Konoha Year 40, April (Three years later, don't ask again).
Mount Myōboku.
Towering trees, impossibly large stone statues, and giant mushrooms are the characteristic landscapes here.
The incessant croaking of frogs and chirping of insects gives a powerful sense of vitality.
"Minato, I'm going to tell you a bit about Sage Mode now."
Fukasaku, one of the two Great Sages of Mount Myōboku, spoke earnestly to the golden-haired youth sitting before him.
The golden-haired youth was indeed Minato Namikaze, a Konoha ninja.
As a disciple of Jiraiya, one of the Sannin, he had naturally also signed a summoning contract with Mount Myōboku and could choose to train in Sage Mode, which was even more powerful than ninjutsu, there.
Minato had long yearned for Sage Mode, so when he heard Sage Fukasaku say this, his expression became exceptionally solemn.
"Yes."
"Sage Mode, as it's called, is the fusion of one's own trained chakra with natural energy absorbed from the outside, forming a unique Sage Mode chakra system. Once successfully cultivated, Sage Mode can amplify genjutsu, ninjutsu, and taijutsu by several, or even more than a dozen, times. You should know something about natural energy, right?"
"Yes, Sensei Jiraiya has already told me about natural energy."
Minato replied.
"That's good. To cultivate Sage Mode, you must first learn to sense natural energy. But don't underestimate sensing natural energy; some people take decades, even a lifetime, and still cannot reach the first stage of sensing natural energy. For you humans, sensing natural energy is a very difficult thing."
Sage Fukasaku knew Minato's talent was high, but throughout history, more than ninety-five percent of humans who came to Mount Myōboku to train in Sage Mode ended in failure.
"So, Sage Fukasaku, even if one knows the method, Sage Mode is still very difficult to master, right?"
"Precisely. That's why you humans use some assistive methods when training in Sage Mode on Mount Myōboku. This is toad oil; applying it to your body can enhance your ability to sense natural energy."
Sage Fukasaku pointed to the oil pool nearby and said.
"I understand."
Minato was already eager to enter the training stage for Sage Mode.
"Oh, by the way, Sage Fukasaku, where did Sensei Jiraiya go? I haven't seen him since I arrived."
Minato asked, remembering something before starting his Sage Mode training.
"Little Jiraiya? He went to see the Great Elder."
Sage Fukasaku answered Minato's question.
Compared to Minato, Jiraiya had been training in Sage Mode for many years, but due to his lack of diligence and limited talent, he was still only in the initial stage of being able to sense natural energy.
Even at this stage, Jiraiya's ability to sense natural energy wasn't always reliable.
To be honest, Sage Fukasaku was starting to give up on this foolish student, Jiraiya.
Fortunately, he had taken on a more talented disciple, and he believed that with Minato's talent, his success rate in cultivating Sage Mode would be much higher than his master, Jiraiya.
Most importantly, Minato was a focused individual and would never be careless during important training.
"The Great Toad Sage?"
Minato looked at the awe-inspiringly large structure in the distance.
His teacher, Jiraiya, was there, conversing with the ruler of Mount Myōboku, the Great Toad Sage.
"A few years ago, the Great Elder made a prophecy about the future of the ninja world. Little Jiraiya seems full of confidence, but deep down, he's actually become very anxious."
After all, it was a huge event involving the entire ninja world, and Konoha naturally couldn't avoid that terrible future. For Jiraiya, Konoha was a village more important than his own life, a village that needed to be protected.
He surely wouldn't allow such a thing to happen.
Sage Fukasaku had lived for nearly a thousand years and had long since become detached from worldly affairs.
Minato wisely didn't ask what the prophecy was; for him, it was too early to know such things.
Even if he asked, Sage Fukasaku might not answer his question.
His purpose in coming to Mount Myōboku at this moment was merely to enter the first stage of Sage Mode, preparing for future training in perfect Sage Mode.
◎
The Land of Rain.
Rain poured down in torrents, masking the clamor of the world.
A group of people walked through the rain, hearing only the downpour and feeling the biting cold brought by the rain.
They passed through a long-ruined village and saw many corpses by the roadside.
There were men and women, old people and wailing infants; they had either starved to death or frozen to death.
A pack of emaciated wild dogs gathered around, tearing at the corpses, then whimpered a few times and collapsed themselves.
Why this village was destroyed, and by whom, was a truth long since unknown.
Because such cruelty played out constantly within the Land of Rain.
It could have been ninjas from a great nation passing through, or rogue ninjas from outside, or bandits.
