"These three basic ninjutsu are Substitution Jutsu, Clone Jutsu, and Transformation Jutsu, commonly referred to as the Three Bodies Techniques. These foundational skills are essential for becoming a ninja and graduating from school."
As Jiraiya explained this, many students became excited. Despite being E-level techniques, these jutsu were still shrouded in mystery for the group of children in front of him.
After all, some of them had not even managed to condense their chakra yet.
When Jiraiya finished speaking, he observed the students. Most of them showed anticipation, even Mikoto, a talented girl from the Uchiha clan, was no exception.
He also took a special look at Namikaze Minato's expression; the child appeared calm, but his blue eyes were fixed on Jiraiya without wavering.
Jiraiya slowly withdrew his gaze, only to see Uchiha Yoruki in the front row with an uninterested expression, clearly not caring.
Even at such a young age, Uchiha Yoruki's body language already exhibited the typical Uchiha unruliness.
This was not a good sign.
However, Jiraiya didn't mind these things; he had come today just to confirm whether the disciple the Third Hokage had found for him was as talented as he claimed.
"First, I will demonstrate the Clone Jutsu!"
Jiraiya said, forming the seal with both hands. For the sake of demonstration, he performed the seals very slowly, taking three seconds to complete three seals.
Then a light smoke filled the air, and on either side of Jiraiya, there appeared an identical clone.
"Wow, that's amazing!"
Although it was the most basic ninjutsu, the ninja school students couldn't help but exclaim.
For some of them, this was their first time seeing ninjutsu performed.
Jiraiya scanned the crowd again; Uchiha Yoruki's face remained indifferent, as if he had already mastered the Clone Jutsu.
Indeed, it was not unusual for children of the Uchiha clan to have been taught by their parents or clan members before entering the ninja school. So, it was possible that Uchiha Yoruki had already mastered the Three Bodies Techniques.
What interested Jiraiya more was Namikaze Minato's reaction. Minato was focused and did not exclaim like the other students. Instead, there was a trace of curiosity in his eyes.
Such eyes were not exploring unknown territory but deepening the understanding of familiar things.
Jiraiya's face showed a hint of surprise. Could it be that Minato had already mastered the Clone Jutsu?
According to the information from the Sandaime, although this child had qualities beyond others of his age, he had no background and, as a first-year student at the ninja school, it was impossible for him to have learned the Three Bodies Techniques from a teacher.
So, who taught him ninjutsu?
Hiding his astonishment, Jiraiya's hand seals changed, and another puff of smoke appeared. Jiraiya's body transformed into an exact copy of Shirota-sensei.
"This is the Transformation Jutsu," Jiraiya said.
When everyone saw it, they blinked and looked back and forth between Shirota-sensei and Jiraiya, who had performed the Transformation Jutsu, and their small faces were filled with shock.
"There are two Shirota-sensei."
"It's like they're twin brothers."
The students exclaimed again and made various comments, causing Shirota-sensei and the others a headache.
They feel like the students are treating this like they were watching a ninjutsu show.
However, a few children were eager to give it a try, practicing in the crowd based on Jiraiya's hand seals, which gave the teachers some comfort.
Shirota-sensei's gaze fell on Minato, and Jiraiya's eyes swept over again.
Uchiha Yoruki and Namikaze Minato, these two students, one indifferent and the other serious.
Both of them might have mastered the Three Bodies Techniques, but mastering ninjutsu was not just about learning it.
The two completely different attitudes might not matter now, but they would impact their future paths as ninja.
Initially, Jiraiya had only obeyed the Sandaime's order. But in this short period, he had developed an interest in the child, Namikaze Minato.
"Next, it's time for the final Substitution Jutsu."
Jiraiya canceled his Transformation Jutsu, then turned to Shirota-sensei and the others, saying, "I need one of you to assist me in demonstrating the Substitution Jutsu."
The teachers were startled by his request, and after a brief discussion, Shirota-sensei was "unfortunately" selected.
He stepped in front of Jiraiya, who said to him, "Attack me."
Although he had expected this, Shirota-sensei hesitated to attack Jiraiya, as their statuses were very different.
Jiraiya, understanding his hesitation, said, "This is just a demonstration for your students. It is not considered an offense."
Shirota-sensei, a good teacher despite his average ninja talent, was reassured by Jiraiya's words. His hesitant expression faded.
Everything is for his students!
Shirota-sensei quickly rushed at Jiraiya, punching straight out. The speed of his punch was extremely fast in the students' eyes.
Only Namikaze Minato and Uchiha Yoruki could clearly see all his movements.
Jiraiya smiled lightly and didn't dodge. Shirota-sensei's punch landed on his chest.
"Poof!"
However, there was a puff of smoke. The students were puzzled, and even the teachers didn't understand what had happened for a moment.
The three Jiraiyas in the field turned into two, and then the clone on the right also turned into smoke.
Another Jiraiya walked up to the students and explained, "The principle of the Substitution Jutsu is to swap yourself with another object in the surrounding environment, such as a tree stump or an animal. I used the clone I previously created to trick the enemy's sight in actual combat. The effect is so convincing that even your teacher didn't react immediately."
His explanation was clear, but it took some time for the students to digest.
Even Uchiha Yoruki, who had been indifferent, lowered his head in thought.
Jiraiya smiled slightly, but behind him, the ninja school teachers exchanged strange looks.
The clone created by the Clone Jutsu was just an illusion and couldn't be used with the Substitution Jutsu.
Unless one of the clones Jiraiya made was a physical clone.
Jiraiya, unfazed, continued watching the reactions, especially Minato's.
"That's definitely not the normal Clone Jutsu," Minato murmured. After a while, the doubtful look in his blue eyes and his questioning voice caught Jiraiya's attention.
For this reason, Jiraiya smiled with satisfaction.
"Did he notice it?"