novelhk Chapter 147 Exchange, Kikyo's Rebirth
Chapter 147 Exchange, Kikyo's Rebirth
Chapter 138 Exchange, Kikyo's Rebirth
The Thousand Hands Mansion, with its underground secret chamber.
Xingyuan Qianshuo's main body received the memories transmitted back by the shadow clone, and his expression paused slightly.
"Wow—this shadow clone is really something else. It actually encountered Xuan Neng and even managed to recruit him."
Based on the original memories, the shadow clone had anticipated the reaction of Xuan Neng, and with the help of malicious perception and Kagura's mental eye to judge emotions, it took the initiative to try to recruit him.
Even so, he had prepared a backup plan. If the recruitment failed, he would act immediately.
He even left his Flying Thunder God mark at the scene.
If the shadow clone is accidentally scattered, the main body can instantly arrive at the battlefield after receiving the memories, without fear of the opponent escaping.
After all, Xuan Neng possessed the means to severely damage Konoha.
"I didn't mention the explosive tags he planted in Konoha to Xuan Neng—Shadow clones are definitely not something to bring up proactively, and Xuan Neng deliberately avoided it, so it seems his desire for revenge hasn't faded yet." Xingyuan Qianshuo sorted through his memories, thinking to himself, "The sooner this hidden danger is dealt with, the better."
After a moment's thought, he made a decision and opened the system's organization section.
[Name: Xuan Neng]
Age: 42
Chakra: 11566
[Attributes: Fire, Wind, Earth, Yin]
[Skills: Explosive Tags, Substitution Explosion, Basic Taijutsu, Summoning Jutsu, Genjutsu, Sensory Ninjutsu —]
[Faith: 24%]
"His chakra reserves are just barely at the threshold of an elite Jonin, and he doesn't have many powerful offensive ninjutsu," Hoshino Senju analyzed. "But this person is the top template of an ordinary ninja, with all abilities at a proficient level. Moreover, he has extremely high intelligence, is very experienced, and is good at scheming. He should not be underestimated."
"His conviction level has reached 24%, which exceeds the requirements of the system's side quests. At least we don't have to worry about him easily going back on his word."
After analyzing the situation, he focused his attention on the skill bar. The system then displayed a timely notification:
[Skill "Mechanical Explosive Tag", rating B, requires 200 reputation points to exchange]
"Only a B rating? 200 reputation points isn't too expensive."
He glanced at his current reputation score—a number that had been slowly increasing and had now reached 14386 points.
Without hesitation, Xingyuan Qianshuo's mind stirred, and he chose to exchange.
In an instant, a flood of memories about the setup of mechanisms and the placement of detonating tags rushed into his mind.
"Wow, there are so many details and techniques," he thought to himself.
It includes a wealth of experience in rock strata analysis, building layout, and terrain orientation, all aimed at maximizing the destructive power of the detonating tactic.
He had previously received the "Trap Setting" skill bonus, but it was more geared towards outdoor environments. This time, the "Detonating Trap" bonus is much more comprehensive, especially in terms of destroying building structures.
With this experience, Xingyuan Qianshuo recalled the explosive tags that spread like a spider web throughout Konoha in the original work, and he already had a clear idea of what to do and a solution.
He closed his eyes and sensed the Flying Thunder God Kunai he had given to Xuan Neng; it was slowly moving at the edge of Konoha Village.
"Once Xuan Neng leaves Konoha, I'll check those explosive tags and cut off the connecting devices to prevent a chain reaction of explosions," Xingyuan Qianshuo secretly decided.
He planned to keep the matter a secret and handle it himself.
Otherwise, once reported, the village will definitely investigate with all its might. Based on the rune pattern of the explosive tag and the year it was buried in the building, it would be easy to trace it back to Yangyan Village in the Mountain Country, and then find out Xuan Neng.
Once the decision was made, there was no need to dwell on it.
He looked up at Tsunade across the table. The pale blue light illuminated her focused profile. Hoshino Senju's lips curved into a slight smile before he lowered his head to continue reading the scroll.
Time passed slowly as the two studied quietly.
Xingyuan Qianshuo memorized the ninjutsu related to fire, earth, lightning, and wood release found in the secret room, and also carefully read "Research on Natural Energy and Sage Techniques".
The book details the methods of cultivating immortal arts in Shikkotsu Forest, while only briefly mentioning Mount Myōboku and Ryūchi Cave.
