Dance of the Shikigami

"To be frank, I assumed you'd release him immediately," Kyōichi stated.

"I truly wished to do that, but he insisted on coming himself. Plus, this situation demands an explanation. I'll discuss it with my sensei once we're back in the village," Minato replied with a sigh.

Beside him, Kakashi couldn't resist querying, "Sensei, the person just now…"

Who Minato's sensei was, was common knowledge.

One of the Legendary Sannin, Jiraiya!

A highly respected figure in the world of shinobi.

Nonetheless.

It was astounding that such a legend had not one, but three pupils from Amegakure!

Incredibly astounding!

Kakashi felt as though his entire perspective had been challenged. Yet, he believed that the deep questions and answers from Kyōichi were not the primary concern of the six children.

After all...

They didn't grasp much of those matters.

Including Shisui.

He was merely five years old, how could he comprehend such deep philosophy? His only deviation from the other five was that he endeavored to memorize Kyōichi's words.

But now.

He was no different from Kakashi and the rest, just an eager observer, awaiting Namikaze Minato to disclose the truth.

"My sensei... did tutor them for a while. It's fair to consider them as his students, even though he never formally declared it. He saw them as pupils in his heart, though," Minato reflected for a moment before speaking openly.

This kind of issue.

Couldn't be concealed.

Numerous high-ranking individuals in Konoha were already aware.

Kakashi's eyes bulged in surprise.

Three students from a different village...

Plus.

He quickly computed the timeline -

After the conflict that led to the Sannin's fame, Jiraiya was missing from the village for several years.

During those years, he was teaching students outside the village.

Minato cast a curious glance at Kyōichi, "In theory, this isn't something you should know, but judging from your reactions, it seems you do..."

"I've gathered some information about it. Plus, that woman was quite conspicuous," Kyōichi responded without hesitation.

Upon seeing Minato, Konan's initial reaction appeared to be that she wanted to say something. He was sure she was battling with the idea of establishing a connection to escape at that moment.

But Yahiko held her back.

It must be said.

Among the three, Yahiko had the most balanced approach when it came to making decisions. Konan was more focused on their trio, whereas Nagato's concerns were limited to the other two.

This contrast in attitudes meant that after Yahiko's demise, the remaining two would lose their significance.

So.

Even if Yahiko hadn't been killed by Hanzo, their future would still be fraught with peril.

Kyōichi's eyes squinted.

"Konan?"

Minato mulled it over and agreed.

Konan's behavior had indeed been quite telling, looking both familiar and eager to communicate when she saw him.

It was not unexpected to infer from this that they had a past connection.

Minato exhaled a quiet sigh.

This situation...

He was uncertain if it was beneficial or detrimental.

"When we get back to the village, stay silent about this, understood?" Kyōichi pivoted to address the six.

This matter carried significant weight.

If Danzo decided to intervene, he could exploit this information to tarnish Minato and Jiraiya's standing in the village.

"It's alright..."

Minato appeared nonchalant.

However.

Kakashi and the others nodded earnestly.

As they sped towards Konoha, Kyōichi and Minato led the way, walking shoulder to shoulder.

Minato inquired in a hushed tone, "The red-haired one earlier, does he possess some kind of close combat unique ability?"

"I'm unsure of the specifics, but it felt threatening, so I purposefully steered clear of him. Given the impact, it appears to be some kind of secret technique that repels objects in his vicinity."

"Just as I suspected."

Minato's curiosity was appeased. However, he seemed to grow a bit concerned.

After pondering for a moment.

He spoke, "You might find this hard to believe, but I suspect he bears some connection to Habanero."

"Habanero?"

"Cough cough! My apologies, a slip of the tongue, I meant Kushina."

Minato inadvertently used Kushina's nickname instead of her real name, forgetting that Kyōichi wasn't from his era and may not be familiar with her.

"Due to the red hair?"

"Not just that, the hair color is one factor, but it's primarily his considerable chakra reserves and physical strength that reminds me of the Uzumaki clan."

Minato deduced.

Even though he had only sent a clone previously, he had managed to observe Nagato's condition closely and was fairly certain of his conclusion.

Admittedly.

Kyōichi was even more aware.

Nagato indeed had a connection with Kushina - his mother hailed from the Uzumaki clan.

However.

That was as far as the association went.

Minato was more talkative than usual, while Kyōichi remained silent, sensing that Minato was likely worried about Jiraiya's situation.

But.

He was powerless to assist with this matter...

The only thing he could do was remain silent and refrain from spreading the information.

After the brief interaction, they went their separate ways.

They positioned themselves at the front and back, preparing for any potential attacks.

But.

Upon entering the territory of the Fire Country, both Kyōichi and Minato relaxed slightly after using their sensory techniques to scan the area.

Safe!

During a break, Kyōichi seized the opportunity to consult the system panel.

[Completed guidance on the 'Akatsuki' organization issue]

[Evaluation:

First stage - Good

Second stage - Extremely Outstanding!]

[Rewards: Water Release - Black Rain Technique, Dance of the Shikigami]

Seeing the rewards, Kyōichi was stunned for a moment.

Although the reward for the first stage was very ordinary, just an Amegakure Black Rain technique, the second one...

Dance of the Shikigami!

Konan's origami techniques.

The technique itself was only B-rank difficulty, but it represented the infinite possibilities of Ninjutsu.

Even.

Konan hadn't developed it to this stage yet. Her current origami techniques were still more about disguise, fused into shields, Shuriken and other weapons. She hadn't specifically developed the Dance of the Shikigami or other origami jutsus.

Those were things for later.

Not bad.

Kyōichi claimed the rewards and took the chance while they were resting to carefully comprehend and integrate the origami techniques.

As for the Black Rain technique.

This thing was simply not difficult at all. The only remarkable thing was that its mechanics let Kyōichi understand how to convert chakra into black oil.

If it could be combined with origami, explosive tags...

Kyōichi's eyes lit up.

This was not a bad line of thought.

He could try it out later.

"Minato, that Konan's origami techniques are very interesting."

"Teacher didn't mention it, so it should be a newly developed technique."

"Worth researching, I'll ponder it later."

Kyōichi brought it up "coincidentally".

But Minato didn't pay it any mind, and even provided some ideas to research the origami techniques together.

On the road, he communicated and discussed things with Minato no small amount.

When they arrived at Konoha.

Kyōichi's relationship with Minato was much closer than before, with far less formality between them.

Returning to the village.

There was no time for pleasantries, Minato immediately went to find Jiraiya.

Important matters!

Luckily Jiraiya hadn't left the village.

Worried about Minato, he had deliberately delayed his scheduled departure.

What happened afterward, Kyōichi didn't get to know. He only knew that the next day, Jiraiya came to visit, even bringing lots of food and drinks.

His expression was happy but also a bit complicated.

Kyōichi found it very difficult to guess Jiraiya's reaction after finding out everything yesterday, but judging from him bringing gifts now...

The result didn't seem too bad?