Born in Sunagakure, dedicated to antagonizing Konoha for decades

But thinking about it, it makes sense. He's almost twenty. Although he's still straightforward in his mindset, he's physically reached the standard of an adult man. A ninja's strength increases with the gradual maturation of his body. Otherwise, if the strength increases too quickly, the young body won't be able to keep up. He might be able to live a carefree life for two or three years, but once his body collapses, even transplanting Hashirama Senju's cells won't bring him back. Just like Uchiha Itachi, who later destroyed his clan to prove his Dao. He awakened the Mangekyou Sharingan at the age of twelve, which was amazing and a part of a generation's youthful memories. However, his still-developing body simply couldn't withstand the power brought by the Mangekyou Sharingan, and he didn't get to enjoy it for long.

145. The Jonin Team Leader Has Changed

"Hmph! You're full of twisted logic. Starting tomorrow, you'd better go and report to the ninja training class properly. And you're not allowed to fight in the village anymore!"

Chiyo rolled her eyes at him, annoyed. She had already figured it out after what happened last time. Her nephew was currently in a phase of excess energy, and it wasn't a good idea to keep him idle all the time. Besides, Sunagakure didn't have the resources to let a double-ranked ninja collect a salary and do nothing all day. It was definitely not an option for him to become a teacher at the Ninja Academy, as they couldn't let him ruin the next generation. However, it would be fine for him to be a junior leader in the Jonin class.

The Jonin already had his own plans and wouldn't be so easily fooled, unlike those immature kids, especially since they treated this kid like a god. If they actually listened to his words, who knows what they'd become? So, Chiyo, Kaizo, and Sunagawa discussed it and decided to let him become a junior leader in the Jonin team. That way, he could finally unleash his restless youth. Kaizo already had too many part-time jobs anyway; easing his burden would give him some time to find a single woman to marry...

Moreover, this kid is the top performer in Sunagakure; his reputation can keep those less capable ones in check. While the problems among the village's Jonin clans aren't as severe as when Shamon first took over, they still harbor some ambitions to share the ranks with ordinary Jonin. Kaizo's methods in this regard are a bit too lenient; this kid's big fists need to give them a good beating...

"The Jonin Class... Your brother's doing so well, isn't he? I think the Mission Room would be a better fit for me, so... okay, okay, I'll report for duty tomorrow..."

Shinto was reluctant to go to the Jonin Squad. As the name suggests, the Jonin Squad is where all the Jonin in the village are registered, including Sunagawa, Chiyo, and Kaizo. However, they are special since they are high-ranking leaders, so they cannot be managed. Moreover, Chiyo would not let him, a double-flower red stick, become a henchman if she asked him to go to the Jonin Squad. Instead, she would give him a minor leadership position, which is one of Kaizo's current part-time positions: Jonin Squad Leader. This position is not very important, but it is also not insignificant. It is a very sought-after position. This position has access to secrets similar to that of the Anbu leader. Although he does not have the power to order Jonin, he has the power to manage them. Anyone with a Jonin rank must ask for leave and obtain a leave slip from the Jonin Squad Leader before leaving the village for a mission.

This is a position that every family covets. Other positions have elections every three years, but this one has been held by this family for years. Unable to defeat the Chikamatsu Ten, they dared not utter a word. Now, it's even less likely. Shinto, with his double-flowered red staff, is even more formidable than the Chikamatsu Ten. They've already tacitly accepted this position as a hereditary one for Chiyo and her family. Shinto and Kai have shown they don't aspire to be in charge, but Chiyo and Kaizo still control the Jonin and Anbu, two super-powerful departments, precisely to leave Shinto and Kai a way out. They can understand…

However, the idea of ​​Masato spending his days in the office signing documents like a hermit was something he was unwilling to do. He wanted to say something, but seeing Chiyo's fierce gaze, Masato could only submit to her tyranny. After all, he had indeed caused quite a stir, and if he didn't behave well to try and get his sentence reduced sooner...

.....

"What's wrong with the Jonin seniors today? Why are they all lined up here? (⊙_⊙)?"

