Chapter 238: Land Of Heroes And Spirits, Amegakure
In the center of the training ground, the battle was nearing its end.
Sweat soaked the clothes of the four boys, their heavy panting clearly audible.
Despite giving their all and their coordination becoming increasingly seamless, they still seemed powerless against Uchiha Hikari’s art-like taijutsu and combat experience.
Uchiha Hikari’s figure moved like a ghost, each movement precisely cutting into the gaps in their coordination.
She didn’t use any flashy ninjutsu, merely suppressing her chakra to chunin level and relying on her masterful taijutsu to drive them into a desperate situation.
The first to fall was Sato Sayun.
After a fierce fire style attack, he tried to close in, exposing a flaw in his lower guard.
Uchiha Hikari approached as if anticipating it, her toe lightly hooking, and Sayun felt pain in his ankle, losing balance and crashing heavily to the ground, unable to get up for a moment.
“Fierce offense, but lower guard unstable, flaws too big. Need to strengthen basic stamina and taijutsu stability.” Uchiha Hikari’s cold voice rang in his ear, pointing out his weakness, like icy spring water extinguishing the anxiety in his heart.
Almost simultaneously, to protect Suzuhara Ai who was nearly swept by a palm strike, Ida Tasuke forcibly blocked, his training shortsword flicked away by Uchiha Hikari’s finger, leaving his guard wide open.
Uchiha Hikari’s palm lightly pressed his chest, a flexible yet irresistible force pushing him back repeatedly until he sat on the ground, his qi and blood surging.
“Swordsmanship sharp, killing intent too heavy, good for death matches but not for stealth and assassination missions. Must learn to restrain edge, hide sword in sheath.” Her critique went straight to the core of Ida Tasuke’s fighting style.
His swordsmanship had too much killing intent; he needed to learn to hide it.
Suzuhara Ai let out a cry of alarm, trying to use medical ninjutsu to relieve her companion, but Uchiha Hikari’s figure appeared before her like a shadow.
Those calm, rippling black eyes looked at her without attacking, but the invisible pressure made Suzuhara Ai stiffen, the green chakra in her hand dissipating instantly.
“Compassion in heart, skilled at rescue is good. But battlefield changes in instants, excessive hesitation and timidity may put you and teammates in greater crisis. Sometimes, need to be bolder, trust your judgment.” Uchiha Hikari’s words carried a hint of guidance.
Finally, only Otsutsuki Toneri remained, Byakugan activated, trying to capture every detail of Uchiha Hikari’s movements.
His insight did cause Uchiha Hikari some minor trouble, but that was it.
When he tried to predict Uchiha Hikari’s next landing spot and attack preemptively, she changed direction at a speed far beyond his prediction, her fingertip lightly tapping his forehead.
“Byakugan is a powerful aid, but over-relying on bloodline limit’s insight neglects accumulation of body instinct and practical experience. Your basic taijutsu and on-the-spot adaptation are a cut below the other three. Need to strengthen training, can’t just be an observer.” Uchiha Hikari’s evaluation hit the nail on the head, exposing the superiority complex and alienation Toneri had from his background.
The battle ended, the four panting either sitting or lying on the ground.
Uchiha Hikari held back precisely; the four had no major physical issues, but the mental defeat was crystal clear.
They gave their all, yet didn’t even touch the edge of the bell.
“We… are still too weak.” Ida Tasuke gritted his teeth, unwillingly pounding the ground.
Sato Sayun sprawled on the ground, gazing at the sky and panting: “Lord Hikari… too strong… no hope of winning at all…”
Suzuhara Ai softly comforted: “After all… that’s Lord Hikari…”
Toneri was silent, merely closing his eyes quietly, Uchiha Hikari’s words echoing in his heart.
Ever since getting these Byakugan eyes, he had indeed relied too much on them.
Uchiha Hikari looked at the four dejected boys, her tone softening slightly: “No need for discouragement. Your performance far exceeds ordinary genin. Teamwork awareness, on-the-spot adaptation, all have merits. What I pointed out is just the directions for your future efforts. Remember today’s feeling; it will become your motivation to grow stronger.”
Soon, several medical ninjas came forward, using healing ninjutsu to relieve the four’s fatigue and minor bruises.
Though chakra consumption and mental exhaustion couldn’t recover immediately, at least they could move freely.
Then, the grand awarding ceremony began.
Including the four of them, nineteen trainees successfully passed the exam, becoming the Land of Stars’ newest batch of genin.
Menma personally stepped to the front, handing out the pentagonal red star headbands symbolizing Star Ninja identity to each new genin one by one, with brief handshakes.
