Chapter 146 Ideas, Recruitment
Chapter 146 Ideas, Recruitment
Chapter 137 Ideas, Recruitment
One minute later, Xuan Neng arrived at the pre-set trap location.
"You shouldn't have come after me alone," he said in a deep voice to the quiet woods.
"As expected, Xuan Neng is also a sensory ninja." Shadow clone Qian Shuo realized.
He calmly stepped out from behind the tree trunk—on which a Flying Thunder God mark had been quietly left.
Even if the shadow clone is destroyed here, the main body can teleport here after receiving the memories. But he still hopes to recruit the other party through conversation.
"Greetings, senior. Let me introduce myself. My name is Hoshino Senju, and I am a medical ninja." The shadow clone Senju spoke calmly with a gentle smile.
Xuan Neng remained expressionless and silent, simply gazing at him calmly.
Chisaku didn't take it to heart and continued, "I've told people before that even if a ninja from another village is injured, as long as it's not during a mission conflict or war, I'm willing to help him."
His gaze fell on Xuan Neng, and he said sincerely, "Today I have the pleasure of seeing you, senior. I observe that you suffer from spleen deficiency, qi deficiency, liver stagnation, and depletion of qi and blood, which has reached a rather serious stage. After much consideration, I feel that I should remind you to seek medical treatment as soon as possible."
Xuan Neng's eyes flickered slightly, and he said in a deep voice, "As expected of the medical ninja known as the 'Green Miracle,' you saw through my problem at a glance. However, physical ailments are easy to cure, but mental ailments are difficult to heal—Doctor Qian Shuo perhaps intends to heal my mental ailment as well?"
"Senior, I've always had a dream."
Instead of answering directly, Qian Shuo changed the subject and began to explain: "I want to establish a medical school to train tens of thousands of medical ninjas. Students will come from all over the ninja world, and after graduation, they can freely choose where to go to serve all those in need with their medical ninjutsu."
He paused, then calmly looked at Xuan Neng: "Senior, in your opinion, how should such a dream be realized?"
Xuan Neng's expression remained calm as he stared at the other person, his thoughts racing: "Such a dream is simply impossible to realize. Not only is medical talent scarce, but how could any ninja village allow such an academy to exist?"
He did not answer, unable to fathom the young ninja's intentions.
Shadow Clone Senju waited a moment, and seeing that Genneng remained silent, he continued, "I hope that one day, the ninja world will be at peace. Ninjas will no longer kill each other, and people will no longer die from battle, but from the end of their lifespan and a peaceful passing away."
"By then, medical ninjas will no longer heal the wounds caused by fighting, but the ailments brought on by the years."
We can help people live longer and enjoy their later years in peace.
After listening, Xuan Neng fell into an even deeper silence.
He could sense the sincerity in the other person's words. But such a hope seemed so distant.
Looking towards the statue of the First Hokage on the Hokage Rock in the distance, Senju Shuku solemnly said, "Hashirama Senju's two younger brothers both died in battles between ninjas when they were seven or eight years old. His original intention in establishing Konoha was to give children a safe place to grow up."
These words made Xuan Neng's eyes suddenly darken.
He thought of his deceased son, and a deep pain welled up in his heart, but he still forced himself to remain silent.
Sensing the malice and emotional fluctuations in the other's chakra, Chisaku remained outwardly calm and continued, "Although Lord Hashirama's strength was unparalleled in the ninja world, he dedicated his entire life to the cause of peace."
"Even at the first Five Kage Summit, he took the initiative to distribute the Tailed Beasts to the major powers, hoping that they would be wary of each other and check each other's balance—thereby avoiding war."
Suppressing his grief, Xuan asked, "But the Ninja World has not seen the peace he hoped for. Wars break out frequently between major powers, and smaller nations suffer as a result."
He paused, his voice low: "Many children are still dying in the war."
"You're right."
Xingyuan Qianshuo nodded frankly: "Lord Hashirama's strategy of 'one country, one village' and 'a balance of power among major nations,' while slightly better than the Warring States period, has not truly changed the chaotic state of the ninja world."
This frank agreement surprised Xuan Neng somewhat.
He had assumed that this Konoha ninja would, like most people, blindly praise the actions of the First Hokage.