In short, the possibilities were simply too numerous.
If one were to truly investigate the truth, the answers would invariably be these few.
"No matter how you look at it, it's like a scene from hell…"
One of them said.
Having passed through many places along the way, their impression of this country was only of economic depression, internal chaos, rampant bandits, and displaced people.
Despair. Crying.
Pain. Sorrow.
Like an unstoppable virus, it raged freely within this country, mercilessly harvesting lives.
"There's no way; for a small country like this, even if the war has been over for six or seven years, it's impossible to recover… Rather, after the war, this chaos hasn't diminished at all."
"A 'little girl' oppressed by great nations, barely surviving on the ground, barely clothed…"
One of them let out a sighing, bitter smile.
Many years ago, he too was a member of this country.
To be honest, even as a former member of this country, he deeply disliked it and detested its system.
Every day, people fought, killed, plundered, and died here.
"Speaking of which, what was our objective for coming here again?"
"Akatsuki."
"Ah, that new organization that's quite famous in the Land of Rain recently. I heard they want to liberate the Land of Rain and achieve true peace."
One person showed appreciation.
"They're just a bunch of clueless wild oxen right now. While they are young people with beautiful dreams, they underestimate the cruelty of this ninja world. But even so, their will is commendable, and their dream is excellent. To absorb Akatsuki into our organization, that is the leader's directive to us."
The leading ninja wore no forehead protector, but his sharp gaze had already pierced through layers of rain, spotting the people they were looking for not far away.
Crossing this ruined village, which resembled a living hell, the group walked along a path built around the mountain towards the barren mountaintop.
They wore straw raincoats to shield themselves from the wind and rain, and light yellow conical hats, with only their eyes exposed.
"We found them."
"Let's finish the mission quickly. The organization is in urgent need of fresh blood, and after Akatsuki, there are other people to recruit."
Halfway up the mountain, seven or eight people were gathered, resting inside a cave.
They were the organization known as 'Akatsuki.'
Formed two years ago within the Land of Rain, the ninjas within the organization were all from the Land of Rain, but they were not affiliated with the official Hidden Rain Village.
The members of this organization were primarily teenagers.
They freely discussed their beautiful dreams for the future within the organization; they wanted to change this weeping country and bring true peace to it.
However, ending the various conflicts caused by war within the country was by no means a simple task.
Even Hanzō of the Hidden Rain Village lacked such ability.
Because the opening battlefield of the Second Great Ninja War was set within the Land of Rain, the country's economy has not yet recovered, and in fact, has worsened compared to a few years ago.
Furthermore, they also had to consider living issues and solve basic needs for food and warmth.
They were determined to change the country, so they had to lead by example and not resort to arson, killing, or looting.
Therefore, they could only seek out residents of the Land of Rain who needed help, but due to the country's economic downturn, the rewards given by those residents were very small, sometimes only a few steamed buns.
But the Akatsuki members did not refuse because of this.
They always took the cheapest income and did the hardest work.
This country already had too much darkness; bringing a glimmer of warmth and light was still good.
"Yahiko, we're out of supplies now. When will there be a mission?"
An Akatsuki member complained to their leader—a teenager named Yahiko, who was only in his teens.
"You guys, listen up. A ninja must not only learn to endure pain, but also to bravely endure hunger. What is mere hunger? Look at me, I don't feel hungry at all."
As soon as he finished speaking, the teenager named Yahiko's stomach rumbled, louder than everyone else's.
Yahiko immediately blushed.
Everyone else burst into laughter, and the somewhat tragic atmosphere dissipated considerably.
They weren't really at their breaking point; after all, when Akatsuki was first formed, it was much tougher than this predicament.
At least now they had a skill, had made a name for themselves, and could help their country more.
One day, the sun would shine again.
They all firmly believed in the arrival of that day.
This country would be illuminated by light.
This belief taught them strength and endurance. They were sure that Akatsuki would one day become internationally renowned and truly change this impoverished country.
To make its people no longer numb, no longer suffer, no longer shed tears.
Mere hunger… Then, the rumbling of stomachs echoed throughout the cave.
"Big Brother Yahiko is right! A ninja must endure everything! What is mere hunger?!"
"Oh!"
Everyone agreed, getting along harmoniously.
A cute blue-haired girl, while folding origami, smiled as she looked at her companions, who were all putting on brave faces.
A red-haired youth, sitting silently in a secluded, inconspicuous spot, also genuinely smiled.
