A drop of blood flew into his forehead.
Hiruko quickly understood what had happened.
He had been transformed into a demon and was under Natsuki's control.
The worst part was that he couldn't even speak of his situation.
For a moment, his heart was like dead ashes.
Before Natsuki arrived, he had imagined a future where, after the Chimera Technique succeeded, he would gather five Kekkei Genkai and be invincible in the ninja world.
But who knew, the fantasy was fleeting, and now even his life and death were not his own to decide.
"Show me your Chimera Technique."
Natsuki spoke up.
Although Hiruko was unwilling, under the effect of the Blood Curse, he didn't dare to disobey and had to take out a ninjutsu scroll and hand it to him.
After reading it, Natsuki thought to himself, just as expected.
Hiruko's Chimera Technique was not yet complete and was currently at the entry stage.
It could only fuse Summoning Beasts and couldn't fuse Kekkei Genkai yet.
Natsuki fell into thought.
In terms of effect, the Chimera Technique had infinite potential.
After all, it could fuse five Kekkei Genkai.
But in reality, its performance fell short of expectations.
In the original work, Hiruko, who had fused four Kekkei Genkai, only seemed to have the strength of a Jonin.
Perhaps the main reason was that he was too weak.
Different jutsu have different effects in the hands of different ninjas.
For example, the Eight Inner Gates.
The power of Might Guy and Might Duy's Eight Inner Gates was worlds apart.
And Shinno of the Land of Sky also knew the Eight Inner Gates.
His performance was even more unsightly, completely disgracing the Eight Inner Gates taijutsu.
Natsuki thought for a moment and decided to proceed with the fusion of Summoning Beasts first.
After all, he had promised Honoka and the others.
As for the fusion of Kekkei Genkai, he would let Hiruko continue researching it.
Anyway, the Akatsuki organization had money now.
After giving basic medical treatment to Hiruko's three subordinates, Natsuki used the Door-Door Fruit.
The other end of the Door-Door Fruit connected to the Hidden Snow Village in the Land of Snow.
"Go in."
Natsuki spoke up.
Hiruko and the other three exchanged glances and walked into the Air Door.
Natsuki then followed them in.
Upon emerging, Hiruko and the other three instantly revealed shocked expressions.
Because they had arrived in the ice and snow of the Land of Snow.
Natsuki led them into the Hidden Snow Village.
Their appearance immediately caught the attention of the Hidden Snow Village ninjas.
Soon, Nadare Roga hurried over.
"Take them to see Honoka."
Natsuki instructed.
"Yes, Lord Natsuki."
Nadare Roga immediately complied.
Natsuki didn't stay long, turning and leaving.
Only after exiting the Hidden Snow Village did he use the Door-Door Fruit.
He thought for a moment and went to the metropolis of the Land of Rain.
But to his surprise, the courtyard was empty. Yahiko, Konan, Nagato, and Hyo-onna were all gone.
Natsuki raised an eyebrow and went to find Kakuzu.
"Yahiko and the others went to the Land of Grass."
Seeing him, Kakuzu volunteered the information. "Before they left, they asked me to pass on the message to you."
"How is our rainwater business doing currently?"
Hearing this, Natsuki wasn't surprised and changed the subject.
"Very good."
A rare smile appeared on Kakuzu's face. "You could say we're raking in gold every day."
"Seeing you so happy, it must be true."
Natsuki couldn't help but smile and say.
"When it comes to money, I never deceive anyone."
Kakuzu restrained his smile and said in a serious tone.
"I trust your financial integrity."
Natsuki nodded and asked. "How is Pakura's situation?"
"Neither good nor bad. She is currently only responsible for Sunagakure and one-third of the Land of Wind."
Kakuzu replied. "The remaining areas of the Land of Wind have been handed over to Rasa and Reki."
"The Third Kazekage is truly ruthless."
Natsuki sighed.
"As long as it doesn't affect our profits, it's fine."
Kakuzu said nonchalantly.
"I want Rasa and Reki to make a move against Pakura."
Natsuki changed the topic and asked. "Do you have a plan?"
"You want to provoke internal strife in Sunagakure?"
Kakuzu subconsciously narrowed his eyes, only then remembering that Natsuki was a Konoha ninja.
Although Konoha and Sunagakure had reached an alliance, they were fundamentally still enemies.
