Magic Arts and Forbidden Arts

"Rest assured, Lord Jiraiya. I understand."

Seeing Kakashi agree with a solemn expression, Jiraiya finally withdrew his hand.

Kakashi carefully tucked the scroll into his clothes, then let out a relieved Ki.

"Other than that, is there anything else you need me for?" Jiraiya asked.

Since you asked so sincerely...

Kakashi nodded. "Yes. Could you stay in the village?"

After a brief silence, Jiraiya declared boldly, "Hahaha! Clouds belong in the sky, wandering dragons belong in the sea. Roaming the world is what I, Jiraiya, aspire to!"

Kakashi nodded. In truth, he had known the answer before asking.

Jiraiya was a wanderer. If he stayed home with Tenten every day, how could he still be a wanderer?

Kakashi had only asked to lay the groundwork for what came next.

"In that case, could I ask you to keep a closer eye on the village while you travel? Try not to go too far from it."

Seeing how serious Kakashi looked, Jiraiya put away his carefree manner.

"Have you heard something, Kakashi?"

Whenever Konoha was involved, Jiraiya became incomparably serious.

Kakashi shook his head. "There's no concrete information, but while carrying out missions lately, I've felt that some force, some organization, is plotting against Konoha in the shadows. I can practically smell the stench of conspiracy."

"In the next few years, Konoha may undergo tremendous upheaval!"

"If that's the case..." Jiraiya pondered for a moment. "Understood. I'll narrow down the scope of my research and keep a close watch on Konoha."

"Then thank you, Lord Jiraiya." Kakashi let out a relieved Ki.

"It's all for the village. There's nothing to thank me for." Jiraiya shook his head. "If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving first."

"My research is already complete, and I've met you, the one from the prophecy. If I don't leave soon, the old man might come personally to stop me."

Kakashi understood. "Then have a safe journey, Lord Jiraiya."

"Cough, cough. Well, Kakashi, before I go, could I ask you for a small favor?"

Jiraiya leaned closer to Kakashi, smiling somewhat ingratiatingly.

"Uh, go ahead."

Kakashi felt that he still could not accept the great hero in his heart making that expression.

"Hehe, I want to visit the Land of Hot Water and experience their open-air hot springs. I heard they're mixed bathing..."

Just imagining it made Jiraiya feel as though his nosebleed was about to start.

"Anyway... it's for research for my new book! But I'm short on cash right now. Kakashi, could you sponsor me a little? When the new book comes out, I'll send you the first copy!"

Without another word, Kakashi pulled out his wallet and slapped it directly into Jiraiya's hands.

"Lord Jiraiya, take all the money I have on me. If it isn't enough, I'll go back and get more."

"That's enough, that's enough!" Jiraiya put away Kakashi's money, then bolted off in a flash.

"Remember to say hello to the old man for me!"

Kakashi was somewhat baffled. "Why did Lord Jiraiya leave in such a hurry? Could it be..."

Kakashi suddenly spun around, only to find that Hiruzen Sarutobi had somehow appeared beside him.

"Lord Third, when did you arrive?" Kakashi shuddered in fright, then respectfully bowed.

Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand, signaling that Kakashi need not stand on ceremony.

"Not long ago. I only happened to hear your entire conversation. So, did you tell Jiraiya about your concerns? How did he respond?"

Kakashi gave a bitter smile. "I did, but Lord Jiraiya still refuses to remain in the village. He only said he would not go too far from it."

The Third patted Kakashi on the shoulder. "That's already good enough. Better than having him run all over the world."

"These truly are troubled times. Even within the village, people's hearts have been restless lately..."

The Third let out a sigh of Ki. "Kakashi, come to my office. There are some things I need to discuss with you."

"Yes, Lord Third!"

In the Hokage's office, Kakashi habitually dropped to one knee.

"Your previous application has been approved. This is the list of forbidden techniques you may learn. Choose one."

The Third handed Kakashi a scroll, which Kakashi accepted with both hands in delight.

Today really had to be his lucky day!

Sure enough, being single brought good Ki!

Over the years, Kakashi had accumulated enough merit to apply for one forbidden technique from the Scroll of Seals. He had also submitted his application to the Third some time ago.

To be honest, given his firm political stance, it would have been difficult for the Third to refuse.

Looking at the long list of forbidden techniques and their descriptions on the scroll, Kakashi wanted every single one he saw.

But that was obviously unrealistic.

Kakashi quickly settled on his target.

He took a deep Ki and said, "Lord Third, I want to learn the Flying Thunder God!"

The Third smiled faintly and took out another scroll, handing it to Kakashi.

Kakashi accepted the scroll, somewhat surprised. "You already knew I would choose the Flying Thunder God?"

"Hahaha, you're like a grandson to me, Kakashi. Of course I understand what you want."

As he spoke, the Third discreetly shoved the other scrolls in his robes farther down.

He had not expected the Third to understand him so well!

Although Kakashi knew those words were meant to win him over, he was still moved.

"Remember, once you have memorized the contents of the scroll, burn it immediately," the Third instructed.

Kakashi patted his chest. "Rest assured, I'm good at that."

"There's one more matter."

The Third's expression turned serious. "Do you remember the person I mentioned before? Your team is currently one member short. I'll have him fill that vacancy."

Kakashi said without changing expression, "Don't you think he's too young?"

"After all, Danzo personally recommended him. He said the boy should gain experience in the ANBU. Pay more attention to this matter."

"Yes, Lord Third!" Kakashi agreed readily.

Even if you hadn't said so, I would have kept a close eye on it. Only after seeing him for yourself could you know just how terrifying that guy was.

He could be considered a milestone figure in the Hokage series.

Known as One Against Seven, Itachi Uchiha!

"Good. You may leave now."

The Third waved his hand, dismissing Kakashi.

As he watched Kakashi depart, countless thoughts churned through the Third's mind.

The child of prophecy, mysterious abilities seemingly capable of mastering Senjutsu, a personality completely different from before...

"This child is shrouded in mystery..."

"He may possess the potential to change the balance of the Shinobi World. What move should I make next..."

The Third lit his pipe and brought it to his lips, his entire face hidden within the smoke.