Note: The Master Blacksmith from the ANBU protection mission will now be referred to Master Takumi
Jiraiya initially intended to follow the others outside, but Natsuro held him back. Once everyone had left, Jiraiya sipped his drink and asked, "What is it, Natsuro?"
"Jiraiya-sensei, you should consider learning this jutsu as well," Natsuro said, pointing out Jiraiya's lack of decisive finishing moves.
Although Jiraiya's Toad Oil Flame Bullet was powerful, it required collaboration with the toads, limiting its practical use.
Looking at him, Jiraiya couldn't help but marvel. Natsuro had quietly surpassed him—perhaps Sage Mode was now the only edge he had over his student.
Jiraiya reflected inwardly on the few times he had directly taught Natsuro. Most of his learning had been self-directed, with Jiraiya's role mainly providing access to jutsu, resources, and the occasional arrangement to help.
Yet Natsuro didn't hold it against him and was now openly offering such a powerful jutsu to him. Naturally, Jiraiya wouldn't refuse this gesture from his student.
As for whether he could master it, Jiraiya wasn't confident he could develop it himself, but he believed he could learn it with guidance.
Natsuro, for his part, felt genuine respect for Jiraiya, not only for his role in the original story but also for his support in this world. Being Jiraiya's disciple had opened many doors for him, and Jiraiya's hands-off approach allowed him the freedom to pursue his goals.
For Natsuro, that level of freedom, combined with Jiraiya's reputation, was invaluable.
Natsuro then explained the principles of the Rasenshuriken, including its cellular-level attack mechanism and the drawbacks—how an incomplete version could harm the user and could not be thrown.
Jiraiya listened with a serious expression, realizing that the jutsu would indeed be challenging to learn, and even when mastered, it might be usable only a few times in battle.
"So, when Naruto eventually learns the Rasenshuriken, I'll leave it to you to teach him," Natsuro said with a smile.
Jiraiya blinked, imagining Naruto's struggles with the technique, and suddenly felt a headache coming on. If he was going to teach Naruto, he'd need to learn it himself.
Considering Naruto's current level, he might have learned the Rasengan, but he was still a complete novice in nature transformation.
So… he'd have to start by teaching Naruto nature transformation? Well, that could work as an introduction.
Jiraiya glanced at Natsuro, suspecting he'd been set up. Just as he looked up to ask, he noticed Natsuro had already disappeared.
Jiraiya's expression shifted. Of course, he had done it on purpose!
But what could he do? He'd have to take on the task.
He did want to see Naruto master such a powerful jutsu. But he could already foresee the tough days of training with Naruto ahead, and he let out a deep sigh.
Meanwhile, Natsuro returned to his room, thinking that he'd never personally teach Naruto. Those who've experienced Naruto's persistence firsthand know how difficult it is.
As for why he didn't use the Flying Thunder God to bring everyone back together, it was because he'd previously suggested it and was turned down. They didn't seem in a hurry to return to Konoha, which left him baffled.
A gambler and a drinker, perhaps they wanted to enjoy this final stretch of the journey, Natsuro thought with a resigned sigh.
Now, with no one else at home, he decided not to rush back to report to the Third Hokage. He took out a small scroll from his pocket—a storage scroll. Though small, it was enough to hold a large scroll, as he preferred not to carry a massive scroll everywhere.
He then unsealed a larger scroll, summoning two swords in front of him.
One was his Ink Sword, and the other was Orochimaru's Kusanagi Sword, the one that could extend freely.
When Orochimaru was struck by the Rasenshuriken, the Kusanagi Sword had fallen from his body, remaining undamaged despite the Rasenshuriken's attack.
Orochimaru had forgotten to retrieve it when he left using the Eight-Headed Serpent Technique, so the sword ended up in Natsuro's possession.
Natsuro had no intention of replacing his Sword. As he stroked the blade, he considered his options.
During his fight with Orochimaru, it had struggled against the Kusanagi's sharpness.
Though Ink was already a top-grade sword, it was no match for the legendary Kusanagi. To keep up, it would need an upgrade. Natsuro glanced at Orochimaru's Kusanagi Sword—yes, it would serve as the upgrade material if possible.
Sensing his Flying Thunder God mark in the Land of Iron, he disappeared without a trace.
