Chapter 35 36 37 38 39 Hatake Tatsuya in Naruto (Patreon)

In the courtyard of the Senju patriarch’s residence, a casserole rested upon a stone table, its boiling sukiyaki releasing a tantalizing aroma of meat.

Tatsuya, Tsunade, and Nawaki found themselves in a triangular arrangement, seated at the stone table, each facing a different direction.

Tsunade's once lovely visage was now flushed due to both the heat of food and the effects of alcohol.

"Aniki you are truly something else. Not only did you eliminate Sarutobi Shinnosuke, but also managed to erase any trace of your involvement. Sarutobi Hiruzen must be fuming at home, probably punching walls. Haha~"

Nawaki picked up the jug and filled Tatsuya's and his elder sister's cups once more, a smug expression on his face.

"The one who revels in power games the most has stumbled upon when the very thing he held dear was killed."

"However, the most impressive aspect is your strategy Aniki. The Land of Rain has been in continuous conflict with the Fire, Wind, and Earth countries. The ground is littered with bodies, and Sarutobi Shinnosuke is now beyond reach. The matter is indisputable."

Nawaki's face grew redder with every word, not from alcohol like Tsunade, but from excessive excitement.

"No, you see, it just so happened that my involvement in the Land of Rain revealed an oversight I hadn't even considered."

Tatsuya lifted the wine glass to his lips, taking a sip. His gaze, however, shifted towards the door, his smile holding a hint of amusement.

"And that very oversight has just walked in."

"Jiraiya, care to join us?"

As Tatsuya spoke, Nawaki and Tsunade, already somewhat inebriated, found themselves suddenly more alert.

All eyes turned towards the entrance, where Jiraiya strode into the courtyard, his face a medley of shock, panic, anger, and sorrow.

"Tatsuya, it seems you've truly done it."

Jiraiya finally managed to force out the words through clenched teeth.

Tatsuya had reported to Sarutobi Hiruzen that he and Sarutobi Shinnosuke had ventured to the Land of Rivers and had crossed paths with Jiraiya in the Land of Rain. This led to their clandestine mission to assassinate the Second Kazekage in Sunagakure, resulting in Sarutobi Shinnosuke's demise at the hands of the Kazekage.

However, Jiraiya's firsthand experience contradicted this account. Sarutobi Shinnosuke hadn't participated in the assassination of the Second Kazekage at all. Jiraiya hadn't even seen him at the beginning of the mission in the land of rain.

Jiraiya had harbored these suspicions before, and now, hearing Nawaki's words, the truth became irrefutable.

"Ah, truth be told, it's a twist of fate to have encountered you in the Land of Rain. Who could have predicted such a coincidence?"

Tatsuya chuckled lightly, producing a pair of bowls and chopsticks from the side.

"Let's talk over a meal."

Jiraiya hardly felt like eating and drinking now. And he wasn't alone; even Tsunade and Nawaki had, at the sight of each other, instinctively set aside their wine glasses.

Confronted with the palpable tension emanating from the Senju siblings, Jiraiya's brows furrowed as he inquired, somewhat bewildered:

"Tsunade, Nawaki, did you two… know all along?"

"I had a hunch when he suggested teaming up with Sarutobi Shinnosuke to eliminate Kazekage."

Tsunade, her expression uneasy, raised her glass again, took a sip, and spoke with a nonchalant tone, "But it's true; the encounter with you was entirely coincidental."

"Jiraiya-senpai, are you planning to inform Sarutobi Hiruzen?"

Nawaki's politeness was overshadowed by a blatant hostility etched on his face. Since the misfortune that befell the Senju clan the previous year, he had refrained from addressing Sarutobi Hiruzen as "Hokage," at least not behind closed doors.

In his eyes, Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't deserve the same title as his two grandfathers. "Nawaki, I…" Jiraiya struggled to find the right words.

"You've been here to the Senju clan before; you must have seen the current state of the Senju clan," Nawaki's disdain was more pronounced as he continued, "That man is practically a walking corpse. There's no comparison between him and Grandfathers at being Hokage!"

Jiraiya was rendered speechless.

