I'll Learn the Flying Thunder God Technique Too

One week later.

In front of the Hokage Building in Konohagakure.

Almost every ninja in Konohagakure had gathered here. Looking out, the crowd was so dense that there wasn't a single spot of empty ground to be seen!

In the central plaza of Konohagakure, sunlight spilled into every corner. Villagers and ninjas stood in neat rows, the atmosphere solemn and grave. Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi stood on high, his figure firm and dignified, his gaze sweeping slowly over the crowd.

"Everyone, although the smoke of the Second Shinobi World War has dissipated, the tragic battles and heroic deeds will be forever etched in our hearts." Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice was steady and powerful, echoing across the plaza. Beside him, Danzo Shimura merely watched Uchiha Chiba, who stood not far away, with a cold, gloomy expression.

"Today, we gather here to honor those heroes who made great contributions to Konohagakure and to peace during the war."

He paused slightly, unfurled the scroll in his hand, and began to read the list of meritorious deeds.

"Sakumo Hatake, on the battlefield, you used your superb swordsmanship and fearless courage to break through enemy lines time and again. Your name struck terror into the hearts of the enemy and paved the way for Konohagakure's victory. You are hereby awarded the Konoha Hero Medal. White Fang of the Leaf, Sakumo Hatake, you are appointed as a member of the Council of Elders." A tall, upright ninja stepped forward and knelt on one knee to receive the medal. On his stern face was an irrepressible pride. As a member of the Hatake Clan, a minor family outside the Konoha Fourteen, he had finally gained fame through his actions at this moment.

"Orochimaru, you played a vital role in the battles against Sunagakure and Amegakure. As a commander, you delivered critical intelligence and repeatedly saved the Konoha army from danger. Your wisdom and loyalty are precious treasures to Konohagakure. You are appointed as an Anbu assistant." A female ninja dressed in Anbu attire appeared quietly, respectfully accepting the reward on his behalf. Her eyes were filled with admiration as she approached Orochimaru and handed him the scroll with reverence.

"And Uchiha Chiba of the Uchiha Clan. In battle, you used your powerful Sharingan to perceive every move of the enemy. You not only severely wounded the Third Kazekage but also severed one of his arms, safeguarding the dignity of Konohagakure. The glory of the Uchiha Clan is manifested in you. You are specially awarded the Clan Honor Badge and granted one viewing of the Scroll of Seals to learn one technique within it." Uchiha Chiba watched the Anbu ninja who had slowly walked over to collect the reward for him. His red eyes flickered in the sunlight, and a flash of helplessness crossed his gaze.

Great, just great.

Honored in the name of the Uchiha Clan.

I originally didn't want to have too much involvement with the Uchiha Clan, but now, I'm afraid that won't go according to my wishes.

As each name was called, cheers and applause erupted one after another. Some of these honored ninjas were covered in scars, while others had lost dear friends, but at this moment, they all felt comforted that their sacrifices had been recognized.

Next, the Third Hokage began his customary speech.

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at the crowd below, his heart filled with emotion. "The war took much from us, but it also made us stronger. These heroes are the backbone of Konohagakure, and their spirit will inspire generation after generation of Konoha ninjas. We will continue to move forward on the path of peace and protect this land."

Finally, he pressed down on his Hokage hat: "Wherever the leaves dance, the fire will burn... The shadow of the fire will illuminate the village... and... allow new leaves to sprout..." This sentence embodied the inheritance of the Will of Fire, symbolizing the endless spirit of Konohagakure; even after experiencing hardships, new hope and strength would constantly emerge. The people in the plaza shouted in unison, the sound resounding through the clouds, as if declaring to the entire ninja world the resilience and unyielding nature of Konohagakure, as well as their firm belief in future peace.

At this time, less than two months had passed since Jiraiya began teaching the Three Orphans ninjutsu.

The award ceremony concluded.

At this moment, inside the Hokage's office.

"Teacher, this is our disciple, Uchiha Chiba," Orochimaru was introducing Uchiha Chiba, who stood beside him, to Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced at Uchiha Chiba.

"Not bad. You resemble him... you look so much like Kagami... Chiba, do you know Kagami Uchiha? He was also of the Uchiha Clan, and like me, he was a student of the teacher. His Will of Fire was the purest I have ever seen... Ah, forgive me. People, once they get old, always end up reminiscing about the past." Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled, picked up his pipe from the desk, and took a few puffs.

Smoke filled the air.

Then, Hiruzen Sarutobi took the Scroll of Seals (Book of Sealing) out of his drawer.

"This is the Scroll of Seals. Chiba, by the way, as your teacher's teacher, I will give you a personal gift: you may learn one additional technique from the scroll. Of course, that depends on your comprehension." Hiruzen Sarutobi tossed the Scroll of Seals to Uchiha Chiba.

The Scroll of Seals.

In the original work, it was the scroll containing sealed forbidden techniques, although the vast majority within were techniques of the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama...

Senju Tobirama: Remembering the past, the tears never dry...

Multi Shadow Clone Technique, Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags, Eight Inner Gates, Darkness Technique, Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation, Flying Raijin Technique, as well as many S-rank Water Style techniques... The forbidden techniques further down were hard to see clearly.

First was the Multi Shadow Clone Technique. This technique was indeed useful, but he already had his Blood Clone with the blood pact, which could even replenish his vitality in a pinch. He ruled it out.

Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags... relying on a single tag to summon countless others for pinpoint explosions. Because the blast was powerful, sustained, and could potentially endanger the user, it was listed as a forbidden technique. In the original work, only the reanimated Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, used this move. He wasn't exactly a suicide enthusiast, so forget it.

Eight Inner Gates... that was worth a try. Thinking of this, Uchiha Chiba abruptly activated his Sharingan.

The next second.

Thump!!

Orochimaru tapped Chiba lightly on the head.

"Chiba, you cannot use the Sharingan. If the techniques in the Scroll of Seals were all copied by you, then this scroll would be meaningless, wouldn't it?" Orochimaru said.

"Understood, Master Orochimaru." Uchiha Chiba deactivated his Sharingan. He committed the key points of the Eight Inner Gates to memory; he figured it would take at least a week to truly open the first gate.

Next, Uchiha Chiba looked at the next technique, the Darkness Technique. A technique targeting the Sharingan—forget it. It wasn't as good as the Flying Raijin Technique that followed.

Thus, Chiba chose the Flying Raijin Technique as his second.

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled: "Taijutsu and space-time ninjutsu. You really don't care much for ninjutsu. I think the S-rank Water Style, Water Dragon Biting Explosion, inside wouldn't have been a bad fit for you either."

"I still prefer Fire Style," Uchiha Chiba shook his head.