Chapter 162: The Tianming Organization is About to Debut
Orochimaru pressed his forehead with his small hand, calming his emotions.
He had grown used to these occasional emotional outbursts.
Although he wasn't a gynecologist, he had studied the human body thoroughly and knew why he was acting this way.
Since the impact was minor, he didn't bother to control it.
He looked at Jiraiya, and after a moment of silence, he spoke coldly, "It's no big deal, I'm just pregnant."
"Oh."
Jiraiya nodded subconsciously, then froze. "What did you say? Pregnant?!"
His voice rose sharply.
His head was buzzing.
Am I in a genjutsu?
Did I actually hear the word 'pregnant' from Orochimaru's mouth?
Shit!
Jiraiya's eyes widened.
"Yeah."
Orochimaru waved his hand and said, "If you want to drink, let's wait until next time."
He understood Jiraiya's personality, and since he didn't really care himself, he told him the truth directly to avoid being pestered.
"..."
Jiraiya fell into a deep silence.
He prided himself on having seen and experienced much in his life, but even he was struggling to handle this.
He could understand Orochimaru transforming into a woman.
After all, Living Corpse Reincarnation wasn't limited by gender.
But what on earth was with the pregnancy?
Jiraiya thought back carefully; it shouldn't have anything to do with him. He asked, "Who is the father?"
Orochimaru's eye twitched instantly.
This was a question he really didn't want to answer.
Naruto scratched his hair; he never knew what expression to make as a bystander.
Sasuke, on the other hand, had a complicated look on his face.
Although the Uchiha Clan's bloodline was being continued, the process was far too absurd.
So much so that his attitude toward Orochimaruhad changed.
According to the original timeline, he would have definitely found a way to kill this guy, but now he felt there was a problem.
Unless he was heartless enough to dispose of all three of them.
But Sasuke couldn't do it.
Killing two innocent lives—he wasn't that insane.
"Sensei."
Naruto shot him a look.
Couldn't he see that Orochimaru didn't want to talk about it anymore?
Just put away your curiosity.
"We came here to eat; it's fine if we don't drink."
Naruto whispered.
Jiraiya was slightly taken aback and came to his senses; he wasn't a fool.
Besides, the news of Orochimaru's pregnancy had left him a bit rattled.
"We were planning to go to the Land of Waterfalland just happened to pass through here. Since we're all old friends, can we stay the night?"
Why did that tone sound so strange?
Naruto glanced at him but said nothing.
Your good friend is pregnant; be a bit happier, Jiraiya-sensei.
Orochimaru snorted, scoffing at the term 'old friend,' but he didn't refuse.
"Kabuto, arrange for them."
"Understood."
Yakushi Kabuto adjusted his glasses and agreed.
Although it seemed a bit risky to him, since Orochimaru had said so, he had no choice.
"Follow me."
Yakushi Kabuto quickly led them to two rooms.
Jiraiya seemed somewhat despondent, sitting by the bed and staring blankly.
Naruto wasn't worried about him. He returned to his own room, and after a moment, Sasuke entered.
"I have successfully mastered Sage Mode."
Sasuke got straight to the point.
Naruto raised an eyebrow.
No wonder this guy wanted to pick a fight with me earlier.
Was it because he had grown stronger again?
"So, can we spar when you have time?"
Sasuke continued.
"You can't just keep looking for me every time."
Naruto shook his head and said.
"The others are boring."
Sasuke said without thinking, "None of them are a match for me."
Even Kimimaro, whom he considered decent, had suffered a crushing defeat against his Sage Mode.
In the entire Otogakure, only Orochimaru remained unfought.
But in the current situation, it wouldn't be right to fight him, lest something happen.
"Sasuke, your mindset isn't right."
Naruto invited him to sit down and said earnestly, "The Ninja World is vast; it's more than just Otogakure and Konoha Village. Don't underestimate the heroes of the world."
Sasuke was slightly taken aback.
This tone, this mannerism—he felt something was off.
"Wait for me."
Naruto used the Flying Thunder God Technique to go out and buy some green plum wine and a few side dishes.
"Let's talk while we eat."
He set the dishes on the table, closed the door, and remembering something, asked, "Has your Aoda learned to transform yet?"
Several high-ranking members of Ryūchi Cavecould transform.