"Shh... You don't know yet, do you? It's said that today is Lord Shinto's first day in the Jonin class, replacing Lord Kaizo. How could he not behave? You saw how strong Lord Shinto's sword aura is the other day. I heard from the Anbu leaders that Lord Shinto hates people who don't follow the rules the most. One of Lord Shinto's subordinates was late by just a few seconds and is still guarding the border now..."

"Holy crap! I'm telling you, what's gotten into these seniors today...?"

A strange sight appeared at the Kazekage Tower today: Jonin, one after another, were obediently queuing up like dogs, each holding a mission card. This left the passing Chunin and Genin completely dumbfounded. They wondered when these Jonin had become so well-mannered; these high-ranking ninjas had never had the habit of queuing before…

"Lord Shinto, this is our mission..."

In the Jonin Squad Leader's office, two Jonin obediently handed over their mission cards, bowing and scraping as they reported to their new leader, who was slumped in the center position.

"Hmm, let me see... A B-rank mission... two Jonin, three Chunin, and the commission is only two million... Holy crap! A B-rank mission with just two Jonin and three Chunin? Are you guys planning to slay a dragon or raid Konoha? You're supposed to be Jonin, can't you at least have some backbone? Go and take on the mission at the top of the mission room, and I'll let you out. This mission was given to those three brats. What a lack of professional ethics! Jonin are trying to steal business from Chunin. Is this how the village calls you?"

Shinto accepted the two missions from two Jonin who were clearly from his clan. After scolding the two Jonin for bullying the younger ones, he waved his hand and said, "No!"

He truly hated people who used guns to bully the weak, even those from the same village!

This phenomenon is too common these days. Jonin have to complete a certain number of tasks every month, but the higher the level of the task, the greater the danger. So many Jonin choose some low-level tasks. However, although there are quite a few low-level tasks, there aren't many of them, and they are usually reserved for Chunin to use to gain experience.

This has led to some cowardly Jonin using their status to coerce and bribe Chunin, ostensibly to protect their juniors, but in reality, they're just afraid to take on high-difficulty challenges. What's most infuriating is that the commission for these missions is already pitifully small, and these cowards still want a share, which is going too far. Moreover, this phenomenon is particularly serious in large clans.

"...No! Lord Shinto, these three children are our cousins. They just became Chunin, and we were worried about their safety, so..."

The two Jonin were almost in tears. The old man's eyes were telling them they were on his blacklist. They quickly tried to explain, but it was just their bad luck. It was a clan tradition for seniors to take juniors to grind experience points, and this time it was their turn. But then, to make matters worse, the Jonin team leader had changed—to this old man who could practically tear his own village apart if he got angry. They had rushed to line up before dawn after hearing about it, and it was only after a long and difficult wait that it was their turn...

The crucial point is that the mission at the very top of the mission room is to assassinate the Hokage! They haven't even started a family yet, and they want to live a few more years... (?^?).

146. Go to Haicang and get a large sea-view villa.

"Sigh! Let me see... Hey! I didn't even notice until you pointed it out, the surname is indeed the same, so you're from the Meichuan family. But... this is even more unacceptable! Everyone who's in this world has one foot in the grave. A big family like yours should set an example. How can you, so young and already so afraid of this and that, survive in the future? Young people should be ambitious! Back in the day, your old clan leader dared to peep at the neighbor's aunt taking a bath when he was only three years old. How come you're all so cowardly? You even need a higher-up to carry you on a B-rank mission. Isn't this a disgrace to your old clan leader? No way! Even if you call the Kazekage, I won't approve it! I was already infiltrating Konoha to do big things when I was nine, and these three kids are already twelve or thirteen. They need a higher-up to carry them on a B-rank mission. What kind of behavior is this... Tell them that as long as they come back from their missions alive, I, Miyako no Masato, will guarantee their promotion. That's what I said!"

Shinto saw that two Jonin and three Chunin all had the surname Meikawa. Meikawa Kucha, Meikawa Nei, Meikawa... It seems like they're all from the Meikawa family. However, Shinto couldn't let this bad habit go uncorrected. This was being treated like a mentorship system. No wonder Sunagakure was getting worse with each generation. After Rasa, they didn't have a single talented person. In the end, Gaara, who started off arrogantly, ended up as a stupid little brat. They were all ruined by this kind of treatment.

"Yes, Lord Shinto, we'll go right away..."

