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Chapter 58 : Steady Progress

The next day, after a period of rest, the 108 members of the Rain Hidden Village gathered once more.

They had been divided into three squads based on their abilities, with Ryuko, Setsuna, and Violet serving as captains, each leading 36 members.

Facing the blond masked boy before them, their respect was genuine.

After all, legends are one thing, but seeing is believing.

Naruto distributed specially crafted kunai to each member, using this opportunity to familiarize himself with their appearances and chakra.

Once the distribution was complete, Naruto turned his back to the group and said, "The kunai you hold are inscribed with my space-time technique. In times of danger, infuse chakra into the kunai, and I will sense it and come to your aid immediately."

There is a little-known detail about the Flying Thunder God Technique.

After Rin's death, Minato blamed himself for not arriving in time and made an improvement to the Flying Thunder God mark.

By infusing chakra into the mark, its recognition could be enhanced.

Though not foolproof, it greatly increased the chances of rescue.

Naruto continued, "Of course, as ninjas, you will naturally face various life-and-death crises. I hope you will use this kunai as a last resort and not rely on it excessively, neglecting teamwork and the improvement of your ninja skills. Understood?"

"Yes, Lord Pain!"

The ninjas solemnly put away the kunai.

Violet looked at the kunai and thought: This technique, I've heard of it before. It's the Flying Thunder God Technique of the Fourth Hokage of Konoha. How does he know it? Is he really Pain...?

Squad leader Setsuna asked, "Lord Pain, what mission do we need to undertake?"

At this moment, Konan stepped forward.

With a wave of her hand, sheets of paper flew through the air, automatically binding into booklets!

The ninjas took the booklets, puzzled, "Lady Angel, what is this?"

Konan replied coolly, "These are rosters, recording the names, appearances, and abilities of ninjas you may encounter in future missions. Assess your own strength and judge which ninjas you can contend with and which ones you should flee from upon sight."

Naruto had worked through the night to compile these rosters, covering almost all notable ninjas in the current ninja world.

Of course, the portraits of the ninjas in the rosters were drawn by Konan herself for maximum accuracy.

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The 'original' roster was in Naruto's possession.

The copies held by the ninjas were made using Konan's 'Paper Secret Technique.'

Yes, Konan could replicate anything related to paper.

For example, explosive tags.

Konan could create an 'original' explosive tag with her paper and then use her ability to replicate it infinitely, though this required a corresponding amount of chakra.

Those 600 billion explosive tags were the result of Konan's years of effort!

After understanding Obito's abilities, she worked tirelessly day and night.

600 billion took years... If given more time, she could produce even more.

The ninjas quickly flipped through the rosters.

"So comprehensive, it includes almost all the Kage and Jonin from the major ninja villages...!"

Unsurprisingly, a masked man caught their attention.

"What is this? Phasing through objects? Teleporting at will? Is this a joke? Are we supposed to face this guy in the future?"

Konan said, "It's not impossible to encounter him. In any case, he's beyond your capabilities to handle."

"If you can't escape, I hope you will end your own lives." This was something Konan privately instructed them later, knowing that Obito had abilities she was unaware of, making her more cautious. She didn't want Naruto to clash with Obito too early while rescuing subordinates.

"This guy with barbs under his crotch doesn't seem like a ninja, does he?" A man from the first squad asked nervously.

"..." Konan's gaze turned unfriendly.

Squad leader Ryuko scolded, "Watch your mouth in front of Lady Angel!"

The ninja quickly apologized, "Sorry, I misspoke!"

Konan resumed, "That's White Zetsu, our greatest enemy's pawn for gathering intelligence. They have countless clones and can communicate telepathically, though this ability has a range limit, so sometimes they can't relay information in real-time when isolated."

"Additionally, they excel in the Spore Technique and rapid subterranean travel, making their chakra undetectable..."

The ninjas were shocked, "Undetectable chakra?? So we wouldn't even know if they're nearby...?"

"A method to detect them will be taught by me..."

A deep, raspy voice sounded as a beautiful long-haired man approached with an umbrella in the rain.

Naruto said, "Orochimaru, what brings you here?"

Orochimaru smiled, "Just getting some fresh air and saw something interesting. Are these the new Rain Anbu?"

Naruto replied softly, "Yes, intelligence is crucial for development, and we must start cultivating it now."

Orochimaru nodded, "Indeed."

Orochimaru not only taught them a crucial method for detecting White Zetsu but also provided each ninja with a 'toxin' specifically developed against White Zetsu!

"Naruto-kun, I hope you don't mind my interference?"

"Not at all, you've been a great help. This will significantly enhance our initiative!" "From now on, when you go out on missions, gather intelligence on the major ninja villages, surrounding forces, and the enemy faction 'Akatsuki.' Whether you find anything or not, report back regularly..."

"Yes!"

"Go... I have high expectations for you!"

"Yes, Lord Pain!!"

The ninjas dispersed, Violet donned her mask and glanced at Naruto's back as she turned.

...

At night, Naruto and Konan watched the rain from a tower.

Naruto said, "Finally, one major task is done. Konan-nee, you've worked hard."

Konan replied, "It's what I should do."

Naruto said, "For now, there's nothing in the Rain Hidden Village that needs my attention. I should continue seeking improvement."

Konan asked, "Are you going to another ninja village to acquire more secret techniques?"

Naruto shook his head, "Obito and Sasuke are about to make big moves. It's not the right time to create new enemies."

Konan asked, "Then how will you improve?"

Naruto explained, "The Lightning Release Chakra Mode can activate reflexes and the body with lightning chakra, but it also puts a great strain on the body. Every technique has a self-protection mechanism, so the body's strength limits the technique's power."

"My current physical strength can't yet unleash the deeper power of the 'Lightning Release Chakra Mode.' In other words, my current mode is just the initial stage."

"Next, I must train my body! So, I need to go to that place..."

Konan asked, "What place?"

Naruto's eyes deepened, "The Hell Valley in the Hidden Cloud Village."