Naruto: The Age of Ninja Swords Begins in Kumogakure

Chapter 297 Moonlight Gale

In the Hokage's office in Konoha, Hiruzen Sarutobi summoned Minato Namikaze and handed him a file.

"Is Moonlight Gale the child of Senior Xuanfeng?"

After looking at the file and the birth date and age recorded on it, Minato Namikaze immediately thought of Genpuku Tsukiko, who was known as the Dancer of the Night back then.

He was the strongest swordsman in the village, second only to Senior Sakumo, and was even more outstanding than Senior Sakumo in assassination skills.

The main reason is that it possesses the bloodline limit, Transparent Release, which allows it to achieve perfect invisibility. Even some sensory ninjas find it difficult to detect. Only the Kagura Mind's Eye of the Uzumaki clan and the Byakugan of the Hyuga clan can see through it.

That person left a deep impression on him, but unfortunately he perished in the Korean War.

Nodding, Hiruzen Sarutobi took a puff of his cigarette and said, "This child has been consumed by hatred since birth and has been training desperately. This will be very dangerous in the long run."

He recently submitted his graduation application and passed the graduation assessment. I would like you to become his class teacher and guide him onto the right path.

"Furthermore, the ability to penetrate is similar to some of the characteristics of your Light Release, making it most suitable for you to teach it."

Hayate Gekko has great potential. If he is properly trained, his future achievements will be no less than his father's, and he will be more than capable of becoming a Kage-level powerhouse.

"They'll graduate before they're even seven years old."

Minato Namikaze was surprised, knowing that the graduation exams at the Ninja Academy had undergone several reforms, especially for applications to graduate early, which involved the most rigorous tests, sometimes even requiring genin to participate in combat as a practical assessment.

In other words, one must defeat a standard genin to graduate. This kid's strength has already surpassed that of an ordinary genin and is very close to the level of a chunin.

Of course, this only refers to strength, and is limited to close combat. There is still a big gap in other aspects, but it is still very good.

"Is he the only one?"

"Because the graduation application was submitted suddenly, all the students graduating this year had their teams arranged in advance, except for him."

Furthermore, he's too young, and given his personal issues, it's not advisable for him to join a team right now. Otherwise, conflicts could easily arise. You should mentor him for the next two years.

Hiruzen Sarutobi values ​​Gekko Hayate quite a bit; once he grows up, he'll definitely be able to stand on his own.

In particular, the "Transparent Escape" ability is very suitable for stealthy assassinations, and it can also increase Minato Namikaze's bond with him, allowing for further control over him.

There was nothing he could do; this grand-disciple's strength was growing stronger and stronger, especially when he activated the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode, which made him feel extremely suppressed.

At the same time, this grand-disciple's ideology has already taken shape, making it impossible for him to become a puppet controlled by them, which is very dangerous.

However, what Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't know was that his malicious thoughts were being sensed by Minato Namikaze. Although he hadn't activated Nine-Tails Chakra Mode, Minato could still sense them at such close range.

However, Minato Namikaze was already used to it and had a deep understanding of what kind of person this Hokage was.

If it weren't for the extremely unusual situation in the ninja world and within the village, and the need to consider Jiraiya's feelings, he would have sought an opportunity to take his place.

Letting this old man continue to sit in this position will only bring disaster to the village.

"I understand, I will guide this child well."

He had many thoughts on his mind, but he didn't show them. After glancing at the file in his hand again, he nodded in agreement, showing some interest in the concept of "transcending the boundaries."

Lately, I've been thinking about how to use light-based escape techniques to conceal my vision and hide my form, which would give me a greater advantage in both stealth and combat.

Progress has been slow, but if we had a reference point for teleportation, we believe it could be developed very quickly.

After exchanging some information about Hayate Gekko with Hiruzen Sarutobi, Minato Namikaze left the Hokage Building and went to the Gekko clan's territory according to the address in the file.

After explaining their purpose, they were led to the residence where Moonlight Gale lived.

Although the Gekko clan cannot compare to large clans like the Uchiha, Hyuga, and Senju, it is still quite powerful, comparable to the Hatake clan, and has its own clan land with a very spacious area.

Furthermore, it was located next to the Hatake clan, and after the Hatake clan left Konoha, it conveniently occupied the Hatake clan's territory.

