Konoha 40 years, April.

Myoki Mountain.

Towering trees and impossibly large stone statues and mushrooms are the hallmarks of this area.

The sound of frogs and insects is endless, giving people a strong sense of vitality.

"Little Shuimen, I'm going to tell you about some of the fairy arts."

Fukasaku Immortal, one of the two great immortals of Myoki Mountain, said seriously to the blonde boy sitting in front of him.

The blonde boy is none other than the Konoha ninja wave Feng Shuimen.

As a disciple of Jiraiya, one of the three ninjas, he naturally signed a psychic contract with Miaomu Mountain, and he could choose to practice immortal arts that were more powerful than ninjutsu in Miaomu Mountain.

For immortal arts, Shuimen has been longing for a long time, so when he heard Fukasaku Immortal say this, his face was extremely solemn.

"Yes."

"The so-called immortal art is to integrate the chakra cultivated by oneself with the natural energy absorbed by the outside world to form a unique immortal chakra system. Once the cultivation is successful, the immortal art can increase the illusion technique, ninjutsu, and body art by several times or even more than ten times. You should know a little bit about natural energy, right? ”

"Yes, Jiraiya-sensei has already told me about natural energy."

Watergate replied.

"That's good. If you want to cultivate immortal arts, you must learn to perceive natural energy. But don't underestimate the perception of natural energy, some people use more than ten years, decades, can not reach the first stage of perception of natural energy. It is very difficult for you humans to perceive the energies of nature. ”

The Fukasaku Immortals knew that Mizumon's talent was very high, but more than 95% of the humans who had come to Myoki Mountain to cultivate immortal arts since ancient times had ended in failure.

"In other words, Shenzuo Immortal, immortal art is a method to know, and it is also a difficult thing to practice, right?"

"Not bad. Therefore, when you humans cultivate immortal arts in Miaomu Mountain, you will take some means of assistance. This is toad oil, and applying this to your body will strengthen your perception of natural energy. ”

Fukasaku Immortal pointed to the oil pool next to him and said.

"I see."

Shuimen couldn't wait to enter the cultivation stage of immortal arts.

"By the way, Fukasaku Immortal, where did Mr. Jiraiya go? After I came here, I didn't see anyone else. ”

Before learning the immortal arts, Shuimen remembered something and asked.

"Little self-really? He went to the eldest master. ”

Fukasaku Immortal answered Mizumon's question.

Compared to Shuimen, Jilai has been practicing immortal arts for many years, but due to the lack of work when cultivating immortal arts, coupled with limited talent, he is still in the initial stage of being able to perceive natural energy.

Even at this stage, Jiraiya's ability to perceive natural energy is not always effective.

To be honest, Fukasaku Immortals are a little tempted to give up on Jiraiya, a stupid student.

Fortunately, he accepted a disciple with more excellent talents, and he believed that with the talent of Shuimen, the success rate of cultivating immortal arts would be much higher than that of Jilaiya, a master.

The most important thing is that Shuimen is a single-minded person who will never lose anything in important cultivation.

"Big toad immortals?"

Watergate looked at the shockingly large building in the distance.

His teacher was also there, communicating with the Great Toad Immortal, the ruler of Myoki Mountain.

"A few years ago, the eldest master made a prediction about the future of the ninja world, and Xiao Jilai also looked full of confidence, but his heart has actually become very impatient."

After all, it is a huge event that involves the entire ninja world, and Konoha naturally can't avoid that bad future, Konoha is a village that is more important than his own life and needs to be guarded.

He wouldn't let that happen.

The Fukasaku Immortals have lived for nearly a thousand years and have long been open to the world.

Watergate didn't ask what the prophecy was, for it was too early for him to know about it.

Even if he asked, Fukasaku Immortal might not answer his question.

The purpose of his coming to Miaomu Mountain at this moment was only to get in touch with the first stage of immortal arts, so as to prepare for the cultivation of perfect immortal arts in the future.

◎

Land of Rain.

The rain was falling, covering the hustle and bustle of the world.

As the group walked through the rain curtain, they could only hear the sound of the pouring rain and the icy chill brought by the rain.

They passed by a dilapidated village and saw the bodies of many people on the side of the road.

There were men and women, old people and children waiting to be fed, and they were either starved to death or frozen to death.

A herd of scrawny wild dogs gathered around and tore at the carcasses, and then they whimpered a few times and fell to the ground.

Why was this village destroyed and by whom.

