Chapter 40: Find a Teacher! (Two in One)

The night sky glittered with countless stars as Uzumaki Raiden returned home after a day of training. It was already 8 p.m. When he opened the door to the living room, the familiar voice of Uzumaki Mito greeted him.

"Where have you been all afternoon? And what happened to your hand?"

Raiden froze in place, startled to find Mito still awake. Ever since the Uzumaki Clan's destruction, her health had deteriorated, and she spent most of her time resting. By this hour, she was usually asleep.

"Sorry, Grandma Mito. I was training in the back mountain this afternoon," Raiden replied sheepishly, instinctively hiding his injured hand behind his back. "The injuries on my hand are from practicing a new technique."

Mito's expression darkened. "Training? In the back mountain?" She studied him intently, noticing his disheveled state and the fresh wounds on his right hand. "Tell the truth, Raiden. I didn't sense your chakra there."

"I set up a barrier while training," Raiden quickly explained. "That's why you couldn't sense me."

Mito's gaze softened slightly, though her concern was evident. She beckoned him over. "Come here."

Mito's Concern

Raiden approached her hesitantly. Mito gently took his injured hand, and a warm chakra flowed from her palm, quickly healing the wounds. The pain faded, and the cuts closed as though they had never been there.

"Raiden, this better not happen again," Mito said firmly, her voice carrying a mix of admonishment and worry.

Raiden nodded, feeling both guilty and touched by her care. His eyes were drawn to the chakra-infused healing technique she used. It fascinated him.

"Grandma Mito, thank you," he murmured.

Mito sighed, letting go of his now-healed hand. "Even in Konoha, you aren't entirely safe, Raiden. You were attacked at the ninja school before. What makes you think the back mountain is secure? We have a dojo at home. Isn't that enough for your training?"

Raiden hesitated before replying, "I know, Grandma. You've told me how dangerous being a Jinchuriki can be. But I haven't been attacked since that incident at school. And I set up a barrier to protect myself while I was training."

Mito studied him for a long moment before nodding. "It's true that Konoha is at war, and those who wish to harm you are likely preoccupied for now. But don't let your guard down. What technique were you practicing this afternoon?"

Raiden Reveals His Technique

Not wanting to keep anything from Mito, Raiden demonstrated his progress. He channeled lightning chakra into his hand, forming a crackling energy field. It wasn't a proper Chidori yet—it lacked both the bird-like chirping sound and the destructive power. Instead, it resembled the Hell Stab of the Third Raikage.

Mito's sharp eyes narrowed. "This resembles the Third Raikage's Hell Stab. Are you trying to replicate it?"

"I've never seen it, Grandma," Raiden admitted honestly. "I'm just experimenting with thunder chakra to create a powerful attack."

Mito nodded thoughtfully. "Your concept is solid, but you've chosen a challenging path. The Hell Stab is an S-rank technique, known as the strongest spear in the ninja world. Even in the Hidden Cloud, only the Third Raikage has mastered it. Trying to replicate it is like creating an entirely new S-rank technique from scratch. It's an inefficient use of your time."

Raiden's enthusiasm dimmed slightly. "Then what should I do? My chakra affinity is lightning, but there's no one here to teach me Thunder Release ninjutsu. The academy teachers only teach the basics."

A Teacher for Raiden

Mito pondered his words for a moment. "You're right. Your sealing technique is already advanced, and further progress will come with time and research. But you need guidance in combat ninjutsu. Unfortunately, most of Konoha's Thunder Release experts are at the front lines."

She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "There is one person who comes to mind. He should have time to teach you. I'll arrange for him to come tomorrow after school."

Raiden's curiosity piqued, but he trusted Mito's judgment. "Thank you, Grandma. I'll help you to your room so you can rest."

"Good," Mito said with a faint smile. "Make sure to eat. I'll handle everything about your teacher."

The Next Day

After a restless night, Raiden woke up early, eager to find out who Mito had chosen as his teacher. Before heading to the ninja school, he snuck into Tsunade's room and borrowed some of her makeup to conceal the Yin Seal on his forehead.

Raiden understood the dangers of standing out too much. As a genius with a fully developed Yin Seal, he risked drawing attention from both Konoha factions and enemy spies. It was better to keep his progress hidden.

At school, Raiden focused on his usual routine—refining chakra, considering sealing techniques, and listening to the lessons. The day passed quickly, and when the dismissal bell rang, Raiden bolted from his seat, leaving his teacher shaking his head in exasperation.

"Raiden always leaves in such a rush," the teacher muttered. "I had things to discuss with him. Guess it'll have to wait until tomorrow."

Raiden sprinted home, his excitement building. Who could his new teacher be?

A Surprising Mentor

In the living room of the Senju household, Mito sat serenely in her usual spot, sipping tea. Next to her sat a thin, middle-aged man with a goatee and white robes. A red hat with the kanji for "Fire" rested beside him.

"Monkey, the child should be back soon," Mito said with a faint smile, addressing the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"Mito-sama, you're too kind," Hiruzen replied humbly. "If Raiden is truly as gifted as you say, I'll gladly take the time to teach him."

As if on cue, the door flew open, and Raiden burst into the room.

"Grandma Mito, I'm back!" he called, his voice full of excitement—until his eyes landed on the man sitting beside her.

"Lord Hokage?!"

Raiden froze in shock, his mind reeling. Of all the people Mito could have chosen, the Third Hokage was the last person he'd expected.

(End of Chapter)

>>>>>>>

Please leave PowerStones and Reviews if you're enjoying the story

Read up to Chapter 100 ahead on [Patreon.com/ggfanfiction]

For every 100 PowerStones I'll post an extra Chapter