"No."
Natsuki didn't hide anything and directly stated his goal. "I want Pakura to side with us."
"Is that so?"
Kakuzu fell into thought and said. "There is a way, which is to obstruct Rasa and Reki's business."
"How do we do that?"
Natsuki asked curiously. "Whether it's Sunagakure or the Land of Wind, they have no reason not to buy our rainwater resources."
"The rainwater resources are very profitable. Because the benefits are too great, they have already been targeted by other merchants."
Kakuzu explained. "Especially now, many bounties regarding our rainwater resources have appeared in the underground black market."
"Bounties for what?"
Natsuki's interest was piqued.
He indeed didn't care much about the underground black market. Kakuzu was different. He lived off the underground black market.
Although he had joined the Akatsuki organization now, he still paid close attention to it.
Moreover, the underground black market could truly play a significant role in many instances, such as intelligence gathering.
"All sorts of things, but the most important is the location of the transport pipelines."
Kakuzu paused and said. "Besides that, many people directly approached the Daimyo of the Land of Rain, but they were all rejected."
"You want to spread the location of the transport pipelines managed by Rasa and Reki?"
Natsuki quickly understood and said. "That is indeed a good method."
"There aren't many people who know the location of the transport pipelines. Besides the Daimyo of the Land of Rain, it's the general manager, Pakura."
Kakuzu said in a flat tone. "Rasa and Reki will definitely suspect her. If this happens a few times, they definitely won't be able to take it and will resort to violent methods."
"Then I'll leave it to you."
Natsuki nodded and said. "Once Pakura is attacked, crush the Eyeball Clone I left with you."
"The only problem is that our business will be affected."
Kakuzu sighed, feeling a bit pained.
"What the Land of Rain lacks the least is rainwater. Wasting some is nothing."
Natsuki only found it amusing.
Kakuzu truly loved money as much as his life.
Fortunately, he wasn't the one who established the Akatsuki organization. Otherwise, he definitely wouldn't do this.
"There's one more thing. Some merchants are planning to imitate us and import river water from the Land of Rivers."
Kakuzu suddenly remembered something and said.
"The Land of Rivers has many rivers and mountains. Although its water resources can't compare to the Land of Rain, it's indeed quite a lot."
Natsuki chuckled and said.
"And they can sell it cheaper."
Kakuzu continued.
"It's actually very easy to solve."
Natsuki said nonchalantly. "Solve it the ninja way: control the Daimyo of the Land of Rivers."
"As expected of your style."
Hearing this, Kakuzu said.
"Then that's it. See you next time."
With the matters discussed, Natsuki turned and left.
Finding a secluded spot, he used the Door-Door Fruit to return to Konoha.
Next, he just had to wait for Kakuzu's actions and news from Yahiko's group.
Two months later, the Ninja Academy's opening day arrived again.
Natsuki brought two Anbu squads to the Ninja Academy early in the morning.
The reason was simple.
Advance scouting and deployment to eliminate any unsafe factors.
This was to ensure Sarutobi Hiruzen could smoothly deliver his speech at the entrance ceremony.
Previously, as the captain of the Fourth Squad, this wasn't Natsuki's job.
But now that he was the Anbu Commander, this matter fell under his responsibilities.
Although he didn't think Sarutobi Hiruzen would encounter any danger given his strength.
If someone really came to assassinate Sarutobi Hiruzen, the ones in danger would actually be the Anbu.
But despite saying that, the necessary work still had to be done.
Moreover, this opening day was different from previous ones. Even if he wasn't the Anbu Commander, he would have come to watch the fun.
Standing on the rooftop, Natsuki activated Clairvoyance, taking in the entire school's situation at a glance.
Although it was still early for the entrance ceremony, many parents had already brought their children to school.
Natsuki quickly spotted a familiar figure: Hatake Sakumo.
"Kakashi, do you have any goals after entering the academy?"
Hatake Sakumo looked down at his son, Hatake Kakashi.
"To graduate as fast as possible."
Hatake Kakashi thought for a moment and said.
"Why?"
Hatake Sakumo asked back.
"I want to become a ninja like you as soon as possible."
Hatake Kakashi replied.
"Being a ninja isn't as wonderful as you imagine."
