Chapter 66: Credit

Hitsugaya had no intention of keeping his knowledge to himself. It was merely a simple sitting meditation practice, and he wasn't even sure if he could stick to it.

One should be aware that practicing sitting meditation for less than three months yields little to no results. Even if there are some minor effects, it would take a remarkable technique to keep one's motivation going. Hitsugaya wasn't sure if he would persist without such a motivating force.

[Did he just agree so easily?]

Both Uchiha Shige and Uchiha En showed expressions of surprise.

Ninja training is a highly private matter. It was unexpected for members of the same clan to casually impart advanced techniques like one-handed seals.

"I'll tell you, I discovered sitting meditation…"

Hitsugaya proceeded to explain in detail the meditation method he had come up with and strongly recommended it to them.

"In short, if you follow my method and persist for three months, you'll see the benefits!" After explaining the steps, Hitsugaya confidently claimed.

"Just simple cross-legged sitting can enable us to form one-handed seals?" →_→

The three ninjas all had looks of disbelief, as if to say 'Are you kidding?'

Ninja training generally involves chakra integration, but Hitsugaya's method didn't involve chakra at all. To them, it seemed no different from the meditation practices of monks in temples.

Facing their skeptical glances, Hitsugaya felt wronged. He thought to himself, "I really mean it." Unfortunately, it seemed hard to convince them as he adopted a take-it-or-leave-it attitude out of helplessness.

[His expression seems serious!]

[Can such a ridiculous method really work?]

[Maybe I should try it? On second thought, I don't want to become a monk!]

Both Shige and Koga were filled with doubt as they pondered.

"Hitsugaya's method should have some effect, though it might be closely tied to his innate talent!"

As an experienced elite Jonin, Uchiha Shige felt that this method could be somewhat effective. However, he believed Hitsugaya's personal talent was a stronger factor.

What he didn't realize was that meditation could greatly stabilize the mind, especially beneficial for Uchihas. His ambiguous attitude resulted in his other two disciples abandoning the practice.

Meanwhile, low on funds, Shige leaned on the counter, negotiating with Mr. Daigai. Judging by Daigai's amused expression and Shige's look of dejection, it was clear he'd been mocked. Fortunately, there was no scenario where Shige had to work off his debt by washing dishes. After all, they were family, meeting often, and debts could be forgiven with some flattering words and a humble attitude.

As they discussed meditation, a masked Anbu ninja appeared before the Third Hokage in his office, kneeling on one knee while presenting a report.

Taking the report without a word, the Anbu ninja quickly disappeared into the shadows.

The Third Hokage flipped through the pages and sighed before glancing at a photo of the Second Hokage on the wall. The top document featured Uchiha Hitsugaya, detailing his proficiency in the eight ninja arts: ninjutsu, taijutsu, genjutsu, intelligence, strength, speed, precision, and seals.

All the documents belonged to Uchiha clan members who graduated that year. Since before the Third Hokage took office, separate files were created for each Uchiha graduate, gathering their information. This practice had never ceased since the system's inception.

However, due to the covert nature of the observation, the data wasn't comprehensive. For instance, Hitsugaya's exceptional skill in one-handed seals wasn't mentioned. Although Konoha's detection barrier covered the entire village, allowing the Third Hokage to observe most places with his telescope technique, clans like the Uchihas, Hyugas, Aburames, and Yuuhi weren't under this surveillance.

Hence, Hitsugaya dared to train fully in the clan's training ground. He was unafraid of his meditation being discovered, knowing the Hokage didn't have the time to use the telescope technique early in the morning to observe the entire village, especially in remote areas where he practiced.

"His Fire Release is notably powerful, exceeding that of an average Chunin!" the Third Hokage murmured after reading the reports. The school teachers' comments on Hitsugaya praised his skills across ninjutsu, taijutsu, genjutsu, and theoretical knowledge.

"Uchiha Hitsugaya, I hope you inherit the Will of Fire."

Without dwelling too much on Hitsugaya, the Hokage turned back to his large stack of documents and the complex state of the ninja world.

(End of Chapter)