The Sound Ninja

Recently, a rumor has started to spread like wildfire in the Ninja World.

Uchiha Shingen once again broke records for the Sharingan – he copied the Rinnegan of the leader of Amegakure.

The fact that Nagato possessed the Rinnegan was, if it was still a secret within a small circle when he was only involved with Akatsuki, then after he became the leader of Amegakure, it was no longer a secret.

In his original timeline, he maintained his mystique, but in this timeline, he cannot.

Faced with the new Ninja World order created by Uchiha Shingen's series of "chicken wing effects," he had no choice but to maintain a higher attendance rate to ensure peace in the Land of Rain.

After so many years of chaos in the Land of Rain, when he took over, the Ninja World of the Land of Rain was in a state of disarray.

There are many spies, many wandering ninjas, and many small organizations.

If we don't just consider the Ninja World, there are also many refugees.

And so, the matter of the Rinnegan was naturally exposed.

This attracted more spies and restless third-party organizations, which in turn led to Nagato's even higher attendance rate, thus confirming the existence of the Rinnegan.

And so, without anyone considering the strength of the Five Kage, Nagato Uchiha Shingen became the two most formidable figures in the Ninja World.

Because the person in question is so famous, the rumor spread at an alarming speed.

While Uchiha Shingen was still in the Land of Rain, the news reached the Land of Land of Fire.

Then it appeared on Namikaze Minato's desk.

Namikaze Minato has been Hokage for over ten years. If we don't count his wife asking him to tutor him at night, there aren't many things that can make him frown these days.

Generally speaking, rumors are not considered serious material and are not submitted to the Hokage's office.

But the ANBU did it anyway.

The reason is quite simple: on the one hand, Uchiha Shingen had just taken over the ANBU, and since it concerned the new leader, he had to report it.

On the other hand, there are things that can't be discussed openly.

During the Third's era, there was an unwritten rule in the ANBU: no matter was insignificant for the Uchiha Clan.

This group is now very small in the ANBU, but it still exists.

Namikaze Minato looked at the report on the table and felt a sense of unease.

He knew that the Rinnegan, the eye of the Sage of Six Paths, was the supreme of the three Dōjutsu.

And that's all he knows.

From his mentor Jiraiya, he also learned about the abilities of his junior brother who possessed the Rinnegan.

Chakra Six-Connection.

He knew nothing more.

When the new leader of Amegakure Rinnegan, he was genuinely shocked. His first thought was to connect the boy Jiraiya had mentioned with this mysterious new leader.

Jiraiya was also very concerned.

The fact that Leaf Village did not demand an explanation from Amegakure regarding Hanzo's death is directly related to the verification of Nagato's identity.

From the Hokage Building's perspective, Nagato's status makes him a better leader of Amegakure than Hanzo.

Although this view was not accepted by Uchiha Shingen.

But now, it doesn't matter anymore.

After all, rumors have spread throughout the Ninja World that Uchiha Shingen copied the Rinnegan.

"Sigh..." Namikaze Minato looked around.

Uchiha Fugaku was drinking goji berry tea, the Third was smoking, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura were watching him, the Hokage.

"How about I retire and let Shingen become Hokage?" he said.

It is said that power corrupts.

Perhaps.

But Minato felt that among those who were corrupted, his wife was definitely not one of the Nine-Tails' main forces.

Perhaps the only person who shares some common ground with him in this regard is the First Hokage, known as the God of Shinobi.

"Don't joke around, Fourth Hokage," Utatane Koharu said. "Although it's just a rumor, it's already spread all over the village, and several ninja clans are holding meetings Tenten."

Namikaze Minato understood what the advisor meant.

Get serious, you bastard!

He's always been very serious.

This isn't the first or second time I've had this idea.

Originally, Namikaze Minato had hoped that his disciple Uchiha Obito could realize his dream and become Hokage.

Only when an Uchiha Clan with the Will of Fire becomes Hokage will Leaf Village have a chance to truly eradicate its greatest internal threat.

But this is very difficult, extremely difficult, especially after so many years, Namikaze Minato understands this even better.

The Senju Clan... no, it's no longer the Senju Clan. It should be said that the original Hokage clan members would find it very difficult to accept the idea of Hokage emerging from the Uchiha Clan.

But if even Uchiha Shingen couldn't become Hokage, then in his view, the Uchiha Clan would never be worthy of the Hokage Position.

The conflict was bound to erupt sooner or later.

Namikaze Minato was a typical family ninja; he didn't care much about factions, and no matter what faction it was, nothing was more important to him than Leaf Village.

"Alright, anyway, let's all give our opinions first," Namikaze Minato said, then he launched into a major question, "Third, what's your take?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen aback.

Although I often hear people complaining about him, saying that Namikaze Minato always asks "What do you think?", this is the first time I've used this tactic on him.

You little rascal, you're not even sparing this old man!

How am I supposed to watch this? I'm watching it while I'm smoking!

"Hmm, the Rinnegan..." Sarutobi Hiruzen looked deep in thought, seemingly not quite understanding why this matter needed to be discussed. "If it's true, the village is stronger, which is a good thing. If it's false, then someone must be trying to harm the village."

Uchiha Fugaku glanced at Sarutobi Hiruzen, a "As expected of you, still so farsighted" expression appearing on his stoic face.

But in his heart, he sighed silently.

This generation, relying on mutual benefits and improved relationships, is clearly not going to work.

As for the Rinnegan...

He knew one thing: if it were true, Shingen would be incredibly powerful.

It is guaranteed that from this point onward, the entire clan will begin to follow the path of dual cultivation.

Anyone who opposes this is a pig.