There was no reason Aoda couldn't.
Sasuke shook his head and said, "Aoda's cultivation is still insufficient."
"Oh, so his skills aren't quite there yet. A pity, I'll have to do it myself."
Naruto took out a small stove and put the wine on it to warm up.
"..."
Sasuke couldn't understand his train of thought at all.
Whatever, he didn't feel like thinking about it.
He picked up his chopsticks and didn't hold back, taking a piece of fried shrimp first.
"Sasuke, you've known or seen many Ninjas. Tell me, who in your mind counts as a powerhouse?" Naruto asked.
Sasuke wasn't as polite as Liu Bei; he skipped the pleasantries and said directly, "Uchiha Itachi. He possesses the Mangekyo Sharingan, and because of the Witch, he is cold and ruthless."
"Just dry bones in a tomb," Naruto shook his head. "You should know that his current physical condition is very poor. He was made by the Mangekyo, and he will be destroyed by it."
"Is it really that serious?" Sasuke frowned. "It seems I must find him as soon as possible."
"You can't beat him."
"Impossible!" Sasuke didn't believe it at all. "I have what he has, and I even have Sage Mode on top of it. Why do you say I can't beat him!"
His emotions were getting a bit out of control.
Although Sasuke believed Uchiha Itachi was possessed by a Witch, his feelings for him hadn't actually changed.
"The Mangekyo Sharingan possesses a third power."
"What did you say?" Sasuke's pupils shrank. "There's actually a third power?"
"That's right, Susanoo." Naruto knew this guy's personality; he thought he was invincible just by learning Sage Mode.
"How do you know that?"
"Kakashi-sensei has been investigating the Akatsuki Organization and has had encounters with them."
Sasuke was silent for a moment, not doubting his words.
Because there was no need.
After years of being together, he trusted Naruto.
He picked up his cup and took a sip; the unique flavor of the green plum exploded in his mouth.
"Tell me the next one," Naruto said, skipping over Uchiha Itachi.
Sasuke set down his cup, thought for a moment, and said, "The Third Hokage. He was the strongest Hokage, held the title of Professor of Ninjutsu, and was proficient in all the Ninjutsu of Konoha."
"The deceased don't count," Naruto didn't refute him but shook his head.
"The Sannin of Konoha," Sasuke said again. "The three of them are renowned throughout the Ninja World and performed legendary deeds in past wars. Orochimaru killing the Third Hokage during the Chunin Exams proved his strength."
"Just empty reputations," Naruto evaluated. "Jiraiya-sensei's Sage Mode is flawed, Orochimaru's Ninjutsu has issues, and Big Sister Tsunade has psychological trauma."
"..."
Sasuke's mouth hung open.
For the first time, he felt that Naruto's personality was also quite flamboyant.
No wonder he could be his friend.
"Kakashi-sensei?"
Sasuke said after a moment's hesitation.
"Hardly."
Naruto waved his hand and said, "Forget about Kakashi-sensei."
The Fifty-Fifty Ninja, the Causality Law Ninja—he was beyond the scope of discussion.
"I don't know much about other Ninjas."
Sasuke spoke truthfully and asked in return, "Then which powerhouses do you think I can't beat?"
After their conversation, he realized Naruto seemed to know a lot, so he just asked him directly.
Well, if he could beat them, it would be like slapping Naruto in the face.
"I'll just mention the ones you know."
Naruto thought for a bit, still excluding the members of the Akatsuki Organization, and held up one finger. "Might Guy."
"Huh?"
Sasuke looked shocked. "Who did you say? Rock Lee's teacher?"
He had only two impressions of Guy.
First, youth.
Second, 'my mom told me not to play with idiots.'
"Yeah, him."
Naruto nodded and said, "Perhaps even I can't beat him."
Sasuke was even more surprised.
"Is he that strong? Isn't he always fifty-fifty with Kakashi-sensei?"
"The Eight Gates. If all Eight Gates are opened, his strength will reach an unbelievable level, but the price is death."
Sasuke also knew about the Eight Gates.
But he didn't realize they had such immense power.
"A pity."
Sasuke sighed.
The side effects of the Eight Gates meant he couldn't spar with Guy.
"Second, Danzo Shimura." Naruto held up a second finger.
"The leader of Root?"
