Uninvited Guests (Two-in-One)

"Humph, all of you are useless!"

In a secret underground base in Konoha, inside a sealing technique research lab, Danzo Shimura stood before a strange machine, staring at the twisted image that appeared above it with a terrifyingly grim expression.

Several researchers in white lab coats stood beside the machine, all of them looking terrified and silent.

"After all this time, and still no progress at all!"

"You can't even produce the most basic projection machine. How am I supposed to count on you to develop communication devices and training suits after this?"

"Are so many of you really no match for a sixteen-year-old?"

The researchers lowered their heads even further, not daring to retort. The atmosphere in the room became unbearably heavy.

At that moment, a slightly hoarse voice broke the tension.

"Actually, it's not entirely their fault, Lord Danzo~."

"After all, Natsuhiko-kun has already taken a path that differs from traditional sealing techniques. Expecting them to understand it instantly is too much."

Danzo turned his head to look at Orochimaru, who was sitting in a nearby chair. Orochimaru was curiously dissecting a chibi Uchiha Madara figurine, examining the runic components inside.

As he studied the rune circuits engraved on the components, Orochimaru said with a hint of excitement:

"It seems I underestimated Natsuhiko-kun before."

"Clearly, he's taken a path where jutsu is performed solely through rune techniques, which is entirely different from the current approach to sealing techniques. What an interesting idea!"

"In this way, anyone could perform the corresponding jutsu simply by injecting chakra into the rune circuits without needing any knowledge of sealing techniques."

"I can already imagine Natsuhiko-kun's various rune creations spreading across the ninja world!"

"Of course, this rune jutsu approach has its obvious drawbacks. Constructing jutsu entirely through runes is much more difficult than the normal way, and there aren't many reference materials available. Developing each technique likely requires extensive testing."

"You should be able to see, Lord Danzo, that while Natsuhiko-kun has created quite a few inventions, they are mostly centred around projection techniques and sensory arrays."

"So, I doubt Natsuhiko-kun has developed many rune jutsu."

"He may have even taken up teaching at the ninja academy and generously taught projection techniques to students to use their efforts to help perfect this system."

"So expecting quick results from them is simply unreasonable."

The researchers couldn't help but look at Orochimaru, feeling touched. They never expected the legendary cold Orochimaru to be so understanding.

Only researchers genuinely understand the difficulties of research.

Danzo let out a heavy snort.

He understood this reasoning, but if he didn't push them, how could he get these researchers to work harder?

At this moment, Orochimaru carefully disassembled the outer shell of the rune component, excitedly examining it up close, only to see that the runic circuit inside was a jumbled mess, causing his expression to stiffen slightly.

"Why is it still not working? I should not have triggered any restrictions this time. What step did I miss?"

Orochimaru murmured to himself, then tossed the component and the dissected Uchiha Madara figurine into a large box, which was already filled with the remains of numerous plush toys.

Orochimaru then took out a brand new Uchiha Madara plush toy from another box...

As he picked up a knife to disembowel the toy, he said with some regret:

"It's a pity that Natsuhiko-kun has already become Lady Mito's disciple. Otherwise, I wouldn't need to go through such troublesome methods to study this."

"And it was only a day's difference. Just one day late."

Hearing this, Danzo also felt a bit regretful. After all, he had considered making Natsuhiko his disciple to get his hands on his work, but Mito had acted too quickly.

But even without Natsuhiko, he still had Orochimaru.

Danzo turned his gaze to Orochimaru and said, "So, Orochimaru, what about you?"

"You, who are said to be comparable to Tobirama-sama, should easily be able to recreate that Geki-nin gaming device, right?"

"To be honest, the recent death of Sakumo and the recent events in the Police Force have given Hiruzen an excuse to cut the funding for the Root division. The Root is already financially strained, and we must find new sources of income."

"Orochimaru, you may not know this since you just returned, but that Geki-nin gaming device earns that tavern a fortune every day."

"If I could control that wealth, I could protect Konoha even better!"

"So Orochimaru, lend me your wisdom!"

Orochimaru secretly smirked but shook his head slightly, saying:

"Lord Danzo, it's not that I don't want to help."

"But as I mentioned earlier, this is an entirely new path. Even I would need a considerable amount of time to grasp it."

"Previously, the war with Kumogakure left me with many research projects piling up. I don't have the time or energy to spend on this."

"Orochimaru, you've changed!"

Danzo questioned with anguish, "Wasn't your dream to master all jutsu?"

Orochimaru replied with an expressionless face:

"While I did say I wanted to master all jutsu, I never said I had to develop them all myself."

"And since Natsuhiko-kun plans to spread his rune jutsu at the school, can't I just learn it then?"

Isn't it better to wait and get it for free?

"And how long will that take?!"

Danzo clearly wasn't satisfied with Orochimaru's answer. Didn't he know that reasoning already?

But by the time that happened, the Geki-nin tavern would have spread across the Land of Fire, and he'd miss the chance to profit!

With a glint of coldness in his eyes, Danzo said in a sinister tone:

"Orochimaru, don't forget that many of your experiments are funded by the Root division. If the Root continues to face financial difficulties, it may not be able to support your research."