When it came to Toneri, Ida Tasuke, Suzuhara Ai, and Sato Sayun, Menma’s gaze lingered on them a moment longer.
“Congratulations on your official graduation.” His voice carried through the amplification equipment across the field, steady and powerful.
“From today, you are no longer trainees, but ninjas of the Land of Stars, the cornerstones guarding peace and forging the future. The road ahead may be full of challenges, but remember, you are not alone. The Land of Stars will be your strongest backing. I look forward to your future performance.”
His words were concise, yet carried an awe-inspiring, convincing power, filling the new genins’ hearts with honor and responsibility.
Menma also announced that the specific rewards for the top nine and mentor assignments would be officially posted tomorrow at the ninja academy.
Moreover, the names of the top four in this graduation exam’s overall ranking—Otsutsuki Toneri, Ida Tasuke, Suzuhara Ai, Sato Sayun—would be engraved on the ninja academy’s honor wall, as inspiration for those who follow.
The grand graduation exam concluded amid cheers and applause.
Trainees and audience gradually dispersed with various emotions, many still excitedly discussing the brilliant “capture the bell” exam.
On the high platform, the Land of Stars’ high-level officials didn’t leave immediately.
Uchiha Hikari, Nono Yakushi, Uzumaki Kushina, Kisame Hoshigaki, Gōta, Natsuhi, Hotaru, and others gathered around Menma, quietly reporting their observations and suggestions on the new genin.
Menma listened carefully, quickly making arrangements.
“Gōta, Hotaru,” he named: “You two each select three outstanding, resilient new genin to form teams, personally lead and temper them.”
“Yes! Lord!” Gōta and Hotaru acknowledged; one handled construction, the other led teams year-round, both experienced in training newcomers.
For the remaining new genin, Menma roughly assigned based on jonin and special jonins’ availability and specialties, ensuring suitable guidance for each.
Finally, his gaze fell on the last four names.
“Toneri, Suzuhara Ai, Sato Sayun,” Menma looked at Uchiha Hikari: “Hikari, these three kids are yours.”
Uchiha Hikari seemed to have anticipated it, a faint arc at her lips, nodding: “Mm. I’ll temper them well.”
Her gaze swept over the three boys and girl whispering in the distance, making them inexplicably shiver.
Then, Menma kept Kisame Hoshigaki alone.
“Kisame,” Menma’s voice lowered: “That kid called Ida Tasuke, I want him in Anbu.”
Kisame Hoshigaki’s shark eyes turned, showing a hint of interest: “Anbu? Lord wants him to… contact the dark side early?”
He knew Anbu missions differed vastly from regular ninjas, full of shadows, blood, and unavoidable choices.
Menma nodded slowly, gaze profound: “Only by truly staring into darkness, personally understanding what it is, can one deeply grasp the meaning of guarding light, and wield the sword more firmly.”
“Ida Tasuke has outstanding taijutsu and sword talent, more rare is his composure and command potential beyond peers. A raw gem needing the harshest polish. With you, he’ll learn things unavailable in the light, which may save him and his team in the future.”
Kisame Hoshigaki grinned, showing his signature shark teeth smile: “Understood, Lord. I’ll polish this gem well.”
He took a strong interest in that silver-haired, black-eyed, resolute boy.
That evening, in a bustling barbecue restaurant in Star Capital.
“Boss! Another five plates of premium beef tongue! I’m treating today!” Shita Junhito slapped the table, voice booming, face beaming with joy from mission bonus payout.
He, Kimimaro, Bai, Yukimi, Chiyo, Hazuki, and other peers gathered to celebrate.
“Yo! Junhito so generous today? Looks like that A-rank mission and Land of Shadows campaign’s S-rank team mission bonuses were hefty!” Yukimi teased with a laugh, picking up a sizzling oily meat piece into her mouth.
Shita Junhito raised his chin proudly, glancing at the quietly seated Kimimaro sipping clear water opposite, with a hint of rivalry: “Of course! After all, I’ve seen big scenes! How about it, Kimimaro, recent missions going well? Want to exchange notes?”
Kimimaro lifted his eyelids, glancing, tone flat: “Not bad. Completed two S-rank missions, five A-rank ones, that’s all.”
“Pfft—!” Shita Junhito nearly choked on his meat, coughing hard, eyes wide.
“How many?! Two S-rank? Five A-rank?! You, you task machine?!”
He thought he’d progressed fast, closing the gap, but the other hadn’t slowed, instead pulling ahead at terrifying speed!
This all-around crushing feeling was helpless and unwilling, but more so admiring.
