"I can teach Ninjutsu, but can you first tell me-what is a Ninja?" Mutsuki looked at the crowd and asked with a smile.
The Ninjas in the crowd looked at each other. There were too many possible answers to this question. One could say that anyone who graduates from the Academy is a Ninja; one could also say a Ninja is a profession, or someone who uses Ninjutsu.
But they felt that a question from someone as powerful as Mutsuki surely carried deeper meaning-it wouldn't be that simple.
"A Ninja is someone who can endure everything." Seeing no one respond, Yahiko was the first to speak his answer.
Mutsuki nodded with a smile, offering no comment.
"A Ninja is someone who can use Chakra to perform Ninjutsu," Ike Masaya quickly followed.
He really couldn't think of any profound insight, so he figured he might as well speak early and leave an impression on Mutsuki.
The others quickly realized the same thing and began sharing their own answers.
"A Ninja is a profession, an identity."
"Once you've learned Ninjutsu, you're a Ninja."
Over a hundred Ninjas scrambled to answer, making the scene quite noisy.
Mutsuki lightly pressed his palm downward, signaling for silence.
In less than a minute, the area returned to its earlier quiet state.
It wasn't so much that Mutsuki-sensei had unparalleled crowd control from years of teaching, but rather that the destruction caused by his Ninjutsu was still visible nearby-so everyone treated Mutsuki with great respect.
"Broadly speaking, none of you are wrong. A Ninja can be a profession, or someone who can use Ninjutsu." As Mutsuki spoke, he used Earth Release to clean up the aftermath of the battle.
"But do you know what Ninjas were originally like? Where the term 'Ninja' came from? What responsibilities a Ninja has?"
"It was the Six Paths Sage who created the Ninja Sect-only then did Ninjas exist!" Ike Masaya quickly blurted out.
The day he arrived, Mutsuki happened to be talking about how the Six Paths Sage founded the Ninja Sect, so he remembered it clearly.
"Six Paths Sage-isn't that just a myth?" someone in the crowd asked in confusion.
Not everyone believed the Six Paths Sage was real. Some thought he was merely a legendary figure.
"The Six Paths Sage really did exist!" Mutsuki affirmed without hesitation.
"The real Six Paths Sage didn't have the power to create the world like in the stories. He was the ancestor of all Ninjas, the founder of the Ninja Sect."
Many myths about the Six Paths Sage circulated in the ninja world. One of the most widely spread was the myth that he created the world-a belief that claimed the Six Paths Sage brought the ninja world into existence.
That was also why some Ninjas doubted his existence. No matter how powerful someone becomes in Ninjutsu, creating a world seems impossible.
But for Mutsuki, who knew the real story well, that myth wasn't entirely baseless exaggeration.
Back then, when Kaguya planted the Divine Tree, it caused massive destruction to the ninja world. It was the Six Paths Sage who traveled across the land to heal it, which led to the ninja world we have today.
"The earliest Ninjas referred to members of the Ninja Sect. During that era, their main responsibility was to maintain peace and create a peaceful world." After finishing his explanation about the Six Paths Sage, Mutsuki immediately spoke about the duty of the ancient Ninjas.
Yahiko's eyes widened-having never attended school, he had no idea Ninjas had such origins.
At that moment, he felt immense joy, because they were doing the same thing as the very first Ninjas-they were walking the same path.
"If the responsibility of Ninjas is to maintain peace, then why are there so many Ninja wars today?" Nagato couldn't help but question aloud.
He hadn't intended to speak, since Yahiko really admired Mutsuki and wanted to recruit him-but he truly felt that Ninjas didn't deserve to be called messengers of peace.
It wasn't just because Nagato's parents had been killed by Ninjas-Yahiko and Konan were also war orphans. They had all lost their parents because of Ninja wars.
"That's why I said during the time of the Ninja Sect," Mutsuki replied calmly. "After the Ninja Sect disappeared, Ninjas changed. The Ninjas of today are just as you first described-people who can use Ninjutsu, a profession."
As he spoke, Mutsuki's expression grew solemn and serious. "Today's Ninjas have strayed too far from their original purpose. As someone who inherited the legacy of the Ninja Sect, I can't bear to see Ninjas-who were once peacekeepers-become warmongers. So I've decided to restore the Ninja Sect and learn from the original Ninjas!"
