Chapter 273: Invading Iwagakure!
The myna bird, "Bāgē," was definitely a summoned beast personally chosen by Sarutobi Asuma for Hinata. While its abilities weren't overwhelming, it possessed an incredible social confidence.
After greeting its new master, Hinata, it flew to the others, introducing itself to each one and offering wildly exaggerated compliments.
For Rock Lee: "Ah, your eyebrows are truly the most special in the world, truly awe-inspiring!"
For Neji: "Looking at you, I feel like I'm seeing the next Asuma!"
As for Naruto, Bāgē was even more over the top. It widened its bird eyes and exclaimed with exaggerated surprise, "Naruto? So you're Naruto-kun!"
"Eh?"
Naruto scratched the back of his head and chuckled, "You know me? Have I already become that famous?"
Haruno Sakura pouted, "It's definitely because you're the Fourth's son!"
"Nope, nope, nope, that's not the reason at all!" Bāgē looked at Naruto and said, "It's because you're someone my new master likes!"
"What?"
Naruto froze, completely bewildered. "Hinata-chan likes me?"
Everyone else's gazes snapped toward Hinata.
Hinata's body stiffened, her face burning hot. She then closed her eyes and promptly fainted.
Sarutobi Asuma looked on, exasperated, and scolded, "Little Eight, shut your beak!"
"Yes, Asuma-sama!"
Bāgē immediately straightened up and flew back to Hinata's side, where she had fainted.
Meanwhile, everyone turned their attention to Sarutobi Asuma.
In their eyes, Sarutobi Asuma must have told Bāgē about Hinata's feelings for Naruto. They also assumed their information was all coming from him.
Asuma wasn't about to take the blame for this. He said calmly, "Little Eight can sense your thought fluctuations, as well as the thoughts and memories you hide deep within your hearts."
"I call this Mind Reading."
A ripple of astonishment went through the crowd.
"If that's the case, then during battles, all the enemy's thoughts will be known, and any attack will be ineffective. No..." Nara Shikamaru analyzed, "Perception feedback also takes time. If it's during an ongoing battle, the effect of this jutsu might not be as strong. But for gathering intelligence, it's extremely convenient."
Neji added, "It can be combined with Ino's secret ninjutsu, connecting with allies on the battlefield, allowing Little Eight to share the information it obtains simultaneously with everyone."
Aburame Shino turned and asked, "Little Eight, this ability of yours must have limitations, right?"
Bāgē nodded. "Of course. Asuma-sama always said that there's no such thing as a perfect jutsu in this world."
"For example, when facing Asuma-sama, I can't peer into his thought fluctuations or memories."
As he spoke, he looked at Neji Hyuga again. "And this Neji-kun, I can't glimpse his thoughts either."
"Your Byakugan is very special, even more powerful than my master's!"
Rock Lee heard this and immediately laughed, "That goes without saying! Neji is Asuma-sama's disciple. He broke the chains of fate with his own strength and possesses the strongest Byakugan!"
Everyone nodded in agreement.
At this moment, Hinata had woken up with the help of Fūrin, a girl from the South Sage Continent. However, she lowered her head shyly, not daring to look at anyone.
The discussion temporarily ended as Sarutobi Asuma's gaze fell upon Fūrin.
This gentle girl from the South Sage Continent had short black hair, light gold eyes, and a tall, slender figure. Despite being only 14 years old, she possessed a figure that belied her gentle personality. She specialized in Medical Ninjutsu and Wind Style ninjutsu.
"Fūrin, your Wind Release Chakra Nature Transformation is mastered very well. It's already surpassed that idiot Naruto!" Sarutobi Asuma praised.
This immediately drew a protest from Naruto. "Asuma-uncle, I'm not an idiot!"
"During this time, I've just been working hard to master the Flying Thunder God Technique."
Sarutobi Asuma ignored him and continued, "Your Medical Ninjutsu is also good. Your Chakra Control is among the strongest of all of you."
"Therefore, the Wind Release Chakra Mode that I developed years ago is very suitable for you."
As he spoke, the cultivation method for the Wind Release Chakra Mode was transmitted into Fūrin's mind.
"Thank you, Asuma-sama! I will definitely not disappoint you!" Fūrin bowed gratefully.
Sarutobi Asuma nodded, his gaze then falling on Oto, another girl from the South Sage Continent.
This little one is a bit unusual.
The ninjutsu used was Soundwave Ninjutsu, resembling that of the sound ninja under Orochimaru.
It was also an extremely rare ninjutsu in the Ninja World.
This had to do with Oto's background. Her family was originally a lineage of musicians in the Land of Origins, passed down through generations.
Currently, Oto's sound ninjutsu consisted of genjutsu and pure sonic attacks.
"Oto, this summon should be perfect for you, and it will also help you develop your ninjutsu better."
Sarutobi Asuma said as a summon was brought forth.
Everyone looked and saw it was a koala.
Sarutobi Asuma introduced, "This little guy has mastered infrasound. Its infrasound has extremely wide detection capabilities, able to find enemies underground and underwater, none of whom can escape its senses."
