An outstanding leader is capable of attracting followers wherever he goes.
However, before anyone chooses to follow a leader, that leader must first possess exceptional ability and personal charisma. These qualities create the crucial first impression that determines whether others are willing to acknowledge and trust them. Without strength, competence, and presence, expecting others to identify with you or willingly stand behind you is nothing more than wishful thinking.
In this regard, Menma's identity as "Yifang" had already made a remarkably positive first impression on the people of Takigakure.
The overwhelming strength he displayed during his arrival had left a deep impression on many Taki shinobi.
In the shinobi world, power was the most persuasive language.
No shinobi would willingly place their faith in someone weak.
The same principle applied everywhere.
Take Orochimaru as an example.
If he lacked overwhelming strength, how could he have attracted so many followers over the years? It certainly wasn't because of kindness or benevolence.
The shinobi world had always been a place where power earned respect.
Without sufficient strength to convince others, no amount of words would make people acknowledge or follow you.
That was precisely why Menma had deliberately chosen an opportunity to display his abilities before the shinobi of Takigakure. A strong first impression was essential.
He wanted every Taki shinobi to understand one simple fact:
He was powerful.
Powerful enough to earn their respect.
Powerful enough to be worthy of their recognition.
Yet this was merely the first step.
A very important step, but still only the beginning.
Making others believe that you are worthy of following and making them genuinely choose to follow you are entirely different matters.
If Menma wished to establish his position within Takigakure, he needed to show these shinobi something more than strength.
He needed to demonstrate value.
He needed to prove that cooperating with him would bring tangible benefits to both the village and its people.
After all, most people naturally sought advantages while avoiding disadvantages.
This was not selfishness.
It was simply human nature.
Therefore, Menma intended to strengthen his influence within Takigakure by creating visible improvements that everyone could see and benefit from.
"Barrier Ninjutsu?"
Ajun blinked slightly.
"Yifang-san, surely you're joking. Takigakure has never possessed a sensory barrier capable of covering the entire village. Such large-scale barrier systems are normally found only in the Five Great Shinobi Villages. We lack both the necessary techniques and the specialized personnel required to maintain such a barrier."
Ajun shook his head helplessly.
How could he not understand the advantages of a village-wide sensory barrier?
Such a barrier would significantly improve the village's security and provide early warning against intruders.
The problem was that understanding its value and possessing the means to create it were two entirely different things.
Takigakure simply lacked the necessary resources.
Even during the village's strongest period, Ajun had never heard of Takigakure maintaining a barrier system on the scale of Konohagakure's sensory network.
For a brief moment, he even felt a trace of bitterness.
Wasn't this simply pointing out one of Takigakure's greatest weaknesses?
However, the thought had barely formed when realization suddenly struck him.
His eyes widened.
Could it be…?
A possibility appeared in his mind.
At the same moment, Menma smiled.
"Of course I know that."
Leaning slightly forward, he continued calmly.
"That's why I'm proposing that we establish one now."
Ajun's eyes immediately narrowed.
Menma continued.
"I possess the necessary knowledge to construct a large-scale sensory barrier. Naturally, it isn't something one person can maintain alone. Takigakure is not a small outpost. To cover the entire village, multiple barrier nodes and trained personnel will be required."
A trace of confidence appeared in Menma's eyes.
"I can train a group of shinobi capable of maintaining the system and establish a sensory barrier that covers Takigakure."
The room instantly fell silent.
Truthfully, Menma would never have possessed such confidence in the past.
Although he had studied Fuinjutsu extensively due to the Eight Trigrams Seal on his body, most of his knowledge had focused specifically on seal analysis rather than advanced barrier techniques.
Barrier Ninjutsu was an entirely different field.
However, things had changed.
After receiving portions of the Fourth Hokage's legacy and spending considerable time studying the knowledge contained within it, Menma's understanding of barriers had improved dramatically.
He was still far from Minato Namikaze's level.
That much he understood clearly.
Nevertheless, constructing a sensory barrier suitable for Takigakure was already within his capabilities.
The barrier would not rival the sophisticated defensive network protecting Konohagakure.
But it would be more than sufficient for Takigakure's current needs.
More importantly, the project would provide an opportunity to cultivate a specialized Barrier Team loyal to the village while simultaneously strengthening Takigakure's defenses.
It was a solution that addressed multiple issues at once.
"You're serious, Yifang-san!?"
Ajun shot to his feet.
His voice rose involuntarily.
A barrier capable of covering an entire hidden village was no small matter.
