Naruto:Immortality and the Eight Inner Gates[Double agent]

Chapter 43: Chapter 43: Farewell, Tobirama Senju



~ Push the story forward with your Power Stones 

~ Every 400 PS = Bonus Chapter!

*****************************************************************************

For three consecutive days, Rinjin stayed in the ANBU prison cell, quiet and uncomplaining.

Although the cell was cramped, dimly lit, and inconvenient for basic needs, everything is relative; compared to the underground dungeon of the Jashin Cult, this place was nothing short of paradise.

Rinjin spent his time lying on the bed, lost in thought. He repeatedly recalled and analyzed the description of the *Flying Raijin Jutsu* in his mind. Finally, after three days of contemplation, he managed to fully comprehend it.

To be honest, Rinjin never imagined that it would take him three whole days to figure out just that one passage.

However, once he understood it, new problems arose.

First and foremost, the *Flying Raijin Jutsu* had extremely stringent training requirements. One had to possess an extraordinary sensitivity to space, an elusive and profound concept.

The passage explicitly stated that unless one could use teleportation-type *Body Flicker Jutsu* repeatedly with minimal chakra consumption, they were not qualified to learn the *Flying Raijin Jutsu*.

Most importantly, mastering teleportation-type *Body Flicker Jutsu* was merely the first step; it did not guarantee mastery of the *Flying Raijin Jutsu*.

However, the text did provide an additional note: spatial perception could only be improved through the use of space-time ninjutsu.

Rinjin interpreted this as: as long as you're not afraid of dying, of having your head or limbs separated, you could just keep pushing your limits, and the talent would come.

"That's great! I'm not afraid of dying! Losing my head? That's nothing! Piece of cake!" Rinjin thought to himself.

The *Scroll of Seals* also provided a detailed comparison of various types of *Body Flicker Jutsu*.

In summary, *Body Flicker Jutsu* could be categorized into three types: space-time ninjutsu, taijutsu-based, and elemental-based.

Rinjin could achieve the effect of *Body Flicker* through sheer explosive power, but that was merely a basic application of taijutsu.

From what he remembered, others who used taijutsu-based *Body Flicker* included Naruto in Nine-Tails Chakra Mode, Might Guy with the *Eight Gates* opened, and the Fourth Raikage.

Although Rinjin wasn't particularly interested in the *Flying Raijin Jutsu*, he still studied it diligently. After all, if his business expanded in the future, he could use the *Flying Raijin Jutsu* to travel around and negotiate deals, saving on airfare.

Even if his business didn't take off, he could use the *Flying Raijin Jutsu* to deliver takeout or packages.

And if he couldn't learn the *Flying Raijin Jutsu*, well, there was always the *Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu*!

With the *Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu*, he could buy a plot of land outside Konohagakure and start a farm. Let the shadow clones do the farming—what a sweet deal!

His physical stamina wouldn't be depleted, which effectively meant unlimited chakra, which in turn meant free labor!

Thinking about this, Rinjin scratched his foot and smiled contentedly.

Just then—

*Creak~*

The small window on the cell door opened, revealing the familiar masked face of Dog.

"Number 233, your vacation is over."

Hearing this, Rinjin was overjoyed. He jumped off the bed and quickly walked to the window.

"What are we waiting for? Open the door, Dog Bro!"

"Don't call me Dog Bro," Dog replied gruffly, tossing Rinjin's clothes from before his imprisonment into the cell.

"By the way, after you change, don't leave just yet. Lord Tobirama wants to see you."

Lord Tobirama? Tobirama Senju?

Rinjin was immediately puzzled. Wasn't Tobirama Senju supposed to be dead? How could he want to see me?

From what little Rinjin remembered, Tobirama Senju had died at the hands of Kinkaku and Ginkaku.

To be precise, he had fought to the death with Ginkaku and severely injured Kinkaku.

Suppressing his confusion, Rinjin quickly changed into his clothes, walked out of the now-open cell, and followed Dog.

In the Hokage's office, the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, was leaning back in his chair. His handsome face was deathly pale, devoid of any color.

A ghastly wound ran through his chest, front to back, and through it, one could faintly see his weakly beating heart.

His blue armor was covered in scorched black marks, and blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.

Beside him, a ninja in a white lab coat was using green-glowing hands to heal him.

Outside the office, his six disciples waited with varied expressions.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, eyes brimming with tears, anxiously waved over an ANBU member and asked, "Where's Rinjin? Why isn't he here yet?"

The ANBU member was about to respond when hurried footsteps echoed from the end of the hallway.

It was Dog, bringing Rinjin.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, unable to contain himself, grabbed Rinjin's sleeve.

"Rinjin, sensei wants to see you. Go in quickly!"

After speaking, he was about to let go but hesitated and held onto Rinjin's sleeve again.

"Rinjin, sensei... sensei is gravely injured. Please, don't say anything inappropriate, okay?!"

The usually composed and strong Hiruzen Sarutobi seemed uncharacteristically vulnerable and helpless.

Seeing the tears welling in his eyes, Rinjin silently nodded, then pushed open the office door.

An ANBU ninja immediately closed the door behind him.

Upon entering, Rinjin's gaze was instantly drawn to the massive wound on Tobirama's chest, and he frowned instinctively.

This! How is he not dead?

You're not me—how did you survive such a fatal injury and make it back to the village?

