Naruto: I, who fooled the ninja world, was hailed as a savior.

Chapter 407 Two "wedges", two "instruments"?
How could Naruto's teacher be Otsutsuki Kumoshiki?
Wasn't Otsutsuki Kumoshiki already dead in the underground palace?

Could it be that that terrifying creature is still alive?

"Yun Chuan..."

Jiraiya wanted to say something, but saw Hyuga Kumokawa shake his head and change the subject, saying, "Don't worry, I've already tried it, these two things are safe."

Upon hearing this, Jiraiya immediately swallowed his words, intending to discuss Naruto and Kumo-shiki after the others had left.

He originally wanted to remind Hinata Kumokawa not to rush to use those two so-called "basic meditation methods" and "early nine-character protective methods" to avoid any traps.

After all, it was something developed by the Otsutsuki clan.

However, information about the Otsutsuki clan is currently only known to a small number of high-ranking members.

Jiraiya believed that the reason Hyuga Kumokawa didn't want him to speak was because he didn't want the information about the Otsutsuki clan to leak out, thereby causing panic among the officials and people of the Land of Fire.

In fact, Hyuga Kumokawa naturally already knew that Naruto's teacher was "Kumoshiki" and that these two things were developed by "Kumoshiki".

After all, he is "Yun-style".

This was all the final chapter of his carefully planned scheme.

He needs spiritual energy, whether it's the spiritual energy of the dead or the spiritual energy of the living.

Therefore, based on the principles of "ghostly ways," he developed the "Basic Meditation Method" and the "Early Nine-Character Protection Method."

The hand seals developed by Indra are essentially about connecting different meridians through different hand seals, allowing chakra to circulate precisely within the body and enabling the use of different ninjutsu.

Most ninjas use a set of twelve hand seals. If they have strong enough control over their chakra, they can perform ninjutsu even by forming a hand seal with one hand or by clapping both hands together.

The "Early Nine-Character Protection Technique" developed by Hyuga Kumokawa simplifies this technique, leaving only nine hand seals. It is then used to perform ninjutsu through chanting and the assistance of spiritual energy.

Both the "Basic Meditation Method" and the "Early Nine Syllable Protection Method" involve the strengthening and use of spiritual energy, which is what Hinata Kumokawa seeks.

The more widespread the "Basic Meditation Method" and the "Early Nine Syllable Protection Method" become, the stronger the overall spiritual energy of the ninja world will be, which will become the nourishment he needs to achieve his ultimate plan.

In a sense, what he did was the same as what the Sage of Six Paths did when he established the Ninja Clan.

"To popularize basic meditation methods and the morning nine-character protective method throughout the country."

Hinata Kumokawa ordered, "Establish regular schools in various places and offer 'Chakra General Knowledge' courses to all eligible individuals. The course content consists of meditation and protective techniques."

"At the same time, a Ministry of Education was established to be responsible for formulating teaching standards, compiling textbooks, and focusing on strengthening ideological education."

He looked around at everyone and said in a calm tone, "With this basic meditation method, even people with weak innate spiritual energy can improve the strength of their spiritual energy through meditation."

"In this way, everyone can extract chakra; the only difference is when and how much."

"With the Nine-Character Protection Technique, the threshold for releasing ninjutsu can be lowered, and even ordinary people can use chakra and ninjutsu."

Do you know what this means?

Upon hearing this, everyone present seemed to realize something, feeling their lips dry and their throats bobbing.

"This means that in the future Land of Fire, 'ninja' will just be a profession, and ninjutsu will no longer be exclusive to 'ninjas'. 'Commoners' can also use ninjutsu in their daily lives."

Enrito forced down his joy and said, "Yes, they are 'citizens' who have mastered ninjutsu with different effects and serve the Land of Fire in different positions."

"Our blacksmiths can use chakra to mass-produce excellent weapons, farmers can use ninjutsu to ensure a good harvest, and workers can build a fortified city overnight..."

"At that time, the strength of the Land of Fire will not rely solely on the battles fought by a few ninjas."

“That’s right,” Hinata Kumokawa added. “In the future, we can establish a Chakra Engineering Academy, combining ninjas proficient in Earth and Fire Release with craftsmen skilled in forging and smelting.”

