The Same Summoning Jutsu, Yet Worlds Apart

Outside Konoha, at Minato Namikaze's house.

Kushina returned from grocery shopping in the morning, struggling with what to cook or what excuse to use to mooch a meal at Kurenai Yuhi's place.

result.

She sensed something was slightly off before she even Gate of Opening.

Upon reaching the door, Kushina's eyes widened, and she then took out her key.

clatter...

Gate of Opening, a fragrant aroma wafted out.

Kushina's eyes welled up with tears. She immediately grabbed the groceries and rushed into the house, throwing them onto the table before lunging towards Minato.

"You're finally back!"

"We have guests! Ha, ha..."

Minato beckoned Kushina down, then apologized to Yuzuki Uzumaki.

The little girl remained unmoved.

She looked at Kushina quietly, her gaze devoid of excitement, only indifferent. Even when their eyes met, Kushina could sense a deep malice.

Kushina's anticipated reunion after a long separation did not end happily; instead, it was filled with estrangement and hatred.

Why...

She was stunned and didn't know what to do for a moment.

"Kushina?"

Minato turned his head in confusion to look at his wife.

Why is Kushina making that expression?

"I am Jiu..."

Kushina quickly introduced herself.

"Kushina Uzumaki, I know you, my grandmother mentioned you to me."

Yuzuki Uzumaki answered.

Kushina gave a stiff smile, then looked at Minato: "Sorry, I didn't know you were coming, so I didn't buy much groceries. I'll go to the market and buy some more..."

"Okay, you probably haven't had breakfast yet, have you? There's breakfast prepared in the pot."

Minato smiled.

Then he turned and walked into the street.

Kushina looked at the girl from her own clan, her gaze dim.

Do you hate me?

"Hatred?"

Yuzuki Uzumaki thought for a moment, then shook her head, her gaze calm. "I just don't like you."

She paused for a moment, then said, "The village was destroyed, and the survivors wandered everywhere, but you alone are living happily in Konoha, with a husband who loves you very much."

Should I like you?

She was direct.

This left Kushina speechless, unable to answer the girl's question for a long time.

Konoha Hospital.

Kyohiko came here immediately after leaving the Hokage Building.

Yesterday, Kurenai Yuhi sought his advice.

Logically, Kurenai Yuhi should have tried it, so why haven't we received any feedback yet?

Furthermore, if I become Jonin, the team might be reorganized.

With many doubts, he went to the hospital.

When he arrived at Tsunade's laboratory, he heard sounds coming from inside.

"Not bad, your control is very refined, that's your strength, but your physique is relatively weak, so you'll have less Chakra. You need to be careful to conserve every bit of Chakra..."

Tsunade's voice.

"Yes, Teacher, I will work even harder!"

This is Kurenai Yuhi's voice.

Kyohiko stopped.

Tsunade has taken Kurenai Yuhi as her disciple!

No wonder...

He understood immediately.

He skipped the Chunin and was promoted directly to Jonin. Kakashi, who was also Chunin their team because he didn't get along with others and couldn't cooperate.

Now, Kurenai Yuhi is going to learn medical skills from Tsunade.

She started late and needs to spend more time studying medicine, so she definitely won't be able to join them on missions.

Sakura Haruno Ino, who lived in later generations, also experienced similar periods.

Fine!

So, Tsunade should be cured too.

He turned and left.

However.

Upon reaching the entrance, in the lobby on the first floor, amidst the cacophony of voices, a soft whisper caught his attention.

" With Lady Tsunade's help, can she heal him?"

"Although Lady Tsunade has returned to the village, she hasn't had surgery in a long time. I heard there's been a problem."

"Huh? This... no way!"

The whispers in the corner usually go unnoticed.

but.

This is a hospital.

Kyohiko glanced around and saw the two talking in the corner, looking exactly like "complete strangers".

He didn't linger and walked out of the hospital.

Once outside, Kyohiko took a walk around the village.

Aside from hospitals, there wasn't much discussion about other places.

After going around in circles, he transformed and returned to the hospital, only to find that the two people had disappeared.

At night, a figure quietly arrived at Tsunade's residence.

Inside the room, Tsunade instantly opened her eyes.

She went to the bedside.

Just as they were waiting cautiously, a gentle knock came from outside the window, followed by a low, resonant sound.

"Sister."

"..."

Tsunade Teuchi the window.

Whoosh!

Kyohiko jumped in and huddled in the corner.

"Don't turn on the light."

"What's wrong?"

