Chapter 71: Summoning Beast!

The further development of the secret technique Fiery Lotus Steps would require significant time, and the same goes for medical ninjutsu, which demands a deep accumulation of knowledge over time.

"Next, my focus should be on swordsmanship, especially mastering an S-rank kenjutsu secret technique."

"Then, I'll tackle Wind Release, aiming to unlock the [Wind Release Expert] Tag, and from there, I'll strive for [Wind Release Master]."

"After that, I'll move on to genjutsu and sensory ninjutsu."

"Hmm, I also need to figure out how to obtain a summoning beast and learn the Summoning Technique. Since it's a space-time ninjutsu, it should trigger the corresponding Tag."

"The same applies to sensory ninjutsu, but I hope that if there's a [Sensory Expert] Tag, the conditions to unlock it won't be as challenging as [Fire Release Expert]; otherwise, it'll be a hassle."

Shūichi Hoshita contemplated, carefully planning the path he needed to take.

There was so much to learn, so he had to take it step by step, prioritizing one discipline at a time—specializing first, then broadening his skills.

Once he had rested enough, Shūichi got up and continued practicing the Fiery Lotus Steps technique, determined to master it for use in real combat.

By 4 PM, he finished his training and headed to the usual spot to meet up with Shizune and the others for their workout, and even had a spirited taijutsu sparring match with Guy.

On the third day of his break, Kakashi returned from a mission.

"Here, this is something my father asked me to give to you."

On a cliffside, Kakashi handed Shūichi a scroll.

"A gift from a senpai can't be refused. Since it's from Sakumo Senpai, I'll gladly accept it."

Without hesitation, Shūichi took the scroll and opened it to take a look.

Kakashi, curious about the contents, immediately leaned in to see, as he had no idea what was inside.

"Lightning Release..."

Shūichi's eyes lit up.

The scroll contained key insights into the nature transformation training for Lightning Release.

However, as Shūichi read further, he discovered that it wasn't just about Lightning Release—there were also training tips for Earth, Wind, and Water Release nature transformations, with content ranging from simple to complex, reflecting Sakumo Hatake's mastery of these techniques.

Kakashi's eyes widened as well, and he asked, "Is my father planning to take you on as a disciple?"

Shūichi grinned, "What, are you against it, Kakashi?"

Kakashi quickly replied, "Of course not."

"Hahaha, just kidding."

Shūichi laughed before turning serious. "Kakashi, you'd better work twice as hard."

"Sakumo Senpai sees great potential in me, which is why he's passing on these secrets."

"As they say, the student surpasses the master. Kakashi, our goal shouldn't just be to become the next Konoha's White Fang. Otherwise, people might say that the tiger father has raised a dog son."

"And by 'dog son,' I mean you."

Kakashi felt like ants were crawling all over him and immediately stood up, "I'm going to train!"

As Kakashi walked away, Shūichi rolled up the scroll and watched him go, a sly smile spreading across his face. "Kakashi, just you wait—there's more motivation coming your way!"

The days off were fulfilling and enjoyable, filled with training at the Konoha Hospital, in the small grove, and hanging out with friends. Not to mention, Nono Yakushi officially moved in with Shūichi.

Time flew by, and the seven-day break was over in a flash.

It was time to get back to missions—this time, they were heading to the Land of Rivers again.

On the road, Shūichi asked, "Minato-sensei, has the new Daimyo of the Land of Rivers been decided yet?"

Minato Namikaze replied, "Not yet."

"There are multiple factions involved now—not just us and Sunagakure, but Iwagakure as well. Even Kumogakure's spies have been spotted."

"However, the matter of the Daimyo is not our concern. The Third Hokage has entrusted this to Root and the ANBU."

"Our mission this time is simply to secure the trade routes."

Hearing this, Kurama Sanyō couldn't help but say, "I hope nothing unexpected happens this time."

Shūichi and the others couldn't help but laugh at that.

This time, however, Sanyō didn't jinx the mission—everything went smoothly.

Minato Namikaze's reputation as the Yellow Flash was already well-known among the Sand Ninja. Although there wasn't an official order to abandon missions if they encountered him, his presence was undeniably intimidating.

During the seven-day mission, Shūichi Hoshita and his team only had to deal with a group of rogue ninjas.

However, throughout September, October, and November, all of Shūichi's missions were centered around the Land of Rivers.

They were tasked with guarding mines, protecting merchant caravans, and defending various towns in the Land of Rivers. Most of these were C-rank or B-rank missions.

The only A-rank missions they undertook involved skirmishes with ninjas from Iwagakure and Kumogakure.

By December, the situation in the Land of Rivers had finally started to calm down.

Konoha and Sunagakure, as well as the Land of Fire and the Land of Wind, eventually reached an agreement and joined forces to drive out the meddling ninjas from Kumogakure and Iwagakure.

It's worth noting that in December of Konoha Year 40, Kakashi's team, much like Minato's team before them, was invited to the Daimyō's mansion by the Daimyō of the Land of Fire.

When Shūichi heard this, he couldn't help but ask, "Minato-sensei, will Kakashi go through the same experience as I did?"

Minato shook his head. "One double agent is enough."

"Besides, the Third Hokage believes that Kakashi's personality isn't suited for being a double agent."

Shūichi thought about it and agreed. Cold and a bit tsundere, Kakashi wasn't really cut out for the role.

"What a shame," Shūichi chuckled. "The Daimyō is quite generous."

Being able to enjoy feasts every day, buy various items, etc was all thanks to the Daimyō's support.

After discussing the matter of the Daimyō, Shūichi asked, "Minato-sensei, how should I go about raising a summoning beast?"

"Raising a summoning beast?"

Minato laughed, "Powerful summoning beasts typically come from the wild and need to be tamed."

"If you're raising one yourself, you'll need not only various valuable medicines but also a bit of luck."

"The Inuzuka Clan sells specialized medicines for raising summoning beasts, but even with those, there's no guarantee you'll raise a suitable summoning beast, let alone one that can understand human language."

Shūichi grinned, "Minato-sensei, I'm not aiming too high."

"If raising one doesn't work out, I'm still young enough to search for and tame one from the wild later on."

Minato thought of the toads from Mount Myōboku, but since he couldn't make a decision about signing a contract with them, he suggested, "In that case, tomorrow we can head to the Forest of Death and try to capture a spiritually attuned creature to raise."

Shūichi nodded in agreement.

The next day, Minato's team gathered and headed into the Forest of Death to look for a spiritually attuned animal.

Before entering the forest, Kurama Sanyō asked, "Minato-sensei, I remember we once had a mission to capture a summoning beast that appeared in the Forest of Death. Can Shūichi buy that one?"

Minato smiled, "I already checked on that. The cat has been sent to the Ninneko Clan."

"Ninneko Clan?"

Kurama Sanyō glanced at Shisui Uchiha, "Shisui, I remember that clan has a close relationship with your Uchiha Clan."

Shisui nodded, "Yes, that's true, but I prefer crows."

Shūichi stroked his chin and said, "Raising crows sounds good too."

"Shisui, teach me how to raise crows!"

With the Clone Technique, Shadow Clone Technique, and Fire Release: Clone Technique, Shūichi already had three clone jutsus. If he could add two more, he'd unlock the Clone Expert Tag.

Raising crows and creating a Crow Clone Technique seemed like a pretty good idea.

Moreover, he still hadn't unlocked the Transformation Master Tag. Raising crows could give him an additional transformation option.

(End of Chapter)

❇❇❇

Support me on Patreon - Read Up to 40+ Advanced Chapters There!

patreon.com/RedX43

❇❇❇