Orochimaru's Recognition

Hokage Office.

"Natsuki's rate of improvement is truly impressive."

Hiruzen Sarutobi could not help but nod.

Natsuki's spar with Uchiha Mikoto had been a major event at the Ninja Academy, and he had naturally watched the entire thing through the Crystal Ball.

To be honest, when he first heard the news, he had not thought highly of Natsuki.

The reason was much the same as everyone else's. Uchiha Mikoto had studied for four more years and was also a genius of the Uchiha Clan.

Although Natsuki's teacher was Orochimaru, that still did not give him much of an advantage.

Uchiha Mikoto also received guidance from Jonin within the Uchiha Clan.

"Did Orochimaru teach him that final Yin Release ninjutsu?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi picked up his pipe and took a puff.

What he could say for certain was that Non-System Magic: Phantom Strike was not any known Yin Release ninjutsu.

However, Konoha had quite a few similar Yin Release ninjutsu, such as the secret techniques of the Yamanaka Clan.

At that moment, his brows rose as he turned toward the window.

"Why do you come through the window every time?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi asked helplessly.

"It's faster through the window."

Jiraiya walked up to him, took out a scroll, and said, "This is the current situation in the Land of Rain."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's face turned serious as he opened the scroll.

The scroll contained a great deal of information, but it could be summed up in two points.

First, the conflict between Iwagakure and Sunagakure in the Land of Rain was gradually escalating.

Second, Amegakure was making moves, gathering war supplies and seemingly preparing to join the war.

"Hanzo truly has some nerve."

After reading it, Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke in a deep voice.

Ever since the one country, one village system had been established, the Ninja World had been a competition between the Five Great Nations and the Five Great Villages.

As for the smaller nations and villages, their greatest purpose was to serve as buffers and battlefields for the Five Great Nations and Five Great Villages.

There was no helping it. The gap in strength between them and the Five Great Nations and Five Great Villages was simply too great.

"Hanzo is powerful and ambitious. Now that he has spotted an opportunity, he definitely will not let it pass."

Jiraiya slowly said, "Especially with his Summoning Beast, Ibuse. That thing is a natural war machine."

Ibuse's most dangerous trait was its ability to release large-scale poisonous mist.

Moreover, no one had yet found a cure for its poison.

If it appeared on the battlefield, it would be a death sentence for the vast majority of Ninja.

"For now, this war has not spread to Konoha."

Hiruzen Sarutobi tapped his pipe and said, "But the Land of Rain borders the Land of Fire. Once the scale expands, it will be difficult for us to stay out of it."

"Exactly."

Jiraiya agreed. "Konoha must prepare early."

"I'll have Koharu and the others handle this matter."

Hiruzen Sarutobi paused, then said, "You've worked hard for so long. Take a few days to rest properly."

"Mm."

Jiraiya nodded.

"Now that you're back, let Minato continue learning from you."

Hiruzen Sarutobi teased, "You'd better work hard, or Natsuki will steal all the spotlight."

"What did he do this time?"

Jiraiya asked curiously.

"He just defeated sixth-year Uchiha Mikoto."

Hiruzen Sarutobi answered.

Jiraiya could not help but freeze.

Although he did not know much about Uchiha Mikoto, he knew the strength of the Uchiha Clan.

Jiraiya immediately felt a sense of urgency.

Ever since childhood, he had competed with Orochimaru, but he had always lost more than he won.

Hiruzen Sarutobi had once described Orochimaru as a gifted youth, a genius who appeared only once every few decades.

Jiraiya had once been jealous because of that, believing that Orochimaru was the only one in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes.

Of course, he had come to terms with it somewhat after growing up.

But the competition between Namikaze Minato and Natsuki reminded him of his old rivalry with Orochimaru.

In any case, he could not let that dead snake be so smug.

"He did more than defeat Uchiha Mikoto."

Hiruzen Sarutobi took out a Blue Healing Potion and said, "If war truly breaks out, this might help us gain an advantage."

"What is that?"

Jiraiya asked in confusion.

"A Blue Healing Potion, invented by Natsuki."

Hiruzen Sarutobi briefly explained what had happened.

"...?"

Jiraiya was instantly dumbfounded.

He's fucking seven?