The previous year, the Senju clan had fallen into an enemy trap due to faulty intelligence from the Intelligence Department, leading to their annihilation, including Tsunade and Nawaki's parents. The department was headed by the Shimura family.

Even then, while Jiraiya was instructing the future Akatsuki trio in the Rainy Country, he had a nagging sense that the situation was more intricate than it appeared.

Nawaki was even more candid, spelling out the truth—it was the directive of the high-level decision-making body!

Both the Senju and Uchiha clans held deep reservations about Sarutobi Hiruzen's leadership as Hokage, particularly since two Hokages had emerged from the Senju lineage.

Their opposition was palpable.

And following the catastrophe of the past year, as Nawaki's gaze burned with resentment, he had no qualms asserting—

This was the decree of the higher-ups!

The Senju and Uchiha harbored the strongest animosity towards Sarutobi Hiruzen's rule. And now, faced with Nawaki's eyes brimming with enmity, Jiraiya was reminded of the words of the Great Toad Sage from long ago.

The Child of Prophecy would break the cycle of hatred in this world, ushering in true peace and understanding among people.

He would lead the progeny of prophecy.

With this realization firm in his mind, Jiraiya's expression grew resolute.

As if solidifying his resolve, he declared, "I'm leaving now," and turned to depart.

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"Aniki, Jiraiya-senpai is the only one who knows the truth; do you think he will..."

Watching Jiraiya's departing figure, Nawaki voiced his concern to Tatsuya.

"He won't."

Tatsuya deftly picked a piece of meat from the stone pot, placing one portion in his bowl and the other in Tsunade's mouth.

Tsunade scowled for a few moments before finally relenting, allowing the meat to be bitten into her mouth.

"Jiraiya is driven by his emotions, a trait that both defines him and serves as his greatest weakness," Tatsuya confidently asserted.

Indeed, this emotion-fueled disposition could explain why Jiraiya, in the future, would choose to remain neutral during Orochimaru and Sarutobi Hiruzen's life-and-death struggle.

This choice shed light on various unresolved issues.

...

...

"What's the matter? Jiraiya, this desolate look doesn't suit you, you fool."

As Jiraiya exited the Senju clan, he coincidentally encountered Orochimaru, leading a small retinue of guards back to Konoha.

Observing Jiraiya's somber countenance and furrowed brow, Orochimaru couldn't resist a jest.

"Orochimaru..."

Jiraiya raised his gaze to meet his friend's cold and aloof demeanor and, after a few moments, inquired:

"About Tatsuya and Shinnosuke... are you aware?"

"Concerning that matter?"

Orochimaru shifted his serpent-like eyes, pondering for a brief moment before suddenly remarking:

"Ah, you mean Tatsuya sent Shinnosuke to Shinig—"

"Stop!!"

Before Orochimaru could complete his sentence, Jiraiya interjected sharply. The nearby Konoha shinobi were taken aback by the exchange.

In the next instant, Jiraiya grasped Orochimaru's shoulder, drawing him aside and lowering his voice as much as possible.

"Are you out of your mind? Discussing this matter in public?"

Orochimaru shrugged, a smile tugging at his lips. "What's the harm? I'm not on Sarutobi's side, nor am I siding with Tatsuya. I maintain a neutral stance."

A neutral stance?

These four words from Orochimaru prompted a shift in Jiraiya's expression once again.

Had the Konoha ninjas divided into multiple factions, each with their loyalties and beliefs?

"To me, they're all fragile beings, susceptible to death at any moment. I find no interest in their power struggles," Orochimaru asserted, a faint smile never leaving his face.

In his eyes, his best friend's pursuit of immortality and boundless ninjutsu amounted to mere trifles. For someone who had achieved eternal life, conflicts among others or battles involving those destined to die were insignificant.

Meaningless.

"What about you, Jiraiya? Where do you stand?"

Despite his words, Orochimaru couldn't help but be curious. If a confrontation between Tatsuya and Sarutobi's teacher were to occur, who would emerge victorious?

"Meaning?"

Jiraiya's disquiet deepened.

"You and I are well aware that Tatsuya was responsible for Shinnosuke's demise. Although Sarutobi lacks concrete evidence, Tatsuya is surely on the high-ranking elders' radar, and a confrontation is inevitable."

