From Naruto onwards, I've become a dreamer.

Chapter 427 Lu Mingze: This tastes just right!
Sequence Zero is the "True God" at the apex of the sequence path, and often holds "authority" at a certain level.

The [Old Ones] have completely broken free from the limitations of extraordinary pathways and are also known as: Above the Sequence, the Old Ones Rulers, and the Starry Sky!
In addition to the necessary 'source matter', the conditions for promotion to [Old One] also require the uniqueness of all corresponding pathways and a Sequence 1 characteristic.

The 'Tyrant' pathway extracted from Pompeii, with its Sequence Two 'Calamity' extraordinary characteristic, is paving the way for the 'Old Days'.

Theoretically speaking, the special nature of the 'Dreamer' allows Him to directly, after accommodating the second 'uniqueness' and the characteristics of Sequence 1 of the corresponding sequence, manifest the remaining, false symbols and authority through 'dreaming', thereby gaining a level beyond the sequence and possessing half the power of the 'Old One' in a short period of time.

Therefore, Adam always believed that the body should not be in such a hurry.

Even if it is necessary to cultivate 'Series One', it should be done at least after advancing to 'Dreamer', only then can we be absolutely certain of success.

Even if something goes wrong, by combining the 'Dreamer' and the 'Tyrant', we can completely simulate the power of the 'Old Days'. At that time, we can easily deal with even a 'True God'!
However, doing so now is fraught with uncertainties!

"You're too anxious!"

Adam's expression was more serious than ever before.

“I understand your desire to advance to the ‘Old Ones,’ but I think it’s too reckless.” He shook his head, showing great resistance to the plan, and said, “Sequence One is not a puppet that you can manipulate in the conventional sense. Have you considered what will happen if something goes wrong?”

Promoting White Zetsu to the first rank would be far too risky.

There are many uncontrollable factors involved. If the White Zetsu breaks free of control, it will be a big problem.

I understand your concerns.

Uchiha Muneki calmly said, "I won't take any risks. Besides, White Zetsu is just a casual move. I might not use it, but I should at least have it."

Upon hearing this, Adam's serious expression finally softened, but he was still worried and reminded him, "We must take preventative measures."

"I will."

Uchiha Muneki nodded slightly and said calmly, "I left it a gift."

Adam didn't ask what the 'gift' was. Judging from the original's personality, it would definitely make White Zetsu deeply experience 'despair' at a crucial moment.

And as Adam had predicted, He had hidden that 'special gift' directly in the deepest part of White Zetsu's 'spiritual body'.

The mystical arts of the mysterious world divide the non-physical aspects of each person into four levels.

From the inside out, they are: spiritual body, astral body, mental body, and etheric body.

The outermost etheric body is the manifestation of life energy and physical state, and its outward characteristics are the aura colors in a state of spiritual vision.

The mental body, which lies slightly deeper, is a combination of mind and body, involving the levels of thought and mind. Viewers from the lower to middle sequences influence a person's consciousness through manipulation, hypnosis, and other means by affecting the mental body.

In a sense, the Sharingan's genjutsu is a special ability at this level.

A deeper level of astral spirits is the outward manifestation of communication with the spirit world and the starry sky, and they also influence an individual's will and emotions.

The most core spiritual entity is each person's fundamental spirituality, and once it is affected, unpredictable and uncontrollable terrifying consequences will occur.

The gift He left in the deepest part of the White Zetsu's spirit was the murmur of the 'True Creator'.

It must be said that although there are many tools available now, what Uchiha Muneki loves most is undoubtedly the ramblings of the 'True Creator'.

The reason is simple: it's just so damn good!
This thing, if used in the right place, is an absolute killer!
The only downside is that there's only one, which isn't enough.

When do you plan to reconvene the 'Twilight Hermits' Society?

Adam slowly said, "Although that group of people were being hunted down by 'Obito Uchiha' and went into hiding, they suffered no losses under the protection of the Sage of Six Paths."

"No rush, just wait."

Uchiha Muneki said calmly, "Didn't an old friend come to participate in this Chunin Exam?"

"You mean Orochimaru?" Adam raised an eyebrow.

"Not just, many people are here."

Uchiha Muneki shook his head, smiled faintly, and said, "Judging from the situation, they've probably come to settle scores with White Zetsu."

This story begins with the disappearance of the Hokage, Adam.

After instructing all members of the Twilight Hermits that He needed to rest for a while, they all went into hiding.

But at this moment, White Zetsu quietly developed ambition and secretly reached an agreement with Obito Uchiha to help him eliminate the Twilight Hermit Society left behind by 'Adam'.

So, White Zetsu set his sights on Orochimaru, the only one who knew about him!