Upon arriving at the courtyard, Minato Namikaze remained silent and leaped inside, where he saw a young boy practicing swordsmanship with a long sword.

The swordsmanship training was quite unique; it involved cutting fallen leaves. When Minato Namikaze looked at it, he noticed that the leaves were all cut along the midline, demonstrating the boy's sharp eyesight and precise swordsmanship.

Of course, this is a basic training method for swordsmanship. Each school has its own training method, but the core is speed, ruthlessness, and accuracy.

Moonlight Gale trained very diligently, his eyes fixed on the leaves falling in the wind, precisely drawing and retracting his sword, cutting with the wind to reduce the sound of air friction.

After practicing for a while, a round of applause suddenly rang out from his side.

The sudden sound alerted Moonlight Gale, who instinctively assumed a defensive stance, but relaxed after recognizing the person.

"Lord Minato, are you my mentor?"

He had been waiting for his assigned teacher for some time, and now that this teacher has arrived, it is highly likely that he will be his assigned teacher.

After all, neither he nor his family had much contact with this person, and even if the other party had something to do, they would not come looking for a child who was not even seven years old.

Especially at this time of day, it was clear that this was his class teacher, which made him quite excited.

As a member of the ninja clan, he naturally knew this person's identity and strength. This person was one of the strongest in Konoha, said to be even stronger than the Hokage. If he could become this person's disciple, he would surely receive better instruction, become stronger faster, and then avenge his father and his mother who died in sorrow.

It's all because of that Hidden Cloud Village!

"Your swordsmanship is very solid, and it's quite similar to my style. I believe we'll get along very well in the future."

Minato Namikaze stepped forward, looking at the cute little boy in front of him with great satisfaction.

He didn't particularly like some problem children, but he could teach someone like Moonlight Gale. At least in terms of cultivation, this child shouldn't slack off in the slightest.

At this time when the Ninja World War is about to begin, strength is more important than psychological issues.

After all, only by living can one have time to solve other problems; if one cannot even survive, there is no point in saying anything more.

"I hope you'll continue to guide me, Minato-sensei... ahem!"

Moonlight Gale bowed respectfully, but before he could finish speaking, he couldn't help coughing, which he immediately suppressed.

This sudden turn of events instantly made Minato Namikaze's expression serious, as he recalled the Night Dancer from years ago.

"You've awakened the Transparent Escape Technique?"

With a serious expression, he squatted down to look the boy in front of him in the eye, staring intently into his eyes.

Hayate Gekko didn't answer, but Minato Namikaze already saw the answer in his eyes.

"Bloodstain disease is a very troublesome condition, and currently, the only person in the village who can cure it is Lord Orochimaru."

Rubbing the boy's evasive head, Minato Namikaze knew that he could only trouble that person with this matter, otherwise the child would probably have to stop training.

The Moonlight Clan suffers from a bloodline disorder that severely damages the heart and lungs. Back in the day, after every battle on the Eastern Front, the senior Genfeng would cough violently for several days. Even before the Peninsula War, Lady Tsunade examined Genfeng's condition and stated that he could no longer be a ninja, otherwise he would not live past the age of thirty.

Unexpectedly, her child also awakened the Transcendental Ability, and even awakened it so early.

Too cruel.

"Where is your mother? I need her consent, as Lord Orochimaru's treatment methods are rather radical."

"My mother passed away last year."

Once he had recovered, Gekko Hayate replied, then pondered for a moment and said, "If it's about receiving treatment from Lord Orochimaru, then I can agree to it."

My mother and the elders in the clan discussed my illness before, and they mentioned Lord Orochimaru. I know a little about him, and I must become a ninja, even if it comes at a price.

The boy spoke very seriously, his hatred growing even stronger.

He must become a ninja, a strong one, so that he can avenge his father and mother.

"Who is your closest elder right now? I need to talk to him."

Minato Namikaze paused for a moment, then decided to talk to the child's elders, at least to let the Gekko family know about the matter.

"Lord Minato, there's no need to talk to me anymore."

At this moment, a middle-aged man walked over, glanced helplessly at Gekko Hayate, whose face was filled with determination and hatred, and then looked at Namikaze Minato.

"I am Hayate's uncle, and I agree to let you take Hayate to Lord Orochimaru."

