Naruto's civilian cannon fodder starts with the three-body technique

Chapter 361 Door-to-door debt collection

"Boss! There's been a major breakthrough!"

Kakuzu reported excitedly, "We've made progress on the Phantom Underground Ruins and the Grell Stone that you asked us to investigate with all our might!"

Umino Sasuke perked up and said, "Say!"

Kakuzu was very excited: "Based on some key clues you provided, and the abnormal geological reports and fragmented intelligence about lost civilizations fed back by the merchant caravan network of the Land of Waves throughout the ninja world, we have conducted cross-comparison and on-site exploration for several months. Currently, the intelligence points to a highly probable area - a coastline known as the High Mountain Corridor located in the southwest of the Land of Rivers, bordering the Land of Wind!"

The area has chaotic magnetic fields and a sparse population. Our reconnaissance ninjas, utilizing their aerial advantage, conducted in-depth investigations and discovered traces of ruins within several massive rift valleys and rocky mountains, suspected to have been formed by ancient geological activity. The style of these ruins is distinct from existing ninja architecture, exuding an ancient yet advanced aura. More importantly…

At the bottom of one of the hidden rift valleys, our exploration team, using a special energy detection device provided by Hiruko, detected an extremely faint yet exceptionally pure and stable life energy reaction! Its fluctuation characteristics highly match the information you provided regarding the 'Greel Stone.' Although we haven't found a definite entrance or physical object yet, we can basically confirm that high-energy minerals are definitely buried deep underground in that area!

"Well done, Kakuzu!" Sasuke Umino's eyes lit up as he said in a deep voice, "Send the most elite men, equipped with the best gear and ample supplies, at any cost, to dig out the Grell Stone! Also, be careful to keep it secret and disguised, so that Sunagakure and Konoha don't discover our intentions."

In Kakuzu's deep green eyes, the light of gold coins almost burst forth. If the Grell Stone truly contained pure life force, it would not only mean that the production bottleneck of Life Sun No. 1 would be broken, but also that the Wave Kingdom's "longevity potion" business could usher in explosive growth.

He knew all too well the desire of those cowardly and extravagant nobles to prolong their lives and regain their former glory.

A single bottle of diluted longevity potion can fetch nearly a million taels on the black market, and there's no market for it. Now that the Land of Waves has the Sound Village under its control and its military power is taking shape, it can go all out and make unimaginable fortunes!

"Boss, don't worry! I'll dig ten thousand feet into the ground to get these 'gold mines' out!"

Kakuzu's voice trembled slightly due to the huge profit he was expecting. "As for manpower, I will bring the most elite Sound Ninja Explosion Team, Earth Release Team, and Sealing Team. The life energy detector provided by Hiruko will also be the latest model. As for the force you mentioned... Hmph, if they dare to block our path to wealth, we'll shut them up forever."

Kakuzu's deep blue eyes were filled with murderous intent.

Sasuke Umino nodded slightly and added, "Be sure to be thorough and clean, without revealing a single detail. Sunagakure and Konoha's spies are frequently active on the border. Once word gets out, we will face the covetousness of two great nations. At that point, it won't be mining anymore, but war. The value of the Grell Stone is enough to drive any ninja village crazy."

"Understood!" Kakuzu accepted the order, his figure disappearing from the spot in an instant, his efficiency astonishing.

Several days later, in the southwestern part of the land of rivers, in the Takayama Corridor.

As its name suggests, this region is characterized by its rolling mountains and howling sea winds that create disorienting noises amidst the chaotic magnetic poles.

An inconspicuous submarine quietly emerged from the hidden bay, and Kakuzu landed with dozens of well-equipped and fierce Sound Ninja elites.

"Advance in three groups according to the strongest reaction zone of the life energy detector. Group A is responsible for perimeter security and counter-reconnaissance, Group B is responsible for demolition and clearing the way, and Group C will follow me into the core area. If you find any non-our ninjas, take them into custody. Anyone who resists will be killed without mercy!" Kakuzu's order was concise and ruthless.

The exploration process was not smooth sailing. The magnetic field in this area was chaotic, and the Grell Stone was buried deep underground. To make matters worse, Kakuzu soon discovered the traces of another force. This group of armed personnel, equipped with strange flying armor and moving nimbly, were operating in this area in the form of a caravan, seemingly searching for something in secret.

