236-240

Chapter 236: Ascending to the Six Paths Level  

Why? Why would a dead-last like Naruto earn such high praise from Yoru?  

Not only did he have an extraordinary father, but now he also had an incredible mentor—Jiraiya himself.  

Sasuke had to admit it: he was jealous. No, more than that—he felt a pang of inferiority.  

"Don’t worry, we’ll tell him everything in due time. But not now!" Jiraiya’s expression darkened. "We’re not like you, using underhanded tactics to sow discord and destabilize Konoha from within."  

He scoffed. "No wonder they call you the most dangerous man in the shinobi world. A few words, and you’ve already poisoned the minds of our next generation."  

"If I hadn’t shown up today, you’d have brainwashed them completely. They’d return to the village and stir up chaos—just in time for you to swoop in and reap the benefits, right?"  

Yoru’s lips curled into a smirk, a mix of amusement and mockery. It was unsettling how effortlessly he conveyed so many emotions at once.  

"But am I wrong? Even if you don’t tell him, someone else will. And when Naruto finally learns the truth… well, let’s just say even I might find a vengeful Jinchūriki troublesome. Do you really think Konoha will survive that?"  

This was psychological warfare.  

Even though they knew he was manipulating them, Naruto and the others couldn’t help but feel the weight of his words.  

"Don’t glare at me like that. You know you can’t win." Yoru waved a hand dismissively. "I’ll leave the cleanup to you. Until next time."  

With that, he and Kimimaro departed, leaving behind a storm of unrest—all sparked by a few carefully chosen sentences.  

"Jiraiya… is what he said true?"  

Thanks to Yoru’s instigation of the Fourth Shinobi World War, Jiraiya had returned to Konoha earlier than planned—and Naruto had met him sooner as a result.  

Jiraiya wanted to say no. But the truth was undeniable.  

"We’ll talk back in the village. I’ll answer all your questions," he said, ruffling Naruto’s hair.  

The gesture made Sasuke’s fists clench.  

Having family… That was all he’d ever wanted.  

Yet all that remained for him was hatred.  

Meanwhile, Jiraiya sighed inwardly.  

Yoru had played them masterfully. In just one conversation, he’d planted seeds of doubt—not only between Naruto and Sasuke but also between them and Konoha itself.  

Truly a man who once shook the shinobi world to its core.  

With that thought, he led the group back to the village.  

Wave Country’s New Order 

News of Gato’s death spread through Wave Country within days. The people rejoiced—the tyrant who had oppressed them for so long had finally met his end.  

Motosumi, the former corporate rival, immediately moved to expand his influence.  

But to his shock, someone had beaten him to it.  

Wave’s politics, economy, and infrastructure were already under the control of a single entity—Shimizu Trading, a subsidiary of Yoru’s empire. The company had secured rights to the country’s only legal bridge to the mainland.  

Officially, they were there to "restore order." The condition? Wave would become a vassal state of the Land of Water.  

When Motosumi heard the news, he nearly spat blood.  

He’d thought removing Gato would clear his path to dominance. But he’d forgotten one thing: his so-called ally was a business titan. Did he really think Yoru would overlook a strategic gem like Wave?  

"Oh, and one more thing." A Shimizu representative met with Motosumi, smiling politely. "Our chairman asked me to remind you: Don’t try to outplay him again. He may not be a genius, but he hates being used."  

"O-of course! I wouldn’t dream of it!" Motosumi forced a laugh.  

Who in their right mind would scheme against Yoru?  

His little plan—using Yoru to eliminate Gato while seizing control of Wave—had backfired spectacularly. Now, he was stuck playing second fiddle to an empire far beyond his reach.  

Shimizu Trading wasn’t just a company; it was a global force, with assets and partnerships across the shinobi world. And behind it stood Yoru himself—a man whose influence made even the Five Great Nations tread carefully.  

The Looming Storm 

Back in Kirigakure, Yoru gazed at the horizon, his mind racing.  

"Kiri is strong now. The next threats? Tobi—Uchiha Obito—and Black Zetsu, scheming to revive Kaguya."  

He frowned. "And let’s not forget the other interlopers. Those celestial invaders might arrive sooner than expected."  

The thought of facing Ōtsutsuki like Momoshiki, Urashiki, or Toneri sent a chill down his spine.  

Six Paths-level opponents…  

He wasn’t ready. Not yet.  

"And then there’s Ōtsutsuki Isshiki, lurking in the shadows."  

A darker realization struck him: the Six Paths Sage himself was watching, ready to intervene if the world faced annihilation. The man who’d gifted Naruto and Sasuke their most broken power-ups.  

