A New Mission, a New Journey

"Hey, what are you doing? We're still training and you've already run off?"

On the streets of Konoha, Hyuga Makoto walked out of Ino's florist with the fresh flowers he had just bought.

As a result, they ran right into Naruto, Sasuke, Hinata, and Neji.

Naruto couldn't take it anymore, and he yelled at the top of his lungs.

"That's so irresponsible of you!"

"Tch, can't you see I have something to do?"

Hyuga Makoto raised an eyebrow, shook the large bouquet of flowers in his hand, and began to speak.

"Besides, aren't the Pervy Sage and Captain Kakashi there? You all know them, so why don't you just have him show you around?"

"But, Brother Makoto, Lord Jiraiya have left."

Hinata lowered her head and said timidly.

"They were the ones who made us leave, so..."

"Seriously, what's wrong with these two?"

But Hinata could finish speaking, Hyuga Makoto couldn't hold back any longer.

"They're all Konoha Jonin, yet they're just watching these kids train. How can they be so irresponsible?"

"?"

Naruto and the others exchanged bewildered glances. "Isn't that what you're saying too?"

Hyuga Makoto didn't stop; he kept muttering to himself.

"How pathetic! Do they just ignore me when I'm not around?"

What exactly is happening in Konoha?

66

"Konoha's Jonin system is infested with insects!"

"How can Konoha be managed while dealing with this bunch of insects?"

The little ones didn't understand what was said after that, but they could guess the general meaning.

Even so, it silenced everyone except Hinata.

How can you have the nerve to complain about other people?

Aren't you a typical example yourself?

You're the most inhuman bastard, aren't you?!

Sasuke was still somewhat confused, wondering how this guy had managed to beat Uchiha Itachi to that state...

"Never mind, I'll make it up to you when I have time."

Fortunately, Hyuga Makoto stopped complaining after a few words.

Looking at the silent little ones, he sighed.

"As expected, I am still the most responsible person in Konoha."

That's enough...

Neji was too quiet to speak, and Sasuke, having just joined, didn't dare to utter a word.

Hinata is truly well-behaved, but Naruto simply couldn't hold back anymore.

"If you were really going to take responsibility, would you have run away? You bastard..."

"How are your grades doing now?"

However, before Naruto could finish speaking, Hyuga Makoto quietly interrupted him.

"Although your written test score is still embarrassing, at least you're not exactly at the very bottom, right?"

"Forehead...

These words left Naruto somewhat speechless.

He wasn't very good at academics, but he made tremendous progress in practical application!

These improvements were truly the result of Hyuga Makoto work.

"But that doesn't seem like an excuse for you to run away..."

97

Naruto pursed his lips, but before he could finish speaking, Hyuga Makoto interrupted him again.

"Let me ask you another question: if you had to choose between winning and losing, what would you choose?"

"Ah?"

This seemingly random question left all the little ones momentarily stunned.

What kind of question is this? Do we even need to choose?

Besides, weren't we just talking about your running away? How did we get onto the topic of winning and losing?

However, they dared not say anything about what Hyuga Makoto did.

This question particularly perplexed the children, as they were unclear about what Hyuga Makoto meant.

"So, what are your thoughts, senior?"

Sasuke hesitated for a moment, thinking about how to get closer to Hyuga Makoto.

Although Uchiha Izumi has joined the Anbu, it seems she will continue to move forward, bearing the blood feud of the Uchiha.

But Sasuke was unwilling to do that; he wanted to personally carry out this revenge through his own efforts!

Although Hyuga Makoto may seem unreliable, he is the one who genuinely defeated Uchiha Itachi right in front of him.

Do you want to win, or do you want to lose?

"I?"

Hyuga Makoto looked at Sasuke for a long time before finally letting out a smile.

"I don't want any of them."

"Well?"

These words stunned the group of children, but Hyuga Makoto sighed softly.

"What I want most is to make money!"

Did you make a profit?

This statement left everyone completely bewildered. What exactly did it mean?

Hyuga Makoto ignored the group of kids, his gaze sweeping back and forth between Naruto and Sasuke.

