"I am very sorry, but I am afraid we truly cannot agree to this matter."
"Lord Shinobi Head, can you not see how much benefit this would bring to your village?"
"Shikaku-sama, naturally, I can see that. But if we do this, my village will completely become Konoha's subordinate. Besides, has your Konoha committed few sins in the Land of Hot Water?"
"Is that so? I think I understand."
Nara Shikaku's expression was not especially good as he left the meeting hall. In truth, he had already expected that this meeting would not be an easy matter.
After all, Nara Shikaku knew that what he represented Konoha in doing was truly very unfair to these small countries and shinobi villages.
To put it bluntly, it was directly turning them into Konoha's puppets.
If these fellows still had even a little ambition, even a little desire to control their own strength and power, then they would not agree so easily.
The truth was exactly this. The Shinobi Head Nara Shikaku faced was precisely such a person.
He looked as if he was full of righteousness, wanting to prevent Konoha from completely occupying the Land of Hot Water.
But in reality, he wanted to preserve his own position, preserving his position as the Shinobi Head of Yugakure.
In this kind of world, if one did not grasp power, their ending would be extremely miserable.
Unfortunately, right now, neither Natsuhiko nor all of Konoha would be willing to let these small villages hold power that did not depend on them.
During Sarutobi Hiruzen's era, they were still powerless to do anything, because at that time, it was most suitable for each village to control half.
Even though they had won both the Second Great Ninja War and the Third Great Ninja War, they had also paid painful prices.
Of course, during Sarutobi Hiruzen's era, they had also never thought of such a thing.
After all, back then, they did not have as many ideas as Natsuhiko, and they would not spend effort helping other countries and villages develop.
But now, the times had changed. Natsuhiko would not allow these small villages to set themselves up as kings of the mountain on "his own territory."
"It seems that this negotiation cannot be considered smooth."
After returning to the lounge, Senju Hashirama was the first to speak.
"That fellow clearly will not let go easily, but the Fifth Hokage's plan is indeed somewhat unfriendly toward these shinobi villages."
"Every reform and every advance requires a price to be paid." Nara Shikaku was still extremely respectful when facing Senju Hashirama. He patiently explained to him in a slow voice.
"We are going to invest so much, and we are also helping them restore their armed strength.
"If they do not completely lean toward us, then our losses will be very large.
"Most importantly, if they turn against us after we carefully train them, then that would be equal to us personally cultivating our own enemies.
"So no matter how one looks at it, and no matter how cruel it may be, confirming what should be confirmed from the very beginning is the choice that causes the least harm to both sides."
"All right, all right. I am not a child. Naturally, I understand these things."
Nara Shikaku explained in great detail, but it was precisely this level of detail that made Senju Hashirama feel extremely helpless.
This feeling was just like when he faced his own younger brother. Back then, when Tobirama explained certain things to him, he would also explain them in great detail.
At first, Senju Hashirama thought Senju Tobirama was doing it to help him understand things more deeply. Later, he realized that was indeed part of the reason.
However, there was another meaning behind it as well—Tobirama was worried that he might not understand their intentions or grasp why they were doing such things in the first place. He was practically treating him like a child.
"Do not worry. The Fifth Hokage already told me about these matters long ago, so I already have mental preparation."
Senju Hashirama shook his head slightly and spoke seriously.
"Tobirama also advised me. He asked whether using the blood of a small number of people in exchange for the peace of an entire place was worth it.
"I seriously thought about this question, and I also understand it and can accept it.
"This time, I came here purely to walk around and take a look. Do not worry, I will not interfere with your actions."
"I understand, Lord First."
Nara Shikaku smiled and nodded. After that, his gaze also became dangerous.
Originally, when he came this time, he had still intended to give Yugakure a dignified choice.
But since they did not plan to be dignified, then according to the Hokage-sama's words, he would properly help them become dignified.
Konoha's troops were stationed at the border of the Land of Hot Water and had not entered immediately, but that did not mean they would not enter.
After all, what would happen next truly required enough manpower to maintain public order.
There were indeed Konoha troops inside the Land of Hot Water. They had been left behind after Kumogakure was defeated back then.
