Natsuki was too lazy to bother and continued his slacking journey.
Only, Natsuki didn't expect that Deidara and Sasori of the Red Sand had no intention of returning to the Rain Country and kept circling around various places doing bounty missions, as if they had completely taken over Kakuzu's role.
Natsuki followed them like this for two months.
Fortunately, he entered the Gravity Training Room on time every day, and his daily training plan was not delayed in the slightest.
As for the special laboratory on the first of every month, even though there were no new research projects for the time being, it was not wasted.
Instead, he fully developed various techniques, mainly focusing on the development of Storm Release, Wood Release, and Magnetic Release, three Kekkei Genkai techniques.
After two months, Natsuki could clearly feel the improvement in his strength.
As for whether he had reached the Ultra Shadow Level, it was hard to say; he would only know after fighting a true Ultra Shadow.
However, the only apparent Ultra Shadow currently seemed to be Tendō Pain, but now was not the time to confront him.
As for others, like Uchiha Obito, this guy actually probably doesn't have Ultra Shadow strength; he just acts recklessly relying on Kamui.
He can't even activate Susanoo, so he's not actually that strong.
Of course, Natsuki didn't underestimate Uchiha Obito; he was also very wary of a technique like Kamui, which is like a BUG.
21 It seems I still need to develop some techniques to counter Kamui, otherwise dealing with this lunatic in the future will be very troublesome.
One day, Deidara and Sasori of the Red Sand suddenly headed south and finally entered the Rain Country.
Natsuki thought for a moment, did not enter rashly, but created a Shadow Clone, and even had the Shadow Clone transform into someone else's appearance, letting the Shadow Clone continue to follow into the Rain Country.
His main body, however, hid away beforehand, not wanting Tendō Pain to discover him.
After the Shadow Clone entered the Rain Country, rain immediately poured down, making it difficult to understand how the Rain Country's geographical environment could maintain constant rainfall throughout the year.
However, it's better not to try and understand things from the secondary dimension; after all, even this world is distorted.
Just as the Shadow Clone was still planning to search for Deidara and Sasori of the Red Sand, he suddenly felt a figure appear in the gloomy sky.
The next second, the Shadow Clone exploded directly.
Natsuki's main body received the Shadow Clone's memory and immediately used the Flying Thunder God Technique to flash away.
The Rain Country was now completely locked down.
Any suspicious individuals who infiltrated the territory would be detected by Pain's Rain Sensing Technique if they were touched by the rain, and then immediately eliminated.
That's why Natsuki didn't enter rashly but sent a Shadow Clone to test the waters.
Indeed, Pain is truly very strong.
In the sky of the Rain Country, Tendō Pain showed a look of confusion.
"A Shadow Clone? Did someone follow Deidara into the Rain Country? Or are they specifically investigating the Rain Country?
Forget it, no matter who it is, no matter what scheme or trick, it has no meaning before God!"
Here, Natsuki flashed to a safe place and couldn't help but yawn.
Now he should be able to go back.
Although he had known for a long time that Akatsuki's headquarters was in the Rain Country, knowing was one thing, having evidence was another, and he couldn't just make things up.
Plus, he didn't really want to return to the Village for the time being.
Although I really wanted to stick close with Tenten at home, once I returned to the village, other troublesome tasks would be arranged. Tenten actually also had missions, so we couldn't be together often anyway. Therefore, it was better not to return for now.
It just so happened that I had been wandering outside for over two months. Deidara and Sasori of the Red Sand had also entered the Rain Country. I had sent a Shadow Clone into the Rain Country, and the Shadow Clone had exploded, which could be considered some evidence. Next, confirming the whereabouts of Deidara and Sasori of the Red Sand would be enough.
Natsuki judged that these two were not deliberately returning to the Rain Country, but were going somewhere else and merely passing through the Rain Country.
After all, Akatsuki members rarely gathered. Each group had missions outside, and normally, even for major events, they only used their rings to open group chats. So, no one would specifically return to the Rain Country headquarters.
As expected, a few days later, Natsuki discovered Deidara and Sasori of the Red Sand again in the Land of Rivers.
These two had just passed through the Rain Country, their purpose being to go to the Land of Rivers to capture some guy with a very high bounty.
"Hmm, it's time to go back."
Natsuki didn't delay. He used the Flying Thunder God Technique and flashed back home.
After washing up, he went out again, but on the way, he felt that the Village was a bit different because there were many Ninja from other villages present.
He calculated the time and suddenly realized: "Oh, it's time for the Chunin Exams. No wonder there are so many people from other villages. Forget it, it's not my responsibility. I'll go report first, and then get some good rest."
Not long after, Natsuki arrived at the Hokage Office and politely knocked on the door.
"Come in," Tsunade's voice came.
Natsuki pushed the door open and saw Shikamaru and Temari standing in front of the Hokage's desk, seemingly reporting something.
The two also subconsciously turned their heads at this moment and were surprised to see Natsuki.
Shikamaru looked surprised: "Natsuki? You're finally back! I thought you were having too much fun outside and didn't want to come home. Everyone has been talking about you."
Natsuki also greeted them: "Yo! Shikamaru, are you two reporting work? Should I go out first?"
Shikamaru waved his hand: "Temari and I are in charge of this Chunin Exams. We're just reporting some situations to Tsunade-sama. It's nothing confidential, no need to avoid it."
Tsunade also said: "Natsuki, welcome back. Shikamaru is right, you don't need to avoid it. After Shikamaru and Temari finish, I'll listen to your detailed report. Sit down first, I'll have Shizune pour you a cup of tea."
Natsuki wasn't polite and sat down on a chair nearby. Shizune quickly brought over a cup of tea. This kind of treatment isn't something everyone gets.
Temari curiously sized up Natsuki.
She naturally remembered Natsuki. After all, this guy not only defeated Orochimaru in the last Chunin Exams but also beat the One-Tail Shukaku until it shrank back. Even Maki Jonin was knocked down by his punch. The name Konoha Demon Blade resounded throughout the Ninja World, and his strength was unimaginable.
Now seeing that even the Hokage valued him so much, it was clear that he had just returned from executing an extremely important mission.
It was better not to make an opponent of a guy like this.
Fortunately, now Hidden Sand Village and Konoha are friendly Allies, so they shouldn't be enemies again, right? Having a powerful Konoha as an Ally is quite reassuring, and not having to face an opponent like Natsuki is also a relief.
Shikamaru and Temari continued their report. It was nothing more than some issues before the exam, harmless but still requiring the Hokage's nod.
Shikamaru occasionally scratched his head, clearly finding it troublesome, but having no choice but to do it.
As for Temari, she had already withdrawn her gaze from Natsuki and focused back on Shikamaru. It seemed that a smart person like Shikamaru, who found things troublesome and wanted to be lazy but still had to work, interested Temari more.
Fortunately, the report didn't take too long to finish.
Before leaving, Shikamaru said to Natsuki: "You've been back for over two months. If you have time later, we should all get together."
Natsuki smiled and agreed: "Okay, when I'm free, I'll personally arrange it."