Tsunade, You've Really Gotten Me Into Trouble!

Clearly, Hiko and Tsunade would become the fuse for the power struggle between the two great clans.

Shaking his head, Hiko returned home, took a bath, changed into clean clothes, and put the money away. He would return it to Tsunade when they went to school.

As for himself, if things did not work out, he could just apply to graduate early.

It would be best if he could earn the Third Hokage's favor. If not, at worst he would join a Rogue Team or become a wanderer.

Once he had made up his mind, Hiko headed for the Clan Ancestral Hall. Since they were using him, why should he refuse the reward of two Ninjutsu?

"Uchiha Hiko?"

Experts from the Uchiha Clan guarded the Clan Ancestral Hall at all times. Outsiders were not permitted to enter. Aside from the higher-ups, only those who had received permission could enter, and their identities had to be verified.

"That is me. The Great Elder has rewarded this disciple with permission to enter the ancestral hall and select two Ninjutsu Scrolls to study."

Hiko nodded and explained why he was there.

"Go in."

The person guarding the ancestral hall had clearly received notice beforehand. He did not make things difficult for Hiko and allowed him inside directly.

"Ninjutsu are not better just because they are of a higher rank. What suits you is what is best."

"Thank you for the advice, sir."

That was true enough, but unfortunately, it was no damn use. After thanking him, Hiko entered the ancestral hall. When children were allowed to choose Ninjutsu Scrolls, there was no need to think about it—there would basically only be low-level Ninjutsu available.

High-level Ninjutsu were rare and would be kept elsewhere. They could not possibly be laid out for people to pick at will.

If S-rank Ninjutsu and A-rank Ninjutsu were placed together with C-rank and D-rank Ninjutsu, who would still choose D-rank or C-rank Ninjutsu?

After all, an A-rank or S-rank Ninjutsu required a terrifying amount of contribution points to obtain. Even Jonin had to work hard for a long time. In that case, how many children could resist choosing those high-level Ninjutsu?

Hiko had guessed correctly. Under the guard's guidance, he arrived at the selection area: an underground chamber filled with piles of scrolls. As a great clan with a long history, the Uchiha possessed many treasured Ninjutsu Scrolls.

That was even after they had donated many of them when Konoha was founded.

The saying that the Ninjutsu best suited to you was the best was correct. Often, a higher-ranked Ninjutsu was not necessarily better.

Hiko began selecting.

Before coming here, Hiko had considered things for a long time. He quickly found the scrolls he needed: two C-rank Ninjutsu, neither too high nor too low, both offensive Ninjutsu. They were common types within the Uchiha Clan, and their scrolls were relatively simple to inscribe and create.

The C-rank Fire Style Ninjutsu were the Great Fireball Technique and the Dragon Fire Technique. The Great Fireball Technique was more widespread, while the Dragon Fire Technique was considered a pseudo-B-rank Ninjutsu. It bore the label of a C-rank Ninjutsu, yet could unleash the power of a B-rank Ninjutsu.

Many people who liked Hokage easily confused the Dragon Fire Technique with the Great Dragon Fire Technique. In truth, the Great Dragon Fire Technique was merely an enhanced version of the Dragon Fire Technique. If used properly, this Ninjutsu could unleash not only B-rank power, but even A-rank power.

Uchiha Madara was the best example.

That was why Hiko chose it. What he most needed to learn right now was the Great Fireball Technique, while the Dragon Fire Technique would serve as preparation for later.

This child was not bad. The guard following Hiko saw that he had not hesitated or browsed around aimlessly, instead immediately picking up the Great Fireball Technique and Dragon Fire Technique. He knew Hiko had made a well-considered choice. Both were C-rank Ninjutsu, and the Dragon Fire Technique had great potential for development. This was the most suitable choice.

After selecting the scrolls, Hiko left with them. Though he wanted to sit here and read them slowly, that was impossible. Hiko did not have that right, and could only feel regretful about it.

Having chosen suitable Ninjutsu, Hiko left the Clan Ancestral Hall and headed home, preparing to properly familiarize himself with the two techniques before returning the scrolls.

If they were accidentally lost or damaged, he would have to pay a considerable sum. That was the most disgusting part.

"Look, that's Uchiha Hiko. Who would have thought he could get along so well with Tsunade, the Senju Clan's little princess?"

"That's not all. His parents died, and he is short on money. Tsunade even gives him money to spend."

"Tsk, tsk. He's really something."

After leaving the ancestral hall, Hiko heard some clansmen whispering as he walked. The looks they gave him were strange—some were surprised, some admiring, and some contemptuous.

They were surprised that Hiko could get along so well with Tsunade. They admired that he could make Tsunade willingly give him spending money. The contemptuous ones undoubtedly thought Hiko had no pride, actually spending someone else's money.

Hiko became famous again, and this time the news spread even farther than before. There was no need to think about it—wherever he went in the future, Hiko would be the center of attention. Of course, that attention came because of Tsunade, and it was not a good thing.

Tsunade, Tsunade, you've really gotten me into trouble this time.

Shaking his head, Hiko could not be bothered with those people and returned straight home. He had already put Tsunade's money away and only needed to return it when they went to school. He would also have to be careful when returning it, or his reputation would be completely ruined. Still, that would not be difficult for Hiko. It was only a minor issue.

"Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!!!"

After obtaining the scrolls for the Great Fireball Technique and Dragon Fire Technique, Hiko began trying them as soon as he got home.

"..."

Sure enough, all that talk about being some super genius was bullshit. Hiko shook his head and continued trying. Attempt after attempt, he kept failing. Forget the Dragon Fire Technique—he had not even mastered the Great Fireball Technique.

While Hiko was learning Ninjutsu, the news that Tsunade had given him spending money had already spread throughout Konoha. The Senju Clan was furious and directly dragged Tsunade back home. Naturally, aside from the money she had given Hiko, she had basically sent all the rest to the Casino, leaving not a single coin behind.

"Lord Hokage, the Senju Clan is very unhappy about this matter. In addition, the Uchiha Clan refuses to back down."