Naruto: Talent Entry Perks

For a ninja capable of full-speed instant movement, able to reach anywhere on the continent within a week, the ninja world is a small place. Especially on this continent, most of the land is divided among the Four Great Nations, making it feel even smaller.

Therefore, whenever something happens between the Four Great Nations and their ninja villages, the news spreads quickly throughout every corner of the ninja world.

This was the case with the Uchiha clan's downfall back then, and now with the Konoha collapse plan and the deaths of two "Five Kage," the situation is the same.

To make Sunagakure pay a heavy price, to justify Konoha's position and prevent being passive, both Konoha and Sunagakure did not hide this event. Instead, they released the detailed information publicly.

Their joint explanation was roughly as follows:

Sannin-level Konoha rogue ninja Orochimaru assassinated the Fourth Kazekage of Sunagakure, then disguised himself as the Fourth Kazekage, and deliberately tore up the alliance treaty between the Land of Wind and the Land of Fire. He then cooperated with the infamous mercenary group Akatsuki, leading part of the Sand ninjas and his own created Otogakure shinobi to launch the Konoha Collapse Plan during the Konoha Chunin Exams.

In this battle, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, died.

The Root organization was completely destroyed; its leader, Danzo Shimura, was killed by Akatsuki's Sasori (Red Sand Scorpion) and a mysterious member possessing the legendary Rinnegan — the foremost of the three great doujutsu.

The sole survivor spared by Izayoi (Sixteen Night) was Sai, who is skilled in painting. He painted an incredibly vivid portrait of Tendo Pain's appearance.

The Konoha leadership immediately placed a high bounty on Sasori and Tendo Pain on the black market, offering a price that even Kakuzu found highly tempting.

At the same time, Konoha revealed publicly that Sasori could control numerous puppets without chakra strings, that the Rinnegan bearer could use repulsion and attraction abilities unlimitedly, that the "demigod" Hanzo was suspected to have been killed by them, and that Akatsuki's main base was in Amegakure (the Village Hidden in the Rain).

As the saying goes, a single stone caused a thousand ripples!

Whether Konoha's version was true or not, the legendary "foremost of the three great doujutsu," the mythical Six Paths Sage's eyes, the fall of the demigod, and Akatsuki's secret base info succeeded in diverting the attention of all forces. All eyes were now focused on the Land of Rain.

Nagato and Sasori, suddenly at the center of the ninja world's attention, were utterly bewildered.

"Nagato, you're too extreme!"

"Yeah, I know Danzo Shimura had a part in the past events, but you've endured all this time. Why can't you endure a bit longer now?"

"Now that the Rinnegan and Akatsuki's base are exposed, and the Three-Tails revival still needs time, what's next?"

Obito Uchiha and Kurohaku (Black White Zetsu) immediately confronted Tendo Pain with criticisms.

If Pain had killed Sarutobi or other Konoha figures, Obito and Kurohaku wouldn't believe it.

But since Danzo was the victim, it was very likely.

Only if the killing of Danzo was plotted could Nagato forgive Orochimaru.

After all, the Akatsuki ring was still in Orochimaru's hands.

He could contact Nagato.

Even though Pain's expression was slightly strained now, to maintain his dignity, he still said expressionlessly: "It wasn't me. Since the last time the ambush against that mysterious person failed, I haven't left Amegakure."

Konan stepped out from the shadows to confirm: "I can prove that neither Nagato nor Pain have left the Village Hidden in the Rain."

"So it was that mysterious person who acted?!" Obito's face under the mask darkened.

He did not suspect Pain of lying — such a powerful figure had no need or reason to lie.

"Transformation jutsu also requires a reference," Kurohaku's hoarse voice said. "Our leader rarely appears. Those who have seen him either became our comrades or became corpses. That mysterious person shouldn't have seen our leader's real face unless…"

"Unless he can see us, but we cannot see him," Konan added, her expression grim, sharing her analysis: "That day, he didn't leave. He watched us secretly, witnessing our departure and return to Amegakure."