Hatake Sakumo patted his head and said. "You're still young. You can enjoy the Ninja Academy life a bit."
"I..."
Hatake Kakashi wanted to say something more but was interrupted.
He saw the father and son, Might Duy and Might Guy, wearing green jumpsuits, shouting slogans of youth as they charged into the Ninja Academy.
Watching their bizarre behavior, Hatake Kakashi couldn't help but feel puzzled.
People like this could also become ninjas?
"Don't underestimate them."
Hatake Sakumo said with a smile. "They are taijutsu experts who have mastered the Eight Inner Gates."
Because of Natsuki's butterfly effect, Might Duy had gained considerable fame early on due to learning the Eight Inner Gates.
"What kind of taijutsu is the Eight Inner Gates?"
Hatake Kakashi asked curiously.
"It's an S-rank forbidden jutsu."
Hatake Sakumo paused and said. "That child will definitely become your strong rival in the future."
"S-rank?"
Hatake Kakashi nodded, but still full of confidence, he said. "I'm not that easy to surpass."
Just then, Hatake Sakumo subconsciously turned his head.
Not far away, Sarutobi Hiruzen and Sarutobi Asuma walked over.
"Lord Hokage."
Hatake Sakumo hurriedly went up to greet him.
"Long time no see, Sakumo."
Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced at Hatake Kakashi and said. "It seems Kakashi will be classmates with Asuma."
Of course, this wasn't a coincidence, but his deliberate arrangement.
Sarutobi Asuma was actually a year older than Hatake Kakashi.
He was six, and Hatake Kakashi was five.
In an era where war could break out at any time, the enrollment age wasn't strictly enforced. Many children enrolled at five.
For example, Hatake Kakashi, Uchiha Obito, and Nohara Rin.
As Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen cared about the bonds between the children.
Putting these geniuses in the same class would easily foster bonds.
After exchanging pleasantries, they headed toward Class 1-A.
Sarutobi Asuma also proactively greeted Hatake Kakashi.
The current Hatake Kakashi wasn't the emotionally closed-off version from the original work. Although not very outgoing, he could converse normally.
Natsuki withdrew his gaze.
Time slowly passed, and it was soon nine o'clock.
All the teachers and students lined up in order on the Ninja Academy square.
Then, Sarutobi Hiruzen made his appearance.
The teachers and students immediately erupted in cheers.
As Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen enjoyed immense popularity in Konoha.
Especially among the children, it was extraordinary.
It could be seen from the fact that nine out of ten children dreamed of becoming Hokage.
Standing on the rooftop, Natsuki yawned.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's speech was truly long and tedious, still the same old Will of Fire.
He had heard it often when he was in the Ninja Academy.
Natsuki stroked his chin.
He was pondering a question.
That was, when he became a Jonin instructor in the future, which three students should he choose?
In the original work, after Hatake Kakashi, Uchiha Obito, and Might Guy's class graduated, their chosen teachers were from Namikaze Minato's class.
In other words, his class.
When the time came, he, Namikaze Minato, Nawaki, and even Yakushi Nonou would most likely be asked by Sarutobi Hiruzen to choose three students.
Natsuki shook his head, feeling there weren't enough outstanding students to go around.
And among them was the rather dangerous Uchiha Obito.
Because he would be targeted by Uchiha Madara.
In the original work, he was assigned to Namikaze Minato.
This was actually a decision made by Sarutobi Hiruzen to ease the tension between the Uchiha clan and the Hokage lineage.
In other words, with the addition of the butterfly effect, Natsuki and Nawaki could also possibly become his Jonin instructor.
After all, they were both ninjas of the Hokage lineage.
Of course, with Natsuki's strength and status, he had the freedom to choose.
He had no intention of becoming Uchiha Obito's Jonin instructor.
Although Uchiha Obito hadn't turned dark yet, having seen the original work, he couldn't accept him.
If he had to choose, he would prioritize Might Guy.
The Eight Inner Gates combined with Rokushiki and Armament Haki — just thinking about it was very interesting.
Time reached noon.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's two-hour-long speech ended.
The entrance ceremony also came to a close.
Natsuki didn't leave immediately.
As the Anbu Commander, he had to wait for Sarutobi Hiruzen to leave first.
Sarutobi Hiruzen watched most of the children leave before stepping down from the stage.