Changing this country and bringing true peace—this was not only their dream but also the mission they were born to bear.
No matter how poor or how difficult this country was, it was still their homeland.
They would never abandon this country.
No matter how painful the days, there would always be an end to the suffering.
Just as they were chatting and laughing, footsteps echoed into the cave.
The Akatsuki ninjas' expressions turned serious, and they looked towards the cave entrance.
To approach here silently, only to be discovered now… No, perhaps those footsteps were intentionally revealed.
The approaching individuals were incredibly strong.
There were five people standing at the cave entrance.
They wore straw cloaks still damp with rain and wet straw hats, with only their eyes visible, silently observing the Akatsuki ninjas.
"Who are you?"
Yahiko, as the leader, stepped forward, a cheerful smile on his face, seemingly unfazed by the strange aura emanating from the five, showing no hostility.
"Are you the leader of Akatsuki?"
The leader of the five ninjas asked softly.
He took off his straw hat, revealing an unfamiliar male face, about thirty years old, with withered white hair.
"Yes. I am Yahiko, the leader of Akatsuki."
Yahiko observed the white-haired ninja; he exuded no aura whatsoever, his strength exceptionally well-concealed.
Very strong.
"Nice to meet you."
The white-haired ninja smiled faintly and extended his hand in a friendly gesture.
Yahiko was momentarily surprised, then also smiled and extended his hand, shaking his.
"Though it's a bit presumptuous, may I ask who you are…?"
"Just call me Bug Man."
Bug Man, such a strange name. Yahiko didn't know whether to comment on it in his heart.
"Mr. Bug Man, are you here to see us about something?"
"Yes, we wish to obtain the power of your Akatsuki."
Bug Man directly stated his purpose, his gaze serious and without any pretense.
Yahiko and the other Akatsuki ninjas were stunned.
"You said 'obtain'… do you mean…?"
An Akatsuki ninja asked, frowning.
"The five of us belong to an organization. Our organization's leader learned about some of the things you've been doing in the Land of Rain and became very interested in your Akatsuki, so we've come to invite your Akatsuki to join our organization."
After a brief silence, Yahiko shook his head, smiling as he politely declined: "I'm sorry, our Akatsuki has no intention of joining another organization."
The other Akatsuki ninjas also nodded, agreeing with Yahiko's view.
Being asked to join an unknown organization right off the bat, the situation seemed abnormal no matter how they looked at it.
"Don't you want to hear our conditions?"
Bug Man hadn't expected Akatsuki to submit based on a few empty words alone.
"Conditions?"
"Yes. Our leader knows that your Akatsuki wants to change this impoverished country. He will provide you with weapons and food, and even help quell the chaos in this nation."
"What would we need to give in return?"
"Because our organization's base is not in the Land of Rain, after joining, you would need to temporarily leave the Land of Rain and return at an appropriate time to transform this country. At that time, you can mobilize the organization's armed forces, food, and even more resources. I can assure you of this."
Bug Man spoke in a business-like manner, devoid of any personal emotion.
He was merely conveying the orders given by their organization's leader, expressing the original intent.
"While it's very appealing, please forgive us for refusing. We will not abandon this country."
Yahiko stated this unequivocally.
"We are not asking you to abandon the Land of Rain; we are asking you to go to our organization to learn advanced techniques and important ideologies, and then bring them back to change this impoverished country."
"That would be no different from abandoning it. Now is when the country needs us most; we will not leave."
After Yahiko finished speaking, he met Bug Man's gaze.
After about a minute of silence, Bug Man let out a bitter laugh and sighed, "Alright, to each their own; we won't force you. Consider these a Meeting gift."
With that, he took out a scroll and placed it on the ground.
"This is?"
"It contains some food and winter supplies. I know you don't want to accept charity, but remember, this is not charity. Nor is it our organization's public funds; it is my personal contribution to you."
Yahiko looked at Bug Man in surprise.
Bug Man looked at the pouring rain outside and sighed faintly, "I was once a member of this country, but I am also a member of the organization, and I cannot be swayed by emotion. So, this is not my charity to you, but merely a small, insignificant repayment to my former homeland."
Yahiko and the others' faces showed a slight touch of emotion.
Yahiko stepped forward and said, "In that case, why don't you join our Akatsuki? We can change this country together."
After Yahiko said this, Bug Man and the other four looked at Yahiko, their eyes conveying a sense of refusal.
