Chapter 41

"After all, many times it's not about being inherently smarter than others, but rather about having a different starting point," Chiyo remarked, her words carrying a sense of liberation as she playfully teased Chiru and Sasori.

Chiru and Sasori saw themselves as geniuses, and to some extent, they were. They always seemed a few steps ahead of their peers.

In their eyes, they were the true prodigies, which gave Sasori the audacity to question things.

The other ordinary Shinōbi never questioned because they believed in the leadership of Kazekage-sama. They trusted that he wouldn't lead them astray, and thus, questioning was unnecessary.

In truth, there was no formalized training system. Everything was done through trial and error. That's why following Kazekage-sama's methods seemed like the best option.

With the training system endorsed by Kazekage-sama, even if problems arose, they wouldn't be insurmountable.

"Sasori, you're overestimating yourself," Chiyo said, addressing her grandson. "How old are you, and yet you dare to question Kazekage-sama in this manner? It's good to have a questioning mind, but always remember that when you question, you must have the strength to back it up."

Chiyo patiently explained her point to Sasori.

She feared that his pride might lead to his downfall. Throughout history, countless geniuses had met their demise due to their own arrogance. Chiyo still vividly remembered their names, but they were now mere memories, lost to time.

"Pride can be one's downfall. To be consumed by pride is to walk a perilous path," she added with a touch of concern in her voice.

"Indeed, those who frequently face death have only two possible outcomes: either they die or they become the ones who bring death," Chiyo stated firmly. She wanted to protect her grandson from the perils of excessive pride and the potential fate of being defeated.

Within the depths of an underground cave, Uchiha Madara flipped through a thin book while Yin-Yang and White Zetsu stood respectfully before him. In the corner, Tobi absentmindedly drew meaningless doodles.

"Hmph, so this is the book written by Sāndaime Kazekage," Uchiha Madara scoffed, his Rinnegan eye with its ten lines gleaming with power.

"Yes, Madara-sama," Yin-Yang responded respectfully. He was eager to hear the opinion of Uchiha Madara, a prominent figure in the Shinōbi World.

Yin-Yang's strength derived from Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, making him a unique entity unable to grow stronger. His research in Ninjutsu was not as comprehensive as that of Uchiha Madara. The latter had honed his abilities through countless trials and tribulations, earning him the authority and respect he commanded.

"To be able to write such a book is no small feat. Once I regain some strength, I will seek contact with its author. What about the Uzumaki Clan?" Uchiha Madara asked, his tone filled with a dark solemnity.

"A significant number of Uzumaki Clan members have migrated to Sunagakure. Regardless, we must establish contact with Sāndaime Kazekage," Yin-Yang replied in a somber voice.

Uchiha Madara felt a deep sense of helplessness. The Uzumaki Clan possessed immense Chakra reserves and a robust life force, making them ideal vessels for awakening the Rinnegan. He sensed that he was being ensnared in a plot, unable to evade the influence of Sāndaime Kazekage.

"Search Uzu no Kuni and find a worthy descendant of the Uzumaki Clan. If necessary, extend the search to the entire Shinōbi World. It's highly unlikely that Uzu no Kuni sent all of their elite descendants away," Uchiha Madara declared with solemnity.

Black and White Zetsu gazed at Uchiha Madara with confusion, unable to comprehend his approach. As Shinōbi World's Asura, shouldn't he have enough confidence to handle a mere Kazekage?

"Why go through so much trouble, Madara-sama? Why not approach Sunagakure directly or utilize Sāndaime Kazekage?" Black and White Zetsu mustered the courage to question Madara's decision.

Madara's brows furrowed, his eyes gleaming with a piercing gaze. "You dare to question me?" he hissed darkly, exuding an intimidating aura. Yet, for the sake of mission completion and future plans, Madara proceeded to explain.

"According to the training outlined in this book, as long as one possesses sufficient aptitude and access to abundant resources, achieving Kage Level is a certainty. The individual who authored this book undoubtedly possesses strength on par with myself and Hashirama," Madara revealed.

Jue and Tobi were both taken aback by Madara's words. Hearing the proud Uchiha Madara acknowledge the author's strength only emphasized that Sāndaime Kazekage had surpassed the vast majority of individuals, reaching the revered status of Kage Level.

Black Zetsu left silently, choosing not to say anything. For individuals who have reached a super Kage Level in terms of strength, their own perception of their abilities is often exceptional. If they were to perish while seeking a fight, it would be a great loss.

Indeed, Sunagakure is known for its adeptness in Sealing Jutsu, which the author believes to be the strongest or most proficient among the Five Great Ninja Villages. The village's sealing techniques originate from the Sand Seal series inherited from Shukaku. While Konoha possesses several immensely powerful sealing techniques, only a select few are commonly used. In contrast, Sunagakure has a broader range of practitioners.

Black Zetsu's own mission remains unfulfilled, and it would be preferable not to meet an untimely demise. As the first goal in Shinōbi World, Black Zetsu has endured the ages, surviving the era of Rikudō Sennin, Hamura, Asura, and Indra, and patiently waiting until Uchiha Madara, the Uchiha descendant with Rinnegan, appeared. It has not been an easy journey, and Black Zetsu must continue to strive and fight, unwilling to meet its end.

In Sunagakure, those nobles and merchants who spent their wealth to acquire property and enroll their children in the Shinōbi Academy have all come across the book written by Sāndaime Kazekage. While these ordinary individuals may not grasp its significance, it doesn't mean that others can't understand it or that suitable candidates cannot be found.

Finding individuals of Kage Level is no simple task, but Quasi-Kage Level candidates can still be identified, particularly by those with a discerning eye. Furthermore, within Shinōbi World, there is a Bounty Hunter who can accomplish any task as long as the price is right—a morally ambiguous yet highly capable individual known as Kakuzu, one of the Five-Five Open.

In a dimly lit room, two figures faced each other.

"What's the mission?"

"Book inspection."

Silence filled the room. "Alright."

A thin book was handed over.

After a brief perusal, one of them spoke. "This is a good book. If the individual's aptitude is as recorded, becoming a Jonin will not be a problem, and Kage Level potential can be seen."

"Thank you. Here is the 1-million Ryo payment."

An ecstatic voice exclaimed.

The figure in the shadows accepted the banknote speechlessly.

It was too easy.

"Makes me wonder if I should try writing books and earn so much money. I've heard that Sunagakure offers generous salaries. Perhaps I should find a part-time job there."

As the figure pocketed the banknote and began to walk, an individual with red hair observed from the sky, unnoticed.