"There were indeed insects." Kakuzu's green eyes flashed, and a cruel smile curled at the corner of his lips. "Attack! Leave no one alive!"

The battle erupted instantly. Although the enemy was well-equipped and their flying vehicles posed a significant threat, they were like lambs to the slaughter before Kakuzu, an experienced and ruthless Kage-level ninja. The Earth Grudge Fear clone, with its exquisite wind and fire composite ninjutsu and unpredictable Earth Release: Earth Spear Hardening Technique, moved like a tiger among sheep. The Sound Ninja elites also displayed exceptional tactical skills, possessing similar flight abilities and demonstrating considerable prowess through their Money Release weapon manipulation.

The battle ended quickly, and the wrecked aircraft and armor became Kakuzu's spoils of war.

Under Kakuzu's "warm hospitality," the prisoners revealed that they were indeed searching for the Grell Stone and had developed these flying devices using the existing Grell Stones. Unfortunately, their strength was utterly insignificant in the face of absolute power.

"This aircraft technology is quite interesting. If we hand it over to Hiruko for research, it might improve the performance of our flight armor."

Kakuzu packed up all the spoils of war and took them all, leaving nothing behind.

Thanks to the life energy detector provided by Hiruko and the efforts of the Sound Ninja Bombing Squad, the massive rock layer was blasted open.

When the dust settled, the sight that appeared before Kakuzu's eyes made even this "miser" who was used to wealth take his breath away. In the deep underground cavern, a mineral vein emitting a soft and rich emerald green light was like a sleeping dragon, winding and coiling. A powerful life force was coming towards him, and even caused tender green buds to sprout instantly from the crevices of the nearby rock walls!
"Found it! Hahaha!!" Kakuzu couldn't help but burst into wild laughter. "Quick! Set up a sealing barrier to isolate the energy fluctuations! The mining team, be careful when mining. Remember, this is a treasure ten thousand times more precious than gold. Every single piece must be brought back intact!"

After the submarine carrying the first batch of Grell Stone ore secretly returned to the Land of Waves, Umino Sasuke immediately threw himself into intensive training and research.

With a continuous supply of Grell ore as the core energy source, the nutrient solution formula for cultivating intercolumnar cells and manufacturing Life Yang No. 1 was rapidly optimized by the Hiruko team, resulting in a geometric increase in production capacity.

Umino Sasuke no longer needs to worry about the "nutrition" of his external elixir, as Life Yang No. 1 prioritizes meeting the needs of his chakra external elixir.

The chakra core sealed by the double Bagua seal, after receiving ample and pure life force nourishment, was like a long-awaited rain after a drought. The fusion and transformation of the internal energy accelerated suddenly. The ferocity of the Nine-Tails chakra, the vitality of Hashirama cells, and the chilling power of the Ice Release bloodline limit were forcibly blended and purified under the powerful seal constraint, turning into streams of incomparably pure energy containing the mysteries of the chakra origin, which continuously fed back to Umino Sasuke.

His strength once again entered a period of astonishingly rapid growth. His total chakra reserves increased steadily, and he even experienced a qualitative leap. His understanding of the essence of chakra, especially Yin-Yang Release, also became increasingly profound with this constant dual cultivation.

Although the incomplete Six Paths Yin-Yang Seal manual inherited by the Vortex Clan was still as obscure and difficult to understand as a celestial book, he felt that he had already touched the threshold of a higher level of power.

This not only improved his strength, but also allowed him to make rapid progress in Yin-Yang Escape.

With a deeper understanding of Yin-Yang Escape, mastering Ink Escape: Super Beast Imitation Painting naturally becomes effortless.

As he expected, the difficulty in learning Super Beast Imitation Painting lies not in painting skills, but in the talent of Yin-Yang Escape, especially the ability of Yang Escape to give ink marks "life" and "spirituality," which requires a deep understanding of the essence of Yang Escape to "create," "give," and "activate."

Now, with the pure Yang Release power flowing through his body, a fusion of the Nine-Tails' Yin-Yang Release chakra and the life force of Hashirama's cells, and the Yin Release power of the Ice Release bloodline limit, everything seemed to fall into place naturally as Umino Sasuke learned the Ink Release: Super Beast Imitation Painting.