However, at that time, Konoha had not completely planned to occupy the Land of Hot Water, nor did they have Natsuhiko's current plan, so there truly were not many people left behind.
But the current situation was completely different. They were going to manage the Land of Hot Water as their own territory.
Even if this territory would still be called the "Land of Hot Water" in the future, almost everything here would belong to Konoha afterward.
If they did not watch it carefully and handle it properly, then the losses would be their own.
...
"Rokushiro, are you ready?"
After thinking for a moment, Nara Shikaku directly turned to look at Nara Rokushiro.
Nara Rokushiro had also come along this time, and he had a very important mission on this trip.
In truth, Nara Rokushiro was also very helpless. He had never expected that the dream he had imagined, where there would be fewer and fewer matters and lighter and lighter missions, would be completely impossible to realize.
On the contrary, he now had more and more matters to handle, and his missions were becoming heavier and heavier.
Especially after his old commander became Hokage, his nightmare could be said to have begun.
He had always thought that his time in the Anbu could already be considered a nightmare, but reality proved that he had truly underestimated his old commander.
However, he did not dare to complain too much. Otherwise, his old superior would not let him off, and his cousin Nara Shikaku would also not let him off.
Hearing Nara Shikaku's words, he immediately nodded and said, "It has already been prepared. The Anbu already investigated the relationships between all sides within Yugakure earlier.
"They only need a little contact, and we can be certain that some people will not refuse us, nor will they be able to refuse us."
"Very good. Then you will handle this matter. I hope to receive an answer within these two days."
Nara Shikaku nodded seriously as he spoke. Then his gaze turned toward Yahiko and Nagato, who were standing to the side.
"You two should also prepare yourselves. Although I do not know why Hokage-sama allowed you to participate in this mission, since you have received Hokage-sama's approval, I will also trust you.
"In a while, I will hand our plan over to you. Study it carefully over these next two days.
"Once you are familiar with it, I believe we will have finished what we need to do on our side, and the rest will be your turn."
At this point, Nara Shikaku paused slightly before continuing.
"I only hope that you will not disappoint us, and even more, that you will not disappoint Hokage-sama."
"Please rest assured, Shikaku-san."
Yahiko revealed a smile, then nodded with great seriousness.
"Hokage-sama allowed us to come here to learn, so naturally, we will not disappoint Hokage-sama.
"Moreover, I believe Hokage-sama can accomplish everything he said."
Yahiko truly believed in Natsuhiko, though even he could not explain why he believed in him.
At first, he had even thought that perhaps he had been controlled by Natsuhiko's jutsu, but he did not dare tell Nagato about this matter.
After all, he did not want Nagato to confront Konoha because of something like this.
Putting aside the fact that Nagato was simply not Natsuhiko's opponent, Konoha's combat strength alone was enough to completely wipe the Land of Rain off the map. That was something he did not want to see.
Moreover, he could also understand some things. After all, if Natsuhiko revived him and he then started messing around, that would probably make Natsuhiko feel very helpless as well.
After the matter with Nagato was handled, Yahiko followed Nagato and came to Konoha once again.
According to Natsuhiko, this time, they were going to learn, and they also needed to do some things.
He was very curious about what Konoha intended to do this time, and also about what they intended to have them do.
Following Konoha's team, their group arrived in the Land of Hot Water, and very soon, they entered Yugakure and met the Shinobi Head here.
During this meeting, Yahiko watched in shock as Nara Shikaku made a proposal to Yugakure's Shinobi Head that was truly beyond imagination.
Full support, complete assistance, and such a large-scale investment of resources that it would not be wrong to call it raising a son.
However, Yahiko remained very calm. After all, he was the person who had founded the Akatsuki, and he immediately began thinking about where the key point lay.
But he did not need to think too deeply before he immediately understood the meaning behind it.
That was, Konoha intended to completely, reasonably, and legally turn the Land of Hot Water into its own.
Even if the Land of Hot Water still retained its nominal integrity, in essence, it had already taken Konoha's shape.
Thinking of this, he seemed to begin understanding exactly how Konoha intended to do things.
Even though he had not yet seen Konoha's plan, he felt that his guess should be more or less correct.