Kimimaro’s strength and efficiency far exceeded theirs.
Bai smiled gently beside, smoothing: “Alright alright, mission count doesn’t matter, safe return is good. Eat the meat, it’s burning.”
The dinner party’s atmosphere livened again, though Shita Junhito’s gaze at Kimimaro held more respect and determination to catch up.
On the other side, Otsutsuki clan territory.
This was a mansion in Star Capital’s serene area, style ancient and mysterious.
Toneri returned home; his father Otsutsuki Sakuya sat on the veranda, still aged but expression more peaceful than before.
He’d lost most power, but Mind’s Eye perception remained.
“Father, I’m back.” Toneri said softly.
“Mm. How was today’s exam?” Sakuya asked hoarsely.
Toneri paused, honestly recounting the process, his defeat, and critique, without hiding.
Sakuya listened, silent a moment, then slowly: “Lord Uchiha Hikari… is right. Since wiping out the main family, our branch family overly relied on bloodline and dojutsu for a long time, lacking true tempering.”
“You being pointed this out is good. Land of Stars… unlike the moon. More vitality, more cruel. Follow that lord, temper well. Good for you.”
Toneri looked at his father, nodding solemnly: “I understand, Father.”
The next morning, the nineteen new genin who passed gathered early on the audience seats of the first training ground, nervously anticipating their assignments.
Soon, special jonin and jonin arrived at the edge, calling names; called genin excitedly or tensely stood and followed their future mentors away.
The crowd thinned.
Ultimately, only four remained on the audience seats—Otsutsuki Toneri, Ida Tasuke, Suzuhara Ai, Sato Sayun.
Sato Sayun fidgeted uneasily, muttering: “What’s going on? Just us four left? No one wants us?”
Suzuhara Ai seemed tense too, hands twisting together.
Toneri meditated eyes closed, unmoved.
Ida Tasuke sat straight, silver short hair framing calm eyes, silently waiting.
Just then, leaves on a nearby big tree rustled gently; Uchiha Hikari’s figure appeared silently on the trunk like fallen leaves, looking down at them.
“Otsutsuki Toneri, Suzuhara Ai, Sato Sayun.” She called coldly: “Follow me, to the second training ground.”
The three stunned, then stood immediately, hearts excited yet uneasy.
Sayun and Suzuhara Ai instinctively glanced at Ida Tasuke still seated, puzzled, but hurried after Uchiha Hikari, vanishing at the edge.
Now, the empty audience seats held only Ida Tasuke.
Sun rose higher, time passing.
From morning to near noon, Ida Tasuke maintained straight posture, unmoving like a silent statue.
Only his stomach occasionally rumbling from hunger betrayed inner impatience.
But he waited patiently, eyes unwavering.
At noon when sunlight blazed fiercest, a tall, oppressive figure appeared ghost-like in the shadow behind Ida Tasuke, completely blocking the light behind him.
An indescribable pressure mixing blood scent and powerful chakra instantly enveloped Ida Tasuke!
Ida Tasuke’s muscles tensed instantly; instinctively, his hand gripped the training shortsword hilt at his waist, whipping around!
What met his eyes was a shark-like ferocious face, grinning mouth full of sawtooth teeth, back bearing a huge bizarre ninja sword tightly wrapped in bandages.
Kisame Hoshigaki loomed over the silver-haired boy instantly on guard, a flicker of approval in his eyes.
He grinned, voice low and raspy:
“Kid, tired of waiting?”
“I’m Kisame Hoshigaki; from today, your guidance jonin.”
“Also, your direct Anbu superior.”
“Now, stop spacing out, follow me to where you belong.”
Ida Tasuke’s pupils contracted: Anbu!
Full name Assassination Tactics Special Forces, every ninja village’s elite unit, heaviest duties!
Ida Tasuke instantly understood his wait’s meaning, feeling the stark heaviness and darkness ahead.
No hesitation, he released the hilt, stood, bowing solemnly to Kisame Hoshigaki.
“Yes! Lord Kisame!”
No extra questions, no timid retreat, only absolute calm and obedience.
This disposition widened Kisame Hoshigaki’s smile.
“Heh… interesting. Let’s go, rookie.”
——————
The second training ground was smaller than the first, but with more complex simulated terrain: woods, water areas, small rocky zones.
After bringing Otsutsuki Toneri, Suzuhara Ai, and Sato Sayun here, Uchiha Hikari skipped pleasantries, pulling a scroll from her ninja tool pouch.
“Your team’s first mission.” She tossed it to Sato Sayun at the front: “C-rank extermination. Target: clear armed group in northern deep mountains of Demon County.”
