Chapter 116: Chapter 116: Cooperating with Pakura, Unlocking Tekkai

With the matter concluded, Natsuki and Tsunade left the Hokage’s office.

After leaving the Hokage Building, Tsunade said she was going to the Konoha Hospital for surgery and told him to return to the Senju clan compound by himself.

Natsuki watched her leave, thought for a moment, and headed toward the Konoha Maximum Security Prison.

In the current situation, cooperating with Pakura wouldn’t be easy to accomplish.

After all, the Third Kazekage was still alive, and the conflict between her and Rasa hadn’t escalated yet.

The best time to cooperate with her would actually be right before Rasa and the Sunagakure higher-ups planned to sacrifice her.

When betrayed and isolated, one would grasp at any straw to survive.

But that would be during the Third Shinobi World War, which was still a long time away.

Natsuki planned to initially show his willingness to cooperate with her.

Power moves people’s hearts.

If she was truly fixated on the Kazekage position, she would come to him for cooperation sooner or later.

Because she could hardly become the Fourth Kazekage relying solely on herself.

Natsuki even thought about running off to kill the Third Kazekage and framing Rasa or Sareki.

In the original work, the Third Kazekage was killed by Sasori.

It was precisely his disappearance that led to the outbreak of the Third Shinobi World War.

But for Natsuki to kill the Third Kazekage now would be very difficult.

Especially in Sunagakure.

Even if he really wanted to kill him, he would have to find a suitable opportunity.

While thinking, Natsuki soon arrived at the Konoha Maximum Security Prison.

He stepped forward, just about to speak, when the two ninjas or jailers guarding the gate recognized him.

"Lord Natsuki!"

The two jailers called out very enthusiastically.

Natsuki was slightly taken aback.

These two jailers seemed a bit like his fans.

But that was normal. The ninja world respected strength, and his status was high enough.

"I want to see the Sunagakure ninjas imprisoned here."

Natsuki got straight to the point.

He didn’t specify Pakura because directly naming a target could easily arouse suspicion.

The two jailers didn’t even ask for a reason and let him into the Konoha Maximum Security Prison.

Natsuki couldn’t help but sigh that an increase in fame and strength also brought an increase in status.

Now, like Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru, he could get by on his face alone in Konoha.

Natsuki walked into the Konoha Maximum Security Prison.

Because it was a place for holding prisoners, the layout was very simple: just room after room.

The rooms had only a bed, no walls, just bars.

Natsuki’s entrance attracted the attention of many prisoners.

Especially the Sunagakure ninjas held here, who all shot him hateful glares upon seeing him.

After all, their crushing defeat was directly related to Natsuki.

Natsuki didn’t care about their stares.

In a chaotic world, if you don’t kill them, they will kill you.

Born in Konoha, he was destined to be enemies with ninjas from other villages.

Rasa, Sareki, Pakura, and the others were not ordinary Sunagakure ninjas, so they were held separately.

Led by a jailer, Natsuki went to the second floor.

The rooms on the second floor were not adjacent to each other but spaced far apart.

This was to prevent them from communicating with each other.

Natsuki soon saw Pakura.

She was sitting on the bed, leaning against the wall, her face calm, looking at the ceiling, not knowing what she was thinking.

Hearing footsteps, she turned her head.

Seeing Natsuki, her gaze sharpened.

Pakura naturally had a deep impression of him.

Not only did he single-handedly defeat Rasa, but he also captured her alive together with Tsunade.

If it weren’t for him, Sunagakure wouldn’t have been completely wiped out.

"What are you here for?"

Pakura asked indifferently.

"To discuss cooperation."

Natsuki said with a smile.

"What is there for us to cooperate on?"

Pakura was stunned, feeling confused.

"Don’t you want to be the Fourth Kazekage?"

Natsuki looked at her and asked.

"I do want to."

Pakura realized, snorted coldly, and asked. "But how can a Konoha ninja like you help me?"

"With my status and strength, can I not help you?"

Natsuki asked unhurriedly.

Pakura couldn’t help but frown.

Competing for Kazekage and competing for Hokage were similar in procedure and qualifications.

Judging from Natsuki’s current performance, barring any accidents, he would be either the Fourth or Fifth Hokage.

If an accident happened and he didn’t become Hokage, he would most likely be a Hokage Advisor or Hokage Assistant.

Such a powerful and influential position, even from within Konoha, could have a huge impact on Sunagakure.

