Tatsuma wasn't particularly eager about Hiruzen's late-night invitation, or to put it more bluntly, he was resistant to the idea of meeting Hiruzen now.
But there was no way around it. As a current member of ANBU, Tatsuma lacked the capital to refuse, whether it was just meeting Hiruzen or even carrying out any covert missions.
Tatsuma had two sets of ANBU uniforms. One set was kept at the Hokage Building. Previously, when he went on guard duty missions, he would change there. However, it had been a long time since he wore that set, and it no longer fit him.
The other set is kept at his own home. Tatsuma had applied to replace this set, so the clothes he wore now fit reasonably well. After fastening the white Yaksha mask, Tatsuma's figure disappeared in an instant.
Tatsuma's current hard stats were also approaching the requirements for Jonin level limitlessly. When considering the effects of various additional enhancements and their mutual complementarity, his practical combat capabilities were also comparable to many Jonin.
[Host: Sakamoto Tatsuma]
[Talents:]
[Strength: 8663/22366 [Enhanced Strength]
[Speed: 9231/23883 [Divine Mind]
[Stamina: 8893/21363 [Endless]
[Wisdom: 7992/33002 [Strategist]
[Ninjutsu: 7723/23812 [Sea Overturning]
[Illusions: 4141/8845
[Spirit: 8212/24061 [Expand]
[Seals: 7823/20204 [Return to Origins]
[Special Talents:]
[Space-Time]"
[Ninjutsu Development]
[Ninja Tool Throwing](Minato Namikaze Limited Edition)
[Sensing]
[Sealing](Kushina Uzumaki Limited Edition): 75%
[Cursed Seal]: 60%
[Limited Talent:]
[Shiro Yaksha]
Kushina's limited edition talent showed no signs of improvement. Even in the few times they met, he would seize the opportunity to spar with Kushina. Tatsuma speculated that the remaining part was likely restricted by bloodline.
However, this had little impact on Tatsuma because his years of study had long surpassed the panel values of sealing itself, which leaned more towards applied numerical statistics.
Yet Tatsuma's theories had surpassed those that even Kushina, who had not pursued further studies with Uzumaki Mito for several years, had developed. With the 75 percent limitation of the sealing talent, enough to integrate these theoretical knowledge, into it
As for the Cursed Seal, Tatsuma obtained it from Orochimaru, though it wasn't a limited edition. Unlike limited edition talents that allow rapid mastery of various Cursed Seals, it sufficed for Tatsuma. After all, Tatsuma wasn't interested in the Cursed Seal of Heaven set; for him, Cursed Seals were merely supplementary to his other abilities.
The only thing that frustrated Tatsuma was his Genjutsu talent. Orochimaru had tried to help him improve it, but even Orochimaru eventually gave up. He did, however, teach Tatsuma many techniques for countering and preventing Genjutsu.
Moving swiftly through the night, Tatsuma avoided drawing any attention. Though he hadn't used stealth techniques in two years, he kept his skills honed through training. Reviewing the old to understand the new, combined with the growth of his other abilities, gave Tatsuma new insights into his previous techniques.
Arriving at the Hokage Building, Tatsuma noticed a faint light coming from the Hokage's office, likely from a night lamp or a small desk lamp. He entered the building directly, evading other ninja patrols, and headed straight to the Hokage's office.
"Enter"
Hiruzen set down his pipe and greeted Tatsuma, who seemed to have appeared suddenly. Tatsuma returned the gesture and asked, "Hokage-sama, what do you command?"
"Just to chat."
Hiruzen's response surprised Tatsuma somewhat. He had thought Hiruzen summoned him because of the events earlier in the day, expecting some specific task.
Tatsuma looked at Hiruzen and noticed him lightly waving his hand in front. Understanding, Tatsuma raised his hand and lifted his Yaksha mask, revealing his face.
"Please, sit."
Pointing to the seat in front of him, Hiruzen instructed Tatsuma. Tatsuma nodded without hesitation and sat directly in the chair.
Only then did Hiruzen speak again, "Yaksha, you've been with Orochimaru for two years. Do you think the experiments with Wood Release ninjutsu can succeed?"
Upon hearing this, Tatsuma nodded without hesitation and replied, "Hokage-sama, perhaps the results of these past two years may not seem directly related to the Wood Release experiments, but they are an indispensable step towards its success.
Perhaps it did take longer than expected, but to ensure the project proceeds smoothly and achieves its goals successfully and safely, these efforts are necessary.
Allowing others to take over hastily and using shortcuts in experiments not only risks accidents but also won't yield better results."
If it were two years ago, Tatsuma wouldn't have dared to say such words. He also joined the experiment with the hope of possibly changing its outcome.
What delighted him was that Orochimaru accepted many of his suggestions, extended the project timeline, and conducted extensive preliminary research, prioritizing safety over efficiency.
Tatsuma felt he had changed the fate of some experimental subjects. However, today, when they both faced rejection, Tatsuma found it hard to dispel the frustration in his heart. After all, it was the result of two years of hard work with Orochimaru.
