Chapter 80: Reversal: There's a Bigger Fish
"I... I want to change the current state of the Land of Rain. Without enough power, I definitely can't do that!"
Yahiko gritted his teeth and gave this answer.
"I just want the power to protect everyone... If I can help Yahiko, that would be even better..."
Konan said hesitantly, seemingly worried that her answer was too unambitious.
"I... me too." Nagato just echoed, though it wasn't clear who he meant "too" referring to.
"If you're looking for someone, we can help you too!"
Seeing no change in Hiiro Rinko's expression, Yahiko clenched his fists and added, as if adding chips to a bet, "War orphans like us appearing anywhere isn't strange, right? It would definitely be more convenient for us to find someone than for you. So... so please don't make us leave the Land of Rain! Just let us learn ninjutsu from you!"
"So, you're not afraid I'm a ninja from the village that killed your families?"
Casually pulling out the Sunagakure forehead protector he had never actually worn, Rinko waved it teasingly in front of them.
"...Even if you are, we have no other choice."
Yahiko grabbed Nagato's hand and responded in a low voice, "Of course we hate ninjas from other countries, but pure hatred is meaningless. Without power, we can't do anything. Forget revenge; we can't even let everyone live a peaceful life."
"Eh... fine."
Rinko pushed his glasses to the top of his head, pinched the bridge of his nose where the frame had left a mark, and made a muffled nasal sound. His gaze swept over Konan and Nagato, making his judgment. "You two... hmm, eight points."
Wanting to be full, wanting to be warm, wanting a stable life, wanting happiness, wanting to protect important people...
In short, desire is simply the impulse of "wanting" to obtain something.
And this desire, seemingly within reach, is the most direct motivation for growth. Talent also needs motivation to be stimulated.
"As for you... zero points."
Then, Rinko straightened his fingers into a knife hand and chopped Yahiko on the head, scolding him, "Change the country? Revenge against other countries? Ah, certainly a lofty ambition, but that absolutely cannot be your first goal right now."
"Survive. No matter how ugly the struggle, survive. Only the living are qualified to talk about ideals and the future. Idealists who are distracted by overly grand goals and can't see anything else always die quickly."
At this point, Rinko had more or less matched the three children before him with the characters from the original story.
Simply put, it was the "Rinnegan incubation vessel" and his two little buddies. Although not specifically prepared, the latter two could be turned into sacrifices to stimulate the former's spirit at any time, like best friends ready to pick up the Elder Sign in a Call of Cthulhu game.
To be honest, in this ninja world lacking education, twisting someone's spirit was too easy.
For a moment, Rinko considered raising Nagato and then tricking him into using Rinne Tensei (Samsara of Heavenly Life) to resurrect Yūsa, but he dismissed the thought instantly.
He didn't care if using such a child was despicable, but Rinko felt that doing so would be admitting defeat.
Since resurrection and reincarnation techniques exist in this world, he could certainly research them himself. If he lost even this confidence, Rinko felt he might as well be dead.
As for the filial son—the number one mother-saver in the ninja world—who should be observing Nagato from time to time, Rinko wasn't too worried. After all, if that Black Zetsu had any powerful moves, he would definitely remember.
Just like the long list of Rinnegan skills.
But obviously, he couldn't recall a single powerful move from Black Zetsu. It seemed all its skills were in possession, stealth, and mental control.
Thinking about it, this mastermind was surprisingly weak.
"Also, don't simply distinguish ninja by 'good' and 'bad,' and don't foolishly say everything on your mind. This is the first lesson I teach you."
At this point, Rinko's thoughts were no longer exposed on his face. While scolding Yahiko, he expanded his perception, searching for traces of Black Zetsu around.
Weak or not, Black Zetsu's existence was indeed the most valuable in the entire ninja world to Rinko. As an entity born when Kaguya was sealed, the things it knew and had seen must be countless. Calling it the encyclopedia of the ninja world wouldn't be an exaggeration. Moreover, it seemed to be a genuine Yin-Yang Release creation, which was a rare opportunity for Rinko, who had been researching Yin and Yang Release.
Thinking about it, sending these three children to Sunagakure right now might not be a good idea.
Wanting to lure Black Zetsu out for a chat was one aspect; not trusting the strength of others in the village was another. If Black Zetsu took the opportunity to possess someone and sneak into the village, Sunagakure wouldn't have peaceful days.
"First lesson... that means, Sensei, you're willing to teach us ninjutsu, right!"
But Yahiko had no way of knowing what he was thinking. Hearing this, the somewhat indignant orange-haired boy was stunned at first, then revealed a bright smile.
"Don't call me Sensei. This is at best an exchange of benefits."
Rinko stood up, rotating his shoulders, and casually made up an excuse. "What you said makes some sense. Compared to me, children like you are indeed more suitable for gathering intelligence. In that case, I have to teach you something as payment."
"This is also the most basic logic of a ninja. There is no good or bad. Killing, trading... as long as it is for one's own or the village's benefit, anything can be done."
Then, he crossed his arms and leaned against the rock wall, looking down at the three delighted children with a sharp gaze. "'Without power, nothing can be done,' 'wanting revenge'... just because of such words, you could lose your life on the spot. Understood?"
"I... I understand! Sensei!"
Feeling the sharp gaze that seemed to pierce him full of holes, Yahiko's eyes became brighter.
He had a premonition that the teacher they found this time would teach them more than just ninjutsu.
"Tsk... I said don't call me Sensei. It gives me a stomachache."