The two Jonin, who weren't very bright, were so impressed by Shinto's words that they seemed to see the glory of their old clan leader. Their eyes became serious and determined. They nodded firmly and then turned to leave.

"Next...!"

"Lord Shinto, this is our mission..."

Three oddly dressed Jonin, without any uniform, walked in. Without asking, they were clearly commoner Jonin.

"Let me see... Wow! You three brothers have some nerve! Three Jonin dare to team up and go to Iwagakure to kill Onoki's son... Did Hiruzen Sarutobi sneak in and issue this mission? It's good that you three have such ambition, but Iwagakure's defenses are tight, especially after the birth of what might not be Onoki's biological son. The defenses are even tighter on the inside than on the outside. It's too difficult to sneak in. Take my advice, the waters here are too deep for you to handle. Rather than risking the village flag being taken away, you'd be better off using your bodies to contribute to the village in the future. You're still young, the future is yours..."

Shinto took the mission card handed to him by the three civilian Jonin, glanced at the contents and was almost startled. He looked at the three young men in front of him with serious faces and firm and powerful eyes. These three were the opposite of the previous Meikawa family members. The three Chunin brats of the Meikawa family were so afraid of dying even for a B-rank mission that they needed the family to send someone to guide them.

These three, however, were all serious and ready to die for the village. With a wave of their hand, they issued a rare S-rank mission. Damn, their drive seems a bit too much. The first three were afraid of dying, but these three were actually eager to be reborn. Shinto really wanted to know what made these three think they could kill Onoki's newborn son, who might not even be his. You know, ever since the Five-Tails racing incident, Iwagakure's defenses have been as solid as an iron barrel by Onoki. Even he himself would have a hard time getting in. It's rare for these three to be so loyal to the village. He can't let these three go and get themselves killed, can he?

"But Master Shinto, Tsuka really needs this money to buy a new house, otherwise his girlfriend's mother will force Tsuka's girlfriend to marry into the Yusa family."

Two of the three Jonin were somewhat swayed by Shinto's words, but seeing their good brother's unwavering determination, they ultimately decided to support him.

"Sigh! Here's the thing! I'm rooting for you, buddy. I hate arranged marriages the most. As for the house, it's a small problem, and there's no need to be so upset about it. I'll give you a certificate. Go next door and ask Hai Zang for a new house. After you get married, work hard to have babies. Contribute more to the village's population growth by having sex ten or eight times a night. I'll reward you with five hundred for each baby and a thousand for twins!"

"Wait a minute... judging from your appearance, you've been a Jonin for several years now, haven't you? Are house prices in the village this high now? Even Jonin can't afford new houses?"

After encouraging Masato to kill Onoki's son, Tsukasa, for the sake of love, he picked up a pen and scribbled words on a piece of paper that Kaizo should be able to understand, then asked curiously.

It seems a bit exaggerated that a Jonin can't afford a house in the village. It's not like Konoha has a housing shortage. Although the village's population has grown rapidly in recent years, due to limitations in living environment and other aspects, Sunagakure is destined to be unable to compare with the larger villages. Moreover, ninjas are a high-income group, especially Jonin. Logically speaking, even a gambler, unless he has the incredible luck of Tsunade, shouldn't be able to afford a house in the village, right?

"...There used to be two houses, but... you turned them into ruins, Master Masato, and they're still not finished..."

The Jonin named Tsukasa looked at Masato with a resentful expression, like a wronged little wife.

"Go next door and ask Hai Zang for a sea-view villa. Just tell him I told you..."

.......

"Hey......"

Next to Masato's office, Kaizo and Sunakawa, like thieves, pressed their ears to the wall for a long time before pulling them back and exchanging glances. They both let out a long, helpless sigh.

Today is Shinto's first day at work, so the two of them naturally want to keep an eye on this unreliable kid's performance. At first, things went quite well. Before, the Jonin squad was a mess, and Kaizo, who was juggling multiple roles, didn't have time to take care of the Jonin squad, which was a place for signing in and out. But today, as soon as this kid took over, the quality of the Jonin in the village immediately improved by several levels, and they all knew how to line up!