"I'll leave everything to you after this hurricane!"

"I understand, I'll take good care of Gale!"

Minato Namikaze nodded, then placed his hand on Hayate Gekko's shoulder and used the Flying Thunder God Technique to take him away, heading straight to the gate of Orochimaru's mansion.

"Ring ring!"

Pulling the red rope outside the gate, a clear bell rang out inside the house.

A moment later, a tall, slender figure opened the door and walked out. He came to the courtyard gate, opened it, first looked at Minato Namikaze, and then turned his gaze to Hayate Gekko.

"The Moonlight family crest, is it Xuanfeng's child? He's already so big."

"His name is Jifeng. He is the child of Senior Xuanfeng. He is very talented, hardworking, and has already awakened the Transparent Escape Technique."

Minato Namikaze nodded and gave the student a brief explanation.

"Is it because of bloodstain disease?"

Orochimaru understood that the problem that had prompted Minato Namikaze to bring people over was definitely troublesome, and after thinking it over, the only solution was Bloodstain Disease.

"Bring it in!"

With a smile playing on his lips, Orochimaru turned and walked towards the house.

Minato Namikaze patted the student's head to comfort him, then led him into the house.

This was also the first time Minato Namikaze had entered Orochimaru's house. It wasn't as gloomy and terrifying as he had imagined; in fact, the layout was quite elegant and antique.

"Minato-kun is surprised?"

After kneeling down in the living room, Orochimaru poured tea for the two of them while asking them a question with a smile.

"A little!"

Minato Namikaze wasn't embarrassed at all; he took the tea and sipped it.

"Minato-kun, there's no need for you to be so wary of me. We have no conflict, and our previous collaborations have all been quite pleasant, haven't they?"

Orochimaru could understand Minato Namikaze's wariness, after all, he was Jiraiya's disciple.

"I'm just taking a different path from the mainstream one, but it's essentially about self-improvement, just like your cultivation and self-improvement."

He didn't think his path was crooked or deviant; it was just a matter of different methods, and the final destination was the same.

Of course, he didn't think Minato Namikaze could reach that goal, because relying solely on chakra training was too difficult, and even if Minato Namikaze had a simple transplant, it wouldn't be enough.

Only by experiencing that transformation can one understand the terror of this bloodline's origin, which far exceeds the current understanding of the ninja world.

"I've said a bit too much for now. This child's bloodstain disease can't be treated with just medicine; we need to strengthen his constitution."

Moreover, he harbors enough hatred in his heart, and to seek revenge, he needs strength—very, very strong strength.

Orochimaru turned his gaze to the indifferent and calm young boy, licking his lips, showing some interest.

Avengers are often excellent test subjects, willing to do many things.

"Lord Orochimaru, please oversee the treatment. I don't have many options to offer."

Minato Namikaze glanced at the disciple beside him and could only reluctantly agree, but also revealed that the bargaining chips he could offer were limited.

"You two each promise to do one thing for me in the future, something that won't harm your own interests or the village."

Orochimaru was well aware of everything Minato Namikaze possessed, but he wasn't interested in it. What interested him was Minato's strength.

After sealing and fusing the monster that was the source of the tailed beast, he understood his future goal. He knew he couldn't achieve it alone; he needed help.

"Can!"

After looking at Orochimaru for a while, Minato Namikaze finally nodded, and Hayate Gekko followed suit.

"Follow me!"

Orochimaru was very satisfied with their responses, put down his teacup, and got up to walk towards a door deep inside the house.

Minato Namikaze and his apprentice got up and followed. After entering the door, they found themselves on a downward staircase leading to the basement.

Although it's a basement, it's not dark or damp; in fact, it looks quite spacious and clean, and under the lights, it appears bright and upright.

"There aren't many first-generation cellular hearts that can adapt to your age; I'll have to find one."

Orochimaru first picked up a booklet and searched through it. After a while, he found a suitable material. Then he took out a scroll from his mouth, unrolled it, and revealed a pale child's body.

That was a clone of a primary cell that had stopped growing due to some problems, but its heart was fine.

Heart transplantation is also the most suitable for primary cell transplantation. It can better circulate the power of primary cells throughout the body via the blood, and there is very little contact between the primary cells and the body, which can minimize rejection reactions. It is much easier to adapt to than simple flesh-and-blood fusion.