Orochimaru's pupils narrowed, and he glared coldly at Danzo.

Danzo did not back down, meeting Orochimaru's gaze with a stony expression.

The nearby researchers buried their heads even lower, unable to straighten under the heavy atmosphere.

"Heh."

After a light chuckle, Orochimaru finally looked away first.

He picked up a rune component from the table and tossed it casually, then slowly said:

"If you could provide a Geki-nin gaming device as a reference, I wouldn't mind spending some time on it."

"And that is my bottom line."

"A gaming device, huh?"

Danzo stroked his chin, contemplating the pros and cons.

...

Konoha, January 9th, Year 43.

Although very reluctantly, the short New Year holiday came to an end, and the ninja academy once again welcomed its teachers and students.

At the same time, there was only a little more than a month left until the end of the semester, so everyone quickly put aside their holiday leisure and got back into the intense final exam preparations.

Especially the sixth-grade students who were preparing for graduation. They were up early every day, studying and training as much as possible, making the final push for next month's graduation exam.

Though the current graduation exam at the Ninja Academy isn't challenging, and almost everyone can pass it, the exam results do affect future class assignments.

After all, even though Konoha is relatively peaceful now, it's impossible to assign a Jonin instructor to every Genin team and have them act like babysitters doing D-rank missions like catching cats or pulling weeds.

In most cases, chunin leads the teams, and during wartime, it's even possible for one chunin to lead several teams or for more experienced genin to take the lead.

So, for the sake of their future ninja careers, no one dared to slack off.

Fortunately, Natsuhiko's sealing technique class wasn't affected much.

Because the graduation exam doesn't test this subject, not many sixth-graders choose to take it.

After all, sealing techniques require long-term study to see results, and the course only resumed properly after Natsuhiko arrived. Even if older students wanted to learn, they didn't have much time.

Only a few sixth-graders who were interested in joining the sealing corps opted for this class.

Thus, Natsuhiko's sealing technique class continued smoothly, unaffected by graduation season.

He taught when it was time to prepare and told stories when it was time to tell stories, living quite leisurely.

—Or so Natsuhiko thought.

It wasn't until after class, when several anxious sixth-grade students cornered him, that he realised he had relaxed too soon.

"Let me get this straight."

After hearing their hesitant explanations, Natsuhiko said with a strange expression.

"In short, you want to continue taking my sealing technique class. Are you considering applying to repeat the year but are unsure, so you came to ask for my opinion?"

The students nodded shyly.

Natsuhiko rubbed his forehead with a wry smile:

"You're making me unsure whether I should be happy."

"But even after you graduate, you can still study sealing techniques."

"To be honest, I only started formally learning sealing techniques after graduating from the ninja academy."

"How about I write some recommendation letters and see if you can join the sealing corps?"

But the students began explaining their reasons one after another:

"I think we can learn more from you, Sensei."

---

"Just in time to graduate before the official reform of the ninja school."

"It's even worse than joining the National Army in '49."

"After all, with measures such as the summer school taught by Natsuhiko, training uniforms, and radio callisthenics, the student's abilities next year will surely see a significant improvement."

"If nothing is done, the students who graduated in recent years might soon be surpassed by the new graduates who will experience the curriculum reform starting next year."

"And these students, compared to their peers who didn't choose to study sealing techniques, have a clearer understanding of what they are about to miss."

"That's why they've come to the idea of repeating a year, just to stay in ninja school."

Looking at these children, who in his past life were just getting ready for middle school, now worrying about their future, Natsuhiko couldn't help but feel a bit soft-hearted.

After pondering for a moment, he smiled slightly and said:

'I understand what you're saying.'

'I'll discuss this with Principal Biwako and try to find a solution that benefits everyone.'

'So, you shouldn't slack off in your studies just because you're thinking of repeating a year, okay?'

Hearing this, the students finally breathed a sigh of relief, smiled, and patted their chests as they said:

'Don't worry, sensei, we practice drawing runes every day. Our chakra control is much better than that of our peers. The Three Basic Techniques (Henge, Kawarimi, and Bunshin) are no problem for us at all.'

'That's good.'

So, Natsuhiko waved goodbye to these students and headed towards the principal's office to discuss with Biwako...

Actually, the solution isn't complicated: just give those who became genin a way to continue learning.

Whether they attend classes as auditors or directly open a night school will be discussed further.

---

A few nights later, in Alley No. 3 on Yile Avenue.

Just after sending off the last guest and closing the 'Geki-nin' Tavern, a group of unexpected visitors seemed to have arrived...

Eleven ninjas in black outfits, wearing masks, appeared outside the back courtyard of the tavern.

It's worth noting that they were all bald.

One of the ninjas spread his hands and said helplessly:

'Who would have thought that our employer spent so much money just to have the Eleven Arhats steal some gaming console from this small tavern?'

Another ninja chimed in, 'Didn't we also try it out during our recon? I must say, the gaming console was pretty interesting. Maybe we should keep one for ourselves later.'

The other ninjas nodded and agreed.

