Success

No one knows the truth about Rōshi's disappearance, and only Iwagakure has been searching for his whereabouts in the Rōshi Ninja World.

But how can the living find those who have already died?

All they could get were some dubious information, most of which was deliberately leaked by the Akatsuki to delay Iwagakure from learning the truth.

However, the capture of the Four-Tails was a breakthrough for Akatsuki.

This not only verified the feasibility of the plan to seal the Tailed Beast with the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, but also greatly boosted morale.

Despite Pain's self-proclaimed status as a god Obito to be Madara Uchiha, only the two of them truly knew how weak they were.

Whether it was Pain or Obito, their few attempts all failed because of Taichi Matsushita. The blow and frustration they felt were something that only those who experienced it could truly understand.

In the Land of Rain, leaden-gray clouds hang low over the land year-round.

In a secret base deep within the mountain, transformed from a massive cavern, a colossal Demonic Statue of the Outer Path stands at the deepest part of the cave, its grotesque and withered form casting a huge and distorted shadow under the flickering, eerie green light.

What's most chilling is that of its nine previously closed eyes, the bottommost one has suddenly opened! That white—

His blue eyes radiated a chilling Chakra, inspiring awe in those who saw them.

Pain stood on the High Platform in front of the Demonic Statue, his Black-bottomed Red Cloud Robe remaining motionless in the cold air. Behind him, the core members of Akatsuki stood on both sides, and everyone's gaze was irresistibly drawn to his single, open eye.

For the first time, an emotion called "shock" was clearly reflected in Kakuzu's green eyes, which had only ever seen money.

The grin on the Suikazan Fuguki's face narrowed slightly, replaced by an instinctive fear, as if facing a prehistoric behemoth.

The shadow beneath Blood Crow's hood seemed even deeper, and he no longer mentioned "Lord Jashin," which he used to talk about all the time.

Having witnessed all of this through the sealing of the Four-Tails, all members undoubtedly have a higher level of identification with the organization.

"The Four-Tails 'Chakra has been completely sealed. This proves the power of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path and also proves the correctness of our path."

His gaze slowly swept over the crowd below, lingering for a moment on the faces of the three newly joined members.

"The retrieval of the Four-Tails is a crucial step in the plan. But this is only the beginning." Pain's voice suddenly rose, carrying an undeniable will. "The next target is Shukaku, the One-Tail! It is currently scattered in the desert of the Land of Wind in the form of Chakra, awaiting its chance to be resurrected."

"I want you to find it, capture it, and before those slow-witted guys in Sunagakure can react, capture and seal the One-Tail as well." Pain's Rinnegan suddenly shone with an eerie purple light, and the powerful pressure was like a tangible hammer blow.

"Intelligence network at full capacity. Zetsu, you're in charge of tracking Shukaku's exact location and the movements of Sunagakure. Everyone else, stand by!"

"Furthermore," Pain's tone softened slightly, "The organization's growth requires more like-minded and powerful individuals. If any of you encounter suitable candidates, please feel free to recommend them. To end this endless chaos, and for the eventual eternal peace that will come, we need more power!"

"To execute missions more efficiently, effective immediately, members will be divided into the following teams: Konan and Kakuzu one team, Madara (Obito) and Fuguki in another, and Zetsu and Blood Crow in yet another. Teams will operate independently, maintaining communication."

The order was given swiftly and decisively.

Kakuzu glanced at Konan beside him, who was as aloof as a snow lotus, a glint of light flashing in his green eyes, as if he were plotting something.

Suikazan Fuguki chuckled softly in Madara's direction. He remembered that he had been beaten up by Madara before he joined this organization.

Blood Crow nodded silently, then turned his hood toward Jue and nodded again in a friendly manner.

With the tasks assigned, everyone left the cave without further ado.

In the end, only Pain remained silently on the High Platform, and Konan, who never left the shadows behind him.

The cave was so silent that you could hear water droplets falling from the stalactite peaks. Konan's gaze pierced through Pain's cold, Puppet eyes, stubbornly and silently casting itself into the deeper recesses of the cave.

There stood Nagato, his deep-set eyes hidden beneath his disheveled, straw-like red hair, his hunched spine clearly visible beneath his thin clothing, and each weak breath sounding incredibly difficult, like a candle flickering in the wind.

Worry, like cold vines, coiled around Konan's heart, tightening ever more.

She simply watched, without questioning or pleading, but her clear eyes were filled with an almost overflowing worry and a silent persistence.