Orochimaru's smile grew, and he continued, "Tatsuya has Tsunade, Nawaki, and the White Fang behind him. But Sarutobi has the backing of the elders and the entire village."

"Superficially, Sarutobi holds the upper hand, yet due to his age, his strength is waning. Meanwhile, Uchiha, Hyuga, Ino-Shika-Cho, and other major clans may not be as steadfast in their loyalty to Sarutobi as it seems."

Orochimaru couldn't help but burst into laughter as he broached the topic, "In this scenario, your Kage-level decision carries significant weight, acting as a crucial factor in tipping the balance of this scale."

Jiraiya's eyebrows twitched involuntarily.

Before he could respond, an Anbu operative, masked and swift, appeared beside them using the Body Flicker Technique and announced:

"Orochimaru-sama, Jiraiya-sama, and Hokage-sama request your presence."

"Um?"

Jiraiya noticed the distinct shock of yellow hair peeking out from behind the mask of the Anbu operative before him.

Do they dare to face Tatsuya directly?

...

...

"This is the truce agreement presented to us by Sungakure's elder Chiyo."

Inside the Hokage's office, Orochimaru placed a small scroll on the desk before speaking in an indifferent tone, "If you don't mind, I'll take my leave now. There are numerous ninjutsu I have yet to explore."

Sarutobi Hiruzen made no effort to stop him, watching as Orochimaru departed.

The air between these two seemed tinged with diminishing emotions. Jiraiya, who observed them in secrecy, unconsciously pursed his dry lips. What transpired during my three-year absence from Konoha, while I taught Nagato?

Why does everything within the village seem so unfamiliar to me?

"Sensei, did you require something of me?"

Inquired Jiraiya, the sole remaining Sannin who maintained a mentorship with Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"Could you recount the events surrounding your, Tatsuya's, and Shinnosuke's joint mission to assassinate the Kazekage?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen's gaze locked onto Jiraiya.

"As I suspected," Jiraiya mused inwardly. As anticipated, the old man had doubts as well. Although Tatsuya had previously explained, it seemed Sarutobi Hiruzen desired to hear it from Jiraiya's perspective.

Jiraiya remained silent for half a minute before slowly speaking:

"I didn't personally witness it... Sarutobi Shinnosuke's demise at the hands of the Second Kazekage."

By saying, "I didn't witness Sarutobi Shinnosuke's death by the hands of the Second Kazekage," Jiraiya cleverly obscured the truth – that he hadn't encountered Sarutobi Shinnosuke during the mission.

In truth, Jiraiya was playing a semantic game with Sarutobi Hiruzen. Much like Orochimaru, he chose a neutral stance regarding the conflict between the two factions.

After all, he wasn't lying. He hadn't witnessed Sarutobi Shinnosuke's death at the hands of the Second Kazekage.

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On the outskirts of Konoha, near a farmhouse hut,

Two rapid afterimages, one black and one white, clashed incessantly alongside the babbling stream. Their movements were too swift for the naked eye to follow, each new position becoming the last in an instant.

"Wow, they're so powerful, incredibly strong! That's the renowned Black Knife and White Fang of Konoha!" Obito's fists clenched, excitement painting his cheeks with a vivid flush.

"You, from the Uchiha clan, are constantly hanging around our territory. Why don't you stick to your own family?" Fifty-fifty turned his listless eyes toward Runto, his tone tinged with irritation.

"I'll go wherever I please; this isn't exclusively your clan's domain. I'm here on my own freedom," Obito retorted, his conviction unwavering.

In truth, his visit wasn't driven by a deep desire but rather a challenge to Kakashi.

"Hmph, if you had spent as much time practicing the basics as you did watching father and uncle spar by the stream, you might have some usefulness. Otherwise, you'll just end up as a burden, slowing everyone down," Kakashi quipped disdainfully.

"What did you say!?" Obito's temper flared, his hands clenching Kakashi's collar as he mounted a retaliatory response.

The two of them began tussling.

"Enough, you two, stop fighting!" Nohara Lin interceded, trying to quell the altercation.

She hadn't intended to come on her own, but her best friend Kurenai had coaxed her into joining.

"Stream·Chidori!"

Abruptly, the white figure that had been knocked airborne seemed to hover briefly before descending.