The Shinobi Head of Yugakure was clearly also a smart person, and he saw through Konoha's purpose at a glance.
If one said his mind was clear, that would be true, because if he really allowed Konoha to fully interfere, then he would lose everything in Yugakure.
But if one said his mind was not clear, that would also be very natural, because facing a massive existence like Konoha, could he truly resist?
However, Yahiko did not care about this. He was thinking about one question, and that was how they should choose if Konoha reached its hand toward them.
This question somewhat troubled Yahiko, but after he fully received Konoha's plan, it seemed that this was no longer a troubling matter.
Moreover, he seemed to understand why he trusted Natsuhiko. The first point was that Natsuhiko was the Hokage, and his own teacher also came from Konoha.
Even though he could tell that Natsuhiko was not satisfied with his teacher, this did not prevent him from having a good impression of Konoha.
The second point was that Natsuhiko had helped Nagato answer some questions, and the questions that were solved were also many things that Yahiko himself had never figured out.
Although it had to be said that the answer Natsuhiko gave had truly struck his beliefs, it was also much closer to reality.
With these factors included, even if Natsuhiko did nothing else, Yahiko would indeed trust him.
And now, after seeing this plan, he felt even more respect for Natsuhiko.
Natsuhiko's plan was bloody, because those who did not listen would be killed by him without mercy.
But what could not be denied was that Natsuhiko's plan could bring peace to the shinobi world, and even bring development beyond imagination.
Natsuhiko had said before that the reason the shinobi world could not truly be peaceful was because it could not be equal.
And since the First Hokage had missed the chance to completely integrate the shinobi world, such inequality would continue.
Even if the shinobi world was forcibly integrated, what it would bring would only be endless hatred.
But Natsuhiko's method was very different. Under the condition of reasonable regulation and integration of resources, he would make them merge into Konoha on their own.
He would help them develop their economy, help them develop their military, and help them obtain a better life.
Although Konoha would benefit from this method, since after giving so much, how could they possibly want nothing in return?
But to speak honestly, with Konoha's protection and help, this village would absolutely become better, even if this village and even the country had to change masters.
After all, if Konoha helped you develop your military, it would not train ungrateful wolves for itself.
When that time came, what difference would there be between the Land of Hot Water and the Land of Fire?
The only difference might be the name.
So, if Konoha reaches its hand toward the Land of Rain, I do not think I will oppose it.
In fact, I will even take the initiative to cooperate with Konoha in completing all of this. Only then can the residents of the Land of Rain obtain a better life.
Yahiko sighed in his heart. At the same time, he also told Nagato all of his analysis and thoughts.
Nagato then began to think seriously. After a long while, he suddenly nodded, as if he also felt that this idea was truly good.
As the actual controller of the Land of Rain, Nagato understood better than anyone what kind of living conditions the Land of Rain currently had.
Although under his control, everyone had basically lived peaceful days, after coming to Konoha and walking around, he discovered that the difference in living standards and living conditions between the two sides was truly like heaven and earth.
If Natsuhiko's plan could allow the Land of Rain to obtain such a standard of living as well, then he would absolutely not hesitate at all.
Nagato himself was not a person who coveted power and authority. The reason he controlled the Akatsuki and controlled the Land of Rain was, on one hand, for revenge, and on the other hand, to carry the dream they had held when they were young.
If possible, he would rather follow behind Yahiko instead of handling this series of problems himself.
He had always believed that he was truly far inferior to Yahiko.
"However, the key problem right now is not whether Konoha will go to our place.
"Rather, it is whether our place has anything that can attract Konoha to come."
Yahiko scratched his head with a slightly troubled expression, and this question also made Nagato somewhat depressed.
Aside from raining all day, the Land of Rain seemed to have no other resources, right?
"Forget it. Let us not think about this question."
Yahiko recovered very quickly, then looked at Nagato seriously and said, "This time, Hokage-sama had us come here to learn properly, and also to make us serve as his blade.
"He has to consider Konoha's reputation, so he probably does not want Konoha ninja to act directly.
"And we are his blade. At the same time, we must also handle everything properly. Do you understand?"
"Do not worry. I will not disappoint you."
Nagato nodded, then said seriously, "Likewise, I will not disappoint that Hokage-sama either!"
