I founded the "Bragging Cult" in Naruto.

Chapter 223 Some people are responsible for the project, while others are responsible for their superiors.

Tatsuma wasn't too happy about Hiruzen Sarutobi's late-night invitation, or to put it more bluntly, he was now resistant to even seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi.

But there was nothing he could do. He was still a member of the Anbu. Even if it meant going to see Hiruzen Sarutobi, or carrying out any shady mission, Tatsuma had no right to refuse.

Tatsuma has two sets of Anbu uniforms. One set is kept at the Hokage Building, where he would change when he went to perform guard duties. However, he hasn't worn that set in a long time and it no longer fits him.

The other set was kept at home. Tatsuma had requested a replacement for this set, so it still fit him fairly well. After putting on the white Yaksha mask, Tatsuma's figure vanished instantly.

Tatsuma's current skill level is already very close to the requirements for a Jonin. If we take into account the effects of various additional buffs and the synergy between them, his combat skills are comparable to many Jonin.

Host: Sakamoto Tatsuma

talent:

Strength: 8663/22366 [Superhuman Strength]

Speed: 9231/23883 [Divine Machine]

Body: 8893/21363 [Unceasing]

Xian: 7992/33002 [Operations Research]

Ninja: 7723/23812 [Overturn the Sea]

Fantasy: 4141/8845

Quality: 8212/24061 [Massive Supply]

Seal: 7823/20204 [Return to Simplicity]

Special talent:

[Time and Space]

[Ninjutsu Development]

[Ninja Tool Projection] (Minato Namikaze Limited Edition)

[Perception]

[Sealed] (Uzumaki Kushina Limited Edition): 75%

[Curse Seal]: 60%

Limited Talents:

【White Yaksha】

Kushina's limited talent has shown no signs of improvement. Even in the few times they meet, he always tries to find an opportunity to play against Kushina. Tatsuma guesses that the remaining part is probably limited by his bloodline.

However, this has little impact on Chenma, because his sealing skills over the past few years have far surpassed the panel's numerical values. The panel is more focused on statistical applications of numerical values.

However, Tatsuma's theories had already surpassed those of Kushina, who hadn't studied under Mito Uzumaki for several years, and his 75% limited-edition sealing talent was enough for him to integrate these theoretical knowledge into practical applications.

The same sealing technique, Tatsuma's strength is already higher than Kushina's. Tatsuma has even begun to modify the sealing technique according to specific needs, just like Mito Uzumaki, to meet more specific requirements.

As for the cursed seals, they were taken from Orochimaru, but they weren't limited editions. Although they couldn't be used as quickly as limited edition talents, they were enough for Tatsuma.

After all, Tatsuma wasn't interested in the Heavenly Curse Seal; for him, the curse seal was merely an aid to his other abilities.

The only thing that made Tatsuma's teeth ache was his talent for illusion. Orochimaru had tried to help him improve it, but even Orochimaru eventually gave up and only taught Tatsuma many techniques for countering and preventing illusions.

Running through the darkness, Tatsuma did not attract anyone's attention. Although he had not used stealth techniques for two years, he still honed his skills through training.

By reviewing what he had learned and gaining new insights, coupled with the addition of other abilities, Tatsuma gained a new understanding of the various skills he had previously acquired.

Upon arriving at the Hokage Building, Tatsuma noticed a faint light in the Hokage's office, likely just a nightlight or a small lamp. He then entered the building directly, bypassing the patrols of other ninjas, and went straight to the Hokage's office.

"You're here?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi put down his pipe and greeted Tatsuma, who had suddenly appeared. Tatsuma also bowed and asked, "Hokage-sama, what are your orders?"

"Let's chat."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's answer was somewhat unexpected for Tatsuma. He had originally thought that Hiruzen Sarutobi had summoned him because of what had happened during the day and that he needed to do something.

Tatsuma looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi and saw Hiruzen wave his hand lightly in front of him. Tatsuma understood, raised his hand, and lifted the Yaksha mask to reveal his face.

"sit."

Hiruzen Sarutobi pointed to the seat in front of him and said to Tatsuma, who nodded and sat down without hesitation.

Hiruzen Sarutobi then spoke, "Yasha, you've followed Orochimaru for two years. Do you think the Wood Release ninja experiment will succeed?"

Upon hearing this, Tatsuma nodded without hesitation and said, "Lord Hokage, the results of the past two years may not seem to have much to do with the Wood Release experiment, but they are an essential stepping stone for the Wood Release experiment to succeed."

It may have taken longer than expected, but this work is necessary for the project to proceed smoothly and achieve its goals successfully and safely.

Rushing to let others take over, and using short-sighted experimental methods, will not yield better results other than causing unexpected accidents.

Two years ago, Tatsuma wouldn't have dared to say such a thing. He joined the experiment hoping to change the results.

To his delight, Orochimaru accepted many of his suggestions, extended the project's timeline, and conducted extensive preliminary research, prioritizing safety over efficiency.

Tatsuma felt he had changed the fate of some of the test subjects, but when the two of them were rejected today, Tatsuma felt a deep sense of frustration that was hard to shake off, after all, it was the result of his and Orochimaru's efforts over two whole years.

