Chapter 302: Modified Seal
"Much better than we expected; you were able to get 68 out of 100 marks," Hiruzen said with a larger-than-usual smile, indicating his happiness with the result.
But Kaida, not understanding the significance, felt a little disheartened by the score. "Doesn't that mean I'm not actually that talented in this field?" he asked.
"What nonsense are you spouting, boy? Even Minato, whom you were praising so much, couldn't achieve 100 out of 100. Though he scored higher than you, it was only 76 out of 100—and he was the best Space-Time Jutsu user I've seen in my life. Believe me, you're the second best," Jiraiya said with a smile as well.
"Really? Then that means I can learn the Flying Raijin Jutsu, right?" Kaida asked.
"Of course. Once you come back from Kumogakure, we can discuss it more," Hiruzen said. Though he didn't give a definitive answer, Kaida felt his chances of learning the Jutsu were now sky high.
"Enough of your dreaming, boy. Let's go back; you still have an exam to train for," Jiraiya said as he and Kaida headed back to Training Area 2 after thanking Hiruzen for his time.
(Flashback ends…)
...
"I assume your choice of the Jutsu you want to learn is still the same?" Hiruzen asked.
"Yes, Lord Third," Kaida replied without a hint of hesitation.
'Is there even a Jutsu more impressive than the Flying Raijin that I could ask for from Hiruzen? Maybe Edo Tensei could compete with it in usefulness, but only the version modified by Orochimaru, not the one Hiruzen has. So Flying Raijin is the best I could ask for and, honestly, hope for as well. In this world, it doesn't matter if you're strong; the only thing that matters is who's alive at the end—and Flying Raijin will help me with that,' Kaida thought, but before his thoughts could wander further, Hiruzen turned to Itachi and Kabuto.
"Since you've traveled so far, I won't keep you here without reason any longer. Both of you can go back and take some much-needed rest. Decide what Jutsu you want to learn after careful consideration—there's no need to hurry. I'll also notify you when your promotion to jonin rank is scheduled."
"Thank you, Lord Third," both of them said as they left the office, understanding that Hiruzen had sent them away for more than the stated reasons. However, they understood why and had no problem with it.
Now, only Hiruzen, Jiraiya, and Kaida remained in the office. Hiruzen turned back to Kaida.
"Kaida, it's not that I don't trust you, but the Jutsu you want to learn is one of Konoha's most important military resources. Once you master this Jutsu, you'll become an even bigger target for other villages. Not only will your life be at risk, but so will this Jutsu; we can't let any other village get their hands on it," Hiruzen explained.
Kaida went silent after hearing that.
'Is he refusing my request? I understand his fear, but then why was Minato allowed to learn the Jutsu, especially when the war was ongoing and other villages had plenty of chances to capture him and acquire it? Well, not that they could even catch him,' Kaida thought, considering how he should act if refused. Should he accept it and try again later?
"So we'll need to place a seal on the Jutsu, which will make it impossible for others to learn it, even if they get their hands on your notes. As for your brain, I'll give you a seal you can learn and apply yourself. This will prevent anyone from reading your memories. If you're killed, your brain will become a puddle, making it impossible for anyone to retrieve information," Hiruzen stated matter-of-factly.
"Isn't that the seal Root used to use?" Kaida asked, remembering the explanation he'd heard when the Uchiha were still dealing with Danzo.
"Yes, and it has its benefits. There were many reasons Root was so feared, and this was one of them. Even though I disagree with Danzo on many things, the effectiveness of this seal is undeniable," Hiruzen said.
Kaida stayed silent, knowing that besides protecting the user's brain, the seal had a darker purpose: controlling people and even killing them from a distance if necessary. Though Kaida tried to hide his discomfort, Hiruzen, with decades of experience dealing with crafty ninja, both allies and enemies, could read the subtle shifts in Kaida's facial muscles and small changes in posture. It made him chuckle.
"Don't worry, young man; I've modified the seal. It now has only one function: to defend the brain, nothing else. As I said, I'll give you the seal, and you can learn it, understand it, and then apply it yourself," Hiruzen assured.
"I wasn't…"
"If you weren't worried about that, you should be. Trust is important, but it could cost you your life. Now that you're a symbol of Konoha's power, you can't afford to be careless," Hiruzen said with a sudden shift to a more serious demeanor.
"I understand, Lord Third," Kaida said.
"Good. Now, you'll have to wait for both the things I mentioned. Due to our bold moves, all the other villages will become active, and we don't have enough time to handle them all. So, your training will need to wait until things settle down—maybe for three or four months. Use that time to consolidate what you've learned and master your existing Jutsu further," Hiruzen advised.
"As you wish, Lord Third," Kaida replied.
'What's three or four months? Naruto is still only five years old, which means I still have more than enough time to build my strength before the main storyline begins,' Kaida thought, honestly pleased.
"Good. As I said, you can also go back and get some rest. I'll notify you when the time for your jonin promotion is set," Hiruzen said.
"Thank you, Lord Third," Kaida replied, leaving the Hokage's office and rushing to the gate where the bear was waiting with Shisui.
...
"Brother, you're still here?" Kaida asked upon reaching the gate after following the path they'd taken to enter the village.
"I'm not bringing him with me—Mother would disown me. Now that you're back, he's your mess to handle," Shisui said before suddenly disappearing.
"Coward," Kaida muttered.
"GuaH," the bear tilted its head. To the bear, Kaida was much stronger than him, and Kaida's brother was even stronger still. Both of them being afraid of someone made the bear wonder just how strong that person must be.
Kaida gave Izumo and Kotetsu a casual nod before bringing the bear with him into the village. Unlike in the Fire Capital, there was no issue here, as large dogs were common in Konoha thanks to the Inuzuka clan, and other ninja also had summoned beasts. Seeing a bear inside the village was unusual but not unacceptable—especially since Kaida had already gotten permission. to bring it inside, way before they reached Konoha