Chapter 281: Passing Responsibilities
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Although the level of the diluted Dragon Vein energy is not extremely high, it significantly eases the process of breaking through to the permanent Sage Mode.
Moreover, the individuals training are already exceptionally talented and very close to achieving this final step, which explains their rapid progress.
Due to the large number of disciples achieving breakthroughs in a short period, Asahi had to create several more altars under the Dragon Vein.
To ensure the safety of those breaking through and the surrounding disciples, Asahi personally set up enchantments and barriers on each altar.
This is why the immense pressure released by Nagato during his breakthrough was contained.
At this point, Nagato began to understand what had happened. He retracted the energy and pressure he had unconsciously emitted.
After absorbing the Truth-Seeking Balls back into his body, Nagato stepped out of the altar.
Seeing the admiring gazes of the Ogami Clan disciples around him, Nagato smiled and offered them a few words of encouragement.
Then, he asked, "Do you know where Yahiko and Konan are?"
After his breakthrough to the Six Paths level, Nagato's mental strength had increased significantly.
He initially thought he could use his mental powers to locate Yahiko and Konan.
However, he quickly realized that Asahi's sealing formations prevented such probing unless he used brute force, which was not an option.
Therefore, he turned to the Ogami Clan disciples for answers.
"Two months ago, both Masters Yahiko and Konan took the final step. They are now training at other altars, preparing to break through to the Six Paths level"
Hearing this, Nagato's face lit up with joy. "Really? Yahiko and Konan are also preparing to break through!" he exclaimed, feeling genuine happiness and excitement.
Both Yahiko and Konan were his closest companions, so their progress thrilled him deeply.
Initially, he thought they would need another year or two before attempting their breakthroughs.
To find out they were about to follow his lead was a pleasant surprise. Nagato wasn't surprised to hear there were other altars.
If Asahi could create one, it made sense that he could establish several. Nagato, no fool, easily deduced this.
However, he was eager to share his successful breakthrough with Asahi. Thus, he asked the disciple, "Do you know where my master is?"
The disciple quickly answered, having a message from Asahi to relay. "Master Nagato, the clan's entrance ceremony is approaching. The Clan Head returned to the clan a month ago in preparation."
"However, before leaving, he sensed your impending breakthrough and instructed me to tell you to return to the clan immediately after your breakthrough. The Clan Head has a task for you."
"The entrance ceremony is starting soon?" Nagato murmured to himself.
He remembered clearly that before he began his secluded training, the entrance ceremony was eight months away.
If the ceremony was now imminent, it meant his breakthrough had taken over half a year. Indeed, Nagato's training this time took over seven months.
The Ogami Clan's entrance ceremony would officially begin in just half a month.
Originally, Asahi had planned to wait until Nagato completed his breakthrough before returning to the clan.
However, with more and more disciples achieving breakthroughs, the Ogami Clan was running out of leaders to manage affairs.
Additionally, these breakthroughs rapidly depleted the stock of Concentration Pills that Asahi had been refining over the years.
To prevent chaos at the entrance ceremony in case it started before Nagato's breakthrough was completed, and to replenish the pill inventory, Asahi left a month ago.
Reflecting on the extended period he spent in seclusion, Nagato quickly composed himself. After nodding in acknowledgment, he exited the altar.
Led by other disciples, Nagato visited the altars where other clan members were undergoing breakthroughs.
After observing for a while, he departed from the Dragon Vein. Knowing Asahi had tasks for him, Nagato couldn't afford to delay.
As he travelled back to the Ogami Clan, Nagato assessed his progress.
His speed alone had increased exponentially compared to his previous self, not to mention his other enhanced abilities.
Before long, Nagato arrived at the shores of the Ogami Clan's island. Isana, lazily basking in the sun, glanced at him but didn't pay much attention.
In about half a month, Isana would be busy with the upcoming events, so it was making the most of its current leisure.
While Isana ignored Nagato, he certainly noticed it.
Previously aware of its strength, Nagato now realized post-breakthrough that Isana was also at the Six Paths level, far surpassing his initial stage.
Considering Isana's immense size, estimating its combat power was challenging. Shaking his head, Nagato continued onto the island.
Despite Isana's strength, it was the clan's guardian beast, and Nagato hoped it would only grow stronger.
Hastening to the central hall where Asahi usually trained, Nagato's arrival did not go unnoticed.
Asahi sensed his presence but was currently in the Pharma Department to refine pills.
Detecting Nagato heading towards the central hall, Asahi quickly sent him a mental message to come to the Pharma Department instead.
Receiving Asahi's message, Nagato promptly made his way to the Pill Pavilion.
Upon his arrival, Asahi opened the door to his refining room.
Confident in his pill-making skills, Asahi wasn't worried about being distracted by Nagato's presence. Nagato, seeing the signal, entered without hesitation.
"Nagato, you're aware that the entrance ceremony is about to begin, right?" Asahi asked as soon as Nagato stepped in.
Nagato nodded without hesitation. Seeing this, Asahi continued, "This time, the ceremony will be livelier than the last. Since you've now reached the Six Paths level, I plan to have you preside over this entrance ceremony."
"Me?!" Nagato asked in shock, his eyes reflecting his internal turmoil.
He knew the immense importance of the entrance ceremony within the Ogami Clan; it was one of the most significant events.
Despite his recent breakthrough, he was still just one of Asahi's disciples. The idea of him presiding over such a crucial event was astonishing.
Asahi noticed Nagato's astonishment and chuckled softly before continuing, "Yes, you. Your breakthrough to the Six Paths level signifies that you are ready for greater responsibilities."
