194Kirin TalentAI Model: gemini-2.5-flashChapter 194: The Qilin Talent
Naruto, as usual, bought a copy of the ninja world daily.
As he expected, the incident in the Desert of Illusions had been exposed, with some key parts omitted.
In a sense, this newspaper was the culprit behind the Fujiwara Clan's predicament.
In the past, such news would never have become common knowledge.
Only the great nobles of the Land of Fire would know.
The Fujiwara Clan could have easily made some shady deals to let the matter drop.
But now, it was difficult.
Nobles didn't care about the lives of commoners, but they cared about their reputation.
"Mysterious Golden Dragon Enters and Exits the Desert of Illusions, What is the Wailing from its Depths?"
Naruto read the headline, his heart filled with a chaotic mix of emotions.
As absurd as ever.
Further down, a slightly more normal headline appeared.
"Suspected Ruins Appear in the Land of Demons, Possibly Left by Ashura a Thousand Years Ago."
Naruto raised an eyebrow.
This wave of publicity was quite good.
Such a huge commotion in the Desert of Illusionswould inevitably attract the attention of interested parties.
The exhibition of the terracotta army of Moryo in the Land of Demons was at least a success in its first step.
No wonder he saw Moryo in the labyrinth back then.
So this time, it should be considered a joint exercise of the three Shadow Clones?
Naruto returned home, opened the door, and smiled when he saw the familiar shoes at the entrance.
The air was filled with a faint aroma of meat.
He changed his shoes.
Hinata, wearing a white apron, stood in the kitchen, preparing lunch.
She was humming a tune.
Naruto listened; it was
"What are we eating today?"
The sudden question startled Hinata.
She was too focused and hadn't noticed Naruto.
Perhaps it was subconscious trust.
Given a Ninja's alertness, an ordinary person approaching would have been discovered long ago.
"Ah, Naruto-kun?"
Hinata quickly composed herself and said, "It's tempura."
Naruto wasn't surprised.
He actually quite liked tempura.
Without disturbing Hinata's cooking, lunch was soon served.
"Tsunade-sama gave me a mission."
Naruto explained the situation while eating.
Hinata was clearly very happy.
She didn't care about Fujiwara Tokai; she only knew that she would be going on a mission with Naruto.
It meant they would have time alone together.
As for Neji, she ignored him.
Brother Neji is so sensible; he wouldn't be a third wheel, would he?
Hinata thought.
It would be best if they could go on the mission alone.
Naruto didn't know what his wife was thinking; he brought Neji along because he wanted him to get in touch with the White Lotus Sect.
His Brother-in-law's personality was calm and steady.
Being a Ninja was actually a waste of his talent; his dream should be grander than being confined to the Hyuga Clan.
The definition of a Ninja is a killing machine.
But not everyone can serve as a killing machine.
Therefore, division of labor is very necessary.
Naruto was deep in thought.
Hinata had already finished washing the dishes and sat down next to him.
She was used to intimate gestures. Seeing him thinking, she hugged his left arm, closed her eyes, and rested.
Naruto subconsciously lowered his head and saw her exquisite face right before him.
He blinked.
Is he a beast, or worse than a beast?
Naruto kissed her.
Hinata's eyelashes fluttered, but she didn't open her eyes.
It seemed she had already tacitly agreed.
Naruto smiled, spending a lazy afternoon.
He looked at the ceiling, thinking that this was a disgrace to transmigrators.
When Neji woke up in the morning, it wasn't by himself.
Someone was knocking on his window.
He pulled open the blinds and found it wasn't a person, but a monkey.
"Naruto told me to tell you to go to his house; he said the Hokage-sama assigned a mission."
Six-Eared Macaque knew Neji, so he didn't introduce himself and went straight to the point.
A mission?
Going on a mission with Naruto?
Neji looked at Six-Eared Macaque with a strange expression.
Although going on missions with members of other teams wasn't uncommon due to various reasons, Naruto's strength seemed to no longer require teammates.
Even if he did need one, shouldn't it be Hinata?
"What do you want to do?"
Six-Eared Macaque took a step back and said, "I don't like humans, especially those with Byakuganeyes."
With that, it vanished with a 'bang'.
Neji was bewildered.
Did I offend it?
With doubts, Neji arrived at Naruto's doorstep.
Speaking of which, he rarely came here.
He used to go to the Treehouse.
But that was basically for training.
He knocked on the door, and Hinata opened it.
Neji's eyelid twitched.
What kind of mission is this?
Are we going to execute a nation-destroying plan?
He wasn't enough, and now Hinata was added.
He couldn't imagine what they were going to do.
Logically, Hokage-sama had always been very stingy, oh no, good at allocating human resources, and would never waste them.
Especially since Konoha couldn't afford to waste resources in a short amount of time.
"Here you go."
Naruto tossed him a scroll.
After reading it, Neji felt inexplicably disappointed.
Is that all?
It's not very interesting.