Through his eyes, he seemed to faintly see an unusual Chakra within the two little ones!

"Is this the true power of Indra and Asura's Power...?"

Hyuga Makoto silently muttered to himself, knowing all along that these two forces existed.

Before this, he could only vaguely sense it, but he couldn't truly understand it.

But now, as he can see the Flame of Life, he seems to be able to vaguely see them too!

He has always had ideas about these two forces.

Unfortunately, neither of these two forces has yet been given any missions.

"It seems I need to try harder."

Hyuga Makoto muttered to himself, but then he suddenly turned his head because he saw an Anbu rapidly approaching him.

The Land of Rain continues to be shrouded in torrential downpours.

The heavily injured Nagato lay silently on the bed, his mind replaying Black Zetsu's words.

"The Sage of Six Paths, the Ten-Tails Jinchuriki ----"

Although Black Zetsu's words sounded like something out of a myth, when he actually faced that guy, he truly felt like he was facing a "god"!

That invisible pressure, that fear as if being watched and understood by heaven and earth.

And there was that ethereal figure, shrouded in endless moonlight, and that almost undisguised arrogance.

All of this caused him immense pain!

"Inferior creatures--"

Especially when he recalled those words, he felt that his pride as a "god" was about to be shattered.

If it weren't for the myth of Black Zetsu, and if it weren't for the success of the Sage of Six Paths, he would have doubted himself!

"However, what exactly do he mean by the Asura's Power and the power of Indra?"

Nagato muttered to himself, but just then the door was suddenly pushed open.

The noise interrupted his thoughts, and when he saw who it was, the coldness on his face quietly faded.

"Konan, you've arrived."

"Um..

Konan nodded gently, her gaze towards Nagato filled with worry. This time, Nagato was seriously injured!

She still remembers that when Nagato was brought back, half of his body was gone.

His entire body was wrapped in bandages, and blood was seeping out of them.

But miraculously, Nagato is still alive and well, and his condition is even quite stable!

According to Black Zetsu and the others, Nagato was not seriously injured and possessed an extraordinary physique.

Thanks to the timely and appropriate handling of the situation, no major problems arose.

But Konan truly didn't trust those guys; in fact, she had never trusted them from the very beginning!

How is your recovery going? Have you noticed anything unusual?

"Don't worry, I'm recovering very well."

Nagato assessed his own condition before speaking softly.

"As for anything unusual, I haven't noticed anything yet, but I'll be careful."

"You must be careful. When I checked the wound, I found a thin layer of white stuff on it."

Konan's expression was somewhat solemn, and she spoke in a low voice.

"I don't know what that is, but you can't really trust those guys."

"I understand, I've always understood."

Nagato nodded; now, only one person remained whom he could truly trust.

"I'll be careful with them, but we also need their strength to complete the plan, especially after that guy appeared."

"That so-called Otsutsuki, Person from the Heavens...?"

Konan's gaze was somewhat serious. She understood the situation and was naturally familiar with it.

But the more she learned, the more worried she became!

"There really are people like that in this world..."

"That's why I need their strength even more."

Nagato sighed, but his eyes remained somewhat unfocused.

"I know they probably want me to be the first to face this guy, but I also need their power to collect the Tailed Beast."

At this point, Nagato paused for a moment before speaking seriously.

"I know how terrifying this guy is, but the Sage of Six Paths succeeded, and I want to try it too, after all..."

"I promised him I would show him a peaceful world!"

Nagato's words were forceful and clear, and even Konan could not refute them.

She wasn't a person with her own opinions; she always silently followed behind Yahiko and Nagato.

Now that only Nagato is left, all she can do is give Nagato unlimited support!

"I understand. No matter what you choose, just like when Yahiko was here, I will be behind you."

"Thank you, Konan."

Nagato nodded slightly, but his gaze shifted slightly when Yahiko was mentioned.

After a long while, he asked in a low voice.

"There are only a few days left until the anniversary of Yahiko's death, isn't there?"

"Um."

Konan responded softly; she would never forget such a day.

Why are you suddenly asking this?

I want to visit his grave.