Tsunade frowned and looked outside through the gap in the curtains.

There's nobody here!

"We're not sure if anyone's watching, so let's just talk casually."

Kyohiko said in a low voice.

Tsunade immediately became serious--

Although they hadn't known each other for long, she knew that Kyohiko was rarely this cautious in the village.

"What happened?"

"During the day, I heard..."

Kyohiko recounted what he had seen and heard.

Tsunade's brow relaxed, and she smiled, "What's the big deal? I haven't performed surgery in a long time, so it's normal for them to have their own opinions."

"Excuse me, has your Hemophobia gotten better?"

"Thanks to your guidance, Hong and her father successfully researched and cured me."

Tsunade's tone was gentle.

Then, she sighed softly, "That technique... it's too wonderful, it's easy to become addicted. I don't know how to use it yet, I'm still figuring it out."

So that's how it is...

No wonder there was no feedback; they didn't know how to use it.

Kyohiko understood immediately.

The virtual world is fake, but it is indeed addictive.

but.

The key point is--

Tsunade is ready!

Kyohiko chuckled and said, "Sister, I have an idea. Since you're already better, why don't you pretend that your Hemophobia hasn't gotten better yet, and wait and see what happens next? Let's see if I'm just being paranoid or if someone is really behind this."

"If it doesn't involve major surgery, then it's fine..."

Tsunade pondered for a moment, then nodded in agreement.

She squinted at the outside. "If someone is behind this, it can only be Danzo. But Danzo may not only represent his own ideas; he could also be being instructed or manipulated."

You mean...?

"Don't underestimate my Teacher; he fought his way through the most chaotic times."

Tsunade said seriously.

It seems there are things between Tsunade and the Third Hokage that she doesn't know.

Kyohiko understood.

"Anyway, keep an eye out and see if anyone talks about this."

"Okay, I'll keep an eye on it."

Then, the two exchanged some recent information.

After hearing a faint, Shizune from below, Kyohiko bid farewell and canceled the Shadow Clone.

The following month.

While training, Kyohiko kept an eye on the discussions around Konoha.

Public opinion in the village is indeed changing.

Previously, when Tsunade returned, many people held her in high esteem. However, now some people are saying that Tsunade is ill and is no longer the same as before.

Everything went as he expected.

On this day, the Jonin's disguise and approval were finalized.

Kyohiko was received at the Hokage Building.

The process wasn't complicated, but the system notification sounded just as soon as I received the vest.

[You personally trained a Jonin!]

[Reward: Water Wall Level Up]

Tsk!

I'm grateful to myself for working so hard.

Kyohiko sighed inwardly, then quickly reviewed his memories.

Master-level Water Wall!

Reaching the Master level grants even greater control; much of this was something he had been working on before, but after completing the Master level upgrade, it was a one-step process. The key point is—

Simplified Hand Seals!

The technique that originally required 6 Hand Seals can be simplified to 2 Hand Seals after reaching the master level.

Saving four seals is of paramount importance in battle, and the analysis of the Water Wall Hand Seals left Kyohiko in awe.

Senju Tobirama was indeed a genius!

This is only the Water Wall.

The Water Dragon Bullet has so many Hand Seals; omitting, simplifying, and then creating new Hand Seals must have required Dali.

However, he hasn't come away empty-handed either.

Water Wave reached the master level through his own efforts, and the reason is simple—

He incorporated techniques for changing the nature of "compression".

The Water Wave can now coalesce into bundles, increasing their destructive effect.

Unfortunately.

Kyohiko's mastery of nature transformations hasn't reached Senju Tobirama's level, and he can't yet achieve the level of Water Severing Wave, but it's enough to make up for his lack of area-of-effect damage.

A quick glance at the panel.

He was quite satisfied, but still felt something was missing.

Kyohiko took the vest.

Outside the door, Kakashi leaned against the doorframe, his eyes filled with envy.

He already knew about Kyohiko's promotion.

In fact, this matter couldn't be kept secret; the news of Jonin had already spread Konoha a week ago.

"Teacher."

Kyohiko looked up.

Jiraiya coughed lightly, put away his binoculars, and jumped down from the building.

Then, he said seriously, "Hong is cultivating in the hospital, so the celebration is fine. Today, the main focus is on your two cultivations; I'll offer some suggestions."

"Yes!"

"Come with me."

Jiraiya took the lead.

Before long, the three of them reached the edge of the Forest of Death.

It's secluded and spacious here.

Generally, Ninjutsu tests are conducted here.

Jiraiya looked at the two of them.