But he wasn't one to complain about missions, so he nodded and said, "When do we depart?"
"We're leaving now," Naruto chuckled twice, "We're going to meet the mission client."
Konoha Main Gate.
After greeting the two gate guards, Naruto looked at the waiting young man.
"My name is Fujiwara Tenkai."
The young man smiled, not at all discriminating against them because of their age.
Naruto and the other two immediately returned their names.
"Let's set off."
Fujiwara Tenkai was very straightforward, leading them to meet his ten guards.
The group rode on horseback.
At this speed, it would take several days to reach the Metropolis of the Land of Fire.
Fujiwara Tenkai just rode forward silently.
He hadn't said a word to Naruto and the other two.
At night, they set up tents.
"I'll take the first watch."
Naruto decided without question.
Hinata obediently burrowed into her sleeping bag.
Neji, who had something to say but held back, also returned to his tent.
He had originally intended to take the night watch by himself.
Naruto sat in front of the bonfire.
A moment later, Fujiwara Tenkai walked over and sat opposite him.
"I'll call you Naruto, if you don't mind?"
Fujiwara Tenkai asked with a friendly smile.
"I don't mind."
Naruto was a little curious.
Although he didn't know Fujiwara Tenkai, from his name, it was clear that his identity was not simple.
Perhaps he was Fujiwara Tokai's biological brother.
If so, why was his attitude so good?
Such great nobles always looked down on Ninja.
"Fujiwara Tokai is my elder brother."
Fujiwara Tenkai smiled and said, "He was framed."
Although he was smiling, there wasn't much warmth in it.
"Why do you say that?"
Naruto naturally didn't believe he knew the truth of the matter, "And why are you telling me?"
"Ever since En Yui returned with the White Lotus Sect Saintess, the First Prince has been completely infatuated. To break off the engagement, the Fujiwara Clan had already suffered a blow before, and this time it is particularly fatal."
Fujiwara Tenkai said with a heavy expression, "Not to mention that my elder brother was abducted and his life or death is unknown, just the cooperation with Sunagakure alone is enough to make the Fujiwara Clan's reputation plummet."
Naruto's gaze fell on the bonfire.
He wasn't very interested.
"Naruto, how do you think our Fujiwara Clanshould overcome this crisis?"
But Fujiwara Tenkai seemed very interested in him.
"..."
Naruto was speechless. Are you serious? You're asking me?
"Your Fujiwara Clan is a large and prosperous family; this small setback should be nothing to fear, right?"
"Indeed, it doesn't harm the foundation."
Fujiwara Tenkai nodded in agreement.
As long as all the blame is pushed onto Fujiwara Tokai.
Saying that he was greedy and cooperated with Fuyi.
Plus, his father is the Grand Minister and has made many contributions throughout his life.
In the face of losing a son, the Daimyo would not say anything more.
And their reputation would reverse, creating an image of sacrificing family for the greater good of the Land of Fire.
"Then why are you asking me?"
Naruto raised an eyebrow.
What?
Is my talent already overflowing and gushing out?
"It was presumptuous of me."
Fujiwara Tenkai lowered his voice and whispered, "I bought your identity from the Langya Pavilion at a high price."
"???"
Naruto's mind was full of question marks. I have another identity?
"I understand."
Fujiwara Tenkai laughed heartily, appearing magnanimous, "You don't want to reveal your identity because too many people are looking for you, but now that I've gotten here first, the First Prince's face must be very ugly."
"Then tell me, what is my identity?" Naruto asked calmly.
"Since Naruto-kun doesn't want to reveal it, I naturally won't say."
Fujiwara Tenkai looked like he understood perfectly.
Even the way he addressed him became more intimate.
You understand nothing!
Naruto cursed inwardly, but maintained a calm demeanor.
"Since you know, why did you seek me out?"
"Please don't blame me, Naruto-kun."
Fujiwara Tenkai sighed and said, "The tree desires stillness, but the wind will not cease. Naruto-kun's reputation has already spread among the upper echelons of the Land of Fire. Even if I didn't come to you, others would."
"What do they want me for?"
Naruto pondered what identity Merlin had given him.
"Naturally, for a better future."
Fujiwara Tenkai said without hesitation.
This sentence sounded familiar.
Naruto narrowed his eyes.
Could it be that the top of the langya list, the Qilin Talent, is me?
Thinking of this, he felt a bit speechless.
He had clearly asked Merlin to do this.
How did it come full circle and end up with him doing it himself?
What a hassle.
He really wasn't good at schemes and tricks.
"How could I have such great abilities?"
Naruto waved his hand and said, "Langya Pavilionis purely talking nonsense; there's no need to pay attention to it."
"Only Naruto-kun would dare to speak of Langya Pavilion like that."
Fujiwara Tenkai not only disbelieved him but also showed admiration in his eyes, "Truly a man of true elegance."
This guy is hopeless.