The surrounding Ninjas stared at Mutsuki in confusion. They had just come to learn some Ninjutsu-no one expected something this intense. He was actually talking about rebuilding the Ninja Sect.
Although most of them didn't really know what the Ninja Sect was, from Mutsuki's earlier explanation, they now understood that the Six Paths Sage was its first leader. That alone made the Ninja Sect sound extremely prestigious.
The Jonin from the Rain Ninja Village was focused on something different from the average Ninja-he was paying close attention to the mention of the Ninja Sect legacy.
"Could it be that he accidentally obtained the ancient and long-lost inheritance of the Ninja Sect-that's why he's so powerful?" the Rain Ninja Village Jonin speculated inwardly.
Given Mutsuki's strength, he would be considered a top-tier powerhouse even across the entire ninja world-let alone in a small nation like the Land of Rain. It didn't make sense for someone like him to have remained unknown all this time.
So the Rain Ninja Village Jonin believed the truth was that Mutsuki had obtained some legacy and had been training in seclusion ever since, only recently emerging into the world.
Nagato didn't speak further-he was fairly satisfied with Mutsuki's response. To him, today's Ninjas were unworthy of being associated with peace.
"Uncle Sosuke, what you said makes so much sense. We Ninjas should learn from the people of the Ninja Sect and create a peaceful world without war," Yahiko said with a look of full agreement.
"So Uncle Sosuke, join our Akatsuki Organization. Let's fight for peace together!" Yahiko extended a second invitation to Mutsuki.
The surrounding Ninjas all looked at Yahiko with stunned expressions, thinking this kid had a truly unique way of thinking.
While the Akatsuki Organization had some reputation in the Land of Rain, they didn't believe a group of that level could possibly attract someone like Mutsuki.
A Ninja organization of that scale-given the strength Mutsuki had just displayed-he could easily rally the entire Land of Rain and form an even stronger Ninja group himself.
"Akatsuki, as it is now, isn't enough," Mutsuki shook his head and declined.
It wasn't the right time to join the Akatsuki Organization-unless he intended to take Yahiko as a disciple.
Yahiko felt a bit disappointed, but he hadn't given up. He believed that as long as he kept working hard, Mutsuki-who shared the same goal-would eventually acknowledge him and his Akatsuki Organization.
"The Six Paths Sage once traveled the ninja world to found the Ninja Sect. As the inheritor of that legacy, I will first travel throughout the Land of Rain. If you agree with my ideals, then follow me. I will share all the Ninja knowledge I possess with those I deem worthy," Mutsuki said, sweeping his gaze over the crowd.
There were nearly two hundred Ninjas gathered here. If seventy remained in the end, Mutsuki would be satisfied.
Reaching even that number was based on the fact that he had already pre-selected this group.
"We're willing to follow you," Ike Masaya immediately said as he pulled Kuroda to the front.
In his eyes, this was purely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity-such a powerful sensei wouldn't come around again.
The other wandering Ninjas also expressed their desire to help Mutsuki revive the Ninja Sect.
However, most of them weren't motivated by a desire to become peacekeeping Ninjas-they just wanted to learn powerful Ninjutsu from Mutsuki.
Aside from Ninjas like those from Rain Ninja Village, who wanted to gather intel on Mutsuki, nearly all the Ninjas who had come to Ozu Village chose to travel the Land of Rain with him.
Yahiko also decided to join the journey-he wanted Mutsuki to see his determination.
"Then what about the Akatsuki Organization?" Konan asked helplessly.
"Have them come along too. Who knows, they might even learn some Ninjutsu from Uncle Sosuke," Yahiko answered after thinking for a moment.
Konan had nothing more to say-it was clear Yahiko had made up his mind.
And just like that, Mutsuki began his journey across the Land of Rain, leading a Ninja group nearly two hundred strong.
Due to the large number of people, the chaotic Land of Rain suddenly became much more orderly-not a single bandit appeared in front of Mutsuki and his group.
On the first day, Mutsuki didn't teach anything related to Ninja knowledge. Instead, he told stories about the Six Paths Sage traveling the ninja world. No one left the group.
On the second day, Mutsuki still didn't talk about Ninja techniques. He spoke about how Ninjas of the Ninja Sect maintained peace.
On the third day, Mutsuki still hadn't taught any Ninjutsu, and some Ninjas began to leave the group.
