Natural Energy and Senjutsu, Konoha Green Card Pilot Program

Konoha.

Hokage Office Building.

Hiruzen Sarutobi had a pleasant conversation with Iburi and the leader of the Tsuchigumo Clan.

Orochimaru occasionally chimed in, and the atmosphere seemed quite harmonious.

Both Iburi and the Tsuchigumo Clan are native Ninja Clan within the Land of Fire.

However, when Konoha was first established, it did not choose to join but instead remained independent, maintaining a wait-and-see attitude towards the national village system.

Over time, due to the inherent problems of Konoha's financial shortages and limited mission quotas, etc., the situation has changed.

These Ninja Clan faced numerous obstacles in joining, so the matter was shelved.

As time went on, both races encountered problems they could not solve.

Similar to the Kurama Clan, they have developed a condition similar to "Kekkei Genkai Disease".

The Iburi Clan's ability is to turn their bodies into smoke.

Not only can it evade most physical attacks, but it can also transform into smoke and enter the opponent's body, controlling the opponent's body to a certain extent and causing internal damage.

The problem is that the bloodline of the Iburi Clan is unstable nowadays, and most of the clan members cannot control this ability well. When they encounter strong winds while in vapor form, they dissipate and die.

The secret technique passed down by the Tsuchigumo Clan is called "Fury of the Heavens".

The mechanism is to guide Natural Energy, gather it within a certain range, and condense it into an array that delays detonation.

However, this secret technique requires human guidance and is extremely dangerous.

Therefore, the population has decreased drastically, and now fewer and fewer members of the tribe can master this secret technique. The Tsuchigumo Clan hopes to solve this problem while also improving the secret technique.

However, secret techniques are not so easy to improve, so these two clans and Orochimaru had previously made private deals.

Currently, Konoha under Hiruzen Sarutobi's rule demands as much standardization and institutionalization as possible.

The collaboration with Iburi and the Tsuchigumo Clan is also seen as a future pilot project for the "Konoha Green Card".

Orochimaru slowly began, "Master, we are capable of resolving the Iburi Clan's problem—"

"The Cell Stabilization Technique developed by Hiruko is very suitable for their situation."

"The Tsuchigumo Clan's Natural Energy techniques—" Orochimaru paused for a moment, then continued, "I've heard that Jiraiya is currently training in Senjutsu; Mount Myoboku should have a way."

At this point, Orochimaru's expression darkened slightly.

His dream is to master all the Ninjutsu in the world, including Senjutsu Mode.

However, the threshold for mastering Senjutsu is similar to the spatial perception ability required for the Flying Thunder God Technique.

There's no logic to it.

It's like saying "yes" means "yes" and "no" means "no," creating a sense of beauty in the idea that "without spiritual roots," one cannot cultivate.

"Don't you want to practice?" Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile, "Senjutsu are one of the First Hokage's signature techniques; to those in the know, it's even more representative than Wood Release— "

Orochimaru chuckled, "The inherited laws of Ryūchi Cave are far too brutal—"

Simply put, the White Snake Sage Orochimaru and didn't care whether he lived or died.

If you've mastered it, you've mastered it; if you haven't, oh well.

"I've heard that the teaching methods at Mount Myoboku are more systematic—"

"I consulted numerous ancient texts and discovered an interesting ethnic group—one that could be helpful in the study of Senjutsu— "

"I have a lot of work on my hands right now, so I haven't had a chance to talk to them yet."

"I'll take care of it once that matter is resolved," Orochimaru said meaningfully.

Orochimaru refers to the iron fist that attacked Kusagakure.

The tribe he mentioned was located near the Land of Waterfalls, and was extremely secretive and isolated.

It was only because Orochimaru had read too many books that he was able to find traces of this clan still existing in the world. It is said that this clan is born with the ability to absorb Natural Energy, but has the side effect of berserk transformation.

That's why they hid deep in the mountains, unknown to the world.

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded thoughtfully. He wasn't unaware of Senjutsu; he had even tried it a long time ago.

Unfortunately, he doesn't have that talent.

Although the Monkey Clan he signed the contract with no longer had any apes capable of controlling Natural Energy—

However, there are related classical texts.

The text recounts a story of a monkey covered in lava, possessing immense strength, capable of healing itself by absorbing invisible energy, and even resurrecting itself after death.

It sounds quite plausible.

But upon closer inspection, it resembles the Four-Tails, the Tailed Beast of Iwagakure).

Perhaps there's some connection between the Monkey Clan and the Four-Tails?

