To Practice Divine Skill, One Must First Castrate Oneself

The Shadow Clone Jutsu isn't a problem, but the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu actually has drawbacks "similar" to the A-rank sealing jutsu, Adamantine Chains, that Hibari used before.

That is, if the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu is used unskillfully or excessively, releasing too many clones will forcibly drain one's chakra and even life force.

Life force aside, if you suddenly run out of chakra in the middle of a battle, it's pretty much equivalent to dying.

It was precisely because he considered this drawback that Tobirama didn't teach this jutsu to others, and was even considering whether to classify it as a Kinjutsu.

Listening to Tobirama's words, Hibari thought for a moment and asked, "So, Tobirama-jiisan, is there a big difference between the Shadow Clone Jutsu and the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu?"

Tobirama thought for a moment, then said, "The difference isn't significant. It's just that the techniques are different, the amount of chakra used varies, and the resulting effects are naturally different."

Hearing this explanation, Hibari nodded, then said, "So, is it possible that once one has mastered the Shadow Clone Jutsu, they will gradually master the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu?"

Tobirama chuckled upon hearing this, then said, "Since the principles are similar, isn't that obvious? How do you think I developed the 'Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu'? It's because practice makes perfect, and then I simply streamlined a process by simplifying the hand signs in the details. That's all. They're called two different jutsu, but the actual difference isn't much."

Hibari casually said, "If that's the case, then why even establish it as a Kinjutsu? As long as you don't forbid the Shadow Clone Jutsu too, the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu will eventually be learned by others anyway..."

"Hahahaha, you think too simply, kid. While the principle is correct, the intricacies aren't that simple. Someone who masters the Shadow Clone Jutsu and then naturally figures out the 'Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu' on their own is different from someone who initially learns the 'Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu' directly. Someone with true mastery will naturally know their limits. However, someone who casually learns a 'Kinjutsu' without proper understanding has a world of difference in their comprehension of it compared to a true master. One careless mistake, using the wrong amount... instant death isn't impossible, understood? That's why I want to designate this jutsu as a 'Kinjutsu.' It's not to prevent you from using it, but to ensure you use it safely only after you've gained the appropriate 'qualification'!" Tobirama said with a laugh.

After Tobirama's explanation, Hibari finally understood the underlying principle. He then said, "Then, Tobirama-jiisan, whether it's a Kinjutsu or not, you can handle it as you see fit. It doesn't really concern me that much anyway. But from what you're saying, Tobirama-jiisan, you're not planning to teach me the 'Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu'?"

As Hibari finished speaking, Tobirama looked at Hibari and then said, "Not at all. Every jutsu is different for each person. Your chakra reserves are naturally far greater than an ordinary person's, so using this jutsu would, of course, be much safer for you. Plus, your extraordinary physique is an even greater safeguard. So... if you truly want to learn it, as long as you're careful and don't use it recklessly, there's no harm in giving you this jutsu."

Upon seeing Tobirama concede, Hibari happily said, "Then of course I truly want to learn it! Learning this jutsu would be so much more convenient and allow for more combat styles. How could I not want to learn it?"

Seeing Hibari's eagerness, Tobirama chuckled, then casually made a hand sign. Before Hibari could even clearly see it, a large scroll appeared out of thin air. He then opened the large scroll, undid a seal within it, took out a smaller scroll, and handed it to Hibari.

"Both the Shadow Clone Jutsu and the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu are in here. Take it and read it yourself. Just remember to return it to me when you're done," Tobirama said, entrusting the scroll to Hibari with complete trust.

Hibari held the scroll in his hand and said with a cheerful smile, "Don't worry, Tobirama-jiisan, I'll return it soon enough."

"Do you need me to guide you?" Tobirama asked again after a moment's thought.

Hibari shook his head directly and said, "No need, Tobirama-jiisan. You're so busy, there's no need to waste time on such a small matter. It's just a B-rank ninjutsu, after all. With my talent and aptitude, I should be able to pick it up in no time."

Seeing Hibari's confident expression, Tobirama said with a chuckle, "You, kid, are getting more arrogant by the day."

However, he also felt that there was no real need to teach this ninjutsu to Hibari step-by-step. That kid might really master it in no time.

Thinking this, he didn't pay any more attention to Hibari. He lowered his head and continued writing and drawing on the desk, looking at Hibari's physical data.

