Thanks to everyone speeding up considerably, the Tiger Unit ate teppanyaki octopus leg by noon that day.
Everyone praised it endlessly.
The octopus leg meat was indeed delicious.
And fresh octopus meat was truly more flavorful than dried meat rehydrated later. The warm current it produced after entering the stomach was also stronger, making people full of energy.
Uchiha Shigenobu had also recovered by now.
While fearlessly eating the fragrant octopus meat, he asked,
"Big Brother Yoru, this octopus meat is really delicious once cooked, but why is the raw meat so terrifying? Hiroto and I only tasted a fingernail-sized piece and collapsed."
Yoru smiled and said,
"You actually also want to ask why Miwa Masayo and I can eat raw sashimi, right?"
Uchiha Shigenobu smiled awkwardly.
"Hehe. I really did have that question too."
Miwa Masayo answered,
"That's very simple. Shigenobu and Hiroto, the two of you are too weak, nya. You can't digest raw octopus meat. Once your digestive system has problems, all systems throughout the body become disordered, so naturally, all kinds of problems appear."
Yoru added,
"Pay attention. The strength Miwa Masayo mentioned refers to the strength of the body. It has nothing to do with whether your ninjutsu is skilled or not."
"Muscle power, nerve reflexes, digestion ability, recovery ability, and chakra quantity all count."
He pointed at his own eyes and said,
"Our Uchiha clan's Sharingan is also an important standard."
"Of course, it must be the three-tomoe Sharingan, and there must be no bloodline disease. Only then can the body's quality reach the standard."
Uchiha Kazushi was dumbstruck.
He was also a two-tomoe Sharingan now, but precisely because of that, he understood what three tomoe meant.
That was jonin.
Elite jonin.
The highest rank below Hokage.
A proper high-level member of Konoha.
He stuck out his tongue and sighed,
"Sigh. The three-tomoe Sharingan is far too distant. We should just honestly eat cooked meat. Cooking it is much easier than advancing…"
"Ow!"
Before he finished speaking, he received a flick to the forehead.
Yoru withdrew his finger and pointed at the pan-fried octopus meat.
"Don't think I simply cooked the meat."
"Do you remember the various medicinal herbs and spices I brought?"
"Today, to cook for you, I used one-tenth of them to process the octopus meat."
"I followed the principle of sovereign, minister, assistant, and envoy, using seventeen medicinal ingredients and nine seasonings to harmonize and suppress the octopus meat's dry heat. Only then can it be quickly digested after entering your stomach."
"If you casually boil it and eat it, hehe, it might be even more deadly than eating it raw."
Yoru's words startled everyone.
But soon, they relaxed.
So this was also medicinal cuisine.
And it was much more complicated than the medicinal cuisine taught inside the clan.
The Uchiha little brothers had experienced many things by now.
They were already very different from when they were in the village.
After understanding, they silently ate another mouthful of meat.
At the same time, what they thought in their hearts was that they absolutely could not tell anyone outside the Tiger Unit.
They could not let the direct-line members steal their things again.
Yoru also stopped speaking.
This topic ended there.
For the next month, the sea was calm and peaceful.
The number of Kirigakure shinobi also decreased day by day.
Yoru taught the Tiger Unit members more ninjutsu and studied together with them how to use the strength of many people to fight giant ninja beasts, as well as powerful elite shinobi and even Kage-level shinobi.
But after practical drills, they discovered that there were ways to deal with giant ninja beasts.
Powerful shinobi, however, had no solution.
Once a flexible and powerful shinobi surpassed them by two levels, he would in turn become the strongest counter to tactics.
There was only one conclusion.
Only Kage-level shinobi could deal with Kage-level shinobi.
Yoru was somewhat disappointed by this result, but his mood was not depressed.
He said brightly,
"In the end, we can only hope everyone works hard to improve, becomes elite jonin with the three-tomoe Sharingan as soon as possible, and only then can tactical advantages be used against Kage-level shinobi."
"But once you reach that level, you won't need any fixed tactics."
"Everyone's tacit cooperation will be the true kingly path."
The Tiger Unit's Uchiha, lined up neatly, answered in unison,
"We will work hard!"
Yoru nodded in approval.