After hearing Tatsuma's answer, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't reply immediately. Instead, he took a wick and slowly smoked his pipe. After a while, he asked again, "So, do you think the Wood Release ninja experiment can succeed?"

The exact same question calmed Tatsuma's slightly agitated emotions instantly. He looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi, whose face was not very clear in the dim light, and his lips began to tighten.

Seeing that Tatsuma seemed to understand his meaning, Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "Today's Wood Release will be the Sharingan and Byakugan tomorrow, and the day after that, the secret techniques of various clans."

Do you know who suggested those "foolish" ideas that you and Orochimaru rejected? It was me, the elders, and the heads of the various clans.

They can allow the Wood Release experiment to proceed, but they absolutely do not want to see it succeed. You should understand that, and I thought you did too.

You were originally one of those who opposed the Wood Release experiments, so why did you change your mind after following Orochimaru, even becoming as fanatical as him?

"because."

Tatsuma was speechless, unsure how to answer. The reason he initially resisted the experiment was because he understood that it would cause many people to pay an undue price.

But after he joined, he saw hope for changing the outcome. He wanted to prevent these tragedies from happening, so he did everything he could to change everything.

He originally thought that the success of the experiment was what the Konoha leadership wanted, but he didn't expect that they only wanted the experiment itself, and didn't care about the success.

The reason they valued it so much and provided the greatest assistance was not for the experiment itself, but for fame.

Tatsuma looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi and said, "Then may I ask, Hokage-sama, what have Orochimaru-sama, all the researchers, and I accomplished in the past two years? Was it all in vain?"

"No, not exactly."

Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head and said, "It is true that the Daimyo only recently requested a report on the progress of each stage, but I have carefully reviewed every report you have submitted. Do you know why I didn't stop it before?"

Because you and Orochimaru are very generous with money, you almost used up the first batch of funding from the Daimyo in less than two years, which is something other researchers cannot do.

Your and Orochimaru's value lies in making the Daimyo understand that this is a job where the effort and reward are completely disproportionate. Only then will the Daimyo stop his delusions and halt this project after an unexpected incident.

Listening to Hiruzen Sarutobi's words, Tatsuma felt his chest grow heavier and heavier, as if his breathing was restricted by a valve, and each breath required a lot of effort.

Tatsuma, breathing heavily, said with difficulty, "So... the person who replaced Lord Orochimaru came here to create an accident?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi blinked, offering no answer, but his meaning was clear. Tatsuma gritted his teeth, and after a long while, finally said, "Even at the cost of innocent lives?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Tatsuma, who was clearly extremely excited but also trying his best to suppress his emotions, and said, "Yasha, this is not something you should say."

Chenma's breath hitched, then the turbulent emotions within him instantly subsided, even his breathing became smooth, and his face, now calm, appeared somewhat wooden as he replied:

"I understand, Hokage-sama."

"Tatsuma".

Hiruzen Sarutobi put on a kind smile and looked at Tatsuma with appreciation. Upon hearing this, Tatsuma gently moved the mask that was on his forehead, so that it hung on the side of his head, covering one ear. Tatsuma also resumed his usual polite smile that made people unconsciously like him.

"Lord Hokage."

Tatsuma responded, and Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, saying, "You've been learning the Flying Thunder God Technique for over two years now. How's your progress?"

"There has been some good progress."

Upon hearing Hiruzen Sarutobi's question, Tatsuma seemed to have completely forgotten the unpleasant conversation from just moments before, responding with a smile, and appearing genuinely happy for his own progress.

Hiruzen Sarutobi showed a surprised expression. It was true. Tatsuma wasn't the only one who had come into contact with the Flying Thunder God Technique, but he was the first to dare say that he had made good progress.

Especially considering Tatsuma's consistent humility, Hiruzen Sarutobi believed that the progress Tatsuma mentioned was not just about understanding some of the contents of Tobirama Senju's Notebook, but very likely that he would soon learn and apply them.

"Is that so? That's really impressive. You might become the first person to learn the Second Hokage's Flying Thunder God Technique."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded approvingly and said, "If there's anything the village can help with, be sure to let us know. The village needs young people like you to grow up quickly."

Upon hearing this, Tatsuma politely shook his head and said, "I haven't mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique yet. To ask for anything else would be greedy and distracting. It's better not to."

Hiruzen Sarutobi laughed and said, "That would be a real shame. To celebrate your successful completion of the mission, I've prepared a special gift for you."

"Gift?"

Tatsuma looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi with a puzzled expression. Hiruzen nodded, took out a scroll from his drawer, and said, "Forbidden technique. Do you want it?"

Upon hearing this, Chenma raised his hand, intending to take it, but paused. After a moment, he nodded and said, "I want to try it."

Tatsuma wanted to see what forbidden technique Hiruzen Sarutobi would give him, whether it would be the Mutual Explosion Tags technique he had been hoping for, but after taking the scroll and seeing the words on it, Tatsuma frowned.

This is a technique suitable for dealing with one of his "acquaintances".

(End of this chapter)