Through this contact with Natsuhiko, Nagato had already completely understood what his direction was.
Moreover, with Yahiko's approval of Natsuhiko, as well as what he had seen with his own eyes, he had completely determined that not a single word from Black Zetsu and Obito had been true.
Natsuhiko was the destroyer of the world, and he possessed eyes that would destroy the world?
If he had continued following them, then he would be the destroyer of the world, while Natsuhiko seemed much more like the savior, right?
The moment he thought of this, he became extremely angry. Back then, had he truly believed them?
And the current price was that he still needed to act like a fool and think about shouldering the destruction of those invaders from Kumogakure.
The more Nagato thought about it, the angrier he became. He simply could not understand why he had been so stupid.
As for whether Nagato was stupid or not, Natsuhiko felt there was no need to doubt it too much. After all, in Natsuhiko's view, anyone who treated himself as a god had more or less something wrong with his brain.
Natsuhiko's strength had already reached such a level, but he had never once treated himself as a god, because he had always known that there was always someone stronger.
Putting aside everything else, just Senju Hashirama alone had never treated himself as a god.
Even though the shinobi world had always given him the title of God of Shinobi, he had never directly responded to it.
It was not only him. Even Uchiha Madara was the same. What he spoke of had always been the power of the Uchiha or his own power, not some kind of divine power.
A proud person might believe he could become a god step by step, but he would absolutely not keep saying such a thing every moment.
...
It seems Yahiko and Nagato have done fairly well.
Inside the Hokage's Office in Konoha, Natsuhiko looked at the report in his hand and silently thought to himself. Although Nagato's brain was not very useful, his strength was beyond question.
After all, in the future, he would rely on his own power to soar above Konoha and unleash a devastating Shinra Tensei upon the village.
Having him deal with a small Yugakure, and not even in a battle to destroy the village, was truly overkill.
It was only a simple matter of killing some disobedient people so Konoha's hands would not be dirtied.
But no matter what kind of blade it was, as long as it was a good blade, that was enough. Clearly, Nagato was a good blade, and a very sharp one.
Nara Rokushiro had cooperated with the Anbu to investigate the various forces inside the Land of Hot Water in advance, and they had also figured out the power structure within Yugakure.
Therefore, after they selected suitable candidates, they made contact with them, and after receiving a satisfactory answer, Nagato began to act.
That night, Nagato did not leave behind a single survivor. He could be said to have killed the entire family, old and young, which also completely helped Natsuhiko solve a problem.
After this matter was handled, Nagato and Yahiko remained in the Land of Hot Water. They also wanted to see how Konoha would act afterward.
Natsuhiko had no opinion about this, and he was even eager for Senju Hashirama to remain there as well.
Unfortunately, Senju Hashirama still returned with Shikaku, while Rokushiro temporarily stayed there.
After all, such an important matter still needed someone to be responsible for it. Nara Shikaku and Natsuhiko looked left and right, up and down, and both felt that Nara Rokushiro was the most suitable person.
As a result, Nara Rokushiro helplessly gained another mission. He could now be considered to have seen things clearly. Back when he entered the Anbu, it was equal to entering a wolf's den.
In this lifetime, he could forget about ever living a relaxed life properly.
"You did well. Since that is the case, let us begin the next stage of the plan."
Natsuhiko placed the report in his hand to the side, then spoke to Nara Shikaku, who stood respectfully before him.
"Sora, show Department Head Shikaku the file regarding the batch of supplies and subsidies we negotiated with the Finance Department earlier."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Sora nodded, then stood up and handed a document to Nara Shikaku.
As a private secretary, Sora needed to stay with Natsuhiko often and help him with many tasks, which also included matters such as meeting records.
Although this was only a private meeting, it still needed to be recorded.
Such records were not for anything else. For example, at certain critical moments, they could serve as evidence for Natsuhiko and prevent certain people from arguing with him within the rules.
Nara Shikaku felt that this method was very good. Moreover, he had already been assigned two secretaries himself. Only ministers could be assigned both an administrative secretary and a private secretary.
After some time, he discovered that his work pressure had indeed been relieved, and many matters could also be handled much more easily.