"Kurenai has been temporarily reassigned by Tsunade, so your team will be reorganized. The team composition is roughly set: you, Might Guy, and Minato will form a group and take on missions of A rank or higher."

Rank A and above means that powerful ninjas will be involved in future missions, and the mission objectives will be more important than before.

The compensation also increased exponentially.

However.

It's also more difficult.

"What are your own thoughts on Ninjutsu training?"

Jiraiya asked.

Kakashi pondered for a moment and said, "As for me, I might study the properties and changes of various attributes, and try to incorporate them into my swordsmanship."

"Do all properties change?"

Jiraiya recalled Kakashi's slash that severed the Kunai.

That must be a sword technique derived from incorporating the nature transformation of Lightning Style.

That's a good idea.

He pondered for a moment.

"I'll go back and organize it, and I'll send you some information later."

Thank you, Teacher!

Kakashi thanked him with delight.

Knowledge of Ninjutsu is very valuable, and his family didn't have much of it.

Jiraiya waved his hand. "You've already called me Teacher, there's nothing to thank me for."

He looked at Kyohiko.

"And you?"

"My next step, right now, is to learn Lightning Release Ninjutsu."

Kyohiko answered.

Kakashi asked in surprise, "Why?"

He has already mastered Lightning Style, and within the team, they can cooperate and help each other. Kyohiko could certainly delve deeper into developing another type of Ninjutsu.

For example, Fire Style and Wind Style.

"Iwagakure's strength has recovered quickly. According to current intelligence, they have appeared in both the Land of Hot Water and the Land of Grass. If war breaks out, we will inevitably clash with them."

Kyohiko expressed his concerns.

Kakashi immediately fell silent.

Lightning Style counters Earth Style, so having another person who masters Lightning Style would indeed be more useful in a war with Iwagakure.

this...

He felt extremely ashamed.

While Kyohiko lacks a strong sense of self-improvement, he plans his study time based on future needs and expectations, making the difference in their approaches immediately apparent.

but.

"As for Lightning Style, we can exchange ideas and learn from each other."

"Okay, as for Water Style techniques, I should also try to learn one or two more area-of-effect Ninjutsu."

Kyohiko revealed his plan.

Jiraiya felt both gratified and ashamed.

Thankfully, Kyohiko remained as intelligent as ever, understanding his needs and desires without needing any guidance from others.

To his shame, he was practically useless as Teacher.

After pondering for a while, Jiraiya took out the scroll.

"Ninjutsu can only be mastered through your own training, but there is one skill I can use to help you."

He opened the scroll.

Several names are displayed above, including Jiraiya and Minato Namikaze.

This is Summoning Contract Scroll!

Kakashi recognized him.

He was utterly astonished, and then said, "Teacher, I already have Summoning Contract..."

The Hatake Clan possesses scrolls that bind them to Ninja Hound.

"There's no rule saying you can only have one contract, but the Toad of Mount Myoboku can provide you with considerable assistance in crucial moments."

Jiraiya said.

Thank you, Teacher!

Without hesitation, Kyohiko wrote his name on the scroll.

Mount Myoboku is one of the Three Great Sage Lands, and one of the few places in the Shinobi World where one can learn Senjutsu.

It would be foolish to turn down an opportunity that comes knocking on your door.

Seeing this, Kakashi hesitated for a moment, then wrote down his own name as well.

Afterwards, Jiraiya taught him the secrets of Summoning Jutsu.

Kakashi took a deep breath, then wiped away the blood, Hand Seals, and pressed himself to the ground.

The next moment, the procedure was performed.

"Ah?"

A small Toad appeared, looking around in confusion, with a few insects dangling from its mouth.

It swallowed it with a slurp.

"Jiraiya, what's the matter?"

Her voice still leans towards a feminine tone.

"It's alright, sorry Gama Haru, it was my disciple who had a spiritual connection with you. Since you're eating, I won't disturb you any longer."

Jiraiya pointed at Kakashi.

Kakashi greeted them, but Jiraiya Kyohiko, who knew him well, knew that he was still somewhat disappointed.

That's way too small!

After dismissing them, Jiraiya explained, "The size of Toad doesn't represent its strength. Gama Haru from earlier, for example. It's skilled in Ninjutsu and Genjutsu, making it one of the few Toad on Mount Myoboku that has mastered some Genjutsu."

Ninjutsu, Genjutsu?

Kakashi paused, speechless.

Could it be that my true strengths lie in Ninjutsu and Genjutsu?