"Then what do you think, senior—" Chisaku suddenly countered, "that Hashirama-sama, who could easily suppress the nine tailed beasts back then, should have done to truly achieve peace in the ninja world?"
Xuan Neng fell silent again.
Ten years of inner struggle and torment had already made him ponder countless questions: the root causes of war, the impact of destroying Konoha on the ninja world, the possibility of peace, and whether small countries could forever remain dependent on larger ones.
Unfortunately, he couldn't find the answer.
Just like now, he couldn't answer that question either. Or rather, he had a vague answer in his mind, but it remained unclear and uncertain.
Hoshino Senju didn't expect an answer, but calmly continued: "In the ninja world, those who yearn for peace are always the majority. But they can't find the path to peace, so they can only do their best to protect their comrades and villages."
"However, this desire to protect often forces them to obey the orders of the village's higher-ups, compelling them to fight in the name of 'love and protection.'"
"The more reckless we are, the further we sometimes get from true peace."
His tone grew deeper, but his gaze became increasingly clear: "If we could establish an alliance above the nations and ninja villages, governing the entire ninja world—one in which large and small nations would have equal status—then all disputes could be resolved through internal coordination within the organization."
"During the Warring States period, Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha united the various clans of the Land of Fire and established Konoha Village." Other countries followed suit, ultimately ending the chaos of the Warring States period.
"Then as long as enough like-minded people are gathered, the peaceful forces of the entire ninja world will surely be able to be assembled and an alliance organization that will govern the ninja world will be established."
"At that time, countries will no longer fight each other, and the power of ninjas will be used to jointly protect peace and promote people's livelihood, so that ninjas and ordinary people can truly coexist in harmony."
At this point, Qian Shuo paused, giving Xuan Neng time to think.
Xuan Neng did not interrupt this seemingly "whimsical" conversation.
This medical ninja, discussing such profound topics with him after his whereabouts were exposed, clearly did not consider him an enemy.
"You are very different from the other ninjas of Konoha." Gen finally spoke, breaking the silence in the forest.
"I'm glad you don't mind my shallow conversation, senior." Qian Shuo smiled.
"Aren't you afraid I'll attack Konoha?" Xuan Neng asked.
"Senior, aren't you curious about how I discovered you weren't a Konoha ninja?" Chisaku countered.
"I am indeed curious," Xuan Neng admitted.
He is skilled in infiltration and reconnaissance, and has infiltrated Konoha multiple times. This is the first time his identity has been exposed.
"My perception allows me to discern the malice of others," Qian Shuo frankly stated.
He needs to increase his leverage. Outsiders will only see this as some kind of secret technique or talent.
"Senior's malice towards us is sometimes visible, sometimes hidden, sometimes not," Qian Shuo said slowly. "Your face is unfamiliar, yet you harbor malice—then you are most likely an outsider ninja."
"I see—that's a very powerful ability." Xuan Neng nodded.
Faced with such a technique that can sense malice, it's no wonder that one's identity is exposed.
"The fact that the senior's malice comes and goes shows that he is still struggling inside," Qian Shuo continued to analyze.
These words made Xuan Neng's heart sink.
But he did not refute it, and his expression did not change in the slightest.
"As a medical ninja, I am confident in my diagnosis. My senior's spleen deficiency and liver stagnation are due to excessive thinking..."
He often appears to be consumed by grief and anger.
"Considering your identity—I think you must have had a close relative who died in the battle against the Konoha ninja."
A chilling malice once again emanated from Xuan Neng.
He let out a long breath, finally suppressing the murderous intent.
"You are indeed no ordinary medical ninja." Gen's voice remained calm.
Xingyuan Qianshuo pretended that this was just a deduction—he couldn't be too precise. He wanted to use this information to highlight his previous discourse on peace and to lay the groundwork for his subsequent recruitment efforts.
"The ninja world is full of geniuses, but even the most outstanding abilities are often only used for slaughter in the end." Qian Shuo's tone was filled with pity. "Whether for protection, for peace, for a mission, for revenge, or for desire—"
"I only wish that my abilities would not be used to take anyone's life, but to save someone's life."
He gazed at Xuan Neng, his voice sincere: "And the person I'm healing—it would be best if he had a kind heart and a heart turned towards the light."