Unsure of the truth, Uchiha Fugaku didn't know what attitude to take, so he added twice the amount of goji berries.

His little tricks did not escape Namikaze Minato's eyes.

Looking at his precious little jar with a heavy heart, Namikaze Minato decided to take revenge.

"Fugaku, you are the head of the Uchiha Clan, why don't you say something too?"

"Huh?" Uchiha Fugaku looked at him, confused. "What should I say?"

"Tell me about the Rinnegan, what if it's real?"

"How would I know anything about the Rinnegan ..." Uchiha Fugaku sighed. "The highest level of bloodline limit recorded in our clan is the Mangekyō Sharingan."

"You used 'that's all' quite cleverly," Namikaze Minato immediately retorted.

The word "spirituality" was one that Uchiha Shingen often used when he was complaining at budget meetings. Everyone thought that this way of complaining was very satisfying, so they followed suit.

In the Hokage Building, not speaking standard Shingen dialect is considered very embarrassing.

"I really don't know," sighed Uchiha Fugaku. "Of the three Dōjutsu, no one would think that two of them are together, right?"

"So, you really copied it?" Namikaze Minato stroked his chin, deep in thought.

Uchiha Fugaku: "..."

It seems the Lord Hokage has already tacitly acknowledged that it's true.

"Hahaha, I was just kidding, Fugaku, you're so serious." Namikaze Minato suddenly burst into laughter. "I think we should follow the Third's advice and consider whether anyone wants to target the village."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.

No one brought up the topic again.

Putting aside the rumors flying around outside, Uchiha Shingen was in Takigakure at the moment, having finished checking the list with the Takigakure's higher-ups.

To show respect for their allies, the ninja from the ANBU and the Konoha Military Police Force did not enter Takigakure, but instead remained stationed outside the village.

He came in alone.

This makes it easier to discuss business.

To be precise, Uchiha Shingen's main task was to inquire with the four ninja villages of Amegakure, Kusanagi, Takigakure, and Otoko in turn about whether they would participate and to verify the list of participants.

"Is this all the people from your village this time?" Uchiha Shingen decided to double-check. "The list can't be changed; once registered, it can't be altered."

According to the list submitted by Takigakure, six people from Takigakure will participate in this Joint Chunin Exams. Kusagakure, which has already gone through the exams, also submitted six people, while Nagato from Amegakure submitted twenty-one people.

At first glance, Rain Village seems ambitious.

However, according to the usual practice of the Joint Chunin Exams, the organizers will definitely have the most representatives.

The number of Leaf Village ninjas participating in the exam was not determined before Uchiha Shingen left the village, but it would certainly not be less than eighty.

As usual, the villages of Sand Village, Iwagakure, Cloud Village, and Hidden Mist Village were also contacted; the number of participants from these major ninja villages had never been less than thirty.

The number of participants is also one of the symbols of a village's strength.

Hidden Leaf Village has consistently been the village that hosts the Joint Chunin Exams the most times. This is mainly due to the complex situation among the ninja villages. Even now, Kumogakure refuses to host the Joint Chunin Exams, and smaller ninja villages are also unable to host this event. As a result, Hidden Leaf Village, known for its suitable geographical location and friendly and open relations, has often become the best location choice recognized by its allies.

Until Uchiha Shingen established the association, the relationship between the major villages improved somewhat through economic ties. Now, the Joint Chunin Exams are mainly held in rotation between Sand Village, Leaf Village, and Hidden Mist Village.

Amegakure is a regular participant in the Joint Chunin Exams, consistently contributing the most slots from among the smaller ninja villages.

Of course, including those from the Great Ninja Village, the vast majority of people are just there to make up the numbers. As is customary, after a maximum of two rounds of testing, the number of participants will be reduced to single digits.

This kind of brushing can kill people.

At this moment, the leaders of Takigakure all had smiles on their faces as they looked at Uchiha Shingen.

"Yes, Lord Shingen, these six are the best Genin in our village."

The leader of Takigakure was at least somewhat respectable, although he kept glancing at Uchiha Shingen's face.

The supposedly secluded Takigakure is just as interested in rumors as any other village.

Since leaving Amegakure, Uchiha Shingen had always encountered strange looks from the higher-ups of these ninja villages. Although he sensed it, he didn't say anything.

After all, no one was there and nothing was done, except their gazes were a bit strange.

"Okay, I've confirmed the list. I'll take my leave now." He put the list away, stood up, and said goodbye.

"Shingen, you must be tired from your journey. Why don't you... rest for the night in the village before you continue?" The leader of Takigakure was very hospitable.

The leader of Kusagakure also possessed this enthusiasm.

Moreover, he was not only enthusiastic, but also wanted to organize a gathering, which was of course politely declined by Uchiha Shingen.

He thought these people must be on drugs; why weren't they this enthusiastic before?

So what if I killed a few people? Is it really necessary? I might have killed a lot of people during wartime, but in diplomatic matters, I've always been very polite, okay?

"No, I have to hurry to Sound Village." After once again declining the warm invitation from the leader of Takigakure, Uchiha Shingen used the Flying Thunder God Technique to return to his unit and set off for Sound Village.

His mission this time was to tackle two tough challenges. Nagato was one, which he had already overcome; the last one was the most difficult.

As everyone knows, Orochimaru is truly indestructible.

Chapter 42 The Sound Ninja

A Leaf Village ninja army entered the country from the border of the Land of Rice Fields.

Well, ninjas are usually organized into armies of a hundred, but this group of people is definitely more than a hundred. Calling them a ninja army wouldn't be wrong.

"The Land of Rice Fields is so peaceful now," Uchiha Shisui said sincerely, looking at the surrounding scenery.