Ideological Education

Kyōichi, of course, had no idea that Tsunade was planning to return.

As for the matter of forbidden techniques, he didn't intend to make a big fuss about it. 

Currently, only those in the upper echelons of the jōnin and above were aware of his plans. 

Even Kakashi, who had overheard some discussions during the Chūnin Exams, only had a vague understanding.

It wasn't his fault.

When had Kakashi ever studied forbidden techniques?

Techniques like the Impure World Reincarnation and Soul Binding Jutsu were absolutely off-limits—these were the most taboo.

Even secretly using them was out of the question!

It would make Konoha a target for the entire shinobi world.

But.

The Strength of a Hundred Technique…

To put it simply, if one's physical constitution could withstand the recoil of the technique, it didn't count as a forbidden technique.

As for the Breathing Activation Technique.

This kind of simplified version of a forbidden technique didn't count either.

If even this were considered forbidden, then the Lightning Release Chakra Mode used by kumogakure would also be unusable.

Kyōichi was targeting this category.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have bothered lowering the threshold for the Activation Technique. 

He could have just gone straight to the Seven Heavens Breathing Method's first activation.

Sandaime understood this as well.

Otherwise, with his stubborn and rigid mindset, he would never have agreed to hold a small meeting to discuss it.

However.

Kyōichi was well aware that Sandaime likely had his own agenda.

Orochimaru!

Whether it was due to the butterfly effect caused by his actions or something else, recently, Sandaime and Jiraiya had been much more wary of Orochimaru than in the original timeline. 

They had repeatedly brought up Orochimaru in their discussions with him.

They must have guessed something, most likely due to some slip-up during the jōnin exams.

For Kyōichi, this was naturally a good thing.

He was of the Senju lineage.

Why should he have to constantly watch his back against Orochimaru and Danzō?

There was no way to stay on guard forever.

Exposing them and dealing with them would make things much safer.

Kyōichi sent the letter via Katsuyu and began pondering whether Tsunade, after seeing his carefully crafted guidance on the Strength of a Hundred Technique, would be able to master it quickly.

The next moment.

He received a notification.

[You have completed the guidance on the 'Strength of a Hundred Technique']

[Evaluation: Excellent]

[Reward: Principles of the Yin Seal.]

Huh?

Just the principles?

Kyōichi had initially been excited upon hearing about the reward, but he hadn't expected it to be just the principles of the Yin Seal. He had already read about that in Tsunade's letter!

What a rip-off!

He quickly claimed the reward.

Then…

He was wrong!

The system was indeed impressive.

The reward wasn't just the principles; it included all the knowledge, detailed techniques, and intricacies of the Yin Seal. If Kyōichi were female, he could start practicing it immediately.

Of course.

The Yin Seal itself wasn't gender-specific, but Mito Uzumaki, who created the seal, had never tested it on a male. Whether it could be used by men was uncertain, and even Tsunade wasn't sure.

After all, the technique was extremely difficult.

S-rank difficulty.

It required a deep understanding of sealing techniques, and even Tsunade had only mastered it later in life. She had no idea if a man could learn it, so in her letter, she had simply suggested that Kyōichi give it a try.

At worst, he'd just waste some time.

However.

The system's version mentioned that there were subtle differences in the chakra pathways around the forehead between men and women.

The Yin Seal would need to be modified.

Kyōichi was deep in thought when…

"Sensei!"

Shisui had just knocked on the door when he heard it creak open, yet there was no one behind it.

What's going on!

Had his sensei developed another new jutsu?

He was astonished. After entering, he saw a piece of paper floating toward him.

Paper?

Wow!

Shisui wasn't familiar with Konan's abilities, but this jutsu left him in awe. He quickly followed the paper inside, and the next moment, the paper folded itself into a paper sword.

It began to move!

The Willow Sword Technique?

Shisui's eyes widened, but after a while, nothing happened.