Sasuke was skeptical. Could a man wrapped in bandages really be that strong?
"Yeah."
Naruto was preparing to plant a seed in him.
Because of him, Sasuke might not learn the truth about the clan's massacre.
But if he became interested and fought Danzo, he would definitely discover that arm full of Sharinganand realize something was wrong.
So he planned to hype him up a bit first.
"Danzo Shimura was the disciple of the Second Hokage; his strength might be greater than you imagine."
In a sense, Naruto wasn't lying.
The current Danzo was indeed quite strong.
Except for a few people, no one was his match.
Sasuke nodded upon hearing this.
What Naruto said must be true.
He would keep Danzo in mind and challenge him if he had the chance.
"Next is the best opponent I recommend for you."
Naruto held up a third finger and said, "The Fourth Raikage."
"Why?" Sasuke had heard of his name.
"Because his use of Lightning Release far exceeds yours, and he is very fast."
Sasuke frowned slightly.
He could understand his Lightning Release being better, but he didn't think it could 'far exceed' his own.
"No matter how fast he is, can he be faster than my eyes?"
Naruto could hear the defiance in his voice.
He smiled and said, "He actually can."
"With the Lightning Release Chakra Mode plus the Strongest Lightning Release Armor, even the Mangekyo Sharingan cannot see him clearly, and he can even dodge Amaterasu."
"That's impossible!"
Sasuke said loudly.
In his heart, the Uchiha were number one in the world.
The Mangekyo Sharingan was an eye that reigned supreme over everything.
How could mere Lightning Release reach such a level?
If it were a matter of true powerhouses, he would probably say, 'Of all the heroes in the world today, there are only you and the Uchiha!'
"Why is it impossible?"
Naruto looked at his expression and said, "If you don't believe me, why not go try? After all, the Land of Rice Fields and the Land of Lightningaren't far apart."
Sasuke was taken aback but didn't refuse. He really didn't have much to do in Otogakure lately.
He had already learned the most important thing, Sage Mode.
The rest was just recruiting underlings and stealing data.
But he wasn't actually good at either of those things.
"It just so happens that you can represent the Tianming Organization and make an appearance."
Naruto had a sudden inspiration and smiled, "How about it? On such a grand stage, you can high-profilely announce the resurrection of your Uchiha Clan."
Sasuke immediately clenched his fist upon hearing this.
He grew excited.
Indeed.
How long has it been since the Ninja World heard the story of the Uchiha?
It's time to let them know that my Uchiha Clan has not perished.
Moreover, by stepping over the Raikage, I will surely become famous everywhere!
Thinking of this, Sasuke wished he could appear in the Hidden Cloud Village immediately.
As for Naruto, they could fight another day.
"Of course, you can't appear with your true face."
Naruto glanced at him and added, "Anyway, your eyes are the proof of the Uchiha."
Sasuke was slightly disappointed upon hearing this.
But revitalizing the Uchiha first was also not bad.
"When do I go?"
He asked impatiently.
"No rush, I'll design some clothes first."
"Ah?" Sasuke questioned, wondering what that had to do with anything.
"Since the Tianming Organization is going to reveal itself to the world, it definitely needs some beautiful clothes."
Naruto paused and said, "Besides that, we have to bring Karin along."
"Why?"
Sasuke found it inexplicable; although she was a medical Ninja, what help could she be in front of the Raikage?
"I'm afraid you'll be beaten to death."
Naruto spoke bluntly.
"..."
Sasuke's mouth twitched.
With that mouth of yours, it's a miracle you haven't been beaten to death yet.
"Alright, take your time eating, I'm going to design the clothes."
Naruto stood up and disappeared from before him.
The symbol of the Tianming Organization was a dragon.
But there had never been a uniform.
In Naruto's view, among the various hidden villages and organizations in the Ninja World, the Akatsuki's clothes were probably the best-looking.
So it would be quite difficult to surpass them.
And he wasn't a designer himself.
Naruto thought for a while and decided to adopt the uniforms of the Demon Slayer Corps.
Ahem, mainly because the female outfits were particularly good-looking.
He could let Hinata wear them in the future.
He arrived at Wudi City.
The members of the White Lotus Sect totaled more than ten thousand.
The vast majority were soldiers who had surrendered from the previous two encirclement campaigns.