"Maybe more than that," Obito said seriously. "He can accurately speak of Hanzo's death, so he must have known us for a long time but only now acted. That guy very likely has a second pair of Rinnegan."

Kurohaku said nothing but also confirmed that the man was from the moon.

The unknown doujutsu evolved from Byakugan, possessing enhanced long-range vision and clairvoyance.

Perhaps he was watching them from the shadows even now.

This incident was his "gift" to them.

Thinking of this, Kurohaku's mood grew heavier.

An enemy who can find you while you cannot find him is terrifying.

Because… he is that kind of player.

Fortunately, Kurohaku had been hiding in the shadows for decades, remaining in a state of the Chrysalis Jutsu.

His current form was the will of Uchiha Madara, a product of Yin-Yang Release.

He is his mother's son, a chakra progenitor's Yin-Yang Release product, unmatched even by his two brothers in immortality.

Therefore, Hanemura must have died, and this descendant must have been born recently.

He probably doesn't know his true identity.

At this thought, Kurohaku finally breathed easier, feeling much more relaxed.

As long as his true identity was not revealed, he still held the initiative and advantage.

Still, this threat must be found soon or it will become the greatest obstacle to the Infinite Tsukuyomi plan.

Maybe he needs to use the White Zetsu.

Kurohaku thought silently.

Unless the enemy acts then immediately returns to the moon, otherwise, if White Zetsu clones set an all-encompassing net, the next attack would surely be discovered by a White Zetsu clone fused with the earth and vegetation.

No one knew Kurohaku's thoughts.

Not long after, Sasori also came to visit.

"Leader, have you found any trace of that guy?" Sasori was unusually excited: "That guy is a genius. How can he control so many puppets without chakra strings? This is unlike my puppetry or even your puppet techniques, leader. That guy is a born artist!"

Sasori didn't care about being defamed or the bounty placed on him by Konoha, nor that Akatsuki's base was exposed.

He now admired Izayoi greatly.

That guy was their kind — one who appreciated the beauty of the moment and eternal beauty!

"I don't know," Tendo Pain said coldly.

Obito and the others were speechless.

Seeing outsiders join, they dropped the topic of the Rinnegan and the mysterious man.

Kurohaku asked: "Now that we are the focus of the ninja world, whether others believe or not, they will send people to infiltrate and probe us. If we capture or kill them, it would expose us. Should we move our base?"

Pain said indifferently: "No need. No matter how many come, those who enter… will die."

Kurohaku nodded, and Obito did not persuade him.

Because… the Six Paths of Pain had that power.

Unless all Five Great Villages attacked together and exhausted Nagato's chakra, no matter how elite a team, even a squad of all Five Kage, would die if they dared infiltrate Amegakure.

Besides that mysterious man with the Rinnegan/unknown doujutsu, no one in the ninja world could defeat Nagato.

If not for the invincible Kamui, Obito wouldn't even dare appear before Tendo Pain.

…

Knock knock knock…

That morning, at a certain inn in Konoha.

The knocking woke up Izayoi.

"Who is it? Why knocking so early?" Izayoi said unhappily.

He knew Hyuga Hinata and Hanabi wouldn't knock; they would wake him gently or play pranks.

So without sensing, he knew the visitor was not the Hyuga sisters.

Click!

The door was tried to be opened, and indeed the lock turned.

When the door opened, a black-haired boy wearing a dark blue short-sleeve shirt and white shorts stood at the doorway, frowning as he looked at Izayoi:

"It's already 9:30, why are you still sleeping? Izayoi, you're too lazy."

The visitor was none other than Uchiha Sasuke.

"Ha… I'm a light sleeper, I fell asleep late," Izayoi yawned and slowly got up to put on shoes.

"Hmph…"

Sasuke snorted, crossing his arms and leaning in the doorframe, arrogantly saying:

"I heard you're homeless now. Want to move in with me? I have lots of rooms."

Hearing this, Izayoi's eyes lit up:

"Oh right, almost forgot you're the 'head' of the Uchiha clan."