"Furthermore, its infrasound can induce genjutsu, causing deafness, unconsciousness, and even instant death."
The koala immediately asked, "Lord Asuma, do you need me to demonstrate my abilities?"
Sarutobi Asuma smiled, "Then let them have a taste of your genjutsu."
"Understood, Lord Asuma!"
The koala nodded and then looked at the young genin, saying, "Oto, and everyone else, please be prepared."
"Even though I know covering my ears won't help,"
Inuzuka Kiba covered his ears. Akamaru's ears also drooped on his shoulder.
They weren't unfamiliar with soundwave ninjutsu.
During the Chunin Exams, there were sound ninja.
Later, when Uchiha Sasuke was taken, one of the Sound Four also specialized in soundwave ninjutsu, especially genjutsu, which had caused Nara Shikamaru considerable trouble.
Covering their ears was useless.
The best method was to use Wind Style to create a vacuum, preventing sound from propagating.
However, the koala's soundwave ninjutsu was clearly different.
When it opened its mouth, no one heard any piercing sound.
But, except for Sarutobi Asuma, the fifteen young genin were all dizzy and nauseous.
At this moment, they lost all ability to act.
Even Haruno Sakura, who was skilled in genjutsu, Uchiha Sasuke, who possessed the Sharingan, or Neji, who could control the mind, couldn't resist.
The koala's technique was somewhat similar to the Toad Incantation from Mount Myōboku. While not as strong, if the koala could grow to the level of Sage Fukasaku, it would definitely not be weak.
The ninjutsu lasted for 5 seconds before ending.
However, Naruto and the others remained in a dazed state for over 10 seconds.
Only Haruno Sakura and a few others skilled in Medical Ninjutsu recovered slightly faster.
"Thank you, Lord Asuma!"
Oto hugged the koala and bowed thankfully to Sarutobi Asuma.
Sarutobi Asuma nodded and looked at the last person – Yamashita.
As his name suggested, this was a ninja skilled in Earth Style, and he was very dedicated, focusing solely on Earth Style ninjutsu.
He was already considered a quite accomplished Earth Style ninja.
Frankly, Sarutobi Asuma hadn't innovated much in Earth Style.
However, he had mastered many Earth Style ninjutsu, especially those of the Stone Ninja.
He immediately passed on the Light-Weight Rock Technique and Heavy Rock Technique to him.
Konoha had many Earth Style ninja, but unfortunately, besides himself, only his older brother, Sarutobi Shinya, had mastered these two techniques.
Yamashita had good talent in Earth Style, and Sarutobi Asuma thought highly of him.
After teaching the ninjutsu, Sarutobi Asuma glanced at these young ones and said, "Go. If your performance is satisfactory, you can return here."
"If you wish to become Sages!"
Without waiting for Naruto and the others to ask, he waved his hand, and everyone was immediately transferred away from the Sage Domain.
Namikaze Minato, who had been waiting in the tree, then appeared.
"It seems there's no need to worry about the growth of the next generation."
Namikaze Minato said with a smile.
Sarutobi Asuma shook his head, "That's not necessarily true."
"They are all excellent, but for now, their future is visible."
"If nothing unexpected happens, it's unlikely they'll reach the Six Paths level in this lifetime."
If the Sage of Six Paths hadn't given Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke cheats, they would only reach the Super Kage level.
Even if he now presented more profound knowledge about Chakra and Chakra Nature Transformation, Naruto and the others might not necessarily be able to master it.
"You need brains too!"
Namikaze Minato chuckled upon hearing this. "From the Sage of Six Paths until now, you're the only one who has reached the Six Paths' level. Uchiha Madara could only be counted as half."
"Naruto and his generation are already outstanding. When they reach our age, they will be capable of supporting Konoha, and even the entire Ninja World."
Sarutobi Asuma remained noncommittal and asked, "Brother Minato, is there something you need?"
Namikaze Minato nodded and said, "Obito sent back word that the Akatsuki Organization plans to attack Iwagakure and seize the Five-Tails Jinchuriki!"
Sarutobi Asuma nodded; he was aware of this news.
Furthermore, the Akatsuki Organization was simultaneously targeting the Six-Tails Jinchuriki and the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki.
For the Akatsuki Organization, the Six-Tails and Seven-Tails weren't difficult targets.
Kirigakure's current strength was not great, and that was to say nothing of the Land of Origins.
The Akatsuki Organization could sweep through them without even needing Nagato to act.
"Nagato's power is growing stronger. Is there a possibility he could lose control?"
Namikaze Minato voiced his concern.
He trusted Uchiha Obito, but he couldn't entirely trust Nagato.
As for Orochimaru, it was even more so; they were merely using each other.
Otherwise, that guy wouldn't have recklessly attacked Uchiha Sasuke.
"Brother Minato, anything is possible. Nagato could indeed lose control."
Sarutobi Asuma laughed. "And if he loses control, the Akatsuki Organization's goal would be to threaten the entire Ninja World with the Ten-Tails."