At that moment, Tobirama, leaning on his chair, slowly raised his head. His crimson eyes bore into Rinjin like a carving knife.

"I can see the doubt in your eyes! Rinjin, are you curious as to why I'm not dead?"

Hearing this, Rinjin's heart churned like a stormy sea, and the hairs on his arms stood on end.

This guy—how is he getting stronger the closer he is to death?!

In an instant, countless thoughts flashed through Rinjin's mind like lightning.

No! I can't lie. My expression has already given me away. Lies are meaningless!

With this realization, Rinjin stiffened and nodded awkwardly.

"Indeed! I'm curious!"

Hearing Rinjin's admission, Tobirama suddenly smiled, melting the icy atmosphere.

"Then, would you care to share your reasoning with a dying man?"

Rinjin swallowed hard, his voice hoarse as he replied.

"Kinkaku and Ginkaku, key figures of Kumogakure in the Land of Lightning, are known as the Two Lights of the Clouds and are staunch militant extremists.

In contrast, the Second Raikage has a steady and amicable personality.

But in the eyes of militants like Kinkaku and Ginkaku, that equates to weakness.

Most importantly, the battle didn't last long. Both Konoha and Kumogakure suffered losses, but not to the point of crippling either side.

Ultimately, both sides retained the ability to continue fighting.

At this juncture, when the Raikage opted for peace talks, Kinkaku and Ginkaku would never agree."

At this point, Rinjin suddenly lifted his gaze, staring directly at the wound on Tobirama's chest.

"Lord Tobirama, did the Second Raikage A die?"

Hearing Rinjin's question, Tobirama couldn't help but clap, his eyes filled with admiration.

"Rinjin, remarkable! Truly remarkable!

To deduce the outcome of these peace talks from such limited information—it's extraordinary."

Rinjin remained silent, deep in thought, until his eyes suddenly lit up.

"Was it the Golden Rope, the Seven Star Sword, and the Crimson Gourd?"

Tobirama shook his head. "The Amber Purifying Pot."

Rinjin was puzzled. The name sounded familiar, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't recall where he had heard it before.

As Rinjin pondered, Tobirama stared at him, his smile fading. With a long sigh, he continued.

"Although your guess was incorrect, it's not your fault. Your information is limited, after all.

But, Rinjin, your intellect—it terrifies me!

Even though you were already frightening before, now you've become even more so.

To be honest, Rinjin...

When it comes to foresight and understanding human nature, neither my brother, myself, nor Madara Uchiha can compare to you."

Hearing this, Rinjin broke out in a cold sweat, inwardly screaming.

Lord Tobirama! Please! I beg you! Stop praising me! If you keep this up, I might wet myself!

Rinjin understood; the more Tobirama admired him, the more dangerous his situation became.

After all, he wasn't a native of Konohagakure!

No, I can't just sit here and wait for death! I need to act. I need to let this man win for once, to give him some satisfaction before he dies.

With this in mind, Rinjin sighed and asked a seemingly foolish yet incredibly clever question.

"Then, Lord Tobirama, why did you summon me?"

Hearing this, Tobirama chuckled softly, his interest piqued as he countered with a question of his own:

"You're so smart—can't you guess?"

Rinjin fell silent, staring blankly at Tobirama.

After a long pause, he slowly shook his head.

"In the face of life slipping away, all speculation is futile. The living can never truly understand the thoughts of the dying."

Silently, Rinjin added in his heart:

The dying are capricious, unfettered, and their thoughts cannot be constrained. No matter what reason I give, the outcome will inevitably be what I least desire.

So, this round—you win!

With that, Rinjin slowly and resolutely sat cross-legged.

"In light of the fact that I have not harmed Konohagakure, I have two requests."

Lowering his head, Rinjin hid his face in the shadows.

"First: I did not betray Amegakure; I was killed because my identity was exposed. Just let Hanzō know.

Second: Take care of Rie. She's only four years old and really likes Konohagakure."

Finishing, Rinjin's once-upright posture slumped, and he fell silent.

Watching Rinjin's vitality slowly fade, Tobirama let out a long sigh.

What a child! What a child who has completely grasped the intricacies of the human heart! If only—if only you were one of Konoha's own.

Rinjin and Konohagakure were like two magnets that could never come together. Though they admired each other, they could never truly unite.

In the past, Rinjin had exposed his cunning to survive.

Now, it was this very cunning that made Konoha's leadership deeply wary of him.

Especially in these extraordinary times, with Tobirama on the brink of death, his concerns for Konoha's future only heightened his apprehension toward Rinjin.

After an indeterminate amount of time, Tobirama slowly lowered his head.

"Rinjin, you may leave."

Hearing this, Rinjin slowly raised his head, took a deep look at Tobirama, stood up, and left.

Watching Rinjin's departing figure, Tobirama sighed deeply and murmured:

"I hope—I hope my brother was right.

And don't let me find out you've harmed Konoha, or even as a ghost, I won't forgive you."

Outside the Hokage's office, night had fallen.

In the pitch-black alleyway, Rinjin turned back, his gaze fixed on the sturdy yet unassuming building.

Looking at the still-lit Hokage's office, he let out a soft sigh.

"Farewell, Tobirama Senju."

 


Tip: You can use left, right, A and D keyboard keys to browse between chapters.