Sato Sayun fumbled to catch, hurriedly opening with Suzuhara Ai and Toneri.
The scroll detailed mission intel:
This armed group was remnants of the former Land of Demons daimyo’s forces; after the daimyo’s mansion fell, they fled north into rugged deep forests with loot and diehards, evading Demon County police sweeps via terrain knowledge.
They lurked until recent winter grain shortage forced them out, raiding two edge villages, causing casualties and supply losses.
Demon County police first thought ordinary bandits, sent special forces, but found them unusually tough, well-equipped, battle-experienced.
After clashes costing them, police killed some, captured one.
From the captive, learned the remnant leader was former Land of Demons daimyo’s illegitimate son, guarded by at least three skilled wandering samurai, and likely hired wandering ninjas.
“Thus, mission difficulty high for C-rank.” Uchiha Hikari’s cold voice explained.
“If multiple wandering ninjas confirmed, rank may temporarily rise to B. Suitable for you three rookies: real combat blood experience without overwhelming foes.”
This was the only sub-B rank but challenging mission Uchiha Hikari found.
Without wandering ninjas, a few wandering samurai and bandits wouldn’t need her.
Sato Sayun read “village raids”, “casualties”, red pupils igniting rage, fists clenched: “These damned noble remnants! Still daring to harm people!”
Suzuhara Ai’s small face paled, not fear but sadness and anger for victims; she subconsciously touched her medical pouch.
Otsutsuki Toneri frowned slightly, Byakugan unconsciously scanning surroundings, simulating mountain forest recon: “Complex mountain terrain unfavorable for large searches, but good for small elite raids and stealth. Need detailed infiltration and attack plans.”
Uchiha Hikari eyed their reactions, satisfied: “Half hour to study scroll intel, discuss initial tactics. Depart for Demon County after. During mission, I won’t act lightly unless beyond your scope. Understood?”
“Understood!” The three replied in unison, expressions serious and focused, huddling to discuss.
Meanwhile, Kisame Hoshigaki led Ida Tasuke through Star Capital’s bustling streets to an ordinary-looking supply warehouse on the military zone outskirts.
Two seemingly lazy but sharp-eyed guards at the door saluted silently to Kisame, opening the warehouse door.
Inside stacked ordinary building materials; Kisame went to the innermost wall, casually formed seals, palm pressing a spot.
After slight chakra fluctuation, the wall slid silently aside, revealing a downward brightly lit metal staircase.
“Follow.” Kisame descended without looking back.
Ida Tasuke inhaled deeply, suppressing curiosity and tension, following.
The staircase long, deep underground.
At the bottom, view opened wide.
An vast underground space, soaring height, cold efficient style of metal and reinforced stone.
Soft chakra lamps embedded in ceiling and walls lit it.
Divided into areas: training ground, armory, intel analysis room, lounge, mission briefing room, etc.
Many figures bustled, mostly in black Anbu uniforms or casual wear; faces mostly animal masks, but many partial or pushed up, chatting lowly; atmosphere serious yet efficiently tense, not dead.
Unlike Ida Tasuke’s imagined oppressive blood-scented Anbu base.
“Lord Kisame!”
“Head Captain!”
“Lord, you’re back.”
Passing Anbu members paused or nodded greetings, tones reverent.
Their gazes curiously swept the youthful yet calm silver-haired boy behind Kisame.
Ida Tasuke restrained urge to look around, eyes forward following Kisame.
Kisame seemed to have eyes in back, raspy voice: “No need to tense so much, rookie. You’re here, look openly. From today, you’re Anbu, level one access; most gear and areas yours, just don’t touch marked danger zones.”
Ida Tasuke paused, then relaxed slightly, cautiously observing.
He saw training ground with high-speed moving target shooting, silent assassination practice, even chakra powered armor training more advanced than his.
Intel room had huge screens scrolling complex data and maps.
“Anbu is Land of Stars’ shield, knife in shadows.” Kisame walked, introducing in unique voice.
“Main duties: protect key figures, prevent clear external threats, recon enemy intel, and… execute unpublic special tasks, including assassination.”
He paused, adding: “Unlike other villages’ order-obeying slaughter tools. Lord Shura said, Anbu ninjas first human, Land of Stars ninjas. Here, every mission we know why, who target, causes consequences. Understand meaning, then execute—not blind puppets. Remember that.”
Ida Tasuke listened intently, etching words in heart.
This philosophy brought inexplicable reassurance and recognition.
They reached a “Armory” door.
