Konoha: Naruto, trained by Aizen

In the days that followed, Tsunade, who had just taken over the position of Hokage, was overwhelmed with the affairs of the Hokage.

Jiraiya patronized the bathhouse for only a few days before becoming a frequent visitor.

Upon returning to the village, Sasuke threw himself back into training.

Jiraiya, who had nothing better to do, would occasionally offer some guidance.

Naruto has really been resting these past few days, and even his training has been temporarily slowed down.

Just a few days later, before he had even had a chance to fully grasp the information about the Land of Demons' commission, a piece of terrible news arrived.

Rock Lee's parents died in an accident while on a mission outside the village, and their bodies have now been returned to the village.

The incident happened so suddenly that everyone was caught off guard.

Upon receiving this news, Naruto's first reaction was not sadness, but rather suspicion.

Perhaps due to his long-standing habit of hiding himself, he became suspicious and prone to distrust.

“Rock Lee’s parents were both just genin and rarely went on missions outside the village, let alone dangerous ones.”

"How could it be such a coincidence that the commission encountered an accident? And I heard that all the companions who came with them survived, while only the two of them died."

"There are just too many coincidences, which makes one suspicious."

"If their deaths weren't accidental, who would want to kill them? Could it be... Danzo?"

The first suspect that popped into Naruto's mind was Danzo.

Danzo was ruthless and had a "perfectionist" attitude towards people.

The vast majority of ninjas who joined Root were orphans with no family ties.

Therefore, Rock Lee's joining set a precedent.

Judging from Danzo's nature, he wanted to mold Rock Lee into Naruto's most loyal subordinate.

However, for Root, ninjas with family ties are a huge weakness.

If Rock Lee's family is coerced in the future, will he reveal information about Root?

Having more emotional attachments means having more weaknesses.

Given Danzo's cautious nature, he would never allow such an accident to happen.

Therefore, it seems understandable that Lee Rock would be made "clean" through a commission.

That way, Rock Lee will be completely loyal to Naruto.

Let's become Naruto's most useful subordinate!

It seems.

Danzo was quite sincere and thought a lot about Naruto.

Whether this guess is correct or not, it means that Naruto needs to be more vigilant.

Danzo was no pushover; he was capable of such heinous acts against his own villagers.

Once Danzo discovers his true thoughts, he'll be in huge trouble.

Naruto's eyes darkened. Arriving at the cemetery, Rock Lee knelt before the grave, weeping uncontrollably.

My friends were all standing behind me.

Tenten, Neji, Sasuke, Sakura, and even Hinata's group who had just finished their mission were there.

"Naruto, you're here." Seeing Naruto, Sasuke breathed a sigh of relief: "It's all up to you now." He patted Naruto on the shoulder.

“We’ve tried to comfort him for a long time, but it’s no use. Young man, let your youth ignite his passion.” Kai, his face streaked with tears, sobbed as he grabbed Naruto’s arm.

Everyone's face was filled with sorrow.

This scene left everyone feeling somewhat wistful.

The ninja world is too cruel.

The tragedy came too suddenly.

Having been a ninja for less than a year, he had already witnessed the cruelty and bloodshed of the ninja world.

Everyone's hands were stained with blood.

It also witnessed life and death.

Ninjas are never just playing house.

People will die.

This made them start to think.

How heartbroken their families would be if they died in the line of duty.

"I'm counting on you, Rock Lee." Kay was the one who felt this most deeply.

He had previously mentored disciples.

But these disciples either died or gave up being ninjas.

When they see loved ones die on a mission, or when they witness the cruelty and reality of the task, many people will back down.

Kai was worried that Rock Lee would be discouraged and give up becoming a ninja.

After everyone had left, Naruto approached Rock Lee.

This scene feels somewhat familiar.

Rock Lee, who was once insecure, also suffered a period of depression.

Back then, he was saddened by his lack of strength.

He is now grieving the loss of his family.

“The world of ninjas is cruel,” Naruto said softly.

"The moment you become a ninja, your life is no longer in your own control."

"I won't say much more. You have to be strong. Didn't you say you would follow me?" Naruto's tone remained gentle.

He was not moved at all.

Because from the very beginning, he embarked on a path that was even more ruthless and cruel than that of a ninja.

This is the level of awareness he possesses.

"Death is sad, but you must remember that you are a ninja. A ninja does not dwell on the past. Master Danzo has given me a new mission to go to the Land of Demons. That mission may involve contact with the Pure Land, and it is a very dangerous mission. But I am ready. If you are not ready, I will set off first with Aburame Nene tomorrow."

A gentle breeze swept by, stirring up the fallen leaves on the ground.

Lee Locke stared blankly at the fallen leaves that were swept up by the wind and drifted like duckweed on the ground.

From this day forward, he too is like a fallen leaf, without anything to rely on.

Hearing Naruto's words, a glimmer of light gradually returned to his empty eyes.

Yes, I did say that myself.

We must follow Naruto.

But now I'm wallowing in the pain of losing my family, like a dog.

He looked up at Naruto.

Naruto's smile was gentle in the sunlight.

Those who don't know might think Naruto has a harmonious and happy family.

But Rock Lee knew.

Naruto has a tragic past, suffering malice from birth.

He was the first to know Naruto and watched Naruto gain recognition with his smile all the way.

He was deeply moved, stood up, and wiped away his tears.

"I apologize for the spectacle, Naruto. From this day forward, I am a Root ninja, a Sage. I am your most reliable and loyal follower!"

.......

Chapter 154 The Demon Kingdom's Request Begins! A Wraith?

The Land of Demons is a tiny, ancient village located northwest of Konoha.

Although small, it has existed for thousands of years, living according to customs from a thousand years ago.

They worship witches and spirits.

The Land of Demons is a mysterious country with priestesses who have lived for generations. They possess the ability to seal away demons and to foresee the future.

Monster?

This is a new creature that Naruto learned about after summoning beasts.

In unofficial historical records, things that defy common sense and are bizarre and terrifying can be called demons or ghosts.

Humans like to give terrifying names to things they've never seen before that evoke fear.

Just like how the Konoha leadership refers to Hollows as monsters.

However, with the advancement of Konoha's ninjutsu and technology, many phenomena related to ghosts and monsters have been explained.

Just like.

The Mountain Clan's Mind Transfer Technique can also be considered as the soul leaving the body and entering another person's body.

There is also the Impure World Reincarnation, which allows the deceased soul to be reborn in other bodies to varying degrees.

When the nature of the soul is developed, all ghostly phenomena seem to become reasonable.

If this had happened a decade or two ago, it might have scared off a lot of ninjas, but now it's just a simple escort mission.

Requested item: The Land of Demons.

Signs of an uprising by demons in the Land of Demons have emerged. Protect the current priestess, Shion.

Below the main text is a densely packed list of information about the shrine maiden.