https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-771-An-Interesting-Acquaintance-/12943682/
Chapter 770: Asuma's Scheme!
Chapter 770: Asuma's Scheme!
Konoha Village!
A sense of gloom now permeates the village.
Ever since the Shinobi Alliance's attack on the Skyguard Tower was crushed several months ago, the villagers' unwavering belief in Konoha's strength has vanished.
Joking aside, in the past, they were the divine ninjas of Konoha, effortlessly defeating four opponents with each blow. When did they ever need to team up with others to fight?
The worst part is that they not only failed to defeat their opponents but also suffered a counterattack.
Even the thick-skinned villagers can no longer boast about Konoha being the strongest Shinobi Village.
Radiant Sun Country!
It is now universally acknowledged as the most powerful force in the Ninja World.
Having lost the title of the strongest, and with the enemy so close, the villagers of Konoha are restless.
Occasionally, one can spot villagers leaving in carriages.
Migration!
In the past, people only migrated to Konoha from other places, and rarely did any villagers choose to leave.
But from several months ago until now, over a thousand households have already left.
Note that villagers are different from ninjas.
These people can migrate without the consent or approval of the village's high officials.
Hokage Tower!
"Jiraiya, we must find a way to stop those people from leaving the village. Without these villagers, Konoha..."
Natsuko Haru, the Elder, entered the room with a stern expression, admonishing the Fifth Hokage, Jiraiya, who sat in the Hokage's seat, looking exhausted.
Ever since his defeat several months ago, he has been in this state, as if trying to numb himself.
There's nothing he can do; the previous battle had dealt Konoha a devastating blow.
Aside from losing Nara Kukushi, the 'Konoha Strategist,' and Kai, the 'Blue Beast,' the loss of reputation and honor alone has dealt a significant blow to Konoha.
Compared to this, the fact that Tsunade, who covered his retreat, couldn't be saved is not even the biggest blow.
Of course, there's also the matter of the Toad Clan.
During the first battle at Mystic Mountain, only the Toad Sage Immortal and the Strong Toad were lost among the high-ranking toads.
In this Ninja World War, the Toad Clan's high-ranking members have been almost completely wiped out.
Aside from Shima, Fukasaku, and Moto, who survived by chance, none of the other high-ranking toads returned alive, a devastating blow.
Although there are still numerous young toads in the Toad Clan,
without the sacred environment of Mystic Mountain, they lack the dense natural energy required for their growth.
This is the most critical point! The reason the Toad Clan produced so many powerful members is their occupation of Mystic Mountain.
Now that Mystic Mountain has fallen into the hands of Radiant Sun Country, it's impossible for the clan to reclaim it, sealing their fate.
While it's not impossible for toads of Moto's caliber to be born in the future, the chances are slim, let alone reaching the level of Shima and Fukasaku.
Natural energy is that crucial.
Otherwise, the Toad Clan wouldn't have tried so desperately to reclaim Mystic Mountain.
It can be said that the last hope of the current Toad Clan lies in the three Sages: Fukasaku, Shima, and Moto.
If these pillars were to disappear, the entire Toad Clan would become an ordinary ninja beast race.
"I understand!"
Jiraiya nodded lightly, indicating that he had heard Natsuko Haru's reminder but wasn't planning to take any action.
"Jiraiya, Konoha is in grave danger now. If you continue like this..."
Natsuko Haru left with these words, her face flushed with anger as she turned and left the office.
She could no longer bear to watch the current state of Jiraiya.
In that case, even if Danzo had taken the position, it would have been better than Jiraiya.
'For Konoha, I'm willing to do anything!'
She made up her mind.
Yes, if Jiraiya wasn't going to take action, she would.
By directly killing the migrating villagers and announcing that the Skyguard Tower or Radiant Sun Country was behind it, she could prevent other villagers from leaving.
"Elder Natsuko Haru!"
A voice interrupted Natsuko Haru's thoughts.
Sarutobi Asuma, dressed in his ninja attire, approached with a delicate and graceful demeanor.
"It's Asuma!"
Natsuko Haru's expression softened.