Those who left believed Mutsuki never intended to teach Ninjutsu and didn't want to waste their time any longer.
Starting from the fourth day, more and more Ninjas left the group. Though some new Ninjas joined after hearing of Mutsuki's deeds, the number was small.
On the fifth day, Mutsuki's group passed by a village with a broken bridge. Mutsuki used Earth Release to build a sturdy and wide stone bridge for the villagers. The grateful villagers gave them some food in return.
A full week went by, and Mutsuki still hadn't taught any Ninjutsu. Even more Ninjas left, and the numbers continued to decrease.
"Sosuke-sama, even if you don't teach Ninjutsu yet, perhaps you could start by sharing other kinds of Ninja knowledge. Otherwise, more people will continue to leave," Ike Masaya reminded him.
He felt that Mutsuki could at least offer some small tips or techniques to keep morale steady. Right now, there was no visible hope of learning Ninjutsu.
Actually, Ike Masaya believed Mutsuki had already thought of this. After all, Mutsuki had always carried an air of depth and mystery in everything he did.
"Leaving is their choice," Mutsuki replied with a gentle smile, politely declining Ike Masaya's suggestion.
Ike Masaya couldn't quite figure out what Mutsuki was thinking. He had gone to the effort of gathering so many people, only to let them leave so freely.
Unable to make sense of it, Ike Masaya gave up trying. Either way, he had no intention of leaving-he was certain Mutsuki would eventually teach Ninjutsu.
This wasn't just a baseless guess, but a conclusion drawn from being at Mutsuki's side.
Mutsuki truly lived by the principles he preached as a Ninja of the Ninja Sect-mediating internal conflicts within the group and helping villagers in need.
That's why Ike Masaya believed Mutsuki would ultimately fulfill his promise.
Some regretted wasting a whole week listening to Mutsuki talk about history, while others were glad they had joined the group-Yahiko was one of the latter.
After following Mutsuki for over a week, Yahiko realized that their Akatsuki Organization indeed had many shortcomings.
They had only driven away wandering Ninjas from villages, but Mutsuki used his own strength to help villagers solve numerous problems.
Moreover, Mutsuki didn't just rely on Ninja techniques. If he had knowledge that could help, he would choose to use that knowledge to solve the villagers' issues and even teach it to them.
For the villagers he helped, Mutsuki never left his name. Instead, he simply said he was a Ninja of the Ninja Sect.
Because of Mutsuki's actions, everywhere they passed, the name of the Ninja Sect was left behind, and the term "Ninja Sect" gradually began to spread across the Land of Rain.
After traveling the Land of Rain for half a month, most of the Ninjas who had joined out of curiosity had already left. Those who remained were either aligned with Mutsuki's ideals-or were unwilling to abandon the journey due to the time and effort they had already invested.
Those who agreed with Mutsuki's ideals acted alongside him, while the other Ninjas would still listen attentively when Mutsuki gave lectures.
Realizing his own serious shortcomings, Yahiko frequently asked Mutsuki various questions.
To Yahiko's surprise, Mutsuki was able to answer almost all of them-and with clear reasoning and logic.
Nagato began to feel some respect for Mutsuki, because Mutsuki was actually doing things, not just making empty speeches.
Konan also grew fond of Mutsuki-his smile was warm, and when he noticed she liked origami, he gave her a paper crane.
By the twentieth day of Mutsuki's journey through the Land of Rain, only seventy-two Ninjas remained with him. About half were the ones Mutsuki had selected earlier, another portion were Akatsuki Organization members led by Yahiko, and the rest were Ninjas who had come seeking the legendary Ninja master and had been filtered through the journey.
After conducting a final check to make sure everything was in order, Mutsuki officially began teaching.
Since the skill levels of the seventy-two Ninjas varied greatly-with the weakest being ordinary Genin-Mutsuki started with Chakra control, beginning once again with tree climbing and water walking.
Those who had mastered the basic techniques were allowed by Mutsuki to train freely, and he would provide further guidance when he had time.
Back in Konoha, Mutsuki had once trained nearly seven hundred students at once, so teaching seventy-two was incredibly easy for him-he could ensure that everyone received attention.
Many Ninjas were thrilled; after holding out for so long, they finally saw the payoff.
These past twenty days hadn't been a vacation-they were more like intense ascetic training.
