Naruto: From Konoha to One Piece

Chapter 126: Chapter 126: The Catalyst



Jiraiya had a wry smile on his face. "To my knowledge, the First Hokage founded Konoha not only through his strength but also through his deep commitment to peace."

 

"Oh, please!" Tsunade rolled her eyes, a hint of sarcasm in her tone. "If it weren't for my grand-uncle, then considering my grandfather's character, even as the strongest during the Warring States Period, it would've been nearly impossible for him to establish Konoha!"

 

"Do you know why all the clans back then chose my grandfather as the First Hokage? It wasn't his charisma; it was because he was more soft-hearted than Madara! Much, much softer!"

 

"If it weren't for my grand-uncle's wise policies and the looming threat as other countries formed their own villages, my grandfather's death would likely have led to Konoha tearing itself apart!"

 

A look of shock and disbelief crossed Jiraiya's face. Tsunade continued, "The so-called pacifistic nature was just an excuse! The founding of Konoha only happened because Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara were invincible during that time!"

 

Jiraiya took a sip of his drink and sighed. "So you're certain Shin's strength alone can make him the catalyst to change the world? The current state of the world has grown far more complex."

 

With the founding of the Five Great Ninja Villages, the development of jutsu has been rapid. Although no one as powerful as Madara Uchiha or the First Hokage has re-emerged, the ninja world has made significant advances.

 

Even resurrecting Madara or Hashirama wouldn't make it easy to dominate the world. Techniques like Reanimation, the Reaper Death Seal, and the Eight Gates now exist, posing threats even to such powerful figures—techniques that didn't exist in their time.

 

"What if I told you that Shin's dark release can freely absorb bloodline abilities, chakra, and even tailed beast chakra without any drawbacks?" Tsunade said quietly.

 

"What!" Jiraiya's eyes widened, a look of disbelief on his face. "Such a power—how can it exist?"

 

Even Jiraiya briefly wondered if Shin was connected to the Otsutsuki clan, though he knew Shin had been born in Konoha. But if he could devour bloodlines and chakra without limit, he would eventually surpass the Otsutsuki.

 

"The writing's on the wall," Jiraiya sighed, looking troubled. "But what happens to Konoha then?"

 

"If you can't beat them, join them," Tsunade replied indifferently. "Honestly, Shin's personality is more decent than 99% of the other ninjas out there."

 

"Sure, sure." Jiraiya rolled his eyes. "But I'm not so sure what the higher-ups would say!"

 

After spending two weeks in the Hyuga clan's archives, Shin managed to approximate the location of a pathway to the moon based on scattered information from various documents.

 

"Only an approximate location? Well, I'll just have the members of Akatsuki help with the search."

 

Beyond the core S-rank rogue ninjas, the Akatsuki also had auxiliary members and contacts. With sufficient manpower, they'd be able to locate it eventually.

 

Stretching, Shin quietly disappeared from the archives.

 

In the training grounds, where he was helping Hinata with special training, his expression briefly shifted before settling back to normal.

 

Hinata, as it turned out, was exceptionally talented. Her Byakugan was perhaps the strongest in the Hyuga Clan, and it seemed her weakness in the original story had been more a result of her personality than lack of ability.

 

However, after her traumatic experience in the Hidden Cloud Village, her personality had undergone a transformation, and she now had a fierce desire for strength.

 

Shin didn't mind guiding her and even gave her a mild infusion of Hashirama cells, preparing her body for future improvements. If she weren't so young, he would've considered going further.

 

"Maybe one day she'll be able to give Naruto a real challenge," Shin mused with a sly smile, enjoying the difference in this timeline.

 

Though Shin didn't know much about the Gentle Fist, his skills in taijutsu were formidable enough to help Hinata with the basics.

 

Thanks to his expertise in both taijutsu and body control, he could help her achieve proper physical conditioning, flexibility, and reflexes.

 

These physical qualities were crucial foundations for taijutsu. Unlike in the other world, where raw strength reigned supreme, shinobis relied on chakra enhancement, and a stronger body allowed for better chakra flow and resilience.

 

"That's enough training for today," Shin said, patting Hinata on the head as she gasped for breath, sweat rolling down her face.

 

"I've given you the basics, but remember, you're still young. Your training intensity has to be appropriate for your age."

 

"Once you're seven, you can increase the training."

 

Hinata nodded, then hesitantly asked, "Onii-chan... are you leaving?"

 

Shin was slightly surprised by her perceptiveness. "Yes, but don't worry. I'll visit often."

 

Hinata looked disappointed but smiled brightly upon hearing that Shin would be back frequently.

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