If successful, it would dramatically improve Takigakure's defensive capabilities.
More importantly, it would greatly increase the village's ability to detect infiltrators before they could threaten its citizens.
Despite his excitement, traces of doubt remained in his eyes.
Could someone so young truly possess such expertise?
Menma smiled faintly.
"Would I joke about something this important?"
He shook his head.
"Of course, I won't be able to accomplish it alone. I can establish the core structure, but each barrier node will require trained personnel. Once the system is operational, specialized equipment and routine maintenance will also be necessary."
Ajun stared at him for several seconds before finally nodding.
Then excitement replaced hesitation.
"In that case, we should report this to Lord Shibuki immediately."
"Agreed."
Menma nodded.
The two quickly left together and headed toward the administrative building.
Not long afterward, they arrived at Shibuki's office.
After listening to Ajun's explanation, Shibuki's eyes brightened noticeably.
"If Yifang-san truly has a way to establish such a barrier, then the village will provide whatever support is necessary."
His voice was unusually firm.
"No matter whether it's manpower or funding, Takigakure will fully cooperate."
Even Shibuki immediately understood the significance of such a project.
A village-wide sensory barrier would provide security not only for shinobi but also for every civilian living within Takigakure.
Furthermore, visible improvements to village security would naturally strengthen confidence in the leadership.
A stronger village inspired greater unity.
A safer village earned greater loyalty.
Menma nodded.
"However, this project will require time. Takigakure currently lacks shinobi experienced in Barrier Ninjutsu."
Shibuki immediately understood.
Indeed.
Even among the Five Great Villages, barrier specialists were highly valuable.
Medical-nin, sensory-type shinobi, and barrier specialists were all considered rare talents.
Konohagakure possessed the deepest talent pool in this regard.
Most other villages barely maintained the minimum number necessary.
As for Takigakure
Barrier specialists were virtually nonexistent.
Training personnel would therefore become the first priority.
Shibuki nodded.
"That's unavoidable."
After a brief pause, he continued.
"We'll select suitable candidates from the garrison force and other departments. Discuss the personnel requirements with Ajun. If you need additional resources or specialized equipment, submit a list directly to the village administration."
Menma smiled.
"As for the equipment, I can obtain most of it through my own channels. Many of the required instruments aren't readily available through normal markets."
Shibuki paused before understanding.
Naturally, he thought of Orochimaru.
Although Menma had not revealed every detail, Shibuki already knew enough to understand that Menma possessed connections far beyond those of ordinary shinobi.
After a moment, Shibuki nodded.
"Very well. However, all expenses related to village defense will be reimbursed through village funds. Public matters must remain separate from personal affairs."
Ajun silently approved of the decision.
At the same time, he couldn't help worrying about Takigakure becoming increasingly connected to powerful external forces.
Still, he chose not to voice those concerns.
Unknown to him, Takigakure had already become intertwined with events that would eventually affect the entire shinobi world.
After all, Menma was no ordinary shinobi.
He was the son of the Fourth Hokage.
The Nine-Tails Jinchūriki.
And a missing-nin of Konohagakure.
The currents surrounding him were destined to reshape the future.
Following Shibuki's approval, personnel selection began immediately.
According to Menma's requirements, approximately eighty Taki shinobi were temporarily transferred from various departments.
Among them were both Genin and Chūnin.
Their ages and backgrounds varied considerably.
However, they all shared one important characteristic:
Exceptional chakra control.
Although Barrier Ninjutsu did not demand the near-perfect chakra control required for Medical Ninjutsu, it still required precision far beyond that of ordinary combat techniques.
Without solid chakra control, learning barrier techniques would be impossible.
The reason for selecting such a large number of candidates was simple.
Menma intended to identify the most suitable individuals while simultaneously establishing a reserve pool of future specialists.
Notably, most of the selected shinobi were relatively young.
Officially, Menma cited adaptability and learning efficiency.
In reality, younger shinobi possessed greater potential, stronger ambition, and more flexible thinking.
Veteran shinobi often relied on established habits and experience.
Younger shinobi were far more willing to embrace new methods and ideas.
If Takigakure wished to rise again, its future would ultimately rest in the hands of its younger generation.
Once the personnel had been assembled, Menma immediately organized the first instructional session.
While his practical experience with large-scale barrier construction remained limited, his theoretical foundation had already become extremely solid thanks to the Fourth Hokage's legacy.
At the very least, when it came to teaching fundamental principles, Menma possessed more than enough knowledge to guide the future Barrier Team of Takigakure.
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