Konoha.
Uchiha territory.
Inside an underground laboratory bathed in bright yellow light, a young man in a white hooded coat stood diligently working at a lab bench.
This young man was Shiraishi.
The Second Shinobi World War ended with the war between Konoha and Sunagakure, after which all countries entered a peaceful period of development and recovery.
The borders of the Land of Fire also returned to their former stability, free from attacks by foreign ninjas.
However, that was more than three years ago.
Life over these past three years has been relatively uneventful.
Because there was no need to go to the battlefield, he spent more time in the village after completing missions.
This also meant that the time he spent on research increased significantly, without the need to rush back and forth across the Shinobi world battlefield, constantly fighting various enemies.
Compared to his research more than three years ago, his progress has undoubtedly advanced greatly.
Natural energy, senjutsu, Tailed Beast Chakra, including the utilization of Yin Release and Yang Release, were not comparable to three years ago.
The efficient use of natural energy meant that he could specifically mass-produce soldiers.
He no longer felt the slight awe towards Konoha's immense power that he did more than three years ago, and could face it with a calm attitude.
Perhaps this is what is called growth.
After all, while he was constantly improving, the village of Konoha remained much the same as before, with only an increase in the number of active ninjas, and military spending rising year by year.
As the ninja forces continued to grow, it was estimated that the surrounding ninja villages in neighboring countries must have become wary of Konoha.
How long would this peace last? Would a new war break out again in a year or two?
The only certainty was that the time until Sunagakure's next attack on the Land of Fire would not make Shiraishi wait too long.
At that time, he could truly leave this utterly boring village.
Although he couldn't bear to part with some people and things, separation is a necessary stage in life.
"The human body stage is finally complete. Next, I can try to unlock the Caged Bird…"
The experiment of replacing chakra with natural energy as life energy, after more than three years of effort, has now matured. While he couldn't claim 100% certainty, at least in the event of an accident, he could interrupt it in time, preventing harm to life.
A total of eleven human bodies were consumed for the success of this experiment.
The experiment went so smoothly that Shiraishi found it incredible. Not a single one of the eleven human bodies died; only one experienced an accident, but Shiraishi rescued them with his superb medical skills.
It was as if natural energy could inherently replace chakra as the body's life energy.
Although the difference between the two cannot yet be analyzed, as long as the Caged Bird can be unlocked, it will not be too late to explore this secret later.
Shiraishi walked over to a nearby bookshelf, his eyes scanning the titles, and reached out to search through them.
"I remember it was in…"
As he spoke, the floor nearby began to shift.
The head of a dark-eyed mud golem emerged from the ground, faint golden light emanating from its eye sockets, staring at Shiraishi.
"You're back? Thank you for your hard work."
Shiraishi stopped searching for the book and turned to look at the mud golem.
This was an 'automaton' he had created, based on Yin and Yang Release chakra, with natural energy as its core, and some subtle applications of soul.
The inspiration for its creation came from the Tailed Beasts.
Shiraishi named it 'General Earth'.
Since it was only six months old, it currently only possessed the ability to move freely within the earth and merge with it, making it a juvenile form.
At present, the only help it could provide Shiraishi was communicating with his subordinates and delivering items. As for combat… one could only say its future was promising.
The mud golem just stared at Shiraishi, seemingly waiting for Shiraishi's next command.
Shiraishi gave a slight wry smile. Although he had successfully created it artificially, this guy's intelligence was quite worrying, or rather, it was slow and clumsy.
It was currently unable to comprehend overly complex commands or human relationships.
If he didn't give it precise commands, even Shiraishi, its creator, couldn't communicate with it normally.
Therefore, he gave it the evaluation of 'future promising'.
"What did they send you back with? Give me the items."
Shiraishi commanded it.
Only then did the mud golem end its utterly vacant stare with Shiraishi.
The floor began to writhe, and from within, it spat out a letter and a white humanoid creature.
"What is this?"
Shiraishi picked up the letter, but his gaze was fixed on the white humanoid creature, frowning.
