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"Yes. By the way, Jūgo will come along too," Shinji suddenly remembered. Since the Tsuchigumo clan could absorb natural energy, perhaps they could complement Jūgo in the future. After all, for Jūgo, the Sage Body within him could naturally absorb natural energy. And once his own natural energy exceeded a certain amount, Jūgo would directly go berserk.
"Lord Shinji, I want to go too!" Karin, seeing Deidara and Jūgo both being named, naturally didn't want to be left alone in the All-Purpose Shop.
"Alright then. Let's all go together," Shinji thought for a moment. Indeed, leaving Karin alone here was somewhat inappropriate.
"Yay! I'll go pack my clothes and stuff now," Karin said happily, then rushed upstairs like a wisp of smoke to start packing her luggage. Deidara and Jūgo did the same, returning to their rooms to prepare clothes and other things.
Soon, the four had packed their respective belongings. After putting everything into Shinji's system space, they closed the door and left the All-Purpose Shop.
"Lord Danzō, the people from the All-Purpose Shop have all left," In Root, a Root ninja reported before Danzō.
"Left? Do you know where their destination is?" Danzō stopped writing. At this moment, his bandage had been re-wrapped, and his right eye was just an ordinary three-tomoe Sharingan.
"Temporarily unknown. But after leaving the village, they headed east," the Root ninja said.
"I understand. Temporarily hold off tracking. It would be troublesome if discovered," Danzō said after careful consideration. After all, his current strength had significantly decreased. Rashly tracking Shinji, if discovered, Danzō didn't want to be completelytormented by some 'real lies' again.
"Okay."
...
"Hiruzen, didn't expect you to actually make no move," After the Root ninja left, Danzō clasped his hands together alone. He originally thought that after he revealed Shinji's information, Hiruzen Sarutobi would definitely take some other action. But unexpectedly. Hiruzen Sarutobi actually stayed calmly at the front line, showing no intention of returning at all. This directly dashed Danzō's plan to divert disaster eastwards.
"Still need other methods," Danzō's gaze suddenly deepened somewhat. As Konoha's Darkness, Shinji's existence felt like a fishbone stuck in his throat, uncomfortable.
"Lord Shinji, how much further?" Shinji and the others didn't accelerate forward, but walked leisurely towards the east. Two days later, the four arrived before a plain. And at the center point of the plain, a huge fortress appeared before everyone.
"Is this the place where the Tsuchigumo clan lives? It's really tall," Deidara looked curiously at this tall fortress. Outside the fortress was a deep ditch, surrounding the entire structure.
"Yes. The people of the Tsuchigumo clan live up there," Shinji looked at the contents of the scroll. This was indeed the residence of the Tsuchigumo clan.
"Then let's hurry up. I can hardly wait anymore. Really looking forward to that art!" After Deidara finished speaking, he ran forward first. But soon, Deidara triggered the traps set by the Tsuchigumo clan. Instantly, numerous exploding tags began to detonate, enveloping Deidara's body within.
However, even so, Shinji and the other two didn't seem worried about Deidara at all, just watching Deidara's position.
"Yaya, these are just the most ordinary exploding tags," After the smoke cleared, Deidara still held several unexploded tags in his hand. Clearly, these traps all used exploding tags as the detonation condition. With Deidara clearing the mines ahead, Shinji, Karin, and Jūgo just followed behind. Having someone unafraid of explosions in front was really much more convenient.
Soon, under Deidara's mine clearing, the four finally arrived before the ditch.
"Let me make a bridge," Deidara volunteered. Then, following his actions, a seemingly normal earth bridge appeared.
"Deidara, I dare not walk on your bridge. Ahem, Karin," Shinji said to Karin. After all, Deidara's bridge was really somewhat difficult to step on. After all, one never knew when explosive things might appear. Emm... perhaps this was an explosive bridge made with explosive items?
Soon, Karin used wind to give everyone a wing BUFF. Then, several people flew directly upwards and arrived above the fortress.
"Guests from afar, may I ask what business brings you here?" At this time, atop the fortress was a large house. And at this moment, an old grandpa with white hair sat on top, seemingly completely unsurprised by the arrival of Shinji and the others.
"You must be En no Gyōja of the Tsuchigumo clan?" Shinji came before the old man, the answer already in his heart.
"Indeed. Are you ninjas from Konoha?" En no Gyōja stated calmly. This place seemed to have only been passed through by Konoha ninjas some time ago.
