Flying Thunder God Technique

A flicker of disappointment crossed Jiraiya's face. He waved at Shen Ye, then turned and left the village.

Watching Jiraiya's retreating figure, Shen Ye shook his head helplessly. He knew what Jiraiya had been thinking just then.

He just didn't realize it was all because the Sage Mode had nourished him. Jiraiya had simply passed that age.

After standing there in a daze for a while, Shen Ye headed home.

Tsunade wasn't home. She was patrolling the village before it got completely dark.

"Looks like the old Third Hokage really cares about that guy. Otherwise, he wouldn't have sent two of the Sannin to patrol the village. If I can find him, I can put an end to those people's prejudice against me."

Shen Ye rubbed his chin, carefully thinking over how he could find that guy and bring him to justice.

As he pondered, Shen Ye unknowingly leaned back on the sofa and drifted off to sleep.

"Shen Ye, why are you sleeping here? Aren't you afraid of catching a chill?"

Tsunade grumbled as she gently draped a blanket over Shen Ye.

Even though Tsunade had moved very lightly, Shen Ye still opened his eyes.

"Big Sis Tsunade, when did you get back?"

"I just came into the room and saw you fast asleep. You should go back to your room."

Shen Ye nodded, rubbing his sleepy eyes as he returned to his room.

The next morning came in a blink. Tsunade left home early to catch that guy.

"I have to report to the Ninja Academy today. Too bad my lovely vacation only lasted one day."

"Shen Ye! Shen Ye! Do you want to go to school together?"

Hyuga Yuexing's voice came from the doorway. Shen Ye was startled; he hadn't expected her to make such a request on her own.

With a girl being so forward, how could Shen Ye hesitate? He quickly walked side by side with Yue Xing toward the Ninja Academy.

By then, many students had already gathered in the classroom. Shen Ye immediately spotted two particularly conspicuous figures.

Kushina, with her red hair, and Namikaze Shimen, with his blond hair, stood out especially.

"Shen Ye, come sit over here!"

Shen Ye looked at Yue Xing, wanting to ask what she thought.

After all, Yue Xing was shyer than the others. She might feel awkward sitting with everyone.

"Let's go over. Kushina and I are good friends."

Shen Ye nodded. Before the seat beside Minato could be taken, he hurried over with Yue Xing.

"Yue Xing, long time no see!"

"Long time no see, Kushina. Your hair looks even redder."

Kushina curled her lips. Who complimented someone like that? But the two were old friends, so she didn't dwell on the details.

"By the way, Yue Xing, have you heard that someone's been going around the village pretending to be Lord Jiraiya?"

Yue Xing clearly hadn't heard the news. But at the mention of Jiraiya and an impostor, she naturally turned to look at Shen Ye.

"Did you forget that I told you about this on the way here? Big Sis Tsunade called me to her office that day because of it."

Even Yue Xing, who usually wasn't quick on the uptake, understood what was going on. She laughed it off and started chatting with Kushina.

Shen Ye quietly wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Yue Xing knew that he had been at the women's bathhouse that day. He'd almost let it slip.

Seeing the two girls chatting and laughing without paying him any attention, Shen Ye leaned toward Namikaze Minato.

"Before the teacher shows up, I'll take you somewhere special."

"But we have class today. We're supposed to learn new ninjutsu."

"Forget that. I'll teach you something even more impressive. It'll definitely be better than what the teacher covers today."

Minato's eyes shifted as he considered Shen Ye's offer. It was very tempting, but he had never skipped class before, and for a moment he couldn't decide.

Shen Ye could tell at a glance what was holding him back. The guy had never experienced the joy of skipping class.

"You only get one chance. Tell me, does the name Flying Thunder God Technique interest you?"

"Let's go now. If we wait any longer, the teacher will show up."

Shen Ye nodded and led Minato straight out of the classroom. They ran all the way to the village training grounds without stopping.

Since all the students were at the Ninja Academy today, the training grounds were completely empty.

Minato could barely contain his excitement.

"When do we start? The Flying Thunder God Technique sounds so awesome!"

"The foundation of this technique is the Shuriken. You already have a solid foundation, so I just need to teach you how to control your chakra."

Minato watched Shen Ye intently, afraid he might miss a single thing.

"Flying Thunder God Technique!"

Shen Ye threw a Shuriken at a distant tree trunk. With a clang, it sank deep into the wood.

At the same time, Shen Ye took another Shuriken from his tool pouch and held it before him, hands together.

In a flash, Shen Ye vanished. When he appeared again, he was right beside the tree trunk.

Minato's eyes widened. He had never seen an ability like this, either in his own experience or in the village's records.

Seeing Minato's astonished expression, Shen Ye couldn't help smiling.

He would never have guessed that the ability Shen Ye was teaching him came from Minato himself—he just hadn't reached that age yet.

Coming to this era was an opportunity for Shen Ye. He could teach and learn at the same time.

"It's actually very simple. With a little practice, you'll be able to master it."

"But it looks really difficult."

"If I say you can do it, then you can. And remember one thing: once you've mastered this technique, don't teach it to anyone else. Understand?"

Shen Ye's expression suddenly turned stern, his gaze cold as he looked at Minato.

Minato understood how serious this was. He nodded again and again, promising Shen Ye he wouldn't pass it on.

Shen Ye pulled the Shuriken from the tree trunk and sprang back to Minato's side.

Looking at the Shuriken in Shen Ye's hand, Minato noticed something unusual. Unlike ordinary Shuriken, these two bore faint markings.

"Are those markings the key to the Flying Thunder God Technique?"

"That's right. Maybe I don't even need to teach you anything. Take these two Shuriken home and study them carefully."

Minato took the Shuriken with great care, then tucked them into his ninja tool pouch like priceless treasures.

Then he glanced around to make sure no one was watching them.