The mud golem said nothing, only emitted a dull sound and submerged itself underground.
Shiraishi didn't expect any sensible reaction from this low-intelligence automaton; it was quite competent when used merely as a communication tool.
And currently, it was only a communication tool.
Shiraishi opened the letter and began to understand the situation.
It simply mentioned two things.
Akatsuki rejected the recruitment.
The identity of the white humanoid creature lying on the ground was unknown. While monitoring Akatsuki, it somehow targeted his subordinates, was subdued, and then sent here.
"They refused? I originally wanted to expand the organization's personnel. Never mind, finding others will be the same."
Akatsuki's refusal was understandable, and Shiraishi felt no regret.
There were simply too many people who could be recruited. After all, the lower limit for cultivating natural energy was very low; even a disabled person with prosthetics could be used as combat power, it was just a matter of strength.
However, with a ninja foundation, after being enhanced by natural energy, their strength would be greater than that of ordinary people.
The bigger problem was the unidentified corpse in front of him.
"This texture, and life energy… what is this thing?"
Shiraishi stared at the white creature's corpse with a strange expression, not calling it 'human' but using 'thing' as a substitute.
Its internal structure was so simple… it made Shiraishi think it was just a shell with consciousness.
The touch was cold, like a corpse, yet subtly different.
A living dead person?
"A strange person targeting Akatsuki… does Akatsuki have such rare value to be targeted?"
Shiraishi knew a few things about Akatsuki. Its members were all teenagers, living in such harsh conditions, which forged their strong will and courage to fight.
They attempted to save the entire country in the most clumsy way possible.
Akatsuki was probably founded around two years ago. At that time, it was still in its nascent stage, without a specific name, and only had three members.
After more than a year of development, it became an organization of eight or nine people, and the name Akatsuki only began to circulate in recent months.
But it still changed nothing.
Ultimately, why would such a destitute organization, struggling with even basic living, be targeted?
Internal strife within the Land of Rain?
Or did other countries not want an organization like Akatsuki to appear in the Land of Rain?
Shiraishi only thought for a moment before giving up. He had mountains of things to deal with and no need to waste time on such matters.
Regardless, other people's affairs had nothing to do with him.
As for Akatsuki's future, let the unknown future deliver its verdict.
In Shiraishi's prediction, Akatsuki's demise would be very tragic.
The Land of Rain… was not suitable for development.
At least for now.
It was a territory where great nations contended. Only if the three great nations of Fire, Wind, and Earth were willing to jointly establish a stable order would the Land of Rain become prosperous and peaceful alongside them.
But the three great nations, apart from fighting each other, had no such idea of jointly building a stable order.
The people of that country, oppressed for years, had largely lost their will to resist.
In this era, people died and fought every day.
The way of human survival was the law of the jungle.
The nations built by humans were no different; the weak would be bullied, and the strong could possess everything.
The Land of Rain was merely one of the nations built by humans.
Beyond that, in this chaotic era, this country held no further meaning.
◎
Early April.
A new batch of graduates emerged from the Ninja Academy, becoming true Genin, ready to write their passionate ninja lives.
At Ichiraku Ramen in Konoha, Team Sakumo was celebrating.
"You're too slow. Today is an important day."
The black-haired girl stood gracefully in front of the ramen shop, her voice cool.
She wore a black off-the-shoulder bodysuit, and black elbow-length gloves with incredibly hard iron plates on the back of the hands, serving as special protective gear against kunai and ninja swords.
Below, she wore a short skirt and black over-the-knee socks that showcased her shapely legs. Her ninja tool pouch was strapped to her thigh, and her entire outfit looked perfectly fitted.
On the back of her black bodysuit was embroidered the Uchiha clan's fan symbol.
This girl was Ruri.
Compared to three years ago, she had matured considerably. She was now the reliable second-in-command of Sakumo's team, a genius ninja whose reputation spread throughout Konoha.
She stood with her arms crossed, her face cold, seemingly displeased that Shiraishi had arrived so late.
