"Alright then..."
Kyoichi didn't refuse.
Exchanging secret techniques was a common practice among ninja. Of course, family-specific techniques were rarely shared. Instead, this type of exchange usually involved self-developed techniques, like Jiraiya's hair-based ninjutsu.
"Needle Jizo" was quite practical, so there was no reason to decline.
Kyoichi explained the principles and methods of his "Seven Heavens Breathing Method," as well as some localized applications he had developed using skin respiration:
Enhanced leg strength for increased speed.
Enhanced hand dexterity for quicker hand seals.
Eventually, he even hoped to achieve one-handed seals, allowing him to combine ninjutsu and swordsmanship seamlessly.
Jiraiya listened intently.
As one of the Sannin, he had vast knowledge and quickly grasped the concept of localized enhancement through skin respiration. This effect, more than the full "Seven Heavens Breathing Method," was what truly captured his interest.
After experimenting a bit, Jiraiya said, "This technique is incredibly useful. Even though its difficulty is S-rank, I think it could be promoted as a learnable forbidden jutsu with some adjustments."
"Really? I was hoping to lower its difficulty further..."
"That's going to be tough!"
Jiraiya understood Kyoichi's intention. If the technique's difficulty could be reduced to A-rank, it would be accessible to many Jonin and elite Chunin, significantly improving survival rates on the battlefield.
But cellular stimulation was a delicate process. Without exceptional chakra control, mastering it was impossible. Kyoichi's ongoing research into skin respiration made it even harder, let alone reducing it to A-rank.
Kyoichi sighed regretfully.
"Now it's my turn to teach you. My technique is called 'Needle Jizo...'"
With guidance on hand seals and chakra manipulation, learning the technique wasn't difficult.
Kyoichi quickly mastered it but couldn't help wondering what had motivated Jiraiya to create such a jutsu. Was it to avoid getting beaten while peeking at women in hot springs?
After exchanging techniques, Jiraiya bid farewell with a chuckle, disappearing swiftly—perhaps to "get lost" again.
Kyoichi shook his head.
The Sannin each had their quirks.
Glancing at his system panel, he noticed new updates:
[Secret Technique Exchange Completed]
[Evaluation: Average]
[Reward: Fire Sealing Method]
"Average?"
Kyoichi was initially surprised but soon understood.
Jiraiya hadn't needed his instruction. In reality, after Kyoichi explained the principles, Jiraiya had already learned the activation method but was too polite to outright "freeload."
As a result, the system categorized it as an "exchange" rather than teaching, leading to a lower evaluation.
Still, the "Fire Sealing Method" was highly practical—it could even seal the Amaterasu flames. If the Fourth Raikage had known this technique, he wouldn't have needed to sever his arm.
Valuable techniques like this were always worth learning, no matter how challenging.
With that in mind, Kyoichi felt content.
As for Jiraiya...
Justice wouldn't let Kyoichi tolerate what was about to happen.
Leaving the forest, Kyoichi ran into a female instructor from the academy. Casually, he mentioned seeing someone acting suspiciously nearby.
Moments later, a scream echoed through the area, followed by angry shouting.
Kyoichi cleared his throat and left quietly, taking no credit for what had just occurred.
A while later, Jiraiya appeared before Kyoichi, looking aggrieved.
"Kyoichi, the moment I hid, someone came by. You must've ratted me out!"
"Lord Jiraiya, I didn't do a thing. It was pure coincidence. By the way, didn't I hear you nearly died for similar reasons in the past?"
Kyoichi chuckled.
Jiraiya gritted his teeth, but both knew the truth.
Then, recalling Kyoichi's status, Jiraiya shivered.
If Tsunade found out he had nearly dragged her younger cousin into his escapades, she would beat him half to death.
"Ahem, I must've been mistaken. This misunderstanding is getting out of hand. Drinking has dulled my judgment. Alright, I'm off!"
Awkwardly, Jiraiya left in a hurry.
Back in the village, a thought struck him.
Why did the name Kanda Kyoichi sound so familiar?
Then it hit him—Minato had mentioned him numerous times in letters, describing him as a young genius with innovative ideas, particularly adept at education. Kyoichi had reportedly introduced several novel concepts to the village.
"Minato is too young to see through him," Jiraiya muttered.
This kid seemed innocent on the surface but was as scheming as Orochimaru deep down.
That said, Jiraiya didn't see any issue with Kyoichi's character.
He was innovative, dedicated to the village, and willing to share his techniques to strengthen Konoha. His work at the academy was outstanding, and this year's graduates were shaping up to be one of the most well-prepared cohorts in recent history.
In Jiraiya's eyes, Kyoichi was a younger version of Orochimaru—brilliant and driven.
Kyoichi, unaware of Jiraiya's high opinion of him, headed straight to the Hokage Tower after parting ways. He needed to fulfill his promise by submitting his progress on the activation technique.
However, the Third Hokage had something else in mind.
"Asuma came back asking for a B-rank mission to prove himself. Did you put him up to this?"
"That's a misunderstanding!"
Kyoichi coughed nervously.
Asuma actually went through with it? He had only been joking!
"Enough with the excuses. I know your capabilities, and Asuma has shown considerable improvement. Here, take a look at this..."
The Third handed Kyoichi a mission scroll.
Kyoichi's expression grew serious as he read it.
The mission was in the Land of Rivers.
The intelligence came from captured bandits who had originally been wandering samurai from that region. Normally, they wouldn't have dared to enter the Land of Fire, but recent sweeps by shinobi in the northern Land of Rivers had driven them across the border.
Northern Land of Rivers... ninjas...
Could it be Akatsuki?
Kyoichi considered the possibility gravely.
"Lord Hokage, this doesn't sound like a B-rank mission."
Such a mission could easily escalate to A-rank or even S-rank, depending on the circumstances. It was beyond Shisui and his team's capabilities.
"I know," the Third Hokage nodded. "But that's not the main issue. Minato's team left for the Land of Rivers on a C-rank mission three days ago. While they shouldn't encounter much danger, I want you to provide backup just in case. This is Minato's kunai."
"A Flying Thunder God marker?"
"Yes. If things go south, Minato can teleport everyone to your side. All the other available shinobi are occupied elsewhere, so this task falls to you. The village will cover the mission expenses."
The Third Hokage sighed.
With the Land of Wind, Land of Earth, and Land of Lighting under surveillance and Orochimaru warning about the Mist village, there simply weren't enough hands to go around.
"I understand. I'll leave immediately."
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