Chapter 64: Chapter 64
After parting with Jiraiya and the others, Zixu picked up his pace, eventually breaking into a run with Gaara in his arms.
Kankuro and Temari had no choice but to struggle to keep up. They didn't know how long they had been running, but they followed Zixu through forests, deserts, swamps, and valleys until they finally stopped at an extremely well-hidden crevice at the foot of a mountain.
Temari and the other girl were utterly exhausted from the chase and had little energy to take note of their surroundings. Zixu formed several hand seals at the crevice, confirming something multiple times before pulling Kankuro and the others toward it.
"Aaaaaah!" Kankuro and Temari screamed as they were forcibly dragged along, thinking Zixu had lost his mind. However, after a brief bout of dizziness, they did not find themselves in a river of blood as they had feared. Instead, they were greeted by dazzling sunlight.
Temari squinted, shielding her eyes with her hand against the glare, only to find herself staring at a breathtaking landscape of majestic mountains and flowing rivers. Many of the houses appeared to have been newly built, while groups of people busily moved complex and intricate equipment into place.
Upon closer inspection, she noticed Orochimaru leading the effort, meticulously directing the placement of various instruments with an almost reverent focus. His eyes reflected an obsession—these wires and electronic screens seemed to hold greater value to him than anyone else present.
Kabuto, holding a small shovel, adjusted his glasses with his free hand as he examined a figure encased in a wooden coffin, its body marred by cracks. If his hunch was correct, he had once again dug up the wrong grave.
On the other side, a silent clone lay lazily in a rocking chair like a true slacker. Finding the sunlight too bright, he casually retrieved a pair of sunglasses and put them on, completely disregarding any work.
Karin stood to the side, somewhat lost. If her memory served her correctly... she had unintentionally become a traitor? But that was fine. Being a defector was far preferable to having her blood drained in Kusagakure.
Hyuga Chinano and Neji stood together, gathered with other defectors from Konoha's branch families, engaged in deep discussions about future strategies. With their cursed seals now suppressed, their movements had become significantly freer. However, the cost of their newfound freedom was that their Byakugan made them prime targets.
Despite the risk, Chinano and the others felt relieved. No longer did they have to live under the oppressive watch of the main family. Some among them wept openly, releasing long-suppressed emotions, while others laughed, unrestrained in their joy. Some simply stood in silence, reflecting on their past humiliations.
Aburame Hatsuizumi, however, was not among them. She had always been independent, following her own path without restraint. No one could dictate her actions except for Zixu. Enchanted by the stunning scenery, she released her most powerful insects to bask in the sun. Orochimaru, intrigued, had already pulled her aside to discuss them.
"That outer layer... was it an illusion? Where exactly is this place? What is your purpose?" Temari asked warily, unsettled by the bizarre lineup of individuals. Something about all this felt deeply unnatural.
Zixu remained silent, merely leading them toward Orochimaru before casually tossing the still-unconscious Gaara to the ground beside him. Then, he finally spoke:
"They caught me, and in return, I've brought them two gifts. I'm not good at brainwashing, so try convincing them to join us…"
As he finished speaking, he kicked the slacker clone, who was still lounging in the sun.
"Why are you just lying around slacking off? Alright, alright, I'm back. Move over and go do some work. Help with the construction."
Chasing away his other self, Zixu sprawled onto the rocking chair, discarding his tattered robe and mask. He put on sunglasses, fully embracing his relaxation.
Temari and the others, now being led away by Orochimaru, were utterly dumbfounded as they realized the enormous dragon they had feared was nothing more than a projection. They pointed at Zixu, but words failed them.
Zixu reclined lazily in the rocking chair, his mind shifting away from the immediate surroundings as he called out internally.
"System, ah, system, long time no see. How many points do I have left now?" He had spent a considerable amount unlocking his Devil Fruit abilities earlier, but his recent actions should have changed the situation, potentially granting him a large influx of points.
[Host's current points: 24,000 points.]
"Oh? That means I can do twenty consecutive draws... No, let's start with ten and keep the remaining 14,000 points for now." He hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to allocate his resources, feeling conflicted about his next move.
[The host can spend points to summon a mirror clone from the Pirate World to assist in honing combat skills.]
Zixu's eyes lit up at the system's prompt, and he quickly inquired about the cost of summoning a mirror clone.
[Mirror clones with varying teaching abilities will appear randomly based on the points spent. The duration of their existence depends on their teaching abilities. The stronger the ability, the longer they will persist.]
"I see... I'll consider it, but first, let's proceed with the ten consecutive draws!"
Lying on the rocking chair, Zixu radiated an overwhelming confidence, exuding an aura of ambition. His sudden surge of energy seemed contagious, motivating those around him.
[You obtained: Brother Brand Steel Pipe x1.]
[You obtained: One of the Fifty Skillful Grade Swords - Yubashiri.]
[You obtained: One of Bucky's Stinky Socks (New Category).]
[You obtained: Den Den Mushi x3.]
[You obtained: Giant poop x1.]
[You obtained: Pacifista (Mass Production Model) x1.]
[You obtained: One of the Fifty Skillful Grade Swords - Shigure.]
[You obtained: Potato x1.]
"Hmm... Two famous swords and a Pacifista. Not bad. And three Den Den Mushi—pretty useful." Zixu conveniently ignored the more bizarre items in his haul, choosing to focus on the valuable ones.
He rose from the rocking chair, stretching slightly. Now that they had left Konoha, survival was in their own hands. Fortunately, food supplies were sufficient until their first batch of crops matured. The next priority was consolidating the unity within their settlement.
Zixu stepped forward, capturing the attention of the crowd. The workers immediately halted their tasks, turning toward him. They were well aware of his earlier feats of destruction, recognizing him as a force to be reckoned with despite his youth.
With unwavering confidence, Zixu spoke about the true "Will of Fire," presenting a philosophy that resonated deeply with his audience. Unlike Konoha's manipulated interpretation, his ideology felt more aligned with their struggles and aspirations. With the support of their own kin, the people readily embraced his vision.
"Establishing a village is essential. It marks the birth of the true Will of Fire. We need our own security forces, a ninja academy, and other vital institutions. Right now, our settlement is in ruins. It's up to us to rebuild it."
"As for the academy, we will appoint the most experienced instructors. Additionally, our education will have no barriers—both civilian and shinobi children will have access to learning. We won't just teach ninjutsu; technology will be a fundamental part of our curriculum."
At that moment, Aburame Hatsuizumi interjected, "Then what should we call our village and academy?"
Zixu, never one for names, casually responded, "For now, let's call the village 'Jinhuo Village' (Golden Fire Village). But I have decided on a name for the educational institution. We'll call it the 'Baishou Teaching Group' (Hundred Arts Academy)."
"Baishou... That's a fantastic name."
"It carries the meaning of 'hundred beasts' while also symbolizing the teaching of numerous skills. Brilliant!"
"I can already see it... This organization is destined to thrive! Hahahaha!"
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