In the Hokage Office.
On the Hokage's desk in front of Namikaze Mirai lay a scroll thicker than an adult's arm.
During the reign of Sarutobi Hiruzen and the previous Hokage, this scroll had been kept in the most heavily guarded section of the Hokage Office, and only ninja who had made significant contributions were granted the privilege to view it.
Even so, it still drew countless Konoha ninja to pursue it relentlessly.
Solely because this scroll bore a resounding name.
The Scroll of Seals.
Almost all forbidden ninjutsu, from Konoha village's inception to the present, were recorded within this scroll.
The vast majority of these had been contributed by the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama.
When Mirai viewed the Scroll of Seals, he couldn't help but marvel at the Second Hokage's astonishing wisdom.
For example, Mirai saw a forbidden ninjutsu called the Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags.
It required the user to die first, then be summoned by a living person using the Edo Tensei jutsu, and as an immortal, summon countless exploding tags for a superimposed explosion, an astounding ninjutsu!
Merely from its description, one could perceive the terrifying power of this ninjutsu.
If you use it, you must die; if you don't die, you can't use it.
What astonishing wisdom this was.
After a quick scan, his gaze settled on one particular forbidden ninjutsu.
He was very familiar with this forbidden ninjutsu.
One could even say that, at present, very few people in the entire Ninja World were more familiar with this forbidden ninjutsu than he was.
Flying Thunder God.
"Minato always boasted to me about how fast he was, but in the end, he couldn't even save my sister-in-law."
Seeing this familiar forbidden ninjutsu again, Mirai couldn't help but fall into complex emotions.
The fastest man in the world couldn't even save his own wife.
How ironic was that?
He exhaled, dispelling the emotions in his heart.
Mirai's gaze focused on the cultivation method of the Flying Thunder God Technique.
Although Minato was dead, that did not mean the Flying Thunder God Technique was useless.
On the contrary, the power of the Flying Thunder God Technique was undeniable.
Minato was precisely the one who developed the Flying Thunder God Technique to its extreme, earning him the moniker Yellow Flash.
Many ninja who fought him couldn't even clearly see his appearance; they only saw his blonde hair flash before their eyes, and their bodies would lose the ability to resist in intense pain.
This was also the reason he was called the Yellow Flash.
Long ago, Mirai had obtained the general training method of Flying Thunder God through Minato.
He had also attempted to learn it, but he had not succeeded.
As an S-rank forbidden ninjutsu, the Flying Thunder God Technique's learning difficulty was absolutely among the highest of all ninjutsu.
It had extremely high requirements for aptitude, especially neural reaction speed.
Not everyone had Minato's abnormal neural reaction speed.
Of course, the main reason was that Mirai had not truly settled down to study it.
With his mastery of Electromagnetic Force, his short-distance speed was not much inferior to Minato's.
It was just that now, as international conflicts grew more intense and the situation in the Ninja World continued to shift, the value of Flying Thunder God was steadily increasing.
If Flying Thunder God marks were placed in other countries in advance, Mirai could deploy instantly at any time to launch tactical strikes against hostile nations.
Mirai was quite confident in his own strength.
Coupled with Flying Thunder God's elusive ability, it could unleash terrifying effects.
"Although this Flying Thunder God Technique looks very cool, its principle is actually quite simple."
Carefully studying the Flying Thunder God training method recorded in the Scroll of Seals, Mirai couldn't help but remark.
The so-called Flying Thunder God, rather than being a conventional ninjutsu, was more akin to a special Reverse Summoning Jutsu.
By leaving a pre-set seal, one's body would be reverse-summoned to the location of that seal, achieving a spatial movement effect.
The principle was simple, but the training was not.
Firstly, the body had to be able to quickly adapt to the discomfort caused by spatial movement.
This discomfort might be minor, just a momentary dizziness in battle, but in a clash between powerful individuals, even that brief moment could determine everything.
Secondly, neural reaction speed had to be superhuman.
