Chapter 133

Chapter 133

Chapter 133: Jiraiya Brings Minato to Visit Tsunade

The Senju Clan.

“Tsunade, here’s the thing. Over the past few years, Minato has been working on... The Flying Thunder God Technique may be classified as a space-time ninjutsu, but it involves a considerable amount of sealing techniques as well.

Rather than calling it pure space-time ninjutsu, it’s more like a specialized space-time technique derived from sealing arts. Minato is a good kid, but I... I haven’t fulfilled my responsibilities as his teacher these past years.”

Inside the room, Jiraiya spoke with a solemn expression, especially when mentioning Namikaze Minato. His face was full of guilt, as though blaming himself for neglecting his duties as a mentor.

Hearing this, Namikaze Minato immediately waved his hand and said, “Jiraiya-sensei, you’re being too harsh on yourself. It’s thanks to you that I’ve come this far. Even in the past two years when you were away on missions, you entrusted the Third Hokage to guide me.”

Tsunade, seated on the sofa with an air of aloofness, glanced at this scene and impatiently waved her hand.

“Jiraiya, spare me the guilt-ridden speeches. If anything, Minato learning under the Third Hokage isn’t any worse than what you could teach him.”

Despite her dismissive words, Tsunade’s mind was a swirl of irritation. Sure, Minato might be a good person—fine, she’d admit that. But did that mean she was obligated to guide him just because he was a good person?

Besides, wasn’t Minato his disciple? Why was Jiraiya’s guilt now her problem? It’s not like she told him not to come back and train his student.

The Senju Clan had already sacrificed so much for the village: her grandmother, Kushina, and even that Uchiha kid had given so much. And yet, what had they received in return? It was as if the village turned a blind eye.

Konoha had no shortage of good people or those willing to bleed for the village. Minato wasn’t the only one. On top of that, she wasn’t unaware of how much the Third Hokage had taken care of Minato over the years.

“Tsunade, when it comes to sealing techniques, no one in Konoha is more skilled than the Senju Clan. Minato has reached a critical stage in mastering the Flying Thunder God Technique,” Jiraiya said, rubbing his hands together with an apologetic look.

Namikaze Minato glanced gratefully at his teacher, then bowed respectfully toward Tsunade and said, “Lady Tsunade, I deeply admire the Second Hokage’s forbidden technique. I’ve already achieved spatial teleportation with it, but the issues with the formula and chakra conduction make the chakra consumption extremely high every time I use it.”

Minato didn’t hold anything back, openly explaining his current struggles with the technique.

Hearing this, Tsunade glanced at the blond-haired young man. Her thoughts couldn’t help but compare him to another dark-haired boy she knew.

Interestingly, both of them were progressing at similar speeds in their training, and both struggled with high chakra consumption. However, their obstacles were different.

Uchiha Yosuke was held back by his lack of spatial talent, while Namikaze Minato was hindered by issues with the formula and chakra conduction. If these two could somehow complement each other, they’d make the perfect pair.

“Lady Tsunade, this is my progress and notes on the Second Hokage’s forbidden technique.”

Minato respectfully placed a scroll on the table. After all, the technique he was practicing belonged to the Senju Clan, even if it was now considered a village asset.

Seeing Minato’s sincere attitude, the impatience in Tsunade’s expression softened slightly. However, when her gaze returned to Jiraiya, she shook her head and said,

“Jiraiya, under normal circumstances, this wouldn’t be an issue. But right now, and in the near future, I’m afraid it’s not feasible.”

Tsunade’s outright refusal left Jiraiya stunned. He wasn’t asking for the technique itself, only some guidance.

The Third Hokage had been thrilled with Minato’s progress in mastering the technique. Despite being Jiraiya’s student, Minato had also developed a strong bond with the Hokage over the past two years.

After all, self-studying from scrolls was one thing; having someone teach you was entirely different.

“Tsunade, I know things have been complicated since two years ago—”

Jiraiya awkwardly scratched his head, trying to continue, but before he could finish, Tsunade interrupted him with a cold snort and a sharp glare.

“Jiraiya, are you underestimating me, Tsunade?”

Her fierce glare immediately caused Jiraiya to wave his hands nervously, signaling that he meant no disrespect. Tsunade, however, simply let out another cold snort.

“This is a separate issue. I don’t hold grudges against the younger generation for the actions of a disgusting group of old men. But if you’re asking for guidance on the Flying Thunder God Technique’s formula, let me tell you this: within the entire Senju Clan, the only two people capable of providing such guidance are my grandmother and Uzumaki Kushina.”

At this, a trace of sorrow flashed in Tsunade’s eyes. She turned her gaze to Minato and said,

“Blondie, it’s just as well that you came today. When you return, deliver a message to those old geezers for me: in a few days, prepare to transfer the Nine Tails.”

