Starting with rogue ninjas, building the insect kingdom.

Chapter 101: Onomichi Arrives, Shocking the Entire Audience

The atmosphere in the council chamber of Kusagakure was extremely oppressive.

The newly appointed leader, Negishi Kusanagi, sat in the main seat, his face grim. Below, the ninjas gathered in twos and threes, whispering among themselves.

"It's been two days already."

"He hasn't come back yet."

"I told you, the whole 'borrowing tailed beasts' thing is a lie."

"What do we do now? Konoha and Iwagakure are about to send troops, we're doomed..."

"Should we run?"

"Run? Where do we go? The entire ninja world is watching us. Running away will just make us sitting ducks!"

"That's better than waiting to die!"

The argument grew louder and louder, and it looked like it was about to get out of control.

"That's enough!"

When Negishi Kusa slammed his fist on the table, everyone quieted down and looked at him.

"Before Shiraki left, he told us to wait for him to come back. No one is allowed to leave until he returns."

"But Chief..."

"No buts." Negishi Kusanagi stared at the ninja who had spoken. "If you want to leave now, I won't stop you. But the moment you step out that door, you will no longer be a member of Kusagakure. Whether you live or die from now on is none of my business."

The ninja opened his mouth, but ultimately didn't dare to move.

Just then, a commotion arose outside the door.

Everyone turned their heads in unison. The door was pushed open, and a figure stood in the doorway, followed by a little red-haired girl.

Shiraki—or rather, Shigenori Aburame—entered the council chamber and looked around.

"They're all here."

Someone couldn't help but ask, "Shiraki, you said you'd borrow a tailed beast, did you manage to borrow it?"

"I borrowed it."

"Borrowed it? Where is it? Show it to me quickly." One of the Jonin said flippantly, seemingly not believing him at all.

Aburame Shisei didn't answer, but simply turned and walked outside, saying, "Come with me."

The crowd looked at each other, still disbelieving, but followed along anyway.

An open space outside the village.

Hundreds of ninjas gathered here, all eyes fixed on Aburame Shisei. He stood in the center of the open space, taking out a huge summoning scroll from behind him.

He bit his finger, formed hand seals, and then slammed his hands heavily on the ground: "Summoning Jutsu!"

Bang! A huge cloud of smoke exploded, and as the smoke cleared, everyone gasped.

It is Seven-Tailed Chongming.

Six enormous wings flapped slowly, their purple patterns shimmering in the sunlight. Golden compound eyes looked down at the crowd below with a mixture of curiosity and playfulness.

Hello everyone.

The Seven-Tails spoke, its voice clear and crisp: "My name is Seven-Tails Chōmei, but you can call me Lucky Seven!"

The group of ninjas were stunned when they saw the enormous body and were instantly frozen in place.

Silence, dead silence.

"Ah, Tailed Beast, quick, run!"

"The tailed beast has spoken!"

"It...it can actually speak human language!"

The crowd erupted in chaos. Some people's legs went weak and they knelt down, some turned around and tried to run away, and some drew their kunai, their faces filled with fear.

Just then, Nanami looked up at the clear sky, feeling exceptionally happy. Having been imprisoned for so long, she longed to spread her wings and fly away.

However, with just a gentle flap of his wings, he stirred up a huge storm, instantly blowing away any ninjas who got too close.

They shouted, "Oh no! The tailed beasts are about to rampage!"

"Run!"

"Wait, don't run! If you run, it's all over! The only way we can fight is to unite!"

However, amidst the chaos, Shisei Aburame walked up to Nanao and gently stroked her bowed head.

The crowd fell silent again. They saw that the enormous tailed beast was rubbing against the man's hand affectionately, like a pet.

"How is this possible... How can a tailed beast be so affectionate towards humans?"

Aburame Shisei turned around and looked at the dumbfounded ninjas: "Tailed beasts are not natural disasters. They are like humans, with their own intelligence and emotions. The Seven-Tails has a good personality; as long as you don't provoke her, she won't hurt anyone."

Seven-Tails nodded in agreement: "Yes, yes, I don't eat people, and I don't like fighting. Those humans just grabbed me without saying a word, and they can't even understand what I'm saying, that's why I'm angry."

Everyone looked at each other in bewilderment. So this is what tailed beasts are like?

Aburame Shisei patted Nanao's head: "Go have fun. When you're tired, come back to the Holy Land."

Seven-Tails' eyes lit up: "Great!"

Seven-tailed Qi took flight, her enormous form soaring through the sky. She weaved through the clouds, sometimes swooping down, sometimes circling, emitting joyful cries.

Everyone looked up, stunned by the sight. It was a tailed beast, a legendary calamity, and now it soared freely in the sky like a joyful bird.

Aburame Shisei withdrew his gaze and looked at the ninjas: "Now, is there anyone still questioning whether I can borrow a tailed beast?"

No one questioned it anymore, and no one thought about running away anymore.

After all, their Grass Village is now considered a village with tailed beasts, and they can perfectly control tailed beasts without the need for a Jinchuriki. Which village can do that nowadays?

But a new problem arises: the tailed beasts can only serve as a deterrent, but what if a fight breaks out?

You Nucheng was prepared for this, and he spread out the huge spiritual scroll in front of everyone.

"This is the psychic scroll of the Dragonfly Sanctuary. I will select one hundred people from among you to become Dragonfly Messengers."

As he formed another hand seal, puffs of gas reappeared in the air, and after the smoke cleared, dragonflies appeared, flying in the air. They varied in size, the smallest being only the size of a palm, while the largest had a wingspan of over two meters. Their emerald green wings vibrated in the air, emitting soft chirps.

"These dragonflies are also descendants of the Seven-Tailed Fox. They are intelligent, can understand commands, and can communicate with their master's mind. But not just anyone can form a contract with them. To become a Dragonfly Tamer, one must gain their approval."

Someone in the crowd raised their hand and asked, "Lord Shiraki, what can we do after we form a contract with the dragonfly?"

Aburame Shisei explained, "Many things."

He gestured for the largest dragonfly to land, then gently hopped onto its back. The dragonfly flapped its wings and took flight, carrying him as it hovered low in the air.

"Riding, reconnaissance, aerial combat, combined with ninjutsu—they can do anything you can think of."

Aburame Shisei landed again and looked at everyone, saying, "Furthermore, the Dragonfly Sanctuary has a secret technique—human-insect fusion. Once you successfully cultivate it, you can briefly merge with a dragonfly, gain the ability to fly, and even use their unique Wind Release ninjutsu."

Everyone's eyes widened instantly. Flight—that was the ability that countless ninjas dreamed of.

"However," Aburame Shisei changed the subject, "to learn these skills, you must undergo rigorous training. In the days to come, I will personally train you all and select the most suitable candidates to become Dragonfly Users."

"Of course, those of you who were eliminated should not be discouraged. It's just that your physical condition is not suitable, not that you don't have any potential."