After hearing Tatsuma's response, Hiruzen didn't immediately reply. He lit his pipe slowly, puffing on it with cotton in hand. After a while, he asked again, "So, do you think the experiments with Wood Release ninjutsu can succeed?"
The same question stirred a faint sense of excitement in Tatsuma, quickly subdued. He looked at Hiruzen in the dim light, his features unclear, and his mouth tightened.
Seeing Tatsuma seemingly grasping his meaning, Hiruzen spoke, "Today it's Wood Release, tomorrow it's Sharingan and Byakugan, and the day after, it's the secret techniques of various clans.
Do you know who suggested those 'foolish' ideas that you and Orochimaru rejected? It was me, the Elders, and the Clan Heads of various tribes.
They may allow the Wood Release experiment to proceed, but they absolutely do not want to see it succeed. You should understand this, as I believed you did.
You were initially opposed to the Wood Release experiment. Why did you, following Orochimaru, change your mind and even become as fervent as he?"
"Because..."
Tatsuma fell silent, unsure how to respond. Initially, his resistance to the experiment stemmed from understanding it would exact an unjustifiable cost from many.
However, after joining, he saw hope for changing the outcome. He wanted to prevent these tragedies from happening, so he did everything he could to try and change it.
He initially thought that the success of the experiment was what the Konoha Elders wanted. He didn't expect that they merely wanted the experiment itself, not its success. They valued and provided the greatest assistance not for the experiment, but for the Daimyo.
Looking at Hiruzen, Tatsuma said, "Then, Hokage-sama, may I ask, what about these past two years for me, Orochimaru-sama, and all the researchers? Have they been in vain?"
"Not entirely," Hiruzen shook his head and said, "The Daimyo did indeed request periodic progress reports recently, but I have carefully reviewed every report you submitted. Do you know why I didn't intervene earlier?
It's because you and Orochimaru are so willing to spend money that you've almost exhausted the first batch of funds from the Daimyo in less than two years. This is something other researchers couldn't accomplish
Your value and Orochimaru's value lie in making the Daimyo understand that this is a job where the effort put in does not equate to the rewards gained. Only in this way can the Daimyo stop fantasizing after an accident and halt this project."
Listening to Hiruzen's words, Tatsuma felt his chest growing heavier. Breathing seemed restricted as if a valve had been placed, each breath requiring considerable effort.
Struggling to breathe, Tatsuma also struggled to say, "So... the one replacing Orochimaru-sama is here to cause accidents?"
Hiruzen blinked but did not answer, the implication clear. Tatsuma clenched his teeth, and after a long pause, he said, "Even if it means sacrificing innocent lives?"
Hiruzen looked at Tatsuma, clearly emotionally stirred but striving to suppress it. He said, "Yaksha, these are not words you should be saying."
Tatsuma's breath hitched, then his turbulent emotions instantly calmed. Even his breathing became smooth again. With a calm face, somewhat wooden, he responded:
"I understand, Hokage-sama."
"Tatsuma."
Hiruzen's expression softened into a gentle smile as he admired Tatsuma. Hearing this, Tatsuma gently shifted the mask on his forehead, letting it hang to the side of his head, covering one ear. Tatsuma returned to his usual courteous demeanor, his smile naturally warming.
"Hokage-sama."
Tatsuma responded, and Hiruzen nodded, asking, "You've been studying Flying Thunder God for over two years now. How's your progress?"
"I've made some good progress."
Upon hearing Hiruzen's question, Tatsuma seemed to have completely forgotten the earlier unpleasant conversation, smiling in response and genuinely pleased with his own progress.
Hiruzen's expression turned to surprise. True, Tatsuma was not the only one who had delved into Flying Thunder God techniques, but he was the first to confidently claim significant progress.
Especially considering Tatsuma's usual modesty, Hiruzen believed in Tatsuma's reported progress. It wasn't just understanding some of Senju Tobirama's notes; Tatsuma was likely on the verge of mastering and applying them.
"Is that so? That's really impressive. You might just become the first to master Second Hokage-sama's Flying Thunder God Jutsu."
Hiruzen nodded in admiration, saying, "If there's anything the village can assist you with, be sure to ask promptly. The village needs young talents like you to grow rapidly."
Upon hearing this, Tatsuma politely shook his head and said, "I haven't mastered the Flying Thunder God Jutsu yet. Asking for more would be too greedy and might distract me. I'll pass."
Hiruzen chuckled, "That would be a shame. To celebrate your mission's completion, I have prepared a special gift for you."
"A gift?"
Tatsuma looked at Hiruzen in confusion. Hiruzen nodded and took out a scroll from the drawer, saying, "Forbidden technique, interested?"
Upon hearing this, Tatsuma hesitated, his outstretched hand pausing for a moment. After a while, he nodded and said, "I'd like to give it a try."
Tatsuma wanted to see what Hiruzen would offer him as a forbidden technique. Would it be the Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags Jutsu he had hoped for? But as he took the scroll and read the characters on it, Tatsuma frowned.
It was a technique suited to dealing with someone he knew well.
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