"No, no. We represent another village today, not Konoha," Shinji walked before En no Gyōja and sat down.
"Another village? Which one?" En no Gyōja looked puzzledly at Shinji. He originally thought these were people from Konoha coming for liaison.
"We represent Otogakure. I am Shinji, a partner of Otogakure," Shinji stated his identity directly. After all, he came this time wanting to recruit the Tsuchigumo clan into Otogakure. Only this way could Otogakure's development keep pace. So, Shinji planned to pull the Tsuchigumo clan over.
"Otogakure... The Otogakure founded jointly by the Konoha missing-nin Orochimaru and the Takigakure missing-nin Kakuzu, right? But why should our Tsuchigumo clan go to that unknown small village?" En no Gyōja closed his eyes, just stating this sentence calmly.
"Because our Otogakure can protect the Tsuchigumo clan," Shinji looked at En no Gyōja's actions, stood up, and came beside the pond near the house.
"Can protect our Tsuchigumo clan? Hehe, Shinji... right? How can your Otogakure protect our Tsuchigumo clan? Remember, the forbidden technique we possess is something even the other five villages fear," En no Gyōja stood up, pulled Shinji aside, and came beside Shinji.
"As long as I exist, I can protect you. Besides, the secret technique your Tsuchigumo clan possesses is considered the most powerful forbidden technique, right? Just on your back..." Shinji looked meaningfully at En no Gyōja's back. That must be the location of the Tsuchigumo clan's forbidden technique - Rage.
Sensing Shinji's gaze, En no Gyōja's body suddenly trembled. Then he looked warily at Shinji. This was the greatest secret of their Tsuchigumo clan. Yet this secret was now known by this Shinji.
"Looks like Shinji..."
"You can call me Boss Shinji. After all, I run the All-Purpose Shop," Shinji stated calmly.
"Boss Shinji? Since you've arrived at our Tsuchigumo clan's residence, then you should also know clearly what kind of existence the forbidden technique possessed by our Tsuchigumo clan is," En no Gyōja looked at the goldfish swimming in the pond water, momentarily lost in thought.
"Of course, I know. Rage. A forbidden technique capable of absorbing natural energy, thereby forming the most powerful explosion," Shinji enunciated word by word.
"This is your Tsuchigumo clan's most powerful ninjutsu? Can you show me? Can you show me?" Just as Shinji finished speaking, Deidara spoke excitedly. After all, for the current Deidara, the forbidden technique of the Tsuchigumo clan, existing only in legends, was extremely attractive.
"Who is this?" En no Gyōja looked at Deidara who suddenly jumped out.
"This is Deidara. Formerly the disciple of the Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki. Now he's one of our All-Purpose Shop people."
"Deidara? Really... Are you so fond of this forbidden technique that brings misfortune?" En no Gyōja looked at the pure excitement in Deidara's eyes. This seemed quite similar to his own expression when he first learned about his Tsuchigumo clan's forbidden technique.
"No, no, that's not some forbidden technique, that's the greatest art!" Deidara said excitedly, even wanting En no Gyōja to demonstrate it on the spot.
"Art..." En no Gyōja repeated twice. This personality really resembled his younger self.
"It's almost mealtime. Doesn't En no Gyōja intend to keep us for a meal?" Looking at the time, Shinji suddenly spoke to En no Gyōja.
"Ah, it's already mealtime. Getting old, can't even remember the time anymore," En no Gyōja laughed heartily, then stood up and walked into the house.
PS: Forgot it's the beginning of the month, begging for free tickets, blades, etc. Thank you~
En no Gyōja laughed heartily, then stood up and walked into the house. Shinji and the others also followed inside. Upon entering the room, what greeted the eye was some very simple furniture. En no Gyōja nodded, then went directly towards the kitchen. Before long, waves of aroma floated out from the kitchen.
"Grandpa, can we eat now~" Suddenly, a voice came from the second floor. Shinji turned his head to look. A golden-haired girl, about four or five years old, walked down from the second floor.
"Who are you?" Upon seeing Shinji, the girl suddenly put on a guarded expression.
"You must be Hotaru Tsuchigumo? En no Gyōja's granddaughter," Shinji looked her up and down, then spoke to Hotaru Tsuchigumo.
"How do you know my name?" Hotaru looked puzzledly at Shinji. She clearly didn't know him; why did he know her name?
