stonecrandall Chapter 138 elaborates on the Blade of Peace.
Chapter 138 elaborates on the Blade of Peace.
Chapter 129 elaborates on the Blade of Peace.
At 3:30 PM, the Konoha group passed through Kikyo Castle.
Instead of re-entering the castle, they went directly through the archway in the city wall and continued on their way.
At 8 p.m., the group returned safely to Konoha Village.
Hatake Sakumo called Hoshigen Chisaku and Sakazaki Yamasa to go to the Hokage's office to report, while the rest of the team members were dismissed to rest.
Tsunade had no intention of meeting Hiruzen Sarutobi. After parting ways with Senju Senju, she returned directly to the Senju residence.
As for the two Root ninjas, they disappeared after the first night of the mission.
Hoshigen Chisaku and his two companions, along with Sarutobi Shinnosuke and Murakami Kawano, headed to the Hokage Building.
Inside the Hokage's chamber, Hiruzen Sarutobi had been waiting for some time.
"Third Boss, these are the alliance scrolls and various authorization agreements." Hatake Sakumo respectfully handed over several scrolls.
"Thank you for your hard work, Sakumo," Hiruzen Sarutobi said gently.
"It's my duty," Hatake Sakumo replied, pausing briefly before adding, "The mission went so smoothly thanks to Chisaku and Tsunade's efforts."
"Yes, Chisaku and Yamamasa, you've worked hard too." Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded to the two of them.
"It's our duty, Third Hokage," the two replied.
Sakumo Hatake hesitated for a moment, then spoke again: "Third Hokage, Minamoto no Mori has gifted us some gold this time, what do you think—"
"Haha, Minamoto no Mori certainly knows how to handle people," Hiruzen Sarutobi laughed. "I bet Sunagakure received a share too, right?"
"The reward that the Land of Rivers has given to Konoha this time is already very generous, so you can keep this gold for yourselves," he continued. "In addition, this mission is recorded as an S-rank mission."
"Thank you, Third Generation." The three said in unison.
"It's getting late, you should all go back and rest early," Hiruzen Sarutobi said with concern.
"Yes, Third Hokage, please get some rest as well." Hatake Sakumo bowed in response.
The three left the Hokage's room.
With the handover of the mission complete, they finally felt completely relieved.
"Chisaku, we really owe you a lot this time, otherwise we would have suffered heavy casualties." Hatake Sakumo sighed softly.
"It's all for the mission," Xingyuan Qianshuo said calmly.
"Yes, it's all for the mission," Hatake Sakumo repeated softly, a hint of sadness in his voice.
Senju Hoshino sensed his low spirits and, with a slight thought, spoke up: "Senior Sakumo, I previously discussed with Tsunade and Biwako-sensei that the model of ninjas relying on contract missions for a living is actually a vicious cycle."
Sakumo Hatake was taken aback by his words and looked at Chisaku: "What do you mean?"
"The more chaotic the ninja world is, the more missions there will be, and the higher the income of ninjas will be. If there is long-term peace, the number of missions will decrease, and the income will naturally decrease." Hoshino Senju analyzed calmly, "Then, in order to make a living, ninjas and ninja villages will become the driving force behind the chaos, whether actively or passively."
Sakumo Hatake remained silent, as did Yamasa Sakazaki, who was standing to the side.
With their experience, they naturally understood the meaning of these words, but few people had ever pointed this out so bluntly before, let alone touched upon the fundamental contradiction of the ninja profession so sharply.
"Chisaku, do you think it's possible to change things?" Sakumo Hatake asked after a moment of thought.
"It's difficult, but there has to be a direction." Xingyuan Qianshuo remained calm. "The First Hokage established Konoha to end the chaos of the Warring States period, not to turn the village into a larger-scale war unit."
The two nodded. The First Hokage's philosophy was indeed as described.
"Compared to ordinary people, ninjas possess immense power," Hoshino Senju continued. "However, with the exception of a very few, most ninjas are simply there to earn money to support their families."
