269Anti-entropy organizationAI Model: gemini-3.0-flashChapter 269: Uzumaki Menma
"There is nothing to apologize for; I had already suspected as much."
Tsunade shook her head and said, "The you of today and the you of the past are too different. It's not something that can be changed simply by taking on a disciple."
"Hehe."
Jiraiya smiled proudly and asked, "Then which me do you like?"
He wasn't embarrassed at all.
After breaking free from the long-borne prophecy, he had regained the wildness of his youth.
In Naruto's words, he was being shamelessly flamboyant.
Tsunade rolled her eyes at him: "Tell me, what exactly does the Tianming Organization want?"
Although Konoha and the Tianming Organization—or rather, the White Lotus Sect—had been cooperating for some time, it was mostly in the economic sphere.
Her impression of them was bold, innovative, and profitable.
Every time, the Tianming Organization would offer her different tricks and experiences.
But afterwards, it was proven that these were all correct.
In short, it was an organization unlike any before, possessing unimaginable vitality.
However, regarding other aspects, she knew very little.
"It's a long story, but we can take our time. Any way you like."
Jiraiya rubbed his hands together.
Looking at him, one would think he was talking about his new novel.
While Tsunade was conducting one-on-one personal teaching, a meeting was held at the palace in the Metropolis of the Land of Lightning.
"Daimyo."
The Raikage cupped his hands in greeting.
As one of the Five Kage, although he nominally belonged to the Land of Lightning, given his personality, it was naturally impossible for him to be subservient.
Given the strength of the Hidden Cloud Villageand himself, it was impossible to reach that level of submissiveness.
The Daimyo of the Land of Lightning glanced at him but said nothing.
He was already used to it.
However, times were different now.
He opened his folding fan, pondering how to start the conversation.
"The goal of the Akatsuki Organization is obvious: they intend to make enemies of our Five Great Nations and Five Great Villages. Since they are acting so rampantly now, we must strike back hard!"
The Raikage was impatient; without waiting for the Daimyo to speak, he stated his demands first.
"Daimyo, please summon the various Ninja clans of the Land of Lightning and contact the other four nations!"
His words were forceful.
They caused the various officials in the hall, who were originally drowsy, to snap awake.
"Raikage, before talking about rescue, shouldn't you admit your mistake?"
A middle-aged official spoke up. "The fall of the Hidden Cloud Village is, in the end, due to your incompetence as the Raikage."
The Raikage's assertiveness had offended many people.
They had endured it before, but that didn't mean they wouldn't kick him while he was down now.
After all, in their eyes, Ninjas were nothing more than tools.
The Raikage couldn't help but say: "The strength of the Akatsuki Organization far exceeds that of the Hidden Cloud Village. It's only natural that we couldn't win!"
"So you're saying you're not at fault at all?"
The middle-aged official sneered. "Didn't you used to say that there was no enemy in the entire Ninja World that your Hidden Cloud Village couldn't handle? I see this as nothing more than the result of your carelessness and underestimating the enemy."
"What did you say?!"
Anger appeared on the Raikage's face. "Say that again?"
"What? Do you want to start something in front of the Daimyo?"
The middle-aged official took a half-step back in fear, then immediately felt he had lost face and rebuked, "Raikage, are you planning to rebel?!"
"That is not what I meant!"
The Raikage immediately retorted.
Although he was strong-willed, it didn't mean he wanted to fall out with the Land of Lightning.
Moreover, he had never had the thought of replacing them.
"Stop arguing for a moment."
The Daimyo of the Land of Lightning waved his folding fan and asked, "If I grant your request, how much certainty do you have that you can retake the Hidden Cloud Village?"
"Ninety percent certainty."
The Raikage said with full confidence, "Although the members of the Akatsuki Organization are powerful, if we gather the Ninjas of the other four Great Villages, defeating them will not be a problem!"
When he fought the Six Paths of Pain, he had also observed the other members.
He had to admit, they were indeed very powerful.
Any one of them had the strength to be a Kage of the Five Great Villages.
But in the end, there were fewer than ten of them.
The Five Great Villages could easily assemble a force.
Provided they were willing to provide assistance.
The Raikage felt there was great hope.
Because the Akatsuki Organization's goal was the Tailed Beasts.
All Five Great Villages had Tailed Beasts.
In other words, the Akatsuki Organization was a common enemy of the Five Great Villages.
"Ninety percent, you certainly are confident."
