Naruto: Talent Entry Perks

"No bomb?"

On a rocky mountain overlooking the Hidden Rain Village, many figures gathered—mostly ninja in vests, black and white.

On the ground in front of the mountain stood two huge tailed beasts: the Two-Tails Jinchuriki, Yukito, and the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, Killer Bee, both in perfect tailed beast transformation.

On the Eight-Tails' head were the Fourth Raikage and his secretary Mabui.

Looking at the Hidden Rain Village, where no mushroom cloud rose, the Fourth Raikage spoke deeply: "There is no barrier rising either. Can the direction of that massive repulsion attack be controlled?"

Mabui, sweating a little, replied, "Lord Raikage, in my current state, I can teleport at most three times."

The Heaven's Sent Technique can instantly teleport matter to a target location visible or sensed by the user.

The larger the object teleported, the more chakra is consumed.

Even for a jonin like Mabui, teleporting two mountain-sized tailed beast balls simultaneously is exhausting.

"Thank you for your efforts, Mabui. Go rest," the Fourth Raikage nodded, then continued, "Since air strikes don't work, let's try another method, Bee, Yukito."

"Yes!"

Without needing further instructions, Killer Bee and the two Yukitos understood.

The two tailed beasts raised their heads and opened their mouths.

Blue and purple-black chakra appeared out of thin air, quickly condensing into small tailed beast balls, smaller than fists.

Then, like balloons filled with water, these energy balls expanded quickly.

Soon, two super-dense, small-mountain-sized energy balls appeared above the heads of the Two-Tails and Eight-Tails.

The two tailed beast balls were different in color: the Two-Tails' was purple-black, the Eight-Tails' was pure black.

But both contained energy capable of instantly destroying small hills and leveling urban areas of large ninja villages.

This was the true tailed beast ball of a perfect Jinchuriki—the ultimate S-rank strategic deterrent.

With a sharp whoosh, the Two-Tails' ball was fired like a cannonball toward the distant Rain Village.

The Eight-Tails' ball delayed slightly, accumulating power before shooting its tailed beast ball to catch up to the first.

The two balls, one ahead and one chasing, followed the same trajectory.

As the Two-Tails' ball neared the Rain Village, the Eight-Tails' ball accelerated and struck it hard like a ping-pong ball.

But rather than knocking the first ball away, both exploded in dazzling light like fireworks.

Boom—

Two overlapping explosions were heard even 20 kilometers away by Team 8.

Spies from various countries gathering intelligence outside the village were deafened.

The two tailed beast balls exploded into a massive flame that quickly spread in all directions.

One of those directions was the Hidden Rain Village.

The Fourth Raikage's other method was a sudden thunderous explosion.

Since they did not know how the enemy would respond to the air attack, they made the tailed beast balls explode prematurely.

But just as the flames approached the Hidden Rain Village,

Four transparent red barriers appeared, forming a huge red transparent box around the village.

Even if the mountains were submerged in the explosion, they would shatter or turn to dust instantly.

The flames hitting the barrier were like stones bouncing off a metal safe door and were repelled directly.

The barrier didn't even shake.

"Four Red Yang Formation..."

Seeing this, the Fourth Raikage's face darkened. He gritted his teeth, "What mysterious third party? The attacker is clearly the Akatsuki!"

Though the Four Red Yang Formation is only an A-rank ninjutsu, it is the strongest barrier technique in the ninja world.

The formation requires four top-level strongmen, each with chakra levels comparable to the Five Kage.

Its defensive power is dozens of times stronger than the Four Purple Flame Formation, which can trap a Kage-level ninja.

In the past, only Konoha and the Hidden Tide Village possessed this barrier technique.

After the Uzumaki clan was wiped out, the Hidden Cloud Village seized the barrier scroll.

No other villages had it, and even if they did, few could cast it.

Now the Fourth Raikage saw the Akatsuki using this strongest barrier.

Combined with Tsunade's report that the barrier scroll was stolen, it must have come from Konoha.

Only Izayoi knew it was provided by Uchiha Obito to Nagato.

"Incredible that such a barrier exists…"

Even Kakuzu glanced suspiciously at Tendo Pain and asked, "Boss, was the Konoha collapse plan really not yours or Orochimaru's?"