"The question is whether the only way to make money is through hiring, or whether other avenues can be explored? Can a ninja's power only be used for fighting, or can it be peacefully used to create value?"
The three walked and talked, and after leaving the Hokage Building, they did not separate, but instead slowed down their pace.
Xingyuan Qianshuo pointed to the utility poles by the roadside: "The development of electricity technology in the world today is rapid, bringing both convenience and wealth."
"Similarly, chakra and ninjutsu can also be used to develop and popularize things, providing convenience and creating value for ordinary people's lives, and generating economic benefits."
"If Konoha were to establish businesses in the name of the village, develop technologies related to chakra and ninjutsu, and use the profits to benefit the ninjas who participate, then the survival model of relying on hired missions would gradually change."
Sakumo Hatake and Yamasa Sakazaki fell into deep thought—this was indeed the first time they had heard of it from this angle.
"Other ninja villages probably won't just sit idly by and watch Konoha develop like this, will they?" Sakazaki Yamamasa, who was usually taciturn, asked.
Hoshino Senju looked up at him. Yamamasa Jonin had asked the crucial question, but he couldn't yet reveal his plans regarding the "Alliance Organization."
After a moment's thought, he continued, "Peaceful use of chakra and ninjutsu does not mean abandoning combat power. We can even develop some powerful ninja tools that are easy for chunin and genin to use."
"War may still occur, but other ninja villages will most likely follow suit and learn from Konoha in establishing ninja villages and enacting systems."
"In the future, the ninja's way of life will change, relying more on peace and development, rather than the destruction and chaos of today."
At that time, the very foundation that prompted the ninja villages to wage war would be shaken, giving the villages more opportunities for cooperation and mutual benefit, rather than the current lose-lose situation of mutual attrition.
These words left Sakazaki Yamamasa even more bewildered, and he fell silent, seemingly understanding but not quite.
Meanwhile, Sakumo Hatake, who had been lost in thought with his eyes down, subtly shifted his gaze, as if he had realized something.
He had already vaguely grasped the deeper meaning behind Hoshino Senju's words, the way ninjas relied on for survival, which fundamentally affected the conflict and cooperation between ninja villages.
However, even if the way to make money in the future shifts from dangerous commissions to more stable production businesses, the road to true "win-win cooperation" between ninja villages will likely be long and arduous.
He looked up at the young junior beside him, a surge of emotion welling up within him. Such profound and calm reasoning, coming from the mouth of a young ninja.
He himself had pondered the importance of "life and mission," believing that ninjas should not be reduced to tools for missions and should not be easily sacrificed for them.
He pinned his hopes on the "Will of Fire" advocated by the third generation, believing that the village would get better and better as a result.
But he never imagined that someone would intend to directly overturn the survival mode that ninjas had maintained for thousands of years.
There were still many loopholes in Xingyuan Qianshuo's words, but judging from his calm expression, there were probably many things he hadn't said yet.
Reaching an intersection, Hatake Sakumo stopped: "Chisaku, what you said was very insightful. It's getting late, let's talk again another time."
"Okay, goodnight, both of you."
Xingyuan Qianshuo nodded, then turned and left, returning to the Qianshou residence.
Hatake Sakumo and Sakazaki Yamamasa soon parted ways and went home.
Sakumo Hatake walked alone on the road, his thoughts still racing.
Xingyuan Qianshuo's words did indeed touch him, but he also felt that the other party seemed to have said these things intentionally.
However, it is difficult to determine its true intentions at the moment.
The cool moonlight shone down, illuminating his way home.
Although the mission to the Land of Rivers seemed to be going smoothly, Sakumo Hatake's heart was filled with turmoil.
Shiori's past smile, gentle words, and busy figure—these images often appear before my eyes.
The more beautiful the memories, the more painful they are.