Yoru rubbed his temples.  

Every single one of them is a nightmare.  

Especially the Sage’s blatant favoritism. It almost made him want to groan. Nepotism really is the ultimate cheat code.  

"I need to get stronger. Fast."  

In less than four years, the war that should have happened would begin. But with his interference, the timeline was already skewed. The conflict might erupt early—and on a far deadlier scale.  

To survive what was coming—a battlefield where even Kage-level shinobi would be outmatched—he needed to transcend human limits.  

Because in this world, only the broken thrived.  

Luckily, for Yoru, the path to godhood was simple:  

Two million enhancement points.  

At his current rate? A mere four months of grinding.  

Chapter 237: Assigned as a Jonin Instructor  

However, Yoru noticed something odd. 

The system didn’t provide a method to reach the level of the Six Paths. It seemed he couldn’t brute-force his way there just by stacking enhancement points.  

The path to that realm remained grayed out—completely inaccessible.  

He had asked the system about it, but the response was vague: "The time isn’t right. No further details will be provided." 

"When the time comes, you’ll know."  

This left Yoru with an uneasy feeling.  

But for now, his top priority wasn’t that. 

His most urgent task was using the Blood Sun Flower he obtained from former Village Chief Haramura to save Ameyuri Ringo.  

"Where did you get this?! You actually found a Blood Sun Flower?!" Mei Terumī was visibly shocked when she learned about it. 

Hadn’t they gone extinct? Where on earth had Yoru gotten one?  

"Just luck. Let’s have Kurumi and the others run tests immediately—see if it works." 

Yoru chuckled at Mei’s excitement before handing the flower to an Anbu operative to deliver to the medical division.  

"Hey, Yoru-chan, there’s something I want to discuss with you." 

After calming down, Mei gave him a mischievous look.  

Instantly, Yoru felt a sense of foreboding. 

"What is it? Just know upfront—if it’s too troublesome, I’m saying no."  

Mei laughed at his wary expression. "Relax, it’s nothing crazy." 

She picked up a freshly signed scroll from her desk and handed it to him. "You’ll understand once you read it."  

Yoru skimmed the contents—then groaned. 

"Nee-san, do I look like someone cut out for teaching?"  

The scroll had a single assignment: With the Ninja Academy graduation approaching, Yoru was to become a Jonin Instructor, guiding the new genin.  

But Yoru knew his limits. Fighting? No problem. Teaching? Not so much. 

He was only seventeen, for crying out loud—hardly the image of a mentor.  

Sure, if he combined his past life’s age (minus overlapping years), he’d be around twenty-five. 

But that didn’t mean he had any experience teaching.  

What if he screwed up and ruined these kids’ futures?  

"I believe in you. If you can handle being Anbu Commander, this should be a breeze. Besides, it’ll keep you from lazing around all day." 

Mei shut down any protest, her tone final. And unless he was imagining it, Yoru swore he saw a glint of amusement in her eyes.  

"Nee-san, do you hate seeing me relax that much?" 

He sighed dramatically. Was it too much to ask for some downtime? Weren’t older sisters supposed to dote on their little brothers? Why was his always bullying him?  

"Yes."  

Yoru’s face darkened further when Mei answered without hesitation.  

"Fine, I’ll do it. But if I mess up, don’t blame me for negligence, nee-san!"  

Mei smirked. "You won’t. I know you better than that."  

And she was right. One thing she did know about Yoru was his eye for talent. 

The Seven Ninja Swordsmen, Ameyuri Ringo, Haku, Kimimaro—even Yagura.  

Who else would dare trust a former mortal enemy? 

Yet Yoru had done it, turning foes into allies and strengthening Kirigakure in the process.  

Of course, this was something only he could pull off. 

Anyone else would’ve killed Yagura on the spot—no matter how talented he was—unless they were absolutely sure they could control him.  

Meanwhile, at the Ninja Academy... 

"Hey, have you heard? Some big names are joining as Jonin Instructors this year! Who do you think it’ll be?"  

Rumors spread like wildfire after Yoru’s assignment was finalized.  

"Wait, seriously?! New instructors?! Do you think… Yoru-sama might be one?!"  

"Pfft—yeah, right! Keep dreaming! Someone of his status wouldn’t bother with teaching!"  

"Yeah, I’d believe Yugito-sama or Zabuza-sama before him!"  

Little did they know, Yoru was on the list. 

Would they faint from excitement if they found out? 

(The female students definitely would.)  

Yoru had always been the most popular figure in Kirigakure—an idol to young shinobi and the star of many a kunoichi’s daydreams.  

How many hadn’t fantasized about a romantic subplot with him? 

