Chapter 270: Final Lesson, Bald Monster Bird!
With Orochimaru's corner exposed and the Three-Tails taken by the Akatsuki Organization, a battle finally came to an end.
However.
Inside the wooden house created by Yamato, Naruto and the others, who were carrying injuries, were somewhat demoralized.
After all, they had returned empty-handed this time.
Yet, Yūhi Kurenai, Sarutobi Shinya, and Yamato weren't feeling that way.
They were quite satisfied, actually.
At least Naruto and the others had performed well, showing significant progress after several major battles.
It was important to remember that the enemies they faced were not simple at all.
This was especially true when they later faced the Impure World Reincarnation Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.
These individuals were all Jonin in the past, ruthless killers who didn't blink an eye.
It was already extremely rare for Naruto and the others to have survived their encounters, only sustaining injuries.
Uchiha Sasuke, in particular, had performed exceptionally well. His Sharingan combined with Lightning Style made both Yūhi Kurenai and Sarutobi Shinya feel that the young boy possessed the same aura as Kakashi back in the day.
During their private evaluations, Yūhi Kurenai couldn't help but complain, "Kakashi is really a bit biased!"
Sarutobi Shinya chuckled upon hearing this. "Naruto has the Fourth Hokage, Kushina, and Asuma. Besides, his style really doesn't suit Kakashi."
Yamato nodded in agreement. Although he didn't know the inner complexities of Kakashi's connection to the Uchiha clan, he also felt that Naruto's style was truly unique.
The Shadow Clones, combined with his Rasengan, were already enough to form a combat style perfectly suited to him.
"Sasuke also has Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Itachi. Although the latter didn't receive guidance from Asuma, Shisui received a lot from Asuma and was allowed to pass it on," Yūhi Kurenai said.
Between Naruto and Sasuke, she preferred Naruto.
This wasn't just because her own family was closer to Naruto's, but rather, she preferred Naruto's personality.
Of course, this didn't mean she discriminated against Sasuke.
Looking at the youngsters outside, Yūhi Kurenai smiled and changed the subject. "However, their setback this time wasn't small. How should we comfort them?"
Yamato scratched his head and replied, "As ninjas, encountering such situations is normal. Even Asuma wasn't invincible from the start."
"So, we just ignore it?"
Yūhi Kurenai was a little worried, her maternal instincts kicking in.
Sarutobi Shinya shared the same opinion as Yamato and said with a smile, "They'll figure it out."
"To become a qualified ninja who can stand on their own, they naturally can't be defeated by such a small setback."
"Although they are outstanding now, they still have a long way to go!"
In their generation, the most outstanding were Sarutobi Asuma and Kakashi.
He wouldn't compare with Sarutobi Asuma.
That guy didn't seem human, feeling like a reincarnation of the Sage of Six Paths.
As for Kakashi, Naruto and the others could reach his level with enough effort.
For example, Lightning Style, Lightning Style Chakra Mode, Flying Thunder God Technique... although powerful, they were still within conventional limits.
Uchiha Sasuke, who was practicing Sarutobi Asuma's Lightning Style Chakra Mode, was already doing a decent job.
At his current age, if he trained for another ten years, he might not be worse than Kakashi.
After all, Kakashi was burdened by his Mangekyo Sharingan, while Uchiha Sasuke was not.
In fact, his Sharingan might even be an advantage!
While Yūhi Kurenai and the others discussed how to train their subordinates, back in Konoha, Sarutobi Asuma was dedicating his energy to training, outside of caring for Shizune.
With Ōtsutsuki Kamishiki taking Nii Yugito and the others under his wing, he no longer needed to personally handle matters concerning the Tailed Beasts.
Time slowly passed.
In the blink of an eye, it was July of Konoha Year 61.
Konoha received news that the Four-Tails had been captured by the Akatsuki Organization.
Immediately after, Namikaze Minato shared the intelligence with Iwagakure.
Naturally, the other ninja villages soon received the information as well.
For a time, the entire Ninja World was slightly shaken.
Since the One-Tails last year, four Tailed Beasts had fallen into the hands of the Akatsuki Organization in just one year, instilling a sense of crisis in the other villages.
The pursuit of the Akatsuki Organization was intensified across the board.
Konoha's pressure immediately eased.
Land of Rain, Amegakure.
Through projections, the main members of the Akatsuki Organization gathered.
"Things are getting a bit tricky. The major Hidden Villages have strengthened their protection of Jinchuriki once again."
Zetsu spoke first.
As the intelligence chief, he was most aware of the situations in the major Hidden Villages.
Not only had the major Hidden Villages increased their protection of Jinchuriki, but they had also intensified their efforts against the Akatsuki Organization.
Iwagakure had already cut off cooperation with the Akatsuki Organization.
"If the Five Great Shinobi Villages join forces, we probably won't be able to withstand them now, right?"