"I wonder what these Four-Tails creatures are called? Could they possibly be called Sun Wukong? No way—"

"If I ever get the chance to encounter the Four-Tails on the battlefield, I'll definitely call it that!" Hiruzen Sarutobi thought to himself with a smile.

He had a natural, slight fondness for Monkey.

After all, who didn't love the Monkey Brother when they were a kid?

Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn't in a hurry to use Senjutsu.

Although he lacked the spiritual root for cultivating Senjutsu, his talent grew alongside Konoha.

Who knows, it might grow someday?

"A group associated with Natural Energy?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded. "This matter needs to be handled with utmost importance, and you must report to me in real time."

"I understand, teacher!" Orochimaru nodded.

The way we handle Iburi and the Tsuchigumo Clan will serve as a template for that tribe.

Once a basic framework is established, similar problems will be easier to handle in the future.

As for asking Mount Myoboku for help—

Hiruzen Sarutobi initially had mixed feelings about them.

On one hand, the Toad of Mount Myoboku did indeed shed blood for Konoha, achieving remarkable feats in the Second Shinobi World War and killing many enemies.

However, the tasks they demanded of Jiraiya were indeed far too vague and unrealistic.

They're searching for the Child of Prophecy, who's said to be Jiraiya's apprentice.

Although Jiraiya had tried his best to do missions for Konoha while searching, it still affected his energy as a disciple of the Hokage and Konoha Ninja.

However, there was no malicious intent involved, and Mount Myoboku did indeed contribute.

Previously, Hiruzen Sarutobi only offered a few words of criticism and did not forcibly stop him.

Perhaps that's why.

Mount Myoboku was most proactive in providing materials for "Sage Pill".

After Konoha reciprocates with some supplies, the Toad will also send back some interesting items.

This can be seen as a proactive demonstration of a friendly and cooperative attitude.

As long as the core inheritance of Mount Myoboku's Senjutsu is not touched, and the only goal is to help Tsuchigumo modify his existing secret techniques—

Hiruzen Sarutobi believed this matter was negotiable.

Of course, it would be best to wait until there is some progress on the Konoha side before talking to Mount Myoboku, which would give us more leverage.

Hiruzen Sarutobi plans to go there himself to see this so-called Holy Land.

"You could ask Shikkotsu-no-Kami; I heard from Tsunade that although the Shikkotsu Forest Katsuyu Sage is of a gentle nature, he is very kind-hearted—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi recounted an amusing story he'd heard in his childhood, though he wasn't sure if it was true. "Legend has it that the First Hokage once accidentally wandered into the Shikkotsu Forest, Katsuyu Sage wanted to teach him Senjutsu— "

"But the First Hokage learned it as soon as he went in, laughed heartily, and turned to leave. It was the Katsuyu Sage who insisted on giving him the Summoning Contract, but in the end, it was Tsunade who signed it."

Orochimaru's brows twitched as he listened.

Although the Holy Land is Natural Energy, you learn something as soon as you enter.

That's still too far-fetched!

It must be fake!

Orochimaru and Hiruzen Sarutobi chatted like this.

The leader of Iburi felt an involuntary surge of awe upon hearing this.

I initially thought their problem was a difficult one.

It turns out that Konoha already had a solution!

The same is true of the leader of the Tsuchigumo Clan.

Natural Energy, which is extremely mysterious in the Shinobi World, is actually not rare in Konoha.

He immediately mentioned the Three Great Sage Regions; the First learned it the moment he entered.

"They truly have learned scholars among their friends and no uncultured people among their acquaintances," showcasing the profound heritage and style of the number one Hidden Village in the Shinobi World!

The leader of the Tsuchigumo Clan chuckled involuntarily.

I was originally planning to raise my price a little, but now that I see this, I'm just thankful that we can even reach an agreement!

They not only have the ability to solve problems, but they also don't seem to lack their services much.

"Sorry, you two--"

"As we talked, we started talking about the First Hokage, and the conversation drifted off-topic," Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile.

"It's alright, it's alright!" the two tribal leaders quickly waved their hands.

"Regarding the cooperation between our two clans and Konoha, here's what I think—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "Konoha now has better welfare and benefits than other Hidden Village, but this is what the ninjas deserve for shedding blood for Konoha."

Orochimaru then handed the various policy forms to the two leaders.

After a moment, both leaders had very complicated expressions.

They were tempted to curse their ancestors; what were they thinking at the time?

Why don't you join Konoha?

Isn't this just causing trouble for future generations?

"Therefore, you need to understand that directly joining Konoha will cause some controversy—"

The two leaders nodded repeatedly.