Seeing this, Natsuki prepared to return to the Senju clan compound.
Just then, he stopped and looked toward the school gate.
A little boy wearing goggles rushed through the school gate, sweating profusely.
But seeing the students walking out, he instantly froze.
"It's over! I even missed the entrance ceremony!"
Uchiha Obito scratched his head and said with immense regret.
"Are you Obito?"
Just then, a little girl with brown hair walked up to him.
"I... I am."
Uchiha Obito was momentarily stunned and asked. "Who are you?"
"My name is Nohara Rin, your classmate."
Nohara Rin smiled and said. "I picked up your enrollment materials for you."
"Really?"
Uchiha Obito said with a face full of pleasant surprise. "Thank you!"
Standing on the rooftop, Natsuki raised an eyebrow, thinking to himself that he didn't expect to witness a famous scene from the original work.
He raised his hand and opened an Air Door.
Natsuki walked into it and returned to the Senju clan compound.
"You're back?"
Seeing him, Nawaki asked. "How are the new students this year?"
"Quite good."
Natsuki replied.
"Really?"
Uzumaki Kushina asked curiously. "Can they compare to our class?"
"I think they're about the same."
Natsuki thought for a moment and said.
"That impressive?"
Nawaki asked with a surprised look. "Who is there?"
Natsuki then picked five key students to introduce to them.
Sarutobi Asuma, Hatake Kakashi, Yuhi Kurenai, Might Guy, and Shizune.
The first four had relatively famous fathers.
The last one had a famous uncle.
Shizune's uncle was Kato Dan.
In the original work, he was Tsunade's boyfriend.
He was also a very capable Jonin who had mastered the S-rank ninjutsu, Spirit Transformation Technique.
Unfortunately, he died in the Second Great Ninja War.
As for Uchiha Obito and Nohara Rin, their parents were not famous.
Although the Uchiha clan was very famous.
"The quality of students this year is indeed very high."
Nawaki agreed after hearing this.
"But I think definitely no one can surpass Natsuki!"
Uzumaki Kushina waved her small fist and said.
"Nonou!"
Just as Nawaki was about to speak, he saw Yakushi Nonou and hurriedly greeted her.
"Nonou, how do you have time to come over today?"
Uzumaki Kushina asked, puzzled.
"Today is the opening day. There will be many new students joining the medical ninja study class this afternoon."
Yakushi Nonou explained. "I took a day off from Konoha Hospital to specifically come over and help Tsunade-sensei."
"Can they join the medical ninja study class right after enrolling?"
Uzumaki Kushina asked in confusion.
"Mm."
Yakushi Nonou replied. "It's an order from Lord Hokage."
Natsuki raised an eyebrow, roughly guessing what Sarutobi Hiruzen wanted to do.
As Hokage, he definitely knew that the current peace in the ninja world was temporary.
Because Kumogakure didn't participate in the Second Great Ninja War.
Given Kumogakure's style, they couldn't possibly just stay quiet. They would inevitably start a new Great Ninja War.
And the role of medical ninjas in war was undeniable.
Letting new students enter the medical ninja study class early would allow them to learn medical ninjutsu sooner and play their intended role.
To be honest, there was nothing wrong with this approach.
The Ninja Academy only taught the Three Basic Jutsu, which was actually a waste of time for many students.
Students who could learn medical ninjutsu were basically considered little geniuses.
"Have any students applied?"
Natsuki snapped out of his thoughts and asked.
"I don't know yet."
Yakushi Nonou shook her head and said. "The morning was the Ninja Academy entrance ceremony. They won't apply until the afternoon."
"If there are good students, you can take them on as assistants."
Natsuki suggested.
In this class of students, Nohara Rin and Shizune both had great talent in medical ninjutsu.
Taking them as Yakushi Nonou's students was more than enough.
Moreover, if they became her students, they could still join other teams after graduating.
She was just like that.
As Tsunade's student, she joined the ninja squad led by Orochimaru.
"I'll keep an eye out."
Yakushi Nonou was slightly taken aback, then nodded and said.
"Natsuki just said there are many geniuses in this class. There must be someone suitable for you."
Uzumaki Kushina said with a smile.
"Maybe there will be students for me too."
Nawaki immediately said. "When they graduate, I'll be about the age to take on students."
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