It intended to extract the identities of all members of the Twilight Hermits from Orochimaru's mind, leaving behind the records left by Adam. As a result, Orochimaru was relentlessly pursued by Obito Uchiha.

However, with the secret help of the Sage of Six Paths, Orochimaru quickly disappeared.

But during their disappearance, the members of the Twilight Hermit Society did more than just sit idly by. Based on various clues, they eventually pointed to the 'Third Hokage'.

Then, the most interesting part came!
The members of the Twilight Hermits unanimously believed that White Zetsu had betrayed the will of 'Adam', and therefore planned to kill him completely!

The opportunity arose during the Chunin Exams, which White Zetsu was preparing for in order to advance to Rank 4!

Having deviated from the original story's trajectory, it was once again pulled back onto the right track in some strange way.

This is absolutely hilarious!

"No wonder you wanted to help it."

Adam shook his head, a half-smile on his face, and said, "Even without us, with the current strength of the Twilight Hermits, it would be nothing short of a pipe dream for White Zetsu to succeed."

It should be noted that in the years since they left, although the members of the Twilight Hermits have suffered greatly, they have undoubtedly made great progress.

Except for Onoki, who was on the scale for two days, almost everyone else was stuck at the gate of Sequence 4, only lacking the corresponding ritual to advance.

No, to be more precise, this Chunin Exams might just be a turning point.

Although the 'Audience' pathway ability is strange, being ganged up on by five people, especially those with a pathway at Sequence 5, is something even someone made of iron couldn't withstand.

"By the way, where's the child?"

Adam suddenly spoke up and asked, "Where did you send Lu Mingze?"

"Naturally, I'm going back to my old profession."

Uchiha Muneki smiled knowingly and said, "A boy who was once bullied by Byakugan was humiliated in front of the woman he loved, and then vowed to take back everything. Just then, he suddenly encountered a cheat code, and from then on, he embarked on a life of showing off and slapping faces. What do you think of this plot?"

"Battle Through the Heavens, is that it?!"

Adam stared at Him with a twitching eye, speechless. "Do you think I didn't see this? Where's Xiao Yan? Let Xiao Yan come out!"

"No rush, you'll see it soon."

Uchiha Muneki relaxed, leaned back in the bronze chair, and slowly closed his eyes.

A blond-haired boy stood dejectedly in front of the mirror.

His sunken eye sockets and bloodshot pupils were enough to prove that he had slept very poorly.

"Who the hell are you?!"

The blond boy seemed to have finally given up. He stared intently at the mirror, gritting his teeth as he said, "Don't say anything more. I'm your brother now. I can be sure of it. My parents only have one son. They don't have you at all. Don't try to fool me with those childish words!"

The mirror reflected only a haggard,颓废 (颓废 is a difficult word to translate directly, but it implies a state of being listless, dispirited, or decadent) face with three tufts of mustache on each cheek; there seemed to be no one else there.

However, only the blond boy knew that, in the reflection in the mirror, he wasn't the only one in the house!

A boy who looked very well-behaved and cute, wearing a black suit and a plain white bow tie, with a pair of light-colored golden eyes, was sitting on the bed opposite the mirror, with one hand supporting his chin and tilting his head to smile at him.

Strangely, the blond boy could clearly see the boy, but neither the mirror nor anyone else could see him.

He's been driven crazy lately!
That boy seems to be everywhere. No matter where he hides, he can always see him. It's so annoying!
"Hehe, okay, let me introduce myself." The boy gracefully got up from the bedside, gave a very gentlemanly bow, and smiled slightly: "My name is Lu Mingze, and I am a devil. I'm here to make a deal with you, Naruto Uzumaki."

"Demons and monsters?!"

The blond-haired boy—no, it should be Naruto Uzumaki—widened his eyes in shock, a look of fear crossing his face.

It's impossible not to be scared. Anyone who suddenly discovers they're being followed by a 'devil' they can't shake off would be terrified to death!
Moreover, the devil has never been a positive figure; he is usually an extremely evil being.

"You, you, you, don't come any closer!" Naruto shrank to the side, hugging the refrigerator, and trembling as he said, "I'm warning you, stay away from me!"

It's so funny, but he's a bit timid, not as brave as Lu Mingfei.

Lu Mingze pondered for a moment, then tried to put on a gentle smile and said, "Don't worry, even though I'm a devil, I still have to abide by the basic law. I won't harm you for no reason."

"Really?"

Naruto Uzumaki asked, shrinking his neck.

"Of course, even though I'm a devil, I would never lie to you," Lu Mingze said with a smile.

"Could you please move away from me?"

Naruto pointed outside and said, "Why don't you reconsider and find someone else?"