The Daimyo of the Land of Lightning smiled faintly and asked again, "Then what about the cost? If we defeat the Akatsuki Organization, how much money will we need to pay?"
"..."
The Raikage fell silent.
Even though he wasn't in charge of logistics, he knew this would be an astronomical sum.
Setting aside how to persuade the other four villages to join forces, even assuming they agreed, the consumption of this Ninja Allied Force would be quite difficult for the Land of Lightning to bear alone.
The battle with the Akatsuki Organization would inevitably be earth-shattering.
Reconstruction would be another huge sum of money.
This wasn't like the previous Great Ninja Wars; at least the Hidden Cloud Village hadn't suffered much then and had made quite a bit through war.
But what profit was there to be made now?
The battle was already on their own soil.
No matter how they fought, it would be a massive loss.
Because the other four villages wouldn't give you compensation; instead, they would demand payment from you.
After all, everyone is coming to help you fight; if people die or get injured, shouldn't you settle the bill?
Otherwise, who would help you in the future?
Unless the Akatsuki Organization was as rich as a nation and the money gained from defeating them was enough, the Land of Lightning was destined to lose money.
But the Raikage thought the probability of that was small.
Could a small organization of only ten people earn wealth comparable to the Five Great Nations?
That was just ridiculous.
"Even if a heavy price must be paid, if the Akatsuki Organization is not dealt with, the Land of Lightning will face a catastrophe."
The Raikage bowed slightly and spoke with a sincere attitude, "I ask the Daimyo to consider this carefully."
He was now alone.
Relying on himself was impossible; he could only rely on the Land of Lightning.
Unless he was bold enough to simply seize power for himself.
But unfortunately, with his mindset, he couldn't think that far for now.
And even if he took over the Land of Lightning, it would be useless; everyone had to unite.
Seeing him bow his head, the Daimyo of the Land of Lightning couldn't help but feel a secret thrill.
This guy usually defied everyone and was subservient to no one.
In the end, he had still fallen into his hands.
"Have you had any other thoughts?"
The Daimyo of the Land of Lightning opened his folding fan and smiled, "For example, peace talks?"
"Absolutely impossible!"
Hearing this, the Raikage immediately bristled and said angrily, "The Akatsuki Organization has killed countless of my Cloud Ninjas. There is absolutely no room for negotiation on this matter; there is only war!"
But the Daimyo of the Land of Lightning was indifferent.
Some Ninjas died, so be it.
What he cared about was the money.
If he really had to seek help as the Raikage said, who knows how much the other four nations would extort from him.
And whether they won or not, the Land of Lightning would be ruined financially.
Most importantly, he didn't feel threatened.
Because it was just a war between Ninjas.
It didn't have much to do with him.
Referring to the previous Great Ninja Wars, no matter how much they fought, the Daimyos lived very comfortably.
This was inevitable.
Ninjas didn't engage in large-scale production.
They could only rely on the support of various countries.
And the Daimyo was the absolute ruler who held the lifeblood of the nation.
No matter how the Hidden Cloud Village changed hands, it wouldn't affect his status.
Moreover, someone from the Akatsuki Organization had arrived even before the Raikage.
His heart leaned more towards her.
The Daimyo of the Land of Lightning looked at the Raikage, his heart growing more dissatisfied.
Did this guy realize who was in charge?!
"Why can't there be peace talks?"
He said flatly, "The Land of Lightning cannot pay such a price for a single Hidden Cloud Village. Besides, if I seek help from the other four nations, where would my face go?"
"Daimyo, this is not a matter of face right now!"
The Raikage suppressed his anger and explained, "It's a matter of life and death."
"But I don't feel that way."
The Daimyo of the Land of Lightning smiled and said, "Let me introduce someone to you: Karen."
The curtains behind him were drawn back.
"Long time no see, Lord Raikage."
Karen said with a beaming smile.
"It's you!"
The Raikage immediately remembered that there was indeed such a young girl in the Akatsuki Organization that attacked the Hidden Cloud Village.
Although she hadn't done much, she was undoubtedly an enemy.
"Daimyo! What is the meaning of this?!"
The Raikage questioned.
The aura on his body could no longer be contained and leaked out.
It made everyone in the hall feel a sense of suffocation.
Karen waved her hand, blocking this pressure.
The Daimyo of the Land of Lightning became even more satisfied, but his dislike for the Raikage grew.