At this moment, the leading ninja reminded them in a severe tone:

'Don't underestimate this place. It's said that the owner of this tavern, Amou Natsuhiko, uses a sealing technique called ninja, so it's likely that there are all sorts of barriers set up inside. If we let our guard down, we'll suffer.'

Hearing this, everyone sobered up, nodding slightly to show they understood.

'If there are no further questions, then let's begin.'

'Eleven Arhats, move out!'

With a command from the leader, the Eleven Arhats turned into black shadows and silently jumped into the back courtyard of the Kikenin Tavern.

Then...

Just as they landed, alarm sounds blared through the courtyard!

Following this, numerous sealing scripts emerged from the ground, detached, and twisted together into several thick black tendrils, launching an attack on the intruders.

One of the ninjas closest to the tendrils didn't even have time to react before a tendril wrapped around his ankle and yanked him up with a startled cry.

'What is this thing?'

'And why were we discovered so quickly?'

The other ninjas wanted to help, but before they could move, everything suddenly went dark.

A thick black fog rapidly engulfed the entire courtyard.

Another scream echoed from within the fog.

'Don't worry about them. Since we've been discovered, switch to Plan B.'

The leading ninja cautiously looked around and quickly instructed the others.

'Yes!'

The other ninjas reacted swiftly, dodging the black tendrils as they quickly headed towards the back door of the tavern, following the map engraved in their minds.

After a few more cries of pain, several ninjas finally reached the tavern's back door.

Boom!

With a kick, they smashed open the back door and swiftly entered the tavern.

Only five of them remained...

The leading ninja glanced at the number of comrades left and felt a sinking feeling.

Who would have thought that just breaking through the outer traps would cost them so many men?

But now that they were here, there shouldn't be any more problems...

'Eight Gates: Injury Gate - Open! Watch my Leaf Hurricane!'

A fierce shout suddenly rang out inside the tavern.

Might Duy, surrounded by a green aura, rushed in at an incredible speed from the back door and, with a powerful kick, launched a devastating roundhouse kick.

'Earth Release: Earth Flow Wall!'

The ninja closest to Might Duy quickly formed seals and slapped the ground.

A wall of earth, unadorned with a dog's head, rose from the ground, blocking Might Duy's attack.

But before they could breathe a sigh of relief, they heard cracking sounds from the earth wall...

Boom!

The earth wall, shattered by Might Duy's kick, quickly buried the caster beneath it.

Might Duy, with a face like a fierce demon and green flames all over his body, said:

'I'll protect Natsuhiko Sensei's tavern!'

'It seems that although there are no traps here, there's a fierce dog inside.'

'No. 5, No. 7, No. 10, stop him!'

With an order from the leading ninja, three remaining ninjas rushed at Might Duy while he took out a scroll and glanced at the nearest gaming console.

'Is that a storage scroll? Don't even think about it!'

Might Duy finally realise the enemy's objective and naturally couldn't let them succeed? With a sudden burst of speed, he shot towards the ninja-like a bullet.

However, a wall of earth rose in front of him, blocking his path.

Boom!

Might Duy smashed through the earth wall with a punch, only to find another wall immediately forming in front of him, then a third!

'Earth Release: Triple Earth Flow Wall!'

This was the ninjutsu used by the three ninjas to obstruct him.

Boom! Boom!

Growing anxious, Might Duy punched through the first two walls in quick succession, but the time it took was enough for them to cast another jutsu.

'Earth Release: Triangular Earth Flow Wall!'

Three more earth walls rose, forming a triangle around Might Duy, trapping him tightly.

At the same time, the three ninjas continued to pour Earth Release chakra into the walls, making them thicker and compressing Might Duy in the middle, rendering him completely immobile.

Just as the three ninjas breathed a sigh of relief, they heard a voice from within the walls:

'Eight Gates: Gate of View - Open!'

Boom!

The three walls exploded, turning into chunks of earth that struck the surrounding ninjas.

Bang!

Bang! Bang!

Then, to Might Duy's shock, he realised the three ninjas were merely shadow clones!

Where are their natural bodies?

Without time to think, Might Duy quickly broke free from the remaining walls and rushed towards the ninja who had taken out the storage scroll earlier.

However, the spot where the machine had been was now empty; it seemed the enemy had succeeded.

'I can't let him take that storage scroll out of the tavern!'

Might Duy's expression turn more serious than ever as he charged at the ninja with all his might?

But the opponent remained unfazed, even taking the time to examine Might Duy and silently marvelling:

'Konoha truly is the number one ninja village.'

'Even a small tavern here has someone so powerful.'

'But unfortunately, strength isn't always everything. For example... right now.'

The next moment, the ninja tossed the storage scroll into the air.

With a puff, the scroll turned into a cloud of white smoke and disappeared.

And just as Might Duy's fist was about to connect, the ninja flashed a mocking smile and disappeared into a puff of white smoke as well.

'We, the Eleven Arhats, will be taking this "Geki-nin" gaming console.'

Might Duy, having punched nothing but air, heard the lingering voice echoing in the air. He looked around at the wreckage, with no bodies in sight, and stood there utterly baffled.

(End of the Chapter)

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