"If those who left knew how skilled Sosuke-sama is at teaching, they'd probably want to punch themselves in regret." For those who stayed, the reward from their persistence was incredibly sweet.
[Lecture Completed]
[Evaluation: S]
[Rewards Obtained: Chakra Control +24, Water Nature Chakra Transformation +1...]
Teaching Chakra Control was one thing-but when Mutsuki began instructing in Chakra Nature Transformation and Ninjutsu, the Ninjas who remained felt even more fortunate for their decision.
Mutsuki's performance was truly astonishing-he effortlessly demonstrated Nature Transformation for all Chakra elements, surprising even Nagato.
Nagato could tell through the Rinnegan that Mutsuki's chakra was extraordinary, but he hadn't expected Mutsuki to have mastered all seven types of Chakra Nature Transformation. Nagato himself had only grasped six, lacking mastery over Yin Release.
They already thought Mutsuki was monstrous enough-only to find out he was also a sealing jutsu expert, teaching them sealing techniques they had never encountered before.
That's the benefit of "grinding lectures" out in the field-Mutsuki could teach whatever he wanted and earn whatever rewards he aimed for.
Out of respect for Mutsuki, many ninjas began addressing him as "Sosuke-sensei."
When Mutsuki and his group arrived at a village near the Rain Ninja Village, a squad of Rain Ninja intercepted them.
"Sosuke-sama, Hanzo-sama would like to meet you. Please come with us to Rain Ninja Village," the Rain Ninja Village jonin said respectfully.
He was the same jonin who had gone to investigate Mutsuki in Ozu Village and had witnessed Mutsuki's strength firsthand. Combined with the recent rumors about Mutsuki, as a native of the Land of Rain, he deeply admired Mutsuki's actions.
"Only you can come with us," the Rain Ninja Village jonin added.
There were quite a few ninjas on Mutsuki's side-counting Mutsuki himself, there were seventy-three. Hanzo couldn't possibly allow so many non-village-affiliated ninjas to enter Rain Ninja Village without reason.
"I'll discuss it with my companions," Mutsuki didn't give a direct answer.
He personally felt it was fine to go, especially since Kurosaki Ichigo had already become a Chunin of Rain Ninja Village-because of that, Mutsuki had learned some intel about the village.
Besides, with Mutsuki's level of power, if he wanted to leave, there truly wasn't anyone in Rain Ninja Village who could stop him.
However, while Mutsuki knew his own strength, his followers weren't so aware of it. To respect their feelings, he decided it was better to talk it over.
"I don't think you should go, Sosuke-sensei. Maybe Hanzo is after the Ninja Sect legacy you carry," Ike Masaya said, suspecting Hanzo had ulterior motives.
Even though Ike Masaya was from the Land of Rain, he didn't have a great opinion of Hanzo.
Some of the ninjas nodded in agreement-these wandering ninjas understood well the saying, "a man's wealth is his crime."
"I actually don't think Hanzo is that kind of person. Even if the ninja is from an enemy village, as long as he admires them as a junior, he'll let them go. A man like that wouldn't covet Uncle Sosuke's Ninja Sect inheritance," Yahiko argued back.
Unlike Ike Masaya, Yahiko had a good impression of Hanzo and saw him as a true strong warrior.
"But what if you're wrong? Then Sosuke-sensei would be in danger. And even if you're right, there's nothing to gain from going," Ike Masaya said, believing it was a very unwise risk.
Although Yahiko was much stronger than him, after spending twenty days together, Ike Masaya knew Yahiko was broad-minded and wouldn't hold a grudge just because he disagreed.
Yahiko was momentarily speechless-what Ike Masaya said wasn't wrong. The potential risks Mutsuki faced by going alone to the Rain Ninja Village outweighed any possible benefit.
"Thank you all for your concern, but trust me a bit more-it'll be fine," Mutsuki said with a cheerful smile.
Seeing that Mutsuki had already decided to go to Rain Ninja Village, Ike Masaya said no more.
He trusted Mutsuki first and foremost-since Mutsuki said it would be fine, he believed Mutsuki had the ability to handle any unexpected situation.
Then, Mutsuki followed the Rain Ninjas to Rain Ninja Village.
The architecture of Rain Ninja Village was very different from that of Konoha.
Hidden Rain Village structures were primarily made of steel, supplemented with stone, and the entire village was covered with steel pipes of all sizes-likely due to the heavy rainfall in the area.