Sakumo's one-handed seals flowed seamlessly.

Lightning surged across his right arm, though the inherently unstable Lightning Style Chakra exhibited hints of erratic behavior, spreading from his palm to his entire limb.

Tatsuya's advice had encouraged the concentration of all Lightning Style Chakra effects in the hand, but without access to the original Kakashi's precise hand seals, his suggestions had limitations.

Originally,  Sakumo had excelled in utilizing Lightning Style to stimulate his body, achieving skyrocketing speeds. The addition of Chidori now further enhanced his abilities.

"Puff—whoosh!"

Sakumo's right arm erupted with thunder, propelling him forward once more.

Even the air resonated with a resounding boom.

Zap, zap, zap ——!!!!

A chorus of thousands of birds echoed, akin to a symphony of avian melodies in perfect unison. Hence the name.

"This level of speed strains the body too intensely!" Gritting his teeth,  Sakumo mused.

The use of Lightning Style Chakra to invigorate the body, facilitating rapid acceleration, caused his vision to blur. The eyes couldn't keep pace with the enhanced swiftness of movement.

On the ground, Tatsuya's gaze remained fixed on the swiftly descending  Sakumo, who resembled a lightning bolt come to life.

Undoubtedly swifter than the final rendition of Kakashi's Technique in the future.

"Wait—"

One onlooker, red-eyed Loli, let out an involuntary exclamation.

However, the spectacle was too much to process.

She barely uttered the first syllable of "wait" when the second was snatched away.

A blur later,  Sakumo materialized in front of Tatsuya, his rapid descent culminating in a stunning display.

As the two sides hurtled towards a collision, Tatsuya's eyes abruptly narrowed. A deep, weathered voice resonated in Tatsuya's mind, carrying the weight of years gone by.

"Haaaaa..."

"Huh!?"

Tatsuya's expression swiftly shifted. The two brothers shot past one another.

Among the spectators, when the count reached around fifty, Runtu and the others could distinctly make out Tatsuya and  Sakumo once more.

Sakumo had appeared behind Tatsuya.

At this moment, a faint line appeared on the corner of Tatsuya's right cheek, and a trickle of blood followed suit.

"Did Dad win!?" Fifty-Fifty, switching from defense to offense, enthused while riding on Runtu.

Puff!

Yet, his words barely left his mouth when a piercing cry of "Crow's mouth" reverberated. Sakumo had a significant wound on his right arm. Blood spurted from the gash in his shinobi attire.

"Dad!!" Kakashi shouted, dashing forward.

"It's just a superficial wound, nothing to fuss over."  Sakumo waved dismissively, his chuckle echoing.

However, more attention was devoted to the back of his hand, torn due to the Lightning Style Chakra's influence, than the stab on his arm.

"Our skills need further refinement,"  Sakumo remarked with a touch of emotion.

"But the attack could be evaded with your perceptual abilities, right, Tatsuya?" Sakumo turned, inquiring about Tatsuya, who had now seated himself cross-legged.

Rin Nohara, aspiring to become a medical ninja akin to Tsunade, produced her medical kit and began to tend to Sakumo's wound.

Obito, at her side, displayed a hint of sourness.

"Slightly foresight," Tatsuya altered the topic, his thoughts directed inwardly.

"The voice just now... it can't be..."

[Host:  Tatsuya]

[Swordsmanship:  (Hokage World)  Hawkeye Black Swordsmanship (One Piece World), Evolution Level: 75%]

[Fire Style Ninjutsu (Hokage World): Blood Succession Limit; Inferno Style (Hokage World) Evolution Level: 82.5%]

[Body Flicker Technique (Hokage World)  Shunpo (Shinigami World) Evolution: 30%]

As Tatsuya accessed the system for a check, Tsunade chimed in with an oddly balanced tone, "Oh, Master Black Knife seems to be enjoying himself."

The sheer intensity of her remark compelled Rin to retreat a couple of steps, her expression a mixture of shock and apprehension.

Look of trepidation, even for a young girl.

...

...

"Get out!"

Sarutobi patriarch's residence

Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Hokage, once again found himself ousted from his bedroom by his wife, Biwako.

