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Talent System In The Naruto Universe-Chapter 206. Booked in Advance
Chapter 206 - 206. Booked in Advance
After two days of travel, the group finally arrived at the Leaf Village.
"Teacher Chen, Uncle Hizashi, see you tomorrow."
After completing the registration at the entrance of the Leaf Village, Hanekawa bid farewell to Chen and Hyūga Hizashi.
"Wait, Hanekawa."
Hyūga Hizashi suddenly thought of something and extended an invitation, "If you're free tonight, you can come to the Hyūga clan for dinner."
He considered that Hanekawa had returned to the village alone this time.
Of course, more importantly, Hyūga Hizashi had received a message from Hyūga Hiashi earlier, instructing him to build a good relationship with Hanekawa.
This was the reason he had exceptionally joined the supply transport team.
"Alright."
Hanekawa thought for a moment and didn't refuse.
After all, it was an invitation from one of the major clans of the Leaf Village.
Moreover, the Byakugan had strategic significance, and both Tsunade and he would need their cooperation when they became Hokage.
Hanekawa turned and headed toward the Hokage Building.
As the leader of the supply transport team, he had to report the mission details to the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
However, for him, this was just a formality; his real goal was the Flying Thunder God Technique.
As Hanekawa entered the Hokage Building, many people greeted him.
During the Third Great Ninja War, he had captured the Four-Tails and killed the Third Mizukage, earning him great fame and prestige.
When he reached the Hokage's office door, he was slightly surprised to see the ANBU member, Haru, standing there.
"Lord Hanekawa."
Haru bowed slightly and said, "The Hokage is waiting for you."
Hanekawa blinked.
He remembered that Haru used to call him by his name directly. Why the change today?
Indeed, strength is everything.
"Thank you."
Hanekawa responded and pushed open the door to the Hokage's office.
"You're here, Hanekawa."
Hirzuen Sarutobi looked up and smiled warmly upon seeing him.
"Lord Hokage."
Hanekawa stepped forward and said, "The supply transport team has arrived safely in the Leaf. We need supplies for two months."
"I've already instructed the ANBU to arrange it. You can return to the Land of Rivers tomorrow."
Hirzuen Sarutobi nodded slightly and then praised, "Your feat of killing the Third Mizukage truly astonished me."
"It was mostly luck."
Hanekawa replied with a smile.
The Third Mizukage was skilled in water release.
Hanekawa's water release, enhanced by his traits, was slightly superior, which allowed him to win.
If it had been the Third Hokage, Third Raikage, or Third Tsuchikage, he wouldn't have been as confident in defeating them.
In terms of pure strength, the Third Mizukage was likely the weakest among the five Kage, even weaker than the Third Kazekage.
After all, the Third Kazekage's Magnet Release could suppress the One-Tail, Shukaku.
Of course, another reason was that, thanks to Madara Uchiha's manipulations, Hanekawa had managed to create a one-on-one duel with the Third Mizukage.
"Good, you're much more humble than Tsunade."
Hirzuen Sarutobi said with satisfaction.
He had been worried that Hanekawa, being young and powerful, might become arrogant.
But now it seemed that Tsunade, despite her usual carefree attitude, had taught her student well.
"Is there something you need, coming back alone this time?"
Hirzuen Sarutobi asked proactively.
Given Hanekawa's strength and status, there was no need for him to lead a supply transport team.
He must have come back to the Leaf for a specific reason.
"Lord Hokage."
Hanekawa didn't beat around the bush and said directly, "I wish to learn the Flying Thunder God Technique."
"The Flying Thunder God Technique isn't easy to learn."
Hirzuen Sarutobi was slightly surprised by the request.
"I'd like to try."
Hanekawa explained, "If I can master the Flying Thunder God Technique, I can contribute more to the Leaf."
"It's good that you have such intentions."
Hirzuen Sarutobi couldn't help but smile. He stood up and said, "Follow me."
The Flying Thunder God Technique was of immense significance and power, so it couldn't be handed out as casually as other ninjutsu.
Hanekawa followed Hirzuen Sarutobi through the Hokage Building, turning left and right for a few minutes before entering an underground chamber.
"This is where all the S-rank ninjutsu and forbidden techniques of the Leaf are stored."
Hirzuen Sarutobi explained.
Hanekawa glanced around, and his eyes were immediately drawn to the massive scroll in the center.
"That's the Scroll of Seals."
Hirzuen Sarutobi noticed his gaze and said with a light smile, "It contains dangerous forbidden techniques."
"I see."
Hanekawa nodded.
He was now even more convinced that Naruto's easy theft of the Scroll of Seals in the original story was orchestrated by Hirzuen Sarutobi.
Otherwise, there was no reason for such an important scroll to have no security measures.