Orochimaru chuckled.
"There's no need to worry about that. Given the current state of the Ninja World, it's very difficult for the Five Great Shinobi Villages to truly unite."
Deva Path Pain said calmly.
He wasn't worried at all.
Although Konoha had been trying to unite other Hidden Villages against the Akatsuki Organization, Sarutobi Asuma had told him that unless it was the absolute last resort, their conflicting interests would prevent them from uniting.
It was just that four Tailed Beasts were missing now.
However, the plan had to be accelerated.
Thinking this, Deva Path Pain said, "Tobi, Deidara, you're responsible for locating the Jinchuriki of the Five-Tails."
"Zetsu, you go too."
"Once they're located, I'll personally act to draw the attention of the Stone Ninja. Uka, you and the others will be responsible for taking the Jinchuriki of the Five-Tails away from Iwagakure."
Uka smiled upon hearing this, "If the leader is drawing their attention, then there's no problem."
"Hey, hey, won't it be too dangerous for me and Deidara to infiltrate Iwagakure?"
Tobi exclaimed, "Deidara is from Iwagakure."
"Besides, Deidara's art doesn't seem very suitable for Iwagakure!"
Deidara's face flushed with anger upon hearing this, "Tobi, shut up!"
But Tobi couldn't stop himself, "Deidara, you left Iwagakure because your art wasn't recognized, right?"
"Damn it!"
Deidara lunged forward, grabbing Tobi and beating him.
The others watched the show.
Deva Path Pain glanced at them and said, "This matter is decided."
...
Konoha, Hokage's Office.
Looking at the intelligence sent back by Uchiha Obito, Namikaze Minato frowned.
The Akatsuki Organization was going to attack Iwagakure, even if it was just a feint.
But this was enough to shock him!
Namikaze Minato couldn't help but worry if the Akatsuki Organization would spiral out of control.
Or rather, would Nagato, who possessed the Rinnegan, lose control as he collected more and more Tailed Beasts?
After thinking for a moment, Namikaze Minato's figure disappeared, and he arrived at the Sage Domain.
At that moment, Sarutobi Asuma had just finished his final lesson for the Chunin Special Training Class with Naruto and the others.
Namikaze Minato didn't reveal himself immediately, but quietly watched from a tree.
Beneath the Sage Tree.
Looking at Naruto and the others, Sarutobi Asuma felt a sense of wistfulness.
The circumstances of Naruto and the others, because of him, had become completely different from what he originally knew.
It was only the year 61 of Konoha, but Naruto, at thirteen or fourteen years old, already possessed formidable strength.
Compared to the original story, they at least had the strength of their fifteen or sixteen-year-old selves, and even stronger.
After all, they had undergone training in the Infinite Illusion Realm a total of 10 times over the past year.
For the first 5 times, the Infinite Illusion Realm had a duration of half a year each.
For the latter 5 times, the time in the Infinite Illusion Realm was increased to 1 year.
In total, this amounted to over 7 years.
In the past year, while the improvement in their physical constitution and total chakra might not have been significant, their Chakra Control, Chakra Nature Transformation, Ninjutsu, and combat experience had all genuinely and significantly soared.
Sarutobi Asuma was somewhat satisfied with Naruto's performance.
"To be honest, I'm not particularly satisfied with your performance."
"Naruto, your chakra control is still a mess!"
Sarutobi Asuma, abandoning his usual gentle smile, wore a completely expressionless face.
Naruto immediately wanted to retort, but seeing Sarutobi Asuma's expression, he didn't dare to speak.
Compared to Haruno Sakura, his chakra control was indeed insufficient.
Sarutobi Asuma's gaze landed on Uchiha Sasuke. "Your mastery of Lightning Style Chakra Mode is quite good."
Just as Uchiha Sasuke's lips were about to curve upwards, Sarutobi Asuma changed his tone. "But reaching this point in only a few years is still not enough effort."
"When I first created this Lightning Style Chakra Mode, I was only 11 years old."
Everyone listened, their eyes widening.
They had been training and completing missions together for a considerable time, and they were well aware of how formidable Uchiha Sasuke's Lightning Style Chakra Mode was.
With that kind of speed, among everyone present, only Naruto in Nine-Tails Mode could compare.
And Sasuke hadn't fully mastered it yet.
But such a powerful secret technique was developed by Sarutobi Asuma when he was merely 11 years old.
Was this even human?
Although they knew Sarutobi Asuma was very powerful and knew many of his deeds.
For example, how he had almost single-handedly wiped out the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist from Kirigakure.
And not long ago, Naruto and the others combined couldn't defeat them.
But developing a secret technique like Lightning Style Chakra Mode at the age of 11 was truly astonishing.
Sarutobi Asuma ignored their shock and said calmly, "In terms of ninja training, you are all just getting started."