"Hotaru, go serve the dishes," Just then, En no Gyōja came out from the kitchen, glanced thoughtfully at Shinji.
"Okay, Grandpa~" Hotaru immediately said, then curiously glanced at Shinji before running towards the kitchen.
"I'll help," Karin saw Hotaru Tsuchigumo, who was about her age, already going into the kitchen to prepare serving things, and also rushed straight in.
"Didn't expect Boss Shinji to be quite clear about our family matters," En no Gyōja stated calmly, his words full of probing. Towards someone whose intentions towards the Tsuchigumo clan were unknown, it was no wonder En no Gyōja was more cautious.
"I have some understanding. But Lord En no Gyōja, please believe us. We hold no ill intentions, the same towards your Tsuchigumo clan," Shinji saw En no Gyōja's worry. After all, he broke through the Tsuchigumo clan's defenses just like that, directly arriving at this place. It was hard not to let En no Gyōja's imagination run wild.
"I know. But regarding your Otogakure's request, please forgive our Tsuchigumo clan for not being able to accept. After all, we are a peace-loving clan. We don't intend to get involved in the twists and turns between your villages," Although so, En no Gyōja still refused Shinji's invitation.
Shinji wasn't surprised by En no Gyōja's refusal; it was expected. If the Tsuchigumo clan really wanted to join some power, then the first choice would definitely be the currently most prosperous Konoha. And in the original story, even Hiruzen Sarutobi, skilled in manipulating hearts, couldn't move the Tsuchigumo clan. Only a verbal cooperation of mutual support was left between the two sides.
"Yes, Lord En no Gyōja. Our Otogakure is also a peace-loving village. After all, no one likes war, right?" Shinji said with a smile. Just then, Hotaru brought the dishes out from the kitchen. Karin followed behind, holding some chopsticks, spoons, and other utensils. Hotaru Tsuchigumo, while putting down the dishes, still looked curiously at Shinji. This very handsome youth seemed able to communicate equally with her grandpa. Compared to when other guests came, who were always respectful, this felt somewhat novel.
"Hehe, Orochimaru and Kakuzu, I still know these two. They love peace?" En no Gyōja looked calmly at Shinji, a trace of disbelief revealed in his eyes. After all, in the ninja world, the reputation of Orochimaru and Kakuzu wasn't that good. Especially since both were missing-nin! This made En no Gyōja, dedicated to the Tsuchigumo clan, very disdainful.
"Lord En no Gyōja, what our Otogakure needs now isn't war. Our plan is wealth. And it's to lead the entire village towards the goal of common prosperity," Shinji stated calmly. He knew En no Gyōja was actually someone who disliked war very much.
What he wanted more was for his clansmen to live without worrying about food and clothing, no longer experiencing the flames of war. After all, as a clan passed down since the Warring States period, the Tsuchigumo clan had had enough of living constantly amidst the flames of war. That's why their Tsuchigumo clan planned their territory in this place, with a huge main peak shielding the life of the clan behind it. Yes, actually the Tsuchigumo clan's residence was behind this huge fortress, in the area covered by forest.
"Common prosperity?" En no Gyōja looked incredulously at Shinji. This was really the first time he had heard such a statement. Besides, at this time, even the most powerful Land of Fire wouldn't dare say such words!
"Yes. We have very clear plans for the early, middle, and late stages. As long as we follow this plan, our Otogakure can avoid the flames of war and prosper greatly," Shinji stated very confidently. All the current development plans for Otogakure could be said to be provided by Shinji. No one knew better than him what kind of village Otogakure would develop into subsequently.
"But... our Tsuchigumo clan doesn't intend to join any faction. May have to disappoint Boss Shinji," En no Gyōja said after hesitating for a moment. He wasn't an ordinary person, but needed to carry the entire Tsuchigumo clan forward, a pioneer ensuring the continuation of his clan. This identity prevented him from making overly drastic decisions.
"Lord En no Gyōja, surely you know the current situation of the Tsuchigumo clan?" Shinji tapped the dining table.
"Situation..." En no Gyōja frowned tightly. The current situation of the Tsuchigumo clan wasn't good at all. Very few people could learn their clan's secret technique anymore. Even the relatively widespread Word Bind Technique didn't have many masters. This made En no Gyōja actually constantly consider the future of the Tsuchigumo clan. His disciple, Hotaru's father, was attacked not long ago. And in this attack, to protect the Tsuchigumo clan's forbidden technique, he was tragically killed.
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