Scroll of Sealing

Konoha Village stands as a preeminent power among the Five Great Ninja Villages, possessing the most formidable strength. This is not merely reflected in Konoha's profound heritage and its multiple Kage-level powerhouses—at the very least, the Third Hokage, Jiraiya, and Tsunade, not to mention that Shimura Danzo is no pushover—but also in the sheer number of ninjas that other villages simply cannot match.

Whether in terms of quantity or quality, the Jonin, Chunin, and Genin of Konoha are unparalleled by any other ninja village.

However, even in a Konoha Ninja Village such as this, the value of a single Jonin is extremely high, and their status is of critical importance.

The practice of having Jonin act as babysitters for rookie Genin who have just graduated from the academy is by no means widespread.

Once a Jonin leads a Genin team, they can no longer accept A-rank or even S-rank missions, as missions are executed in a squad-based format.

Consequently, they are generally restricted to D-rank or, at best, B-rank missions. This significantly hinders the Jonin's productivity, leaving fewer of them available to execute the high-level missions commissioned to the village.

Furthermore, these team-leading Jonin are generally expected to guide the training of their Genin; they cannot simply adopt a hands-off, neglectful attitude, which consumes even more of the Jonin's valuable time.

Therefore, teams led by Jonin are few and far between—at most two or three per graduating class—and those are usually assigned only because of the children's special status.

Ueno Kei, however, is an exception. Having been brought back to the village personally by the Third Hokage, his status is undoubtedly secure, and perhaps even slightly unique because of it.

Yet, none of this changes the fact that Ueno Kei is an anomaly. Generally speaking, a student like him would be assigned to a standard ninja squad upon graduation, meaning his future team leader would only be a Chunin.

In fact, after Ueno Kei enrolled, the relevant officials at the Ninja Academy privately consulted the Third Hokage. While it cannot be 100% determined which specific individual will lead a team like Naruto's six years after they enter the academy, it is certain that they will be led by a Jonin, with the specific identity finalized in the year approaching graduation.

Because Ueno Kei was different, it was difficult to determine whether he should be categorized into the standard pool for random assignment to a Chunin-led team. After some deliberation, the academy officials decided to seek instruction from the Third Hokage.

The Third Hokage's reaction at the time surprised the official. After pondering for a moment, the Third Hokage gave no other instructions, merely saying indifferently, "Leave it be."

Although the official was confused, he knew better than to press the matter, so he said nothing more.

Little did he know that the Third Hokage had already made up his mind at that time to dispel his final doubts and take Ueno Kei as his apprentice; naturally, there was no need to consider the squad assignment for Ueno Kei after graduation.

There was simply no need for it.

Once the Third Hokage realized that the Ninja Academy could no longer teach Ueno Kei anything more, he had already arranged a future plan for him.

Today was merely the first step.

The Third Hokage looked at Ueno Kei with gentle eyes, a faint smile on his face. There was no trace of the majesty of a Hokage, only the kindness of a mentor.

Ueno Kei, however, was not so composed. To put it in perspective, it was as if a terrorist had ordered a hand grenade online, only to open the package and find a miniature nuclear bomb inside.

The shock of that contrast was enough to stun anyone.

Ueno Kei wore exactly that expression—a look of disbelief as he stared blankly at the Scroll of Sealing in the Third Hokage's hands. Even as a rookie, as a Konoha ninja, how could he not know what the Scroll of Sealing was? (Naruto from the original work is an exception; that idiot knew almost nothing of common knowledge.)

It was a scroll composed of ninjutsu recorded by successive Hokage. This was common knowledge throughout the ninja world; some jokingly said that obtaining Konoha's Scroll of Sealing was equivalent to obtaining an entire ninja village.

While that was an exaggeration, it sufficiently demonstrated the value of the scroll.

The First Hokage, Senju Hashirama; the Second, Senju Tobirama; the Third, Sarutobi Hiruzen; and the Fourth, Namikaze Minato.

Except for the Fourth Hokage, whose tenure was relatively short and who recorded fewer techniques, the other three Hokage would engrave the ninjutsu they had mastered throughout their lives onto the scroll whenever they had the time.

Aside from techniques that outsiders could not learn, such as the First's Wood Release, everything else the Hokage knew was recorded within. Even some of the most secretive forbidden techniques of the ninja world were documented in the Scroll of Sealing.

The most extravagant of them all was the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen. The title of "Professor of Ninjutsu" was not earned in vain.

The Third Hokage was proficient in ninjutsu of all five chakra natures, and the sheer number of techniques he had mastered was enough to leave other ninjas dumbfounded. Perhaps in terms of raw power, he might not compare to the First Hokage (though many in the ninja world believed the Third in his prime could rival the First, but who could say without them having fought?).

However, when it came to the mastery and research of techniques, if the Third Hokage claimed to be second, no one would dare claim to be first—not even his favorite disciple, Orochimaru, whose talent for ninjutsu was monstrous.

From this, the value of the Scroll of Sealing is evident.

It was akin to the national defense research center of a country from Ueno Kei's previous life; all the core ninjutsu were contained within.

It was inevitable, then, that Ueno Kei would have such an expression.

Ueno Kei's face flushed, and he suppressed the agitation in his heart. Ultimately, he was more mature than his peers; although he could not entirely conceal his excitement, his expression calmed slightly.

"Teacher Sarutobi... this is..." Ueno Kei asked with a hint of hesitation and uncertainty.

The Third Hokage smiled slightly. He understood Ueno Kei's feelings at this moment; indeed, as a ninja, few could resist the temptation of Konoha's Scroll of Sealing.

"Kei, the Ninja Academy cannot teach you many techniques. They generally only teach the Three Body Technique and the basics of chakra manipulation. You don't need me to tell you what this is. Spend the next few days training here. Learn whatever you can from the techniques recorded within. Your first mission with the Anbu should be in three days, but remember: know your limits!"

The Third Hokage's expression remained unchanged, his tone slightly stern. He was well aware of Ueno Kei's precociousness and was not worried that the boy would act recklessly. Moreover, he would be nearby; otherwise, the Third Hokage would never have simply handed the Scroll of Sealing to Ueno Kei.

Although Ueno Kei had been 99% certain, it was only upon hearing these words from the Third Hokage that he could truly believe it.

His first Anbu mission was indeed in three days; their captain, Akamatsu, had already given the instructions, including the meeting time and location, when they dispersed today.