A series of words, building upon each other, finally touched something deep within Xuan Neng's heart.
He was convinced that the young ninja before him was a person who genuinely possessed kindness and ideals.
"If you still can't bring yourself to seek revenge against Konoha—" Hoshinohara Chisaku finally revealed his true intentions, "then, would you please join me in striving for the goal I just mentioned?"
"Establishing an alliance above the nation and the ninja villages—in a sense, this is another form of revenge against Konoha's current leadership."
After listening, Xuan Neng fell into a long period of hesitation and contemplation.
He had long since ceased to care about his own life or death. Every time he infiltrated Konoha, he was prepared to perish together with his enemies.
But every time he sees the peaceful life in the village and comes into contact with the ordinary yet kind residents, his resolve silently melts away.
"Do you believe that you can surpass your First Hokage and establish such an alliance?" Xuan Neng finally asked.
Shadow Clone Senju pondered for a moment, then extended his index finger. Chakra rapidly gathered and spun at his fingertip, and a rhythmic humming sound rang out—a miniature Rasengan shuriken instantly took shape.
Its center is azure, and its edges are bright white and sharp, exuding a sharp aura that stings the skin.
Xuan Neng looked at the exquisite yet dangerous Rasengan with a solemn expression.
Qian Shuo casually tossed it towards a rock a few meters away. The miniature shuriken floated out with a seemingly slow but actually swift motion, and the moment it touched the rock, it suddenly expanded into a sphere of wind blades a meter in diameter. Countless fine wind blades cut and ground the rock into dust, which was then swept up by the airflow and dispersed throughout the forest.
"I call it Wind Release: Rasengan. This is just a mini version. If enough chakra is injected, it can easily create a crater fifty meters in diameter," Shadow Clone Chisaku explained calmly.
"My strength is far inferior to that of the First Hokage, but I am more willing to gather like-minded people with the belief of peace in the ninja world, and to use everyone's strength to promote change."
"I will establish an organization called 'Star.' May its members one day shine like stars in the night sky, illuminating the darkness of the ninja world."
"Senior, this is the prescription I've written for your heartache, and also the remedy for this war-torn ninja world. I sincerely invite you to work with me and strive to establish a ninja alliance."
"In that alliance, small and large countries were equal, wars ended, children grew up happily, and the elderly enjoyed their old age in peace."
Gennō looked at this trusting young ninja. If his son Kentaro were still alive, he would be about this age.
"Father, I will definitely become a powerful ninja in the future, protect my comrades in Kagerou Village, and make the Land of Mountains the most powerful country."
A fleeting memory flashed through his mind. Xuan calmed himself and said steadily, "Your dream is very grand. I can join—I hope that in my lifetime, I can see a different ninja world."
The shadow clone, Qian Shuo, smiled slightly: "Thank you for your trust, senior. I believe that future is not far away."
He glanced at the system's organization panel—a piece of Xuan Neng's information was prominently displayed, with a belief level of only 13%.
"I know your identity—Tsunade's lover, one of the Legendary Sannin of Konoha," Xuan Neng said. "With your status and strength, you have the potential to become Hokage in the future. I never expected you to have such an ambition."
"But my condition for joining is that you must truly achieve equality between small and large countries, not large countries swallowing up small countries, or Konoha being superior to other countries."
Shadow Clone Senju nodded solemnly: "Of course. 'Peace in the ninja world' is my belief, and in the future, all nations will be equal."
After saying that, he looked around: "Senior deliberately chose to stop here, did you set a trap beforehand?"
"Oh? You saw through me, yet you still dared to come?" Xuan Neng retorted.
"Please forgive me, senior. I always use shadow clones when leading and instructing students. My main body is currently focused on cultivation." Shadow clone Qian Shuo bowed slightly.
"Shadow clones? Such a powerful amount of chakra?" Xuan Neng exclaimed in surprise.
He was a sensory ninja, and from the beginning he sensed that Hoshino Senju's chakra fluctuations far exceeded those of an ordinary Jonin. He never expected that it was just a shadow clone.
"I haven't asked your name yet, senior?" Qian Shuo pretended not to know.
Xuan Neng let out a long breath: "My name is Xuan Neng, the last person from Yangyan Village in the Mountain Kingdom."
