Three months remained before the third exam, and the Hidden Leaf Village had returned to its usual peace, though its defenses were not weakened in the slightest, as numerous ninja village teams were still gathered there.
Even some eliminated ninja teams hoped to stay and witness the third exam, seeing it as an excellent learning opportunity. The genin of this generation were truly extraordinary.
However, Lin Yu had been growing increasingly restless in recent days, sensing that a major event was about to unfold. Yet, with his current strength, who could possibly threaten him?
Uchiha Madara? Both Obito and Nagato had become his allies. Madara would need his permission to be resurrected.
Kaguya Otsutsuki? That was even less likely. While he couldn't pinpoint her exact location, Lin Yu could vaguely sense the chakra of the Nine-Tails and several other Tailed Beasts, which were only tens of kilometers away from the Leaf Village.
Besides, not everyone could become a Ten-Tails jinchuriki and be gutted by Black Zetsu.
If the ninja world was free of danger, then this ill feeling… was it from beyond the heavens?
Or was it the remnants of Isshiki Otsutsuki trying to drag him down with him in a desperate last stand?
His search for Isshiki Otsutsuki had not ceased in recent years, but the latter hid in another dimension, making him impossible for Lin Yu to deal with.
The unease in his heart grew more pronounced, a premonition of approaching danger, yet not so oppressive that it made him gasp for breath.
"Lin Yu, come down for dinner!"
Lin Yu exhaled and went downstairs.
His inner turmoil wouldn't appear without reason, but Lin Yu still wanted to complete the Tenseigan mission before going into seclusion. He could only hope there was still enough time.
...
A month passed quietly. During this time, Lin Yu, accompanied by Toneri, visited many friends and students, and also helped Toneri scout for potential candidates.
Firstly, Gaara, Kimimaro, and Suigetsu Hozuki had become Toneri's friends. This meant there were six more slots to fill.
Naruto, Sasuke, Neji, Rock Lee, Shikamaru, and Haku. With these six, the total reached exactly nine. It had to be said that Toneri was quite discerning; few people could catch his eye.
However, for Toneri to gain their approval was difficult. Over the past month, only Naruto and Rock Lee had become Toneri's friends, as both their personalities were that of ninjas who sought the recognition of others.
"Alas, there isn't enough time."
Lin Yu felt a pang of regret, but the sense of crisis told him that if he didn't improve his strength soon, everything would be lost.
Lin Yu informed everyone that he needed to go into seclusion for a period and shared information about the potential enemies with Obito, instructing him to notify the members of the Akatsuki and the Kara organization.
"Don't worry. If we encounter Jigen again now, we won't be as helpless as last time."
Obito accepted Lin Yu's entrustment with great seriousness. He had not slacked off in his training over the years and had even developed some combined techniques with Itachi and Shisui, possibly even ones that Lin Yu's teacher couldn't withstand.
However, Lin Yu still urged Obito and the others to be cautious, as the enemies they might face this time could be intact members of the Otsutsuki clan.
He needed to reach the Six Paths level as soon as possible.
After bidding farewell to everyone, Lin Yu walked alone through the dense forest. His current combat power could be considered barely at the Six Paths level. If one included the unexpended Tenseigan and Rinnegan, he was an hour-long invincible being at the early Six Paths level.
But that was not enough. Lin Yu intended to break through to the Six Paths level this time, as he possessed all the necessary conditions: chakra of five natures, mastery of five elemental ninjutsu, Sage Body, and the Yang and Yin attributes inherent in the Sharingan.
Additionally, with the Yang power and the newly acquired Yin power, he had met the conditions for Yin-Yang Release. However, the most difficult and crucial step was fusion.
Lin Yu had also come to understand that the Yang power he obtained was full Yang Release, and the Yin power was Yin Release, both distinct from Yin-Yang Release.
This explained why his Yang power could replenish Mangekyo ocular chakra. The Sage Body was the extreme of Yang Release, and a wisp of Yang power, which accounted for one-third of his perfect Sage Body's chakra, acted as an intermediary with the system. This was equivalent to roughly one-third of a perfect Sage Body, fully capable of replenishing Mangekyo consumption.
The primary objective of Lin Yu's seclusion was the fusion of Yin and Yang, mastering Yin-Yang Release, creating Truth-Seeking Orbs, and stepping into the Six Paths level. Upon entering the Six Paths level, with his mastery of senjutsu, Sage Mode would naturally follow.
He flew over several hills, and after an unknown amount of time, a valley appeared before Lin Yu. Without pausing, he headed directly to the innermost part of the valley.
A stone wall blocked all passage, seeming to be the end of the valley. Lin Yu formed a hand seal, and the stone wall rippled like water before splitting open. Without hesitation, Lin Yu leaped through.
Faint rays of sunlight filtered through the dead tree roots on the surface and into the cave. As Lin Yu arrived, several figures who had been meditating in the cave simultaneously opened their eyes. Upon seeing that it was the main body, they closed their eyes and resumed their slumber.
This was where Lin Yu had placed his senjutsu clones. The natural energy in this valley was quite abundant, though not comparable to the three major Sage Lands. Nevertheless, it was a rare hiding place.
Lin Yu would begin his seclusion here.
...
"What! He's gone?"
"Yes, Lord Jiraiya. Lin Yu informed me a few days ago that he will be going into seclusion for a period starting today."
Kakashi was organizing some measures for the third exam with Might Guy. After all, this was his first time serving as the chief examiner, and he couldn't afford any mistakes.
"Do you know where Lin Yu is secluded? I need to see him urgently."
Jiraiya's expression was grim. He had received a prophecy from the Great Toad Sage that day: the ninja world was about to face a crisis, and only ninjas from the Hidden Leaf could save it.
Although the Great Toad Sage hadn't explicitly stated who could save the ninja world, in Jiraiya's opinion, the Hidden Leaf's strongest fighter currently was none other than Naruto Lin Yu. His disciple, Minato Namikaze, had to take a backseat.
Therefore, the ninja in the Great Toad Sage's prophecy absolutely had to be Naruto Lin Yu.
The problem was that the person was in seclusion at this very moment. Jiraiya was extremely troubled and regretful. If he had known, he wouldn't have drunk so much with Orochimaru last night. Drinking really caused trouble!
Speaking of which, Orochimaru should still be in his room, not yet awake, right?
Such a poor tolerance for alcohol!
Kakashi pondered for a moment and said, "Teacher didn't say where he would be secluded. Is something happening, Lord Jiraiya? Perhaps we can help."
Jiraiya pondered for a bit before deciding to tell Kakashi and the others about the Great Toad Sage's prophecy.
"The ninja world is facing a crisis? Did Lin Yu guess correctly?" Kakashi was surprised but then his eyes lit up with fighting spirit. He felt confident that with his strength, he could hold off an opponent. Lin Yu had once said he had the 'fifty-fifty buff.'
"He guessed correctly. Did Lin Yu have any idea where the crisis was coming from?" Jiraiya frowned, but with Lin Yu absent, it was hard for him to judge.
At this moment, Might Guy suddenly said earnestly to Kakashi, "Kakashi, if the ninja world truly faces a crisis, I will use my life to protect you."
"Guy, you..." Kakashi was startled by Might Guy's sudden seriousness, then replied, "You know my strength. Don't worry."
Might Guy didn't say anything further, but a flicker of determination appeared in his eyes.
For things that are truly important, one must protect them even at the cost of one's life.
Jiraiya, on the other hand, wore a strange expression again.
He felt that many people in the Hidden Leaf now strongly resembled himself and Orochimaru. This didn't feel right!