Chapter 170: One Hundred Percent Barehanded White Blade Catch
If Naruto couldn't figure it out, he stopped thinking about it.
Perhaps this achievement wasn't what he thought it was.
He left his Shadow Clones in the courtyard and returned to his room to wash his hands and face.
[Drawing card... Congratulations to the host for obtaining an item card.]
[item card: One Hundred Percent Barehanded White Blade Catch.]
[Description: Permanent skill from "One Hundred Thousand Bad Jokes." Every time a sword is swung, someone will definitely come to catch the blade barehanded.]
[Note: The specific effect is determined by the user's Chakra.]
Naruto stared at the golden card face, stunned for a moment.
Although it was a gag skill in the animation, it was common knowledge that gag characters usually had the highest combat power.
This thing was a power of rules.
Naruto used the card and took out Enma, wanting to test the effect.
Kurama?
The first person he thought of was his good friend, Kurama.
But it was currently sealed.
It wouldn't be worth it if he accidentally damaged the seal.
Jiraiya?
Hmm, probably not a good idea.
Naruto suddenly thought of an interesting person.
Uchiha Obito.
If it worked on him, it would count as breaking through Kamui.
"Uchiha Obito, take this!"
Naruto raised Enma and swung it down; the Chakra in his body vanished like flowing water.
In just three seconds, he was drained dry.
"..."
Naruto fell silent.
Why did it consume so much Chakra?
It should probably be considered a failure.
Amegakure.
In a dim underground space.
Obito, Nagato, and Zetsu were discussing the incident of the mysterious powerhouse encountered by Kumogakure.
Although Kumogakure had done a good job with secrecy, how could such large fluctuations in battle be hidden from White Zetsu?
However, since the second incident had just occurred and the news hadn't been relayed yet, they didn't know it was the Tianming Organization.
"These two mysterious powerhouses are very strong; we should pay attention to them," Nagatosaid after hearing Zetsu's report.
"Have White Zetsu continue monitoring; we don't need to intervene yet."
The masked Obito spoke in a flat tone, "Kumogakure isn't that easy to deal with; we can sit back and watch the tigers fight... Uh!"
He suddenly let out a strange cry.
His body involuntarily turned toward the northeast, dropped to one knee, and his hands clapped together as if catching a sword held vertically above his head.
Obito's expression was one of bewilderment.
What's the situation?
Why am I holding such an embarrassing pose?
Why is my body out of control?
"???"
Nagato and Zetsu's faces were filled with question marks.
Three seconds later, Obito regained control of his body.
He stood up in silence.
The other two were also silent.
"Was that some kind of performance art just now?"
But White Zetsu wasn't silent; he looked at Obitoin amazement and said with a grin, "It's just too weird, why did you even kneel down?"
"Shut up!"
Obito glared at him fiercely, his Sharingan spinning wildly as a chilling killing intent filled the surroundings.
White Zetsu shrunk his head back.
"You..."
Nagato was about to ask what the reason was.
Obito had already used Kamui to leave.
"Aray, why did he leave?"
White Zetsu immediately jumped out again, "He did it himself, and he won't let others talk about it?"
Nagato frowned.
He didn't think Obito was being controlled, because with his strength, besides the Rinnegan, what else could control him?
So why did he make such a pose?
He couldn't figure it out.
Another two days passed.
Naruto brought Sasuke and Karin to challenge them once again.
But he found that the situation had changed.
Sasuke's opponent was still the Raikage, but his own had been replaced by Darui.
Meanwhile, Killer Bee was watching the show from a distance.
He had an expression that said he wouldn't intervene.
Naruto scratched his head.
It wasn't that Darui was stronger than Killer Bee.
The main point was that stalling for time wouldn't be easy.
If he accidentally killed Darui, it would cause an uprising in Kumogakure.
It was like in Skyrim, where you must never kill that chicken.
Naruto was there to farm experience for Sasuke; there was no need to draw aggro.
He took out Enma.
Seeing this, Darui put away his casual expression.
He hadn't wanted to come.
But as the heir to the Raikage, he had to take on his responsibility and become stronger.
Mabui was right; this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Training from a mysterious powerhouse.
"I am Darui of Kumogakure. Please grant me your guidance."
Darui greeted him seriously.
"Tianming Organization, The Hermit."
Naruto roughly guessed Kumogakure's approach.
It coincided with his own thoughts.
He would take this opportunity to get his name out there first.
Darui noted the name 'The Hermit,' formed hand seals, and spat out a stream of water that instantly formed a waterfall in front of him.
The waves were fast and urgent, stacking layer upon layer as they all surged toward Naruto.
Water Release?
Naruto remembered that Darui possessed the Bloodline Limit, Storm Release.
And Storm Release was a combination of Water Release and Lightning Release.
In other words, his Water Release and Lightning Release were both quite good.
Because Storm Release wasn't something he was born with through bloodline.
Naruto didn't dodge while thinking; he swung his sword down.
Flames appeared out of thin air, following the blade to form a crimson crescent-shaped arc slash.
Upon contact with the waterfall, water and fire clashed, immediately creating a sizzling sound followed by mist.