This truth has long been unknown.

Because of this cruelty, it is staged in the territory of the Land of Rain all the time.

It could be a big ninja passing by, a wandering ninja from outside, or a robber.

In short, there are so many possibilities.

If you really want to investigate the truth, you will get nothing more than these kinds of answers.

"No matter how you look at it, it's like hell on earth......"

One of them said.

Along the way, I passed through many places, and the only impression of this country was that it was economically depressed, internal chaos, banditry, and people were displaced.

Despair. Weep.

Suffering. Sad.

It's like an unstoppable virus, wreaking havoc in this country, ruthlessly harvesting human lives.

"There is no way, such a small country, even if the war is far away for six or seven years, it is impossible to recover...... It is better to say that after the war, this chaos did not decrease in the slightest. ”

"The 'little girl' who was oppressed by the big country lingered on the ground without covering her clothes......"

One of them smiled wryly with lamentation.

Many years ago, he was also a member of this country.

To be honest, even as a former member of this country, he hated this country and the system very much.

Every day people are fighting, fighting, plundering, and dying here.

"By the way, what are the metrics we're here for?"

"Dawn."

"Ah, that newcomer organization that has recently become famous in the Land of Rain. I heard that they want to liberate the Land of Rain and achieve true peace. ”

One showed appreciation.

"They are now a wild bull who doesn't know what to call it, although they are young people with beautiful dreams, but they underestimate the cruelty of this ninja world. But no matter how you say it, their will is worthy of affirmation, and their dreams are very good. Recruiting Akatsuki into our organization is a directive from the Chief. ”

The leading ninja did not wear forehead guards, but with a pair of sharp eyes, he had already penetrated the layers of rain and saw the person they were looking for not far away.

Walking through the ruined village, which looked like a purgatory on earth, a few people walked towards the bare summit of a path built around the mountains in front of them.

They were dressed in straw-tied robes to protect them from the wind and rain, and they wore yellowish hats, with only a pair of eyes exposed.

"Found them."

"Hurry up and complete the task, the organization is in dire need of fresh blood, and after Xiao, there are other people to recruit."

Halfway up the mountain, seven or eight people gathered together to rest in the cave.

They are an organization called 'Akatsuki'.

Founded two years ago in the territory of the Rain Country, the ninjas in the organization are also ninjas of the Rain Country, but they are not affiliated with the official Rain Hidden Village.

The members of this organization are mainly young people in their teens and twenties.

They are free to talk about their dreams for the future, and they want to change the weeping country and bring real peace to it.

But it is by no means a simple matter to put an end to the various turmoil caused by the war in the country.

Even Hanzo of Yuyin Village didn't have this ability.

Because the opening battlefield of the Second Ninja World War was set in the territory of the Land of Rain, the domestic economy has not recovered, but it is more serious than a few years ago.

In addition, they also have to take into account the problems of life and solve the basic food and clothing problems.

If they are determined to change the country, they must lead by example, and they cannot burn and loot.

Therefore, I can only look for the residents of the Land of Rain who need help, but due to the domestic economic recession, those residents give very little compensation, and sometimes the reward is only a few steamed buns.

But the people of Xiao did not refuse because of this.

They always take the cheapest income and do the hardest work.

There is already so much darkness in this country, and it is good to bring a little warmth and light.

"Yahiko, we've run out of ammunition now, when will we have a mission?"

One of the members of Akatsuki cried to the leader, a teenager named Yahiko, who was only a teenager.

"Listen, you people, the so-called ninja must not only learn to endure pain, but also to endure hunger. What is starvation? Look at me, I don't feel hungry at all. ”

After saying that, the boy named Yahiko started to growl in his stomach, louder than the rest of the people's stomachs.

Yahiko blushed suddenly.

The rest of the group burst out laughing, and the somewhat miserable atmosphere was dispelled quite a bit.

It's not that they really can't persevere, after all, when Xiao was first built, it was much more difficult than this predicament.

At least they still have a skill, a reputation, and can help their country more.

Someday, the rain will pass and the sky will clear.

All of them firmly believe that day will come.

This country will be illuminated by the light.

This belief taught them to be strong and patient, and when the time comes, they know that they will make a real difference in this poor country.

Let the people here no longer be insensitive, no longer painful, no longer shed tears.

Hunger ......

Immediately, the cave resounded with the rumbling of their stomachs.

"Brother Yahiko is right, a ninja is to endure everything, what is a little hunger!"