He took out a small amount of talisman ink specially made with the blood essence of the Eight-Tailed Gyūki, concentrated his mind, picked up the talisman brush, dipped it in the ink, and poured chakra into the tip of the brush. The huge and ferocious figure of the Eight-Tailed Gyūki appeared in his mind.

With flowing strokes and ink, the brush no longer simply outlines lines, but incorporates the artist's understanding of Yang Release's ability to "give life," his insights into the characteristics of the Eight-Tails' chakra, and his awe of the power contained within that enormous body.

As the last stroke fell, the ink suddenly shone brightly, and a small, eight-tailed bull demon, the size of a water basin, jet black yet lifelike, leaped into existence. It swung its eight octopus-tentacle-like tails, and two huge bull horns on its head gleamed with a metallic sheen. Its single, scarlet eye darted around intelligently, and it let out a low but powerful roar: "Moo—!"

Sasuke Umino looked excitedly at the small, black Eight-Tails in front of him. Although it was small in size, the fierce aura and chakra fluctuations originating from its original body were exceptionally solid. Except for being unable to unleash the Tailed Beast Ball with its amazing destructive power, it had perfectly inherited the Eight-Tails' signature tail regeneration, ink sealing, tentacle strength, and even the Tailed Beast Cloth ability. Its strength had definitely reached the level of a senior Jonin!
"Success!" Sasuke Umino was overjoyed. This was not just about mastering a powerful secret technique, but also about having even greater potential for development.

Looking at the lifelike little eight-tailed beast before him, an even grander plan took shape in his mind. With the Grell Stone mine in hand, the nutrient solution for creating clone organizations was no longer a bottleneck. Therefore, the plan to clone other tailed beast organizations could be accelerated at all costs. As long as tailed beast organizations could be cloned stably, a large amount of tailed beast essence blood could be extracted continuously!

"With enough tailed beast blood essence as 'ink guide', I can 'draw' all nine tailed beasts!"

Sasuke Umino's eyes gleamed with ambition.

Although the drawn tailed beasts are inevitably weaker than the originals, as long as their core abilities and some of their power are retained, even if it is only half or even a third, it is still an extremely terrifying power!

Choosing to exchange for the Super Beast Imitation Painting instead of the incomplete Impure World Reincarnation was indeed the right decision. Although Impure World Reincarnation is a powerful forbidden technique, it has too many restrictions, and the version recorded in the Book of Seals is incomplete. I don't know if it was Hiruzen Sarutobi who did this or if Tobirama Senju's legacy was inherently flawed.

"It seems we should urge Orochimaru to speed things up." He couldn't help but think to himself that once Orochimaru's Impure World Reincarnation was perfected to a certain extent, and with the help of the White Zetsu clone, once the Second Tsuchikage Mu was created through Impure World Reincarnation, he would not only gain a powerful Kage-level shinobi, but also learn the Bloodline Limit.

Along the way, besides seeking guidance from Elder Uzumaki on sealing techniques, Sasuke Umino was trying to draw the other tailed beasts. Currently, he has mastered the flesh and blood tissues of the One-Tailed, Four-Tailed, Five-Tailed, Eight-Tailed, and Nine-Tailed beasts, and has collected most of the nine tailed beasts. Theoretically, once he uses cloning technology to cultivate a large amount of tailed beast blood essence, he will be able to draw most of the tailed beasts.

Through these tailed beasts, one can even assimilate and learn their various abilities through the Beast Transformation Technique. The Magnet Release Kekkei Genkai, sand control ability, and sealing techniques of the One-Tailed Shukaku alone are enough to make people drool. Each of the other tailed beasts also has its own powerful abilities and special moves.

In order to have more free time for training, and at the same time to allow the news of "Konoha sacrificing the Land of Whirlpools in exchange for peace" to spread fully within Konoha, the Uzumaki clan's convoy did not head straight for Konoha, but instead detoured to the Daimyo's residence in the Land of Fire.

This action was obviously intended to get some compensation from the daimyo of the Land of Fire, but the result was as disheartening as expected.