Of course, this clone has had its Wood Release power removed. Few people can withstand the power of the First Hokage's cells, and one must have Sharingan to balance it, especially Mangekyou Sharingan.

The Moonlight Clan does not have immortal blood, so naturally they can only use these weakened first-generation cells.

Looking at the child's corpse submerged in the nutrient tank, and recalling Orochimaru's earlier words, Minato Namikaze was speechless.

With your art style, it's impossible not to be misunderstood.

Moonlight Hayate, however, was not afraid of this at all; in fact, he was quite excited.

He knew about the bloodline disease in his family. Generally, only people with high bloodline potential would get this disease. Conversely, this meant that his potential for breakthrough was even higher, and he might even surpass his father's.

Once the bloodstain disease is cured, I can become stronger and surpass my father from back then.

After selecting the First Hokage's cell heart, Orochimaru did not stop. He quickly took out other things, all human body parts, including bones and eyeballs, and began to work on them.

First, the two white eyes were transplanted onto the heart. Then, with the treated heart, he turned around and gestured for Moonlight Gale to lie down on the operating table next to him.

Anesthesia was administered to induce unconsciousness, and the area was cleaned and disinfected before the transplant was performed.

After the heart transplant was completed, the bone was replaced with Moonlight Gale's sternum, and finally, a bone marrow was transplanted.

Minato Namikaze watched the entire transplant process from the sidelines.

"I transplanted a heart made from the First Hokage's cells into him. Although the Wood Release power was removed, it was enough to provide him with vigorous life force, giving his body a certain degree of self-healing ability."

Secondly, there's the bone from the Corpse Bone Pulse. Once he masters the power of that bone, he can guide it to strengthen his own bones, which will greatly benefit his swordsmanship training.

Finally, there are those white eyes. Although the pupil power within them has been extracted, greatly reducing their effectiveness, they are still enough to assist in close combat.

But this is just a simple port; he still needs to develop it himself.

After checking on the boy and confirming that his condition was stable, Orochimaru took off his gloves and explained the bloodline power transplanted to Minato Namikaze.

Minato Namikaze nodded; he would guide the student in this regard.

"Minato-kun has been lying low for so long, when does he plan to make his move? Konoha is really looking forward to Minato-kun turning the windmill around again."

Orochimaru shifted the topic to Konoha. Although he wasn't interested in the village's affairs, he hoped that Minato Namikaze could become the Fourth Hokage, so that Konoha's future would be better.

The old man had become a malignant tumor hindering the village's progress; it would be good to get rid of him.

"There are no such plans at the moment."

Minato Namikaze responded calmly. Although he also wanted to take that position to change the village, he would never take action as Orochimaru had suggested.

"As expected, it was a mistake to hand you over to that idiot Jiraiya to teach you back then; he ultimately became your constraint."

Orochimaru felt regretful, but he wasn't surprised. After all, it was that idiot's disciple, so such indecisiveness was to be expected.

"It's impossible for you to wait for the Third Hokage to die on the battlefield willingly. Last time he was forced to go to the battlefield, and there won't be such an opportunity again in this Shinobi World War. He won't leave the village."

He offered a suggestion: Orochimaru knew Hiruzen Sarutobi very well, especially after his falling out with Danzo Shimura, during which Hiruzen changed a lot and finally revealed his dark side.

Previously, Danzo Shimura handled his shady dealings, but now that Danzo Shimura is gone, and the remaining old guys are all incompetent, he has to take matters into his own hands, and he will inevitably be more cautious.

"It seems like Orochimaru-sama hasn't addressed the Hokage as 'teacher' in a long time."

Minato Namikaze changed the subject, showing that he took this person's attitude very seriously.

"I have already severed that bond between master and disciple, otherwise it would be too uncomfortable to be bound by him all the time. Minato-kun should also sever that bond as soon as possible, or you will not have a good outcome."

Orochimaru greatly admired Minato Namikaze, noting his exceptional strength and intelligence. However, he inherited Jiraiya's indecisiveness, a weakness that, if not addressed, could jeopardize his future.

"Thank you for the reminder, Lord Orochimaru. I will be careful."

Minato Namikaze's eyes flickered, confirming that this person had truly broken ties with the Third Hokage.

(End of this chapter)