Jiraiya looked at Kyohiko.

"Why don't you give it a try?"

"Um."

Kyohiko followed the same method.

Then, he felt the technique continuously absorbing Chakra.

Something's not right!

Kyohiko frantically refined and synthesized Chakra until his face turned pale, and finally—

Boom!

A deafening roar erupted.

The ground was smashed open, and a rather large Toad appeared in front of the three of them.

It moved its foot, and immediately the ground cracked open.

Jiraiya immediately greeted him, "Dali, I didn't expect you to come. My disciple is testing Summoning Jutsu today!"

The Strong Toad looked at Kyohiko.

"Is it you, the one who can communicate with me?"

"Hello, I am Kyohiko Yoshimine, a disciple of Jiraiya- Teacher."

Kyohiko immediately greeted him.

Strong Toad.

This one is really strong; no wonder it consumed so much of his Chakra!

"If you need anything, you can communicate with me again next time."

The Strong Toad responded.

Then, it dispelled the psychic communication itself.

Kakashi side, remained expressionless, inwardly questioning the meaning of life.

While it's said that Toad have different abilities, the destructive power they wield is clearly not on the same level, is it?

He was speechless for a moment.

Jiraiya, somewhat embarrassed and unable to offer any further explanation, coughed lightly and said, "Kakashi, perhaps your Chakra are less than Kyohiko's, and you're more suited to Genjutsu..."

"Yes, I will try my best."

Kakashi's frustration was only temporary; he didn't really take it to heart.

There was no one else around.

Kyohiko looked around and said, "Teacher, the team has been reorganized, and I don't know when we'll leave the village to carry out our mission, but the current situation isn't looking good. You must help us out as much as possible."

He had a premonition.

The Third Danzo may transfer him away from Konoha in the near future.

"You mean, the recent rumors?"

Seeing this, Jiraiya also became serious.

Kyohiko nodded.

He shared with him the information he had gleaned during his recent workouts.

This is not useful information.

but.

Small things add up, and this will definitely be a major blow to Tsunade's reputation.

Jiraiya snorted and said, "Don't worry, I already have a plan. Just like you said, public opinion is a weapon, Danzo has always used it very well, but we might not be unable to use it either!"

It's hard to find good deeds by Danzo, but his bad deeds are plentiful.

Even a random sliver of it would be enough to give Danzo a Danzo time.

Kyohiko hesitated for a moment, then whispered, "Tsunade once told me not to underestimate the Lord Hokage."

"Fire..."

Jiraiya wanted to refute, but ultimately he was speechless.

Danzo might be behind them. Targeting Danzo directly might just be playing into their hands.

He frowned.

"Then what should we do?"

"Strengthening ourselves is definitely the top priority. If we're strong enough, we can silence the doubters. Both Tsunade and you need an opportunity to prove yourselves. As for public opinion, you can use the recent attack as leverage, specifically targeting Danzo..."

Danzo is Hiruzen Sarutobi's black glove.

Without cutting him off, there's no way to directly threaten Hiruzen Sarutobi.

At the very least, the remaining power of the Anbu must be forced out!

Jiraiya had his own agenda.

"I understand what to do, don't worry!"

"With you here, I feel at ease."

Kyohiko said.

For him, Tsunade would definitely be much better than the Third Hokage!

Tsunade trusted him.

This is one point.

Secondly, Tsunade is more flexible and adaptable, unlike Hiruzen Sarutobi, who often sticks to old rules and tries to please everyone, ultimately ending up with nothing to show for it.

Jiraiya was also pondering what he should do next...

but.

As he pondered this, he felt something was off.

rest assured?

Um?

That's not right!

I am the Teacher!

Jiraiya's expression was strange, but thinking back to the past, he was speechless for a moment.

never mind.

It's not the first time!

"Oh, by the way, to congratulate you on your promotion to Jonin, I have a gift for you."

Jiraiya spoke, he took out a knife-shaped object from his waist.

Kyohiko took it and lifted the cloth.

This sword is shorter than Kakashi's White Fang, somewhere between a dagger and a short sword, and seems more like a work made from insufficient material.

but.

He tried it briefly and immediately understood the difference.

This is a Chakra Weapon.

"Teacher, this is too precious!"

"It's not top-grade, but it's the only one I could find, so you'll have to make do..."

Jiraiya felt embarrassed.

This sword is indeed too short; it's more like a dagger, only slightly longer than Kunai.

Kyohiko shook his head, then bowed respectfully.

"That's enough, thank you, Teacher!"