Meanwhile, at Orochimaru's residence.

"Sensei, I defeated Uchiha Mikoto."

Natsuki got straight to the point.

"Mm."

Orochimaru nodded and said, "You have not wasted this month of effort."

"Sensei, haven't I been studying Yin Release lately? Today, I learned something and created a Yin Release ninjutsu of my own."

Natsuki was referring to Non-System Magic: Phantom Strike.

"You have already created a Shadow Secret Technique?"

Orochimaru could not help but reveal a look of surprise.

"It isn't a Shadow Secret Technique."

Natsuki shook his head and said, "I'll demonstrate it for you."

Both Shadow Space and Shadow Assassin far surpassed Non-System Magic: Phantom Strike in terms of effect and difficulty.

If he directly demonstrated Shadow Space and Shadow Assassin, he would be far too monstrous.

Besides, he had not unlocked Shadow Assassin yet.

Non-System Magic: Phantom Strike!

Natsuki raised his hand and aimed it at Orochimaru.

Orochimaru stood where he was and only felt his head grow dizzy.

But he was not Uchiha Mikoto. He broke free of Non-System Magic: Phantom Strike in an instant.

Orochimaru nodded slightly, and the surprise on his face faded.

Non-System Magic: Phantom Strike was essentially the most basic application of Yin Release ninjutsu, sending out a mental wave to strike the target.

Given Natsuki's age, creating Non-System Magic: Phantom Strike was something Orochimaru could accept.

Even so, it was enough to surprise him.

Perhaps Natsuki truly could become a second Senju Tobirama.

From another perspective, he could also perfectly inherit Orochimaru's legacy.

"From now on, you are my student."

Orochimaru spoke.

Natsuki's heart shook.

Had he finally become official?

Starting today, he could swagger through Konoha.

Nawaki smiled when he heard that.

It was now certain that Natsuki would be his teammate.

The following afternoon.

Natsuki arrived at Konoha's entrance at the agreed time.

Uchiha Mikoto was already waiting.

Natsuki narrowed his eyes.

Uchiha Mikoto did not look as calm as she had yesterday. There was a trace more gloom in her expression.

Could it be that the Uchiha Clan was dissatisfied that she had lost to him?

That was indeed possible.

After all, every member of the Uchiha Clan was a lunatic.

"Senior Mikoto."

Natsuki walked over and greeted her.

"Mm."

Uchiha Mikoto nodded and said, "I'll take you to the Crow Clan. They live in the Forest of Death."

No wonder she had asked him to come to the village entrance.

The trees surrounding Konoha all belonged to the Forest of Death.

After following her for several minutes, Natsuki arrived at the Crow Clan's territory.

He stopped, raised his head, and saw densely packed Crows perched in the trees.

The scene carried a faintly eerie air.

Uchiha Mikoto stepped forward and explained why they had come.

To Natsuki's surprise, the Crow Clan agreed readily.

[Congratulations, Host, for obtaining Crow Black Feather.]
[Crow Black Feather's flight speed is permanently increased by 30% when summoned using the Ten Shadows Technique.]

Natsuki nodded in satisfaction.

A Crow Summoning Beast's greatest use was delivering intelligence.

The increase in flight speed was exactly what he needed.

Natsuki did not take Kurohane with him, allowing it to remain in the Forest of Death.

When he needed it, he only had to summon it.

"Natsuki."

After hesitating for a long time, Uchiha Mikoto finally asked, "When are you free? I want to spar with you once more."

"Senior Mikoto, our strength is evenly matched. Either of us could win or lose, so one match cannot prove anything."

After thinking for a moment, Natsuki suggested, "How about we fight three more times? Including yesterday's match, perhaps we can end in a draw."

Two wins and two losses. Since he was also Orochimaru's student, the Uchiha Clan would most likely accept that.

As for him, he did not care much about victory or defeat. What he cared about was his system and Character Template.

Moreover, Uchiha Mikoto knew both Genjutsu and Fire Release, making her perfect for helping him unlock the Shippo Template.

Uchiha Mikoto instinctively raised her head.

Shock appeared in her eyes.

Natsuki's implication was obvious, and she understood it immediately.

Not only had he noticed her predicament, but he had even thought of a solution?

For a moment, her feelings were complicated.