"Hosting the entrance ceremony will not only be a test but also an opportunity for you to step into a more prominent role within the clan. I have full confidence in your abilities."
Nagato listened intently, the initial shock giving way to determination.
He took a deep breath and nodded resolutely, "I understand, Master. I will not let you down."
Asahi smiled warmly, "I know you won't, Nagato. This is your chance to prove your strength and leadership."
"Prepare yourself well. The ceremony will be a significant milestone for the Ogami Clan, and your role will be crucial."
"Why are you so surprised? Although the Ogami Clan in the ninja world is just a branch among the multiverse, I still need to appoint a clan leader for this branch."
"In the ninja world, the Ogami Clan has become quite extraordinary. Therefore, the clan now needs a steady and respected leader."
"Considering various factors, only you, Yahiko, Konan, and Mou are suitable for this position."
"The others have ties to their villages, which might make them hesitant between the interests of their village and the clan."
Originally, Mou was the most suitable candidate because, unlike you three, he doesn't have ties to the Akatsuki or the Land of Rain."
"However, his strength is insufficient to command respect. Yahiko can be impulsive, and Konan lacks assertiveness."
"So, the responsibility falls on you. As the first to break through to the Six Paths level, your strength commands respect."
"Additionally, the energy you used for your breakthrough has accelerated their training, earning their gratitude and recognition. Therefore, I hope you can take on the role of clan leader."
Asahi's words carried a lot of information. After listening, Nagato's expression slowly changed to one of uncertainty.
More than the idea of becoming the clan leader, he was concerned about the underlying message in Asahi's words.
"Master, are you planning to leave the ninja world?" Nagato asked, his eyes filled with reluctant light.
If Asahi were to leave the ninja world, Nagato might not see him again unless he reached a transcendent level, which was far from easy.
Even if he could break through, it would likely take decades. Seeing Nagato's reaction, Asahi smiled helplessly and said, "You're old enough to understand separation, aren't you?"
"It's different," Nagato replied, slightly embarrassed. For him, Asahi was like a father.
No matter how well he understood the concept of separation, the thought of a potential permanent farewell was hard to accept.
Asahi shook his head and said, "I'm not leaving just yet. I'll stay in the ninja world for a few more years. I just want to settle this matter early."
Despite Asahi's reassurance, Nagato's heart remained heavy, and the joy of his recent breakthrough was overshadowed.
However, he did not show his sadness and earnestly accepted Asahi's request for him to become the clan leader.
Seeing this, Asahi felt more at ease but still reminded Nagato,
"Nagato, remember that by choosing to become the clan leader, you must take on the responsibilities that come with it. In a way, it's not an easy task."
"Although the clan leader is not the master, only the head of the Ogami Clan in one world, the responsibilities are the same."
"All the clan members in this world will look to you as their support. You must provide them with a good environment for their training."
Nagato listened intently, understanding the weight of the responsibility that Asahi was entrusting to him.
"I understand, Master. I will not let you down," he replied solemnly.
Asahi nodded in approval. "I believe in you, Nagato. This is a significant step, not just for you, but for the entire Ogami Clan."
"Prepare well for the entrance ceremony and your new role. Your strength and leadership will guide the clan to greater heights."
"Remember the principles of the Ogami Clan. While we aren't saints out to save the world, we must uphold righteousness."
"Ensure there are no deceitful individuals within our clan. If you find any, do not show mercy."
"Over the next few years, I will gradually give you more responsibilities to help you adapt."
Nagato nodded firmly. Asahi's trust in him was clear, and Nagato was determined not to disappoint him.
With everything explained, Asahi addressed Nagato, "I've said all that needs to be said."
"There's only half a month left before the entrance ceremony begins. The tasks for the clan members are now your responsibility."
"Prepare well. As for your position as the clan leader, I will announce it once the ceremony concludes successfully."
Nagato had no objections, understanding this was Asahi's way of testing him.
Besides, Nagato had never been particularly ambitious for the clan leader role. After a quick farewell, he hurried off to start his preparations.
The task Asahi had given him needed to be executed flawlessly, without any mishaps.
Even though Nagato had experienced an entrance ceremony before, participating was different from organizing one.
Assigning tasks based on the strengths and characteristics of the remaining clan members was a complicated matter.
Thus, Nagato needed time to carefully plan everything. As he left, Asahi resumed his alchemy.
After a month of effort, the Ogami Clan's treasury was stocked with countless precious medicines.
Meanwhile, the ninja world was buzzing with excitement. After over a decade of peace, even ordinary people had the chance to pursue their dreams.
Countless people, by cart or on foot, were making their way to coastal cities. These were just the ones nearby. Those from further away had set off years ago.
The sheer number of civilians created a massive movement. But even more significant were the ninja villages.
Each village had seen the rise of numerous young prodigies over the years.
These young ninjas might not fully grasp the power of the Ogami Clan, especially since Asahi's last major display of power was six years ago.
But the village leaders and elders remembered it vividly. Asahi's godlike presence was unforgettable.
Moreover, everyone saw how strong Konoha had become.
Now, Konoha could single-handedly take on the entire ninja world, excluding the Ogami Clan.
Its current strength far surpassed even the era of Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha.
Inspired by Konoha, the leaders of every village were determined to send their best talents to train under the Ogami Clan.
Even renowned ninjas were being dispatched. Nagato, now back in the Ogami Clan, began his task of organizing the entrance ceremony.
The influx of talented ninjas from various villages was a testament to the influence and reputation the Ogami Clan had built.
As he worked, Nagato couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and responsibility.
The future of the clan and the ninja world seemed brighter than ever, and he was at the centre of it all, ready to lead and uphold the clan's legacy.
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