The fact that someone who hasn't paid Blood Tax is enjoying such good welfare benefits makes people a little uneasy.

"But we are all ninjas from the Land of Fire, and perhaps we were family eight hundred years ago—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi said in a very friendly tone, "So, if you want to join Konoha, the village will try its best to give you a chance."

"The Iburi Clan and the Tsuchigumo are stationed at this location together."

Hiruzen Sarutobi pointed to a forest in the northeastern part of Konoha.

Approximately one hundred kilometers away from the Patrol Force, facing the direction of the Land of Lightning.

"Forests can significantly reduce wind force, and the village will also allocate funds to help you build windproof homes."

"Your mission is to use smoke abilities to form a defensive line and monitor enemy movements for Konoha."

"If a fierce wind arises that the forest cannot withstand, the Tsuchigumo Clan can also lend a hand to the Iburi Clan."

"You've been assigned to Konoha Reserve Force." The village will help you find some missions, enough to support you, but they'll need to collect an extra 10% as a cut-off fee.

"The village will conduct a year-long evaluation of you, during which you will not receive any benefits."

"One year from now, you will enjoy 40% of the benefits that Konoha Ninja receive."

"Those who demonstrate outstanding performance after three years may be formally enrolled in the Konoha Ninja Village."

Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled.

With the establishment of positions fully funded by Konoha, such as Patrol Force and Industrial Ninja, Konoha, whose population had not yet increased, naturally lacked some ninjas to carry out missions.

As the connection between Konoha and the Land of Fire grew closer, the number of orders increased.

For a time, Konoha Ninja were in short supply, and there was a need for someone to handle some low-level missions.

Orochimaru, who was standing to the side, had a sudden thought: the teacher had indeed prepared a draft.

It sounds so natural, as if I've experienced a similar construction project myself.

The teacher really put in a lot of effort to remove the stain from him!

In this way, the Iburi Clan and Tsuchigumo Clan actually became one of his achievements!

He couldn't help but laugh at Shimura Danzō's foolishness.

The teacher takes such good care of herself--

So, what gave him the confidence to believe he could compete with me for the Hokage?

That stupid bandage on his forehead!

"Lord Hokage, your terms are too generous—" Chief Iburi said hurriedly, "We have missions to do, houses to live in, caravans to run, and you can even solve our problems—"

"The key is the benefits of working in Konoha, and the possibility of becoming a full-fledged member later!"

"From this day forward, the Iburi Clan will obey the Lord Hokage's orders. We will do whatever you tell us to do!"

"If I am even slightly disloyal, I will accept any punishment you may impose!"

The leader of the Tsuchigumo Clan was secretly annoyed; he was just bad at talking and someone else beat him to it.

But he couldn't think of anything new to say for the time being, so he could only shout, "The Tsuchigumo Clan is the same!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded. "Then, you two—please remember, Konoha is always as warm as fire to its own people, but it is never merciful to traitors and enemies."

"I sincerely hope that you will all be officially hired soon."

"Please turn around and recite the oath once more with the two former Hokage!"

The leaders of the Tsuchigumo Clan and Iburi Clan turned around, facing the portrait on the desk.

They are Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama.

Upon seeing these two individuals, the leaders of the two clans understood even more deeply what Hiruzen Sarutobi had said—

Judging from his reputation in the Shinobi World.

Indeed, one was warm and gentle, the other cold and ruthless.

It also represents the duality inherent in Konoha's lineage.

After the ceremony, Hiruzen Sarutobi and, smiling, tied the two headbands around the necks of the two clan leaders. "Well then, welcome to the Will of Fire family!"

The leaders of both tribes could not contain their joy.

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled slightly.

First, grant the two leaders Konoha Ninja status, deeply aligning their interests with those of Konoha.

Firstly, management costs will be significantly reduced, and it will also set a benchmark for the community.

In a sense, this will also prevent the clan from becoming a monolithic entity, with everyone aiming to join Konoha.

"Since you're here, don't rush to leave."

"In a few days, there's an interesting advanced Ninja Academy lesson in the village. Many people will be going to cheer on the kids. Come and check it out!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled.

Iburi and the leader of the Tsuchigumo Clan nodded in agreement.

But some doubts remained in my heart.

What's so interesting about kids from the Ninja Academy?

It's nothing more than some rudimentary Ninjutsu; could they possibly come up with something truly special?

Knowing the Three Body Technique probably makes one an excellent student.

Out of respect for Hiruzen Sarutobi, the two leaders refrained from revealing their true feelings.

Compared to flowers grown in a greenhouse, the tenacious weeds are the truly stronger ones.