He was grateful to Xingyuan Qianshuo for accompanying him on this mission. Without Qianshuo's presence, both teams would likely have suffered heavy casualties. Even though Qianshuo was only carrying out a mission, his gratitude remained undiminished.
He tried hard not to dwell on past pain and quickened his pace.
Thanks to his ninja dog's "reminder," this time he not only brought the dog some specialties from the Land of Rivers, but also prepared a gift for Kakashi—a small dog plush toy.
"It's been so long since I brought Kakashi a gift," Sakumo Hatake thought to himself.
After leaving the two, Xingyuan Qianshuo rushed back to the Qianju residence.
His words to Sakumo Hatake were both impromptu and premeditated.
Hatake Sakumo is not one to easily reveal his inner thoughts, so Hoshino Senju has no choice but to be more proactive in order to complete the side quest.
In any case, there is no harm in deepening your relationship with the other party.
The Senju residence, Tsunade's boudoir.
Xingyuan Qianshuo did not see Tsunade in the bedroom. After a moment's thought, a smile appeared on his lips.
He gently pushed open the locker room door, and a wave of steam and fragrance wafted out.
Under the warm yellow light, he once again played the role of a "bathhouse attendant" as he entered the bathroom.
"Hmph." Tsunade glanced at him sideways from the bathtub, a slight smile playing on her lips, and let out a soft snort. "I knew you'd sneak in."
"I'm really just here for a back massage tonight," Xingyuan Qianshuo said with a smile.
"I'd never believe you." Tsunade turned her face away, her tone disdainful.
"hey-hey."
Xingyuan Qianshuo chuckled, not refuting, and used Water Release, the water flowing over his body like a waterfall.
After a quick wash, he unceremoniously squeezed into the bathtub.
Warm water gushed out from the edges, creating a misty haze.
He leaned back against the rim of the tub, placed his hands on Tsunade's smooth back, and began to gently rub and massage it with great seriousness.
But the movement didn't linger for long; the palm moved subtly forward with the ripples, the fingertips brushing lightly against the waist, drifting towards a softer direction—
The night was long.
Here you'll find the warmth and joy of home.
The next morning.
The two woke up a little late and went to have a meal when they encountered the radiant Minato.
"Minato, good morning," Hoshino Senju greeted.
"Lady Tsunade, Senju, did you return last night?" Minato asked with a smile.
"Hmm. What about Kushina? I brought her a gift," Tsunade asked.
"Kushina has gone back to her room after breakfast," Minato replied. "Thank you, Lady Tsunade."
Tsunade waved her hand, and seeing that Chisaku seemed to want to talk to Minato, she said, "I'll go prepare breakfast first."
Xingyuan Qianshuo nodded and turned to Minato: "Minato, how did the mission to Kusagakure go?"
"It went relatively smoothly," Minato said with a hint of wistfulness.
"What's going on?"
"But the Grass Village—it's a long story." Minato shook his head. "Many of their high-ranking members are arrogant. I'm afraid the Grass Village will be in a difficult situation for some time to come."
Xingyuan Qianshuo listened quietly.
Having the memories of a time traveler, the country he had the worst impression of in the Naruto world was the Land of Grass—or rather, the Grass Ninja Village.
The Grass Ninja Village ranks among the top in strength among small countries, but its conduct is the most despicable: it steals, robs, and sells foreign goods, and steals and studies the secret techniques of other countries; it exploits and oppresses its own people without any bottom line.
Minato didn't say anything more, instead asking, "And you guys? Did the mission go smoothly?"
"Yes, I clashed with Ebizo in the Land of Rivers," Hoshigen Chisaku replied. "However, after a brief exchange, we made peace. Both Ebizo and Sakumo-senpai are rational people."
Minato nodded thoughtfully: "Sometimes forcing people to negotiate through force is also a viable approach."
Xingyuan Qianshuo paused for a moment and said, "Minato, I am trying to learn the Flying Thunder God Technique and Earth Leyline Sensing Technique left behind by Tobirama-sama, and I was looking for an opportunity to ask you for guidance."