"Oh!"

The rest of the people agreed and got along happily.

A cute girl with blue hair smiled as she looked at her companions with pretended smiles on her faces, holding an origami paper.

The red-haired boy who sat silently in a remote position, unobtrusive, also smiled sincerely.

Changing the country, and bringing true peace, is not only their dream, but also their mission in life.

No matter how poor or miserable the country is, it is still their motherland.

They will never abandon the country.

No matter how painful the day is, there will be a day when you will come out of it.

And while they were laughing, the sound of footsteps came into the cave.

The ninjas of Akatsuki looked at the entrance of the cave with serious faces.

Being able to approach this place without a sound has only been discovered until now...... No, it's the sound of footsteps that are deliberately exposed.

The strength of the people who came was very strong.

There were five people standing at the entrance of the cave.

Dressed in a rain-stained robe, wearing a wet hat, only his eyes were exposed, and he looked at the ninja in silence.

"Who are you?"

As the leader, Yahiko took the initiative to stand up and showed a hearty smile, as if he was not hostile to the strange aura on the five people.

"Are you the leader of Akatsuki?"

The leader of the five, the ninja, asked softly.

He removed the hat from his head, revealing an unfamiliar male face, about thirty years of age, with withered white hair.

"Yes. I am Yahiko, the leader of Akatsuki. ”

Yahiko observed the white-haired ninja, there was not the slightest breath on his body, and his strength was very well hidden.

Very strong.

"Fortunately."

The white-haired ninja smiled slightly, and reached out in a friendly manner.

Yahiko was stunned for a moment, but also smiled and stretched out his hand and shook it with him.

"It's a bit presumptuous, but ...... you're it?"

"Just call me worm man."

Worm man, what a weird name. Yahiko didn't know whether to complain or not.

"Is there something coming to us for Mr. Wormman?"

"Yes, we want to get your Know's power."

The insect man directly explained his intentions clearly, his eyes were very solemn, and he did not hide it.

Yahiko and the rest of the Akatsuki ninjas were stunned.

"You can tell...... It means ......"

A Akatsuki ninja asked, frowning.

"The five of us belong to an organization, and the leader of our organization is very interested in you Xiao after learning about some of the things you did in the Land of Rain, so we are here to invite you Xiao to join the organization."

After a brief silence, Yahiko shook his head and smiled politely, "I'm sorry, but we don't know that we have any desire to join another organization. ”

The rest of the ninjas in Akatsuki also nodded, agreeing with Yahiko's opinion.

As soon as they came up, they were asked to join an organization that didn't know the details, and no matter how they looked at it, things were full of abnormalities.

"Don't want to hear about our conditions?"

The worm man didn't think about letting Xiao return to obedience just by talking sharply.

"Conditions?"

"Yes. The leader knows that you want to change this impoverished country, and he will give you weapons and food, and even quell the chaos in this country. ”

"So what do we need to give?"

"Since the base of the organization is not in the Land of Rain, after joining, you will need to leave the Land of Rain for a while, and wait until the right time to return and transform the country. At that time, you mobilize the armed forces of the organization, food, and even more resources. That's what I can assure you. ”

The insect man looks like a businessman, without the slightest personal emotion.

It's just to express the original meaning of the order given by the leader of their organization.

"It's fascinating, but please forgive us for refusing. We will not abandon this country. ”

Yahiko said categorically.

"It's not for you to abandon the country of rain, it's for you to go to our organization to learn advanced technology and important ideas, and then bring them back to change this poor country."

"That's no different from abandonment. Now is the time when the country needs us the most, and we will not leave. ”

After Yahiko finished speaking, he looked at the insect man like this.

After being silent like this for a minute, the worm man smiled bitterly and sighed: "Okay, everyone has their own ambitions, and we won't force it." These are considered as greeting gifts. ”

As he spoke, he took out a scroll and placed it on the ground.

"What is this?"

"There is some food and winter supplies sealed inside. I know you don't want to accept handouts, but remember, it's not handouts. It's not our organization's public funding, it's my personal funding for you. ”

Yahiko looked at the insect man in surprise.

The worm man looked at the pouring rain outside, and sighed faintly: "I was also a member of this country, but I am also a member of the organization, and I can't be emotional. Therefore, this is not my charity to you, but only a small reward for my former homeland. ”

Yahiko and the others were slightly moved on their faces.