Nagato back and looked out at the torrential rain.

"Although he has always been with us, his grave is there after all, and our memories are buried there too."

Is that so...?

Konan also raised her head and looked into the distance.

That direction leads to Yahiko's grave, which was also the home where they once studied under Jiraiya.

Meanwhile, in Konoha, Hyuga Makoto, Jiraiya, Kakashi, and Uchiha Izumi had already assembled.

Jiraiya, Hyuga Makoto carried a hint of displeasure.

"You little rascal, who taught you this? Why did you turn and run away when you were about to lose?"

"Indeed, that was excessive."

Kakashi couldn't help but comment from the side, while Uchiha Izumi was extremely embarrassed and nervous.

This was her first time going on a mission with the Anbu, and who would have thought she'd encounter something like this?

"Tch, who said I ran away? I just went to report to the Hokage-sama."

Hyuga Makoto scratched his ear, which made Jiraiya unable to hold back any longer.

"Damn it, you clearly reported it to us in front of us, you just wanted to run away!"

"Tch, I can't be bothered to explain. You'll find out soon enough."

Hyuga Makoto stretched slightly before looking at Uchiha Izumi.

"Ignore that Pervy Sage; that's just how he is. And be careful when you go on missions with him, lest you be spied on."

"Hey! This Sage doesn't like brats!"

Jiraiya felt greatly insulted; he truly had no interest in little kids.

"After studying with me for so long and helping me choose so many styles, you still don't know what I like?"

"Have a look?"

Uchiha Izumi's eyes widened, and she subtly glanced at Hyuga Makoto's Byakugan.

"Don't listen to their nonsense, let's get moving."

Kakashi was really having a headache. Jiraiya and Hyuga Makoto, this master and disciple duo, always seemed to be bickering whenever they got together.

"Don't forget we're heading to the Land of Rain before turning back to the Land of Hot Water. It won't be an easy journey, so instead of arguing, let's get moving."

"I agree. Let's set off soon; the journey probably won't be easy."

Hyuga Makoto nodded, glancing at Kakashi.

"What's special is that our captain didn't go to burn incense again."

"Burn... burn incense?"

Uchiha Izumi had heard them talk about this before, but she thought it was a joke.

Now it seems like they're actually quite serious?

"Never mind, it's all superstition anyway, it doesn't matter whether we burn it or not."

Jiraiya tilted his head and gave a disdainful snort.

"The old man hopes you will pray for blessings, but with this Sage here, all bad luck will be warded off!"

"Yeah?"

Hyuga Makoto looked at Jiraiya with amusement, and finally just smiled and said something.

Hopefully this will work.

[A new side quest has been obtained]

[1. We all strive to survive and repel the offensives of Akatsuki Organization and Kumogakure.]

[2. Stay away from the jinx, and I've left Konoha!]

Looking at this task, even the usually carefree Hyuga Makoto knew that this time it wouldn't be so easy to get through.

But for him, the more dangerous and troublesome the situation, the more motivated he becomes!

Having just obtained the "Wedge Two" state, he was planning to unleash it to his full potential.

Now the mission has been delivered to his doorstep, even though it's strange that so many random people have appeared when he's looking for Tsunade.

But no matter what, this isn't a bad thing!

As for bad luck...

It seems that after Kakashi, Jiraiya have to shoulder a heavy responsibility!

None of the four of them put on their Anbu masks for the time being, and instead swaggered out through the main entrance.

After applying, their first stop was the Land of Rain.

Hyuga Makoto had never been to that place before, so he was naturally quite curious about it.

Only Jiraiya seemed rather depressed; he pondered for a moment before speaking.

"Once we arrive in the Land of Rain, we should try to avoid trouble as much as possible. Although Hanzo lives in seclusion, he is still extremely dangerous."

"Lord Jiraiya, Captain, Senior, I've read the records in the book."

Uchiha Izumi thought for a moment, then couldn't help but speak up.

"They started the Second Shinobi World War, but why would they do it?"

"For survival, for development."

Hyuga Makoto heard the question, he simply helped answer it.

