Chapter 527
Naruto Wants to Join Akatsuki
Chapter 527 Naruto Wants to Join Akatsuki
"Father!"
Just then, a light, cheerful voice rang out, and Otsutsuki Hako ran over from the living room, her white robes fluttering gently with her movements.
Her face was radiant with happiness, and her eyes sparkled under the light.
"I've learned how to use that thing called a television! Sister Honglian taught me!"
Kiyoshi smiled and ruffled her hair:
"Really? Yu Yu is so smart."
Then Kiyoshi looked at Honglian.
He opened his mouth and said:
"Honglian, come to the backyard for a moment and let me see your recent progress in cultivation."
Honglian's eyes lit up, and she immediately nodded:
"Yes."
Otsutsuki Hagoromo blinked curiously:
"I want to see it too."
"Then you should come too."
Seiji smiled.
In the training ground in the backyard, Honglian stood in front of Qingsi, took a deep breath, and began to demonstrate the results of her training over the past period.
Pink chakra rose from her body, shimmering like crystal in the sunlight.
"Crystal Release: Emerald Crystal Maze Technique!"
With a soft shout, countless crystal walls instantly rose from the ground, forming a three-dimensional maze centered on her.
The wall is about three meters high, with a smooth, mirror-like surface that reflects sunlight and emits a dazzling brilliance.
Kiyoshi observed with great interest.
This was not just a simple wall; he noticed a subtle flow of chakra on the crystal surface.
Honglian explained:
“I improved the structure. Now these walls are not only physical barriers, but I can also immediately sense the location of any enemy that touches them, and…”
With a light tap of her finger, a section of the wall suddenly became transparent, like a giant piece of glass.
"It can control transparency to create visual illusions."
Honglian said, a hint of pride flashing in her purple eyes.
"The effect would be even better if combined with illusion magic."
Kiyoshi nodded and entered the maze.
Honglian watched nervously, sensing that Qingsi was observing every detail of the maze.
Kiyoshi stopped when he reached the center of the maze.
He reached out and touched a crystal wall. The wall immediately emitted a faint glow, marking his location.
"A good sensing system."
Kiyoshi commented.
"But what about chakra consumption?"
"It's decreased by about 20% compared to before."
Honglian answered.
Kiyoshi turned to face her:
"Any other changes? Let me see."
Honglian formed hand seals again.
The maze began to change; the walls crumbled and reassembled into dozens of crystal swords, suspended in mid-air.
"Jingyun·Thousand Crystal Sword Rain!"
Longswords rained down on the targets at the other end of the training field.
But this is not a simple volley; each sword has a different trajectory. Some thrust straight, some meander in an arc, and some even split into smaller fragments in mid-air.
Even more surprisingly, some of the longswords changed their transparency during flight, appearing and disappearing intermittently.
Kiyoshi's eyes revealed approval:
"Your control has improved a lot. You're starting to understand the essence of Crystal Escape. It's not just about creating crystals, but also about controlling the refraction of light."
Honglian's face flushed slightly; receiving Qingsi's approval warmed her heart.
She withdrew her ninjutsu, and the crystal sword vanished as specks of light.
"I also tried to develop defensive ninjutsu."
Honglian said, putting her hands together in prayer.
"Crystal Release: Octagonal Crystal Shield!"
A huge octagonal crystal shield took shape in front of her.
The shield has a faceted structure that refracts rainbow colors when sunlight shines on it.
"This structure can disperse the impact force."
Honglian explained.
"Moreover, the faceted design can deflect ninjutsu attacks. I've tested it, and it can withstand the direct impact of a B-rank fire ninjutsu."
Kiyoshi walked up to the shield and gently tapped it.
The shield made a crisp sound, was of uniform texture, and had a stable structure.
"very nice."
Kiyoshi said.
"But there is still room for improvement."
Kiyoshi stretched out his hand, and a small piece of pink crystal appeared above his palm.
The crystal began to change, first becoming completely transparent, then gradually absorbing the colors of its surroundings, and finally becoming almost invisible.
"The highest level of Crystal Escape is to make crystal an extension of your senses."
Kiyoshi said.
The invisible crystal in his hand flew towards Honglian, forming an exquisite bracelet on her wrist.
"Try connecting it with chakra."
