You’re so rude!

"As expected of Namikaze Minato. No wonder it took him three years to create this technique."

Kyōichi spent the entire night reading.

This was one of the rare times he had stayed up late since transmigrating.

The gains were immense!

Minato had drawn inspiration for the Rasengan from the Tailed Beast Bomb and had continuously tried to compress chakra, but success had been elusive.

In fact.

For the Rasengan, he had even considered using sealing techniques as an aid—

The balloon training method came much later.

Every step of the exploration process was recorded in detail on this scroll.

It wasn't just about the Rasengan.

There was a wealth of other knowledge as well.

For example…

Compression techniques.

Sealing techniques.

Although incomplete, they were still incredibly valuable.

Kyōichi stored it away.

This was a treasure.

Of course.

The most remarkable thing about the scroll was—

As the creator, Minato had given him permission to teach this secret technique freely.

Jiraiya was truly generous.

Kyōichi understood that the core of this generosity was Jiraiya.

Minato had no prior connection to Yahiko and the others. It was only because of Jiraiya that he had gone to such lengths, even sharing the original notes on the Rasengan.

After finishing.

He let go, and the scroll automatically flew to a nearby bookshelf.

Shikigami Dance!

A simple application, but very convenient.

Of course.

Shikigami Dance wasn't without its weaknesses.

The preparation time was long!

In the future, Konan's paper would undergo special treatment, making it only vulnerable to oil-based techniques and eliminating most weaknesses.

However.

Such preparations required a lot of chakra and time.

Temporary paper could also be used.

But the effectiveness…

Was far from ideal, with many weaknesses.

Kyōichi felt a bit regretful, but upon reflection, he thought it was only natural.

No technique was perfect.

Even Gaara had to carry around a giant gourd!

Over the next few days.

He experimented with Shikigami Dance techniques, creating some special paper.

The results were good!

At the very least, the combat applications of Shikigami Dance were incredibly powerful, especially when combined with explosive tags. The effect…

Was unpredictable!

If Konan had already mastered a systematic Shikigami Dance in the Land of Rivers, he wouldn't have been able to intimidate the three of them so easily.

"None of the members of Akatsuki are easy to deal with."

The most ordinary one might be Yahiko.

But he had brains!

Kyōichi was now very curious about what Yahiko would choose to do after returning to Amegakure with his group.

Unfortunately.

Communication in this world wasn't very advanced.

In Konoha, there was no way to know what was happening in Amegakure.

Aside from Shikigami Dance, Kyōichi had also mastered some chakra compression techniques.

The Water Severing Wave he had used earlier already involved compression techniques.

Combined with the Rasengan…

Kyōichi began experimenting with compressing Wind Release chakra to make Wind Release techniques more powerful.

The Great Breakthrough obviously wouldn't work.

But.

Vacuum Wave and Vacuum Blade could perfectly accommodate it.

There was a noticeable effect.

The power had increased significantly, but this technique required extremely high chakra control. Otherwise, it could backfire and injure the user. Currently, Asuma and the others weren't ready to learn it.

Aside from researching techniques, he didn't forget to teach the three kids.

Yesterday.

Shisui's Wind Release nature transformation had shown progress.

So.

Now, aside from Asuma, Shisui also needed to learn Wind Release techniques.

Fortunately, he had recently learned quite a few Wind Release techniques.

"Sensei, it's been a week since we last took a mission…"

"Running out of money?"

Kyōichi chuckled as he glanced at Asuma.

This kid had been showing off lately, even treating his classmates to a barbecue.

Asuma's face turned red.

Was this about money?

Well.

A little bit.

Sandaime didn't give him any money, telling him to earn it himself. With no missions recently and high expenses, he was indeed feeling the pinch.

"This B-rank mission was an exception. You're still far from being able to handle real B-rank missions. Don't get cocky just because you completed one. These past few days are a good time to improve your strength."

Kyōichi didn't hold back in knocking them down a peg.

But in reality, the reason he hadn't considered taking missions recently was simply because he was too busy with research and didn't have time to go out.

"Kurenai, have you finished reading the book I gave you the other day?"