Then he suddenly smiled and said,
"Everyone still remembers, right? The time has come. I'm going to inspect the vegetables you planted."
"Ah??!!"
At this time, it was spring of Konoha Year 44.
Spring plowing in the Land of Fire had been completed, and it was just the time to start growing vegetables.
But on the warm sea, it was already the time to harvest the first season of vegetables.
It was also the time Yoru had set to inspect the little brothers' farming results.
But it had to be said—
Konoha's shinobi focused more on improving their own strength.
They used all their time to learn ninjutsu, temper their stamina, and practice taijutsu.
They had not invested much energy into the vegetable fields at all.
What Yoru saw during inspection was roughly scraped-open ground, messy vegetable seedlings, and weeds as tall as a person's waist.
Yoru said helplessly,
"How is this a vegetable field? This is clearly wild land."
But he did not criticize the Uchiha responsible for farming because of it.
He only glared at him briefly and said,
"You don't need to farm anymore. It wastes seeds."
Eighty-three Uchiha of the Tiger Unit.
Eighty-three tiny vegetable plots.
All of them looked like this.
Yoru felt deeply disappointed.
But on the surface, he did not show it.
He only said a few not-very-harsh criticisms, flicked each person's forehead once, and considered it over.
Every Uchiha little brother let out a sigh of relief.
They were also delighted that they no longer had to farm.
But Miwa Masayo knew that Yoru's disappointment was quite severe.
He was even very depressed.
So when the Tiger Unit could not see them, the tabby cat did her best to comfort her servant, hoping his mood would recover quickly.
Yoru stroked Miwa Masayo's soft fur and listened to her purring vibration.
It still took almost an entire day before he escaped from his depression.
"My heart really isn't young anymore."
"How so, nya?"
"The little brothers were taught a lesson by the octopus. In only three or four hours, both their stamina and mood recovered together."
"But me…"
"It was only disappointment, yet even with your comfort, the frustration still took a day and a night to barely ease."
"My mentality is usually stable and not easy to collapse, but once it collapses, it's harder to recover. This is an old person's mentality."
"Fortunately, I have you, Rika-chan. Thank you."
"No need to thank me, nya. You are my contractor, servant, and Dao companion, nya."
"Right, nya. I only just discovered it too. You making the Uchiha little brothers grow vegetables wasn't to torment them, nya."
"Of course not. I only wanted to see if I could select a few disciples from among them."
"True disciples."
Miwa Masayo suddenly stood up and exclaimed,
"You… you want to teach the immortal path?"
Yoru nodded.
"Mm."
"But, but aren't you afraid of the Third Hokage anymore, nya?"
"I'm no longer afraid. I'll soon complete Foundation Establishment cultivation."
"Once I break through, I will definitely be able to draw in water-spirit natural energy."
"At that time, with all five spirits complete, my power will inevitably experience a qualitative leap. I will steadily become a strong figure among Kage-level shinobi."
Yoru's head tilted to one side.
His gaze fell on the vegetables, beans, peppers, eggplants, and other crops he had planted.
He looked at that lush, emerald green.
He murmured to himself,
"…Perhaps even stronger."
At this time, Miwa Masayo could no longer understand Yoru's mood.
The human heart was simply too complicated.
A simple little cat truly could not do it.
But she knew that her servant would become even stronger.
He would even no longer fear the Third Hokage.
She was very happy.
So Miwa Masayo asked,
"Yoru, do you know when you'll break through, nya?"
When this question came up, Yoru instantly returned to reality.
He grinned and answered,
"I don't know either."
"Nya?"
"I really don't know. My chakra is abundant, my natural energy is abundant, and the heart-shapes are balanced and stable."
"Ultimately, my body has made all preparations. It only lacks an opportunity."
"What is an opportunity, nya?"
"Like eating that strange metal in the Land of Rivers, eating octopus pearls on the sea, eating, eating…"
"I understand, nya. Your opportunity is finding the next delicious thing!"
"…"
Yoru did feel that it was somewhat undignified.
But his intuition and his pumping heart were both telling him that Miwa Masayo was right.
What he needed to find was the next delicious thing.
Other people comprehended the Heavenly Dao, collected heavenly treasures and earthly treasures, endured the baptism of heavenly tribulation, and achieved supreme Dao.