"They can learn how to use chakra to control the temperature of flames, thereby forging ninja tools and building materials with higher strength and better chakra conductivity."

"Furthermore, the Chakra Agriculture Academy combines ninjas proficient in Water and Earth Release techniques with agricultural science to research how to use Water Release for irrigation and Earth Release to improve soil and promote crop growth..."

As these specific plans were explained one by one, everyone present involuntarily began to breathe heavily.

Because they gradually realized that this was actually feasible.

No, no, no, this is no longer a question of whether it's feasible or not.

This is a revolution that could upend the entire world!
And this transformation will begin in the Land of Fire!
"As expected." Jiraiya stared intently at Hyuga Kumokawa, thinking to himself, "Kumokawa is the prophetic child I've been searching for."

This is already beyond doubt.

Even Kakashi Hatake believed that the Child of Prophecy truly existed, and that it was right before his eyes.

"Wait, Hokage-sama, please forgive my intrusion, but I have another question."

The Right Minister forcibly suppressed his shock, his voice trembling slightly, as he asked the question that everyone cared about but dared not touch.

"Under the new policy, how will the succession to the Hokage position be decided? Furthermore, what are the constraints on the Hokage's power...?"

Upon hearing this, the hall fell silent, the air seemed to freeze, and many officials even subconsciously shrank back, feeling that the Right Minister was practically courting death.

Having just experienced a bloody purge, how dare they openly question the ownership and checks and balances of supreme power?
However, to everyone's surprise, Hinata Kumokawa did not get angry.

After all, to him, Konoha and the Land of Fire were merely stepping stones and tools to achieve his ultimate goal.

“Good question.” Hyuga Kumokawa said calmly, “The position of Hokage is not based on bloodline or hereditary succession. The successor must meet three conditions.”

"First, he must have made outstanding contributions to the country and its people. Second, his abilities and skills must be recognized by more than half of the members of the high-level council. Third, he must be recognized by the previous Hokage."

"Secondly, it is a check on the Hokage's power."

"While the final decision rests with me on matters of national importance such as declaring war on foreign countries, concluding alliances, and large-scale mobilization, they still require review by the high-level parliament."

"If more than 70% of the parliament opposes the resolution, it must be suspended and reconsidered."

He looked at the Right Minister and the officials behind him whose expressions were shifting: "Are you all satisfied with this answer?"

The Right Minister opened his mouth, but ultimately bowed deeply: "I have no objection."

satisfied?
Of course not.

This is not a democratic parliament with checks and balances; it can only provide a certain degree of soft checks and balances on the Hokage's absolute power, and it does not have absolute binding force.

But what about that?
This is the law of the ninja world.

Power is truth.

If the Hokage is strong enough, with the strength of Hyuga Kumokawa, even if he acts against the natural order, it won't have much of an impact; his immense power is enough for him to do anything.

Conversely, if the Hokage is not strong enough and still wants to act against the tide, then he is courting death. Not everyone has the strength of Hyuga Kumokawa to destroy a country single-handedly.

"From this day forward, all ninjas will no longer be organized by village, but will be incorporated into the Land of Fire's standing army system and collectively referred to as the 'Land of Fire Konoha Force'."

Hyuga Kumokawa looked at the Konoha ninjas present and said, "Ninjas no longer need to rely on mission rewards for a living, but are supported by the national treasury. They only need to protect the Land of Fire."

"If you are not willing to take the risks, you can choose to retire and switch to other professions, whether it is to become a teacher at a ninja academy or to combine other professions with ninjutsu."

"Konoha will be completely integrated into the nation, and its flesh, bones, and meridians will become the core components of the war machine of the Land of Fire."

"There is no longer a need for a great name to 'hire' you to protect the country, because you are part of the country itself."

Undoubtedly, this is a more effective way to integrate the nation's resources, especially the ninja force, in order to counter the current centralized system in the ninja world.

"I hope you will remember this too."

Hyuga Kumokawa looked at the officials and said coldly, "From now on, the Land of Fire will no longer have a high and mighty 'Daimyo,' but only a powerful leader who will bear all the responsibility!"