Then, the more Flying Thunder God seals there were, the harder they were to perceive.
In rapidly changing battles, precisely selecting the most suitable mark to move to, placed an immense burden on both mental power and neural reaction speed.
Minato relied on these two inhuman advantages to master the Flying Thunder God Technique to perfection.
"However, for me, all I need is Flying Thunder God's long-distance instantaneous movement."
In short-distance combat, relying on his burst speed, he was not inferior to Flying Thunder God's spatial movement.
The only drawback was that he could only move in a straight line.
If obstacles were present, his speed would decrease.
But that wasn't a major issue, he could simply blast through them.
Although he didn't possess Minato's abnormal neural reaction speed, he had his own advantages.
Before the Third Great Ninja War erupted, he had sparred with Minato many times.
Almost every time, Minato would be left dishevelled by him, causing Kushina, who was watching, to cover her face and laugh heartily.
Minato was accustomed to carving Flying Thunder God marks onto three-pronged kunai.
At the start of battle, he would throw large numbers of kunai to serve as teleportation anchors.
Mirai would always secretly alter the positions of those kunai using Electromagnetic Force, making Minato appear extremely clumsy.
Once, he even moved a kunai into a toilet...
Later, whenever Minato fought him, he switched to specially crafted wooden kunai.
This was also Mirai's advantage in mastering the Flying Thunder God Technique.
He didn't need to throw kunai like Minato.
He could manipulate them entirely through Electromagnetic Force, or even launch them like electromagnetic cannons, achieving long-distance instantaneous movement.
Just as Mirai was about to delve deeper into comprehending the Flying Thunder God Technique, a small white phosphorescent snake, flicking its crimson tongue, slithered across the Hokage's desk toward him.
The snake, only as thick as a baby's arm, raised its upper body and opened its mouth in a retching motion.
A scroll, far larger than its head, was dramatically spat out, covered with a small amount of mucus.
"Orochimaru?"
Mirai looked surprised.
This was Orochimaru's exclusive method of contacting him.
Why would Orochimaru reach out at this time?
'Could it be...?'
Mirai seemed to have realized something.
He picked up the scroll, ignoring the residual mucus, and opened it.
"As expected."
The message recorded on the scroll was indeed about the coup in the Land of Rice Fields.
Orochimaru had already secretly gone to the Land of Rice Fields and begun handling the relevant matters.
It likely wouldn't be long before news arrived.
"As expected of Orochimaru. Entrusting this matter to him was indeed the right choice."
Mirai nodded in satisfaction.
It had only been a few days since he had assigned the task to Orochimaru.
In such a short time, Orochimaru had already made preparations.
It seemed that a coup would soon erupt in the Land of Rice Fields.
What kind of ripples would that news create across the Ninja World once it spread?
Mirai felt a trace of anticipation.
...
Meanwhile.
In the Land of Rice Fields, a small country north of the Republic of Fire.
In a dark, damp cave.
This cave did not appear to be naturally formed, but rather forcefully excavated.
Its interior space was vast, filled with various experimental instruments.
"Has Orochimaru-sama abandoned us?"
Tayuya lay on the cold rock, her grey-brown eyes lifeless.
Her heart seemed as cold as the stone beneath her.
She had once been a wandering ninja, taken in by Orochimaru.
Under his personal guidance, she had achieved everything she possessed today.
One could say that Orochimaru was the only light in her life.
Even if he told her to die, she would obey without hesitation.
There were many ninjas like her here.
Being able to follow Orochimaru was the greatest fortune of their lives.
But Orochimaru had not appeared for a long time.
Nor had he contacted them.
"Stop fantasizing. Orochimaru-sama has returned to Konoha and abandoned us."
Sakon-Ukon's voice sounded from the side.
"Shut up! Orochimaru-sama would never abandon us!"
Tayuya flipped up from the ground, gripping her flute tightly, glaring at him with fury.
They were all important pawns personally chosen by Orochimaru.
