No one understands the importance of ninjutsu as a resource better than the ninja clans.
Monopolizing ninjutsu is like monopolizing books and knowledge.
The ninja clans are families that pass down secret ninjutsu.
Take the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, for example.
"What do you plan to do with it?" Nara Shikakichi quickly sensed a deeper meaning behind Kagetsu's words.
It wasn't just about Orochimaru being willing to vouch for the ownership of this technique. Kagetsu had his own plans for it too.
"The Active Blood Armor would suit the Akimichi clan very well," Kagetsu explained.
"It certainly would," Shikakichi thought for a moment and nodded seriously.
The Akimichi clan's Multi-Size Technique puts significant strain on their bodies. Along with the specially crafted Three Colored Pills, which enhance their abilities based on their unique body constitution, the Akimichi are prime candidates for the Active Blood Armor.
In fact, if you think about it, the Passive Blood Armor would be just as perfect for the Nara clan. With its defensive properties, the Nara clan's shadow techniques, like Shadow Imitation, could become even deadlier.
They could restrain an enemy, then simply draw a kunai and cut their throat. With the protection from the Passive Blood Armor, the Nara clan would face minimal risk or even no cost while eliminating a restrained enemy.
"Let's offer this technique to them as something shared among the three clans," Kagetsu suggested, bringing the Yamanaka clan into the conversation as well.
Even though the Yamanaka clan, known for their support-style jutsu, might not have many members interested in training with it.
A clan with a well-established legacy wouldn't easily change its ways or its training methods. As one of the founding clans of the village, it's not as if clans like Ino-Shika-Cho lacked access to high-level ninjutsu.
So why do these secret technique clans remain so focused on their own clan's inherited jutsu?
It's because their ancestral path is one that perfectly suits them, a system of ninjutsu that fits their bodies. They don't need to look outside, because everything they need is within.
A powerful ninja is someone who takes one of their outstanding traits and pushes it to its absolute limit.
Just like how a kekkei genkai ninja relies primarily on their bloodline ability.
That's why ancient clans like Ino-Shika-Cho, with hundreds of years of history, are so cautious when it comes to learning new jutsu. Even if a technique fits them well, they'll take their time, slowly verifying its value before officially incorporating it into their clan's jutsu repertoire.
Otherwise, the decision to learn or not would be up to the individual.
Kagetsu knew that even if this technique was offered to the Akimichi and Yamanaka clans, it would likely be shelved, or at best, only a few members would take the time to study it.
Unless, one day, its importance rivals their clan's signature techniques, it might never spread widely. But regardless, as long as someone trains in it, Kagetsu would gain recognition for it.
Nara Shikakichi took all three ninjutsu scrolls. Any one of them could help a ninja rise to power, giving them the foundation to build a small ninja clan.
"By the way, in two days, Orochimaru-sensei is taking me and Anko on a mission outside the village," Kagetsu mentioned as he headed to his room for rest.
Nara Shikakichi lazily waved his hand, indicating he understood. Missions outside the village are something every ninja must experience, and with Orochimaru accompanying them, he wasn't too worried about Kagetsu's safety.
Time passed quickly.
After receiving a B-rank mission, Orochimaru led both Kagetsu and Anko out of the village.
"Sensei, are you going to become the Fourth Hokage?"
Anko, who rarely left the village, seemed particularly curious as they traveled. Although she remembered the rules taught in academy and by Orochimaru about conducting missions outside the village, her constant glances around revealed her inexperience.
"Why do you ask?" Orochimaru's gaze instantly shifted to Anko beside him.
Startled by his sudden attention, Anko puffed up her cheeks. "If you become the Fourth Hokage, that means I'd be a student of the Fourth Hokage, right? Maybe when you step down, I could take over and become the Fifth Hokage!"
"You want to be Hokage too?" Orochimaru seemed lost in thought for a moment after hearing her words.
From his younger self to Nawaki, his student who died too young on the battlefield, and now to Anko—everything felt like it was coming full circle.
Did he still want to become Hokage?
Orochimaru wasn't sure anymore. The desire for immortality had begun to occupy a significant part of his thoughts.
"The First, Second, and Third Hokage were all so cool! I want to be as strong as them and you, sensei!" Anko's understanding of the Hokage was simple: they were the strongest person in the village.
"What about you, Kagetsu? Do you want to become Hokage too?" Orochimaru turned to Kagetsu on the other side.
"Of course, but only if it doesn't interfere with what I want to do. Like my research," Kagetsu replied honestly.
Orochimaru smiled.
"You still haven't answered me, sensei! Will you become the Fourth Hokage?" Anko felt ignored by the conversation between Kagetsu and Orochimaru, so she spoke up again, trying to draw their attention and include herself in the discussion.
Whenever Kagetsu and Orochimaru started talking, Anko always felt like an extra. Even though her talent wasn't bad at all.
"Maybe. But it could also be Sakumo-san who takes the position," Orochimaru said ambiguously. He no longer tried to guess his sensei's thoughts.
"Sakumo-san is really strong," Anko muttered when she heard Hatake Sakumo's name. It was true. The Fourth Hokage candidates weren't just the Sannin; there was also Hatake Sakumo, whose reputation was on par with theirs, and perhaps even surpassed them in some ways.
"Let's focus on completing the mission for now." Orochimaru patted Anko's head, making her blush instantly.
"A B-rank mission, it involves other shinobi, right? I'll do my best and show you how well I can complete it, sensei!" Anko stammered, her voice filled with excitement and determination.
"This mission isn't important; it's just something I did in passing," Orochimaru shook his head. "This time, I left the village to take you both to a place—to meet someone."
"Who are we going to meet?" Anko looked up, a bit confused.
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