An ill-mannered fellow.
He sneered and said, "It's not your place to question me!"
"Daimyo, please calm down. Let me talk to Lord Raikage."
Karen walked down the steps to the Raikage and said, "Our Akatsuki Organization will not be an enemy of the Land of Lightning; on the contrary, we will assist with all our might."
"Do you think I'll believe that?"
The Raikage asked with murderous intent.
No one would believe someone who had just raided their home.
"I've already spoken to the Daimyo about this, so I'll state the reason again."
Karen smiled slightly and said, "The reason is the Tianming Organization; they are the true enemy of the Five Great Nations."
"Heh."
The Raikage wasn't stupid; he said, "I see you just want to use the Five Great Nations to eliminate your mortal enemy, and then turn around and deal with the Five Great Nations."
In a sense, he was indeed correct.
"You are just letting the anger from the destruction of the Hidden Cloud Village cloud your judgment."
Karen shook her head and said, "I have some information on the Tianming Organization here. You'll know why I say they are the true enemy once you see it."
She handed over a scroll.
The Raikage frowned; after all, in front of the officials of the Land of Lightning, he couldn't easily refuse, so he could only open it and read.
A few seconds later, his expression gradually changed.
The content of the scroll, simply put, was that the Tianming Organization was pursuing de-aristocratization.
If it were true, it would naturally be a major concern for the Five Great Nations, or rather, the Daimyos.
This was intended to take their lives.
If they lost their power and land, what would they have left?
"This is first-hand intelligence I obtained while lurking in the Land of Fire for two months; it is absolutely authentic and reliable."
Karen said with a serious face, "The actions of the Tianming Organization can be described as audacious. Even our Akatsuki Organization cannot tolerate such things happening."
"..."
The Raikage didn't answer immediately.
He was somewhat confused at this moment.
He didn't know what to say.
From the reactions of the Daimyo and the officials, they had clearly already been persuaded by Karen.
In their eyes, the Hidden Cloud Village was not as important as themselves.
As for what was happening in the Land of Fire, it was likely not fake.
Karen could lie for a while, but not forever.
If such intelligence were investigated, clues would naturally be found.
But the Raikage didn't believe the Akatsuki Organization's goals were so simple.
Thinking of this, he asked: "Since your Akatsuki Organization dislikes the Tianming Organization's actions, why don't you go to Konoha? Why come to our Hidden Cloud Village?"
"To show our sincerity," Karen said.
"???" The Raikage looked puzzled.
"Talk is cheap. To make the Daimyo believe us, we specifically took down the Hidden Cloud Village."
Karen continued her nonsense, "At this moment, if we wanted to take over the Land of Lightning, it would be as easy as pie, wouldn't it? But we didn't."
The Daimyo of the Land of Lightning couldn't help but nod.
It made sense.
"..."
The Raikage found it absurd, yet there seemed to be a sliver of logic in it.
If the Akatsuki Organization had simply run over and said there was a problem with the Tianming Organization and everyone should unite against a common enemy, he would definitely have dismissed it with disdain.
Because he didn't think the Hidden Cloud Villagelacked strength.
But now it seemed that since the Akatsuki Organization was so strong, the Tianming Organization certainly wouldn't be weak either.
Well, he didn't know that the Tianming Organization and the Akatsuki Organization had already fought once.
Otherwise, things would have been clearer.
Given the disparity in information and strength, he was in a bit of a predicament.
If he continued to be stubborn, even the Daimyo of the Land of Lightning wouldn't support him.
If he was the only one making a fuss, what could he do?
But cooperation felt disgusting to him.
With his personality of hating evil as an enemy, he was unwilling to cooperate with his foes.
Karen smiled slightly and said, "I know what your Excellency the Raikage is thinking. Rest assured, aside from a few deaths, the Hidden Cloud Villageis quite intact. Even for the fallen Kumogakure Ninja, we have a way to resurrect them, as long as you are willing to pay a small price."
"Is what you say true?"
The Raikage couldn't help but ask.
He could understand the previous parts, but resurrection was a bit too fantastical.
"Why would I lie to you?"
With a confident look on her face, Karen spread her hands and said, "Come back with me in a moment and you'll see for yourself. If you're worried about a trap, you can take me as a hostage; I won't resist."
"It seems the two of you are having a good talk,"
the Daimyo of the Land of Lightning said with a smile.
He had heard Karen explain it once before.
