System, why do you even have a newbie period?
"Why didn't anyone tell me?!"
If there was a newbie period, you should have mentioned it earlier.
And with only an eight-task limit—most newbie periods start at a minimum of ten tasks.
"You couldn't have matched the standard, huh? Was it that hard for you to go just two more?"
No matter how much Gin cursed internally, the simulation Gold Finger didn't react.
Although it would be frightening if it did react.
Gin sighed helplessly.
He began to count the techniques he had.
Basic Inner Skills, the Four Techniques, Cat Language, Rei Gun, and the current one.
Just eight.
Basic Inner Skills and Rei Gun were essential. Basic Inner Skills were his foundation, crucial for future cultivation development. As for Rei Gun, it was his most potent long-range weapon. Though it had no future development potential, it was crucial for early-stage damage output.
Regarding the Four Techniques, the Shave's speed and Paper Drawing's evasion were excellent. Iron Block's damage absorption wasn't very effective—no ninja would just stand still and take a hit.
As for Finger Gun, it was practically useless. His self-developed Snake Strike was much better than Finger Gun. Initially, it was developed just to round out the Six Styles.
Cat Language was utterly useless right now!
"If I'd known, I would've developed stronger techniques."
He gritted his teeth.
Techniques that could increase his upper limit, throw them out, and wait for others to master them so he could soar.
Unfortunately, he had never heard of a Gold Finger with an unannounced newbie period.
How did he encounter one?
He glanced up at Orochimaru.
Engrossed in his experiments with Hashirama cells, Orochimaru didn't notice him.
Jin looked at the update log on the input box.
Update Log:
Instant entry-level ability for the host has been removed.
The ability to advance with others has been removed.
Detailed information on the simulation process has been added.
The system will absorb all levels of knowledge from others, accessible anytime.
Knowledge absorbed by the system will be directly simulated without requiring input.
Host's comprehension ability increased by 10%.
"Wow." Gin gasped, feeling a toothache from the update.
The changes were massive.
Orochimaru glanced over, puzzled.
"It's nothing, just thought of something."
Gin waved, signaling Orochimaru to ignore him and resume his experiments.
Gin felt mixed emotions about the update.
The newbie period was over, and the difficulty level had increased, but so had the functionality.
Now he no longer lacked any ninjutsu. If someone practiced something he provided, their knowledge was his.
Gin's gaze turned to Orochimaru.
For example, Edo Tensei in the future, although the process would be a bit tedious.
This meant that from now on, he wouldn't lack ninjutsu—if he knew the name or requirements, he could find it.
Simulations would be simpler. Before, simulations were based on his knowledge level. Now, the increase in knowledge from others expanded this scope.
Most ninjutsu he could imagine would be simulated directly.
If it fell into everyone's blind spot, it would still fail.
There was no need to write detailed theoretical papers and collect ninjutsu anymore.
Just input the desired technique name and effects, and it would be completed.
However, without direct entry-level ability and others' advancement...
Even entry-level would be tough!
The only consolation was that the simulation process would be detailed, and his comprehension ability increased by 10%.
Learning would be easier.
But it used to be easier!!
"This system is made to test people for their master's degree!"
Starting with tutorials, then upping the difficulty.
It's hard to evaluate.
It felt like rising through this system, he would eventually not need it—able to simulate techniques himself easily.
The previous stage was like undergraduate theses, now it's postgraduate exams, next stage, direct PhD.
"Truly a lifelong learning process."
But...
"Integrating Hashirama cells with unactivated Sharingan."
The input box displayed various data and conclusions, detailing how to activate and integrate Hashirama cells.
In summary, open Sharingan first, then Mangekyou, and finally modify Hashirama cells for perfect integration.
No side effects.
"Did I need you to tell me?!"
If he could open Sharingan, he wouldn't need the simulation.
The details on opening Sharingan were clear—extreme emotions were needed to produce special chakra. Mangekyou required even more.
It's like saying nothing.
Next time, don't say it.
"This thing is becoming an artificial idiot."
Thinking about it, the connected people are few, and their combined knowledge might not find a non-activated integration method.
"Seems like basic knowledge is lacking."