Sometimes, he truly felt emotional. Although Hokage-sama Natsuhiko was young, the things in his mind were truly fancy, yet while they were fancy, they were also genuinely practical.
Silently picking up the document in his hand, Nara Shikaku quickly and seriously began reading through it.
There were indeed many materials mentioned in this document, including weapons, equipment, and funds for all aspects.
Moreover, this was only the initial assistance plan. As their discussions with Yugakure continued, they would obtain more, and at the same time, they would invest more.
"I understand, Hokage-sama."
After Nara Shikaku finished reading the document completely, he immediately nodded and said, "We will carry out this matter as soon as possible, but in terms of funds, are we still sufficient?"
"The Finance Department said there should be no problem, but I think we can go find the Daimyo if necessary."
Natsuhiko touched his chin and spoke with a smile on his face.
"After all, the Daimyo is very rich. We have provided him with so much protection, so I think it is only normal for him to give a little more, right?"
Normal?
This is pure robbery, Hokage-sama!
Nara Shikaku inwardly shook his head, but outwardly, he still nodded with a serious expression, showing his approval of the plan.
Taking money directly from the Daimyo did not give him much of a mental burden either. In any case, that Daimyo had already been tricked once, so being tricked again was also normal.
After a brief exchange, Nara Shikaku left the office, and Natsuhiko also planned to leave.
At this point in time, being alone with Sora would make him feel especially awkward, and Sora was the same.
After all, he still had plenty of time. Some things could be slowly handled in the future.
Moreover, he could now feel that after this period of brewing, his eyes seemed to have reached a new limit.
If nothing unexpected happened, Natsuhiko's Jōgan should also experience three stages, just like the Tenseigan.
Especially after absorbing a large amount of the Tenseigan's power, this feeling became even stronger for him.
Strictly speaking, his Jōgan was currently only in its initial stage, probably similar to Nagato's use and control of the Rinnegan.
At present, aside from providing an extraordinary "super perception," his Jōgan also gave him the Jōgan Chakra Mode, which could substantially increase Natsuhiko's power.
Jōgan Chakra Mode was indeed useful. Natsuhiko could clearly feel this, so much so that in many of his current battles, he would choose to rely on this mode.
Of course, the power of the Jōgan was far from limited to this. He had also grasped some abilities unique to this kind of high-level eye.
For example, controlling attractive and repulsive forces. By relying on the Jōgan, Natsuhiko could also fly in the sky. If not for this ability, he might not have been able to fight on the Moon.
Natsuhiko had already understood the importance of air superiority very clearly in his previous life. In the shinobi world, there were very few people who could fly, but that did not mean air superiority was unimportant.
On the contrary, it was precisely because there were so few that it became even more important.
The reason the Sky Ninja had been wiped out completely was, to put it plainly, because their combat mobility was too strong.
When they were in the sky, you basically had no way to deal with them. It would be strange if people did not hate such enemies, so their destruction was only natural.
It was just that they had hidden their technology too well. Even after they were wiped out, no one discovered where their technology was.
However, Natsuhiko did know some things, but the current Konoha was not yet suitable for developing that kind of thing.
The initial stage has already provided such strong power, so what kind of power will the new Jōgan, the true first stage, provide?
In the forest outside Konoha that belonged to Natsuhiko's garden, Natsuhiko silently sat on the ground.
His eyes were tightly closed as he felt the constantly boiling power within them, and felt the continuous changes in his eyes. He knew that perhaps today, everything would change.
His eyes had already begun to ache slightly. In particular, he could feel that along with the changes in his eyes, all the chakra in his body, except for the power of the Tailed Beasts, had been mobilized.
Even Yin–Yang Release had already begun to circulate rapidly.
Along with this circulation, Natsuhiko clearly felt that something special seemed to be forming somewhere in the unseen.
This thing blended together all the chakra Natsuhiko was familiar with, and even Yin–Yang Release was not spared.
Moreover, as Natsuhiko's Jōgan rapidly improved, this thing continued to merge together, and as Jōgan chakra kept mixing into it, it became incredibly solid.
Could it be the Truth-Seeking Balls?