The initial training method in Shikkotsu Forest involves being enveloped by slugs to sense and absorb natural energy. This process is equally dangerous, as one may be corroded and dissolved.
In addition to the Sage Mode of the three holy lands, it also records the terrifying destructive power of the Earth Spider Clan's "Raging Heaven".
According to the book, the practice in the three sacred sites requires a deep resonance with natural energy to achieve "balance between body and mind and nature," which places extremely high demands on the practitioner's character.
Using his elder brother Hashirama as an example, Tobirama Senju believed that those with a "pure heart" are more likely to achieve Sage Mode.
The Earth Spider Clan's "Raging Heaven" compresses natural energy into a one-time destructive weapon, abandoning control and pursuing maximum output, making it suitable as a strategic deterrent rather than a conventional combat force.
After reading it, Xingyuan Qianshuo pondered to himself: "Do I possess the heart of a child? It's probably difficult to master Sage Mode on my own. If I wait for a system reward, I can only obtain it from Jiraiya or Minato. However, once my chakra reserves are more abundant, I'll have to find a slug to try training with."
He closed the book, looked up, and met Tsunade's smiling gaze.
"Finished watching? Sage Mode is just as demanding and dangerous as the Flying Thunder God Technique," Tsunade said softly. "But with the slug's help, the danger can be controlled. Chisaku, are you planning to train?"
"Yes, we should at least give it a try," Xingyuan Qianshuo replied. "But my strength is still in a period of rapid improvement. Once I have more chakra, the margin for error during training will be higher."
"Alright." Tsunade nodded.
She wasn't sure where Qian Shuo's talent limit lay, but deep down she hoped he could become as powerful as her great-grandfather.
"Let's go have lunch first."
"Um."
"
The two quickly tidied up and left the secret room together.
In a courtyard corridor, they encountered a sullen Kushina.
"Kushina, what's wrong? Is Minato on another mission?" Tsunade asked.
"Minato didn't go on a mission; he went on a date with another woman," Kushina said through gritted teeth.
"Huh? How could that be?" Tsunade and Chisaku both showed surprised expressions.
"Hmph, it's just my shadow clone," Kushina explained. "We agreed to dispel it by noon, but it still hasn't returned."
The two were speechless.
"Kushina, are your shadow clones allowed to go out now?" Hoshigen Chisaku asked.
He clearly remembered that the Nine-Tails' power could spread through the Jinchūriki's shadow clones. Without the barrier's suppression, the shadow clones could also become a weak point for the Nine-Tails to break through.
"Yeah, I've already discussed it with Kurama. We're going out for a walk together. It's too boring staying at home," Kushina said. "Minato has also asked the Third Hokage for permission."
"Alright, the shadow clone is just you, isn't it? In the end, you just want to play around outside," Tsunade laughed. "Complaining about yourself, really."
"Hehe, of course I know, but I just can't help it," Kushina replied with a laugh.
The three of them had lunch together.
Just as they finished eating, Kushina's shadow clone walked in, beaming, with her arm around Minato's.
Kushina's expression changed, she snorted coldly, and then dispelled the shadow clone.
Seeing this, Minato looked helpless.
However, after her memories returned, Kushina's feelings were different. After all, the shadow clones were herself, and they could complain to each other when they were separated, but it didn't matter after the memories merged.
She approached him with a playful laugh, and like a shadow clone, she grabbed Minato's arm, continuing their previous intimacy, and pulled him to "have another lunch."
Just then, an uninvited guest wearing a mask suddenly appeared—it was Sarutobi Shinnosuke.
"Jonin Minato, Jonin Senju, the Third Hokage urgently summons you," Shinnosuke said in a deep voice.
Xingyuan Qianshuo and Minato's expressions tightened, and the same thought simultaneously flashed through their minds: "An emergency mission?"
Without saying much, the two exchanged a glance with Tsunade and Kushina, who both had serious expressions, before instantly disappearing and heading straight for the Hokage Building.
The two knocked and entered the Hokage's office.
"Third Generation Lord." Hoshino Senju and Minato bowed respectfully.
"Minato, Senju, this time I need you to go to Kikyo Castle and the Land of Rivers." Hiruzen Sarutobi said solemnly.
"The Land of Rivers again?" Hoshino Sensaku's heart skipped a beat.
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Chisaku and continued, "Chisaku, you've only been back from the Land of Rivers for a few days. The reward for your last mission included a ten-year mining right to the Drunken Grass Gold Mine."