"However, it will be difficult for Nagato to succeed. Uchiha Madara surely left behind a contingency plan."
"Moreover, that guy Orochimaru has already bypassed Nagato and Obito and is cooperating with Uchiha Madara's contingency."
"Once Nagato betrays them, Uchiha Madara will definitely be revived through Impure World Reincarnation and reclaim his Rinnegan."
"He might even have a backup plan to have Nagato use the Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique to fully revive him and then take back the Rinnegan!"
"But no matter what, even if Uchiha Madara is revived, it won't affect our plans."
Namikaze Minato felt relieved upon hearing this and then said, "If the Akatsuki Organization attacks Iwagakure, the impact will be enormous."
"Even if we don't propose it then, Iwagakure might propose a joint effort against the Akatsuki Organization."
"The situation will change rapidly, and the Akatsuki Organization will definitely accelerate its efforts to collect the Tailed Beasts."
"Next year, or perhaps the year after, a major war will likely break out!"
Sarutobi Asuma smiled. "We've been preparing for this day for a long time, haven't we?"
"Brother Minato, do you have any other worries?"
Namikaze Minato gave a wry smile. "How could I not worry?"
Now, the Nine-Tails was split into two; one was inside his son, and the other was inside his wife.
Even with the Akatsuki Organization full of Konoha spies, if Uchiha Madara were revived, there would still be immense danger.
Of course, the greatest danger was Uchiha Madara.
Or rather, Uchiha Madara with the Rinnegan.
After all, no one had truly witnessed the power of the Rinnegan.
That was, after all, the Sage of Six Paths' powerful ocular jutsu.
Especially after witnessing the Forbidden Life Zone, it was even harder to imagine the power of the Rinnegan and the Ten-Tails.
Sarutobi Asuma, understanding Namikaze Minato's thoughts, said, "Brother Minato, not long ago, one of my clones awakened the Rinnegan."
Namikaze Minato was overjoyed upon hearing this, and his worries immediately vanished. However, he couldn't help but ask, "And your original body?"
If even a clone awakened the Rinnegan, based on his understanding of Sarutobi Asuma, his original body should be even stronger.
"No rush, I'm still developing a divine ability!"
Sarutobi Asuma said.
A common Rinnegan was not his goal.
Even a pair of Rinnegan was not his goal.
After chatting for a while longer, Namikaze Minato took his leave.
Sarutobi Asuma also got up to leave, heading home to spend time with Shizune and his daughter, Sarutobi Mirai.
Time passed.
In the blink of an eye, it was August.
News arrived.
Kirigakure's Six-Tails Jinchuriki had defected.
Upon receiving the news, Sarutobi Asuma immediately instructed Ōtsutsuki Kamishiki to find the person.
Immediately after, Sarutobi Asuma received more news from Uka.
The Akatsuki Organization was officially making a move against Iwagakure!
Namikaze Minato had also obtained intelligence from Uchiha Obito and immediately sought out Sarutobi Asuma.
Sarutobi Asuma knew Minato's purpose. Beneath the Sage Tree, he waved his hand, and a water screen appeared, projecting an image of Iwagakure.
The Land of Earth, Iwagakure.
Uka had already infiltrated Iwagakure disguised as a Stone Ninja and arrived outside the location where the Five-Tails Jinchuriki was being protected.
It was an area with stone pillars like a forest, where the Stone Ninja had deployed strong guard forces.
According to Deidara and Tobi's intelligence, this place was also filled with traps.
Unless space-time ninjutsu was used, it would be absolutely impossible to bypass the Stone Ninja.
Outside Iwagakure.
Six Paths Pain appeared.
High in the sky, Deidara was with Tobi.
"Speaking of which, is the leader just going to charge in like this?" Tobi asked.
"Of course!" Deidara replied. "Besides this method, there is no other way."
"This place is covered by a barrier!"
Tobi immediately chuckled. "Then we're in for a good show."
"By the way, will you show off your art later?"
"Senior Sasori was killed by someone from Konoha. His art failed!"
Deidara snorted. "Only explosions are art!"
"You'll know how beautiful the art of explosions is soon enough!"
Meanwhile.
On the outskirts of Iwagakure, Six Paths Pain easily dealt with Iwagakure's alert forces and arrived outside the village's towering earth walls.
Then, under the combined efforts of Deva Path Pain and the others, Animal Path shot up into the sky and plummeted straight down.
Before Animal Path even hit the ground, in the Tsuchikage's office, the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, received the report.
An enemy was invading from the sky, number of enemies: 1!
Beneath the Sage Tree.
Sarutobi Asuma watched the projected image and raised an eyebrow slightly.
Nagato's strategy was exactly the same as the original raid on Konoha.
Using Animal Path to deceive the Stone Ninja, making them believe only one person was invading.
However, he could then use summoning jutsu to summon the other five.
As expected.
Before Animal Path landed, it performed a summoning jutsu, summoning Deva Path Pain and scattering them in different directions.
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