Tendo Pain ignored Kakuzu and instead asked Black and White Zetsu, "What's the situation?"

"The pieces are set. Chaos can be unleashed at any moment," White Zetsu smiled.

Tendo Pain nodded and addressed Akatsuki members: "The opponent is the Hidden Cloud Village, one of the five great ninja villages. A third party may intervene, so I won't force anyone to join the war. You can stay here to maintain the barrier, participate in the battle, or leave."

"Enough talk, open the barrier!"

The real Red Sand Scorpion emerged from his amber-red cocoon, holding a scroll, eager: "I can't wait to see how my art compares to that guy's."

"Me too, me too..."

Deidara echoed, arms folded, intoxicated: "Meteor showers, turning the Hidden Cloud Village into a crater… I can't wait! That guy's probably watching. How can I miss this stage—hmm!"

Feiduan wielded his sickle, smiling bloodthirstily: "Lord Evil God loves war. I'm eager to taste blood."

"You're worthy of being a senior—so imposing."

Uchiha Obito, whether revealing his true form or letting Afei control his body, saluted with exaggerated motions: "Though just an intern, I'll work hard and join this war!"

"Hmph, this uncle only cares about money," Kakuzu coldly said. "The Hidden Cloud used to be the strongest village. I hope they didn't lose too many heads last time."

"Since everyone's joining the war, I will too," Hoshigaki Kisame grinned. "Those two tailed beast balls have Samehada itching for a fight. Today, Samehada will have fun."

"I will also join."

Uchiha Itachi was brief compared to others.

Seeing everyone committed, Tendo Pain's undead face rarely smiled, then said flatly: "Though the organization was exposed early and this wasn't planned, Akatsuki's goal is peace and making dreams come true. Sooner or later, we must confront the five great villages."

"Since war is inevitable, let it announce Akatsuki's existence to the ninja world!"

With that, Tendo Pain floated up and led the charge toward the Cloud Ninja Army.

The Akatsuki followed closely.

Deidara formed a giant white bird carrying the Red Sand Scorpion.

Konan spread her paper wings and flew beside the bird.

Kakuzu, Hidan, Kisame, and Itachi flew below swiftly.

Black and White Zetsu sneaked underground using the Mayfly Technique.

Obito ran exaggeratedly, trying to catch up.

As they reached the barrier edge, the Four Red Yang Formation vanished.

Five more figures appeared and rushed out, running toward the Cloud Ninja Force.

Except the strongest Outer Path who stayed behind, Akatsuki mobilized for the first time.

The Cloud Ninja Force and hidden spies immediately noticed.

Without orders, the Cloud Ninja Force grew restless.

"Bakai, what are you doing?!"

"Ah—crazy bastard, why attack us?"

"Catch him! He's insane!"

"Is it an illusion? Transformation? Did the enemy infiltrate?"

"No, his chakra is normal. No illusion or transformation detected!"

...

Shocked and confused voices rose among the Cloud Ninja Army.

Hearing the commotion, the Fourth Raikage turned and frowned.

"What's happening over there?"

Mabui appeared instantly.

"Lord Raikage, someone suddenly attacked their comrades. No illusions detected, chakra aura normal, no transformation. The team is subduing and interrogating. Riot will soon end."

"If not controlled by illusion, execute him immediately," the Fourth Raikage said coldly. "Whether ally or enemy, anyone attacking comrades now deserves death."

"Yes."

Mabui ordered.

Soon, the attackers were executed on the spot, their bodies transforming visibly into White Zetsu clones.

"What kind of monster is this?!"

The stunned Cloud Ninjas, forced to kill comrades, looked dazed.

Mabui and the Perception Team broke into cold sweat.

"It's actually a transformation technique!"

"No way... No way. Does Akatsuki even have a transformation that disguises chakra aura?"

"It must be the secret technique of that monster! Then, besides these people, how many others have been transformed by it?"

As these words fell, the Cloud Ninjas instantly grew wary of their own companions.

Before the battle even began, morale suffered a severe blow.

At that moment, an experienced jonin stood up and shouted, "Don't panic! Find someone you know, use secret hand signs to ask questions only they would know—this way you can test who's real or fake."