Minato was taken aback. These two techniques were precisely his most proficient ninjutsu, and he hadn't expected Chisaku to start practicing them as well.
Both of them highly value talent, and he himself practiced for a long time before using it in actual combat.
He didn't ask Qian Shuo if he could learn it, but just smiled and said, "Ask me anytime if you have any questions. By the way, I still have some notes I took when I was practicing. I'll get them for you in a bit."
"Thank you very much."
"No, Chisaku, didn't you also teach us the Rasengan with all your heart?"
Xingyuan Qianshuo smiled and nodded. It's certainly convenient to have something to give and take.
After a brief farewell, Xingyuan Qianshuo went to find Tsunade and had breakfast together.
Before they even set off for the hospital, Minato had already delivered the scroll of his training notes.
He returned so quickly that he probably used the Flying Thunder God Technique to go home and retrieve it.
After thanking her, Xingyuan Qianshuo did not immediately look through the book. He simply explained it to Tsunade and then went to Konoha Hospital with her.
They first gave a brief report on the mission to Teacher Biwako.
Afterwards, Xingyuan Qianshuo formed two shadow clones: one returned to the clinic for his shift, and the other went to the third training ground to see if he could meet his four students, since they did not yet know that he had returned to the village.
The main body then entered Tsunade's office together.
He took out Shuimen's notebook scroll and read it carefully.
Even after mastering the perfect-level Flying Thunder God Technique, looking at this notebook again still reveals many surprising and insightful contents.
Two things are particularly noteworthy: first, Minato's improvement of the Flying Thunder God seal, and second, his approach to the combat application of the Flying Thunder God.
After reading it, he realized that Minato's Flying Thunder God Mark was not purely Yin Release power, but rather a more refined integration of sealing runes into the characters.
It must be said that Minato's talent in sealing techniques is top-notch—the Eight Trigrams Seal is an improvement on the Four Symbols Seal, which is more stable and lasting, and can even continuously convert the Nine-Tails' leaked chakra into Naruto's own chakra.
With Xingyuan Qianshuo's current level of expertise, he easily understood the principles of the seal technique.
As he read, he began designing his own textual imprint.
Minato's mark is "Sword of Endurance and Love," which is much more concise than the name he gave to his technique.
Xingyuan Qianshuo looked up at Tsunade, who was focused on her studies, and felt that it was unnecessary to include the word "love" in the design.
The best written imprints are those that embody personal beliefs, as these are more conducive to the gathering of Yin energy.
He pondered for a moment and designed a version for himself.
Reaching out and touching the sofa chair, four characters instantly appeared: "Peace Blade".
Simplicity is also a reflection of his current philosophy.
"Peace" is a system mission, and also a pursuit ingrained in his bones as a transmigrator.
"Blade" represents killing, power, and protection.
Peace has never been easily obtained without bloodshed, and peace always requires strength to safeguard it.
At that moment, a thought flickered in his mind, and the four characters "Blade of Peace" slowly moved from the seat to a hidden spot on the lower level.
Xingyuan Qianshuo nodded in satisfaction.
He already possesses the perfect-level Flying Thunder God skill, and this version of the text mark can be used skillfully with just a little practice.
After a moment's hesitation, he formed another hand seal and created a shadow clone, which he then sent out of the room.
Tsunade, disturbed by the noise of his spellcasting, looked up.
"What's wrong, Qian Shuo?" she asked softly.
"It's nothing. I just gained some insights from reading Minato's notes, so I sent a shadow clone out to try training," Hoshino Senju replied.
"Okay, keep it up!" Tsunade encouraged, and continued to bury herself in her studies.
Her design for the Hundred Healings Technique is nearing completion. After a few more rounds of testing, she can attempt to practice it.
Xingyuan Qianshuo put away the Thunder God's Notebook and took out the Earth Vein Perception Technique scroll to read it.
This cultivation experience is similar to Tobirama's records, but there are also many things that can be learned from it.