Qing Si instructed.
Honglian closed her eyes and channeled chakra into her bracelet.
Suddenly, a pink crystalline eyeball appeared on the bracelet.
In an instant, her senses expanded.
Through the crystal, she can see the flow of chakra in the surrounding environment, hear subtle sounds from afar, and even sense changes in temperature.
"This……"
Honglian opened her eyes in shock.
"You know about the Sand Release's 'Third Eye,' right? You can mold an eyeball out of sand."
Kiyoshi said.
Many ninjutsu can do this; chakra can mimic the characteristics of living beings.
Honglian held the crystal ring on her wrist, and countless inspirations surged in her heart.
She never imagined that Crystal Release could be used in this way.
"Thank you, Lord Kiyoshi!"
Honglian spoke up.
Kiyoshi smiled:
"Your talent is excellent, Honglian. Keep up the good work, and you will surpass all users of Crystal Release."
These words made Honglian's heart beat faster.
She looked at Qing Si, whose handsome face wore a gentle smile, and at that moment, she felt that all the hardships of her previous cultivation had been worthwhile.
Otsutsuki Hako watched with great interest.
She was very interested in Guren's ninjutsu, although its power was not as great as the techniques he knew, its application was very creative.
"Sister Honglian is amazing!"
Yu Yu clapped her hands in praise.
Honglian smiled somewhat embarrassedly:
"It's still a long way off."
After training, the three returned to the house.
Honglian went to prepare tea, while Kiyoshi and Otsutsuki Haeko sat in the living room.
"Father, Sister Honglian likes you."
Yu Yu Zi suddenly whispered.
Kiyoshi raised an eyebrow:
"how do you know?"
“It’s obvious.” Yu Yu Zi said, acting like a little adult.
"The way she looks at you is somewhat similar to how Mother looks at you, but not quite the same. Mother's gaze is... possessive? Sister Honglian's is... admiration?"
Kiyoshi was somewhat surprised by Hagoromo Otsutsuki's observational skills.
This child may seem naive, but he is actually very perceptive.
"Human emotions are very complex."
Kiyoshi said,
"Sometimes even the people involved can't explain it clearly."
Yu Yu tilted her head and thought for a moment:
"Does Father like Sister Honglian?"
Kiyoshi did not answer this question directly.
He sensed that Kaguya Otsutsuki on the second floor was perceiving this place.
There are many kinds of liking.
Kiyoshi finally said.
“Every kind of liking is real, but also different.”
Otsutsuki Hako nodded, seemingly understanding but not quite.
For her, emotions are still an area that needs to be learned.
Just then, Honglian came in carrying a tea tray, interrupting their conversation.
She changed her clothes, and her long blue hair was loosely tied behind her head, making her look less sharp and more gentle.
"Lord Kiyoshi, Yueko, have some tea."
She placed the teacup on the coffee table.
"Honglian, please sit down."
Kiyoshi said.
Honglian sat down on the sofa next to her, holding a teacup in both hands, looking somewhat nervous.
"How are the recent missions of the Dark Division going?"
The Qing official asked.
"Fortunately."
"It's mainly border patrols and intelligence gathering. The Hidden Cloud Village has been quite active lately, but there hasn't been any direct conflict yet."
Honglian paused, then added:
“Minato-senpai took good care of me and would personally lead the team on complicated missions.”
Kiyoshi nodded:
"Minato is a reliable ninja. With him around, I feel at ease."
The conversation gradually turned to everyday life in Konoha, and Guren relaxed.
She recounted the interesting events that happened in the Anbu, the performance of the newly recruited ninjas, and the changes in the village.
Kiyoshi listened attentively, offering responses from time to time.
Otsutsuki Haeko sat quietly to the side, observing the interaction between the two.
She noticed that when Honglian spoke, her eyes would always unconsciously drift towards Qingsi.
When Kiyoshi speaks, Honglian unconsciously leans forward, listening attentively to every word.
After the conversation, Kiyoshi went to the Hokage Building.
Honglian also went out; she still had some things to arrange.
Only Kaguya Otsutsuki and Hagoromo Otsutsuki remained at home.
Kaguya Otsutsuki came down from the second floor, wearing a long white dress and walking barefoot on the floor.