Hearing this, the Cloud Ninja troops immediately broke formation and formed small teams, beginning to communicate with gestures like deaf-mutes.

Soon, the killing resumed.

All remaining White Zetsu clones were identified and pulled out.

After calming the riot and removing the infiltrators, the Fourth Raikage said to Killer Bee, "Bee, try again to see how they dissolve the Tailed Beast Ball."

"I know, stinky brother!"

Killer Bee responded, then the Eight-Tails, Gyuki, opened his mouth and quickly condensed a black Tailed Beast Ball, firing it toward the nearby Akatsuki.

Though the explosion might affect them, the Akatsuki members kept calm expressions and did not slow their pace.

However, the Hungry Ghost Path suddenly flashed forward and appeared before the Tailed Beast Ball, rushing at it.

To others, it looked like a suicidal charge.

When Hungry Ghost Path collided with the ball, no explosion occurred.

Instead, the ball stopped mid-air, shrinking visibly until it liquefied like water and flowed into the palm of the Hungry Ghost Path.

"Ninjutsu absorption!"

Witnessing this, many expressions changed.

"Even a Tailed Beast Ball can be absorbed? Is this the power of the Sage's Eye?" The Fourth Raikage said deeply, "The face covered in black nails, eyes shaped like the Samsara Eye—the same as the Samsara Eye puppet mentioned by Princess Tsunade. Is there really a mysterious person? Is this the puppet's power or the Samsara Eye's ability?"

"Stinky brother, we have to get rid of that guy first," Killer Bee said.

"Disperse!"

The Fourth Raikage didn't answer but raised his hand and shouted orders.

He saw Tendo Pain floating higher.

This scene reminded many of the end of last December.

Not only the Fourth Raikage, but also the Cloud Ninja Corps recognized it.

Many who experienced that night showed fear in their eyes.

Without hesitation, they immediately vanished into black and blue-white afterimages, scattering in all directions.

Their decision proved wise.

Absorbing chakra from Hungry Ghost Path, Tendo Pain rose higher like a swelling balloon.

He raised his hands and shouted toward the Cloud Ninja Army.

"Shinra Tensei!"

An invisible storm roared.

Luckily, it wasn't raining, or the rain curtain would have vanished instantly.

Still, the repulsive storm of distorted airflow swept across where the Cloud Ninja Army had been, like a hurricane.

Boom—

With a tremendous explosion, rocks and mountains shattered, earth sank, thick dust and fog rose.

At the same time, the battle horn blew.

Dense figures rushed from the dust and fog, surrounding the Akatsuki in a half-moon shape.

Facing over 2,000 Kumo Ninjas in vests, even Akatsuki Kage-level warriors would feel pressured—unless Pain was killed.

Then, the upper body of Black and White Zetsu emerged from the ground.

White Zetsu raised a sword with one hand and smiled: "Come out, White Zetsu army!"

Instantly, white shoots sprouted from the ground, growing into White Zetsu clones.

Their number doubled that of the Kumo Ninjas.

The spore technique couldn't have produced so many clones.

Obviously, Black and White Zetsu secretly deployed 100,000 White Zetsu.

When the roughly 5,000 White Zetsu clones appeared, their number overwhelmed the Kumo Ninjas.

One in front, one behind, one left, one right, white and black alternated, forming a "Pisces Diagram."

"Yoho—"

A ghostly cry sounded.

Feidan randomly targeted a Kumo Ninja, lightning flashing.

Holding a bloody sickle, he slashed, ready for a physical duel.

The Cloud Ninja blocking Hidan's attack widened his eyes in shock.

Suddenly, a huge flame appeared behind Hidan.

Next, a wave of intense fire engulfed Hidan and the Cloud Ninja.

"Ahhh..."

Both screamed miserably in the fire.

In less than a moment, the Cloud Ninja turned to charcoal.

Hidan rolled on the ground after the fire dissipated.

However, the flames on his body slowly faded, and the burn marks healed moderately fast.

"Kakuzu, what are you doing, bastard? I haven't even started the ceremony!" Hidan cursed.

Not dying by blood yet, he felt pain and discomfort but no pleasure.

"There's no time for dawdling," Kakuzu said coldly. "Use your shield as a shield."

"What? You think I'll curse you to death?"

