Fatest ninja in the world

Jiraiya remained silent, knowing that if he continued, Shikai would ask him where he was when Minato was protecting the village. And unfortunately, he had spent a week in the hot springs.

Shikai averted his gaze, his impassive face masking an inner storm. Jiraiya placed a heavy hand on his shoulder.

"You've always had a strong sense of duty, Shikai. You proved that during the Kyubi attack. But refusing to sign this pact out of aversion is closing yourself off to opportunities."

"It's not a matter of aversion," Shikai replied, taking a step back to escape Jiraiya's hand. "I have other goals. I don't need them."

Jiraiya felt frustrated but intrigued. Shikai had always had an independent spirit, and he knew forcing him would be counterproductive. However, the pact with the toads was a crucial step to mastering the art of the sage.

The following day, he traveled to Mount Myōboku, accompanied by Shikai, who maintained a distant and neutral attitude throughout the journey. They were greeted by Fukasaku and Shima, the ancient sages.

"So, the kid is here to sign the pact?" Fukasaku asked, scrutinizing Shikai with interest.

"No," Jiraiya replied, grimacing. "This stubborn kid refuses. But he has the affinity. I wanted to know... can he learn without the pact?"

Shikai crossed his arms, looking at Fukasaku with a curious and challenging expression. The old toad observed him for a long moment before smiling.

"If he has the affinity and you and Minato believe in him, then I believe in him too. The pact is just a formality. But you still need to ask the sage."

After consulting with the sage, there was no issue.

Jiraiya sighed with relief, while Shikai shrugged slightly, appearing almost indifferent.

In the following days, Shikai was introduced to the most renowned toads of Mount Myōboku. Despite his refusal to sign the pact, he treated each encounter with respect, although he kept his emotional distance.

During a training session with Fukasaku, Shikai quickly demonstrated his talent for balancing natural energy with his own chakra.

"Not bad, kid," Fukasaku said, impressed as Shikai formed a sage chakra aura around himself.

"Not bad?" Shikai replied, raising an eyebrow. "I surpassed what you call 'not bad' a long time ago."

"You're quite arrogant, my boy."

Fukasaku burst into laughter, while Jiraiya, observing from a distance, shook his head with a smile.

"—This kid is really unbearable..." he murmured, but he couldn't hide his pride.

One evening, after a particularly intense day of training, Shikai sat alone on a stone, gazing at the horizon. Jiraiya approached, carrying two bottles of sake.

"You're doing well, Shikai," he said, offering a bottle to the young man.

Shikai accepted the sake but remained silent. After a moment, he finally spoke.

"Jiraiya-sensei... why do you believe in me?" he asked, trying to gauge what Jiraiya thought of him.

Jiraiya shrugged, a melancholy smile on his face.

"Because you're more than just a genius, Shikai. You have a sense of sacrifice and maturity that few shinobi possess. And even though you're unbearable at times, I know you're destined for great things."

Shikai averted his eyes, deep in thought.

...

Weeks turned into months, and Shikai continued to immerse himself in the art of the sage. Although he mastered the techniques quickly, he categorically refused to form an emotional bond with the toads.

During his final lesson, Fukasaku asked him a question.

"—Tell me, kid, why don't you want to sign the pact? Really? By invoking me, you can absorb natural chakra more quickly."

Shikai looked him in the eye.

"Because I don't want to depend on anyone. If I have to protect what's dear to me, I want it to be through my own strength."

Fukasaku nodded slowly, an enigmatic smile on his face.

"Despite your talent, you're still a kid... even the strongest need support. But I respect your choice."

*One year later*

Under the blazing sun of Mount Myōboku, Jiraiya watched Shikai, who stood motionless at the center of a circle engraved in the rock. The atmosphere was heavy, the air charged with natural energy as Shikai drew upon his chakra reserves and the surrounding power to enter sage mode.

Gradually, marks appeared on his face: black lines gracefully descended from the corners of his eyes, contrasting with the luminous golden radiance that emanated from his gaze. He resembled Minato in his sage mode, but the more defined features and distinctive eyes, similar to Jiraiya's, made his appearance unique. A swirling natural aura enveloped him, vibrating with controlled power.

Jiraiya nodded, impressed against his will.

"You've done it, kid. The perfect mode."

Shikai slowly reopened his eyes, a barely visible smile on his lips.

"I told you, sensei."

Jiraiya burst into laughter.

"—Always so arrogant. But I must admit, you've surpassed all my expectations."

After mastering sage mode, Shikai focused on perfecting his techniques. For months, he worked on the *Yellow Flash*, a technique he had enhanced due to his immense affinity with raiton chakra and speed. By combining natural energy and his unique style, he created a new technique he named *Sempō – DarkRay*.

One day, as he tested this technique, Jiraiya observed him from a cliff. Shikai, enveloped in a violet-black aura, launched himself with a speed that seemed to defy the laws of physics. His silhouette transformed into a brilliant beam, moving so fast that it was nearly impossible to follow with the naked eye.

Jiraiya, his eyes wide, murmured to himself:

"This kid is faster than the Raikage... It's as if he's become a true lightning bolt."

When Shikai reappeared next to him, perfectly calm, Jiraiya shook his head, disbelieving.

"I must admit, Shikai... At this rate, the only technique faster than your *DarkRay* is Minato's Hiraishin. And you've mastered that technique as well. You've become the fastest ninja in the world."