The Fire Country Daimyo outwardly maintained basic courtesy towards Elder Uzumaki, the former Daimyo of the Whirlpool Country, hosting a banquet and reminiscing about past alliances and friendships. However, when Elder Uzumaki subtly mentioned the suffering of the Whirlpool Country, implying that the Fire Country, as an ally, had taken advantage of their misfortune and should provide compensation and support, the Daimyo immediately changed the subject, quickly shifting the conversation to romance and his interest in commercial cooperation with the Wave Country.

The atmosphere at the banquet became subtle and awkward. The grief and humiliation that the Whirlpool people were trying to suppress were almost overflowing. They had never wronged the Fire Kingdom, but now they had been betrayed by their ally, who was now unwilling to offer even a symbolic consolation.

The daimyo of the Land of Fire was particularly eager to win over Sasuke Unno, even summoning him privately and offering him extremely tempting incentives:
"Clan Chief Umino is young and promising, with unparalleled strength in the ninja world. He is truly a pillar of Konoha! If he aspires to the position of Hokage, I, the Daimyo, will certainly give him my full support! The future of Konoha needs a leader as ambitious and enterprising as you!"

Sasuke Umino sneered inwardly. This was clearly an attempt to use him as a weapon to counterbalance or even replace Hiruzen Sarutobi, while simultaneously sowing discord between him and the Uzumaki clan.

He maintained a polite smile, but his words were impeccable: "I am humbled by your great favor, Lord Daimyo! As the head of the Umino clan, my primary responsibility is to lead my clan to live in peace and prosperity. The position of Hokage of Konoha will naturally be filled by someone of high moral character and prestige."

He skillfully avoided the topic of the Uzumaki clan, but also made no promises to the daimyo.

A barely perceptible hint of disappointment and dissatisfaction flashed in the Daimyo's eyes. Seeing Umino Sasuke's resolute attitude and considering the presence of the Uzumaki clan, he could only give up in the end.

This trip to Daming Prefecture ended unhappily amidst superficial politeness and underlying estrangement.

The last vestige of the Uzumaki clan's illusions about the Daimyo of the Land of Fire were shattered, and their resentment at being betrayed deepened.

Leaving the Daimyo's residence, the caravan finally began to slowly make its way towards Konoha, though at a still slow pace.

During this time, Umino Sasuke either delved into the deeper mysteries of sealing techniques with Elder Uzumaki or immersed himself in the dual cultivation of chakra cores and the study of super beast imitation paintings, steadily improving his strength without anyone noticing.

……

Several weeks had passed by the time the magnificent gates of Konoha finally appeared on the horizon.

At this moment, the atmosphere at the entrance of Konoha Village was solemn and dignified.

This prisoner-presentation ceremony was far smaller in scale than the previous ones, but the sensation it caused was no less than that. Shocking news such as "the great victory at Uzushio Village", "the capture of the Third Mizukage", "the defeat of the Third Raikage", and "Konoha's demigod single-handedly suppressing the fully-formed Eight-Tails" had already spread like wildfire throughout Konoha.

The villagers of Konoha eagerly awaited the arrival of Sasuke Umino, and when they saw his iconic figure appear at the front of the procession, a deafening cheer erupted instantly.

"Long live Umino-sama!"

"Capturing the Mizukage and defeating the Raikage, he truly deserves the title of Konoha's demigod!"

"That's incredible! It can even suppress the Eight-Tails!"

"It seems even the Hokage might not be this strong?!"

"The Umino clan went to provide support alone and returned with a great victory. They are truly the pride of Konoha!"

Praise poured in like a tsunami, and Sasuke Umino's prestige among the villagers had reached an unprecedented peak.

Today, he is not only a hero, but also a guardian deity. As a result, the Mitomon clan, one of the "participants" in this operation, has also gained a lot of goodwill and discussion.

Seeing the long-lost, proud expressions on the faces of his clansmen, Mito Kadota was moved to tears. His gratitude and loyalty to Umino Sasuke grew even stronger: "It seems that this move of vassalage was the right one!"

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, led the Konoha elders, clan heads, and heads of important departments, who had been waiting at the village entrance for some time. They were dressed in formal attire and had solemn expressions.

However, beneath this solemnity lay a completely different mindset.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze immediately fell on the large, ancient carriage in the caravan, his face filled with a complex expression of solemnity and guilt.