"Cold-hearted prodigy falls for me?" Sure, it was delusional—but harmless fun, right?  

Over the years, many had debated: Who could possibly be worthy of Yoru? 

Handsome, insanely powerful, wealthy, and the shadow ruler of the Land of Water—he was practically at the pinnacle of the shinobi world.  

One step away from being called a god.  

His brilliance was so overwhelming that most couldn’t even fathom reaching his level. 

By fourteen, he’d already achieved what others couldn’t in a lifetime.  

If he did become their instructor, even the biggest failures would be overjoyed. 

Just getting to stand near him was an honor few could claim.  

"Enough pointless chatter! Focus on your training!"  

A stern instructor cut through the noise, silencing the students instantly.  

"In three months, Konoha will host the Chunin Exams. You’ll be representing Kirigakure—so don’t embarrass us. Understood?!"  

His glare was sharp enough to kill. 

One wrong move, and it just might.  

Chapter 238: I’m Jealous of Your Luck  

“Yes, sir!”  

The graduates stood stiffly, nodding in unison.  

“Don’t worry—as long as you train seriously under your assigned jōnin instructor, you won’t embarrass yourselves. But slack off, and… well, let’s just say the consequences won’t be pretty. That’s all I have to say. Now, go prepare for your final exams!”  

With that, the man left, and the graduates exchanged tense glances.  

Some things didn’t need to be said aloud—they already knew.  

If they humiliated the village, there’d be hell to pay.  

Kirigakure’s education system wasn’t as brutal as it once was, but discipline remained strict. Failures were punished accordingly, and bringing shame to the village? That carried the harshest penalties—ones that could ruin their futures. No one dared take that risk.  

The graduation exams arrived swiftly.  

Compared to five years ago, the tests had changed drastically. Back then, students fought to the death for a chance to pass. Now, it was simpler: demonstrate proficiency in ninjutsu, and if you met the standards, you graduated.  

But Kirigakure’s exams were tougher than Konoha’s. While the Leaf Village tested basic clone techniques and kunai throwing, Kiri’s evaluations included kenjutsu, ninjutsu, and actual combat skills.  

Each category was worth ten points, and only those who met the passing threshold would make the cut. Naturally, Kiri’s graduates were stronger from the start—but how far they went depended on their own efforts, connections, and choices.  

The academy was just the foundation. True growth? That was up to them.  

The village elders believed that, someday, a few would rise above the rest and achieve greatness.  

In the end, twenty-seven students passed, divided into nine three-man squads (simply named Squad 1 through 9).  

The top nine were placed into three elite squads, while the remaining eighteen were evenly distributed—mixing high, average, and lower performers to balance mentorship and resources.  

Once teams were set, they were told to gather in the waiting room that afternoon to meet their jōnin instructors. Those who failed? Back to the academy for more training.  

“I wonder who our jōnin will be! I’m so excited I can’t sit still!”  

The same thought buzzed through every squad’s mind.  

Soon, the first instructor arrived.  

“Squad 9—with me. I’m your jōnin instructor, Kimura Makoto.”  

A man with a massive scar over his right eye glared at them, his harsh demeanor making Squad 9 gulp.  

This guy doesn’t seem easy to work with…  

One by one, more instructors came:  

“Squad 8, move out!” 

“Squad 7, follow me!” 

“Squad 6…”  

A pattern emerged—the lower-numbered squads were called last, meaning their instructors were likely stronger and more renowned.  

Then—  

“Click.”  

The door opened again, and a kunoichi stepped in.  

The moment they saw her, the room erupted.  

“Yugito-sama?! Why are you here?!”  

The graduates stared in shock at the cool, composed woman before them.  

“What, surprised to see me as an instructor? Not happy about it?” Yugito teased, her icy aura melting into amusement.  

“N-No! Not at all! We just never expected someone of your status to take on a teaching role!” A Squad 4 member blurted out, bowing deeply.  

“Heh. Smooth talker. Alright—if anyone gives you trouble, just say my name. Squad 4, let’s go.”  

With a confident wave, she led them out—under the envious gazes of the remaining students.  

But just before leaving, Yugito paused, glancing back at Squad 2 with a smirk.  

“Oh, one more thing—you three are insanely lucky. Your instructor? Let’s just say… the entire shinobi world would envy you.”  

And with that bombshell, she left.  

Silence.  

Then—chaos.  

“The entire shinobi world…?! Then that means—?!”  

The remaining nine students locked eyes, hearts pounding.  

Could it really be…?  

“No way… Is it him? Is Yoru-sama really our instructor?!”  

One girl from Squad 3 nearly screamed, grabbing Squad 2’s arms.  