Hanzo didn't choose to meet Mutsuki in the Rain Ninja Village leader's office, but instead in one of the Rain Ninja training grounds.
"Hanzo-sama, this is Sosuke, known as the Ninja Master," the Rain Ninja Village Jonin reported.
Hanzo looked at Mutsuki. Mutsuki wore black clothing underneath, with a white long robe over it, giving off a refined and approachable presence.
Mutsuki was also sizing up Hanzo. Hanzo wore a mask on his face and was dressed in the specially designed battle attire of the Rain Ninja Village.
The moment their eyes met, Hanzo suddenly unleashed a powerful aura. A momentum as overwhelming as mountains crashing and seas overturning surged toward Mutsuki, making even the air feel heavy.
The Rain Ninja Village Jonin standing next to Mutsuki was already frozen in place, unable to move under Hanzo's terrifying pressure-yet Mutsuki still wore a calm smile.
In the next moment, the Jonin suddenly felt a chill down his spine as a terrifying sense of oppression surged from beside him-Mutsuki had responded to Hanzo's provocation by releasing his own aura.
The Jonin's vision began to blur, sweat dripping into his eyes, but he couldn't even wipe it away. Trapped between two overwhelming forces, he didn't dare to move. At this moment, he felt like a tiny boat caught in raging waves, on the verge of destruction.
"Step down," Hanzo said flatly as he suddenly withdrew his aura.
The Jonin instantly felt relief wash over him and quickly nodded before leaving.
He had originally thought this would be an easy task, but now he felt he might have nightmares tonight.
A faint smile appeared at the corner of Hanzo's mouth. "You're quite impressive."
Although he hadn't used his full strength just now, Mutsuki's response was already worthy of being called a powerhouse in the ninja world.
"You're impressive as well," Mutsuki replied with a calm smile.
Hanzo was slightly taken aback. Since becoming the leader of the Rain Ninja Village, Mutsuki was the first person to say something like that to him.
However, Hanzo didn't take it to heart. Mutsuki looked to be around twenty-seven years old. For a young person who had earned his respect, Hanzo was quite tolerant.
"Some say you became powerful because you inherited the legacy of the Ninja Sect. Before meeting you, I couldn't be sure. But now, I can confidently say that even without that so-called legacy, you would still be a formidable ninja," Hanzo said, recalling the recent rumors about Mutsuki.
Having clashed with Mutsuki in terms of aura, Hanzo could feel that Mutsuki had his own convictions. A person like that could never be ordinary.
"Maybe so. I think that kind of hypothetical has no meaning, because the reality is that I inherited the Ninja Sect's legacy and also have some strength," Mutsuki replied.
"It truly is meaningless," Hanzo said, finding Mutsuki rather interesting.
"But I can give you a piece of advice: most people only believe what they want to believe. Many are very interested in the Ninja Sect legacy in your hands. Your bounty on the black market has already reached 3.5 million ryo."
Because the backstory Mutsuki crafted for himself was so legendary, the tale of Ninja Master Sosuke had already spread beyond the Land of Rain into the wider ninja world.
When Mutsuki had performed with his Shadow Clone, nearly two hundred ninja had witnessed it - all of them strong witnesses to the authenticity of the Ninja Master Sosuke legend.
After all, the claim of inheriting the Ninja Sect came from Mutsuki himself, and he had indeed demonstrated the strength of a true powerhouse in the ninja world.
"Thanks for the intel" Mutsuki said to Hanzo, his expression unchanged.
3.5 million ryo was enough to post three S-rank missions and one A-rank mission in Konoha.
However, compared to the Ninja Sect legacy, that amount still seemed too little. Mutsuki figured it was because the news hadn't fully spread yet, and not many people believed it-otherwise, his bounty would definitely surpass Asuma's.
Hanzo greatly admired Mutsuki's mindset. In his view, the most important quality in a strong person was their conviction-without it, they might as well be dead.
The two didn't talk much further.
As the leader of the Rain Ninja Village, Hanzo had duties to attend to. If Mutsuki were preparing to join the village and become a Rain Ninja, there would be more to discuss. But as a promising junior, Hanzo had already done all he could.
Before leaving, Mutsuki used an Identification Jutsu on Hanzo one more time to ensure the intel he had memorized was accurate.
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