Though Sarutobi Hiruzen retained a degree of composure concerning Sarutobi Shinnosuke's death, his wife was far from serene.

Upon learning of the incident, she had been consumed by the near-obsessive determination to locate Tatsuya.

The words Tatsuya had spoken before departing Konoha were etched in her mind. She was nearly 100% convinced that her son had met his demise at Tatsuya's hands.

Eventually, Sarutobi Hiruzen managed to rein in her fervor.

But the cost was steep. He was relegated to the solitary confines of the study! Excessive, perhaps, but even fifty-year-olds have their needs, after all.

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A few days prior, Jiraiya had responded to Sarutobi Hiruzen's inquiries, stating, "I didn't witness Sarutobi Shinnosuke's demise at the hands of the Second Kazekage."

This response fueled Sarutobi Hiruzen's suspicions to a staggering 99%, causing him to strongly believe that his eldest son had perished due to Tatsuya's actions.

Given that Jiraiya hadn't personally witnessed it, the likelihood that Shinnosuke had died at the hands of the Kazekage was minimal.

The more plausible scenario was that Tatsuya was responsible for his death. Even if it wasn't the case, the association between Tatsuya and his son's demise fostered an intense loathing within Sarutobi Hiruzen.

If Tatsuya were privy to Sarutobi Hiruzen's current thoughts. Even if he were acquainted with the true nature of this elderly man. Tatsuya might find it impossible to resist the urge to knock some sense into the old man.

My brother rescued your son so you sent someone to cause trouble for him. Nearly managed to kill him and gave him a social death. Now I killed your son you still have a problem with it?

Imagine if he couldn't indulge in his habits before delivering the reprimand, what if he developed an insatiable craving for sweetness? Rescue would be futile, an unreachable endeavor. What recourse remained?

However, if Jiraiya had answered, "I never encountered Sarutobi Shinnosuke again during the mission," the certainty would be absolute at 100%.

Yet even the slightest deviation, a mere 1%, carried immense significance. Sarutobi Hiruzen's suspicions, regardless of their intensity, remained devoid of substantiating evidence.

Of course, Tatsuya's strength played a pivotal role.

Had the circumstances involved an ordinary Genin or even a Chūnin without unique connections. Silence would suffice; Anbu would merely be dispatched to apprehend the individual while they slumbered.

The Elders had ruled over the Land of Fire for nearly three decades. When had they required concrete proof?

"Hokage-sama."

As Sarutobi Hiruzen sat alone in the mansion's hallway, surrounded by solitude and emptiness. A swift figure plummeted dramatically into the courtyard.

The speed was nothing short of astounding, surpassing the capabilities of most Konoha Jōnin.

Thanks to his distinct shock of yellow hair, those familiar with him could easily discern his identity, despite the mask concealing his features.

Namikaze Minato, one of the current Anbu operatives, went by the codename [Light]. Anbu was not merely Konoha's elite force but its incubator, nurturing prodigious talents.

Many of the village's original work prodigies—Namikaze Minato, Kakashi, Shisui, Uchiha Itachi—had all spent time in Anbu.

Given Anbu's clandestine nature,

Once their masks no longer adequately concealed their renown, they would discard them, transitioning from Anbu to publicly recognized shinobi.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, however, had a distinct motive for placing numerous village prodigies within Anbu.

It was for indoctrination, or, put more bluntly, indoctrination.

A specialized environment existed for those most influenced by the Will of Fire. Joining Anbu might not guarantee great strength, but it ensured steadfast inheritance of the Will of Fire.

Residing within that environment,

Even if an individual had initially shown no interest in the Will of Fire, the surroundings would inevitably influence them over time. As for Namikaze Minato standing before him, the circumstances were even more pronounced.

At a mere 14 years old, a civilian with no distinguished lineage, he possessed abilities that elicited trepidation from ordinary Jōnin. Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't help but reflect on his own youth...

Correction, during his youth, he paled in comparison to the abilities displayed before him now.

Furthermore, Namikaze Minato shares a close relationship with Uzumaki Kushina, the Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails.

For someone like Sarutobi Hiruzen, such a genius must be swayed to his side.

"How have your assigned tasks been progressing?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen swiftly shifted his focus away from the embarrassment of being ousted from the room by his wife earlier, his tone now solemn.