"Sensei, I've finished it. I've also been practicing the Mystical Palm Technique. Recently, I've been experimenting on fish…"

"Are your parents tired of eating fish yet?"

Kyōichi smirked.

Kurenai's face turned red, and she nervously fiddled with her sleeve.

The fish in her family's fridge probably wouldn't run out for the entire month. Yuhi Kizashi's face had been sour every time he saw fish lately.

Everyone shared a knowing smile.

Medical ninjutsu was difficult—this was a well-known fact.

Every medical ninja started with fish.

"Let's go, see what missions are available!"

Kyōichi stretched lazily.

Arriving at the Hokage Building.

Just as he was about to enter…

"Kyōichi-sama, Hokage-sama has asked for you."

A chūnin was waiting downstairs.

Kyōichi was momentarily stunned, then nodded lightly, signaling Shisui and the others to wait downstairs. He then entered and went to Sandaime's office.

Sandaime was smoking.

The room was filled with the scent of tobacco.

Kyōichi waved his hand to disperse the smoke, entered, and bowed.

"I wanted to talk to you a few days ago, but I heard you were busy with research, so I didn't disturb you. You've really given me a tough problem, kid!"

The Sandaime sighed as he extinguished his cigarette.

"Hokage-sama, what do you mean?"

Kyōichi knew it was probably about Yahiko.

"We just received intelligence that Yahiko has returned to Amegakure and seems to have met with Hanzō of the Salamander."

Sandaime handed over the intelligence scroll.

Kyōichi glanced at it.

Yahiko went to see Hanzō?

Not a bad idea.

Amegakure's ability to stand firm between the three great nations was largely due to Hanzō.

If Yahiko could reignite Hanzō's ambition and use his reputation to strengthen Amegakure, then gradually expand, it wasn't impossible for Amegakure to become a leading force among the smaller nations, influencing the surrounding countries.

Of course.

This was his own perspective.

From Sandaime's standpoint…

He might not be too pleased.

Kyōichi put down the scroll and said, "I think this is a good thing. A stronger Amegakure can serve as a buffer between us and Iwagakure. If Ōnoki wants to move against us, he'll have to consider this thorn in his side."

"Jiraiya said the same thing."

Sandaime nodded.

He put away the scroll and said, "For now, we'll leave Amegakure as it is. If Yahiko and the others join Hanzō and influence his decisions, making him more friendly toward Konoha, that might not be a bad thing."

Then, Sarutobi Hiruzen stood up and took out another scroll.

Kyōichi was puzzled.

He took it and looked—

Analysis of the Hiding in Mist Technique.

What did this mean?

Were they being sent to the east to deal with Kirigakure?

Kyōichi was a bit confused. With his team's current state…

Sending them to play with Kirigakure ninjas would be like throwing them to the wolves.

"Ahem, study this first. The Land of Water is getting restless. We might need your support later. You know, Konoha is…

"Short on manpower? Hokage-sama, you're really not afraid, are you?"

Kyōichi was at a loss for words.

For genin, the eastern front was the most dangerous.

Kirigakure ninjas might not excel in other areas.

But they were experts at dealing with weaker opponents.

The Hiding in Mist Technique and Silent Killing were deadly unless you had special abilities. For genin, encountering a few Kirigakure ninjas would be extremely perilous.

He wasn't worried about himself.

But Asuma…

That was another story.

"I believe in your abilities."

"That's a lot of pressure. Alright, Hokage-sama, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."

Kyōichi left the office, pondering the situation, and couldn't help but smile.

Thinking about it.

How could the Hokage not know about what was happening in Amegakure?

He was the Hokage!

At the same time, he could guess some of what had been discussed between Jiraiya and the Sandaime.

Clearly.

The two of them had completely failed to reach a consensus on certain matters.

Jiraiya had probably expressed that he wouldn't become Hokage, which led to their later conversation. As for the information about him and Nagato, Jiraiya likely hadn't disclosed everything.

He held back!

Kyōichi didn't mind. Whether his strength was known or not didn't make much difference. But for Nagato…

That was the Rinnegan!

A pity it was such a hot potato.