In the next moment, the water waves were split apart.
Darui was startled.
Water Release being defeated by Fire Releaseitself signified the gap between the two.
But he had long expected this, so his movements didn't stop.
He spat out bolts of lightning that landed on the yet-to-disperse waterfall; instantly, the electricity used the water to envelop Naruto.
Naruto kicked off and retreated.
He didn't want to be electrocuted.
The Enma in his hand swung from top to bottom, creating a deep red mirror surface.
The firelight was brilliant, like a sun.
All the waterfalls disappeared.
Naruto raised an eyebrow.
Darui clapped his hands together, and a cyan-blue light wrapped around his hands like a piece of crystal.
He controlled the Chakra, and countless lasers streaked through the air, traveling at extreme speed.
Storm Release: Laser Circus!
Naruto reacted quickly, dodging several times.
But the lasers turned and caught up with him again.
Automatic missiles, huh.
Naruto countered with a Salted Fish Thrust.
Circular flames were generated around him.
In an instant, the Chakra whipped up a gale; he was like the eye of a tornado. The flames spread instantly, and the air began to burn.
The lasers fell into it and were also dyed a deep crimson.
A moment later, a violent explosion occurred.
The airwave caused Darui to jump back repeatedly.
In the distance, Mabui, who was watching the battle, stopped her pen and couldn't help but sigh.
"I didn't expect Fire Release could be used to break Storm Release."
"It's just a difference in strength," Cee said, shaking his head. "In the hands of a powerhouse, even a C-rank Ninjutsu can exert S-rank power."
"That's true." Mabui thought of the Raikage; several of his Taijutsu levels weren't high, but few people could take them unscathed.
"The Ninjutsu used by The Hermit, strictly speaking, should also be considered Nintaijutsu."
Cee was referring to the Fire God Kagura.
Sword techniques are categorized under Taijutsu, but Fire Release is Ninjutsu.
"Mm."
Mabui recorded the information on The Hermit. Although everyone was currently at peace, it didn't mean it would stay that way in the future.
"Next time let me fight him to test how his Genjutsu and perception are."
"Okay."
Mabui nodded; she had the same intention.
The Hermit hadn't used any Genjutsu so far.
Either his Genjutsu was very poor, or he disdained using it.
If it was the former, then Genjutsu could be called his weakness.
"Five minutes are up."
Cee looked at the time and sighed, "If this young leader could hold on a bit longer, we could get more information on The Hermit."
By now, Sasuke's situation had basically been figured out.
Because he couldn't beat the Raikage, he had to give it his all, and naturally, all his abilities were exposed.
Only The Hermit had maintained a leisurely appearance until now.
Unfathomable.
"No need to rush, there will be chances."
Mabui watched the three of them leave and smiled, "Given his strength, it will take a long time for him to catch up to Lord Raikage."
A month passed.
Naruto traveled and studied with Jiraiya while taking Sasuke and Karin to Kumogakure for sparring.
Sasuke had been fighting the Raikage the whole time.
While his own opponents kept changing.
Naruto had fought almost every famous powerhouse in Kumogakure.
The weirdest part was that he seemed to have earned their respect; every one of them was extremely polite.
"Thank you for your guidance."
The speaker was Karui, a dark-skinned, red-haired girl who was Killer Bee's apprentice.
Naruto remembered she would later marry Akimichi Choji, so he gave her some special pointers.
In any case, his sparring with Kumogakure had almost become an unwritten rule.
[Congratulations to the host for achieving the 'Convincing People with the Sword' achievement, gaining three attribute points.]
Naruto had a smile on his face: "It was just a small effort."
What the heck is 'Convincing People with the Sword'?
Are you insulting me in a roundabout way?
But he still wanted the reward, and as usual, he put it into Defense.
He suddenly felt that the Lightning Release Chakra Mode seemed useless to him.
As long as my Defense is maxed out, what do I have to fear?
Ten minutes were up.
Naruto took Sasuke and Karin and made a run for it.
Although Sasuke hadn't unlocked Susanoo within the month, his gains were also great.
He had previously learned Lightning Attribute Cell Activation, and now, combined with his personal experience, he was gradually approaching the true Lightning Release Chakra Mode.
The Raikage actually knew this, but he didn't care.
Darui had the Lightning Release Chakra Mode, but from his performance, he was far inferior to him.
So it depended on the person.
Furthermore, Kumogakure had gained even more from Naruto.
It was no exaggeration to say that their strength had increased by half a percent.
Fighting with a powerhouse, even a pig would gain experience, let alone they were all geniuses.
"A month has passed, why haven't we seen anyone from the Akatsuki Organization?"
Sasuke lay on the bed, looking puzzled.
He had thought he would soon be able to fight Uchiha Itachi, but he hadn't expected them not to come at all.
No, actually they had already come.
Naruto had sensed White Zetsu.
He had discovered it by chance using Kagura Minds Eye.
Under normal circumstances, even he wouldn't be able to notice White Zetsu.
Since White Zetsu had appeared, it meant the Akatsuki Organization already knew the situation.