"Lord Hokage, Tatsuya-sama, and Master Sakumo truly live up to their reputations. Today's practice duels have been truly enlightening," sighed Namikaze Minato, a touch of bewilderment in his voice.

"But, Hokage-sama, why do you wish me to meet Tatsuya-sama?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen adopted an expression of concern, feigning a hint of distress as he spoke earnestly, "His demeanor is exceedingly perilous."

With a hint of emotion, he continued, "Have you not heard him speak before? He's a callous individual who willingly sacrificed his comrades to fulfill a mission, devoid of a true grasp of the essence of the Will of Fire."

"The Will of Fire embodies the concept that the older generation ignites their own lives to serve as the guiding light for the new generation. However, when, Shinnosuke, met his demise, Tatsuya opted not to intervene. Given his icy disposition, I believe a certain degree of surveillance is prudent."

The origin of Namikaze Minato allowed him to be more malleable to the Will of Fire's influence. Still, Minato was taken aback by Hiruzen's words.

Sakumo had rescued his son, averting a potential tragedy and provoking reprimands from everyone. Now, however, Tatsuya was to be kept under surveillance rather than saving his son.

If working together or not saving him were both ineffective, what path remained?

Of course, Namikaze Minato confined these thoughts to his inner musings, fearful of voicing them aloud.

"Lord Hokage, there is another matter I must bring to your attention."

A thought suddenly occurred to Namikaze Minato, and he relayed it to Sarutobi Hiruzen, "Master Jiraiya sought me out today, expressing his desire to take me on as his disciple. Thus, I wish to request a temporary suspension of my monitoring assignment for Tatsuya-sama in order to train under Master Jiraiya."

Sarutobi Hiruzen was momentarily taken aback by this revelation.

Among his three current disciples, Jiraiya was the sole one who exhibited unwavering enthusiasm and even entertained the notion of grooming Minato as a potential successor to the Hokage mantle.

However, in comparison to Jiraiya, Sarutobi Hiruzen still held his own biological son, Asuma, in higher regard.

After all, the bond of blood takes precedence over that of discipleship.

Yet, to have Namikaze Minato as Jiraiya's disciple...

Sarutobi Hiruzen stroked his still-black beard, a smile gracing his features after a brief moment of contemplation.

"That is splendid news; you shall train alongside Jiraiya from now on."

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Following Sarutobi Hiruzen's train of thought, Jiraiya stood out as the only one among the trio who shared a profound mentorship with him.

However, he also displayed the least interest in assuming the position of Hokage among them. Given his understanding of Jiraiya's character, it was likely that even if he were to propose the notion of Jiraiya becoming Hokage in the future, it would be met with reluctance.

Conversely, Namikaze Minato embodied the opposite disposition. From his very first day at the academy, he vocalized his aspiration to become the most distinguished ninja in Konoha's history and to become Hokage.

Were Namikaze Minato to become Jiraiya's disciple, it would inevitably align their goals and bind the two master and apprentice pairs together, forming an even tighter alliance, especially given the recent addition of Uzumaki Kushina as the new Nine-Tails Jinchūriki.

"However, surveillance of Tatsuya cannot be terminated. I shall assign another individual to undertake this duty in your stead. During this period, you may accompany Jiraiya in his training," Sarutobi Hiruzen affirmed with a smile.

Namikaze Minato appeared to be on the cusp of saying something, his lips parting as if contemplating his words. Ultimately, he refrained from speaking. He harbored reservations about overseeing Konoha's celebrated hero, deeming it slightly inappropriate. Nonetheless, given his own status, he dared not openly challenge Sarutobi Hiruzen and reluctantly conceded.

...

...

A few days elapsed, and the training took place at the seventh training ground situated on the outskirts of Konoha.

Under Jiraiya's watchful gaze, Namikaze Minato bit his thumb and pressed it against the ground, channeling the Summoning Technique. Gamabuntaa, who had previously crossed paths with Jiraiya in the Land of Wind, materialized through the summoning. The contract was swiftly finalized between them.