"What does it matter? Isn't the timing just right?"
Another black-haired girl smiled, helping Shiraishi out of the awkward situation.
This girl was Ayane.
Compared to Ruri, her changes over the past three years were actually more significant.
For instance, her figure.
For instance, her chest.
She wore a custom-made, pale white kimono with a hemline that didn't reach her knees, ensuring agile movement for her legs.
On her legs, she wore white over-the-knee socks, similar in style to Ruri's. She didn't carry a ninja tool pouch on her thigh, and if not for the forehead protector, she wouldn't look like a ninja at all.
But her weapons might be strapped elsewhere.
"Has Sakumo-sensei arrived yet?"
Shiraishi ignored Ruri's displeased attitude and asked about Sakumo.
He held a gift bag containing several gift boxes.
Because today was a special day.
"He's been here for a while, just waiting for you."
"Really? Well, I couldn't help it. I had some matters to attend to earlier. It's good that I made it, and I didn't forget the gifts, anyway."
With that, Shiraishi lifted the gift bag in his hand and said with a smile.
Ruri's expression finally softened a little.
The three entered the Ichiraku Ramen shop. Sakumo was sitting there, and to his right sat another white-haired boy, about five or six years old, wearing a mask and a ninja forehead protector.
This indicated that the five or six-year-old boy had officially graduated from the Ninja Academy and was a qualified Konoha ninja.
"Long time no see, Kakashi."
"Long time no see, Shiraishi-senpai."
This boy was Sakumo's son, Hatake Kakashi.
After Shiraishi greeted him, he immediately responded.
"Here, Kakashi, this is a gift to congratulate you on becoming a Genin."
Shiraishi placed a gift box in Kakashi's hand.
Kakashi solemnly accepted it and thanked Shiraishi.
After Shiraishi sat down, he remarked with great emotion, "Speaking of which, this is truly impressive, Kakashi. Although you're only five, you've already graduated from the Ninja Academy and become an official Genin. This breaks the record for the fastest Genin in the history of our Konoha Ninja Academy."
Kakashi responded calmly, "It's nothing, really. The graduation exam wasn't difficult at all."
This was his natural attitude; the difficulty of the graduation exam was practically non-existent for him.
Although many called him a genius and considered his achievements normal, they always overlooked the effort and sweat this genius put in daily behind the scenes.
Those people would only judge others with their shallow perceptions, believing their own views to be correct. They couldn't see others' efforts and sweat, so they dismissed it with the word 'genius'.
Shiraishi knew Kakashi wasn't being modest; he was simply stating his personal opinion.
Right, entering the Ninja Academy at four and graduating at five... His scores in both theoretical and practical classes were first, so there was no possibility of cheating.
It was said that even the Third Hokage was startled when Kakashi applied for graduation.
Konoha had gained another genius ninja.
The cradle of geniuses.
Many ninja villages referred to Konoha in this way.
Shiraishi believed this title was perfectly accurate.
"What about our gifts? This gathering today is also to celebrate Ruri and me becoming Jonin."
"I know, they're already prepared."
Indeed, this gathering wasn't just to celebrate Kakashi's graduation from the Ninja Academy and becoming a Genin; it was also specially arranged to celebrate Ruri and Ayane becoming Jonin.
Shiraishi handed the gift boxes to Ruri and Ayane.
Ruri and Ayane finally looked satisfied.
"Ruri and Ayane have both become Jonin. It seems our team's separation isn't far off," Sakumo sighed lightly, his tone filled with regret.
He genuinely wanted to maintain the original lineup of Sakumo's team, but Ruri and Ayane's identities were too special.
And their reason for joining his team was not without the intentions of the Uchiha and Hyuga clans—it was a period of training.
Now that they had become Jonin, their training period in Sakumo's team would naturally come to an end.
With their current strength, Sakumo no longer had the ability to guide them. In fact, facing both of them, he might even be defeated himself.
However, seeing the village gain two more powerful new forces, Sakumo's gloom was swept away.