“P-Please trade with us! I’ll do anything!”  

Squad 2 tried (and failed) to hide their grins.  

“C-Come on, don’t jump to conclusions! It’s probably someone else…”  

But their faces said it all—they were barely containing their excitement.  

“Yeah right! Who else would make ‘the entire shinobi world’ jealous? It’s gotta be him!”  

A Squad 1 member groaned, green with envy.  

If they really got trained by Yoru, their futures would be set. Just imagine the bragging rights—“I was personally taught by Yoru-sama!”  

Then—  

“Creak.”  

The door opened once more.  

A tall, handsome man with long hair and an open blue haori strode in.  

“Utakata-sama!”  

The students immediately bowed.  

This was Utakata, the Six-Tails Jinchūriki.  

“Squad 3. Follow me.”  

His words were few, his demeanor calm.  

“Utakata-sama’s taking Squad 3 again? Guess he really has a thing for that number…”  

The remaining six exchanged glances as Squad 3 filed out.  

Now, only Squad 1 and 2 remained.  

And if Yugito’s hint was real…  

The next instructor would be legendary.  

Chapter 239: That's Right, I'm Your Jonin Instructor  

Since September of Year 56 in the Konoha calendar, Utakata had been serving as a Jonin Instructor. 

For three consecutive years, he’d been assigned to Team 3—and now, once again, he found himself leading them. Talk about fate.  

Among all the instructors they’d met today, Utakata was easily the most experienced.  

Handsome, powerful, and with a relaxed teaching style, his students consistently excelled. 

Two of them had already become Tokubetsu Jonin—making him one of Kirigakure’s star instructors.  

But then came the burning question— 

Who would be the instructor for Team 2? 

Could it really be… Yoru?  

After Yugito’s earlier comment, the students could barely contain their excitement. 

The three members of Team 2 clasped their hands together, eyes shut tight in fervent prayer—earning an exasperated eye-roll from Team 1.  

"Really? Over Yoru?" 

…Okay, maybe it was worth the hype.  

If getting Yoru as their instructor meant losing a few decades off their lifespan, they’d take that deal in a heartbeat.  

"Please, please, let it be Yoru-sama!" 

Team 2 stared at the door, swallowing hard, hearts pounding.  

Creak— 

The door swung open again.  

Everyone in the waiting room snapped their attention forward—half nervous, half hopeful, holding their breath as if time itself had frozen.  

Tap. Tap. Tap.  

A steady set of footsteps echoed, and in walked a short, green-haired ninja with violet eyes and a stitched scar under his left eye.  

"Yagura-sama?! It’s you?!"  

The six graduates gaped in shock. 

None of them had expected the Fourth Mizukage—the former Anbu Commander—to become an instructor. This was insane.  

Someone of Yagura’s stature? Leading a genin team? 

Just how stacked was this lineup?!  

"Does that mean… you’re our… Jonin Instructor?" 

Team 2 asked hesitantly, trying to mask their disappointment at not seeing Yoru.  

But being taught by Yagura was still an unimaginable honor. 

Honestly, the whole shinobi world would envy them.  

This was like hearing that the Third Hokage had personally taken on a genin team in Konoha.  

However—  

Yagura chuckled. "Wrong guess. Your instructor is someone else. I’m leading Team 1." 

He smirked, shaking his head. "Though I do envy your luck. Seriously."  

Team 2’s eyes widened. 

If not Yagura… then…?  

Just then, a young, effortlessly handsome man strolled in, grinning.  

"That’s right. I’m your Jonin Instructor."  

*"Yoru-SAMA!!!"*  

Team 2 practically launched themselves out of their seats, overwhelmed by sheer euphoria. 

Their wildest dream had come true.  

Even Team 1 was starstruck—this was their first time being so close to Yoru.  

"What, surprised to see me?" Yoru shrugged, amused.  

"‘Surprised’? More like shell-shocked," Yagura deadpanned, side-eyeing his own team, who looked ready to defect on the spot. "They’re about to pass out from happiness."  

*"Alright, Team 2, follow me. And Team 1—don’t waste this chance. Learning under Yagura is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."*  

With that, Yoru led his new students away, leaving Team 1 buzzing with excitement. 

If he’d shaken their hands, they probably would’ve never washed them again.  

Training Ground – Later 

"Glad to be your instructor. Let me introduce myself— 

I’m Yoru. My hobbies include traveling the world and appreciating life’s beauty… though I haven’t actually done either yet."  

A dry chuckle. "I enjoy training and good food. No strong likes or dislikes. That’s about it."  

He glanced at the three before him. "Now, let’s hear from you. Who’s first?"  