How could he abandon them so easily?
A gentle ninja like Orochimaru-sama would never do something so cruel!
"But how do you explain his return to Konoha?" Sakon-Ukon retorted.
"As a rogue ninja, once he returns to Konoha, he must draw a clear line with us, ninjas of unknown origin."
Compared to Tayuya's emotional stubbornness, Sakon-Ukon saw things far more clearly.
The timing of Orochimaru's disappearance coincided exactly with the announcement of his return to Konoha.
To him, the conclusion was obvious.
Orochimaru had abandoned them.
"This..."
Tayuya fell silent.
She had no way to refute him.
But deep down, she still refused to believe it.
"Hehehe, it seems you've had quite an interesting time while I was away."
A familiar, hoarse yet magnetic voice echoed from behind them.
Tayuya's body trembled violently.
Shock and joy surged through her eyes.
'That voice—!'
She turned around.
And when she saw that pale, familiar figure, her eyes instantly reddened.
"Orochimaru-sama... you really didn't abandon us."
Sakon-Ukon froze in place, unable to speak.
Alongside his shock, a deep sense of dread rose within him.
All those words he had spoken earlier…
Had Orochimaru heard them?
If Orochimaru decided to punish him for it, he would be finished.
Fortunately, Orochimaru showed no intention of pursuing the matter.
After scanning the surroundings, he spoke directly.
"I came this time to establish a ninja village."
"A ninja village?!"
Tayuya and the others were stunned.
Hadn't Orochimaru already returned to Konoha?
Why would he want to establish another ninja village?
Could it be… had he defected again?!
The thought struck them instantly.
And with it came a deep sense of absurdity.
Defecting, returning, defecting again, could someone really switch sides like that?
Orochimaru seemed to see through their thoughts.
He chuckled softly.
"I have not defected from Konoha. Konoha village is my best home now."
He paused.
Then, in a low, meaningful tone.
"The reason I want you to establish a ninja village..."
"Is to kill the Daimyō."
"What?!"
Tayuya and the others froze completely.
The words struck them like a thunderbolt.
A ninja village killing the Daimyō?
The very foundation of their understanding shattered.
The Daimyō was the supreme ruler.
Ninja villages were merely military forces under his command.
They were his subordinates.
And now, they were to overthrow him?
"The era of the Daimyō is over."
Orochimaru chuckled.
"The Ninja World is at a turning point. Corrupt feudal relics like Daimyō and nobles are destined to be eliminated."
"Konoha has already taken the first step."
"The rest of the world will follow."
After hearing his explanation, Tayuya and the others fell silent.
But slowly, something ignited within their chests.
A sense of purpose.
A sense of destiny.
If they did it, they would no longer just be wandering ninjas hiding in darkness, they would participants in shaping history.
"Orochimaru-sama... what should we do?"
Their eyes burned with determination.
Orochimaru smiled.
Everything was proceeding even more smoothly than expected.
...
The next day.
At the Daimyō Palace of the Land of Rice Fields.
The Daimyō, who had just woken up, received a letter.
"A ninja named Tayuya intends to establish the Otogakure village."
He was slightly surprised.
The Land of Rice Fields had no ninja village.
It was too small, and too insignificant.
No one cared about it.
And yet, someone wanted to establish one?
Below the application, was a thick stack of banknotes.
"For the money... I'll approve it."
Without hesitation, he signed the document.
He didn't even realize that that very signature had already sealed his fate.
...
Half a month passed.
The Daimyō had long forgotten about the Otogakure village. He continued his daily routine of eating, drinking, and merrymaking.
Until—
"Daimyō-sama! Something terrible has happened!"
A frantic servant rushed in, breaking the peaceful life.
"What's the matter that you're so flustered?"
Fanning himself with a folding fan and sipping tea, the Daimyō of the Land of Rice Fields paid no mind to the servant's panic.
He was the Daimyō of the Land of Rice Fields; within the Land of Rice Fields, he was the highest-ranking person.