"This gold mine is currently controlled by the Morino family, a separatist force in the Land of Rivers. They have hired bounty hunters from the underground black market to obstruct the Konoha team sent by Kikyo Castle. Our people have suffered casualties, and the wounded have retreated back to Kikyo Castle. We need you to go there immediately to treat them."
"Yes, Third Generation," Hoshino Senju replied.
"Minato, you three-person team will team up with Chisaku and head to the Land of Rivers to handle this matter."
"Yes, Third Hokage." Minato accepted the order.
He pondered for a moment, then asked, "Third Generation Leader, how should we deal with the Morino family?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned, took a deep drag on his pipe, slowly exhaled the smoke, and said in a deep voice, "If the Morino family is willing to back down, then let them pay compensation. If they refuse to back down—you can decide for yourselves."
Xingyuan Qianshuo frowned slightly upon hearing this, but remained silent.
After a moment's thought, Minato replied, "Understood."
"Okay, go ahead." Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand.
The two then took their leave.
"Chisaku, the mission is urgent. Do you need to prepare?" Minato asked.
"I carry all my medical supplies with me, but I need to say goodbye to Tsunade," Hoshino Senju replied.
"Alright, let's go back together. I'll send my shadow clone to find Dekayi and Maki. We'll leave in ten minutes."
"no problem."
The two quickly returned to the Senju residence and said their goodbyes.
"Where are we going this time?" Tsunade frowned slightly, her eyes filled with concern.
"It's still the Land of Rivers. The reward for the last mission included the mining rights to the Grass Gold Mine. The mine has been seized by local forces, who have hired bounty hunters to prevent Konoha from taking it over," Hoshino Sensaku explained.
"Do you have any information on bounty hunters?"
"Not yet, we need to go to Kikyo Castle to find out more details."
I won't go with you this time. Please be careful on your own.
"Okay, don't worry, I'll be fine."
"Don't hide the Flying Thunder God Technique when you're in danger; use it when necessary."
"I see."
Xingyuan Qianshuo gently kissed Tsunade's forehead and pulled her into his arms.
After a brief moment of tenderness, he changed into a green vest and left the room.
Soon, he met up with Minato and they left the mansion together.
Xingyuan Qianshuo still remembered the explosive tags that Xuan Neng left in Konoha.
He sensed that one of his Flying Thunder God Seals had left Konoha and was slowly moving north.
After a moment's thought, he formed a hand seal and created a shadow clone.
Seeing Minato's gaze, he explained, "My four students are still on a mission. I'll send a shadow clone to inform them."
Minato nodded.
The two continued their journey towards the gates of Konoha.
The shadow clone then went to the Konoha Library and gave a brief explanation to the four students.
The library task is not demanding, but it requires meticulousness and patience and will take about two days to complete.
The shadow clones instructed them to continue their training under Hyuga Tetsu's leadership after the event, and the four nodded in agreement.
Having finished giving his instructions, the shadow clone did not linger and quickly left the library.
He first formed hand seals to sense his surroundings, then activated Kagura's Mind's Eye. Only after confirming that he had not sensed any mysterious chakra did he feel relieved.
In a secluded corner, the shadow clone quietly transformed into an ordinary villager and began to patrol Konoha Village discreetly.
Using the experience he gained from the morning with the explosive tags, he walked around observing the layout of Konoha's buildings and carefully explored the area with his sensory abilities.
In the original story, the detonation point for the explosive tags was set in the ninja tool throwing training room at the ninja academy. However, that was a detonation device added by Xuan Neng later, and the situation may be quite different now.
To create a shadow clone, you need to first figure out the connections between all the explosive tags before cutting or dismantling them.
Xingyuan Qianshuo's main body met up with Minato's teammates Dekai and Kida Maki at the Konoha gate.
"Dekayi, Maki, it's nice to see you again." Hoshino Senju greeted them with a smile.
"Dr. Qian Shuo, I'm not afraid of getting hurt when I go on missions with you," Dekayi said cheerfully.
"Dr. Chisaku, it's a pleasure to work alongside you again," Maki Kida replied gently.
The group were all acquaintances, knew each other's capabilities, and had little concern about the mission.
Even without considering the hidden strength of Hoshigen Chisaku, a team of four Jonin is already the top-tier squad configuration in Konoha.
"Chisaku, let's travel at full speed, treat the wounded in Kikyo Castle, and rest for one night, okay?" Minato asked.
"Sure, no problem," Xingyuan Qianshuo replied.
In this mission, treating the wounded is urgent, but dealing with the bounty hunters and the Morino family can be delayed, allowing for rest and recovery in Kikyo Castle.