"Then you’re here too early. We’ll talk about cooperation after you become Hokage."

Pakura shook her head and said.

"By then, Rasa will already be the Fourth Kazekage. Will there still be a need to talk?"

Natsuki explained. "You have value now, and I will have value in the future, so we can discuss cooperation."

Hearing this, Pakura fell into deep thought.

Natsuki’s meaning was simple: let them cooperate first.

Before Rasa became the Fourth Kazekage, he would have enough ability to help her.

It had to be said, Natsuki was very confident.

One must know that although there were many geniuses in the ninja world, the vast majority died young.

Natsuki was certain he would have the ability to help her in the future.

However, his probability of surviving was indeed high.

After all, he could defeat Rasa at such a young age.

In a few more years, he would probably possess Kage-level strength and could become Hokage at any time.

But what about her?

Without Natsuki’s help, could she become the Fourth Kazekage?

The answer was negative.

Pakura knew Sunagakure’s situation very well.

In terms of probability of becoming the Fourth Kazekage, she was even lower than Sareki.

"What do you want?"

Pakura narrowed her eyes and asked.

Pies don’t fall from the sky.

Especially for a super genius like Natsuki, his ambition must be huge.

Although Pakura wanted to be the Fourth Kazekage, she wouldn’t betray Sunagakure.

If Sunagakure was gone or controlled by Konoha, what would be the point of her becoming the Fourth Kazekage?

"Since it’s cooperation, it means helping each other."

Natsuki said casually. "For example, in the next Shinobi World War."

"Next time?"

Pakura was slightly taken aback.

"Kumogakure and Kirigakure didn’t participate in this Shinobi World War."

Natsuki said very firmly. "I believe the next Shinobi World War is inevitable."

Pakura fell silent.

There was indeed a high probability of this happening.

But Sunagakure had already suffered heavy losses in this Shinobi World War. Would they participate in the next one?

Pakura thought of the Third Kazekage again.

She got a definitive answer.

The Third Kazekage was very ambitious, and the greater the risk, the greater the reward.

If Sunagakure could win the next Shinobi World War, they could make up for the losses of this one.

"I came this time just to reach an initial consensus with you."

Natsuki added. "We can discuss the specific terms of cooperation later. If you feel unsatisfied, we don’t have to cooperate."

After pondering for a long time, Pakura finally agreed.

This matter had no disadvantages for her.

Of course, the premise of cooperation was that she could become the Fourth Kazekage and wouldn’t betray Sunagakure.

"Happy cooperation."

Natsuki smiled and didn’t say anything more.

His goal was achieved, and it went quite smoothly.

After all, he didn’t make any cooperation demands, leaving the initiative to Pakura.

Coupled with the fact that she indeed had thoughts about the Fourth Kazekage position, she didn’t refuse.

Of course, it was also possible that Pakura was just pretending to agree.

But coincidentally, Natsuki didn’t trust her either.

After all, Sunagakure hadn’t abandoned her yet. Between Konoha and Sunagakure, it was obvious how she would choose.

"Why didn’t you approach Rasa or Sareki?"

Just as he was about to leave, Pakura suddenly asked.

"You’re more pleasing to the eye."

Natsuki waved his hand and said.

He couldn’t say he chose her because she would be abandoned by Sunagakure in the future. Then Pakura would treat him like a fool.

Pakura was stunned, completely not understanding his thoughts.

After leaving the Konoha Maximum Security Prison, Natsuki returned to the Senju clan compound and continued his training.

A month passed quickly.

October 1st.

After breakfast, Natsuki and Yakushi Nonou arrived at the Anbu training ground.

The Anbu had an office in the Hokage Building.

But as an independent organization, they also had an office building, which was the Anbu Base.

The Anbu training ground was located at the Anbu Base.

Due to the special nature of the Anbu, although the Anbu Base wasn’t far from the Hokage Building, it was very secluded, with no Konoha residents nearby.

"Natsuki!"

Seeing him, Uzumaki Kushina waved and greeted him from afar.

It was obvious she was very happy today, her face full of smiles.

Not just because she saw Natsuki, but also because she was happy to have a rare chance to leave the Senju clan compound.

On the 15th of last month, Hatake Sakumo’s son, Hatake Kakashi, was successfully born.

Later, he held a Shichiya Banquet for him and specifically invited Natsuki.

At the banquet, he agreed to Natsuki’s challenge and would be his opponent for the Jonin exam.