Hibari, seeing this, didn't disturb his grandfather. He casually unrolled the scroll, read it for a moment, then rolled it back up. Now wasn't the time to learn this ninjutsu, and he wasn't in a rush anyway. He'd just try it later in the afternoon when the training grounds were clear.

Putting away the scroll, Hibari walked over to the bookshelf, took out the few books Tobirama had picked out for him to study carefully recently, leaned back on the long chair, and began to read intently.

Both of them were busy with their own affairs, but they would exchange a few words occasionally.

"Tobirama-jiisan, since the village is currently focused on development, does that mean, as you said the other day, that many related systems need to be established?" Hibari asked casually while reading.

Tobirama replied without looking up, "Isn't that obvious? Many systems that align with the village's development and future need to be established."

"What about the shinobi system? Will it remain as it is now, with each major clan just handling their own affairs behind closed doors?" Hibari glanced at Tobirama's back and asked softly.

Tobirama, who had been writing and drawing, paused slightly upon hearing Hibari's words. However, he replied calmly, "Why are you suddenly asking about this?"

"Ah, it just came to me. I ran into Orochimaru at the bookstore the other day..." Hibari said with a chuckle, then recounted his encounter with Orochimaru to Tobirama.

"I think he's actually very talented, so I sponsored him a bit and gave him some books. It cost me one hundred forty thousand ryo! Even thinking about it now, it still hurts a little..." Hibari grimaced, speaking with a touch of pain.

Tobirama listened to Hibari's 'little stories,' stopping his work. He then said with some emotion, "Yes, many people have talent, but they simply lack the means to acquire resources... In essence, this is a vicious cycle. Shinobi clans cultivate powerful shinobi, so the village can entrust them with difficult missions. After completing missions, they receive high rewards, and these rewards are then used to strengthen their own clans... As for ordinary civilian shinobi, if their strength isn't high enough, sending them on difficult missions is akin to sending them to be 'cannon fodder.' Therefore, they can only be assigned less difficult missions as much as possible, but these rewards aren't even enough for a family's expenses. As you saw, how expensive are books that contain 'knowledge'? How can ordinary people afford them? Consequently, their next generation, even if talented, will be at a disadvantage from the very beginning compared to these 'nobles' of the shinobi clans. Over time, the class system becomes rigid, which stifles the vitality of the entire village..."

At this point, Tobirama paused, then looked at Hibari and said, "You did a good deed, kid. If you can help now, help a little. The water you pour now will grow into the green leaves of the village in the future. As a member of our Senju clan, you should naturally have a more open mind and broader perspective than ordinary people. Don't always focus on petty gains. It's only a mere one hundred forty thousand ryo; what's there to feel bad about?"

"You say that, but it's not your money, Tobirama-jiisan..." Hibari retorted, rolling his eyes dismissively.

Then both of them chuckled in unison. After their laughter subsided, Hibari asked, "So, Tobirama-jiisan, you're not planning to change anything about this?"

Upon hearing this, a hint of complexity flashed in Tobirama's eyes. He then said, "Change is inevitable. Since we've discovered flaws, how can we turn a blind eye? However, the timing isn't right now, Hibari. Doing the 'right' thing isn't always the right thing to do. This world isn't as simple as black and white. Remember this: doing the right thing at the right 'time' is truly correct! Otherwise... well-intentioned actions can easily lead to bad outcomes."

Although Tobirama's words were a bit complex, Hibari understood his meaning quite well. He nodded, then said, "So, you mean you don't think the timing is right yet, Tobirama-jiisan?"

"Exactly. The various shinobi clans in this village haven't yet shifted their mindset from the Warring States period; they're still seeking development with the 'clan' as their core. But the future... belongs to the entire village. Changing their mindset will still require some time, allowing them to be gradually guided by the village's environment. Only when the time is right can this be done," Tobirama said softly.

After speaking, without waiting for Hibari to say anything, Tobirama chuckled again and said, "Perhaps then, our Senju clan will need to lead by example."

Hibari looked at Tobirama's back, which seemed capable of shouldering mountains, then softly said, "Perhaps..."

"To practice divine skill, one must first castrate oneself..." Hibari said with a chuckle, shaking his head and muttering to himself.

"What?" Tobirama hadn't heard Hibari clearly and asked curiously.

"Nothing, I was just mumbling to myself..." Hibari said with a smile.

-------

Want to read ahead of schedule? Head over to my Patreon ——— patreon(.)com/PrimalDemon [remove the parentheses ( )]