"Those who are willing to use their talents to serve this new system will receive unprecedented resources and support in their areas of expertise."

"And those who cannot adapt..."

Hinata Kumokawa didn't say anything more, instantly extinguishing the fervor that had risen in everyone's hearts because of the grand blueprint, and replaced it with a sense of awe.

"We obey the Hokage's command!" the crowd responded in unison, their voices echoing through the empty hall.

Sensing the surging spiritual energy, Hinata Kumokawa's eyes narrowed slightly, and data quietly surfaced in the depths of his vision, unseen by anyone.

[Item: Hogyoku (positive 33% → 36%; negative 24% → 25%)...]

He could foresee that when news of what happened tonight spread far and wide, the resulting surge of reverence and anticipation would be enough to replenish most of the half of the Hogyoku within him. However, the Hogyoku within 'Shadow' was still a ways off from being fully replenished.

Both the positive and negative versions of the Hōgyoku are half pieces. If you can complete 50% of them, they will become a complete Hōgyoku.

That would be the final step in his plan.

------

Crack! Crack! Bang!

The heavy palace doors slowly closed, shutting out the figures of the officials from the Land of Fire.

Inside the main hall, only the core members of Konoha remained. The previously stagnant air seemed to instantly circulate, gaining a subtle sense of relaxation and liveliness.

An irrepressible sense of excitement flowed silently among the people of Konoha.

Although it wasn't outwardly obvious, everyone knew in their hearts that Hyuga Kumokawa's swift and decisive reforms were aimed at elevating Konoha's entire core personnel to the central structure of the nation.

The existing officials from various departments of the Land of Fire only played an "auxiliary" role, helping them to familiarize themselves with the national conditions and maintain stability during the policy transition period.

Taking over such a large country suddenly with the strength of Konoha village would indeed be extremely difficult without the assistance of the original team familiar with politics.

Of course, if those officials perform poorly or are outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant, they will face the fate of being ruthlessly kicked out of the core of power, with the sword of the secret service hanging over their heads.

"Finally, I can go ahead and do it."

Someone murmured a sigh, expressing the sentiments of everyone present.

Many ideas that have been forced to be shelved for a long time due to financial constraints and limited resources, such as medical reforms that would benefit more people and research into the field of ninjutsu.

Today, they can receive unprecedented resource support and policy endorsement.

More importantly, Konoha...

No, it should be said that the Land of Fire originally had its fighting force sacrificed due to the Fourth Shinobi World War and the subsequent devastation by the Hollow Realm and the Akatsuki organization.

By nationalizing and standardizing the ninja system, and supplementing it with two secret techniques that lower the barrier to entry for training, the Land of Fire was able to make up for the missing parts in a short period of time.

Furthermore, it can systematically train far more combat personnel than ever before.

After all, while Hyuga Kumokawa allows voluntary retirement, everyone understands that once the country enters a state of emergency, all those capable of fighting will still be conscripted.

"Everyone."

Jiraiya suddenly spoke, his expression not relaxed, but rather somewhat serious: "Now is not the time to relax."

Upon hearing this, everyone felt as if they had been doused with cold water and instantly calmed down.

Clearly, they also remembered what Yuanlitong had said.

"Judging from what Enritoshi said, Otsutsuki Kumoshiki is actually still alive?"

Tsunade broke the silence first, saying in a deep voice, "And, right next to Naruto Uzumaki, she even became his teacher?"

Although it was not certain before whether Otsutsuki Kumoshiki was dead or alive.

However, upon learning that Otsutsuki Kumoshiki was still alive, a sense of fear and apprehension gripped everyone's hearts.

"So, Naruto's actions were also due to Kumo-shiki Otsutsuki's guidance?"

Jiraiya's usual nonchalance vanished, replaced by an unprecedented seriousness. He said, "No wonder Naruto exhibited a form similar to 'hollowfication'."

"Then, could the person behind Akatsuki also be...?"

As soon as the words left his mouth, Jiraiya realized he had made a foolish mistake, and a wry smile appeared on his face.

Based on the previous analysis, the reason why the "Shadow" broke ties with the Akatsuki organization was because other Otsutsuki clan members intervened.

If that person is Otsutsuki Kumoshiki, why would someone acting as his 'Kage' need to do this?