"If I could connect to Madara..."
Madara was still hiding in the shinobi world, waiting for someone with Mangekyou to appear.
His knowledge of ninjutsu and Sharingan research would be top-tier.
Unfortunately, he couldn't connect.
"Damn system."
Gin cursed internally.
...
During the day.
Gin rolled up his sleeves, harvesting rice.
Seeing Minato and Kushina covered in mud.
Who said ninjas don't farm? They do, but it's mostly genin work.
D-rank missions, time-consuming, labor-intensive, with meager rewards, so naturally, no one liked them.
"Jiraiya-sensei, when can we take on higher-level missions?"
Kushina complained, glaring at Jiraiya, who was writing.
"Higher-level missions, huh?" Jiraiya paused his writing. His team's strength certainly qualified for higher-level missions.
But typically, a formal genin squad needed to perform basic missions to build teamwork.
Officially to increase task familiarity.
But his three students were already quite familiar.
Looking at Minato and Kushina, still working hard.
And Kushina, ready to slack off.
They already had bonds, and the recent training had built sufficient teamwork.
"Alright, I'll get us a higher-level mission today."
Jiraiya put away his pen and paper.
"Let's hurry!" Kushina cheered up.
She was sick of harvesting, cleaning trash, and other such tasks.
Also, taking care of the elderly, watching kids, moving goods.
They were ninjas, not servants!!
"You should all change clothes." Jiraiya looked at their muddy state, disapprovingly.
"Immediately!"
Kushina grabbed Minato and Gin, rushing off.
"Such speed." Jiraiya scratched his head, looking at the bountiful rice field.
These crops were to meet Konoha's basic needs.
But ninja funding came from the Daimyo's allocations.
Ninjas were expensive—food and drink were just the basics.
Soon, Kushina returned, dragging the other two, both flying.
Jiraiya sighed, seeing her so similar to Tsunade.
"Jiraiya-sensei, let's go." Kushina let go of them, her eyes shining.
Minato and Gin exchanged glances.
Gin: Maybe you should switch; this girl is too fierce, she'll hit men in the future.
Minato slightly turned his head.
Did he understand his implication?
Seeing Minato blush.
"Forget it, let it be."
Konoha mission hall.
Jiraiya entered with his team.
"Jiraiya." Hiruzen, seated behind a long table, adjusted his hat.
Jiraiya slapped the table.
"Sensei, give us a B-rank mission."
"Hmm." Hiruzen glanced at the three behind Jiraiya.
Familiar with all but Gin.
Top academy genius, Minato, and jinchuriki Kushina.
Gentle and fiery.
His gaze lingered on Gin, who returned the stare.
He was ready to challenge him.
Having just argued with Kasen, challenging Hiruzen was nothing.
Hiruzen diverted his gaze to Jiraiya.
Clearly not an easy one, but didn't seem like one to hide thoughts—didn't look like someone secretly training unique techniques.
Cautious Uchiha were too dangerous.
All needed further consideration.
"Jiraiya, you have much confidence in them."
"It's my first time leading; a B-rank mission is just right."
Jiraiya proudly thumped his chest, though wanting to boast, decided to start with a B-rank mission.
Involving chunin, his students could handle it.
"This B-rank mission just arrived."
Hiruzen placed a scroll on the table.
"A mission to investigate and confirm a village spy. If confirmed, assassinate without alerting others."
Not a peaceful time—no bandits to practice on.
With potential shinobi battles everywhere, bandits hid or fled to remote areas.
Jiraiya's eyes narrowed, looking at Hiruzen.
"This mission isn't easy."
Spy missions were among the toughest B-rank tasks—village-issued missions were challenging.
Three steps: investigation, evidence collection, assassination.
Troublesome, and determining the spy's strength was uncertain. Likely a chunin, but could be a jonin or a mix.
A B-rank mission could turn into an A-rank mission, which even Jiraiya approached cautiously.
But...
While Orochimaru and Tsunade might hesitate after consideration.
Jiraiya...
"Let's show what Team Jiraiya can do; we'll take it."
Jiraiya grabbed the scroll.
With Jiraiya on board, this mission was a piece of cake.
(End of Chapter)