"Given your current achievements, you are more than qualified to access the Scroll of Seals."
Hirzuen Sarutobi thought for a moment and said, "However, forbidden techniques are extremely dangerous. You must be very careful about what you choose to learn."
Hanekawa's eyes lit up.
His first thought was the Edo Tensei.
But upon further consideration, an unmodified version of the Edo Tensei, like the one before Orochimaru and Kabuto improved it, wouldn't be very useful.
Moreover, Tsunade would likely disapprove of him learning a technique that required human sacrifices.
"Multi Shadow Clone Technique."
Hanekawa said after some thought.
"The greatest danger of this technique is the immense chakra consumption."
Hirzuen Sarutobi paused and said, "But since you've mastered Lord Tobirama's water release, it shows that your chakra reserves are far greater than the average ninja."
With that, he walked over to the Scroll of Seals.
"Because the Scroll of Seals is so important, you can only memorize the Multi Shadow Clone Technique here."
Hirzuen Sarutobi waved his hand and summoned another ninjutsu scroll, saying, "The same goes for the Flying Thunder God Technique."
"Understood."
Hanekawa stepped forward.
The Scroll of Seals was already open, displaying the page for the Multi Shadow Clone Technique.
The ninjutsu scroll in Hirzuen Sarutobi's hand contained the Flying Thunder God Technique.
"Memorize it first."
Hirzuen Sarutobi handed him the scroll and said, "If you have any questions while learning, you can ask the relevant ninja."
He was clearly referring to Minato Namikaze, as he was the only one who had mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique.
"Thank you, Lord Hokage."
Hanekawa opened the scroll and began reading.
The Flying Thunder God Technique was as Tsunade had described, requiring three extremely stringent conditions. Fortunately, Hanekawa already met most of them.
Thanks to the B-rank trait 'Master of Scrolls,' which provided a 100% memory boost, Hanekawa memorized everything in less than twenty minutes.
"Young people are truly impressive."
Hirzuen Sarutobi said with a hint of amazement.
"Lord Hokage, you're not old either."
Hanekawa smiled and said, "You're still in your prime."
"You're quite the flatterer."
Hirzuen Sarutobi couldn't help but laugh.
"I'm just telling the truth."
Hanekawa said without changing his expression.
"The future of the Leaf belongs to you young ones."
Hirzuen Sarutobi waved his hand and said.
Hanekawa felt a weird sensation.
That phrase sounded very familiar.
Although in the original story, Hirzuen Sarutobi remained Hokage until his death.
In other words, he could still hold the position for over a decade.
Of course, with Hanekawa's presence as a butterfly effect, that might not be the case anymore.
"Hanekawa, who do you think would be a suitable candidate for the next Hokage?"
Hirzuen Sarutobi suddenly changed the topic and asked.
"Without avoiding favoritism, I choose my sensei."
Hanekawa was momentarily stunned but then replied.
"You're quite honest."
Hirzuen Sarutobi nodded and said, "Your teacher is indeed a strong candidate."
Hanekawa blinked.
Was he planning to step down voluntarily?
In the original story, Hirzuen Sarutobi resigned to take responsibility for the sacrifices made during the Third Great Ninja War.
Of course, there was also pressure from the Leaf's higher-ups and the Daimyo of the Land of Fire.
In other words, pressure from Danzō Shimura.
Unfortunately, despite all his calculations, he didn't anticipate that the Fourth Hokage would be Minato Namikaze instead of his preferred candidate, Orochimaru.
"You've had a long journey today. Go rest."
Hirzuen Sarutobi didn't continue the conversation and said with a light smile.
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
Hanekawa turned and left the Hokage Building.
He glanced at the sky; it was almost dusk.
Hanekawa thought for a moment and headed to the nearby commercial street.
He was going to have dinner at the Hyūga clan's estate, and showing up empty-handed would be impolite.
Hanekawa's strongest impression of the Hyūga clan was their rigidity, resembling feudal nobility among the ninja clans.
Especially the Caged Bird Seal, which was akin to a slave system.
But for now, that had little to do with him.
Hanekawa picked out a few expensive gifts and made his way to the Hyūga clan.
As he walked, he reflected on the Leaf Dragon God technique Chen had taught him the previous night.
Although it was classified as a taijutsu, Hanekawa felt it was more of a nin-taijutsu hybrid.
The principle was simple: the user's body spun at high speed to create a tornado, pulling nearby enemies into the vortex and cutting them with the wind.
It was a combination of taijutsu and wind release ninjutsu.
However, it had a weakness: the eye of the tornado.
If one stood in the eye, they wouldn't be harmed by the cutting winds.
In the original story, Chen was defeated by Rock Lee, who exploited this weakness.
But for Hanekawa, this weakness wasn't a big issue.
