"Alright, go ahead and study the technique. Remember, the most crucial aspect of mastering the Flying Thunder God Technique is the ability to sense space. This is where we all stumbled in our previous attempts," Hiruzen reminded them, his eyes filled with hope.
Aizen and Minato nodded in understanding.
They stepped forward and began to study the scroll. Aizen quickly scanned the entire training process of the Flying Thunder God Technique, then closed his eyes to sense the surrounding space.
Following the initial method, Aizen stimulated his soul power and extended it outward in a specific pattern.
In his hazy consciousness, he perceived layers of illusory spatial barriers within the void. These barriers not only obstructed the passage of his consciousness but also shifted unpredictably, making it difficult to grasp their precise orientation.
"So that's how it works. No wonder the Flying Thunder God Technique requires spatial coordinate marking for teleportation. Even with my mental power and soul enhanced by natural energy, it's challenging to perceive the specific spatial orientation, let alone for others." Aizen concluded inwardly.
This also confirmed that Aizen could indeed sense space and was qualified to practice the Flying Thunder God Technique.
He discreetly glanced at Minato, who was still sensing the space with his eyes closed. It was evident that Aizen possessed greater talent than Minato in learning this technique.
This was to be expected. The most important factor in mastering the Flying Thunder God Technique was the power of the soul and spirit. Aizen's soul, a fusion of two worlds, and his secret techniques that significantly enhanced his soul, naturally granted him exceptional spiritual power.
Observing Minato, it seemed it would take him some time to sense the space.
Unhurried, Aizen proceeded to the next stage of the Flying Thunder God Technique.
Time passed slowly.
Ten minutes later, Minato opened his eyes, beaming with joy.
"How did it go, Minato? Did you sense the space?"
Seeing Minato's expression, Hiruzen knew the answer but still needed confirmation.
"I did it! I sensed it!" Minato exclaimed happily.
"Excellent! Excellent!" Hiruzen was overjoyed, his face beaming with excitement.
The reason for his generosity today wasn't solely to help Aizen and Minato gain power within Anbu. More importantly, he wanted to nurture a shinobi strong enough to rival Hatake Sakumo.
The White Fang of Konoha posed a significant threat to the Hokage lineage.
Shortly after the Second Shinobi World War ended, the major ninja villages issued orders stating that any shinobi encountering Konoha's White Fang during a mission could abandon it without penalty.
This was an extraordinary privilege. A ninja's mission was typically held above their own life. There was an ironclad rule in the ninja world: complete the mission, even at the cost of your own life.
The fact that Hatake Sakumo had forced major villages to issue such an order demonstrated the immense fear and respect he commanded.
Within Konoha, Sakumo's reputation was at its zenith. He outshone even the Sannin, and even the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, paled in comparison. Rumors of Sakumo becoming the Fourth Hokage were rampant.
In light of this situation, Hiruzen desperately needed a powerful figure within the Hokage lineage to rival Sakumo.
His hopes rested on the Flying Thunder God Technique, a formidable jutsu. A Kage-level shinobi who mastered it could potentially match Sakumo's strength.
Therefore, Hiruzen's joy at Minato's success was understandable.
With Minato's aptitude confirmed, Hiruzen turned his attention to Aizen. Minato did the same.
However, Aizen was frowning, as if facing some difficulty. His expression indicated that his attempts to sense space were likely unsuccessful.
Hiruzen wasn't overly disappointed. After all, the Flying Thunder God Technique was notoriously difficult to learn. Even if neither Minato nor Aizen succeeded today, he wouldn't be surprised.
On the bright side, Minato had already proven himself capable of learning the technique.
Now that Minato had shown aptitude for the Flying Thunder God Technique, Hiruzen's hopes of cultivating a shinobi to rival Hatake Sakumo were renewed. His desire to master the technique himself had diminished.
Meanwhile, Minato, aside from his concern for Aizen, experienced a mix of emotions.
"Aizen have I finally surpassed you today?"
He felt both joy at the possibility of surpassing Aizen and a tinge of disappointment. He had always been aware that Aizen's strength was far greater than what he showed on the surface, and he had secretly admired and competed with Aizen's talent and abilities.
Today, it seemed he had finally caught up. Yet, amidst the joy, the image of Aizen as an unparalleled genius in his mind had been slightly tarnished. This left Minato feeling confused and lost.
Even Minato himself couldn't fully comprehend the complex emotions swirling within him.
In this atmosphere, five minutes later, Aizen slowly opened his eyes. He had completed the initial training of the second stage of the Flying Thunder God Technique and was confident in creating a unique version of it.
"I apologize, Hokage sama. It seems I lack the talent to practice the Flying Thunder God Technique," Aizen said with a hint of sadness and embarrassment.
"Haha, it's alright. Your sensei and I haven't been able to master it either. This is perfectly normal," Hiruzen chuckled, trying to reassure him.
Aizen smiled and congratulated Minato, "Minato, congratulations!"
When he had opened his eyes, he had seen Minato's joyful expression. It was clear that Minato had succeeded.
"No, it was just luck," Minato waved his hand modestly.
After this exchange, Hiruzen spoke with Aizen about Anbu for a while longer, then they left the Hokage building.
The next morning, Aizen arrived at the Anbu headquarters as scheduled, using the address and password provided by Hiruzen.