When they heard about Shinto's handling of the Umekawa clan's problems, although what the kid said seemed to make some sense—young people really shouldn't be too timid, if they need a big shot to protect them even for a small B-rank mission, they will definitely have a hard time achieving great things in the future—Sunagawa, as someone who had been through it all, knew this all too well. If he hadn't been afraid of dying and hadn't gone to the Land of Water to steal their home and hadn't competed with those clans for power, he wouldn't be where he is now as the Kazekage.

But for some reason, I always felt there was something strange about what this guy was saying. Who mentions the old clan chief's embarrassing moments to motivate someone's clan? And if the young people in the village actually did what he said, whether they could rise to power is uncertain, but very few would definitely return alive...

As for how these three Jonin were dealt with... well, they're basically using public funds to pay off their own debts!

This is a damn oceanfront villa! We don't even get that kind of treatment... (▼へ▼メ).

147. He's been a staple of the big news these past few years.

Konoha Year 26, Sunagakure Year 25

"Dude, it's just a wedding, you don't need to dress up like you're in a theatrical costume, do you?"

Handsome Scorpion's father looked at the outfit he was wearing, which looked like a costume his older brother had somehow found in the Wind Shadow's wardrobe, with a face full of disgust.

"What do you know? Getting married is like performing in a play, and you only get to do it once or twice in your life. You're the legitimate heir, and your mother has such a high status. Right now, besides that one from the Senju clan in Konoha, your mother is the highest-ranking person still alive in the ninja world. I heard that people from other villages are coming to give gifts later. Today, you represent the image of our Sunagakure and our Miyako clan. Besides, I had this outfit made overnight by a famous costume designer from the Land of Wind, who added some innovative design concepts. The Third Kazekage's battle robe was made by them. Look at this outfit of yours, it even has gold trim, it's much more gorgeous than the Kazekage's battle robe!"

Zhen Dou, looking at the handsome Scorpion's father in his golden dragon robe who didn't resemble an emperor at all, said to him, "Scorpion's father's handsome face, with its refined features, lacks a bit of domineering presence. Indeed, even in a dragon robe, he doesn't look like a crown prince. As a mama's boy, Scorpion's father couldn't cultivate that kind of domineering presence; this guy never experienced a rebellious phase growing up..."

"Why would Mother make such a big fuss if she really didn't...?"

"Handsome Scorpion's dad complained helplessly."

"She only has one son, so how could she not make it a big deal? But... you're right, it really is a bit outrageous. This is even more grand than the celebrations when Hashirama Senju passed away..."

Masato nodded in agreement.

Today, Sasori's parents finally ended their ten-year-long love affair. From acquaintance to love to understanding, it's no easy feat for this couple to have spent fifteen years together without crossing the line. For their son to have a grand funeral... ugh! The wedding was certainly grand enough, but Chiyo went to extremes. Informing the Mizukage and Raikage would have been understandable, since they're all teammates fighting against Konoha, and they'd at least have a smile on their faces. Besides, the Land of Wind has no real connection with the Land of Lightning or the Land of Water. At most, the Third Kazekage once raided the Land of Water's territory, and Shinto used a few lion heads to knock Hozuki Gengetsu unconscious, causing him to be hit by the Second Tsuchikage's area-of-effect attack and die... that's all!

However, those are all things of the past, and so many years have passed that the hatred of the previous generation has faded.

The Land of Lightning and the Land of Wind didn't have much of a grudge; usually, it was just minor skirmishes between their secret services.

There's nothing wrong with notifying the leaders of these two "friendly" countries.

However, the relationship between Sunagakure, Iwagakure, and Konoha is well-known in the ninja world. Although there was no substantial evidence in the Tailed Beast incident in Iwagakure and in the various major incidents in Konoha, the shadow of Shiki the Golden Lion was more or less involved. When Shiki the Golden Lion fought with White Fang and split his village in half, Onoki celebrated with a grand banquet.

That was the end of the relationship. Chiyo still sent someone to inform Hiruzen Sarutobi and Onoki, the two de facto leaders.

Although it's unknown what Onoki and Hiruzen Sarutobi thought after receiving the news, as powerful figures, they still had to show their dignity. Hiruzen Sarutobi said that the grand gift would be delivered on time for the wedding day.

At this time, Onoki also said that his ceremony was definitely bigger than Hiruzen Sarutobi's, and the scale was also much larger!