He felt joy for Konoha's prosperity.
Therefore, for Sakumo, this gathering was also an incredibly important farewell ceremony.
Over on his side, Kakashi also handed the gifts he and Sakumo had prepared to Ruri and Ayane.
Just then, Shiraishi took out the last gift box from the gift bag, placed it in front of Sakumo, and said with a smile, "So I prepared four gifts. Please accept them, Sakumo-sensei."
Sakumo was slightly taken aback, then smiled and accepted the gift.
"Still as thoughtful as ever. You'll make a good man someday. Well, I won't be polite and will accept it."
Before Shiraishi could speak, Ayane already laughed, "Of course, I'm the authority on that."
Ruri's face was cold, and a terrifying killing intent emanated from her eyes.
Ayane sat there elegantly, completely unfazed by Ruri's killing intent.
"It seems you've forgotten who's at the top."
"Getting angry often makes your skin age easily, you know."
Sparks instantly flew between the two.
Kakashi looked at the two women radiating killing intent and, precociously, patted Shiraishi's shoulder.
"The world of you seniors is truly colorful."
"Don't talk like an adult."
Shiraishi gave him a helpless look.
"You've worked hard."
"Still not cute at all. You'll have no friends if you keep this up."
Kakashi had no opinion on this; his popularity was indeed average.
Aside from being familiar with the members of Sakumo's team, he didn't have many people he could communicate with.
Even in the Ninja Academy, there were only a few.
Most people kept their distance from this 'genius'.
"I don't need those things. My goal is to surpass my father."
Kakashi said seriously.
"Sword training is very painful, especially Sakumo-sensei's sword techniques. I also received training before, but it was too difficult, and I couldn't persevere."
"That's why you're still a Genin."
"..."
He couldn't refute that.
"I'm a medical ninja. I don't need great strength. Being able to escape and use medical ninjutsu is enough. Combat is not something a medical ninja does."
Shiraishi was proud of being a medical ninja.
Kakashi didn't say anything either. Ninjas are beings whose ranks are determined by strength.
Judging purely by medical ninjutsu, Shiraishi certainly had the qualifications to become a Chunin.
However... in Konoha, there was no special treatment for medical ninjas to be ranked separately.
But the role of a medical ninja is not determined by Genin, Chunin, or Jonin ranks.
For most medical ninjas, the Genin, Chunin, and Jonin rankings made no difference; the level of medical ninjutsu they mastered was the key.
Not everyone was like Tsunade among the Sannin, who had both extremely strong combat abilities and peak medical ninjutsu.
Next, everyone finished their conversation and happily enjoyed the delicious ramen.
Of course, Sakumo paid in the end.
After paying, Sakumo, in a way, breathed a sigh of relief. After this gathering, Sakumo's team was pretty much on the verge of disbanding, and he could finally escape the entanglement of the Big Eater Queen.
Over these three years, he had developed a psychological shadow regarding treating others and paying the bill.
But what followed was a strong sense of reluctance.
In these three years, Sakumo's team had a 100% mission completion rate. Whether it was high-difficulty A-rank missions or the highest-difficulty S-rank missions, they were all completed flawlessly.
No matter what kind of enemy they encountered, they would be silently given an equal demise.
The name 'Konoha's White Fang' naturally rose to another level, making ninja villages in various countries extremely wary. People constantly came to probe for his intelligence, hoping to devise suitable tactics to kill Sakumo.
But they also knew that even if they created tactics, killing Sakumo would be an extremely difficult task.
They were deeply troubled by how to eliminate Sakumo.
Because of this, the two girls in the team also became famous, letting people know the powerful foundation of the noble ninja clans. Konoha gained two more genius ninjas, making other villages envious and filled with an irresistible urge to destroy these geniuses.
As for the medical ninja Shiraishi in the team, he was still overlooked.
Medical ninjas didn't need to be concerned about.
If it were a medical ninja of Tsunade's level, it would naturally be a different story, but unfortunately, Shiraishi was not.