"Me!" 

A kunoichi stepped forward, barely containing her excitement. 

"I’m Shahimi Meriko! I love embroidery and calligraphy. I’ll train hard to get stronger—please guide me well!" 

She bowed deeply to Yoru and her teammates.  

Next, another girl—calmer, more composed. 

"Natsume Yuuki. I thrive on challenging strong opponents. My passions are kenjutsu and military strategy. Yoru-sama, I won’t let you down."  

Finally, the lone boy—sharp-eyed, brimming with ambition. 

"Nakamura Shota. I live for battle. My dream is to follow in Yoru-sama’s footsteps and become a legend. Let’s do this!"  

Yoru nodded. *"Got it. Tomorrow, same place. We’ll do a bell test—"*  

His warm smile vanished in an instant, replaced by icy detachment. 

"Fail three times, and I’ll send you back to the Academy. Don’t disappoint me."  

The trio shuddered, the weight of his words hitting like a hammer. 

Being Yoru’s students was a privilege—but the pressure was crushing.  

They could not afford to fail.  

Chapter 240: A Genius is Still a Genius  

"Alright, show me what you've got. Good luck, everyone!"  

With that, Yoru vanished in a flicker.  

After dismissing Nakamura Shōta and his team, Yoru headed to the Medical Division.  

"So, was the Blood Sun Flower effective?" he asked Director Ruri, hoping the rare bloom he'd retrieved could cure Ameyuri Ringo's condition.  

Ruri sighed. "Lord Yoru… please brace yourself before I answer."  

Seeing her expression, Yoru already guessed. "The flower I brought back is useless, isn't it?"  

Ruri studied his face—confirming he wasn’t angry—before nodding. "Correct. Its medicinal properties have completely degraded. At best, it’s a museum piece now."  

Yoru’s brow furrowed. "Then the only way is to go back… But how long would I be stranded?"  

He was considering using the Ryūmyaku (Dragon Vein) at the ruins of Ryūgadō to travel decades into the past and retrieve a fresh Blood Sun Flower. But time-flow through the Ryūmyaku was unpredictable—returning might take years.  

"Lord Yoru, regarding Ameyuri’s treatment…" Ruri hesitated, her tone hinting at suggesting they abandon the effort.  

Yoru cut her off. "Keep sustaining her. I’ll find another way."  

Ruri bowed. If the Phantom said so, she’d obey.  

Meanwhile, news of Yoru becoming Squad 2’s jōnin instructor spread through Kirigakure like wildfire.  

"HOLY SH*T—!!"  

"Those kids hit the jackpot! I’m so jealous I could scream!"  

"Why them?! I’d sell my soul for that spot!"  

Graduates across the village were drowning in envy.  

Some gritted their teeth. "Fine! Even without Lord Yoru’s training, I’ll prove myself!"  

Others begged their own instructors: "Sensei, can we watch Lord Yoru’s lessons? Maybe we’ll learn something!"  

Even Yugito wasn’t spared—her students’ starry-eyed longing for Yoru’s tutelage made her scoff.  

"Tch. Since when is that guy such a celebrity?"  

At home, Nakamura Shōta’s parents clutched his shoulders, eyes blazing.  

"You listen well—train like your life depends on it! This honor is once in a lifetime!"  

The trio didn’t need reminding. With countless eyes judging them, slacking wasn’t an option. They spent the night dissecting Yoru’s bell-test hint, desperate to decode its meaning.  

Yoru, meanwhile, buried himself in Kirigakure’s archives, scouring teaching manuals.  

He was strong—but strength didn’t equal teaching skill. Many jōnin surpassed him in pedagogy. His fame alone drew attention, not talent as an educator.  

"Can’t embarrass myself with half-assed training."  

Before arriving, he’d spent 100,000 enhancement points to upgrade his teaching rank to "Elite Instructor" (on par with Hiruzen Sarutobi). Yet theory still eluded him.  

For hours, he studied. By dusk, a clear plan for Squad 2 had crystallized.  

Next, he visited the Academy, humbly consulting teachers on classroom management, student psychology, and knowledge delivery.  

The faculty was stunned.  

"To think Lord Yoru would seek our advice…"  

Their initial doubts about his teaching ability vanished when he presented meticulously structured lesson plans—complete with flowcharts, pie graphs, and attribute diagrams. Compared to his systematic approach, their decades of experience felt amateurish.  

One instructor sighed. "Monsters excel at everything, huh?"  

Yoru worked past midnight, so engrossed he didn’t notice Mei Terumī returning home. Peering over his shoulder, she saw a scroll titled *"Teaching Framework"*—its contents a masterclass in educational design.