After being disbanded, they followed orders to return to their hometowns and begin new lives.
Some of them went to join the army, some went into business, and some went into politics.
Like sparks of fire, they were scattered across the Land of Fire.
They were only waiting for En Yui to raise the torch and reignite the White Lotus Sect.
Of course, by then it would no longer be called the White Lotus Sect.
Naruto had another reason for letting the Tianming Organization appear: to divert certain people's attention.
This would make it easier for En Yui, Haku, and the others to do their work.
He found a tailor shop operated by the White Lotus Sect.
The clothes he designed for Sasuke were based on the Serpent Hashira, Obanai Iguro.
It was mainly black and white stripes.
Sasuke could wrap his aoda around his neck when the time came.
Karin's was the white haori of the Love Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji.
And for himself, he got a black outfit with a golden-yellow haori, similar to Zenitsu Agatsuma.
After only one day, Naruto got the finished products.
"Here."
Naruto threw the clothes to Sasuke and said, "Put this on before you go to challenge the Raikage."
"Alright."
Sasuke flipped through them and thought they were okay, "Then I'll set off now."
"What will you tell Orochimaru?"
"No need to say anything, he doesn't really control me."
"Fine, you go first. Once you arrive, don't be in a hurry; wait until Karin and I get there."
"Okay."
Sasuke nodded.
"Remember to change your appearance and body shape."
Naruto gave him one last reminder and left Otogakure.
He and Jiraiya headed towards Takigakure in the morning.
Reappearing in the small woods.
He casually caught two wild rabbits.
"You seem to have been reading books constantly lately."
Naruto lit a campfire, looked at Jiraiya, and said casually.
"Live and learn."
Jiraiya didn't even look up as he said, "What's so strange about me reading a book?"
Naruto was about to speak, but suddenly paused.
[Congratulations to the host for achieving the 'Discussing Heroes over Wine' achievement, obtaining three attribute points.]
An unexpected surprise.
He added the attribute points to defense and started roasting the meat again.
The sound of an eagle came from the sky.
Jiraiya looked up and whistled.
The eagle quickly landed in front of them.
He took out the small note tied to its leg, scanned it, and said, "It seems our mission has changed again: escort the young leader of Takigakure, Shibuki, back to Takigakure."
Naruto was slightly stunned.
This seemed to be a certain plot point from the original work.
He thought about it.
It seemed they would encounter the Takigakurerogue Ninja Suien joining forces with Amegakure to seize power.
"Where is Shibuki now?"
"In Konoha."
"So we have to go back to Konoha first?"
"Correct."
Jiraiya stroked his chin and chuckled, "Maybe Tsunade missed me."
Whether she missed you, I don't know, but her fists certainly miss you.
Naruto put away the roasted rabbit and said, "Then what are we still eating for? Let's go back to Konoha to eat. I'll go see Hinata, you go see Big Sister Tsunade, and pick up the mission while you're at it."
He could also take the chance to tell Karin about the Tianming Organization's business.
But there shouldn't be any problem.
As long as Sasuke was there, betraying Konohawas as easy as pie.
"That's a good idea."
Jiraiya's eyes lit up. He closed his book, stood up, and said, "Let's go."
Naruto activated the Flying Thunder God Technique.
In front of the Hokage Building.
Jiraiya ignored the Anbu and rushed excitedly in front of Tsunade.
There was only a loud bang.
Naruto saw a person-shaped'star' indentation appear on the outer wall of the building.
He shrugged.
Noticing the aggressive Tsunade through the large hole, he quickly ran away.
"Hinata, are you there?"
Naruto opened the door and shouted.
He wasn't sure if Hinata had gone on a mission.
"Meow~"
Cat Nanbei suddenly appeared in front of him.
Naruto uttered a sound of surprise; why was this fellow here?
He picked up Cat Nanbei and walked to Hinata's room.
"..."
Hanabi was on the bed, sleeping with her head on Hinata's lap.
Dammit!
Naruto was a bit envious.
Hinata gave him a sweet smile, then raised her index finger to her lips.
Naruto nodded, indicating he understood.
He turned and went to the refrigerator, taking out some milk and bread.
There was no other way.
His wife was occupied by his sister-in-law.
He couldn't very well ask Hinata to cook for him.