So naturally, he wasn't surprised now.
The so-called resurrection was merely a pseudo-resurrection.
But what made him happy was the money he could save.
Furthermore, in Karen's vision, with the cooperation of the four nations, the Land of Lightning would obtain a quarter of the fertile land of the Land of Fire.
This was an unprecedented temptation.
After all, among the Five Great Nations, the Land of Fire had the best geographical location and environment.
As for the Akatsuki Organization persecuting them?
He hadn't thought about it.
It wasn't that there were no Ninja assassinations, but those only happened in desperate situations.
Generally speaking, Ninja villages or organizations would not move against a Daimyo.
Moreover, the Akatsuki Organization had even presented the Tianming Organization's objectives; they truly had merit.
In comparison, the Tianming Organization was definitely a major threat.
Because they had already begun implementation.
The Land of Fire no longer belonged to the nobles.
This was something the Daimyo of the Land of Lightning could not allow.
Once the Tianming Organization expanded, his life would be in jeopardy.
Rather than worrying about a possible betrayal by the Akatsuki Organization, it was better to worry about the imminent threat of the Tianming Organization.
"Karen, I have already sent messengers to deliver the situation you described to the various Daimyos, but I still hope you will make a trip in person; it would be more persuasive."
The Daimyo of the Land of Lightning picked up a folding fan to cover half his face and said, "There are some stubborn fellows among them who might not necessarily believe my words."
"Leave this matter to me,"
Karen said with a slight bow. "I have no name or title here; I hope the Daimyo will establish a special official position. This position doesn't need real power, but it should allow me to travel and lobby within the various nations without restriction."
"That's no problem. What do you think it should be called?"
The Daimyo of the Land of Lightning agreed without hesitation; after all, it was just a nominal title.
"Chief of Treaties, meaning the one in charge of treaty matters between nations."
"Fine."
The Daimyo of the Land of Lightning nodded and added, "Since you'll be traveling and lobbying within the countries, you naturally need proof. How about this: you shall receive a special Grand Minister's Seal. But as for the other nations, that will depend on your own ability."
"Thank you, Daimyo."
Karen bowed.
The Raikage's expression beside them was quite unpleasant.
Even though he had accepted the plan for peace talks, seeing his enemy possess such power was still irritating.
"I have another proposal regarding the Hidden Cloud Village."
Karen glanced at the Raikage and said, "The Akatsuki Organization only took down the Hidden Cloud Village to show sincerity and has no intention of fully governing it. I hope to establish a specialized agency composed of personnel from the Land of Lightning, the Akatsuki Organization, and the Hidden Cloud Village to manage it jointly."
"This plan is brilliant!"
The Daimyo of the Land of Lightning immediately praised it.
The Hidden Cloud Village had always listened to orders but not summons.
If they followed Karen's method of tripartite control, he would naturally be able to command the Kumogakure Ninja as well.
Furthermore, Amegakure could no longer be as arrogant as before.
"What does the Raikage think?"
The Daimyo of the Land of Lightning smiled faintly. "If you are unwilling, the Land of Lightning will just take over management instead."
"I... I am willing."
The Raikage gritted his teeth, feeling very humiliated.
But on second thought, he had expected everything to belong to the Akatsuki Organization, and suddenly a third was returned.
It could actually be called an unexpected surprise.
"This agency is born both to manage the Hidden Cloud Village and to oppose the Tianming Organization. I suggest calling it Anti-Entropy."
Karen explained, "The actions of the Tianming Organization will bring chaos and Honkai to the Ninja World, and Anti-Entropy is precisely meant to stop them and return the world to normal. At the same time, I suggest the Raikage serve as the first Chief Executor."
Actually, she had also thought about using Quicksand.
But with Tianming present, Anti-Entropy seemed more fitting for the worldview.
As for why it needed tripartite management, it was naturally to get the Ninjas of the Hidden Cloud Village to accept it.
With the Raikage as the leader, they would believe the initiative was still with them, and they wouldn't resist the Akatsuki Organization.
Adding the Land of Lightning would make the effect even better.
Because they would only think the Akatsuki Organization held a third of the power, rather than a fifty-fifty split.
But what if one day the Raikage, the Land of Lightning, and the Akatsuki Organization were all gone?
Anti-Entropy is, after all, destiny.
"Me?"
The Raikage pointed at himself.
He had completely failed to anticipate this situation.