Time passed in a suffocating silence.

Finally, Pain 'Deva Path lips moved, and a rare hint of weariness and hoarseness, characteristic of Nagato, seeped into his cold, inorganic voice. "Don't worry."

He seemed to be trying to explain, or perhaps convincing himself. "The Six Paths Puppet —I have gathered them all. My power—is greater than before. Even—"

He paused, the name seeming to carry a heavy weight. "Even if he comes looking for me, Taichi Matsushita —this time, I'm confident I can completely crush him, clearing the way for Yahiko and for our great cause!"

His tone carried an almost obsessive certainty, and the purple light in his Rinnegan brightly, as if to dispel all uncertainty.

However, Konan remained silent. Her gaze still pierced through the Puppet, landing on Nagato's withered body. That silent gaze was more powerful than any verbal questioning.

Pain's forced composure, under this gaze, was like thin ice under the sun, a crack quietly appearing.

After an unknown amount of time, a very faint sigh, as if it had exhausted all its strength, was heard.

"Alright." Pain's hoarse voice rang out again, weak but clear, "Once—a new member is found—to take your place—you—will come back."

Konan's tightly pursed lips finally relaxed slightly. The deep worry in her eyes hadn't dissipated, but a hint of relief appeared. She stopped looking at Pain and turned her gaze to the Demonic Statue's giant eye. Her voice was as cold as an icy spring. "I will ensure that the new member is trustworthy." With that, she turned and her figure gradually disappeared into the dark passageway leading out of the cave.

January of Year 50 of Konoha.

The hustle and bustle of the New Year recedes like the tide, leaving only faded paper lanterns under the eaves and the faint sweet aroma of New Year's cake in the air.

The lingering chill had not completely dissipated, but the sunlight had become generous, filtering through the bare branches and casting dappled, shimmering light on the bluestone slabs of the Taiichi courtyard.

Taiichi rarely has a moment of leisure.

He was nestled in a large wicker lounge chair, his posture as languid as a cat that had basked in the Sun Barrier.

An open scroll was casually placed over his face, blocking the glaring light and revealing only his smoothly defined jawline.

On a small table beside me, a cup of tea steamed with wisps of white vapor, emitting a slightly astringent fragrance. A few sparrows chirped on the branches, further enhancing the tranquility of the courtyard.

If it weren't for the seven Shadow Clone sweating profusely on the Training Ground nearby, anyone would think Taiichi was slacking off.

His thoughts were wandering to some unknown place when a thunderous, ecstatic shout shattered all his scattered thoughts!

"Teacher! Teacher! Where are you?! Great news! Fantastic news!"

The sound grew louder as it approached, filled with the undisguised excitement and penetrating power of a young man, startling a flock of sparrows on the branches into flight.

The scroll covering his face slipped off, and Taiichi opened his eyes helplessly, a trace of bewilderment lingering in his eyes as his thoughts were interrupted.

He slowly sat up from the recliner and casually brushed off non-existent dust from his clothes.

Just as they stood still, a figure rushed in like a whirlwind through the courtyard archway; it was Jiangtai.

He was out of breath from running, his cheeks flushed red, his hair blowing wildly in the wind like a tangled mess, but his eyes shone with an astonishing brightness, like two small flames burning.

He spun around in place like a headless fly for a moment before finally spotting Taiichi standing next to the recliner.

Their eyes met.

Jiangtai's face exploded with ecstasy, his features contorted with excitement. He practically flew towards Taiichi, shouting incessantly, "Teacher! You're here! Hahaha! It's done! It's finally done! I succeeded! No, we—we all succeeded!"

Closely following behind, Yami and Itachi appeared at the archway. Both of them had rosy cheeks and their chests were rising and falling slightly, clearly indicating that they had also run all the way here. However, they still knew how to restrain themselves, but their eyes were full of expectation and inquiry as they looked at Taiichi.

Taiichi looked at Jiangtai, who was so excited that he was talking incoherently and gesturing wildly, and then at Yami and Itachi behind him, who were equally excited. The slight helplessness of being disturbed was instantly replaced by huge astonishment and the surging joy that followed.

It's been over two months! From the moment he planted the Natural Energy Seed within them, day after day of meditation, sensing, and failures—he almost thought he wouldn't see results in the short term.

Unexpectedly, a pleasant surprise arrived at this moment!