He'd just eat whatever was available.
But after a few minutes, he saw Hinata crouching low, carefully closing the door.
"Naruto-kun."
Seeing him gnawing on bread, Hinata quickly said, "Do you want to eat ramen? I'll go make some noodles."
"No need to go to such trouble."
"That won't do."
Hinata put her hands on her hips with quite some authority and said, "When it comes to eating, you have to listen to me."
...The continuous drizzling rain was just like Kakuzu's current mood.
Being scared away by Naruto reminded him of distant memories.
The matter of fleeing for his life from Senju Hashirama.
Only he himself knew the process of that battle.
No, it shouldn't be described as a battle.
He was like a mortal launching a charge against a god.
Ignorant and laughable.
Kakuzu silently walked into the cave.
He was not the first one there.
Other members had already arrived, but all were in the form of Astral Projections.
Except for Deva Path Pain and Konan.
It was another gathering of the Akatsuki Organization.
"Sasori has been deluded by The Fool and has joined the Tianming Organization."
Deva Path Pain's voice was devoid of emotion as he spoke calmly.
Only Deidara had no smile on his face; the rest were all indifferent.
"Sasori's treatment, according to the Akatsuki's rules, is that he is considered a traitor. If he is encountered in the future, kill him on sight."
After Deva Path Pain finished speaking, he looked at Kakuzu and asked, "Where is Hidan?"
"He might be dead."
"So your mission failed?"
Deva Path Pain paused and said, "I am actually somewhat curious how the White Lotus Sect Leader killed Hidan?"
Hidan's immortal body, combined with his killing ritual, was quite troublesome for the vast majority of people.
Even he didn't want his own blood to fall into Hidan's hands.
"It wasn't the White Lotus Sect Leader, but Jiraiyaand Uzumaki Naruto."
Kakuzu shook his head and said, "Hidan died at the hands of Uzumaki Naruto. He has a Ninjutsu that uses rapidly spinning Chakra, and its power is immense."
Jiraiya.
Deva Path Pain was stunned for a moment upon hearing that unexpectedly familiar name.
Konan looked up and asked, "Why would Jiraiyaappear?"
"The Land of Fire was attacking the White Lotus Sect, and he came at their invitation."
Kakuzu thought for a moment and said, not quite sure, "Jiraiya killed the White Lotus Sect Leader."
Konan fell silent.
Jiraiya was the teacher of her, Nagato, and Yahiko.
Suddenly hearing news of him made her mood somewhat complicated.
Deva Path Pain spoke again: "That's not unexpected. It's just a pity they beat us to it, making it impossible to know if the White Lotus Sect was related to Tianming. After the White Lotus Sect Leader died, how were the remaining members handled?"
"They have been completely disbanded. The White Lotus Saintess and others have joined the Land of Fire."
Kakuzu replied.
He hadn't left Wudi City immediately but had stayed for another two days.
"It's truly strange; there's no reason for it to be like this given the Tianming Organization's strength."
Konan spoke in confusion, "As far as The Fool and Sasori are concerned, they don't need to fear Konoha."
"Perhaps the White Lotus Sect and the Tianming Organization have no relationship."
Deva Path Pain shook his head and said, "White Zetsu can continue to monitor the White Lotus Sect, but of course, the focus should be on the Tianming Organization."
"Alright," White Zetsu replied.
"As for Jiraiya and Uzumaki Naruto, there's no need to worry about them for now."
Deva Path Pain said calmly, "Uzumaki Naruto is the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, but the time hasn't come yet. Moreover, with Jiraiya by his side, there's no need to take risks and waste our manpower. After losing Hidan and Sasori in succession, we are somewhat short-handed."
"I will go out and look for two more."
Konan said at the right time.
Most of the Akatsuki's members were recruited by her.
"Mm, but be careful of the Tianming Organization."
Deva Path Pain thought of The Fool and reminded her.
Although letting The Fool join was also his mistake, the damage he caused was visible to the naked eye.
Especially Tianming.
It gave him a bit of a headache.
He didn't know where they had popped up from.
The first few members didn't count for much, but the later ones, The Fool and Sasori, already had the strength to threaten the Akatsuki.
Furthermore, their purpose was still unknown.
Thanks to the big boss Wu Silu for the reward.