Chapter 79 The Scroll of Seals

In the office, intermittent conversations continued, undoubtedly a series of remarks that would make even the most indifferent person blush with warmth inside. It was a persuasive effort coordinated between Hiruzen and Takeshi.

With tacit cooperation, praise from both sides continued. The salary increase and promotion, description of prospects, a beautiful picture of marrying beautiful wife and reaching the pinnacle of life unfolded. Hiruzen's increasingly amiable words made Logan feel uncomfortable.

Given such honors, Logan naturally had to be humble. However, he couldn't stand Hiruzen's skillful rhetoric, and in the end, he didn't even bother to refute.

When Hiruzen mentioned 'Root', Logan's spirits lifted. He immediately expressed his disdain and resistance towards such extremism and organizations like Root. He had never been fond of Root, so his criticism of them was full of force.

However, recently, he wondered why there had been no action from Root towards him. Was Danzo plotting something sinister, or did he simply not care about Logan at all? And Logan was inclined to believe the latter.

He also vowed to express his loyalty to the ANBU and Konoha. Hiruzen and Takeshi gradually relaxed when they heard this. Logan's statement was very important, as the combat power of Kage-level or close to Kage-level was a significant asset.

Unfortunately, what Hiruzen and Takeshi didn't know was that Logan, whom they saw as the 'future pillar of Konoha', had already engaged in under-the-table dealings with their greatest enemy in the future. The various promises Hiruzen might have once appealed to Logan in the past, as it promised him a stable life in this world... But now, he couldn't care less about it.

"By the way, Hattori, does the technique mentioned in the mission that destroyed the wall of Otogakure have a name?" Seeing that the conversation was winding down, Takeshi changed the subject.

Logan hesitated for a moment before replying, "Yes, it's called Railgun."

Logan had considered the repercussions of naming the technique after a move from another work being reflected in reality. But changing its name wouldn't help, as he had originally based it on a technique from the anime 'A Certain Scientific Railgun'. If he were drawn into the manga, anyone with a discerning eye would be able to spot it right away.

As someone who had come a long way through trials and tribulations, Logan was not one to passively accept challenges. When he thought that the same orange comet light would be emitted from his hand, he was thinking, 'What would you do when the serialization reaches this point... Author-sama?'

'Would you react truthfully, or would you alter it? When reality and manga began to contradict each other, perhaps the truth would begin to show its traces.'

This was his counterattack against the unknown.

"Oh... that name is a bit strange." Takeshi commented after a few seconds of silence.

Logan scratched his head, unsure of what to say. It did feel odd to use a technique name from another work in this context.

"Based on the description, this should be an S-Rank or higher Lightning Release Ninjutsu, right?" Hiruzen interjected. Seeing Logan nod, he tapped his pipe and said with a smile, "I remember many years ago, you created the 'Chidori,' a powerful single-target Lightning Release Ninjutsu..."

"Ordinary Ninjas might not develop practical and effective Ninjutsu in their entire lives, but you, Hattori, have created two. You are truly talented." Hiruzen said leisurely. He looked at Logan, contemplated for a few seconds, and said, "Actually, someone from the village approached you back then, wanting to record your techniques in the 'Scroll of Seals' as valuable assets for the village's inheritance."

Hearing this, Logan's expression became serious, 'Was the Third Hokage suggesting that I should hand over Railgun to the village?'

"But you seemed to have used the excuse that 'Kakashi of the Hatake Clan can also use similar Ninjutsu' as an excuse." Hiruzen's calm tone did not change, maintaining a nonchalant demeanor, "Sigh... Although it's not easy to bring this up, the village really needs strong Ninjutsu to constantly strengthen itself. This is essential for Konoha to remain prominent in the Ninja World..."

Hiruzen reasoned eloquently, and his tone and expression were very sincere. The methods of the Konoha's higher-ups varied, but they were all genuinely for the sake of Konoha. Besides, Hiruzen could be considered the gentlest among the higher-ups.

After a long preamble of praise and camaraderie, and with the atmosphere being very friendly, Hiruzen took the opportunity to state his purpose, "I hope that you, Hattori, can provide that technique to the village. We promise it won't be leaked. Additionally, as a reward... you can also browse the Scroll of Seals."

Hiruzen's promise to allow Logan to view the Scroll of Seals slightly improved Logan's expression, but only slightly.

The atmosphere in the office suddenly quieted down. What was once a familiar conversation seemed to be heading into a low point.

Takeshi sensed Logan's subtle resistance and felt a bit anxious. A Kage had come to persuade him with kind words and offered something in return. In other Ninja Villages, they might just demand it outright, after all, Logan lacked the support of a powerful clan or background...

Takeshi felt in his heart that Logan had no reason to refuse, if any at all. Even if there were reasons, they were minimal. Overcoming them would be easy. Plus, if Logan followed Hiruzen's advice, and given how much Takeshi trusted him, there was a possibility that Logan might become the next ANBU Commander in a few years.

Logan would probably feel embarrassed if he listened to Takeshi's monologue. It would seem like he was switching allegiances too quickly... Besides, he really has no interest in being the ANBU Commander...

Hiruzen wasn't in a hurry and patiently waited quietly for Logan's response. On the contrary, it was actually Takeshi who was about to speak up, but Hiruzen stopped him, "Let Hattori decide on his own. This is his own technique after all. It is his freedom whether to give it to the village or not."

Logan glanced at Hiruzen, who was very firm in what he said, but the other higher-ups, which are Homura, Koharu and Danzo, still had reservations about Hiruzen's political attitude.

"All right." Logan said, "I can write about the Chidori and share my experiences with Lightning Release Cells Activation, but as for the Railgun... Please forgive me, Hokage-sama, but could we discuss it at a later time?"

Takeshi glanced at Hiruzen, who remained calm after hearing Logan's request. Hiruzen then said, "That's fine... I'll We'll send someone to take you to the Hokage's office on a specific date. Afterward, you can freely browse the contents of the Scroll of Seals."

Since Hiruzen had given his approval, Takeshi had nothing more to say.

Hearing Hiruzen's answer, Logan breathed a sigh of relief, 'Fortunately, the Third Hokage was a man of integrity.' While individual Ninjas still had to serve the vilage, if it came down to coercion, Logan would act obediently on the surface, but then cut corners in secret.

Seeing that everything they wanted to talk about this time was almost covered, Hiruzen and Takeshi prepared to leave.

But at this moment, Logan scratched his head and spoke up first.

"Um, Commander Takeshi... Actually, there's something I want to say when I'm here."

"What is it?" Takeshi asked casually.

"I want to quit the ANBU."

"…"