"Fire Style—Great Flame Bomb!" Namikaze Minato unleashed a deafening roar, combining the ferocious Great Fireball technique from his mouth with the toad oil expelled by Bunta. The resultant explosion exhibited a level of fiery might surpassing that of an A-rank jutsu. This was none other than Jiraiya's specialty—the toad oil fire bomb—a fusion of his unique skills.

Observing this awe-inspiring display from his vantage point on the ground, Jiraiya was not merely moved; he was genuinely astounded. Namikaze Minato's talent exceeded his expectations by a considerable margin.

Performing the Summoning Technique flawlessly on his inaugural attempt was no small feat, let alone executing the subsequent jutsu with such finesse. The fact that Minato could grasp the essence of Jiraiya's teachings so rapidly was nothing short of astonishing, leaving a greater impression than Nagato's previous progress.

After all, Nagato possessed the Rinnegan, a potent asset, while Namikaze Minato was a civilian with no such genetic advantage.

"Jiraiya, your new disciple's talent surpasses even yours," GamaBunta remarked, taken aback by the young ninja's prowess.

"A lot of good that does," Jiraiya grumbled in response. While it was gratifying to have a skilled disciple, his ego was slightly bruised by the overt acknowledgment of his student's prowess.

Namikaze Minato leaped down from Bunta's back and addressed Jiraiya, "Sensei, I've been pondering new ninjutsu lately, but I haven't been able to fully materialise it. Could you offer some insights?"

Curiosity piqued, Jiraiya inquired, "What kind of ninjutsu are you working on?"

Namikaze Minato extended his right hand, conjuring swirling Chakra into his palm.

Gradually, a spherical outline began to take shape through persistent effort and concentration. However, just as the formation of a complete sphere seemed imminent, the Chakra sphere resembled a balloon punctured by a needle. It disintegrated, giving rise to a turbulent whirlwind that swept through the vicinity. Despite another unsuccessful attempt, Namikaze Minato managed a wry smile.

"This technique is a creation inspired by the Tailed Beast Bomb that predates Uzumaki Mito's era, but I've yet to master it," he shared.

Jiraiya's eyes widened in amazement as he regarded Namikaze Minato. "Minato, you truly are a genius," he exclaimed. Had he not encountered Nagato's Rinnegan, Jiraiya would be almost entirely convinced that Minato was the "Child of Prophecy," a moniker bestowed upon him by the Great Toad Sage.

"Wow!!!"

Suddenly, a series of anguished cries reached the ears of Namikaze Minato and Jiraiya.

"What's happening?" Jiraiya inquired, visibly concerned.

"Master Jiraiya, let's go check it out," Namikaze Minato urged, dashing towards the source of the commotion.

"Alright."

Jiraiya swiftly followed suit.

Gamabunta, seemingly uninterested, transformed into smoke and returned to the Summoning realm.

The master and apprentice sprinted through the forest, becoming increasingly aware of a disconcerting pattern.

This direction appeared to lead them to...

Upon reaching their destination, the scene that unfolded before them left them astonished and bewildered.

Familiar farmlands and a hut came into view.

True to their suspicions, as they traversed the farmland and approached its perimeter, they were met with a startling and horrifying sight.

A pack of fearsome-looking ninja dogs, some squatting and others reclining near the fields, were busily devouring chunks of bloody flesh.

"Kaka~"

A dog akin to akamaru crunched on bones, producing an audible crackling sound. Abruptly, it spat out a bone fragment.

Jiraiya and Namikaze Minato inspected the object more closely. To their dismay, it turned out to be a Konoha Shinobi's forehead protector.

In close proximity to the other ninja dogs, human fingers and gruesome skulls were strewn about.

"Well, have you finished your meal?"

Tatsuya's voice rang out casually as he emerged from his wooden abode, donned a white shirt and black trousers, and adorned with a straw hat. He held a hoe in hand and strolled with an air of everyday nonchalance.

"Don't be lazy from now on," he quipped.

"Woof wuf~"

In the blink of an eye, the once-savage ninja dogs, still gnawing on their grisly feast moments earlier, were summoned by Tatsuya's call. Their demeanor shifted instantly, transitioning from ferocity to playful amusement.

One by one, they dutifully donned iron plows typically intended for cattle, engaging in the task of plowing the land as if participating in a farming ritual.