"Caw~ Caw~ Caw~"
Several nautical miles off the coast of Summoning Island in the Land of the Sea, two crows from Yamanaka Shinno's summoning contract perched on the ship's railing, flapping their wings and cawing furiously.
Even without understanding bird language or having the Yamanaka Clan's mind-link techniques to sense emotions, Minato Namikaze could tell these two were cursing up a storm.
"Alright, alright, I get it. Those guys scared you. I'll make sure to beat them up for you later, okay?"
Shinno rummaged through the small pocket on his jonin vest and pulled out a handful of specially made pet jerky, holding it up to the two crows.
The birds, after venting their frustration for quite a while, hesitated for a moment upon hearing Shinno's promise. Then, reluctantly, they nodded before hopping closer and digging into the jerky with gusto.
They had been scouting Summoning Island multiple times now, and the sheer ferocity of the creatures there had genuinely shaken them up. If not for their master's exceptional skills—pulling off insane maneuvers through the dense jungle with split-second turns and expert control—they would've long since ended up as some unknown raptor's dinner.
"Any updates from the Third Hokage?" Shinno asked after pacifying the crows, turning his attention to Minato.
Neither of them had expected that this seemingly small and unassuming island, referred to by locals as the 'Forgotten Isle,' would be home to such ridiculously powerful wildlife.
Over a hundred creatures on the island had the strength to rival chunin. Some of the dominant species even boasted jonin-level speed or raw power!
With the right training, these beasts could become formidable summoning creatures, massively boosting a ninja's combat potential.
After confirming that Jiraiya was still in Konoha, Shinno had immediately come up with a plan: using Mount Myoboku's Toad Mouth Trap to transport captured creatures directly to the village for a summoning beast auction.
The profit distribution was straightforward—Konoha would take 30%, Shinno another 30%, Minato 20%, and Jiraiya the remaining 20%.
"The Hokage has already arranged for Training Ground Zero to be cleared out as a temporary holding area. Jiraiya-sensei is prepared as well," Minato replied, scratching his cheek, looking a little uneasy.
Negotiating profit shares with the village… this was a first for him. Raised under the teachings of the Will of Fire, he couldn't shake the feeling that this kind of deal seemed… improper?
"Then let's get started."
Without another word, Shinno leaped off the boat and landed on the water's surface.
He noticed Minato's hesitation but didn't bother explaining.
Minato was just too straightforward.
That 30% cut for Konoha wasn't just about covering the cost of a venue—it was an investment. By leveraging these profits, they would gain reputation and accelerate their climb up Konoha's ranks, increasing their influence within the village.
The ultimate goal? Greater autonomy—or even leadership—when the next great war inevitably broke out.
If not for that, Shinno wouldn't have even considered giving the village a share. Given the looming conflicts in the ninja world, the higher-ups should be paying him for what he was doing, not the other way around.
Of course, the Third Hokage and the Elders were sharp enough to see this angle, which was why they cooperated by clearing out Training Ground Zero so efficiently.
"Alright!" Minato followed suit, landing beside Shinno.
[...]
The moment they started moving, the waters around them churned ominously.
A massive shadow, darker than the surrounding sea, surged toward them with terrifying speed.
Shinno didn't slow down. He reached into the scroll pouch on his vest, pulling out a sealing scroll.
With one hand, he unrolled the scroll and, with the other, formed a quick seal before pressing his palm onto the symbol for 'Fish.'
Release!
Ninja Art: Mind Puppet Switch Cursed Seal Technique
A palm-sized fish-shaped puppet, crafted from special materials, materialized in his hand.
Under the influence of the Mind Puppet Switch Cursed Seal Technique, it flicked its tail once and darted into the turbulent waters below.
Within moments, both Shinno and Minato halted their advance.
Beneath them, a massive swordfish—easily over ten meters long—slowly surfaced, completely under Shinno's control.
It lifted the two ninja onto its back before propelling forward at incredible speed toward Summoning Island!
The swordfish kicked into gear, its tail slashing through the water. Within seconds, it was moving at speeds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour—and still accelerating!
"Damn, cutting through the waves like this… I almost don't want to sell you," Shinno muttered, glancing down at the giant fish.
Having a sea-based transport like this seemed pretty useful.
But then he considered the effort required—training the creature, increasing its intelligence, ensuring obedience, securing a proper habitat… it just wasn't worth it.
Not that he couldn't afford it, but the return on investment was too low.
Even Mount Myoboku didn't make their summoners catch bugs to feed their toads.
[...]
Circling around Summoning Island, Shinno deliberately provoked two monstrous sea beasts lurking beneath the surface.
The creatures, enraged, roared and chased after the swordfish relentlessly.
"Minato, get ready."
Shinno unrolled his storage scroll a little further.
Two more puppet fish, designed for special purposes, shot forward under his Mind Puppet Switch Cursed Seal Technique, striking both sea monsters squarely in the head.
Without resistance, the creatures fell under his control, obediently swimming toward the shore, where the massive swordfish slowed to a stop.
Minato bit his thumb, forming hand seals before slamming his palm onto the water.
A large ripple spread out as the Toad Mouth Trap appeared, instantly swallowing the three subdued sea creatures before vanishing.
With the summons secured and transported to Mount Myoboku, the real work was about to begin.
[...]
The moment the toad's stomach disappeared, a cacophony of beastly roars erupted from the depths of the island's jungle.
Not just from the nearby coast—but from the entire island.
It was as if every living creature had simultaneously sensed the presence of a predator.
Panic, rage, fear, hostility…
In mere moments, the once-quiet island became a maelstrom of chaotic energy.
"They noticed."
Shinno raised a hand to his forehead to block the sun, eyes fixed on the island's central volcano.
His sensory abilities extended up to a ten-kilometer diameter.
That meant his perception radius was five kilometers.
The research facility at the island's core was a full eight kilometers away—well beyond his sensory reach.
"We've been circling the island on a giant swordfish for a while now. If they hadn't noticed by now, they'd be seriously slacking."
Minato also gazed toward the distant horizon.
Last night, after arriving in the area, Shinno had summoned his crows to discreetly deliver his Flying Thunder God kunai to the research facility's entrance.
If necessary, they could teleport straight there in an instant.
So, for now—there was no need to rush.
----------------
For each 100 Power Stones +1 Chapter
Read more than +100 chapters and support me on Patreon
Patreon(.)com/Jixo