No one else laughed at Jiraiya's slip of the tongue, after all, they knew very well what Jiraiya was thinking.

Like Jiraiya, they did not want another Otsutsuki clan member to exist.

"There's no need to be so nervous."

Hinata Kumokawa's calm voice reached everyone's ears, seemingly carrying a calming power. Everyone subconsciously raised their heads and looked at the throne.

Hinata Kumokawa remained seated, his posture even appearing somewhat relaxed, and said, "Even if he is still alive, he could never be at his peak strength."

After saying that, he turned to look at Kakashi, squinted his eyes and asked, "Kakashi, you reported earlier that when Sasuke stopped Naruto, he saw a black diamond-shaped mark appear on Naruto's palm."

"Then, Naruto used this to unleash his ability to absorb ninjutsu, right?"

Kakashi paused for a moment, then nodded in confirmation.

"Wait! If I remember correctly..."

Nara Shikaku was the first to react, a glint of light flashing in his eyes: "Back on the second floor of the dungeon, when Hanzo faced the 'Shadow's' attack, he also displayed a similar ability?"

"And, it's also activated through the palm, right?"

Upon hearing this, everyone present looked enlightened, their eyes flickering uncertainly.

"exactly."

Hyuga Kumokawa nodded slightly and said, "I've been wondering why Hanzo suddenly mastered space-time ninjutsu and that peculiar absorption ability."

"Now, perhaps we have the answer."

"You all should still remember the few words about the 'wedge' recorded on the stone tablet in the underground palace, right?"

"I see." Jiraiya said thoughtfully, "Both Akatsuki and Naruto have the Otsutsuki clan behind them, and their common characteristic is that they all possess the ability to absorb ninjutsu..."

"You mean..." Tsunade frowned, "that this is the power that 'Karma' granted them?"

"Otsutsuki Kumoshiki may have indeed perished, but before his death, he transformed himself into a 'Karma,' and Naruto was the 'vessel' he chose."

"As for Hanzo, was he also a 'vessel' chosen by another member of the Otsutsuki clan?"

[By adhering to the "Wedge" as a secret technique for reincarnation, even if the body dies and the form is destroyed, one can reside in a "vessel," and even if the body dies and the form is destroyed, one can be reborn through a "vessel"...]

This is all the information they currently have about 'Wedge,' a secret technique that allows for complete reincarnation.

This speculation can indeed explain why Kumoshiki, a member of the Otsutsuki clan, became Naruto's teacher, and why no one has ever seen him.

Because the Cloud Style is hidden within Naruto's body, he needs to guide Naruto to use his power, which may accelerate his own revival.

"But, isn't there something wrong with the timing?"

Kakashi asked in confusion, "To use a 'Wedge' to enshrine oneself within a 'vessel,' shouldn't the caster and the vessel need to have actual contact?"

"Could it be that after being severely injured, Yun Shi survived in the underground palace for hundreds of years, and then sought out Naruto without our knowledge?"

Upon hearing this, everyone frowned, and various questions arose in their minds.

Has the Otsutsuki clan member behind the Akatsuki organization died?

Are the activation of the 'wedge' and the selection of the 'vessel' conditional?
When did Naruto become a 'vessel'? And where did Kumoshiki come into contact with Naruto?
"We know too little about the Otsutsuki clan. Only by continuing to explore the underground palace can we obtain more useful information."

Hinata Kumokawa gently shook his head, interrupting everyone's confusion, and said, "What we can confirm at the moment is that Kumokawa most likely does not have the ability to take action personally."

"And the Otsutsuki behind Akatsuki is probably not in much better shape than Kumoshiki."

"We still need to continue pursuing Naruto, after all, he is still the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki."

"However, what we need to worry about more now is something else."

Upon hearing this, everyone subconsciously raised their heads, their expressions becoming serious.

“We’ve cut off Akatsuki’s channels,” Hyuga Kumokawa said softly. “Continuing to lie low will no longer be of much use to them.”

"We need to prepare as soon as possible."

(Friendly reminder: There's a bonus chapter this month, so please make sure you vote for it in the correct place. You need to vote for the bonus chapter to unlock it.)
(End of this chapter)