39

"As a representative of the Senju clan, you should go and say something polite. Orochimaru and Jiraiya are both going, so it doesn't make sense for you not to go. Are the three legendary Sannin going to be split up?"

"But…" Kushina wanted to persuade Tsunade further.

Before she could finish, Tsunade waved her hand, cutting her off: "Alright, alright, leave me alone. Go eat something. Didn't you say you didn't even have afternoon tea because of the banquet?"

"Oh, that's right!"

Kushina was immediately distracted and turned around to eat happily.

Tsunade was relieved.

Up ahead, Namikaze Minato and his three disciples were being led by Jiraiya to meet Nara Shintaku. It was a form of networking and exchange.

"Shintaku-senpai."

"Shintaku-senpai."

"Senior Nara Shintaku."

Kakashi, Obito, and Nohara Rin all greeted Nara Shintaku respectfully. Even though they were the same age, Nara Shintaku's accomplishments made him their undeniable senior. Not even Kakashi, who was already a Chunin, could compare to him yet!

"Hello," Nara Shintaku nodded and smiled.

"Nice to meet you, Shintaku." Namikaze Minato also greeted him warmly. "I am Jiraiya's disciple, so we are of the same generation."

"Your Blood Armor technique is truly remarkable, definitely one of the top techniques. It's admirable that you're willing to teach it publicly. Everyone who learns it owes you a great favor!"

Namikaze Minato then bowed solemnly to Nara Shintaku. His three disciples were shocked. Their teacher, Minato, actually bowed to a six-year-old child!?

"You're too kind," Nara Shintaku smiled and helped Minato up. Since he decided to teach the Blood Armor technique publicly, it didn't matter who learned it. Even if that person was Namikaze Minato, it was the same.

"I admire your foresight." Minato, now standing, gazed at Shintaku with greater respect. His vision and generosity were akin to the First Hokage's.

"Hahaha, no need to be so formal. Sit down and eat." Jiraiya waved them all over to join the banquet.

The banquet continued late into the night.

Afterward, Nara Shintaku and Orochimaru strolled through the forest outside.

"Earlier, Tsunade didn't speak a word to you from beginning to end," Orochimaru smirked, teasing Nara Shintaku. "I heard a rumor… Tsunade kissed you in front of everyone once."

Nara Shintaku sighed. Ever since that day, Tsunade had avoided him. Even when she visited the Senju clan for hot spring baths, she pretended not to be around.

He initially thought she was a decisive woman of action, but that kiss was clearly a moment of impulsive emotion.

"Heh, you don't need to overthink it. She's just shy. A kiss on the forehead doesn't necessarily mean anything," Orochimaru reassured him.

Nara Shintaku glanced at him and chuckled, "Do you really believe that?"

"Well…" Orochimaru paused for a moment before replying, "I'm just trying to help Tsunade. We've been friends for many years, after all."

"Alright, for your sake, I'll believe it," Nara Shintaku sighed.

Silence fell between them for a moment. Tsunade's guilty and shy demeanor clearly suggested that she didn't see Nara Shintaku as merely a younger brother. Other emotions were obviously involved.

"Let's not talk about her anymore," Orochimaru shook his head, uninterested in such matters. "I heard you've mastered the Spirit Transformation Technique. That's impressive!"

"It only took you four days, which is faster than even the Second Hokage."

"But I'm more intrigued by something else…"

Orochimaru paused, his eyes glinting with curiosity.

"You applied the Spirit Transformation Technique not just out of interest in its lethality, right? I suspect this technique is just like how I approached natural energy."

"Just a springboard."

"What you're truly studying is something else, isn't it?"

Nara Shintaku smiled. Orochimaru had figured it out.

He nodded, grinning, "You guessed right, and you're the only one who did."

"Heh," Orochimaru chuckled, proud of his insight. It was part of the reason they had a mutual understanding.

"Show me, then," Orochimaru said. "What have you discovered through the Spirit Transformation Technique?"

"Alright," Nara Shintaku wasn't hesitant, and he began to demonstrate immediately.

*Swish!*

Without forming any hand seals, a soul emerged behind his head. At the same time, an abundance of Yang release chakra surged through, fully activating the spirit.

In a matter of moments, Nara Shintaku's soul separated from his body and hovered above, looking down at Orochimaru.

"Can the Spirit Transformation Technique be seen by people?"

Orochimaru was surprised. "I thought the soul was invisible."

"Normally, yes. But the soul can selectively allow the living to see it," Nara Shintaku explained.

Orochimaru was even more intrigued. He hadn't expected Nara Shintaku to be this knowledgeable about the soul.

"The soul has no meridians."

"But the soul can still perform ninjutsu."

"In the soul state, there's no need for hand seals because the flow of energy is free, like a bird released from its cage, able to soar through the sky."

As he spoke, Nara Shintaku raised his palm. In it, a dazzling white light began to form.

Orochimaru's pupils contracted sharply. The intensity of that white light gave him a palpable sense of danger!