Her long, blue and white hair was unkempt and casually draped over her shoulders, yet it possessed a languid beauty.
"Mother."
Otsutsuki Hako greeted her.
Kaguya Otsutsuki nodded and sat down on the sofa.
Her gaze swept across the living room, where traces of Kiyoshi's life were everywhere.
The scrolls on the bookshelf, the teacups on the coffee table, the potted plants by the window... and that square object called a television.
"Honglian is gone?"
Kaguya Otsutsuki asked.
"Yes, Father went to the Hokage Building too."
Otsutsuki Hahako nodded.
"Mother, what do you think of Sister Honglian?"
Kaguya Otsutsuki remained silent for a moment:
"She works very hard."
"That's all?"
"She has feelings for Kiyoshi."
Kaguya Otsutsuki spoke in a flat tone.
Hagoromo Otsutsuki was surprised by her mother's keen insight:
"Does Mother not mind?"
Kaguya Ōtsutsuki gazed out the window with her pure white eyes:
“I do mind. But Kiyoshi said he wouldn’t leave me.”
She spoke calmly, but Yu Yu could feel the weight behind her words.
That was the warmth finally grasped after a thousand years of solitude, a determination that would never let go.
"Human emotions are complicated."
Kaguya Otsutsuki continued.
“Jealousy, possessiveness, insecurity... these emotions can affect judgment and lead people to make irrational decisions.”
She stood up and walked towards the kitchen:
"But since we have chosen to be human, we must accept these things."
As Otsutsuki Hako watched her mother's retreating figure, she suddenly realized that this seemingly indifferent mother was actually taking her life more seriously than anyone else.
……
Kiyoshi went to the Hokage Building and then came to the Third Training Grounds again.
Naruto and Sasuke were already waiting there.
Having undergone previous training, the two had become significantly more proficient in controlling their new power.
"I'll teach you some advanced techniques."
Kiyoshi said, "Naruto, Ice Release isn't just for attacking."
He stretched out his hand, and an ice mirror materialized in his palm.
"Okay."
Ripples appeared on the surface of the ice mirror, and then Naruto's own image was reflected.
But the next second, the image stepped out of the mirror and turned into an ice clone that looked exactly like Naruto.
"This is Ice Release: Ice Mirror Clone."
Qing Si explained.
"The strength and duration of the clones depend on your chakra control. If you master it, you can create clones that are indistinguishable from the real thing."
Naruto's eyes lit up.
“Sasuke, you have a huge amount of chakra, but that’s not enough.”
Kiyoshi turned to Sasuke.
"If you have a lot of chakra, you need to learn how to use it more efficiently."
Kiyoshi then taught Sasuke the "Wind Release: Rasengan".
As the sun set, Sasuke and Naruto sat on the ground, exhausted, but their eyes were full of excitement.
"Father... Lord Hokage, when will I be as strong as you?"
Naruto asked.
Kiyoshi smiled.
"The road ahead is long, but as long as you persevere, you will eventually surpass me."
Qing Si made empty promises.
beyond?
In the original work, both Naruto and Sasuke became Six Paths level beings thanks to the Sage of Six Paths' blessing.
Now, even the Sage of Six Paths is just an easy target for Kiyoshi to defeat.
"I definitely will!"
Naruto clenched his fist.
Sasuke remained silent, clearly sharing the same thought as Naruto.
…………
the next day.
Naruto woke up very early today.
Yesterday, Kiyoshi's instruction on ice-style techniques had him so excited that he barely slept. He got up at the crack of dawn, quickly washed up, put on his orange tracksuit, and couldn't wait to go to the training ground to continue practicing.
"Mom, I'm going out!"
"I haven't had breakfast yet!"
Kushina poked her head out of the kitchen, still holding a spatula, but Naruto had already run out of the yard.
"This child..."
Kushina shook her head helplessly, but her eyes were full of tenderness.
Since Naruto learned that Kiyoshi was his father, he has become much more positive and motivated.
Although Kiyoshi instructed that it not be made public for the time being, an invisible bond had been established between father and son, making Naruto no longer feel a sense of loneliness as he used to.
On the street, Naruto jogged along while mentally reviewing the "Ice Release: Ice Mirror Clone" technique he had learned the day before.