The four of them immediately set off and sped away.
The last time Sakumo led his team to the Land of Rivers, it was an emergency march; now they are almost a quarter faster than that.
They set off at around 12:30 pm, and by 4:30 pm, the four of them had arrived at the archway of the castle wall below Kikyō Castle.
After a brief exchange with the guards, they continued on for a while, then climbed the stone steps halfway up the mountain and arrived at Kikyo Castle.
After being checked by the castle guards, the four were led to the wounded's rest room.
Inside the rest room, Kenjiro Akagi stood anxiously beside two severely wounded soldiers who were barely breathing.
He never expected that the Morino family would be so crazy as to hire underground bounty hunters to attack the Konoha team.
Of the eight men in the two teams, three died, two were seriously injured, and the rest suffered minor injuries, and they retreated in disarray.
Although the five wounded have received emergency treatment, two of them are in critical condition and urgently need more skilled medical ninjas to treat them.
The report had already been urgently sent back to Konoha. Judging by the time, it would take at least another hour for reinforcements to arrive.
Just then, Xingyuan Qianshuo and the other three entered the lounge.
Kenjiro Akagi was overjoyed and stood up to greet him.
"Not Lady Tsunade?" A hint of doubt flashed in his eyes, and his joyful mood sank a little.
"Ken-senpai, it's been a long time," Minato greeted.
"Minato, Dekaichi, Maki, and Dr. Chisaku, you've arrived," Ken Akagi greeted them quickly.
"Greetings, Senior Ken. It's nice to see you again." After a brief greeting, Hoshino Senju turned his gaze to the two seriously injured people in the room. "Their injuries are urgent. I will begin treatment immediately."
"Okay, thank you." Ken Akagi nodded quickly.
He had been stationed on the western border for a long time, and his last encounter with Xingyuan Qianshuo was only brief. He didn't know much about this young medical ninja who had recently gained fame.
There were two ninjas inside the room who knew basic medical ninjutsu. They had already provided emergency treatment to the seriously injured person and now quietly made way for them.
Xingyuan Qianshuo didn't ask any further questions and directly checked the injuries through the system:
Name: Iron Blade
[Condition: Multiple comminuted rib fractures, lung injury]
Name: Nobuyoshi Hayashihara
[Condition: Puncture wound to the side of the abdomen, damage to the liver and pancreas]
Both men had been injured for some time and were barely breathing.
Xingyuan Qianshuo did not hold back his chakra, forming hand seals to create a shadow clone that simultaneously treated the two.
He had treated this type of injury many times before, and the treatment was completed in just a few minutes.
Ken Akagi repeatedly thanked the injured.
After exchanging a few polite words, Xingyuan Qianshuo quickly healed the three lightly injured soldiers, then dispelled the shadow clone and reclaimed his chakra.
After instructing the seriously injured to rest, the group left the lounge.
Xingyuan Qianshuo glanced at the system rewards, which were all about increasing proficiency, and without paying much attention, directly collected them.
Kenjiro Akagi and his three companions were led to the castle's reception room to rest.
"Ken-senpai, please explain the details of the mission. What is the number and strength of the enemies?" Minato asked, getting straight to the point after sitting down.
"Sigh—" Ken Akagi sighed, his tone heavy. "This time it was my oversight. I only sent two elite squads. I didn't expect the Morino family to be so prepared, and to have the audacity to hire bounty hunters."
"The enemy has about twenty people, including ninjas and samurai. Their strength is at least that of elite Chunin, and two or three of them are at the Jonin level."
Minato Namikaze nodded slightly. The information wasn't detailed; it should be a bounty hunter organization, but their specific name was still unknown.
Judging from the fact that the Konoha team was able to retreat despite their injuries, the enemy's strength was not overwhelming, but it's hard to rule out the possibility that some hidden masters were deliberately feigning weakness. After all, the Morino family has long controlled gold mines and is extremely wealthy, certainly capable of hiring renowned bounty hunters.
After a moment's hesitation, Minato Namikaze said, "Ken-senpai, our group will rest for one night and head to Morino Castle tomorrow morning. Please send someone familiar with the route to accompany us."
"Shouldn't we send a few more squads along?" Kenji Akagi asked.
"No need," Minato replied calmly.
"Alright, I'll have Kazekatsu Naruto go with you." Akagi Ken said, looking at the ninja who looked to be about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old—one of the lightly injured people who had just been healed by Hoshigen Chisaku.