Ultimately, Sarutobi Hiruzen set the date for the Jonin exam on October 1st.

Originally, Uzumaki Kushina wasn’t allowed to come watch, but Natsuki made up an excuse.

That was, with Sarutobi Hiruzen and Tsunade present, even if something happened, they could stop it in time.

"Teacher Tsunade, Kushina, Nawaki, good morning."

Natsuki walked up and greeted them one by one.

"Teacher and Sakumo aren’t here yet. You have to wait a while."

Tsunade reminded him.

"It’s fine."

Natsuki said carelessly. "It’s not the designated time yet anyway."

"How is it? Are you confident?"

Nawaki patted his shoulder and asked.

"Before fighting, I’m always confident."

Natsuki said casually.

Nawaki’s mouth twitched.

Isn’t that stating the obvious?

"If he wasn’t confident, why would he specifically challenge Sakumo?"

Tsunade said with a smile.

"True."

Nawaki asked again. "Sister, who do you think will win?"

"I naturally believe in Natsuki."

Tsunade raised an eyebrow and joked. "He’s my taijutsu teacher now."

If she were to tell the truth, she felt it was a fifty-fifty split. Either of them could win.

Hearing this, Nawaki sighed.

Speaking of taijutsu, he clearly learned it before Tsunade, but his progress was actually behind hers.

Tsunade had already learned Soru and Shigan, and was currently learning Geppo.

Nawaki had only just learned Soru and was now learning Shigan.

Even Uzumaki Kushina was almost catching up to him.

This actually wasn’t an issue of talent, but a physical issue.

The Marine Rokushiki relied heavily on physical strength.

If the physical strength was sufficient, one would learn it very quickly. They wouldn’t even need to be taught and could learn it just by imitating, like Luffy.

While Natsuki chatted with them, he checked his system.

Over the past month or so, he had also gained quite a bit.

First, he learned Lightning Release: Earth Flash, and the progress for the Misaka Mikoto template’s Lightning Giant reached one-fifth.

After that, he chose another Lightning Release ninjutsu called Lightning Release: Swift Lightning Arrow.

Its effect was to gather Lightning Release chakra in the right hand and then fire multiple arrow-like white lightning bolts from the palm to attack the target.

Second, he developed a Magnet Release ninjutsu called Magnet Release: Iron Sand Wall, and the progress for the Misaka Mikoto template’s Iron Sand Sword also reached one-fifth.

Magnet Release: Iron Sand Wall was also one of the Magnet Release ninjutsu mastered by the Third Kazekage.

Its effect was to use electromagnetic force to manipulate nearby iron sand to form a wall in front of him.

How should he put it?

Natsuki’s progress was pretty good.

But he most likely wouldn’t make it in time for the war between Konoha and Amegakure.

But that was fine.

The most troublesome thing about Amegakure was Hanzo’s poison, which he no longer feared.

Besides the Misaka Mikoto template, he had also unlocked another ability: the Shuzo template’s Tekkai.

The unlock condition for Tekkai was to take enemy attacks head-on with the body in five battles.

Because he had to take them head-on, Natsuki naturally wouldn’t seek out Tokubetsu Jonin or Jonin.

He made up an excuse about going out to gather material and find inspiration for creating taijutsu, and accepted five C-Rank missions.

After fighting some rogue Genin, he successfully unlocked Tekkai.

Although Tekkai had high defense, there was a problem: one couldn’t move while using it.

Natsuki was also considering whether he could modify Tekkai so it could be used while moving.

But for him, that would be quite time-consuming.

He could try it when he had free time.

At 9 AM.

Sarutobi Hiruzen and Hatake Sakumo appeared at the Anbu training ground on time.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

Hatake Sakumo said.

"We just arrived too."

Tsunade shook her head and said.

"Since everyone is here, let’s begin today’s Jonin exam."

Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a chuckle. "I’m very looking forward to today’s Jonin exam."

Regardless of winning or losing, Natsuki had already proven that he was a genius among geniuses, the cream of the crop among the younger generation of ninjas.

But there was still a difference between winning and losing.

If he won, it meant Natsuki’s strength was already at the elite Jonin level, making him a true powerhouse.

For Konoha, this was undoubtedly a tremendously good thing.

The current Konoha had reached an unprecedented peak state.

At the top, there were Sarutobi Hiruzen, Shimura Danzo, Mitokado Homura, and others.

In the middle, there were Hatake Sakumo, Jiraiya, Tsunade, Orochimaru, Uchiha Fugaku, and others.