He was just going around looking for food?
My god.
This immortal cultivation felt a little undignified.
But no matter what, at least he had a direction now.
In the future, he could work hard to search.
…
The next day, after absorbing heaven-earth purple qi and watching the sunrise, Yoru continued thinking about what kind of food he needed to find.
At that moment, Uchiha Kazushi ran over.
He had just led his division through arduous physical training, and his breathing was slightly hurried as he said,
"Big Brother Yoru, an ANBU came to notify us. Lord Orochimaru is coming."
"Lord Orochimaru is coming. Did they say what he's coming to do?"
"They did. He's coming to promote us."
Uchiha Kazushi said excitedly,
"Big Brother Yoru, you're going to skip the special jonin rank and directly become a jonin."
Yoru calmly made an "Ah" sound.
This had already been discussed last year. What was there to be excited about?
Moreover, the Third Hokage had deliberately delayed it for several months.
Without thinking, he knew Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo must have done some small tricks.
Who knew how disgusting they would be?
He asked again,
"What about you? What about your chunin promotions?"
Uchiha Kazushi nodded repeatedly.
"Our promotion appointments are together too. Twenty-two chunin in one breath."
"Hehe. I'm also a chunin now."
Yoru ordered,
"Notify everyone. Training paused. Assemble."
"Prepare to welcome Lord Orochimaru."
"Yes!"
Fifteen minutes later, Orochimaru stood before the Tiger Unit and handed a specially made jonin forehead protector to Yoru.
He smiled and said,
"Congratulations, Uchiha Yoru. You have become a true jonin."
Yoru smiled and accepted it.
Then from…
His chest pocket, he took out a brand-new forehead protector and handed it to Orochimaru.
That was the forehead protector he had received upon graduating from the ninja academy.
This forehead protector was extremely new.
Had he worn it on his head five times?
Or six?
When Orochimaru accepted it, he was also surprised by how brand new the forehead protector was.
Then he turned to look at the Uchiha of the Tiger Unit.
As expected, not only did he see no forehead protectors, he did not even see a single Uchiha clan emblem.
Orochimaru smiled with unclear meaning and casually put the forehead protector into his robes.
Seeing his smile, Yoru's hand, which had habitually been about to stuff the forehead protector into his chest, changed course halfway.
He honestly put it on his forehead.
Seeing his action, Orochimaru nodded with satisfaction.
Next was the promotion of twenty-two chunin.
Orochimaru casually read the list, casually unsealed a storage scroll and distributed chunin vests.
Just like that, the ceremony was complete.
Orochimaru casually waved his hand and said,
"Tiger Unit, dismissed."
"Uchiha Yoru, stay. I still have some things to explain to you."
Unexpectedly, what Orochimaru explained was the responsibilities, obligations, and rights of a jonin.
Only after listening to Orochimaru's explanation did Yoru learn why the Third Hokage was so cautious about promotions to Konoha jonin.
It turned out that Konoha jonin held one right.
All Konoha jonin, excluding special jonin, automatically formed the Jonin Corps and could decide all matters of Konoha Village.
Every major decision made by the Hokage had to be passed by vote of the Jonin Corps before implementation could begin.
This included each year's fiscal budget.
The establishment and closure of any official department.
The beginning and end of any war.
And even the Hokage's own position.
Starting from the Second Hokage, the final procedure for a Hokage taking office was the jonin vote.
Even if the Daimyo of the Land of Fire approved it, if the Jonin Corps vote failed, the Hokage would automatically step down.
Of course, the Hokage's power was greater.
And more practical.
Taking the Third Hokage as an example, he not only controlled the approval power for jonin promotions, but also controlled the meeting procedures of the Jonin Corps.
He could control not only the composition of the Jonin Corps, but also when meetings were held, what votes were held, and everything was under the Third Hokage's control.
As long as he did not provoke universal anger and resentment, the Third Hokage was not likely to suffer defeat in a Jonin Corps vote.
At this moment, Yoru finally understood why Konoha's White Fang had to die.
After Hatake Sakumo became the Jonin Corps Commander and put on the Hokage half-sleeve, he was the one who actually controlled the Jonin Corps meeting procedure.