Kisame entered, to a tool-wiping staff in tanuki mask: “Usual, standard gear for newbie.”
“Yo, Head Captain, snagged another newbie?” Aged but vigorous voice from tanuki mask; eyed Ida Tasuke.
“Kid, good luck, personally brought by Lord Kisame. Come, measurements.”
Soon, new matte black chakra powered armor（ type two）, matching tight combat suit, ninja tool pouch, communicator, etc., handed to Ida Tasuke.
After changing, he felt lighter, stronger.
Finally, Kisame pointed to wall rack of various animal masks: “Anbu have codenames and masks. Pick one, rookie. Henceforth, often your face and name.”
Ida Tasuke scanned ferocious, fierce, sly masks, stopping on unassuming, plain bird mask.
Like an immature fledgling.
He took it, voice calm firm: “Since Lord calls me rookie, my codename is ‘Rookie’.”
Kisame Hoshigaki paused, then low laugh: “Heh… up to you.”
Thus, Anbu gained a “Rookie” newbie.
Following days, Ida Tasuke as ‘Rookie’ began intense Anbu training and life, vastly different from ordinary ninjas.
Due to heavy dangerous Anbu tasks, though genin, he faced far beyond peer tempering.
Initially, missions protecting officials, escorting secrets, but even “safer” ones demanded max vigilance, emergency plans.
Plus extra training: stealth, tracking, counter-tracking, interrogation and counter, cryptography, disguise, mastering chakra powered armor functions and scenarios.
Every day, time and energy squeezed to limit.
But he never complained; black pupils under silver hair stayed calm focused, hungrily absorbing knowledge, honing skills.
He knew here, slowing meant death crisis, weakness unable to protect anything.
————————
Star Capital, military research and development zone underground level, heavily guarded lab.
Menma stood at workbench, metal surface full of runes.
Fingertip condensed dense chakra, carefully guiding runes, finally engraving complex powerful restraint jutsu—”Caged Seal”—perfectly into special blank scroll.
Last rune fell, scroll emitted faint glow, then subdued, like ordinary scroll.
Menma exhaled lightly, picking up to sense.
“Success. Chakra injection activates, instantly forms strong seal barrier… but compared to Boruto’s scientific ninja tools usable by ordinary people, still lacking.” He muttered.
“Ultimately needs chakra as key. Non-chakra users useless even holding.” Menma’s seal tech from Boruto’s Tono Katazuke chakra capacitor research still far from true ‘scientific ninja tools’.
But sufficient for now.
“Tono Katazuke still too young…” His gaze deepened, looking out lab window to endless underground passage, sight piercing rock walls toward distant Land of Fire.
After chance meet Tono Katazuke, he’d considered recruiting, but no chance.
With Night of the Uchiha Clan Downfall nearing, Menma thought perhaps use it to abduct Hyuga branch family and Uchiha, try grabbing Tono Katazuke too.
“I recall, besides Tono Katazuke, ‘Kara’ had scientist, Amado?” Menma rubbed chin right hand, frowning in thought, recalling over twenty years ago.
Thinking Kara evoked Jigen, Otsutsuki Isshiki’s ‘vessel’.
Menma watched little Boruto, sporadically, knew Naruto’s son Boruto’s story, antagonists ‘Kara’ gang, leader Jigen as Otsutsuki Isshiki’s ‘vessel’.
Thousand years ago Isshiki ambushed by Kaguya, half body fed to Ten-Tails; near death, Jigen passed, Isshiki shrank entered ear, parasitically dominating brain, controlling body as ‘vessel’.
But Jigen more slippery than Black Zetsu; post-Fourth Great Ninja War, gradually founded ‘Kara’, or prior but no suitable ‘vessel’ like Kawaki.
Thus after Menma founded Land of Stars, multiple intel departments years searching ‘Kara’ and Jigen yielded nothing.
“How’d Jigen find Amado? Amado’s daughter died, Jigen tempted with revival?” Menma dug deeper memories.
Vaguely, Amado’s secret base in—Rain Village?
If Amado in Rain Village, Jigen already eyeing him likely lurking there.
Even Amado’s daughter death possibly Jigen’s doing.
“Isshiki has second Ten-Tails, maybe key to my Six Paths Level breakthrough…” Menma recalled more Boruto and Otsutsuki Isshiki memories.
“Tch, looks like need trip to Rain Village.” Ninja world map in Menma’s mind.
This central ninja world Rain Village truly bred heroes.
Akatsuki’s Nagato, Konan, Black Zetsu, Obito, plus Amado and slipperier-than-Black Zetsu Jigen…
