Chapter 631 : Phantom Haven's Path! (Patreon)

Hayato asked, “If she is talented at Medical Ninjutsu, wouldn't it be better if we make her focus entirely on training Medical Ninjutsu? That way, she'll become a very good Medical Ninja instead of someone like me who doesn't specialize in either Medical Ninjutsu or Nature Manipulation.

Right now, we are lacking a lot in Medical Ninjutsu as I'm the only one who can do it a bit. It'll be beneficial for our organization if we can have someone who specializes in it entirely.”

Shigeki nodded, agreeing with Hayato's opinion. The lack of Medical Ninjas was a very troubling aspect for him as they couldn't heal the people they rescued unless Hayato went on the mission. Even in that case, he wasn't always able to heal everyone due to limited chakra.

To their surprise, Fujin's clone shook his head and said, “A Medical Ninja who can't defend herself is a useless one. Do you think that Tsunade of the Sannin depends on others to defend her?”

Shigeki replied hesitantly, “This… I don't think that comparing with a rank S Medical Ninja is appropriate. After all, nearly every other Medical Ninja in the world doesn't focus on fighting and there is no one else who is at rank S.

If needed, we could train Karin a bit to defend herself after she has become a capable Medical Ninja. For now, we could focus on just improving her medical skills.”

Hayato added, “That's right. Doing both at the same time is very difficult.”

Despite their arguments, Fujin's clone replied, “This point is non-negotiable. The Phantom Haven Society won't have any Medical Ninjas who can't defend themselves.”

He looked at Hayato and said, “Hayato, once the students complete their chakra control exercises, you'll get an idea of who has some talent at becoming medical ninjas. After you test them and select the ones who have some talent at the Yang and Yin release, you'll be following a training plan along these lines.

While their main focus will be on Medical Ninjutsu, they won't abandon everything else as most of the Medical Ninjas in the world. Every one of them has to be a master at the Body Flicker jutsu and should be able to use it without any seals.

Similarly, they will train the element they have an affinity to, which could become their main method of fighting. Alternatively, they could focus on Genjutsu if they prefer it to nature manipulation.

Irrespective of what they choose, they'll learn the jutsus that allow them to hide and travel underground along with a defensive jutsu like Earth or Water Wall.

Along with Ninjutsu, they will also have decent basics in Taijutsu and basic weapons like Shuriken, Kunai or Senbon needles. A few years in the future, once they learn about poisons, they could use them to complement their fighting skills.

These are the basic requirements for becoming a Medical Ninja in the Phantom Haven Society. If they can't handle it, then they are better off becoming a normal ninja.”

His strict tone caught Shigeki and Hayato off guard. Neither expected Fujin to be so adamant about this aspect considering that he had been quite flexible until then. Both fell quiet.

Fujin's clone noticed their emotions and said softly, “Don't restrict yourself to what you have experienced in Tanigakure. The children that grew up within those safe walls don't have the same will and determination as the ones here.

If you hold our students to the same standards, then your lax expectations will lead to them being satisfied with becoming ordinary instead of striving to be extraordinary.

Instead of being satisfied by them becoming Chunin-level Field Agents, work as if you want to make all 131 students rank S ninjas. Make them strive to reach it.

Only if we do that there would be any hope of someone reaching such a level. Even if no one does, they'll still be much stronger and would become Captains and Commanders in our organization instead of being stuck at Field Agent rank for decades.”

His words forced the two of them to think. Even though they considered themselves the Elites in Tanigakure, their worldview was being broken and they were forced to think beyond it. Shigeki adjusted to it quickly as he had seen Fujin in action. However, it was a new experience for Hayato.

Fujin's clone didn't disturb them and let them use their own thoughts to convince themselves. After a couple of minutes, both of them nodded. Shigeki said, “I understand. We will make the students strive for the top.”

Hayato added, “I never thought from this point of view. I'll do my best to ensure that the students who focus on Medical Ninjutsu don't lack combat skills.”

Fujin's clone replied, “Good. I have added several scrolls and books containing advanced-level knowledge of Medical Ninjutsu to improve our library. You should check them out as well. They will help you improve.”

Hayato was surprised. He said, “Alright, I'll look into it.”

Fujin's clone replied, “Good. Shigeki, I'll leave the rest to you. It's time for me to leave.”

Shigeki asked a few more things before Fujin's clone left. He exited the base and dispelled himself in the valley.

In the tower in the forest of death, Fujin received the memories of his clone. He thought, ‘Everything went as planned. Shigeki should have understood what my intentions are. As long as he does it correctly and I get lucky, I might have the strongest force a decade after the Fourth Great Ninja War ends.

That said, even if they don't do that well, it doesn't matter as long as my spy network is working well. Anyway, since my Shadow Clone can teleport there within a minute, I don't need to take missions to go there. I can send one more frequently as well when nothing important is happening in the village.’


While Fujin was going through his memories, another important meeting was taking place in the Forest of Death between the traitor and the spy. Kabuto looked at Orochimaru and said, “It looks like you got roughed up pretty badly.”

Leaning against a tree, Orochimaru chuckled and said, “That boy is quite impressive. He is even more ruthless than Kakashi. Escape if you face him.”

Kabuto became serious and asked, “Is he that powerful?”

Orochimaru said, “More than his strength, it's his cunningness and carefulness that makes him a bigger threat. My plans will have to change to consider his threat. I might need Rasa to restrict him while I deal with Hiruzen.”

Kabuto frowned and said, “The Fourth Kazekage is very prideful and egoistic. He might feel insulted to face someone so young in battle openly and might refuse this plan.”

Orochimaru replied, “Do you think that I didn't think about it already? Unfortunately, that is the best option. You and Kimimaro can't stall him for long enough.”

Kabuto thought for a bit and replied, “I understand. I'll see if I can get any information that might help us convince the Fourth Kazekage.”

Orochimaru said, “Good. Do that after this round is over. Until then, continue your current mission and collect information on Sasuke. Keep the information with you and pass it to me later. We won't meet in the tower as planned initially.”

Kabuto became confused and wondered, ‘That's strange. Is Orochimaru so afraid of that boy?’

Orochimaru could read his thoughts at a glance and laughed dryly. He said, “While I enjoy your snarky nature, you shouldn't be so impudent, Kabuto. The tower is under strict surveillance. I won't be able to enter it undetected. I can still enter using the disguise of a Jounin Sensei.

However, there are a few thousand seals that are newly inscribed on the tower. Knowing that Hiruzen will be there as well, it might just be a trap set for me. I'll just send a Shadow Clone to attend to the normal duties of a Sensei.”

“Seals…” Kabuto muttered as he felt something fishy. He looked at Orochimaru and said, “Orochimaru-sama, I have a feeling that these seals don't have any meaning.”

Orochimaru was intrigued by his statement and asked, “What do you mean?”

Kabuto answered, “I have a feeling that he inscribes those seals just for the sake of it. Or perhaps it is his hobby. Otherwise, it doesn't make any sense for him to have tens of thousands of seals on his house when a few hundred are more than sufficient. I guess he just inscribes seals wherever he stays!”

Orochimaru was surprised. He thought for a bit. A malicious smile appeared on his face as he said, “That's interesting…”