Yahiko stepped forward and said, "In that case, then you join us, and we will change this country together." ”

After Yahiko said this, the worm man and the other four all looked at Yahiko, and their eyes revealed the meaning of refusal.

The worm man groaned for a moment and said, "Although your dreams are good, I don't think you have the power to change this country. You have not yet realized what the essence of the matter is...... That's all for now. It's time for us to go, there's something else to do. ”

The worm man turned around to leave.

"Wait!"

Yahiko stopped him.

"What else?"

"Who is your leader?"

Yahiko asked seriously.

The worm man paused, smiled and said, "I can't tell my real name, if you have the opportunity to meet our leader, you can just call him 'doctor'." ”

With that, he left with his four companions, leaving behind the people of Akatsuki with stunned faces.

Doctor?

Who is it?

I've never heard of this person in the ninja world.

"Hide your codename?"

Yahiko touched her chin and thought.

Obviously, this is not a person's name, but a code name used internally by one's own people.

Then, Yahiko picked up the scroll left by the worm man, and the rest of the people were also curious.

Yahiko then spread out the scroll and saw that there was no problem before unraveling the technique on it.

They saw heavy wooden boxes sealed one after another, about a dozen of them.

When I opened one of them, I was stunned by the fullness of food inside, and my saliva began to swallow.

Not only food, but also a lot of medicines, and sophisticated forbearance.

This is undoubtedly a relief for them.

"Brother Yahiko, how do you distribute it?"

"Take some of it, and give the rest to those who can't afford to eat."

Yahiko also covets these grains, but there are more people than them who need these supplies to survive this year.

The rest of the people did not object, they were used to this kind of hard life, if it was for the sake of happiness, they would have left this country long ago and went to another country to find a stable job, and there was absolutely no problem with food and clothing.

◎

After separating from Xiao, the five of them descended the mountain along the ring road.

The five people on the road were silent, although they had expected that the people who knew it would most likely not join their organization, but they still felt a lot of regrets.

They also want to change the country, but they can't do anything with their passion alone.

And it's not enough to make the country peaceful.

Peace is only the foundation of development.

Akatsuki's power is too fragile.

I hope they were beaten to the head by the hammer of reality and can understand this truth.

Help here, they have done their best.

"They're going to give most of the supplies to the people of the Land of Rain."

One man broke the silence.

"Ah, a momentary charity cannot change anything. After surviving this year, what will we do next year? They have not yet realized what is really needed to change the country. Instead of filling in the gaps in the current Rain Country, what they need is to calm down and learn, awakening the insensitive hearts of the people of the Rain Country, rather than indulging in charity and mercy for a while. ”

The worm man exhaled and issued a ruthless sentence.

"A country that lives on the mercy and charity of others will not become rich and strong, but will only get weaker and weaker, and the people will become weaker and weaker. Now their horizons, their limits, are here. ”

Several people walked and communicated.

Suddenly, one of them stopped abruptly, stretched out his fist and smashed directly into the rock wall next to him, accompanied by a scream, a strange humanoid creature whose whole body seemed to be covered in white paint was dragged out of the wall by him, and he grabbed him by the throat.

"You're going to be able to spot me—"

The white humanoid looked in amazement at the ninja who dragged himself out of the rock wall and grabbed his throat like lightning.

Before he could finish speaking, there was a click, his throat was crushed, and he died.

"What is this?"

"Who knows, they have been listening to us before...... No, the guy who listens to Xiao is Xiao Xiao's enemy? ”

The male ninja who dragged the white creature out of the rock wall wasn't quite sure about the identity of the weird humanoid creature either.

"Doesn't look like a normal human being, transforming a human being? It's similar to some of the Doctor's modified creatures, but this life force is much more powerful than ordinary people, and it still remains in the body even after death......"

The worm man squatted down, with a hint of scrutiny in his eyes.

"Take it back to the doctor, he's always been interested in this weird creature that looks like a human."

The worm man's opinion was nodded by the other four.

At that moment, the ground in front of him began to burst out, a bulge that looked like a human head, and a pair of black, black eyes like black holes.

The eye of the black hole emits a pale gold, not dazzling light.

The slimy mouth and head are made of mud, and a low, deep sound emanates from the mouth.

The five of them did not show fear when they saw the even more strange earth creature, but knelt down on one knee and saluted the creature.

Its exposed head is only a part of a whole creature.

The worm man smiled and said to the soil man in front of him, "It's been a long time, Your Excellency General Tu. Does the doctor have any new instructions? ”