Years ago, Sasuke would have been furious.

But now he just blacklined fully and said with conditions:

"You have to pay rent if you move in."

"Money's no problem."

"I don't want money," Sasuke said passionately, looking at Izayoi, "I want your secret technique!"

"So that's your real goal,"

Izayoi smirked, looking at Sasuke and asked:

"Want to learn the Judgment technique or the Chirping Light Cannon?"

"I want both!" Sasuke greedily said. "I also want to learn the Fire Release Gaia Energy Cannon."

"That rent's too expensive, I'll just stay in an inn," Izayoi shook his head, continuing to tease Sasuke.

Sasuke couldn't resist teasing and hurriedly said:

"As long as you teach me, whatever you want or want me to do, I'll do it!"

"Hmph, still not sincere enough," Izayoi snorted, picked up a white robe and went into the bathroom to wash and change.

Sasuke frowned, pondering Izayoi's words.

Why was that not sincere enough?

He was willing to give everything, even the Uchiha clan's territory. If Izayoi wanted it, he'd apply to the village to get the land deed back.

He was even willing to be Izayoi's subordinate, to help with anything.

Was Izayoi expecting him to get the deed first as a gift?

Suddenly, Sasuke's expression stiffened, falling into deep conflict.

But thinking of the powerful Gaia Energy Cannon, Storm Release Judgment, and terrifying Chirping Light Cannon, Sasuke took a deep breath and made his decision.

When Izayoi came out of the bathroom, Sasuke tensed up and stammered:

"B-big… brother? No, l-leader."

Izayoi blinked, seeing Sasuke's whole body covered in goosebumps and crackling with static electricity. He felt awkward too.

But the happy mood replaced the awkwardness.

"Ahem…"

Izayoi cleared his throat and nodded with satisfaction:

"You showed sincerity, but your writing skills need improvement."

"What do you mean?"

Seeing Izayoi didn't laugh, Sasuke relaxed and was curious.

But Izayoi's next words made the proud young master's face immediately flush bright red.

Izayoi made a formal bow and said elegantly:

"You should say… 'Suke, drifting for years, without meeting an elder brother. If you don't abandon me, I wish to become your elder brother. Or if you don't mind, I wish to follow you or become your adoptive father, though we're about the same age, I don't mind having another adopted son.'"

At the last words, Izayoi smirked watching Sasuke's face turn red like a steamed tomato.

"Sasuke, I'm going to kill you!"

A roar shook the whole inn.

Like when Naruto and Sasuke fought each other, Sasuke rushed at Izayoi and they quickly started wrestling.

But Izayoi's words eased Sasuke's embarrassment, and they ended the matter as a joke.

Eventually, Izayoi agreed to teach Sasuke the secret techniques.

Only then did Sasuke, who looked like a beaten pig, reluctantly forgive Izayoi.

Packing his things and storing them in a sealing scroll, Izayoi checked out and left the inn with Sasuke.

On the way, Izayoi asked:

"Do you have any food supplies at home?"

"No, too lazy to go that far to buy," Sasuke said. "When hungry, I go fishing or hunting."

"Then let's buy food first," Izayoi said. "And some cookware and seasonings — Hinata will come anytime."

Thinking of Hinata's appetite, Sasuke silently nodded.

After training, when cooking outdoors, she'd need to fish for about an hour to get a bite.

Unless they hunted a giant beast.

That woman could keep up with Akiton Chōji even at 70% full, with all her firepower unleashed. Even Chōji was no match.

Simply a monster!

But thinking of the burden on Hinata's chest, Sasuke sneered.

What good is eating well or having more chakra? Even if she mastered lightning release chakra stimulation faster, her speed couldn't match his.

If not for the Byakugan's white eyes, just catching a flaw to finish with a set of pressure point strikes and the Two Lions Gentle Step punch that kills on the second hit, her taijutsu was definitely no match for him.

Once he learned lightning release chakra transformation and Izayoi's secret techniques, that woman would no longer be his opponent!