"Hahaha, I stole this technique from someone else. I just learned it recently, so I'm not that proficient yet."

Kyōichi laughed.

The Willow Sword Technique relied on combining movements and light to create an illusion.

Using just paper, it wasn't possible yet.

"But it's definitely not beyond you, sensei!"

Shisui's eyes sparkled.

This technique…

Was so cool!

"It's not very practical for now."

Kyōichi waved his hand, and a stack of papers flew over, bringing the teapot with them.

The Dance of the Shikigami was useful.

But for now, it wasn't as effective as simply slitting someone's throat.

"Your insight is almost on par with the Sharingan."

Shisui wasn't flattering; he was serious.

Fighting someone and then learning their technique?

That was insane!

"Enough flattery. What's the matter?"

"Oh, right! I almost forgot why I came!"

In his amazement, he had nearly forgotten his original purpose.

He was here to ask for advice!

"Sensei, I came to ask for your guidance."

Shisui spoke in a low voice.

"Go ahead."

Kyōichi remained noncommittal.

This was probably related to the Uchiha.

As expected.

Shisui explained the situation, and Kyōichi wasn't surprised at all because Shisui had never intended to become a chūnin.

Not surprising.

However.

The current Shisui was much smarter than in the original timeline. He understood the importance of hiding his abilities.

He hadn't been taught in vain!

Kyōichi extended his hand, sensing his surroundings.

After confirming there were no Anbu lurking nearby, he spoke. "I didn't expect you to understand this and directly refuse Fugaku, but you did well!"

"But sensei, the Hokage…"

"You didn't go all out, so he definitely noticed."

Kyōichi didn't elaborate, but Shisui understood. Otherwise, he wouldn't have come here—

Today, he had learned that the Hokage had a Telescope Technique!

"Don't worry. If they really wanted to do something, hiding your abilities wouldn't help. Don't overestimate yourself, kid. You're only five years old, and you haven't even awakened your Sharingan yet."

Kyōichi patted his shoulder.

Shisui was stunned.

He was the Uchiha clan's genius. Since childhood, his clansmen had always told him—you are crucial to the clan, you must remember the clan, and you must help the clan gain benefits.

Today, for the first time, someone told him…

Don't overestimate yourself!

"Don't believe me? Hah, do you think you, me, or even your entire clan could survive without Konoha? Or would we just suffer defeat?"

Kyōichi continued.

"Well… probably not."

Shisui hesitated for a moment but eventually shook his head.

The Uchiha were strong!

But.

Without them, Konoha would still be powerful.

"Then that's that. When did you start thinking you were so important that you could influence the fate of your clan? Don't overestimate yourself. At least for now, you're not qualified."

Kyōichi said calmly.

The words were blunt, but the meaning was clear.

Shisui was much more alert than in the original timeline, which was why Kyōichi spoke so frankly. Otherwise, he wouldn't have mentioned any of this.

In fact, it wasn't just now.

Even if he awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan in the future, would he be powerful enough to influence the entire clan?

No.

Genjutsu was still genjutsu. It couldn't manipulate everyone's thoughts.

Relying solely on genjutsu?

It wouldn't work.

For one thing, Madara Uchiha would never let the Uchiha clan off so easily.

Shisui's mouth hung open. He wanted to say something several times but couldn't find the words.

He didn't know what to say.

Because…

Upon reflection, he realized he really wasn't that important.

"Improving your strength is the top priority. Second, you need to develop your own supporters within the clan. You need to make sure your words are heard and supported."

"I understand, sensei."

Shisui nodded solemnly.

He finally understood!

Fugaku was smart, but he couldn't be relied upon. Shisui needed to gather his own group of supporters who would back his views. Otherwise, Fugaku would never publicly support him within the clan—

That was just the kind of person Fugaku was.

Therefore.

Not only did he need strength, but he also needed to make his clansmen understand his intentions and the "Will of Fire" that Kyōichi had spoken of.

Ideological education was a must!