You're Really Not Polite!

"Indeed, it's no surprise it took the Fourth Hokage three years to craft this jutsu," Kyōichi mused, acknowledging the expected prowess of the renowned ninja.

Engrossed in his reading, Kyōichi spent the entire night perusing the text. This all-nighter was a rare occasion for him since his transmigration. However, the knowledge he gained was immeasurable.

The Fourth Hokage, drawing inspiration from the Tailed Beast Ball, continuously tried to compress chakra for his Rasengan, though he met with numerous difficulties. He even contemplated incorporating sealing techniques to aid in the creation of the Rasengan. The idea of using balloons for training only came later.

The entire process, with each exploration step documented meticulously, lay in this scroll. It was more than just about the Rasengan; it held a wealth of other invaluable knowledge, such as techniques of chakra compression and sealing. Even though the information was incomplete, its value was indisputable.

With great reverence, Kyōichi carefully stored the scroll. It was a priceless artifact. Indeed, its most remarkable aspect was the Fourth Hokage's permission, as the technique's founder, to freely pass on this secret art.

Jiraiya was indeed magnanimous. Kyōichi was well aware that Jiraiya remained the essential figure. The Fourth Hokage and Konan were complete strangers; only due to Jiraiya's intervention did he get such generous access, even to the point of obtaining the original draft of Rasengan.

Once finished reading, he released the scroll, which autonomously flew back to the nearby bookshelf - the Dance of the Shikigami in action. Though simple in use, it proved quite handy. However, Dance of the Shikigami wasn't without its weaknesses; its preparation time was quite lengthy.

Eventually, Konan's paper underwent special treatment and became susceptible only to oil-based Ninjutsu, mitigating most of its significant weaknesses. Nonetheless, the process of preparation demanded a considerable amount of chakra and time. Temporary paper could serve the purpose, but the results were far inferior and had numerous drawbacks.

Despite his focus on studying Ninjutsu, Kyōichi didn't neglect his duty to educate the three children. Just the previous day, Shisui's Wind Release had undergone promising changes. Now, not only Asuma but also Shisui was available to instruct in Wind Release. Luckily, he had recently acquired considerable knowledge on Wind Release Ninjutsu.

"Sensei, we've been without a mission for over a week..."

"Running low on funds?"

Kyōichi gave Asuma a knowing smile. The boy had been showing off recently, even going so far as to treat his classmates to a barbecue feast.

Asuma's face turned beet red at Kyōichi's remark. Was this his subtle way of teasing him about his financial situation?

"Alright."

Admittedly, his finances were running low. The Third Hokage hadn't given him a salary, insisting that he earn his own income. With no recent missions and escalating expenditures, his resources were thinning fast.

"Your success with that B-rank mission was an anomaly," Kyōichi bluntly stated. "You guys aren't ready to tackle a true B-rank mission yet. Don't let a single victory inflate your ego. Use these past few days as an opportunity to hone your skills."

The truth was, Kyōichi had been preoccupied with his research, leaving him little time to venture out for missions.

"Kurenai," he addressed his student, "have you finished reading the books I gave you recently?"

"Teacher, I've finished them," she confirmed. "I've been practicing the Mystical Palm Technique, mostly experimenting on fish..."

"And have your parents tired of fish dinners yet?" Kyōichi teased.

Kurenai's face turned crimson, and she clutched her sleeves without uttering a word. Their refrigerator was likely still packed with fish, and the sight of it was beginning to make Kurenai grimace.

Everyone understood and laughed.

Medical Ninjutsu was notoriously complex, a fact universally acknowledged. Most medical ninjas began their training by practicing on fish.

"Alright, let's head out to check if there are any missions available," Kyōichi suggested, stretching languidly.

As they approached the Hokage building, they were intercepted.

"Master Kyōichi, Lord Hokage has summoned you," a Chunin waiting downstairs informed.

Caught off guard, Kyōichi nodded, signaling for Shisui and the others to wait, before making his way upstairs to the Third Hokage's office.

Inside, the Third Hokage was enjoying a smoke, the room permeated with the scent of tobacco. Kyōichi waved away the smoke as he entered, offering a respectful bow in greeting.

"I meant to contact you a few days ago, but hearing that you were engrossed in research, I didn't want to disturb you. But you've handed me quite a predicament!" The Third Hokage sighed, extinguishing his cigarette as Kyōichi walked in.

"What does Lord Hokage mean?" Kyōichi queried, suspecting it involved Yahiko.

"Fresh intelligence has just arrived. After Yahiko's return to Amegakure, it appears he's sought an audience with Hanzō the Salamander," the Third Hokage revealed, sliding an intel scroll across the desk.

Kyōichi scanned the document.

Yahiko had sought out Hanzō?

Interesting.

Given Hanzō's significant influence in maintaining Amegakure's position among the Three Great Nations, winning him over could be strategically beneficial. If they could reignite Hanzō's ambition, leverage his prestige to solidify Amegakure, and gradually exert their influence, it could indeed elevate Amegakure to a significant power among the smaller nations.

Of course, this was his perspective.

The Third Hokage, on the other hand, might not share his enthusiasm.

Setting down the scroll, Kyōichi voiced his thoughts, "I believe this could be a positive development. A strengthened Amegakure could act as a buffer between us and Iwagakure. If Ōnoki were to plan any action against us, he'd need to consider this new complication."

"Jiraiya expressed the same sentiment," the Third Hokage replied.

The Third Hokage agreed, leaning back in his chair. "For the time being, we will not intervene with Amegakure. If Yahiko and his group can sway Hanzō into a more Konoha-friendly stance, it could work to our advantage."

He then stood, retrieving another scroll from his desk.

Intrigued, Kyōichi took the scroll and unrolled it -

An analysis of the Hiding in Mist Technique.

He raised an eyebrow, was the intention for them to venture east towards Kirigakure?

Given his team's current state, engaging with Kirigakure ninjas seemed an unwise move. It felt like they were being sent on a silver platter.

"Cough... learn it first. The Land of Water is in flux, we may need your team to serve as backup. You are aware of our present circumstances in Konoha..." The Third Hokage broke off, a hint of embarrassment in his eyes.

"Lord Hokage, you don't actually think we're afraid, do you?" Kyōichi found himself lost for words.

For Genin, the eastern region was the most perilous.

Though Kirigakure ninja might be deficient in certain aspects, they were unparalleled in tormenting Genin.

The Hiding in Mist Technique and Silent Killing were particularly lethal. Without special abilities, mere Genin-level skills would hardly be sufficient against Kirigakure ninjas. The danger they posed was significant.

While he himself was not fearful, Asuma...

That was a different story.

"I have faith in your abilities," the Third Hokage reassured him.

"The pressure is overwhelming. Alright, Lord Hokage, unless there's something else, I'll take my leave."

Exiting the office, Kyōichi mulled over their conversation, a faint smile gracing his lips.

In retrospect, it made perfect sense.

How could the Hokage possibly be oblivious to the events unfolding in Amegakure?

He was the Hokage, after all!

Simultaneously, he found himself speculating about the exchange between Jiraiya and the Third, based on their characteristic styles.

It was obvious.

There had been a disagreement they couldn't reconcile.

Jiraiya had likely refused the position of Hokage, which had then steered their conversation in a different direction. Moreover, Jiraiya seemed to have withheld certain details regarding his interactions with Nagato.

The old toad had played his cards close to his chest!

Whether or not Kyōichi's abilities were known didn't concern him much, but Nagato was a different story.

That was the Rinnegan!

Regrettably, it was too volatile to manipulate