Might Gai stared at Su Mu's recovering body, utterly shocked. Even Tsunade was stunned.
"He opened the Death Gate, yet he's like a butterfly, reborn from its chrysalis..." Might Gai sighed heavily, "Perhaps Father was right. Seeing the glory of the Eight Gates again, I finally understood the meaning of protection..."
He glanced at Rock Lee beside him, a gentle smile appearing on his face. "But if it were like last time, I wouldn't be qualified to say such things." He recalled his battle with Pain. His full-powered strike after opening the Sixth Gate hadn't even scratched the opponent. And his body's endurance was far from enough to sustain the Sixth Gate. He couldn't understand how Su Mu managed to open all Eight Gates directly, nor why Su Mu hadn't died like his father after opening them. All he understood now was that Su Mu was the sole guide on his journey of youth!
The scene just now had completely shattered his worldview.
"So cool! Who was that just now!"
"That kick was earth-shattering! I felt the power fluctuations even indoors!"
"He doesn't seem to be from Konoha, I've never seen him."
The villagers, out on the streets late at night, began to discuss. Shikaku Nara, Asuma Sarutobi, Kurenai Yuhi, Inoichi Yamanaka, Choza Akimichi, and others had all witnessed Su Mu's battle.
"This guy probably already has Kage-level strength..." Inoichi Yamanaka said, awestruck.
"No, I feel he's stronger than Kage-level..." Shikaku Nara said in a low voice, watching Su Mu's retreating figure.
Asuma lit a cigarette and coughed, "Danzou actually flew to the moon. That's the most absurd thing I've ever seen. I still don't understand, was it a genjutsu?"
Kurenai Yuhi slowly shook her head, "I didn't sense any genjutsu chakra, it should be real." Then she turned her gaze back to Su Mu, "He... is dangerous."
The Root organization was completely dismantled. Because Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane privately decided to participate in Danzo's human experimentation, they were stripped of their advisor status and sent to the ninja prison. News of Su Mu thwarting Danzo's plot spread throughout the village that very night. No one had ever dreamed that the person who caused such a stir in Konoha was the legendary storyteller of the ninja world, Su Mu, Master Su!
Suddenly, the entire village of Konoha went wild.
"Wow, I like him so much!"
"He's so handsome! He solved the recent disappearances as soon as he arrived in Konoha!"
"I can't sleep tonight. I wonder where Su Mu is staying! I wish he'd stay at my place!"
It was late at night. Teuchi the ramen chef checked the time, preparing to close up and go home.
"Uncle, two bowls of ramen."
Suddenly, a figure walked in from outside the door. Teuchi turned around, and a long-lost smile appeared on his face, "Please wait a moment, it'll be ready soon!"
The next day, the news of Su Mu telling stories at Ichiraku Ramen spread throughout Konoha. Even many small neighboring countries, upon hearing that Su Mu was holding a storytelling session in Konoha, rushed to the village to listen.
Early in the morning, Ichiraku Ramen was surrounded by thousands of people. Teuchi looked at the scene before him, his eyes filled with shock, "Business is going to explode today..."
"Uncle Teuchi, are you ready!"
Naruto and Sakura suddenly ran out from the crowd. They were carrying colorful balloons, and hearing that Su Mu was going to tell stories here, they decided to help decorate.
"Naruto, there are too many people now, it's impossible to decorate. In fact, everyone is here already, there's no need to decorate anymore." Teuchi said awkwardly.
That was true, with so many people already present, decoration was less important. The most crucial thing was for Su Mu to arrive quickly.
Hyuga Main Family.
Hinata peeked her head out from inside, looking around. There was no one in the courtyard. She cautiously walked out and closed the door behind her.
"Hey! Hinata, over here!"
From atop the high wall of the backyard, Kiba suddenly called out in a low voice. Hinata quickly made a shushing gesture.
"Come up from here, I'll pull you!" Kiba sat on the wall, extending his arm. Suddenly, he saw Shino standing next to Hinata. "Wait, how did you get in!"
"The back door wasn't closed, so I walked in. There's no one outside now, you can leave..." Shino said calmly to Hinata. Hinata nodded slightly. As the three-person team was about to leave through the back door, Hinata Natsu suddenly blocked their path.
"Young lady, if the clan head finds out, you'll suffer quite a bit." Hinata Natsu said earnestly to Hinata.
Hinata looked anxious, fiddling with her fingers and pleading, "Su Mu has come to Konoha, how can I miss this opportunity!" "Just this once! Auntie Natsu, please agree!" "If Father finds out, I'm willing to return and be punished!"
"As Hinata's most trusted person, you should understand her feelings right now." Kiba said to Hinata Natsu.
Woof! Even Akamaru was barking in support of Hinata. Shino, being too insignificant, was completely ignored by Hinata Natsu.
Seeing Hinata's determined expression, Hinata Natsu sighed helplessly, "Alright..." "However, when you return, you must have Neji accompany you."
Hinata's face lit up, "Thank you, Auntie Natsu!" "I'll be back after listening to the story!"
The three of them ran off.
"The Kage-level battle in Konoha last night! Su Mu defeated Danzo of Root with just one move!"
"If that guy Danzo hadn't suddenly flown away, he'd be a corpse by now!"
"You should know, Danzo is on the same level as the Third Hokage!"
On the way, Kiba vividly recounted the events of the previous night. Hinata's eyes were full of admiration, and her anticipation for Su Mu grew even stronger. He had solved the Konoha disappearance incident and had also come specifically to tell stories. Su Mu's stature in Hinata's heart became even more immense.
As the three approached the street near Ichiraku Ramen, they were stunned by the scene before them. Four intersecting streets were packed with villagers. They had completely surrounded Ichiraku Ramen, and guards were struggling to maintain order.
"Hinata, we're here!"
Suddenly, Tenten's voice came from behind. Hinata turned and saw Neji, Rock Lee, Sakura, Naruto... standing at the end of another street.
"So... everyone is here!" The twelve Konoha rookies had gathered at Ichiraku Ramen.
At this moment, a wave of screams erupted from the crowd ahead. Su Mu, accompanied by an extremely pure-looking woman, slowly walked to the newly prepared storytelling platform.
"Everyone, because I didn't pay for my meal here last night."
"There's no choice but to agree to the owner's request to tell a story. I hope you'll patronize him and order a few bowls of ramen."
"That way, the owner can let me go!"
A very amusing opening caused everyone present to burst into laughter. They hadn't expected the seemingly dignified Su Mu to be so humorous when joking.
"Uncle, I want ten bowls of ramen!"
"Me too! I want twenty bowls!"
"Don't fight with me, for Su Mu! I'll take them all!"
The villagers immediately rushed into Ichiraku Ramen and began placing orders frantically. Teuchi, overwhelmed with excitement, quickly got to work. He never imagined that the young man who ate at his ramen shop last night was the legendary storyteller, Su Mu.
"Everyone, please eat slowly, stories should be savored!"
"In ancient times, immortals descended, with endless lifespans."
"But no one knows if there are true immortals in heaven?"
"Beneath the stars, nine dragons pull a coffin, at the end of the journey, will it be the distant depths of space?"
Su Mu picked up his teacup, took a slow sip, and then announced loudly to the crowd:
"The story of 'Shrouding the Heavens' begins!"