If he mastered the Lightning Release Chakra Mode and used the Leaf Dragon God, the weakness would be mitigated.
Hanekawa let out a light hum.
He suddenly realized that the Leaf Dragon God could be used to conceal the Lightning Release Chakra Mode.
After transforming into a tornado, only a massive dragon would be visible, obscuring the user's actual movements.
This was a fortunate coincidence.
"Hanekawa!"
A familiar voice called out.
Hanekawa looked up and saw Hyūga Hizashi standing at the entrance.
He raised an eyebrow.
Was Hyūga Hizashi personally welcoming him?
He was beginning to realize the change in his status.
"Uncle Hizashi."
Hanekawa stepped forward and handed him the gifts.
"Why bring gifts just for a meal?"
Hyūga Hizashi said with a smile, "You're too kind."
"Just a small gesture."
Hanekawa replied casually.
"Come in."
Hyūga Hizashi accepted the gifts and led him into the courtyard.
Hanekawa glanced around and noted the opulence of the Hyūga clan's estate. As expected of a millennium-old ninja clan, they were wealthy.
"Hanekawa."
In the living room, Hyūga Hiashi stood up and greeted him.
"Uncle Hiashi."
Hanekawa walked over and sat down across from him.
Besides Hyūga Hiashi and Hyūga Hizashi, there were two women in kimonos.
After introductions, Hanekawa learned they were their respective wives.
In other words, one was the mother of Hinata Hyūga and Hanabi Hyūga, and the other was the mother of Neji Hyūga.
The hospitality was clearly top-notch.
Hanekawa felt that they weren't just hosting him but also Tsunade by extension.
But he didn't mind; he would eat and drink as he pleased.
Compared to the Uchiha clan, the Hyūga clan was far less extreme.
This was likely why their Byakugan rarely evolved into the Tenseigan.
In the original story, there were only two paths for the Byakugan's evolution.
The first was through the chakra of the Ōtsutsuki clan combined with the Hyūga's Byakugan.
This path was essentially blocked, as the remaining Ōtsutsuki were on the moon.
The second was the fusion of multiple Byakugan.
Theoretically, the Hyūga clan needed a massacre similar to the Uchiha's.
However, due to the Caged Bird Seal, it was unlikely for someone like Itachi Uchiha to emerge from the Hyūga clan.
In the original story, no matter how much Neji Hyūga resented the seal, he couldn't break free from it or act out.
Hanekawa let his thoughts wander as he ate.
"Hanekawa, do you plan to become a team leader in the future?"
Hyūga Hiashi asked after the meal was mostly finished.
"Probably."
Hanekawa was slightly surprised but answered uncertainly.
Although he wanted to stay on Tsunade's team forever, that wasn't realistic.
Once she became Hokage, she wouldn't have as much time to manage their team.
Moreover, Hanekawa couldn't remain a chūnin forever; he would eventually become a jōnin.
But he was more curious about why Hyūga Hiashi had brought this up.
Could it be...?
"With your exceptional strength, becoming a jōnin is only a matter of time."
Hyūga Hiashi said with a smile, "I'd like to reserve a spot for one of your future students."
"Who are you referring to?"
Hanekawa raised an eyebrow and asked.
"That's my fault."
The woman in the kimono beside him said apologetically, "I asked him to find a good teacher for my unborn child."
"I see."
Hanekawa smiled and said, "No problem."
Clearly, they were referring to Hinata Hyūga.
This was undoubtedly a way to strengthen their ties.
But Hanekawa didn't refuse.
In his previous life, he had a favorable impression of Hinata Hyūga.
Moreover, as one of the main characters in the original story, Hinata would likely bring him new traits.
"Then it's settled."
Hyūga Hiashi visibly relaxed.
Having Hanekawa as a teacher wasn't just about finding a good mentor; it was about gaining the status of being associated with the Hokage's lineage.
This status would bring them closer to the Hokage and serve as a protective talisman within the Leaf.
Besides, the Hyūga clan only trained in the Byakugan and Gentle Fist.
Hanekawa wouldn't be able to teach much in that regard.
The lavish dinner came to an end.
Hanekawa left the Hyūga clan under their farewells and returned to Tsunade's home.
He didn't go back to Yūhi Kurenai's house because her father, Yūhi Shinku, wasn't home, so there was no need to make the trip.
Since it was still early, Hanekawa began practicing the Lightning Release Chakra Mode.
Although he wanted to learn the Flying Thunder God Technique, combine Wood Release, and master the Leaf Dragon God, he knew he had to take things step by step.
His immediate priority was to master the Lightning Release Chakra Mode.
Fortunately, he still had plenty of time.
The next day.
The supplies were ready, filling an entire convoy.
Hanekawa, Chen, Hyūga Hizashi, and the others escorted the convoy back to the Land of Rivers.
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