"Kagerou Village—the last one?" Chisaku repeated softly, his tone carrying just the right amount of regret and understanding. "No wonder your health has deteriorated due to your emotional distress. Would you like me to examine you thoroughly?"
"No need, you were right before." Xuan Neng waved his hand.
Qian Shuo pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Senior, have you ever considered—rebuilding Yangyan Village one day?"
"Rebuild Kagero Village?"
"Yes. I hope that in the future, Yangyan Village and the Land of Mountains can become members of the Shinobi Alliance."
"What's the point of rebuilding when the people are gone?"
"Perhaps that is the meaning of life: to ensure that the name of Yangyan Village is remembered and that laughter and joy continue." To boost Xuan Neng's faith, Qian Shuo continued, "The ninja world is not lacking in displaced orphans. Senior, you could do your best to take some in and pass on the spirit of Yangyan."
Images of his companions and son flashed through Xuan Neng's mind. Rebuilding Yangyan Village—to ensure the story is remembered, to allow the bloodline to continue in another form. This thought quietly took root in his heart.
He was ultimately a rational person, and quickly calmed himself down, asking, "What specific plans do you have for your future actions?"
"Senior, are you aware of the emerging newspaper media industry in the ninja world?"
I know a little bit, but not much.
"Future actions will ultimately require strength and popular support. One step in this is to establish a large media company to control public opinion, promote the ideals of peace, and subtly influence the people of the ninja world."
"This will require a lot of time and money," Xuan Neng pondered.
Qian Shuo didn't answer directly, but instead waved his hand. Countless fine gold dust quietly emerged from the ground, shimmering and flowing in the dappled sunlight.
"This is—?" Xuan Neng's gaze sharpened.
"Magnetic Release: Gold Dust, a bloodline limit I have mastered," Chisaku said calmly. "It allows me to draw and manipulate gold dust from the earth."
"Alluvial gold——gold?"
"Exactly. So, money is not the issue."
Xuan Neng remained silent for a few breaths before finally saying, "Alright. How exactly do I need to do it?"
"I need my seniors to investigate the operations of ninja newspapers and other media outlets, assess the feasibility of acquiring or establishing new companies, expand development, and wait for the right opportunity to launch a publicity campaign."
Xuan Neng pondered for a moment: "I might be good at investigating situations, but when it comes to business operations—"
"The investigation isn't just about operations; it's also about discovering talent," Chisaku calmly replied. "Your skill in using people is what matters. In a future world of peace, ninjas will gradually shift towards a profession that peacefully utilizes chakra. This will also be part of the transformation."
"Okay, I'll give it a try." Xuan Neng finally agreed.
The shadow clone, Qian Shuo, nodded and pondered for a moment before saying, "Senior, may I borrow a kunai from you?"
Although Xuan Neng didn't understand why, he still took out a kunai and threw it away.
Qian Shuo caught it, and with a slight thought, left a Flying Thunder God mark on the handle of the kunai. He stepped forward and returned it, saying, "I have marked this kunai. Within a certain distance, I can sense it and teleport to it instantly."
"Tobirama Senju's Flying Thunder God Technique?" Gennō couldn't hide his surprise.
"Exactly."
"Now—I believe you have the ability to push for the establishment of the alliance." Xuan Neng sighed softly, "In the end, the ninja world needs to let power speak for itself."
Qian Shuo smiled and nodded. In the organization panel, Xuan Neng's belief level had quietly surpassed 20%.
"Then I'll have to trouble you, senior," said the shadow clone, Chisaku. "I'm about to deactivate it and send the information back to my main body."
Xuan nodded.
The shadow clone said no more, released the hand seal, and vanished into the forest as a wisp of white smoke.
Xuan Neng stood alone, letting the wind brush against his clothes. He looked down at the kunai in his hand, then gazed in the direction of Konoha City, his heart filled with mixed emotions: "Sense of malice, Wind Release: Rasengan, Magnet Release: Gold Sand, Flying Thunder God Technique, a massive amount of chakra, the medical ninjutsu known as the 'Green Miracle' —"
He put away his kunai, his gaze gradually hardening.
"Star Source Chisaku — Perhaps, you truly can bring about change to the ninja world."
N-A-A