"Kid, there's no future for you in Yugakure," Ren said earnestly, patting Hidan's shoulder as he looked at the conflicted young man.
"They can't give you S-rank Ninjutsu, they can't give you divine weapons, they can't give you training resources, and most importantly, they can't give you a future."
What Ren said this time was all true. Compared to first-rate Ninja Villages like the Five Great Villages, or even second-rate Ninja Villages like the Hidden Rain Village and Takigakure Village, Yugakure was among the weakest.
Forget about S-rank Ninjutsu; even A-rank Ninjutsu was a scarce resource in their Village. As for weapons, let alone divine artifacts, they probably had only heard of Chakra metal.
Even without resources, their philosophy was based on the so-called pursuit of peace, and even their future Village leaders were highly respected ordinary people.
In a Ninja World where the strong prey on the weak, Yugakure's pursuit of peace was entirely self-destructive. No matter how talented someone was, it would be difficult for them to grow there.
Although Hidan wanted to retort, he knew that everything the other party said was true.
His parents had passed away early, and without anyone to protect him, he was bullied by his peers from a young age. To protect himself, he had no choice but to pick up a weapon.
At school, all he learned was basic Chakra extraction and the fundamental Three-Body Jutsu. Only after becoming a Genin did he learn a few basic Ninjutsu from his Jonin team leader.
Because of their peaceful philosophy, everyone in the Village lived a leisurely life, including Ninja. They preferred a comfortable life over fighting.
Most of the Yuga Ninja would choose to complete easy, safe missions, and generally avoided dangerous missions like bandit extermination.
But this kind of life was torture for Hidan. What he liked was the life of a normal Ninja: constantly growing stronger through combat and making a name for himself in the Ninja World. That was the life he wanted.
Staying in Yugakure definitely had no future. And if he wanted to change the status quo, going to Konoha…
At this thought, Hidan's eyes flickered, already somewhat wavering, but he still retorted, "Even if they can't give it, it sounds like you can."
"Of course, I can."
Ren, who had been observing Hidan, naturally didn't miss his subtle change in expression. Knowing that he was already wavering, a fleeting smile appeared in Ren's eyes.
Ren flicked his sleeve, and the previous black short spear fell into his hand. He handed it to the other party, smiling, "You don't have a handy weapon yet, do you? Consider this a welcome gift."
"Huh?"
Hidan subconsciously took it, then stared blankly at the three, momentarily bewildered.
"Although it's not a divine weapon, it has some good stuff inside, and the quality is quite good."
Ren had played with this spear for a moment on the road and discovered that it contained some Chakra metal. This material was extremely rare, not just in the Land of Hot Springs, but even in the Five Great Nations.
Aside from divine weapons, the best weapons in the Ninja World were basically forged with more or less of this metal, which could conduct Chakra and enhance attack power.
Although the feel and quality were good, to Ren, it was completely dispensable.
Unless it was a divine weapon, Ren truly had no interest in ordinary weapons.
Seeing Hidan's dazed expression, Ren prepared to strike while the iron was hot and win him over.
"As for Ninjutsu, whether it's A-rank or whatever, it's enough. If I'm in a good mood, giving you a couple of forbidden jutsu is no problem.
In terms of Taijutsu, my uncle, by his own power, suppressed the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.
If you want a summoning beast, I have all three legendary sacred lands at my disposal.
If you want to learn Sealing Jutsu, my sister is the Ninja World's number one Sealing Jutsu master.
If you want to learn Medical Ninjutsu, my teacher is the Ninja World's number one Medical Ninja.
If you want to learn Genjutsu, I'll take you to the strongest Uchiha in the Ninja World for one-on-one tutoring.
And there's no need to worry about actual combat. From small tasks like bandit extermination to major ones like assassinating a Kazekage, there's nothing you can't do, only what you can't imagine."
After speaking, Ren let out a long breath, picked up his water bottle to moisten his somewhat dry lips, then turned his gaze back to Hidan, who was still standing blankly, and nodded, "So, what's your choice?"
At this moment, Hidan was completely stunned. Ren's words kept echoing in his ears.
Is this the foundation of the Ninja World's number one Village?
Seeing Hidan lost in thought, the others didn't rush him. They each leaned against a tree trunk and began to close their eyes to rest.
A day and a night of continuous travel and combat had left all three of them somewhat tired. Since they weren't in a hurry, resting for a while before continuing their journey was fine.
After an unknown amount of time, a shout came.
"Hey."
Ren opened his eyes and looked forward, seeing Hidan staring at him, his expression somewhat conflicted. After a moment of hesitation, he finally spoke again, "What's your name?"
"Me?"
Ren raised an eyebrow, then lightly coughed twice, looking at the other party with a smile, "Hoshimi Ren, have you heard of him?"
"Hm?"
Hidan was first stunned when he heard the name. When he came to his senses, his pupils immediately dilated. He raised the black spear, pointed it at Ren, and exclaimed, "Hoshimi Ren?!"
The loud sound instantly spread across the clearing. The two resting Ninja were also startled awake, looking in the direction of the sound with astonished expressions.
Even Ren was startled. He raised a hand to touch his face, immediately feeling puzzled.
He hadn't had any dealings with Yugakure, so why was this kid reacting so intensely? What was going on?
"Hey, kid."
Number Two, leaning against a tree trunk, stood up and said irritably to Hidan, "Just say whether you're coming or not. If you yell that loud again, I'll punch you."
"I'm coming!"
To their surprise, this time the other party didn't hesitate again. He agreed with unusual decisiveness, his face filled with determination.
"Huh?"
The three blinked, looking at each other. They had expected to have to persuade him for a while longer, but they didn't expect this kid to agree so quickly.
Although it was somewhat unexpected for Ren, it was also within his expectations.
After all, the conditions he offered could already be considered the highest-tier preferential treatment in the entire Ninja World.
Such top-tier and powerful "teaching staff" coupled with a continuous supply of training resources.
Such a temptation, let alone Hidan, even a Jonin from the other Four Great Villages would definitely be tempted.
"Very good."
Ren took two steps forward, extended his hand, and smiled, "Then, please take care of me from now on, Hidan."
Hidan looked up, gave Ren a deep look, then extended his right hand, a slight smile on the corner of his lips.
"Mm!"