"So, don't get arrogant just because you've achieved a little."
"The Ninja World is vast, and there are many people more talented and more hardworking than you."
As he spoke, Sarutobi Asuma's gaze shifted from Uchiha Sasuke, who was clenching his fists, to Haruno Sakura.
Haruno Sakura immediately became nervous.
Both Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke had been deflated like wilted eggplants.
"Sakura, your Medical Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, and Taijutsu are all very well mastered," Sarutobi Asuma said.
Although Haruno Sakura received praise, she didn't feel any happiness and remained tense.
As expected, Sarutobi Asuma then changed his tone. "If you focused more on training, you would have achieved more than this."
"It's not wrong to like handsome guys."
"I like beautiful women too."
Haruno Sakura's face instantly turned red, and she lowered her head, wishing she could find a hole to crawl into.
Yamanaka Ino, standing beside her, also felt her cheeks burn.
Naruto felt even more dejected listening to this.
The others wanted to laugh but dared not.
Sarutobi Asuma continued, "If you want to capture someone's heart, just sticking to them won't work."
"To win someone's favor, you must first become strong yourself."
Haruno Sakura looked up, her heart filled with anticipation.
Sarutobi Asuma said, "For example, if someone ignores you, and you become powerful enough, you can completely beat them into submission!"
Haruno Sakura was stunned.
Uchiha Sasuke's mouth twitched.
The others also widened their eyes.
Yamanaka Ino couldn't help but ask, "Lord Asuma, don't boys dislike aggressive girls?"
"It's fine, they'll like it if you're strong enough!" Sarutobi Asuma said with a serious expression.
Not far away, Namikaze Minato, perched on a tree, couldn't help but chuckle at Sarutobi Asuma's twisted logic.
"Ino, you're quite a bit behind Sakura," Sarutobi Asuma continued.
This statement ignited a fierce fighting spirit in Yamanaka Ino.
Sarutobi Asuma moved his gaze, continuing to comment on Neji and the others, offering praise and affirmation, as well as encouragement.
After commenting on everyone, Sarutobi Asuma finally showed a bit of a smile. "Those words just now were meant to encourage you to maintain a spirit of courageous progress."
"Overall, your performance was good, so I've decided to reward you all!"
Everyone's eyes immediately lit up. Naruto couldn't wait and asked, "Uncle Asuma, are you going to teach us powerful ninjutsu?"
Sarutobi Asuma glanced at him. "Have you mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique?"
Naruto froze.
Sarutobi Asuma asked again, "Have you mastered the Adamantine Sealing Chains?"
Naruto lowered his head, not daring to speak further.
At this moment, Sarutobi Asuma changed the subject. "I don't have any ninjutsu, but I can give you a summoning beast."
Naruto's face immediately lit up with surprise. "A summoning beast? Is it as powerful as Teacher Kakashi's Pakkun or Kiba's Akamaru?"
Woof woof!
Akamaru immediately indicated his satisfaction.
Sealed away, the Nine-Tails, however, curled its lip.
A summoning beast?
What summoning beast could be stronger than me?
Not far away, Namikaze Minato, who was in a tree, also became expectant.
He was also very curious about what kind of summoning beast Sarutobi Asuma would give Naruto.
He knew that the South Sage Continent had cultivated quite a few summoning beasts.
Unfortunately, compared to Konoha's needs, there were still too few.
Moreover, at present, only Jonin and the major clans could afford them in Konoha.
Namikaze Minato already intended to have Naruto sign a contract with Mount Myōboku.
Under the Sage Tree, without Sarutobi Asuma making a move, a jutsu array spread out in front of Naruto, and then smoke billowed.
When the smoke cleared, a strange bird appeared before everyone's eyes.
It was a bald, strange bird with three heads, a neck like a snake, and covered in white feathers.
"So ugly!"
Naruto couldn't help but express his disdain.
Sarutobi Asuma smiled.
One of the strange bird's necks twisted, its head turned, and it opened its mouth to exhale.
A blast of cold air landed on Naruto.
Under the astonished gazes of everyone, accompanied by a cracking sound, Naruto was directly frozen!
"Ice Release!"
Exclamations erupted.
Namikaze Minato also looked quite shocked.
At this moment, the middle head of the strange bird also turned, opened its mouth, and exhaled rolling Scorch Release Fire.
The ice shattered, and Naruto yelled out in pain.
"This is amazing!"
"He's mastered two Kekkei Genkai!"
"Could the other head also represent a different Kekkei Genkai?"
Haruno Sakura and the others exclaimed repeatedly.
This strange bird was too powerful!
Sarutobi Asuma smiled and asked, "Naruto, do you want more?"
Naruto nodded repeatedly. "Yes!"
"Thank you, Uncle Asuma!"
If the summoning beast was this powerful, then being a bit ugly didn't matter!
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