Boom!

Minato and Jiraiya were both left stunned, their faces filled with shock and unease.

“Tsu...Tsunade, I really didn’t know!”

“Lady Tsunade, I sincerely apologize!”

Jiraiya hurriedly offered his apologies, as did Minato. Neither of them had any intention of asking for guidance anymore. Their thoughts were consumed by the impending transfer of the Nine Tails.

How could they bring up their request when one of the only people capable of guiding them was about to be left barely clinging to life, and the other was about to become the new Nine Tails jinchūriki?

Facing their apologies, Tsunade simply let out a self-deprecating laugh and waved her hand dismissively.

“Forget it, this has nothing to do with you two. When you return, share this good news with those old geezers. Konoha will soon have one less mountain looming over it.”

Tsunade’s mocking tone left Minato awkwardly lowering his head. As for Jiraiya, he could sense that the rift between Tsunade and the Third Hokage had only grown wider over the past two years.

“Tsunade, the old man is only doing what’s best for the village.”

Jiraiya awkwardly repeated the same justification he’d used many times before. In the past, Tsunade might have merely let out a dissatisfied snort at this remark. But now, she was like a fully bloomed rose with thorns, ready to strike back.

“For the village? My clan’s two Hokages also worked for the village. But now, a certain Hokage lacks the same strength, and instead, the founding heroes of Konoha are seen as obstacles. What a joke.”

Tsunade’s biting sarcasm left Jiraiya scratching his head awkwardly, at a loss for words.

If it had been anyone else, he would have retorted. But this was Tsunade. Moreover, her two grandfathers had both been Hokage. What could he even say?

And Tsunade wasn’t wrong. The First and Second Hokages had wanted the great clans to grow stronger, believing that their strength would bolster Konoha.

But the Third Hokage viewed these powerful clans as threats that hindered him.

It all came down to capability. The First and Second Hokages had the strength to wield these “thorny” clans as weapons. But in the Third Hokage’s hands, he could only blunt them, turning them into sticks.

“The Flying Thunder God Technique... I may not specialize in sealing formulas, but I know a thing or two. For the conduction issue, you could try using higher-quality chakra metals,” Tsunade said calmly. She didn’t completely withhold guidance but also didn’t offer much.

“Thank you, Lady Tsunade.”

Jiraiya and Minato quickly expressed their gratitude, but neither of them stayed for tea. They found an excuse to leave as quickly as they could.

After all, one of the Senju capable of helping them was on the verge of death, and the other was about to undergo the Nine Tails sealing process. It was a miracle they hadn’t been punched out of the house.

Outside the Senju compound, Jiraiya and Minato exchanged bitter smiles as the setting sun cast long shadows over them.

“Jiraiya-sensei, we were truly reckless this time,” Minato said politely with a sigh.

Jiraiya scratched his head awkwardly and chuckled. “Minato, if this had been the old days, Tsunade would’ve punched me out long before now.”

Even though Tsunade seemed calmer now, Jiraiya couldn’t help but feel a sense of estrangement. He almost preferred the old days when she’d beat him up—it felt more genuine.

"Don’t worry, Minato. We’ve got the sealing scrolls and all the materials. With your talent, I’m sure you’ll master the Flying Thunder God Technique eventually,” Jiraiya said with a hearty laugh, patting Minato on the back.

Minato, scratching his head awkwardly, nodded with a small smile. “I’ll do my best, Jiraiya-sensei.”

Even as he tried to stay optimistic, Minato couldn’t help but feel a bit disheartened. His girlfriend, Kushina, might be an Uzumaki, but not every Uzumaki could compare to someone like Uzumaki Mito, who held the entire legacy of her clan. That kind of knowledge wasn’t something Kushina had access to.

Jiraiya, deep in thought, suddenly stroked his chin and mused aloud, “Still, what Tsunade said earlier about chakra metals… it might actually be a good solution.”

Minato let out a rare bitter smile and shook his head. “Jiraiya-sensei, I’ve already thought of that, but chakra metals are so expensive. Even elite jonin have to think twice before using them for anything more than a weapon.”

Minato’s words brought Jiraiya back to reality. He’d been around wealthy clans so often that he sometimes forgot what it was like for common shinobi. Chakra metals were far out of reach for someone like Minato, who didn’t come from a prominent family.

Jiraiya scratched his head awkwardly. “Haha… Well, don’t worry. Your sensei’s here to help. I’ll figure something out for you.” He pounded his chest in a show of confidence, but inside, he felt a headache forming.

In the current state of the ninja world, chakra metals were incredibly scarce. If it was just for crafting a single weapon, Jiraiya could probably manage it. But for Minato’s training needs? That was another story entirely.