The key to this technique lies in the precise control of chakra, which requires maintaining the stability of the ice mirror while ensuring that the clones have sufficient mobility.
"If I could create ten ice clones..."
As Naruto was thinking, he suddenly saw two familiar figures walking towards him from the corner of the street ahead.
A man and a woman, both dressed in long robes with black backgrounds and red cloud patterns, stood out conspicuously among the crowds in Konoha that morning.
"That is……"
Naruto's eyes lit up, and he quickened his pace and ran over.
"Brother Yahiko!"
"It's Naruto, good morning."
Yahiko turned around at the sound and saw Naruto running towards him, a gentle smile appearing on his face.
Konan quietly watched Naruto. She had tied her blue hair into a simple ponytail, revealing her fair neck. The curves of a mature woman could be vaguely seen under her black robe with red cloud patterns.
"You've come to Konoha again!"
Naruto said excitedly.
"Are you here to see the Hokage?"
"Yes, there are some things to discuss."
Yahiko nodded.
"The Akatsuki organization currently has many collaborative projects with Konoha."
Naruto's gaze swept over the Akatsuki robes on their bodies, his eyes gleaming with longing.
"Um... Brother Yahiko,"
Naruto rubbed his hands together, looking a little embarrassed.
"Can I join you?"
Yahiko paused for a moment, then realized what he meant, and shook his head with a wry smile:
"Naruto, you're a Konoha ninja, how can you join the Akatsuki?"
"But I can work as an unofficial staff member!"
Naruto said urgently.
"Like...like those cooperative ninjas! As long as they don't harm Konoha!"
"No, no!"
Yahiko shook his head again.
“Members of Akatsuki are required to dedicate themselves to the cause of peace and often have to leave the village for long-term missions. You are a ninja from Konoha, and the Hokage will not agree to that.”
"I can talk to the Hokage!"
Naruto doesn't give up.
"Brother Yahiko, I'm serious! I also want to contribute to the peace of the ninja world!"
Seeing Naruto's eager eyes, Yahiko wavered.
As the leader of the Akatsuki organization, he had seen too many people lose everything because of war, and too many ninjas who succumbed to hatred.
A boy like Naruto, who so purely yearns for peace, is rare in this era.
But that's precisely why he can't easily agree.
Naruto is still too young, and he has a long road ahead of him.
"How about this?"
Yahiko thought for a moment.
"Let's go talk to the Hokage first, then we can talk about your business, okay?"
"it is good!"
Naruto nodded vigorously and automatically followed behind the two.
Konan glanced at the enthusiastic Naruto, then at Yahiko's slightly helpless expression, and gently shook her head.
This child really does look a bit like Nagato when he was a child.
The same dedication, the same simplicity.
I just hope he doesn't end up like Nagato, going to extremes after experiencing pain.
The three of them walked toward the Hokage Building. Along the way, Naruto kept asking all sorts of questions, from the Akatsuki's recent actions to the current situation in the Land of Rain, and the situation of other members of the organization.
Upon arriving at the Hokage Building, the gatekeeper recognized Yahiko and Konan and let them through immediately.
"Naruto, you can wait here."
Yahiko said.
"I want to go up too."
"We're here to discuss serious business."
"I promise to be quiet and just stand there and listen."
Seeing Naruto's "I'll stay here if you don't take me up" expression, Yahiko sighed and looked at Konan.
Xiao Nan nodded slightly, which could be considered as tacit approval.
"Okay, but remember, don't interrupt."
"Yes!"
The three entered the building and went up the stairs.
In the Hokage's office, Kiyoshi was listening to Minato Namikaze report on the recent border situation.
Shuimen closed the folder and was about to leave when there was a knock on the office door.
"Come in."
The door opened, and Yahiko and Konan walked in, followed by Naruto, who was peeking in curiously.
Kiyoshi raised an eyebrow:
"Yahiko, Konan, welcome! Naruto, what brings you here too?"
"Lord Hokage."
Naruto stood at attention and bowed, trying his best to put on a serious expression.
"I'm here to... to learn."
Seeing this, Minato Namikaze knew that a diplomatic occasion was about to begin, and tactfully bowed and took his leave.
"Lord Hokage, I'll go arrange the border affairs now."
"Ah."