At the same time, Hiruzen Sarutobi also stated that no matter how big the gift or how grand the display, Konoha was no less powerful than anyone else!

These two have started arguing here...

Notifying all four major ninja villages is essentially the same as informing the ninja world that Chiyo's son is getting married. With bosses like Konoha, Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and Kirigakure sending people, how could the smaller ninja villages possibly pretend they didn't see or hear it?

"Are you all ready? Masato, hurry up and go greet the guests. Kaizo's tongue is too clumsy..."

At this moment, Chiyo, dressed in a beautiful outfit and with a radiant complexion, looking as if she had become twenty years younger, walked in leaning on a "dragon-headed cane" and said.

“…”

Masato rolled his dead fish eyes as if he hadn't heard the words "receiving guests," and ran off happily. At this moment, Chiyo should never talk back to her. Today is her son's wedding, she is the boss, and if she says she'll receive guests, then she'll receive guests.

......

"Yo! Isn't this... the famous strategist and chief priest of Kumogakure? Brother Raikage, you're too kind of you to send someone as the number two in Kumogakure as a gift. I'm so sorry for not welcoming you properly!!"

When Masato arrived at the door, the important figures of Sunagakure had already arrived. Today was the wedding of the legitimate heir of Sunagakure to the princess of the Yusa clan. Chiyo had made such a grand occasion that even the Kazekage of Sunagakure had to skip work early in the morning to stand in line and show his support. Not to mention these cowards who would turn their legs weak at the sight of Chiyo and the Chikamatsu Ten.

However, the real focus of the fight wasn't on these cowards, but on the middle-aged man in the distance who was leading a team of James and looking like they were going to the finals. Although he had never seen this middle-aged man in person, he was the head of the Azabu clan, one of the big-headed clans in the ninja world, and the strategist and chief priest of Kumogakure. He didn't expect Chiyo to have such a big reputation. He originally thought that Kumogakure would just send some third or fourth-ranking person with some gifts and that would be fine. After all, the relationship between Sunagakure and Kumogakure was really just so-so. They were just teammates on the surface, not like Onoki and Hiruzen Sarutobi who were competing in terms of wealth and prestige.

"Lord Golden Lion, you flatter me. I'm just a clerk, hardly worthy of being called a number two. Lord Golden Lion has been a formidable figure in the ninja world for years; there aren't many who can compare to you!"

The leader of the Azabu clan, who was startled by the loud voice from afar, looked at the man in front of him with surprise. Although he had never seen him in person, he was so familiar with him that he had been the Golden Lion of Sunagakure in the news for years. He humbly complimented him.

He hadn't expected that the Sand Village Golden Lion would be so eloquent, making him a little conceited with just a few words. But did he really think he wanted to come?

It's that idiot Onoki and that idiot Hiruzen Sarutobi again. Those two are openly at odds. Even though the Raikage doesn't say it, he's definitely worried, otherwise he wouldn't have sent his second-in-command. He's been traveling like a log, practically eating sand and dust his fill...

"What reputation of being renowned throughout the ninja world is nothing but empty fame. How can it compare to you, the strategist and chief priest? Your Raikage once said that Kumogakure can do without him, but it cannot do without you, the strategist. Everyone has witnessed the development of Kumogakure over the years and the efforts it has made for the peace of the ninja world. Chief Azabu, you have truly made great contributions to the present and future generations..."

148. Okay, Onoki, you win.

"Not at all, not as good as Lord Golden Lion..."

"You flatter me, you're the best, Chief Mabu..."

......

"If everyone had this kid's eloquence, the ninja world wouldn't need to fight..."

A group of people around stared in disbelief at the two who were praising each other during the commercial performance. Hai Zang sighed sincerely.

He was almost driven to despair just dealing with the villagers, but this kid was chatting away with people from another village like butterflies, acting like they were sworn brothers the moment they met. That kind of skill isn't something you learn just by getting older; some things are definitely innate...

"Uh-huh....!"

The people around nodded in agreement. They had all experienced firsthand how eloquent this guy was over the years, and they both loved and hated him. But to be able to chat so enthusiastically with someone from another village, or even a rival village, on their first meeting was truly an eye-opener for them. Every time they encountered someone from another village, they were secretly on guard against them coming here.