Lu Mingze tilted his head and looked at him with a half-smile: "No, I will only look for the 'suitable' person."

Why do you keep bothering me?!

Naruto Uzumaki was on the verge of a breakdown, grabbing his hair and shouting, "There are so many people outside, why did you have to pick on me? What do I do that meets your requirements?!"

"Because you are 'lonely'."

Lu Mingze said softly, "You tried very hard to fit in with the group, but because of your identity as the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, you were ostracized by everyone. You longed for your parents' love, but they disappeared after you were born. You used pranks to cover up your sadness and wanted to gain everyone's approval, but all you got in return was hatred."

Every word felt like a heavy hammer blow, striking Naruto's heart.

"You like Sakura Haruno, but she hates you."

"You envy other children who receive praise from their parents when they come home, but for you, coming home is always to a cold room."

"You want to become Hokage, but your aptitude is just too poor. Even with the simplest Three Body Technique, you've practiced diligently for a long time but still can't reach the passing grade for graduation."

"You tried countless times to close the gap between yourself and Uchiha Sasuke, but you could only sadly discover that the gap between you was getting bigger and bigger."

"You want to find your missing parents and ask them why they abandoned you and why they sealed the Nine-Tails inside you."

"you"

"That's enough! Stop talking!"

Just as Lu Mingze was about to continue speaking, Naruto Uzumaki suddenly erupted.

His eyes were bloodshot, and a violent aura emanated from him. He gritted his teeth and said in a hoarse voice, "What exactly do you want to say?!"

However, it only lasted for half a second. Under Lu Mingze's calm gaze, Naruto's momentum suddenly collapsed, as if he had lost his support, his face full of confusion and loneliness.

He knew very well that what Lu Mingze said was the truth.

Often, lies are not the sharpest knife; the truth is the most deadly sword!

Even so, I will not give up!

Naruto, true to form, quickly rallied: "I believe that hard work will pay off. I will definitely become Hokage, find my missing parents, and earn the villagers' approval!"

"A good idea, but reality is harsh."

Lu Mingze said calmly, "We don't need another hard-working person like you, but the steps leading to the highest hall can only accommodate a small number of people."

"what do you want to say in the end?"

Naruto Uzumaki felt his heart pounding. He wanted to refute Lu Mingze, but every word the other man spoke felt like a sharp knife piercing his fragile heart.

"Do you know how many genin graduate each year?" Lu Mingze suddenly asked him a strange question.

"I don't know." Naruto Uzumaki felt inexplicably guilty.

"There are probably around thirty."

Lu Mingze then asked, "Let me ask you again, how many people are there in the Ninja Academy?"

"Around a hundred?" Naruto Uzumaki whispered.

"No, it's around three hundred."

Lu Mingze looked at him seriously and said, "In other words, the graduation rate of genin is only 10%."

Naruto Uzumaki slowly opened his mouth wide.

"So, do you know what the probability is of these thirty people being promoted to Chunin?" Lu Mingze asked again.

"do not know"

Naruto lowered his head, feeling somewhat flustered.

“It’s 3%.”

Lu Mingze smiled and said, "In general, the Chunin Exams only select the best Genin to be promoted to Chunin."

'Gulp'.

It was the sound of Naruto Uzumaki swallowing; he had clearly realized what Lu Mingze truly meant.

"Of course, what I'm saying is just a calculation."

Lu Mingze shrugged and grinned, "In fact, the probability of promotion is probably a little higher, but Konoha Village has more than a thousand Chunin, but only a little over a hundred Jonin, and even fewer elite Jonin, only a handful. There's only one Hokage. Now do you still think that hard work is useful?"

Naruto Uzumaki fell silent, the heavy numbers weighing on him, making it hard to breathe.

In Lu Mingze's golden pupils flowed a blazing flame, like a mirror reflecting a raging fire: "An exchange?"

"What in exchange?"

Naruto's throat was dry as he stared blankly at the boy.

"A contract shall be signed, and the terms of the transaction shall be as follows."

Lu Mingze said calmly, "I will accept your four summons, but each summons will require a quarter of your soul to grant you four wishes. Once all your wishes are granted, my contract to serve you will be dissolved, and your soul will belong to me."

Naruto swallowed hard, then asked blankly, "Four wishes?"

"Of course, it's within my capabilities."

Lu Mingze saw through his thoughts at a glance and said, "If I can't do it, I naturally won't accept any payment. Are you willing?"

At that moment, many images flashed through Naruto's mind.

Finally, he gritted his teeth and said, "I do!"

"Then, the contract is established!"

In Lu Mingze's pale golden eyes, it seemed as if a flame capable of destroying the world had been ignited.

(End of this chapter)