"As small countries, they naturally serve as buffer zones and battlegrounds for larger nations; their development ceiling has long been predetermined."

"So, he started a war? But how many people will die?"

Uchiha Izumi asked, somewhat puzzled, but Hyuga Makoto glanced at him.

"War always results in death, and if he doesn't fight, the village has reached its limit. If it can't break through, then the Land of Rain will be locked in there forever."

"That's right, under those circumstances, Hanzo of the Salamander had no choice but to take the risk for the sake of the people of the Land of Rain."

Jiraiya Hyuga Makoto an approving look; aside from being a bit mean, this guy really had no flaws.

"He was an ambitious and respectable man, but some things were already destined."

"So, was he wrong?"

Upon hearing these words, Uchiha Izumi became somewhat confused.

According to Hyuga Makoto and Jiraiya, this guy seems to be a hero?

"You never judge a person by just one aspect, especially someone like him."

Hyuga Makoto shook his head and spoke calmly.

"From the perspective of the people of the Land of Rain, he is not wrong. He is expanding the limits of survival in the Land of Rain, and this is for the sake of the entire Land of Rain."

"But for the Shinobi World, his actions ignited the Shinobi World War, causing immense suffering and unimaginable losses, so he was wrong."

Jiraiya the side, but could only sigh in the end.

"Whether something is right or wrong often depends on one's perspective; he simply had no other choice but to make this decision."

"I heard a saying when I was in Kirigakure."

Hyuga Makoto suddenly grinned mischievously, raising an eyebrow as he looked at Uchiha Izumi.

"Success is change, failure is betrayal; this idea, when broadened, is applicable in many contexts."

Yes... yes...

Uchiha Izumi was immediately embarrassed again. Did this sound like they were talking about the Uchiha?

However, she soon noticed that Hyuga Makoto seemed to be looking at her hair, which made her feel a little strange.

"What's wrong, senior?"

"It's nothing, I was just thinking..."

Hyuga Makoto withdrew his gaze and spoke with a hint of amusement.

"Among the three of us with white hair, you're the only one with black hair. That's quite interesting."

Uchiha Izumi hesitated to speak, knowing that Jiraiya and Kakashi were natural-born.

As for Hyuga Makoto, he seems to have been researching some kind of Secret Technique and accidentally turned his hair white.

She's seriously considering whether she should go back and dye her hair.

"Alright, stop overthinking, let's get going."

Hyuga Makoto saw through her thoughts and interrupted her directly.

"Long, straight black hair looks good on you; there's no need to change it."

"Oh..

Uchiha Izumi nodded as if she understood, and then the four of them quickened their pace, heading rapidly towards the Land of Rain.

"His eyes are indeed very strong, and his Yin Release seems to be reaching its limit."

97

While on his journey, Hyuga Makoto glanced at Uchiha Izumi.

At this moment, his control over Yin Release was also very strong; he could clearly sense how much Yin Release had gathered in the girl's eyes.

There was only one wall blocking her way, and even though the wall was already crumbling, it was still stubbornly holding her back.

"Is this the barrier of the Mangekyo?"

The Mangekyo is a cursed eye; the more you use it, the more trouble you'll cause.

Uchiha Izumi's eyes had reached this point, and he suddenly wondered if he could use Yin Release to do something.

Let's see how things develop before making any plans.

Hyuga Makoto shook his head, then couldn't help but start thinking about Dust Release.

He had never actually seen Dust Release before, but it possessed the Chakra control of the Otsutsuki, so he felt he could give it a try as long as Clone appeared!

"As for the fusion ratio of Dust Release, let's set it to 4:4:2 for now."

The intertwining of the three Chakra attributes and the three powers requires a transformation in form and nature, which is both dangerous and complex.

But this situation only made him more eager to try!

"If I can really test out Dust Release, things will be much easier for me in the future..."

Thinking of this, a smile appeared on Hyuga Makoto's lips.

But at that moment, Hyuga Makoto suddenly realized that the environment had changed!

Even from just over ten meters away, he could see a torrential downpour ahead, while for them, it was just dark clouds.

He knew they were almost at the Land of Rain.