Bug Man pondered for a moment and said, "Although your dream is good, I don't think you have the power to change this country. You haven't yet realized the core essence of the matter… Let's leave it at that. We should go; we have other missions to complete."
Bug Man turned to leave.
"Wait!"
Yahiko called out to him.
"Is there anything else?"
"Who is your leader?"
Yahiko asked seriously.
Bug Man paused, then smiled and said, "I cannot reveal his real name. If you ever have the chance to meet our leader, you can call him 'the Doctor.'"
After speaking, he led his four companions away, leaving the Akatsuki members looking bewildered.
The Doctor?
Who was that?
They had never heard of such a person in the ninja world.
"Is it a codename?"
Yahiko stroked his chin, pondering.
Clearly, it wasn't a person's name but an internal codename used among their own people.
Then, Yahiko picked up the scroll Bug Man had left behind, and the others also looked on with curiosity.
Yahiko then unrolled the scroll, and after confirming there were no issues, he dispelled the jutsu on it.
They saw numerous heavy wooden boxes, about a dozen of them, all sealed.
Opening one, they were astonished by the abundant food inside, and their mouths began to water.
Not just food, but also many medicines and excellent ninja tools.
For their Akatsuki, this was undoubtedly a godsend.
"Big Brother Yahiko, how should we distribute it?"
"Take a portion for ourselves, and distribute the rest to those who can't afford food."
Yahiko also coveted the food, but compared to them, many more people needed these supplies to survive the year.
The others didn't object; they had long been accustomed to such hardship. If they were looking for comfort, they would have long since abandoned this country and sought stable work in another, where food and clothing would certainly not be an issue.
◎
After parting with Akatsuki, the five descended the mountain along a circular path.
The five walked in silence. Although they had anticipated that the Akatsuki members would likely not join their organization, they still felt a great deal of regret.
They also wanted to change this country, but with mere passion, nothing could be accomplished.
Moreover, simply making this country peaceful was far from enough.
Peace was merely the foundation for development.
Akatsuki's power was too fragile.
Hopefully, they would be battered and bruised by the hammer of reality and come to understand this truth.
They had done all they could.
"They'll probably distribute most of the supplies to the people of the Land of Rain."
One person broke the silence.
"Ah, temporary charity changes nothing. If they survive this year, what about next year? They haven't realized what is truly needed to change this country. Compared to patching up the current Land of Rain, what they need is to settle down and learn, to awaken the numb hearts of the people of the Land of Rain, rather than indulging in temporary charity and pity."
Bug Man exhaled, delivering a merciless judgment.
"A country that relies on the pity and charity of others will never prosper; it will only grow weaker and weaker, and its people will also become weaker and weaker. Their current vision, their limit, is only this far."
The few walked and conversed.
Suddenly, one of them abruptly stopped, extended his fist, and directly shattered the nearby rock wall. Accompanied by a scream, a bizarre humanoid creature, as if painted entirely white, was brutally dragged out of the wall by him, its throat tightly constricted.
"You, how could you discover me—"
The white humanoid creature looked at the ninja who had dragged him out of the rock wall and, like lightning, choked his throat, utterly astonished.
Before he could finish speaking, with a snap, his throat was crushed, and he died.
"What is this?"
"Who knows? It was listening in on us earlier… No, was it listening in on Akatsuki? Is it an enemy of Akatsuki?"
The male ninja who had dragged the white creature out of the rock wall wasn't entirely sure of the identity of this bizarre humanoid creature.
"It doesn't look like a normal human; a modified human? It's very similar to some of the Doctor's modified creatures, but this life force, much stronger than an ordinary person's, still remains within its body even after death…"
Bug Man crouched down, a hint of scrutiny in his eyes.
"Let's take it back for the Doctor to examine; he's always interested in these bizarre creatures that resemble modified humans."
Bug Man's suggestion was met with nods from the other four.
Just then, the ground ahead began to rise abruptly. It was a protrusion shaped like a human head, with a pair of dark, black-hole-like eyes.
A faint, non-blinding golden light emanated from the black-hole eyes.
The slimy mouth and head were all made of mud, and a deep, resonant sound came from its mouth.
Seeing this even more bizarre mud creature, the five showed no fear; instead, they knelt on one knee and bowed to the creature.
The exposed head was merely a part of a complete creature.
Bug Man smiled and said to the mud figure before him, "Long time no see, Lord Earth General. Does the Doctor have any new instructions?"
(PS: The protagonist's abilities can finally be officially showcased. Besides earth, there are also various types like wind, lightning, water, fire, etc.)