Kakashi's Invitation

Thinking of the World Losing Color technique from earlier, they could not help but be moved. They had never heard of any ninjutsu capable of such peculiar control effects, let alone one that could cover an area hundreds of yards wide.

Just imagine what kind of scene it would create if such a move were unleashed on a battlefield.

Although elite jonin could rely on their own formidable strength to forcibly resist the immobilizing effect, in a large-scale war, the majority were still ordinary chunin and genin.

When blades crossed at close range, even a momentary delay could be enough to turn the tide of battle. This strange skill could absolutely be called a strategic-level ability.

At that thought, Kakashi's expression turned serious as he quietly considered the matter.

At that moment, Chen Feng spoke to Xiao Meng beside him. "After that fight, I'm a little tired too. Let's head back."

As he spoke, the two of them turned to leave.

Seeing this, Kakashi's expression shifted, and he hurried after them.

Of the two from the Dao School, one was skilled in divination, while the other was not only incredibly powerful but could also use a divine technique capable of making heaven and earth lose their color.

From a strategic standpoint, the two of them were probably no less valuable than a Kage Level expert.

Although Konoha was still the foremost of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, after the Legendary Sannin had departed one after another, only the old Hokage remained to hold things together. Its strength was far inferior to what it had once been, and it was precisely the time when it needed powerful people to join.

Now that he had happened to encounter these two, he naturally could not simply watch them slip away before his eyes.

He then asked, "Now that Zabuza has been dealt with, what are the two of you planning to do next?"

Chen Feng casually responded, "My elders instructed me to enter the world and temper myself. I do not have any other plans for the time being. I'll just go where my heart takes me."

Kakashi nodded slightly, then cast an inquiring look toward Xiao Meng.

"I was ordered by my master to protect the Dao Child. Naturally, I will accompany him."

Xiao Meng replied calmly.

"Is the Dao Child perhaps a position within the Dao School?"

Kakashi pressed on, clearly quite curious about the matter.

Xiao Meng explained, "Since the Taoist Ancestor founded the sect, the Dao Sect has developed many branches over thousands of years. Every branch possesses considerable strength and unique cultivation methods, but because their philosophies of the Dao differ, there have also been many conflicts between them.

"The Dao Child is the heir of our Dao School, the sole future master of the Dao Sect recognized by all the senior elders. Only he can unite the many forces as one and lead the Dao School to a higher level."

Hearing this, Kakashi could not help but be startled. He had gleaned two pieces of information from her words.

First, the Dao Sect's influence was likely enormous, and its history was ancient.

Even the Five Great Shinobi Villages had only been established for several decades before developing to their current scale. How powerful, then, must a force that had been passed down for thousands of years be?

Furthermore, Chen Feng's status was much higher than Kakashi had imagined.

According to Xiao Meng, even a single branch was an extremely powerful force, yet Chen Feng was destined to command the entire Dao Sect in the future.

Such a position was likely no less exalted than that of the God of Shinobi from back then!

At that thought, Kakashi grew even more eager. Konoha was currently in a period of decline, while also facing all kinds of pressure from outside.

If they could gain the help of this mysterious Dao School, or even form an alliance with it, they would gain a powerful external ally.

Thinking this, Kakashi said, "Mr. Chen Feng, since your sect elders sent you out to gain experience, they surely hoped that you would see a broader world and temper yourself further.

"The Land of Waves is remote and isolated. You do not even see ninjas here on ordinary days, so it must be terribly dull. In my opinion, it would be better to leave this place and travel elsewhere."

Hearing this, Chen Feng nodded. "That makes sense. Does Mr. Kakashi have any suggestions?"

Kakashi revealed a rare smile and continued, "Gato and his group have already been dealt with, so our mission is complete as well. In another couple of days, we will return to the Land of Fire.

"If the two of you have not yet decided where to go, why not come to Konoha and have a look?"

At his words, Chen Feng's eyes flickered slightly. He then deliberately asked, "You mean Konoha, one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages?"

Kakashi nodded. "Konoha is the strongest shinobi village in the world today. It is completely different from this tiny Land of Waves. Once you arrive there, you will surely experience a completely new sight."

"But the two of us are outsiders. Would it really be appropriate for us to go?"

Chen Feng asked hesitantly.

Kakashi said, "It's fine. The people of Konoha Village are kind and simple, and the Hokage is very hospitable as well. I'm sure they will welcome you."

At that moment, Naruto quickly chimed in, "Yeah! The village chief grandpa is really nice. He never gets mad at me!"

Chen Feng smiled at that, then nodded. "All right, then. If it is not too much trouble, we will make a trip there. I am quite curious about the famous Konoha Village as well."

Even without Kakashi's invitation, he would have found an opportunity to go there. After all, he needed a large amount of reputation points to unlock more abilities.

If he stayed in such a godforsaken place forever, he probably would never become a true powerhouse in his lifetime.

Now that Kakashi had taken the initiative, he had given him the perfect opening. It was a win-win situation.

Seeing him agree, Kakashi was quietly pleased. "Then it's settled. Rest for now, and afterward, we will set out for the village."

"Yes!"

Sasuke and the others nodded in agreement.

Two days later, the group left the Land of Waves and hurried toward Konoha Village. Several days later, they entered the territory of the Land of Fire...

At night, they rested temporarily in a forest. Kakashi lay on a tree branch reading his little yellow book, while the three youngsters sat around the campfire.

Naruto was enthusiastically telling awkward jokes to the girl beside him, while Sakura kept her gaze fixed on Sasuke.

As for Sasuke, he still wore his usual cold expression, staring blankly at Chen Feng and Xiao Meng as they sat nearby meditating.

Remembering the battle from several days ago, he finally asked, "Master Xiao Meng, are you considered very strong within the Dao School?"

Hearing the question, Xiao Meng slowly opened her eyes and replied calmly, "Among those of my age, few can defeat me. However, the Dao Sect has a deep foundation and many senior elders whose cultivation is profound and beyond the reach of ordinary people."

Sasuke nodded. Looking at the two seated cross-legged and breathing rhythmically, he continued, "Your cultivation method seems different from ours."

At that moment, Chen Feng responded, "What the Dao School cultivates is true qi, which differs from the chakra within a ninja's body."

Hearing this, Sasuke's expression shifted as he secretly thought, I wonder which is stronger, this so-called true qi or chakra...