Before Hidan finished, lightning struck, separating his head.

"Kakuzu, save me!"

In the sky, Deidara watched Cloud Ninjas flashing with lightning and complained, "How can such a disgusting ninjutsu as lightning escape exist in this world?"

"Brother Scorpion, please cooperate after a long time."

"Descend."

The white bird carried the two down quickly.

The Red Sand Scorpion raised his hands, ignoring friend and foe, spraying two huge fire snakes toward the Cloud Ninjas fighting White Zetsu clones.

"Feel the linkage of art!"

Deidara laughed, throwing out two white birds.

They circled the fire snakes, then crashed into them, turning into huge flames engulfing nearby White Zetsu clones and Cloud Ninjas.

When the flames cleared, 300 puppet soldiers linked to chakra lines appeared from thin air.

The Cloud Ninjas, who had hated Scorpion and surrounded him, changed expressions suddenly.

Meanwhile, Hoshigaki Kisame and Uchiha Itachi played support roles.

Kisame didn't use his powerful water ninjutsu, and Itachi refrained from strong fire ninjutsu.

Instead, Kisame used Samehada to fight ninjutsu-specialist Cloud Ninjas.

Itachi used illusions to confuse enemies attacking him.

Like Itachi, the "intern" Afei also played with enemies.

He avoided using Kamui or Wood Release, instead playing hide-and-seek with fast Cloud Ninjas and guiding their attacks onto teammates.

Meanwhile, the battle between Pain's Six Paths and Konan heated quickly.

Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh...

The sound of slicing air filled the scene.

Konan floated in the air, shooting numerous paper cranes down like bullets, each rigged with a detonating tag.

"Rat Tail Ball!"

Before the paper cranes bombed the ground, a blue barrage flew upward to meet them.

Boom...

Explosions lit the sky with countless fireworks.

When smoke cleared, a huge cat demon covered in blue chakra flames and black patterns leapt up, crashing into Konan.

Konan blocked with wings and was knocked higher.

The two-tailed cat-shaped monster opened its mouth, ready to spit a huge fireball.

A winged multi-headed dog jumped up, biting the cat-shaped monster and dragging it to the ground.

Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh...

More than a dozen flaming missiles bombarded the dog and cat, ignoring friend or foe, producing fireworks as both beasts roared.

"Lightning Style: Absolute Bull Thunder Blade!"

Red and blue flashes appeared ahead and behind Hungry Ghost Path like teleportation.

Elbows covered with tailed beast chakra and blue-white electricity blasted toward his neck.

Hungry Ghost Path stayed calm, grabbing Killer Bee, who had fully transformed into tailed beast form.

Just as the Fourth Raikage prepared to strike Hungry Ghost Path's neck, a cold voice came from above:

"Tianyin!"

The invisible hand of God grabbed the Fourth Raikage, lifting him off the ground.

Hungry Ghost Path held Killer Bee's arm, allowing the force to lift his feet.

Next second, Killer Bee's tailed beast cloak dissipated quickly.

It flowed into Hungry Ghost Path's body.

Not only that, Killer Bee's chakra drained rapidly.

Seeing this, Killer Bee's expression changed sharply.

He quickly transformed, turning his arm into an octopus tentacle, wrapping around Hungry Ghost Path, and broke off the arm.

At the same time, he grew another huge octopus tentacle, grabbed the Fourth Raikage from the sky, and pulled him back.

"Shinra Tensei!"

The invisible repulsive storm slammed into the octopus tentacle and Fourth Raikage, throwing them to the ground hard.

When dust cleared, the Fourth Raikage stood next to Killer Bee unharmed.

"Stinky brother, did you notice?"

"Ah..."

The Fourth Raikage looked at Tendo Pain falling slowly, then at the battlefield.

He glanced at Red Sand Scorpion controlling puppet armies against Cloud Ninjas, failing to gain advantage.

He said unpleasantly, "The mysterious third party may be real!"

"Is it an act? If not, should we keep fighting?" Killer Bee asked.

"I don't know. Let's try again," the Fourth Raikage said fiercely. "Once the bow is shot, there's no turning back. The war has started—there's no resolving hatred now. If he's not the murderer, then take his Sage's Eye."

"Understood. Let this guy taste the power of the AB combination!"