Combined with Hatake Sakumo's enormous prestige among jonin, he could hold a Jonin Corps meeting at any time and pass a vote to directly remove the Third Hokage.
With this kind of power in his hands, it no longer mattered what Hatake Sakumo wanted to do.
No matter what, the Third Hokage would act against him.
At any cost, he had to get rid of Hatake Sakumo.
It was only that Sarutobi Hiruzen did not choose to physically eliminate Hatake Sakumo.
Instead, he wanted to kill the Jonin Corps Commander in reputation and politics, leaving behind a jonin covered in disgrace.
According to the principle of using faults instead of merits, Hatake Sakumo, who needed to atone through service, would become the sharpest White Fang short blade in the Third Hokage's hand.
The plan was perfect.
It was only that the Third Hokage had not expected White Fang to be a true idealist.
Because his faith collapsed, he committed suicide.
Leaving chicken feathers all over the ground.
After Orochimaru finished introducing the rights of jonin, he asked curiously,
"How is it? Do you feel as though great power is in your hands, and you can cast a vote for Konoha Village's future?"
Yoru saw mockery in his golden snake pupils.
So he did not conceal his answer.
"Lord Orochimaru, please don't joke. I'm only an unremarkable newcomer among more than three hundred jonin."
"My one vote has no meaning for Konoha Village."
Orochimaru nodded with satisfaction.
"I knew you wouldn't care about this false power."
"Then what I'm giving you next is power with practical meaning."
The Tiger Unit's establishment was expanded.
Orochimaru allowed Yoru to expand it to between three hundred and three hundred sixty people.
He also allowed him to recruit and absorb shinobi outside the Uchiha clan.
After listening to Orochimaru's words, and more importantly, receiving the formally signed document, Yoru's heart bloomed with joy.
But on the surface, he still asked calmly,
"This is very valuable. But what about the shinobi I wanted?"
Orochimaru did not see the expression he had hoped for and answered somewhat disappointedly,
"Relax. I have already approved your application."
"Most of the Uchiha clan's conscripted shinobi and recovered shinobi will be gathered into the Tiger Unit."
"However, when we fight the decisive battle against Iwagakure in the future, the Tiger Unit must be able to suppress the Explosion Corps."
Yoru confidently stated,
"I need one year. I guarantee I'll turn the Tiger Unit into an elite force capable of confronting the Explosion Corps."
"Very good."
Orochimaru patted dust that did not exist from his body and said,
"The matters are done. I should leave too."
He swept his gaze over the surrounding environment and said enviously,
"I really envy you. Even during wartime, you can live such a leisurely and comfortable life."
"I have no chance to enjoy that."
After speaking, Orochimaru suddenly deflated like a leaking balloon.
Very soon, his person vanished.
Only a wrinkled human skin was left on the ground.
Orochimaru Style: Shedding False Body Technique.
This was a high-level ninjutsu within Orochimaru-style ninjutsu.
It used shed snake skin to create a ninja tool, becoming a controlled false body that could move freely.
Orochimaru could control the false body from very far away.
It was as if he had personally arrived.
He could talk, use ninjutsu, and even fight.
It was said that the most finely made false bodies could display three-quarters of Orochimaru's strength.
And the false body's defense was even stronger than Orochimaru himself.
It could also endure considerable damage.
It was a very troublesome ninjutsu.
Yoru looked at this snake skin from the corner of his eyes.
After thinking for a few seconds, he still punched it.
Golden flames ignited and burned the snake skin into ash.
Anything Orochimaru left behind could not make people feel reassured.
It was better to burn it.
Several hundred kilometers away, in Konoha's main camp, Orochimaru was signing a mountain of documents.
Suddenly, he sensed something and froze slightly.
After several seconds of silence, he smiled and whispered,
"He really burned my snake skin into ash."
"As expected of 'Yoru the Cremator.'"
"Truly excessively cautious. Next time, I'll have to find another method."
"Why not try hypnotizing an Uchiha and making him my spy?"
"Mm. Not bad. It's a very interesting idea. Worth trying."
The more Orochimaru thought about it, the happier he became.
And the more he felt he needed to be careful.
"Everything must be based on not being discovered."
"Uchiha Yoru is very difficult to deal with."
"If he discovers it, this game won't be fun anymore."
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