Natsuhiko immediately thought of something in his heart. After all, as a transmigrator, it was impossible for him not to know how the Truth-Seeking Balls were formed.
Truth-Seeking Balls were formed through the fusion of Yin–Yang Release and all five chakra natures. Their power even surpassed ordinary kekkei genkai and kekkei tōta.
In the original story, Naruto had obtained the Truth-Seeking Balls, which gave him the capital to clash head-on with Ōtsutsuki Kaguya.
Moreover, the Truth-Seeking Balls combined offense and defense, and they could transform in countless ways. Naruto had used the Truth-Seeking Balls to block who knew how many of Ōtsutsuki Kaguya's attacks.
Most importantly, the Truth-Seeking Balls belonged to the category of ninjutsu, not the category of kekkei mōra.
This meant that as long as one possessed the power born from Yin, Yang, and all five chakra natures, it was possible to obtain Truth-Seeking Balls.
But in truth, after Natsuhiko had long possessed Yin–Yang Release and the advanced states of all five chakra natures, he still had not truly obtained this thing.
Although Natsuhiko had also been very puzzled about why this was the case, when he thought about how there were not many people in the original story who used the Truth-Seeking Balls either, he stopped thinking too much about it.
And today, it seemed that he could finally touch the power of the Truth-Seeking Balls in the truest sense.
This is really something to look forward to.
Natsuhiko kept his eyes tightly closed and silently sensed everything. His eyes had already begun to grow somewhat scorching, and along with this heat, he clearly felt that his eyes were transforming.
The instant the chakra in his eyes reached its peak, a surge of deep blue chakra suddenly wrapped around him completely.
He had not taken the initiative to activate Jōgan Chakra Mode, and he was not in the state of Chakra Mode right now either. His whole body still looked extremely clear.
However, as this chakra continued to grow stronger, his aura also became stronger and stronger, and a power that made people feel fear and despair continuously flowed out from his body.
At this moment, the trees around him began to move without wind, and the animals nearby had long since fled far away, as if they had sensed that something terrifying had appeared.
In the sky, a faint golden beam of light suddenly fell upon him, making him appear so sacred at this moment.
The power of the Tenseigan? What is going on?
In an instant, Natsuhiko recognized what this faint golden power was, and it truly made him extremely curious.
However, the descent of this power also made Natsuhiko clearly feel that the changes in his body had begun to accelerate, especially the changes coming from his eyes.
No one knew exactly how much time had passed. Those vast amounts of chakra continued to surge, and all the powers inside his body began to completely merge and become his own.
The heat in his eyes began to fade, and an indescribably special feeling filled his entire body.
He slowly opened his eyes, and in that instant, the power from the Moon that had passed through the spatial passage vanished without a trace. The chakra originating from Natsuhiko himself suddenly shot straight into the clouds.
He slowly opened his eyes fully, and those eyes shining with brilliant deep blue flowing light became even deeper and even more mysterious.
...
Name: Senju Natsuhiko
Gender: Male
Birthday: March 24, Konoha Year 34
Level: Kage Level (system assessment without using any abilities) (large chakra reserves)
Dōjutsu: Jōgan, (First Stage). (Development Progress: Zero.)
Bloodline Development: Intermediate (Senju Secret Techniques) (Beginner Yang Release Secret Techniques) (Kekkei Tōta: Unnamed) (Beginner Yin Release Secret Techniques) (Yin–Yang Release; can improve alongside the advancement of Yin Release and Yang Release)
Jinchūriki: Nine-Tails. (Two-Tails, Three-Tails, Eight-Tails) (Intermediate. Can grow by devouring large amounts of special chakra) (Can grow by planting Advanced Nine-Tails Fruit) (Has absorbed excessive chakra and is continuously growing.)
Seeds: None.
Fruits: Intermediate Fire Release Fruit (1), Intermediate Water Release Fruit (1), Intermediate Earth Release Fruit (1), Sharingan Origin Seed Fruit (1), Advanced Lightning Release Fruit (1).
Missions: Become the True Final Boss of the Shinobi World (Unique) (Progress: 85%). Ten-Tails Jinchūriki (Optional). (Currently possesses the Nine-Tails, Eight-Tails, and Three-Tails. Fusion progress not activated)
...
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