But why Uchiha Itachi hadn't come, he wasn't quite sure.
"They will come," Naruto comforted him.
Sasuke nodded.
There was no other way.
But fortunately, he quite enjoyed the battles with the Raikage and could clearly feel his own progress.
Naruto returned to the Inn.
Jiraiya wasn't there.
He returned after a while and said, "The Chunin Exams have been finalized."
Clearly, he had gone to contact the Anbu.
Naruto looked up and asked, "What are the arrangements?"
Even though he knew, he still had to follow the process and ask.
"Sunagakure and Konoha Village are co-hosting. The first part, the written exam, will be held in Konoha, with questions set by us. The second part, the battle for the Heaven and Earth Scrolls, will be held in Sunagakure, with questions set by them."
Jiraiya paused and said, "The specific time is set for the first of next month. Let's head out for the Land of Rain in two days."
"You said you'd take me to meet the three senior disciples; do you have a way to contact them?"
"No."
"..."
Naruto looked helpless, "If you don't even know, then why are we going to the Land of Rain?"
"They are very famous in the Land of Rain."
Jiraiya patted his chest with a look of pride, "Even if news from the Land of Rain and Amegakure is closed off, I've still heard of their deeds. They should be doing quite well."
He thought of the three people's wishes and couldn't help but smile.
I wonder if they've found the path to peace.
If not, maybe I can tell them about the teachings of the White Lotus Sect?
Naruto hesitated to speak.
Well, they are indeed doing quite well.
They've already taken over Amegakure.
But it's a hundred and eight thousand miles away from what you imagine.
It's just like the difference between an online romance and meeting in person.
"I'll go buy two umbrellas."
Naruto stopped his cultivation.
In Amegakure, all the rainwater is connected to Nagato's perception.
They would be discovered as soon as they touched the rainwater.
He'd buy an umbrella and do something to confuse them... Amegakure.
Uzumaki Menma stood beside Konan with a smile on his face.
After a month of testing, he had finally successfully gained their trust.
He hadn't expected that because of The Fool's incident, Konan's standards for recruiting new members would become so strict.
Fortunately, he had prepared in advance.
Deva Path Pain's signal was sent out.
One by one, the astral projections appeared.
Before long, all members of the Akatsuki Organization were present.
"Who is this?"
Deidara pointed at Uzumaki Menma and asked.
The eyes of the others also swept over him.
But none of them showed any reaction.
"This is our new member. He will replace Hidan, code name Three," Deva Path Pain announced expressionlessly.
"Hello everyone, my name is Uzumaki Menma. I like photography, singing, dancing, and rap is also fine; I have two and a half years of experience. If anyone wants to take photos, look for me, I give discounts."
Uzumaki Menma waved to them enthusiastically.
No one responded.
The atmosphere was a bit awkward.
But Uzumaki Menma didn't seem to notice and said, "Everyone is so shy."
Kakuzu frowned, thought of something, and asked, "So he's my new teammate?"
"Yes," Deva Path Pain replied.
"Can I get a different one?"
Kakuzu recalled that the black market lists didn't have this name, which meant he wasn't worth much.
The Akatsuki Organization didn't care about killing each other.
He had made a fortune by selling his teammates.
The remaining members were all people Kakuzuwould have to pay a great price to possibly kill, so they were at peace.
"No," Deva Path Pain refused.
"Fine." Kakuzu sized up Uzumaki Menma and said, "I'm currently in the Land of Iron; come find me yourself."
"Now for the serious business."
Deva Path Pain brought the topic back and said, "The Fool and The Hermit of the Tianming Organization have been appearing in Kumogakure for a month. They seem to have reached some agreement with the Raikage and haven't engaged in a life-and-death struggle. Because of strength issues, White Zetsu cannot observe from a close distance, so I plan to make contact with them."
Uchiha Itachi subconsciously looked up upon hearing this.
His attitude toward The Fool had never changed.
He wanted to get rid of him as soon as possible!
But thinking of The Fool's true strength, he couldn't take him down.
In that case, it was better not to go and avoid the frustration.
He didn't speak.
Kisame Hoshigaki didn't say anything either.
Deidara was thinking about whether to ask Konanfor help in finding a new teammate.
Uzumaki Menma's appearance reminded him of Sasori-danna.
But he was no longer a member of the Akatsuki Organization.
Deva Path Pain looked around, paused as if he had received some news, and said, "That's all for today, meeting adjourned."
The other members were a bit confused, but they didn't say anything and vanished one after another.
"Then I'm off to the Land of Iron."
Uzumaki Menma turned and left.
A moment later, Uchiha Obito appeared.
"I'll go personally."
He wanted to know where Merlin was.
After being shaken by his words last time, he had talked with Zetsu again.
He had reaffirmed his Eye of the Moon Plan, so he wanted to reclaim his dignity.
When he saw Merlin again, he would take it seriously. No matter what Flying Thunder God Technique or so-called deceptive words were used, they would not be able to affect him.
Thanks to Xiaoyao Qixia and Tokisaki Kurumi 1- for their tips.