In the main hall of the Takumi clan's forge, Natsuro soon presented his request to the Master Takumi and Tetsuya.
The two masters' eyes widened as they stared at Natsuro in shock. Master Takumi asked, "You mean… you have a Kusanagi Sword?!"
"Yes." Natsuro didn't hesitate, handing the Kusanagi Sword over.
Master Takumi and Tetsuya stook it with reverent expressions, as if receiving a sacred artifact, performing a cleansing ritual before handling the Kusanagi with awe.
Watching this, Natsuro couldn't help but smile. He poured himself some tea as he often did during his visits.
Many of his shinobi tools had been crafted by the Takumi grandfather and grandson duo, whose standard equipment was typically a few levels above the norm.
His cutting tools, defensive metal plates, and electromagnetic railgun bullets were also made by them.
In return, all they asked was for Natsuro's protection when needed.
Natsuro even left a small summoning toad for communication, as they had encountered trouble multiple times.
But each time, he had solved it, and word soon spread that a powerful shinobi guarded the Takumi family. Now, no one dared bother them.
The Takumi family knew who was responsible for their security and were very appreciative, making their relationship easy and pleasant.
After a long pause, the Master Takumi finally spoke, "Natsuro, I think you should just use the Kusanagi Sword as your primary weapon. While your current sword is my best work, I don't think it's worthy of an upgrade using the Kusanagi."
He gave him a look that seemed to say, "Don't waste a treasure."
"I feel comfortable with Ink," Natsuro replied, handing the Ink Sword to Master Takumi.
Initially indifferent, Master Takumi's eyes widened as he unsheathed it, noticing its gleaming, blood-stained blade.
He swallowed, realizing the blade had improved significantly since he'd first crafted it.
Just how many people had Natsuro cut down with it, and in such a short time to gain this level of refinement?
Master Takumi felt a flicker of fear, but quickly dismissed it. After years of cooperation, he trusted his instincts.
And if he wasn't mistaken… the sword seemed to have a presence of its own.
The "spirit" within Ink wasn't truly sentient; it simply made the sword feel more natural and responsive to its wielder. So it was understandable why Natsuro didn't want to replace it.
However, Master Takumi was still shocked. This was the legendary Kusanagi Sword, crafted from flawless materials with impeccable craftsmanship.
He wasn't sure if upgrading Ink with the Kusanagi could bring it to the same level—it would be difficult.
"If it has already formed its own spirit, then it is indeed the most suitable for you. In that case, it could work, but…" Master Takumi hesitated.
"Is there an issue?" Natsuro asked.
"I examined the Kusanagi Sword, and with our current tools, it would be nearly impossible to melt it down, let alone use it as material to upgrade Ink," Master Takumi admitted, sighing as he explained the challenge.
"I'll handle the fire," Natsuro replied.
"Well… alright then," Master Takumi said, seeing his determination and feeling a renewed sense of excitement.
He never imagined that at his age, he'd get the chance to forge a legendary weapon!
Once Master Takumi had prepared, the process to upgrade Ink began.
Melting down the Kusanagi Sword was Natsuro's responsibility. While ordinary Fire Release wouldn't suffice, Fire Release enhanced with Sage Mode would.
Natsuro couldn't use Sage Mode properly himself yet, but he had access to the toads of Mount Myoboku, who had their oil, which intensified flames.
On top of that, Natsuro could support the process with Wind Release, providing oxygen and hot air.
With these factors combined, he didn't doubt he could melt down the Kusanagi Sword. He didn't believe it had been forged under such intense heat in the past.
The Kusanagi Sword might resist most flame-based attacks, as fire techniques in this world wouldn't usually reach the temperature needed to melt it.
But that was in short bursts, not under constant, prolonged heat!
Once Master Takumi and his grandson Tetsuya were ready, the Kusanagi Sword finally began to melt, despite their reluctant expressions.
At that moment, Master Takumi duo felt an unshakable resolve. If the Kusanagi Sword was being sacrificed as material, they would pour their very best efforts into forging this Ink Sword.
Both had the sense that this might be the most powerful and proudest weapon they would ever create in their lives!
What the Takumi duo thought was unknown to Natsuro; he only knew that, given the Kusanagi Sword's slow melting speed, he'd be here for a while...
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Currently on Chapter 216 - An Exchange of Information