Naruto shook his head inwardly, making a judgment.
However, from this, it could be inferred that Merlin must have done a good job.
Indeed, with his almost invincible genjutsu, and a little smooth talking, it wouldn't be difficult to convince people.
After all, in an ordinary world, a pair of hypnotic glasses could make one invincible.
"There's no need for flattery anymore."
Naruto no longer wanted to talk to him and said, "If you're asking for my help, I might not be able to do anything."
"Naruto-kun truly doesn't trust us," Fujiwara Tenkai said with some disappointment, but immediately cheered up and asked, "Do you know the Second Prince?"
"I've heard a little. What? Has your Fujiwara Clanpledged allegiance to the Second Prince?" Narutoasked casually.
He had read five thousand years of history; the Land of Fire was nothing special.
This was one of the reasons Merlin could stir up trouble.
Fujiwara Tenkai's eyes lit up and he said, "Naruto-kun guessed correctly. The First Prince's shadow is behind every scheme. Since that's the case, we naturally have to reciprocate."
"But what does that have to do with me?"
Naruto shrugged and said, "I'm just a Chunin. I just need to complete my mission. In half a month, we'll have no relationship whatsoever."
"Of course, it does."
Fujiwara Tenkai was not discouraged, smiling, "In the current Land of Fire, only the First Prince and the Second Prince have the most hope of inheriting the Daimyo's position. If Naruto-kun wants to achieve his ambition of ruling the world, he must choose one of the two."
Hey, hey, hey, the déjà vu is too strong.
Naruto wanted to complain.
My surname isn't Mei, nor is it Lin.
Although he indeed had a beautiful childhood friend and a few friends he got along with.
"Did the Langya Pavilion Master tell you all this?" Naruto asked.
"Yes."
Speaking of this, Fujiwara Tenkai showed a pained expression. Buying this information cost a full fifty million.
"Let's talk about it when we get to the Metropolis."
Even if Naruto wanted to help him, there was nothing he could do now.
Uh... there was a way.
With his current strength, he could completely overcome cleverness with brute force.
"I will await Naruto-kun's news."
Fujiwara Tenkai clearly knew it wouldn't be that easy, so he wasn't disappointed at all.
He stood up, bowed, and bid farewell.
Returning to his tent, he glanced at it again and murmured, "The Qilin Talent, obtaining him can win the world. I wonder if it's true or false."
But he had no choice but to believe Langya Pavilion... Uzumaki Menma saw Konan making exploding tags through the window.
Let's assume Kishimoto understands what 600 billion means.
Anyway, it certainly wasn't bought with money.
Even if Kakuzu was squeezed dry, he couldn't sell for that much money.
After some time, Uzumaki Menma had understood that the basic material for exploding tags came from Konan's paper ninjutsu.
So the cost wasn't as much as imagined, but it wasn't small either.
After all, they still had to build the Land of Rain.
According to Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan's original dream, they wanted to create a peaceful and powerful Land of Rain.
After Yahiko's death, the remaining two did not give up.
However, although the Land of Rain now indeed possessed peace and strength, it was already vastly different from what they had originally envisioned.
"Sister Nan."
Uzumaki Menma knocked on the door, "Kakuzu-bro asked me to bring you this month's ledger."
"Come in."
Konan's face was calm.
She also accepted the address
Because of the Uzumaki Clan.
She looked at his iconic red hair and asked, "Why is it you? Where's Kakuzu?"
"He went to exchange Fujiwara Tokai for a bounty."
Uzumaki Menma explained and handed over the ledger.
"What about the treasure under the Desert of Illusions?"
Konan opened the ledger and asked casually.
The Land of Rain enforced a blockade policy, and the ninja world daily did not circulate.
But with White Zetsu as her eyes and ears, she naturally knew about the Desert of Illusionsincident.
"It's fake."
Uzumaki Menma sighed and said, "The so-called treasure was actually to seal a dragon-shaped monster. After we opened it, it flew away."
"What a pity."
Konan didn't doubt it.
Because a golden giant dragon had indeed appeared.
She browsed the ledger, finally stopping at one line.
The Backstreet Girls performed for a month in the Land of Birds, earning one hundred million.
This was simply too outrageous.
Don't underestimate Asuma.
There were few people in the entire Ninja Worldmore valuable than him.
Even for the Akatsuki Organization, earning one hundred million was not a simple matter.
And that was in just one month.
"Is being an idol really that profitable?"
Konan tilted her head and asked.
To be honest, when Uzumaki Menma first wanted to create idols, no one in the Akatsuki Organizationsupported him.
They just thought it was a momentary whim.
Anyway, there were also members of the Akatsuki Organization who didn't focus on their main duties.
But he hadn't expected it to be so profitable.
"Naturally."
Uzumaki Menma showed a regretful expression, "However, their three conditions are average, so earning this much is already their limit. If it were Sister Nan, doubling the income would be no problem."
Konan's expression immediately hardened.