Could it be that something would actually happen to him?
"It's the Otogakure village! They've attacked!"
Clatter!
The teacup shattered.
"Wh-what?!"
The Daimyō of the Land of Rice Fields was stunned.
The Otogakure village?
Was there a ninja village within the Land of Rice Fields?
Suddenly, a chill ran down his spine and cold dread filled his body.
He suddenly remembered something.
It seemed that half a month ago, he had signed a document approving the establishment of that very same village.
"It's over..."
Half an hour later—
The news spread across the Ninja World.
The Land of Rice Fields had overthrown its Daimyō.
The one-country, one-village system was broken in a small nation.
The world trembled.
The Daimyō of many small countries began to feel uneasy and fearful.
Konoha could be considered an isolated case, an arbitrary act by the Fifth Hokage. Now that a small country had emulated it, would more nations follow suit?
How would the safety of the Daimyō be guaranteed?
The reappearance of a coup d'état case plunged these usually pampered Daimyō into intense fear and unease.
At this moment, they finally realized that their identity and status, which they had always been proud of, no longer mattered.
As long as their subordinate ninja village wished, they would be hanged from a lamppost tomorrow.
"Hire samurais! Quickly! Hire samurais to protect me!"
Under the impact of the death threat, the number of samurai hired from the Land of Iron soared to an astounding number, and their hiring prices also skyrocketed.
But this did not deter the Daimyō's enthusiasm for hiring; under the threat of death, the importance of money plummeted to its lowest.
If they were to be killed tomorrow, what good would having more money do?
The prices for hiring ninjas in the black market also began to skyrocket. Many bloodthirsty bounty ninjas in the black market were surprised to find that exchanging heads for bounties was now less profitable than protecting a Daimyō for a few days.
Such a business opportunity caught the eye of a certain immortal ninja who had survived since the era of Senju Hashirama.
Greed gleamed in his green eyes.
…
Raikage's Office.
"Are they crazy? Have they all gone mad?"
Boom!!!
Fourth Raikage Ai furiously shattered the Raikage's Office desk, and under the gaze of his secretary Mabui. The newly replaced Raikage Office's desk was once again shattered.
"The Land of Rice Fields, a small nation that takes a long time to even get discovered on the map, actually has the audacity to openly defy the orders of the Four Great Nations!"
Ai trembled with anger.
The impact of this matter was too bad.
It was impossible to predict what actions those hesitant small ninja villages would take upon hearing this news.
The one-country, one-village system must not be shaken.
This is the cornerstone that the Four Great Nations had been maintaining. A change in the cornerstone would cause too great a chain reaction.
Ai would not allow such an uncontrolled event to happen.
The Ninja World was now divided into two factions.
The Four Nations Alliance, led by the Four Great Nations, adheres to the one-country, one-village system.
The Fire Federation, led by the Republic of Fire.
Now, a case of Land of Rice Fields had emerged, openly breaking the order they had established.
Ai felt a strong sense of crisis.
In the future, wouldn't more countries experience coups and join the opposing faction?
He needed to nip this trend in the bud.
"Mabui, immediately gather the ninjas. I want to see how powerful this Otogakure is!"
Just as Ai was gathering troops.
Another shocking piece of news arrived, causing a stir in the Ninja World.
Konoha would deploy the Uchiha Peacekeeping Force to clear international obstacles.
*****
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✓ Killed For 100 Years in Hueco Mundo, Aizen Invited Me To Soul Society!
✓ Naruto: Senmei Asahi
✓ Naruto: Uchiha's Intelligence Dealer
✓ Naruto: The Fifth Hokage Is Naruto's Uncle
✓ Naruto: Who Made Him a Ninja?
✓ Bleach: In My Second Reincarnation, I Became The Ninth Kenpachi
✓ To Love-Ru: Spoiler Route [R-18]
✓ Naruto: The Accidental Incubus [R-18]