It's worth noting that it took Jiraiya over ten years to learn Sage Mode, which is the normal timeframe for a ninja. Minato, on the other hand, took half a year, while Naruto only took seven days. These are the truly exceptional individuals among ninjas.

But on the surface----

"What's got you so excited?" Taiichi suppressed the turmoil in his heart, deliberately putting on a stern face, his voice carrying the authority of a teacher, his gaze sweeping like lightning over the most unruly Jiangtai, "Look at you, what kind of behavior is this! A ninja must always remain calm! Only a calm mind can find a chance of survival in a rapidly changing and dangerous situation!"

This beating was already commonplace for Jiangtai.

His mind was filled with a huge sense of accomplishment, and his skin was as thick as a city wall. He completely ignored Taiichi's words.

"Oh, teacher! Natural Energy! I sensed it! I saw it so clearly! Like—like countless warm little points of light!"

Jiangtai gestured wildly, spitting as he spoke, excitedly pointing to Yami and Itachi behind him, "It's not just me! Yami felt it too! Itachi felt it too! The three of us! We've all succeeded!"

"Good, good, that's good, but—" His gaze sharpened, and his voice became serious. "Try again in front of me. Calm your mind, concentrate, just like when you succeeded before."

Without needing to say more, Jiangtai took a deep breath, his playful expression instantly vanishing. Although he was far less composed than Itachi and Yami, he still managed to adopt a serious demeanor and closed his eyes.

Yami and Itachi immediately sat down cross-legged beside him, their movements fluid and natural, getting into the zone almost instantly.

The courtyard fell silent. Only the faint sounds of Shadow Clone Training Ground the distance could be heard.

Taiichi focused his mind and calmed his spirit. His powerful perception, like an invisible tide, gently enveloped his three disciples. In his "vision," a wondrous change was taking place.

A faint, yet incredibly pure, milky-white aura emanated from the three of them, like Fire Fly being awakened. This was a manifestation of the ninja's ability to perceive Natural Energy and the resonance between their spirit and the Natural Energy.

At this moment, three faint lights flickered and breathed quietly in the courtyard. Though weak, they unmistakably proclaimed a fact: they had truly crossed that invisible threshold and touched the foundation of Senjutsu!

"Good!"

Taiichi couldn't help but let out a low shout, his voice filled with heartfelt approval and a relieved joy. He clapped his hands lightly, the crisp sound acting as a signal to awaken the three people who were immersed in the sensation.

Three pairs of eyes opened almost simultaneously, each gleaming with the excitement of success.

"Tell me about it," Taiichi's voice softened, filled with a keen interest as his gaze swept over the three faces.

This was Taiichi's gain: from the three's cultivation process, he summarized a cultivation method for immortal Senjutsu that was more suitable for humans and could be promoted and popularized. "How did you succeed? Especially—" He looked at Jiangtai, "You, who can never calm down, how did you become the first to get it? Also, the three of you broke through almost at the same time, this is definitely not a coincidence."

"Let me go first! Let me go first!" Jiangtai immediately answered, afraid that his credit would be buried, "This afternoon! At the usual place, under that crooked tree! I was sitting as usual—"

The three of them, one after another, recreated the scene for Taiichi.

Interestingly, Jiangtai was the first to successfully sense the existence of Natural Energy.

Not long after Jiangtai sensed the Natural Energy, and perhaps influenced by Jiangtai, Yami and Itachi, who were training together, entered this state almost one after the other.

Listening to the three people's accounts, Taiichi also fell into deep thought. It seems that comprehending Natural Energy is not something that can be done alone, and a state of tranquility does not necessarily require absolute silence.

On the contrary, being together in groups seems to have a strangely positive effect.

Make a note of these points.

Taiichi then looked at the three of them again and earnestly instructed them, "Even if you have already sensed Natural Energy, you cannot stop practicing. Your current state is only the initial stage of perception. Now that your bodies have a memory of Natural Energy, the perception will become easier and easier in the future."

"Ugh, we have to practice again!" Jiangtai was the first to complain. Heaven knows how he got through the past two months. He was naturally lively and active, but he had to calm down and sense the Natural Energy Tenten, which was torture for him.

If it weren't for his initial strong interest, he probably would have given up long ago.

"Teacher, how far do we need to practice before we can move on to the next stage?"

Itachi, being more mature, went straight to the point and asked the crucial question.

Seeing the expectant looks in the three people's eyes, Taiichi's words were unusually "cruel".

"When you can sense Natural Energy at any time, that's when you can move on to the next stage of learning."