No matter how unmotivated Jiraiya might be, there were still some trustworthy juniors in the village.
Both she and Mito En had placed their hopes in Asuma, even entrusting him with many resources.
It could be said that Jiraiya had been 'abandoned' by the Hokage Lineage.
Otherwise, Natsuyuki Haru wouldn't have decided to take matters into her own hands without much persuasion.
"Elder Natsuyuki, how is Jiraiya-sama doing?"
Asuma seemed to be extremely 'concerned' about Jiraiya.
Yes, he felt that the opportunity had arrived.
The current Jiraiya was powerless to restore Konoha's glory, and this was his chance.
"Hmm, Jiraiya has suffered a great blow and will need some time to recover. During this time, we can only rely on the younger generation!"
Natsuyuki Haru naturally understood Asuma's 'ambition', but she was very supportive.
Having ambition is better than 'lying flat', right?
So this was a form of encouragement.
"Please rest assured, Elder Natsuyuki. I will definitely protect the village and restore Konoha's glory!"
Asuma gave a firm assurance.
He wasn't speaking idly.
He was serious about restoring Konoha's glory.
However, the prerequisite was that Konoha would be under his leadership.
If it couldn't be under his command, then let it be destroyed.
But for now, Asuma still needed Jiraiya's help, so he wouldn't reveal his ambition.
After adjusting his mindset, he arrived at the Hokage's office.
"It's Asuma!"
Jiraiya forced himself to be more spirited.
In front of elders like Natsuyuki Haru, he didn't bother putting on an act, but he still wanted to maintain his image in front of his juniors.
"Jiraiya-sama, I've been having some difficulties with my strength lately..."
Asuma explained his predicament regarding his strength.
Asuma's father's disciple, it was only natural for him to seek guidance from Jiraiya.
"Is that so!"
Jiraiya furrowed his brows.
He was well aware that Asuma's current strength was not much weaker than his own.
Even he himself only surpassed Asuma in experience and certain aspects.
The only thing that set them apart was that one thing.
Seeing Jiraiya's contemplation, Asuma felt his heart racing, as the power he had longed for was closer than ever.
"...Asuma, have you inherited the Sarutobi clan's summoning scroll?"
In the end, Jiraiya spoke.
Indeed, Konoha needed a powerful new 'Sage' to boost morale.
"No, the Demon Toad Clan's style doesn't suit me!"
Asuma shook his head.
He wouldn't reveal the real reason, of course.
Yes, he had set his sights on the Toad Clan.
Previously, this plan would have been impossible.
How could one contract with Mystic Mountain as they wished?
The Sacred Core was extremely picky about its contractors; only a Seer could hope to form a contract.
But now?
Without Mystic Mountain, the current Toad Clan couldn't maintain its noble and aloof demeanor and instead had to rely on Konoha for sustenance.
At the very least, they needed Konoha to supply some resources.
Without natural energy, they could use nutrient solutions and herbs as substitutes.
With Konoha's support, Asuma felt he had a chance.
As for not being able to learn it?
Sorry, it's not about whether one can master it, but whether one invests enough.
Not to mention, with two 'Sages' guiding him personally, they would directly help him gather and master natural energy, instantly reducing the difficulty by countless times.
"If you're willing, you can sign a contract with the Toad Clan and have them help you master 'Sage Mode'. That way, your strength might improve!"
Jiraiya made a promise.
He also needed the support of the Sarutobi clan, or even the entire Hokage Lineage, so teaching Asuma Sage Mode wasn't excessive.
As for the destruction of Mystic Mountain and the lack of Toad Oil?
True, the previous ones were gone, but that didn't mean the Toad Clan had no Toad Oil left. Not to mention, with two Sages guiding him, learning Sage Mode wouldn't be an issue.
The real question was whether he could use it in actual combat!
"Thank you, Jiraiya-sama!"
Asuma bowed deeply in gratitude, his head lowered.
He knew too well what Sage Mode represented.
A strange smile crept onto Asuma's lips as he bowed, but Jiraiya didn't notice.
(End of Chapter)
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