At the bottom, there were Natsuki, Namikaze Minato, Nawaki, and others.

Of course, this excluded the era of Senju Hashirama.

After all, he alone was worth an entire army, not to mention Senju Tobirama, Uzumaki Mito, and the others were also present at that time.

Sarutobi Hiruzen also had a hidden motive.

Natsuki was Orochimaru’s student.

If Hatake Sakumo lost to Natsuki, he wouldn’t have the face to compete with Orochimaru for the position of Fourth Hokage.

Although Sarutobi Hiruzen understood his personality and knew he had no interest in the Hokage position, it was better to be safe than sorry.

In the competition for the Fourth Hokage, he supported his own student more.

"I’m also very looking forward to it."

Hatake Sakumo said with a smile. "I’ve long wanted to experience Natsuki’s kenjutsu."

He didn’t really pay much attention to Natsuki before.

After all, he was young, and Sakumo only considered him a genius.

But after the war between Konoha and Sunagakure ended, he already considered Natsuki an opponent of equal strength.

The two walked to the center of the field.

Hatake Sakumo reached out and grasped the short sword on his back.

Natsuki took out Kurosawa and placed it at his waist.

"The battle begins."

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at the two and said.

Vitrification!

Natsuki activated the Sasaki Kojiro template ability first, entering a state of a serene mind.

Against Hatake Sakumo, he couldn’t afford to be careless.

Activating Vitrification allowed him to discard unnecessary emotions, ensuring his kenjutsu performance wouldn’t be affected by emotional fluctuations.

Hatake Sakumo sensed a slight difference in him but didn’t think much of it, gripping his short sword and making his move.

His body suddenly vanished, and a silver blade light appeared in Natsuki’s vision.

So fast!

Although Natsuki already knew the characteristic of Hatake Kenjutsu was speed, he still felt surprised when facing it directly.

Fortunately, he had the transcendent reaction speed from the Kirigaya Kazuto template and Clairvoyance from the Heroic Spirit Emiya template.

He accurately locked onto Hatake Sakumo’s short sword.

In an instant, he drew his sword from its sheath.

Clang!

That silver blade light stopped abruptly.

A hint of appreciation appeared in Hatake Sakumo’s eyes.

Many Jonin couldn’t block this sudden surprise attack.

Hatake Sakumo slightly twisted his wrist, the short sword sliding down, striking sparks against Kurosawa while slicing downward, aiming straight for Natsuki’s abdomen.

One-Sword Style: Horse Demon!

Natsuki ignored the short sword thrusting at his abdomen, gripping Kurosawa with both hands and chopping downward forcefully.

Hatake Sakumo couldn’t help but frown.

This heavy, powerful slash looked as if it would cut him in half.

He withdrew his short sword without hesitation, his body evading the slash, stepping to the front left, and then executing a spinning thrust.

Utilizing his height advantage, he thrust at Natsuki’s head.

Natsuki secretly thought Hatake Sakumo was indeed an assassin-type kenjutsu ninja.

A normal sword user would do nothing more than chop, slash, and sweep.

But Hatake Sakumo was different. He used thrusts more often.

This was simply using a sword like a dagger.

However, he used a short sword, so calling it an elongated dagger wasn’t an exaggeration.

Natsuki felt the sharp edge coming at his face.

Due to the effect of Vitrification, he was very calm right now.

He made a response in an instant.

Water Breathing: First Form — Water Surface Slash!

Natsuki turned Kurosawa, water flowed out, and with a horizontal slash, the immense force forced Hatake Sakumo to retreat backward. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Hatake Sakumo remained completely unaffected.

He pressed his short sword downward, spun his entire body, and the short sword, carrying a howling wind, slashed out horizontally.

Soru!

Natsuki immediately retreated backward.

"Is this the taijutsu he created? Called Soru?"

Seeing this, Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn’t help but ask.

He had heard Tsunade describe the process of Natsuki’s battle with Rasa in detail, so he knew about the taijutsu Natsuki created.

"Mhm, a very good taijutsu."

Tsunade nodded and said. "He also taught it to Nawaki and me."

"He really doesn’t hold anything back."

Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a chuckle upon hearing this.

Of course, saying he didn’t hold anything back was a bit false.

But in Sarutobi Hiruzen’s view, being able to teach it to Tsunade and Nawaki was enough to prove Natsuki’s loyalty to Konoha.

Holding a little back was just a minor issue.

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