he quickly felt that something was wrong. He felt that the state of Transcendence should not be as simple as just the Rinnegan.

As we all know, reaching the Rinnegan stage is not really reaching the final sublimation. Uchiha Madara had set a classic example for everyone.

After activating the Rinnegan, he still had to absorb the power of the Ten-Tails to finally ascend to become the legendary Otsutsuki Kaguya, also known as the Six Paths level!

"Or is it that Transcendence hasn't reached the final stage?"

Kaito muttered to himself. However, he quickly stopped thinking about these messy things.

Because even now, his Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan is still in a state of uncertainty.

He can indeed see the 'door' faintly, but he is still some distance from that 'door'. Not to mention, how to break the door when he gets there is another problem.

....

After acquiring the Divine Ascent, Kaito could clearly feel his power increasing day by day.

Although the rate of increase was not great, it was still a good thing for him.

After all, at this point, if Kaito wanted to improve his strength, he could only seek breakthroughs from other aspects.

And the only things Kaito could think of were developing new chakra attributes and completing the transformation and qualitative change of the chakra attributes he possessed.

This process is tedious and troublesome, but when it comes to improving himself, Kaito would not be the least bit negligent, especially when he has ways to 'cheat'.

"Among the ninja techniques invented by the Second Hokage, the Shadow Clone Technique is absolutely the most convenient and practical one, second to none!"

Recalling the shadow clone he left within his clan, Kaito, sitting in the Security Department, couldn't help but flash a smile on the corner of his mouth. Subsequently, he lowered his head and began reading documents.

As the director of the Security Department, he felt somewhat embarrassed, as even he didn't know how many times he had been to the department.

This pitifully low number of visits might have led to problems in any other department – at the very least, a suspension.

However, the Uchiha clan held sway over the Security Department, and he had the final say on everything. So even if he didn't show up often, no one would say anything.

Moreover, Uchiha Fugaku had been continuously helping Kaito handle matters in the Security Department, making him feel that if necessary, he could rehire the former director.

"Becoming a deputy director to help me deal with many things doesn't seem like a bad idea?"

Looking at the documents in his hand, Kaito couldn't help but muse. However, this was merely a thought for now. Once the Security Department was fully operational, Uchiha Fugaku would have plenty to do.

"It seems that the people from the Hyuga clan are performing quite well. They've already completed the preliminary training and examination."

Looking at the documents in his hand, Kaito nodded. The person sent by the Hyuga clan had arrived when Kaito was still adjusting to and understanding the changes brought about by the Ascension Phase.

His name was Hyuga Minamoto, a disciple from a branch family, older than Kaito and the same age as Kakashi.

Moreover, this guy had participated in an almost complete Third Shinobi War and was considered a quite competent member of the Hyuga clan.

Kaito didn't know how Hyuga Hiashi had managed to convince him to come to the Security Department, but his attitude was indeed quite good.

When Kaito met him, he didn't show any superfluous emotions like questioning his appointment or a melodramatic resignation to his fate.

He seemed very humble and willing to obey orders.

Kaito told him that all Security Department members had to study the internal information and action guidelines diligently, remember all of Konoha's laws and regulations, and even take exams.

He agreed without any hesitation, even promising to do his best.

Such an attitude really pleased Kaito, and such a choice made Kaito realize that Hyuga Hiashi was indeed planning to cooperate well with him.

"This is good news. It seems I'll have to find time to have a good conversation with Hyuga Hiashi.

Moreover, as one of the major clans in Konoha, the Hyuga clan can definitely assist with the matter of Sarutobi Hiruzen."

Kaito wouldn't forget about the Hyuga clan. If we're talking about influence, they're not inferior to the Uchiha, and their dislike for Sarutobi Hiruzen isn't less than that of the Uchiha either.

Such a natural ally, Kaito will certainly maintain a good relationship with them.

Even in necessary situations, Kaito would seriously consider pulling them into the 'weapon trade' cooperation framework he and Nara Shikaku had established.

Kaito amusingly thought, the Shinobi World also has its big five rogues. This is quite interesting. However, among these five rogues, none can be considered good.

After all, it's common for them to interfere in other countries with military power, and Konoha itself does the same.

After all, it's in consideration of their own interests, no one can blame anyone.

As for weapons, Kaito didn't know much. After all, these matters are always extremely confidential, and they have little to do with Kaito himself.

He only knew that with the help of Nara Shikaku and others, his application had been smoothly approved, and he had cleverly obtained the 'Expired Weapon Disposal Right'.

Actually, this right was not with Kaito, but with the Akimichi clan.

However, considering their current partnership, this right had effectively fallen into Kaito's hands!

This made Kaito marvel at the fact that he obtained so much by only giving up 50% of the benefits. Truly an excellent deal.

"The weapon materials I've applied for, along with those already prepared, and those expired weapons, even if sold at a lower price, could still bring in a huge profit!"

It's entirely conceivable that as long as this business runs smoothly, the future Security Department will never lack funds!

"Knock, knock, knock."

Just then, there was a knock at the door of Kaito's office. This brought Kaito back to his senses, and he promptly invited the knocker to enter.

When the door opened, the smile on Kaito's face became even brighter.

Because the person who arrived this time was Shisui, who had been away for a while!

//

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