Konoha's Status Bar Ninja

In Hajime's eyes, Inuzuka Ryo's concern was easily resolved.

All they had to do was eliminate anyone who might recognize Nonō Yakushi.

But Hajime didn't say that out loud.

The journey continued in silence.

By dusk, the group arrived at the border of the Land of Wind.

Inside a wooden cabin, Hajime looked across at Nonō Yakushi. "As a spy embedded for a long period in an enemy nation, your top priority isn't intelligence gathering—it's protecting your identity from being exposed."

"Unless the intel is important enough to justify the risk of exposure—which, frankly, I don't think you'll even have access to."

The ten-year-old Nonō nodded obediently. "I understand, Onii-chan."

Hajime continued, "I'll come to check on you regularly—it might be the real me, or just a shadow clone."

"If it's not me, unless we use our agreed-upon code phrase, you are not to trust anyone completely."

Nonō bobbed her head like a little chick pecking rice. "Onii-chan, what's the code?"

Hajime replied blandly, "I'm a good guy!"

Nonō stared blankly, a confused look slowly spreading across her face.

Wasn't that… way too casual for a secret code?

Hajime went on, "That's my phrase. Yours is…"

"I'm afraid of dying."

Nonō's little face twitched.

Hajime flicked her forehead lightly. "Go get some rest."

Dazed, Nonō stumbled back to her room.

Hajime couldn't help but sigh to himself. "What a hateful world this is."

For a fleeting moment, he felt the urge to destroy the entire world.

But the impulse lasted only a few seconds before he smirked quietly. "What's it got to do with me anyway?"

"All I want is power—to use whatever I can to gain it."

Things like bonds… Don't take them too seriously.

Take it seriously, and you've already lost.

...

The night passed uneventfully. On the morning of the 30th, after a simple breakfast, Hajime led Nonō and the others into the Land of Wind, following the route marked on their map as they traversed the vast desert.

That evening, the group camped beside a small, uninhabited oasis.

Fortunately, with Wood Release, they could sleep comfortably through the night—no need to eat sand.

Leaving a clone on watch, Hajime gathered the team. "We'll reach the Ancient Land of Zen tomorrow. Have you come up with a way to deal with the earlier problem?"

Inuzuka Ryo and Aburame Ryōma exchanged a glance but hesitated to speak.

Finally, Aburame Ryōma said, "Captain, I think we just need to eliminate anyone who might recognize Nonō."

"Mark out a region in the Ancient Land of Zen… and wipe it out."

Nonō's expression changed. "Are we really going that far?"

"Isn't that… kind of extreme?"

Inuzuka Ryo responded, "It's probably the fastest and most effective way."

Hajime said flatly, "Once we enter the Ancient Land of Zen tomorrow—Cerberus, Pegasus, your task is to gather intel on the shinobi residing in the region."

"Nonō, you're to find a noble family's retainer and gather information—make it part of your backstory."

"Once we act, I'll use large-scale ninjutsu to destroy the area. That will make you an orphan."

"This plan isn't perfect, but it's good enough."

The three nodded immediately. "Understood!"

Hajime continued, "The operation will begin in three days. Nonō, in the meantime, you need to master the Ancient Land of Zen's language, habits, and accent."

Nonō quickly nodded. "Yes, Captain!"

...

After a night's rest, Hajime and his team continued their journey and arrived just outside the borders of the Ancient Land of Zen by noon.

To call it a "country" was generous—it was more like a single city, built upon an oasis.

Standing atop a sand dune and gazing at the city in the distance, Hajime couldn't help but think of the Ancient Kingdom of Rōran.

He had researched this place beforehand; such a nation did exist within the Land of Wind.

As for whether the Dragon Vein was real, the intel didn't say—there was no way to confirm it.

If it did exist, though, it would make a pretty decent power bank.

That said, sealing the Dragon Vein might not be any easier than sealing a Tailed Beast.

Retracting his gaze, Hajime gave the order: "Move out."

With that, he leapt toward the Ancient Land of Zen. Nonō Yakushi and the others followed immediately.

Moments later, the four of them bypassed the high walls and entered the city.

Once inside, they split into two groups.

Hajime paired with Nonō Yakushi, while Inuzuka Ryo and Aburame Ryōma formed the other team. Each team began moving independently.

Using Transformation Jutsu, Hajime and Nonō emerged from an inconspicuous alley as an ordinary pair of siblings, blending seamlessly into the busy streets.

They passed through multiple streets until they reached the nobles' residential area—this was the heart of the Ancient Land of Zen.

In an unnoticed corner, Hajime spoke to Nonō, "Go. From this moment on, you have three days."

Nonō nodded firmly. "Understood, Onii-chan!"

With that, she vanished using the Body Flicker Technique.

Hajime also left, heading toward the palace where the ruler of the Ancient Land of Zen resided. It was easy for him to use his Dreamwalker Technique to take control of a palace guard, and using the guard as cover, he infiltrated the palace and hid within a storage room.

From then on, Hajime remained hidden in the storeroom while his shadow clones roamed the city gathering intelligence.

Time passed steadily, and the month of October came to an end as Hajime continued his infiltration.

Konohagakure Year 36, November 1st — Late Night

In the pitch-black warehouse, Hajime suddenly opened his eyes.

Seven days had finally passed—a new status update had appeared.

> Current Status: Immune to All Poisons

> Note: While this status active, you are immune to all deadly toxins.

> Refresh Countdown: 167:59:55

Looking at the new status, Hajime's face lit up with satisfaction.

A very nice ability.

But… how could he make this status permanent?

Hajime pondered this, furrowing his brow.

Permanently locking in this status might be even harder than achieving immortality.

At least with immortality, he had some direction.

But complete poison immunity? He had absolutely no leads.

The shinobi world had no shortage of poison experts.

But someone who was truly immune to all poisons? He couldn't recall a single one.

Even Hanzo had been brought down by his own poison.

Even someone like Chiyo, a poison master, couldn't achieve full immunity.

Difficult. Very difficult. Incredibly difficult.

After thinking about it for a long time with no solution, Hajime could only sigh and set the matter aside for now.

Time flew by.

The night before the scheduled mission—

Using information he had gleaned from the controlled palace guard, Hajime silently avoided patrols and made his way to the ruler's sleeping quarters.

The obese ruler of the Ancient Land of Zen was snoring loudly in bed, flanked by two women.

"…What a life to be jealous of."

After taking a moment to admire the trio's sleeping positions, Hajime formed a series of hand seals and activated the Dreamwalker Technique, effortlessly seizing control of all three.

...

(End of Chapter)

✨✨✨

Support me on Patreon/RedX43 - Read up to 40+ Advanced Chapters There!

✨✨✨