As the two of them walked toward the Hokage’s office under the fading light of the setting sun, their shadows stretched long behind them. One with white hair, the other with golden, they looked at each other and shared a helpless chuckle.

Meanwhile, back in the Senju compound, Tsunade stood by the window, watching the two figures disappear into the distance. Her calm expression carried a hint of bitterness and self-mockery.

“You’re all good people, fighting for Konoha. But does that make us bad people, selfishly fighting for ourselves?”

The changes over the past two years had made Tsunade more reserved and mature, but the resentment she held toward the village’s leadership had also taken root deep in her heart.

“The Flying Thunder God Technique… What does it have to do with me if you succeed or not? That kid risked everything on the battlefield to protect the village’s dirty secrets, and before he even made it back, they’d already started plotting against him. He got nothing in return.

But then, your so-called geniuses complete a few A-rank missions, and they’re suddenly the embodiment of the Will of Fire, rewarded with the Flying Thunder God Technique. What a bunch of hypocritical old fools.”

Once an opinion is formed, it becomes an immovable mountain. For Tsunade, her disdain for the village’s leadership had only grown stronger as she witnessed their actions.

“Tsunade.”

A soft, kind voice broke her train of thought. She turned around to see her grandmother, Uzumaki Mito, standing in the room with a gentle smile.

The moment Tsunade saw her, her stern expression melted away, replaced by a bright, cheerful grin.

“Grandma, why are you up again?”

Tsunade’s playful voice rang out as she hurried over. In front of her grandmother, she shed all her burdens and became like a carefree young girl again.

Mito stroked Tsunade’s golden hair affectionately, her smile full of warmth. “Our little Tsunade has grown up. Even the way you speak is so precise and careful now. Hehe… Once I’m gone, I’ll feel at ease leaving the Senju Clan in your hands.”

“Grandma, don’t say things like that!”

Tsunade’s voice carried a note of distress, but Mito simply chuckled and guided her to sit down.

“Child, you know the truth. I’ve been holding on all this time because I couldn’t leave you or the clan behind. But now, you’ve grown into someone capable, and it’s time for me to do what I must. Splitting the Nine Tails into two halves can only be done while I still have the strength. If I wait until my body fails completely, who knows what kind of disaster might occur?”

Mito’s words were calm, but the meaning behind them was heavy. Her sharp gaze lingered on Tsunade, as if to convey everything she didn’t need to say aloud.

Tsunade lowered her head, her expression conflicted. She knew her grandmother was right, but the thought of losing her was unbearable.

Mito gently held Tsunade’s hand and said, “Tsunade, power is important, but what’s even more important is your heart. Don’t let power consume you. As long as your will remains steadfast, power will always be your servant, not your master.”

Hearing these words, Tsunade nodded obediently. “Don’t worry, Grandma. I remember all of Second Grandpa’s warnings about forbidden techniques. I won’t misuse this power.”

Mito smiled, satisfied with her granddaughter’s response. She had complete faith in Tsunade’s strength and character.

As night fell, the lights of the Uchiha compound illuminated the dark.

Inside one of the houses, Uchiha Yosuke was deep in study, poring over scrolls filled with information about ninjutsu.

“The Lightning Release Chakra Mode allows for extreme speed while cloaking the user in a layer of protective lightning chakra. At its peak, this technique forms what’s called the Lightning Armor.

When combined with the Hell Stab techniques—ranging from One-Finger to Four-Finger Thrusts—and the Chidori, the piercing power becomes even greater. The standard A-rank Chidori is already comparable to the Four-Finger Thrust in power, and with enough mastery, its strength only increases.

The S-rank Raikiri is faster and quieter, and when fused with the Hell Stab, it surpasses the Two-Finger Thrust in destructive power. But ultimately, the effectiveness of any technique depends on the user’s skill.”

Uchiha Yosuke muttered to himself as he reviewed the scrolls, marveling at the diversity and ingenuity of the ninja arts.

In the original timeline, Chidori had been likened to the Hell Stab by the Hidden Cloud Village due to their similar nature as high-speed piercing techniques. When combined, their power was said to multiply exponentially.

“Of course, the strength of a technique always depends on the one using it,” Yosuke remarked, fully aware of how much difference physical conditioning made. Over the past two years, his rigorous training had drastically improved his physical capabilities, making even the same jutsu feel vastly more powerful.

Click!

Suddenly, the light in his room went out. Startled, Uchiha Yosuke turned toward the door, where he saw a shadowy figure standing by the switch.

“Yosuke…”

A nervous, hesitant voice broke the silence. In the moonlight, Yosuke didn’t even need his Sharingan to recogni

ze her—it was Uchiha Mikoto.

But tonight, there was something different about her. She seemed more delicate, more shy, and there was a faint air of mystery about her.

... (To Be Continued)