A week later
In front of the Hokage Building in Konoha
Nearly every ninja in Konoha had gathered here. The crowd stretched as far as the eye could see, packed so tightly that there wasn't a single spot to set foot!
Sunlight fell across every corner of Konoha's central plaza. The villagers and ninjas stood in neat rows, the atmosphere solemn and dignified. The Third, Hiruzen Sarutobi, stood above them, his figure firm and imposing as his gaze slowly swept over the crowd.
"Everyone, though the smoke of the Second Shinobi World War has cleared, the brutal battles and heroic deeds will be etched in our hearts forever." Hiruzen's steady, powerful voice rang across the plaza. Nearby, Shimura Danzō watched Uchiha Chiba in the distance with a cold gaze.
"Today, we have gathered to honor the heroes who rendered outstanding service during the war—for Konoha and for peace."
He paused briefly, unrolled the scroll in his hands, and began reading the list of commendations.
"Hatake Sakumo, on the battlefield, your exceptional swordsmanship and fearless courage repeatedly broke through enemy lines. Your name struck fear into the enemy and paved the way for Konoha's victory. You are hereby awarded the Konoha Hero Medal. White Fang of the Leaf, Hatake Sakumo, you are appointed as a participating member of the Council of Elders." A tall, upright ninja stepped forward and knelt on one knee to accept the medal. Unmistakable pride showed on his stern face. The Hatake Clan, a small clan far outside Konoha's fourteen major clans, had finally made a name for itself through his actions.
"Orochimaru, you played a crucial role in the battles against Sunagakure and Amegakure. As a commander, you relayed vital information and repeatedly helped Konoha's forces avert disaster. Your wisdom and loyalty are invaluable assets to Konoha. You are appointed as an assistant in Anbu." A female ninja dressed in Anbu attire appeared quietly and respectfully accepted the award on his behalf, admiration shining in her eyes. Then she went to Orochimaru and respectfully handed him the scroll.
"And Uchiha Chiba of the Uchiha Clan. In battle, you used your powerful Sharingan to see through the enemy's every move. Not only did you gravely wound the Third Kazekage, you also cut off one of his arms, defending Konoha's honor. The glory of the Uchiha Clan shines through you. You are hereby awarded the Clan Honor Badge and granted one opportunity to view the Scroll of Seals and learn one of the techniques within." Uchiha Chiba watched the Anbu Ninja approach to collect the award on his behalf. His red eyes glinted in the sunlight, and a trace of helplessness flashed across his face.
Well, this was just great.
An honor in the name of the Uchiha Clan.
He hadn't wanted to get too involved with the Uchiha Clan, but it seemed Chiba wasn't going to get his wish now.
As one name after another was read, cheers and applause rose and fell. Some of the honored ninjas were covered in scars; others had lost their closest friends. Yet at that moment, all of them felt comforted to have their sacrifices recognized.
Then the Third began his speech.
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at the people below, his heart full of emotion. "The war cost us dearly, but it also made us stronger. These heroes are Konoha's backbone. Their spirit will inspire generations of Konoha Ninja to come. We will continue down the road to peace and protect this land."
Finally, he adjusted his Hokage hat. "Wherever leaves dance, the fire will burn... The shadow of the fire will illuminate the village... And... give life to new leaves..." His words embodied the passing down of the Will of Fire, symbolizing Konoha's undying spirit. Though it had endured hardship, new hope and strength would continue to emerge." The people in the plaza shouted in unison. Their voices rang through the skies, as if proclaiming Konoha's resilience and determination to the entire Ninja World, along with its unwavering belief in a peaceful future.
At this point, less than two months had passed since Jiraiya began teaching the Three Orphans ninjutsu.
The ceremony honoring their achievements was over.
At that moment
Inside the Hokage's office
"Teacher, this is our disciple, Uchiha Chiba." Orochimaru introduced Uchiha Chiba, standing beside him, to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced at Uchiha Chiba.
"Not bad. You really do look like him... Chiba, do you know Kagami Uchiha? He was also of the Uchiha Clan, and like me, he was one of our teacher's students. His Will of Fire was the purest I've ever seen... Ah, sorry. Once people get older, they always start reminiscing about the past." Hiruzen smiled, picked up his pipe from the desk, and took a few puffs.
Smoke drifted through the room.
Then
Hiruzen Sarutobi took the Scroll of Seals—the Book of Sealing—from his drawer.
"This is the Scroll of Seals. Chiba, since I'm your teacher's teacher, I'll give you a personal gift: you may learn one additional technique from the scroll. Of course, it depends on your aptitude." Hiruzen tossed the Scroll of Seals to Uchiha Chiba.
The Scroll of Seals.
In the original story, it contained sealed forbidden techniques. Most of them were techniques created by the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama...
Senju Tobirama: I still shed tears when I think of those days...
The Multi Shadow Clone Technique, Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags, the Eight Inner Gates, the Bringer-of-Darkness Technique, Impure World Reincarnation, the Flying Raijin Technique, and many S-rank Water Release techniques... The forbidden techniques after that were hard to make out.
First was the Multi Shadow Clone Technique. It was indeed useful, but he already had Blood Clones through his Blood Pact, and could even replenish his blood when necessary, so he'd rule that one out.
Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags... One Explosive Tag summoned countless others for a concentrated bombardment. Because of its tremendous destructive power, long duration, and the danger it posed to the user, it had been classified as a forbidden technique. In the original story, only the reanimated Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, had used it. Chiba wasn't exactly a master of suicide techniques, so he'd pass.
The Eight Inner Gates... That might be worth a try. At the thought, Uchiha Chiba abruptly activated his Sharingan.
The next second
Thump!!
Orochimaru lightly tapped Chiba.
"Chiba, you can't use your Sharingan. If you copy all the techniques in the Scroll of Seals, then the scroll will be meaningless, won't it?" Orochimaru said.
"Got it, Teacher Orochimaru." Uchiha Chiba deactivated his Sharingan and committed the key points of the Eight Inner Gates to memory. It would probably take him another week to truly open the first gate.
Then
Uchiha Chiba looked at the next technique: the Bringer-of-Darkness Technique, a technique designed to counter the Sharingan. He'd pass. The Flying Raijin Technique farther down was a better choice.
And so
Chiba chose the Flying Raijin Technique as his second technique.
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled. "Taijutsu and Space-Time Ninjutsu. You really don't care about ninjutsu at all. I don't think the S-rank Water Release: Water Dragon Biting Explosion would be a bad fit for you."
"I still prefer Fire Release." Uchiha Chiba shook his head.
Before you continue