Chapter 225

Space-Time Ninjutsu

Space-time is a somewhat unique concept in the Naruto world.

The so-called space-time isn't a world itself but rather special spaces that rely on this world and require special methods to access.

One can use it for long-distance travel in the real world, to avoid incoming damage, or even to pull others in or hide within.

In short, learning space-time ninjutsu is a must.

Otsutsuki Isshiki hid in some space-time dimension, and after so long, the Zetsus only found a few nearly invisible traces left when he occasionally came to the real world for supplies.

They never saw him in person. Without some space-time tricks, it would be hard to catch him or his little pets.

Space-time ninjutsu can be learned through the system, but the real secrets of space-time can only be uncovered by studying the techniques. This is why Shinji didn't use his accumulated points to exchange for it, but rather had Minato leave the Flying Thunder God technique.

Shinji remembered a description in an old formula book that said, "Minato is a man who can freely traverse space-time."

Thus, he boldly speculated that Minato's Flying Thunder God was not mere teleportation but a technique that shortened real-world distances via space-time, making it look like instant movement.

The special kunai and markings were just anchors for the space-time exit, similar to summoning techniques.

…

After mastering summoning and the Flying Thunder God and studying them for nearly three months, Shinji cursed under his breath.

Dojutsu is really OP!

All the so-called space-time techniques were created by the Otsutsuki or those with their power!

Space-time itself is essentially a product of genjutsu, created by using dojutsu to bind an illusion world to the real world!

The final result is a real, parallel-like dimension attached to this world, the so-called space-time, though without living creatures.

The three great sacred places have nothing to do with these; they are just hidden places in the real world, shrouded by something akin to formations.

"So, I really didn't want to use contact lenses, but now it seems unavoidable."

At the border of the Rain, Bird, and Wind countries, deep in an underground research lab, Shinji sighed as he put away the materials on the table.

Without the Otsutsuki's dojutsu, one could only learn the Flying Thunder God at best; creating space portals or similar things would be impossible.

This skill is crucial. Whether creating space-time or freely entering it, as a master manipulator, how could he not learn it?

After uploading a simplified version of the Flying Thunder God to Black Zetsu's prestige system, Shinji destroyed all research data and completely buried the underground lab he had stayed in for nearly three months.

…

Half a year had passed since the peace agreement between Kumogakure and Konoha. It was now the season of spring revival.

After half a year of peaceful development, Konoha was gradually recovering its vibrancy from before the war. As the saying goes, when people are full, they tend to...

Thus, some people thought it necessary to stir up trouble, and Uchiha Obito, who hated Konoha to the core, was the first to act. He couldn't stand to see Konoha at peace.

Seeing Konoha suddenly at peace, he felt deeply unbalanced. Did they know who brought them this peace?

It was Rin! Rin! It was all Rin!

Did they know?

They didn't care!

They only cared about themselves!

Thus, Obito, feeling aggrieved, personally went to Iwagakure, attempting to use his Uchiha identity to stir things up, especially since Iwagakure had been itching to move against Konoha post-war.

…

Konoha, Hokage's office.

Upon receiving the report about Iwagakure's Five-Tails Jinchuriki suddenly rampaging and destroying the village, leaving only the brothels intact, Tsunade furrowed her brows in thought.

Could this be related to the previous Nine-Tails rampage, or was it the same perpetrator? On the night of the Nine-Tails incident, Kushina had told the Third Hokage before closing her eyes that it was a man-made disaster.

Thus, after the Nine-Tails rampage, Konoha's higher-ups were wary of the Uchiha clan. But now, during the Five-Tails rampage in Iwagakure, no Uchiha were outside the village...

"Old man, didn't you say there was a kid in the Root who could use Wood Style?"

Hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled slightly, turning with a hint of resignation, "Since it's the Hokage's order, these old bones of mine will move. I'll talk to Danzo."

…

At the Root's entrance, watching Hiruzen lead the reluctant, hesitant Kai away, Danzo trembled with fury.

Tsunade has gone too far!

She's meddling in the Root again!

What have I done recently? Nothing!

Why is she targeting me (poaching)?

Danzo trembled with rage, his face turning blue, but what could he do? The Root no longer had such significant power!

The royal privileges, the right to act first and report later, were all gone! Konoha is now entirely controlled by the Hokage! No one else's words matter! The Hokage's orders are absolute!

"I underestimated that woman!"

Danzo snorted heavily. How could he not know Tsunade's intentions?

She wants to use Wood Style to prevent tragedies like the Fourth Hokage's and the current one in Iwagakure. This woman, though seemingly easygoing, is meticulous and won't tolerate any flaws!

Consolidating all power within Konoha, secretly raising the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki somewhere, and now taking Kai, who can use Wood Style—she's ensuring the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki is firmly in the Hokage's faction!

Making it clear that Konoha is ruled by the Hokage!

Damn Tsunade! She achieved what I wanted to do. It's infuriating!

While Danzo was gnashing his teeth at Tsunade, a little girl from the Root training group tugged at his sleeve, asking sadly.

"Danzo-sama, will Kai come back?"

Hearing this, Danzo's expression softened instantly. He gently patted the girl's head, saying kindly, "The Anbu is a dreadful place, shrouded in darkness. Kai…"

Danzo paused, giving himself a mental score of ninety-nine for this performance. Over the past two years, he had mastered Hiruzen's method of winning hearts!

Now, there wasn't a single child in the Root who didn't like him. Such a Root couldn't be shaken by Tsunade!

"The Anbu is that terrifying…"

The little girl covered her mouth in shock.

Danzo nodded gently, his eyes turning wistful, "Yes, the Anbu is Konoha's dark side. Unlike our Root, it's a place devoid of humanity. There are no rewards, no candy or snacks, no care, love, or mutual support. There, ninjas are required to be ruthless tools, carrying out the Hokage's dirty work."

"Heavens…"

Not just the little girl, but many young Root members looked shocked by Danzo's words, internally rejecting the notion of the Anbu.

Standing nearby, the long-serving Root ninja Yui mentally scoffed:

Danzo-sama, you're describing the old Root, aren't you? Is it okay to badmouth the Anbu like this? One should have a conscience!

Of course, Yui didn't voice this. Saying it might mean not surviving till morning. Besides, in the past two years, Danzo's actions were evident!

Caring, loving, and looking after every Root member!

Just like the Third Hokage! Such a Danzo was now beloved by everyone, willing to die for him!

Seeing the expressions on the Root members' faces, Danzo smirked internally. Hiruzen's method was effective, much better than his old high-pressure tactics!

All Root ninjas are loyal, loving me!

Why didn't I understand this before?

Though he hated to admit it, Hiruzen had once been more magnanimous.

He started using this method first!

"Nine-Tails Jinchuriki…"

Danzo murmured, forming a vague plan.

When the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki reaches an age of self-reliance, Tsunade will surely reveal his identity, integrating him as a normal person into Konoha.

When that time comes, why not use the same tactic? Spread rumors about him being the Nine-Tails, and as he faces the villagers' disdain, appear as a kind old man...

What was that word Hiruzen often mentioned?

Bonds…yes, bonds!

If I bond with the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, earning his trust and becoming his closest person, over time, wouldn't I control the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki as if he were in my grasp?

At this moment, Danzo made up his mind!

Wait for the opportunity, for now, endure!

The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki is mine!

Having lost so much, aside from rebellion, the only chance left is to control the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki!

Of course, Danzo wasn't the only one with this idea. A certain green-haired kid, though only in the first grade, was already planning to graduate early due to his talents.

Who will succeed? It's a matter of who acts first…