After Minato Namikaze left, the atmosphere in the office relaxed a bit.
Yahiko and Konan sat down on the guest chairs, while Naruto consciously stood by the wall, trying to minimize his presence.
Although his bright orange tracksuit stood out in the office.
"The main reason for this visit is the renewal of the trade agreement between the Land of Rain and Konoha."
Yahiko took a document out of his pocket.
"After Hanzo's death, the Land of Rain underwent reconstruction, and its economy is now basically stable. We hope to expand our trade with Konoha."
Qing Si took the document and quickly glanced at it.
The Land of Rain has indeed undergone significant changes under the rule of the Akatsuki organization.
The Hidden Rain Village, once known as the Land of Weeping, now rarely hears the cries of its commoners.
Although Yahiko's policy of mutual understanding was considered too idealistic by some major powers, it did indeed alleviate many of the internal conflicts in the Land of Rain.
"Food, medicine, building materials..."
Kiyoshi looked at the list and continued:
"These are all supplies that the Land of Rain urgently needs. Konoha can provide them, but the price needs to be renegotiated."
"That's natural."
Yahiko nodded.
“We have prepared a new offer, which is 15% lower than last year. In exchange, we hope that Konoha can provide a batch of agricultural tools and technical guidance.”
"Technical guidance?"
"The agricultural technology in the Land of Rain is still very backward. If we can get guidance from Konoha, our grain production can be increased by 30 to 40%."
Kiyoshi thought for a few seconds:
"Yes, but the safety of the instructors must be guaranteed."
"The Akatsuki organization will be in charge of the entire process."
The negotiations went very smoothly.
Despite his young age, Yahiko has demonstrated remarkable maturity and pragmatism in governing the country.
He knew exactly what the Land of Rain needed and what Konoha wanted, and the conditions he proposed were all within the acceptable range for both sides.
Konan listened quietly from the side, occasionally adding a few words when Yahiko asked a question.
Her voice was calm and detached, but every word she uttered hit the nail on the head.
Kiyoshi noticed that Minami was in much better condition today than when they last met.
Although he was still wearing that oversized Akatsuki robe, his complexion was rosy, and his eyes had lost their former gloom, replaced by a sense of composure.
It seems that when she sees him, she won't react with the same extreme reaction as Hakimi, like she's breathing on him.
As the negotiations came to an end, Yahiko suddenly remembered something and glanced at Naruto by the wall.
"Lord Hokage, there's one more thing... Naruto wants to join the Akatsuki."
The office fell silent for a moment.
Kiyoshi turned his head and looked at Naruto, who was trying to huddle in the corner:
"Oh?"
"Not a formal member."
Naruto quickly explained.
"I'm just an unofficial staff member, helping out with some tasks. I promise I won't delay Konoha's mission."
Kiyoshi shook his head.
Naruto isn't even a genin yet, why would he join Akatsuki?
Yahiko continued:
“I initially refused, but Naruto insisted. He said he wanted to contribute to the peace of the ninja world, even if it was just doing something small.”
"What do you think?"
The Qing official asked.
Yahiko hesitated for a moment:
“Naruto is still young, and he's a Konoha ninja, so he shouldn't join other organizations in the first place. But his intentions are sincere. If he could participate in some non-dangerous missions in a cooperative manner, perhaps…”
Kiyoshi looked at Konan:
"Xiao Nan, what do you think?"
Xiao Nan was slightly taken aback when she was suddenly called out, but quickly regained her composure.
"Naruto is enthusiastic, but lacks experience. Most of the Akatsuki's missions involve conflicts between countries, which are not suitable for novices."
"But we can start with the simple things!"
Naruto couldn't help but interject.
"For example, delivering messages or helping transport supplies! I often do D-rank missions in Konoha!"
Kiyoshi smiled.
Looking into Naruto's eager eyes, he was reminded of his own youth.
Back then, I was also full of passion and wanted to change the world.
"Yahiko."
Kiyoshi spoke up.
"Once Naruto graduates and becomes a genin, let him give it a try. Maybe he can be an exchange student?"
Kiyoshi recalled that in the original story, there were also ninjas from the Land of Rain and even the Land of Iron who came to Konoha as exchange students, but that was all during the Boruto era.
(End of this chapter)