As Mito Uzumaki's younger brother, the former daimyo of the Land of Whirlpools, and a veteran of the same era as Hashirama Senju, his status and seniority were enough for all Konoha's high-ranking officials below Hiruzen Sarutobi to treat him with the respect due to a junior. More importantly, sacrificing the Land of Whirlpools was a huge stain on Hiruzen Sarutobi's political career that he could not avoid.

Now that the creditor has come knocking, he must personally greet him and adopt a humble posture to quell the old man's anger and minimize political losses, which is crucial to his prestige as Hokage and the stability of Konoha.

The caravan stopped at the village entrance. Umino Sasuke dismounted and nodded slightly to Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others. Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately led the group forward a few steps, but his eyes were fixed on the carriage.

The carriage curtain was lifted, and Elder Uzumaki, supported by Xianglingzi Uzumaki, slowly stepped down from the carriage.

He wore a deep red robe with gold trim, a symbol of his status as the vortex clan leader. His white hair was neatly combed. After consuming the life essence, he appeared vigorous and energetic, with sharp eyes like an eagle, showing no signs of old age.

He first looked around at the magnificent gates of Konoha and the towering Hokage Rock in the distance. His gaze lingered for a moment on the statues of the First and Second Hokage, a hint of reminiscence and indescribable pain flashing in his eyes.

Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep breath, stepped forward, and bowed deeply. His voice was filled with sorrow and utmost respect: "Senior Ashina, on behalf of all my comrades in Konoha, I respectfully welcome you and your Uzumaki clan to Konoha. Regarding the Uzushio Village incident, Konoha has failed its allies by not providing timely assistance, causing your country to suffer such a calamity. As the Hokage, I am deeply pained and cannot shirk my responsibility!"

He adopted an extremely humble posture and spoke earnestly, attempting to resolve the other party's resentment by appealing to their emotions and admitting his mistakes.

However, the Grand Elder of the Whirlpool did not show the slightest emotion or understanding as he had hoped.

The old man straightened his back, his gaze sharp as lightning, staring directly at Hiruzen Sarutobi. His aged yet resonant voice clearly echoed throughout the now-silent village square:
He emphasized the word "Sun Slayer!" with great force, as if it carried a heavy weight.

"It is a great fortune that I, an old man, am still alive to set foot on the land of Konoha and see the village built by Hashirama and Tobirama. I will not say more about my gratitude."

Then, he paused slightly, his tone suddenly shifting like a drawn sword, pointing straight to the heart of the matter, "This old man only has one question for the Hokage!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a chill run down his spine, realizing something was wrong, but he could only maintain a serious and attentive expression on his face: "I will answer Ashina-senpai's question to the best of my knowledge."

The Grand Elder's voice suddenly rose, filled with long-suppressed grief and indignation, resounding throughout the entire hall:
"Our Land of Whirlpools has been Konoha's most steadfast ally since its founding! Whirlpool Village and Konoha are bound by blood, watching over and helping each other! The emblem of our Uzumaki clan is still engraved on the vests of Konoha ninjas to this day. This is a symbol of the three clans of Senju, Uchiha, and Uzumaki jointly creating Konoha, and a testament to our unwavering alliance!"

His words resonated deeply, stirring up memories of the glorious early days of the village's founding among countless elders of Konoha. The villagers whispered among themselves, their eyes filled with complex emotions as they gazed at the statue of the First Hokage on the Hokage Rock.

"However!" The elder's voice suddenly turned sharp, "When the Land of Whirlpools faced annihilation, when the two great ninja villages of Kumo and Mist pounced on my Uzushio Village like wolves, where was Konoha?!"

"If it weren't for the Umino clan stepping forward at the critical moment and turning the tide, my Uzumaki clan would probably have been wiped out!"

He suddenly pointed at Umino Sasuke, who was standing quietly to the side, his voice trembling with excitement.

"Then, Hokage! I dare to ask! Why is it that only the Uzumaki clan is supporting the Land of Whirlpools?! Does this mean that our Uzumaki clan is no longer an ally of Konoha?! Or has the Land of Whirlpools been sacrificed by Konoha as a bargaining chip in exchange for so-called 'peace' and to end the war?!"

His sharp gaze was fixed on Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"boom--!"

These words were like a boulder thrown into a calm lake.

The villagers of Konoha were instantly in an uproar.

(End of this chapter)