Naruto: The Teaching System - 230

Chapter 230: A Disciple Shows Progress

Inside the cold stone circular hall, eight flickering phantom figures floated like ghostly flames in the darkness.

Pain merely glanced at Deidara, his voice cold and hollow, the oppressive presence of his Rinnegan sweeping over everyone present like a physical weight.

"Begin."

At his single word, the previously indifferent members all suddenly straightened.

"Currently, Deidara and I are undertaking a mission, which can be completed as soon as tomorrow." Sasori's Hiruko puppet shifted, its tail rising as the mechanical joints creaked. A deep voice emerged from beneath the hood.

Deidara stood nearby listening to Sasori's report, unusually quiet and without objection.

Pain, sitting at the head of the gathering, turned his Rinnegan gaze slightly to look elsewhere.

Under the Rinnegan's watch, Kisame showed a toothy grin, his shark-like teeth visible even in his phantom form.

"The whereabouts of the Six-Tails jinchūriki have been found. Should I move now?"

"No. Initial capture must be quick and decisive, so I'll go," Pain said calmly. This was the first time Akatsuki would capture a Tailed Beast. It must not cause much commotion. Once the Five Great Nations took notice, it wouldn't be so easy.

Murmurs rippled through the gathered phantoms. Pain had previously insisted they focus on accumulating funds first. They hadn't expected him to act so soon—and personally.

"I also have intelligence." Black Zetsu's distinctive voice emerged from the Venus flytrap-like figure. "The Five-Tails jinchūriki has been sent by the Tsuchikage to execute missions. This presents an opportunity." Black Zetsu's half spoke, his tone tempting.

"The change in plan is because Kumogakure is about to ally with Konoha, and Iwagakure seems restless, planning to disrupt this alliance," Pain said, dismissing Zetsu's suggestion. "We'll target the Six-Tails first."

The gathered members exchanged glances. This news was shocking—the political landscape was shifting.

"Sasori, return to Sunagakure and create chaos. With Konoha and Kumogakure allying, the Sand Village will seek to strengthen their own position. Disrupt that."

For a moment, silence hung in the air. Sending Sasori back to his birthplace—the village he'd betrayed—carried weight. But Sasori's voice remained emotionless.

"Understood."

"Deidara, accompany him and target Sunagakure's leadership. Iwagakure alone cannot disrupt Konoha's actions."

Deidara sneered. "Heh, I'll make Sunagakure bloom with the most beautiful art."

"Kakuzu, monitor the Two-Tails jinchūriki's movements in Kumogakure. Kisame, assist Kakuzu."

"Agreed," Kisame responded lightly.

Kakuzu's glowing eyes flickered toward Kisame, but he said nothing.

"Zetsu, find the Three-Tails as soon as possible. Don't make the same mistake as last time." Pain turned to the plant-like figure, his words cold and ruthless.

"Ah, how was I supposed to know the Fourth Mizukage would die so easily?" White Zetsu protested. But sensing Pain's killing intent, he quickly backpedaled. "My clones are already searching at maximum speed!"

Pain shifted his gaze from Zetsu, sweeping across all present once more.

"This world needs to know pain. Let them feel it deeper—all obstacles must be eliminated!" His voice echoed through the chamber like thunder. "Dismissed."

The phantoms vanished one by one. Pain disappeared last, his presence lingering like a chill in the air.

Alone in the chamber, Zetsu stared at the empty space where Pain had stood, then slowly melted into the shadows.

In the Land of Rain, after leaving the illusion, Pain stood alone by the window. Outside, torrential rain poured endlessly. His Rinnegan reflected only the storm-torn sky.

His voice was quiet, barely audible over the rain:

"Let the world know pain."

***

"Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Missile!"

Sasuke concentrated, controlling the direction of the dragon-shaped flames with precise chakra manipulation.

The blazing fire surged toward the waterfall and exploded on impact, spreading high-temperature steam in all directions.

Sasuke looked at Sawada breathlessly, anticipation clear on his face.

Sawada chuckled lightly. Sasuke had spent only two hours mastering this B-rank Fire Release technique—an impressive feat.

"Very good, Sasuke." Sawada nodded at his student. "Your flame control and chakra manipulation are already excellent. Continue practicing diligently."

"Yes, Sensei!" Sasuke's slight smile betrayed his satisfaction.

"You haven't been slacking lately. Your chakra control has improved considerably," Sawada added, genuinely impressed.

Sasuke's smile widened slightly as he glanced at Naruto beside him with barely concealed smugness.

"Sensei! I learned it too!" Naruto naturally noticed Sasuke's smugness and quickly raised his hand, not to be outdone.

"Learned it?" Sawada was a bit uncertain. He remembered teaching Naruto B-rank Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall.

"Look, Sensei!" Naruto said, then started forming seals rapidly and slapped the ground with both palms.

"Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall!"

The ground trembled beneath their feet. With a massive surge of Earth Release chakra flowing into the ground, a ten-meter-high earthen wall rose with impressive speed and solidity—carrying Naruto upward as he stood atop it.

Sawada looked at the size of the earthen wall and couldn't help his mouth twitching slightly. It was almost comparable to the advanced Earth Release: Earth Domain Barrier technique. This wasn't only because of Naruto's enormous chakra reserves but also proved Naruto hadn't slackened in training his Earth Release nature transformation.

Sawada nodded approvingly. Naruto's Earth Release had reached at least advanced proficiency, though not quite mastery. With his massive chakra reserves amplifying the technique, this was more than sufficient.

Naruto jumped down from the top of the wall, landing gracefully beside Sawada with a face full of eager pride.

Sawada reached out and patted Naruto's head affectionately. "Looks like you didn't slack off when I wasn't here." And unlike the others, he has Minato to guide him, Sawada thought with a small smile.

"Keep it up. When I was traveling through the border regions, I encountered an Earth Release master from Iwagakure. His Earth Release nature transformation is truly among the top in the ninja world," Sawada said, thinking of Kitsuchi, the steady son of the Tsuchikage. His talent must be exceptional to have earned such a reputation.

"Oh?! That impressive?" Naruto asked with genuine surprise and interest.

"Yes. He's praised for controlling the earth itself. This reputation was earned on the battlefield—witnessed by shinobi from all nations. He is indeed formidable."

"Sensei, don't worry! I'll definitely surpass him!" Naruto declared with high spirits, his determination burning bright.