"Indeed, the Raikage is the person most familiar with the Hidden Cloud Village. Having him serve is the most logical choice."
Karen's selfless appearance even moved the Raikage slightly.
Perhaps this person wasn't doing these things for selfish desires.
She truly wanted to oppose the Tianming Organization.
And letting him serve as the leader showed great sincerity.
After all, the Akatsuki Organization held the advantage now and didn't need to do this at all.
After the Raikage agreed, Karen spoke about how the Anti-Entropy Organization should be formed, still following the elite route.
Each of the three parties would provide four members, and the twelve members would discuss major matters together.
Although there was a suspicion of power-sharing, Karen perfectly tied them to the Akatsuki Organization's war machine.
As long as the Tianming Organization existed, the Anti-Entropy Organization would not dissolve.
They would also be united against external threats.
Three days later, Karen brought the Raikage back to the Hidden Cloud Village.
Just as she had said, the Hidden Cloud Village was almost completely rebuilt.
This was thanks to Kakuzu's Earth Release.
"Welcome to the fold,"
Deva Path Pain said indifferently.
"I haven't joined the Akatsuki Organization,"
the Raikage corrected. "I only agreed to join Anti-Entropy."
Deva Path Pain didn't argue with him.
The Akatsuki Organization would have him, Konan, Karen, and Uzumaki Menma join Anti-Entropy.
In a sense, they were indeed part of the same organization.
"Karen said earlier that she could resurrect the dead. What Ninjutsu is it?"
The Raikage couldn't help but ask.
"Edo Tensei,"
Uzumaki Menma replied with a smile. "If you want to see the Third Raikage, we can satisfy you too."
In the original work, Yakushi Kabuto was known as the dream-fulfilling master of the Ninja World.
"..."
The Raikage's expression stiffened.
He also knew a thing or two about Edo Tensei.
He hadn't expected it to be this Ninjutsu.
According to his past personality, he would definitely despise such a Ninja who toyed with the souls of the dead.
But the Kumogakure Ninja who died this time were all victims of a disaster.
For a moment, he was somewhat hesitant.
"Orochimaru would agree to cooperate with you?"
The Raikage thought of another key question.
"She is Orochimaru,"
Uzumaki Menma introduced, pointing to the loli on his left.
"???"
The Raikage was completely bewildered.
What on earth?
How did one of the legendary Sannin, the murderous Orochimaru, end up looking like this?
... Naruto didn't know what kind of nonsense Jiraiyahad fed Konoha's Jonin, but he actually made them go to school.
He stroked his chin and couldn't help but remark that he was a good comrade.
To that end, he had Lord of Heavenless transfer a few senior teachers from the White Lotus Sect to teach this group of Ninja.
As for himself, forget it.
Teaching was impossible; he could only live like a salted fish to sustain his life.
What was the point of a bunch of grown men?
He wanted to provide one-on-one personal guidance to Hinata.
[Congratulations to the host for achieving the 'Anti-Entropy is also Destiny' achievement. Obtained three attribute points and three destiny stones.]
"Eh? Anti-Entropy?"
Naruto was a bit confused.
Where did this come from?
Although he had telepathy, his Shadow Clonegenerally wouldn't report everything to him.
Putting aside questions about achievements,The three attribute values, however, made him very happy..
Because his defense bonus was already full.
Adding the final three points, it immediately reached one hundred percent.
[Congratulations to the host for reaching a 100% defense bonus. Obtained the special skill: Devoted Affection.]
[Devoted Affection: From 'BOFURI: I Don't Want to Get Hurt, so I'll Max Out My Defense'. Consumes own HP to grant a defense aura to teammates, sharing your own defense. Consumes 10% HP per minute.]
[Note: Those within a one-kilometer diameter of the user can enjoy this aura, up to a maximum of five people, who can be designated.]
Naruto couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
Good stuff.
This skill might be useless for others.
Never mind the 10% HP consumption per minute; sharing defense wouldn't make sense on its own.
After all, Ninja defense isn't very high.
But he was different.
HP consumption could be replenished by the merlin character card's ultimate skill, Garden of Avalon.
It could last at least ten minutes.
In ten minutes, giving his teammates his insane defense would make them practically invincible.
A one-kilometer range was also large; the only pity was that he could only designate five people.
But to be honest, Naruto really wanted the Gluttony skill, which meant as long as he could eat, he could possess all kinds of skills.
Thanks to Sheng Yang Yu for the tip