Chapter 138: Training at Mount Myōboku

Rasa explained his idea about trains, or more specifically, the "Lightning Rail."

In simple terms, it involved laying tracks on land and using lightning-based or fire-based chakra—or any energy source that could serve as propulsion—to create vehicles that could run on these tracks.

The six individuals present were momentarily stunned.

"What? Is it impossible?"

"No."

It was Hōki who answered.

"Kazekage-sama, Shinnō and I have considered this idea before, but we dismissed it because, given the terrain around Sunagakure, laying tracks on the desert would be extremely difficult."

"I see. So it's a geological issue, then? What if I told you I have a way to alter the terrain, turning the desert into solid land?"

Both Shinnō and Hōki were taken aback, their eyes gleaming with excitement. Clearly, they assumed Rasa was referring to the power of a tailed beast.

Shinnō immediately spoke up.

"If the Kazekage-sama possesses such power, then we would certainly be willing to give it a try."

"Hm. Then I leave it to you. As long as you produce results, Sunagakure will not treat you unfairly."

With that, Rasa turned to Sēramu.

"Sēramu, from now on, you will be responsible for coordinating with these six. Provide them with whatever they need. If there's anything you can't decide on, bring it to me."

"Hai!"

Sēramu understood her role perfectly.

"Kazekage-sama, I will take them to get settled."

The six individuals, having achieved their goal, bowed to Rasa and took their leave.

After they had left, Baki approached Rasa and asked,

"Kazekage-sama, should we keep an eye on them?"

Rasa nodded.

"Yes, keep an eye on them. While these six have their own agendas, their technology is something we need. Select some intelligent individuals to assist them. If possible, learn their techniques."

Baki immediately understood Rasa's intentions.

"Understood, Kazekage-sama. I will handle it right away."

"Hn. Go ahead."

After Baki left, Rasa summoned the nine members of the covert operations unit.

Although Rasa was a transmigrator, he didn't always remember every detail of the plot unless a character appeared to remind him, as had just happened.

"I have two tasks for you. First, investigate the Hidden Sky Village, focusing on their technology and a creature known as the Zero-Tails. Second, investigate the Hidden Craftsmen Village, paying special attention to their founder and their techniques for crafting unique ninja tools..."

"Hai!"

As the covert operations unit departed, Rasa felt a sense of anticipation.

Whether it was the power of the Zero-Tails or the scientific ninja tools of the Hidden Craftsmen Village, both could significantly strengthen him and Sunagakure.

However, those were matters for the future.

For now, the most important thing was to improve his personal strength and the village's overall power.

His next focus in training would remain the Eight Gates.

Additionally, he had decided to integrate the latest chakra fruit he had obtained from Mōryō into the Divine Tree, increasing the concentration of natural energy in the Dragon Oasis. This would help Temari and the others master Sage energy more quickly and accelerate his own training progress.

---

Land of Fire, Konohagakure.

Due to the easing of the frontlines, Minato was finally able to withdraw from the battlefield.

However, Minato knew he had no time to rest. After returning from the frontlines, he spent only a day at home before seeking out his teacher, Jiraiya, to request training in Sage Mode at Mount Myōboku. Jiraiya, of course, agreed.

Thus, at dawn, Jiraiya arrived at Minato's home.

"Kukuku, I hope I'm not interrupting you two lovebirds!"

As soon as he entered, Jiraiya's face broke into a mischievous grin upon seeing his disciple and Kushina glowing with happiness. This caused Kushina's cheeks to flush red while a vein popped on her forehead. Minato, slightly embarrassed, invited Jiraiya in warmly.

"Jiraiya-sensei, you haven't had breakfast yet, right? Join us!"

Jiraiya, of course, didn't hesitate.

"Sure, sure! It's been a while since I've tasted Kushina's cooking!"

And so, the teacher and student sat at the dining table, chatting while Kushina reluctantly headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

Soon, Kushina had breakfast ready. As she watched the two eat, she asked,

"Jiraiya-sensei, how long will you and Minato be gone this time?"

Jiraiya thought for a moment.

"It's hard to say. Sage Mode training is extremely difficult. Although Minato is exceptionally talented, I can't predict how long it will take. However..."

At this point, Jiraiya laughed heartily and reassured her.

"At least he won't be on the battlefield, right?"

Hearing this, Minato's expression darkened slightly, but Kushina breathed a sigh of relief.

Minato then asked,

"Jiraiya-sensei, I heard that the Kazekage of Sunagakure defeated the demon Mōryō of the Land of Demons?"

At this, Jiraiya's smile faded, replaced by a serious expression.

"That's right. It's truly unbelievable. That legendary demon actually exists—it's even older than the tailed beasts. The Fourth Kazekage of Sunagakure is becoming more and more enigmatic."

"I heard from the ANBU that the Kazekage displayed techniques similar to the Four Violet Flames Formation and the Adamantine Sealing Chains?"

As soon as these words were spoken, Jiraiya's expression turned grave, and Kushina trembled slightly.

Jiraiya, of course, knew the reason.

"Ah, if my guess is correct, the Four Violet Flames Formation was likely stolen by Danzo. As for the Adamantine Sealing Chains, they're probably related to the Uzumaki girl the Kazekage took from Kusagakure."

This caused Kushina's expression to darken further.

Although Kushina had been brought to Konoha at a very young age and didn't know the name "Hana," the mere fact that there was another Uzumaki out there made her feel less alone. She longed to meet this fellow clansman, but their current circumstances made it impossible.

Seeing this, Jiraiya shared what he knew.

"According to the information we gathered from Kusagakure, when the Uzumaki clan was destroyed by Kirigakure, the clan head secretly sent away some of the more talented children. That little girl, Hana, must be one of them."

Minato, seeing the sadness in his wife's eyes, took the opportunity to reassure her.

"Don't worry, Kushina. I'll do my best to help you find the other Uzumaki scattered across the shinobi world."

"Mm!"

Kushina nodded gently.

And so, breakfast was quickly finished, and it was time for the two to depart.

Kushina wanted to see them off, but as soon as she stepped outside, two ANBU members appeared in front of her, blocking her path.

"Apologies, Minato-sama, Jiraiya-sama. Kushina-sama cannot leave the barrier's range..."

Compared to the ANBU's usual stern demeanor, their tone was much softer this time.

After all, they knew that the next Hokage would undoubtedly be Minato.

Jiraiya, ever the mediator, laughed it off.

"Alright, Kushina, no need to see us off. Fukasaku-sama will summon us soon using the Reverse Summoning Technique..."

"Mm, Kushina, wait for me to return!"

Minato didn't say much, simply hugging Kushina tightly.

And so, with a puff of smoke, Jiraiya and Minato disappeared from sight.