The Third Hokage

Kirito entered the Hokage's Office Building for the first time since his rebirth.

The moment he stepped inside, his exceptional chakra perception detected numerous chakra signatures, all at least at the Chunin level. A few were even at the Jonin level.

Beyond that, he sensed several concealed chakra signatures sweep over his body. It was obvious that Sensory Ninjas hidden in the shadows were using Sensory Ninjutsu on him.

Kirito did not know Sensory Ninjutsu yet, but ever since he had developed Yin Release Chakra Nature two years ago, he had continued refining his mastery of it.

Unexpectedly, his talent for training Yin Release Chakra Nature was even greater than his talent for Lightning Release Chakra Nature.

Over the past two years, the Attribute Panel had shown that his Lightning Release Chakra Nature had risen from 1 to 2, while his Yin Release Chakra Nature had already reached 3.

Changes in these chakra nature values mainly manifested as greater ease in wielding that attribute's chakra, stronger ninjutsu of that attribute, and increased resistance to that attribute.

For example, when Kirito had first begun cultivating Lightning Release Chakra Nature, he had often been injured by electricity. But as his training deepened and his understanding of Lightning Release Chakra Nature improved, raising it from 1 to 2, even high-voltage electricity could no longer harm him. At most, it made him feel a little numb.

Of course, prolonged exposure to high-voltage electricity could still injure him.

Yin Release Chakra Nature was much the same. Improving it strengthened his resistance to genjutsu.

Chizuru possessed the Two-Tomoe Sharingan, so she had naturally cultivated Yin Release Chakra as well and could use genjutsu. Yet none of the genjutsu she had used on him had ever succeeded. The moment she cast one, he easily broke through it.

Besides strengthening resistance to genjutsu, Yin Release Chakra Nature could also enhance the power of genjutsu and one's sensory abilities.

Even without knowing Sensory Ninjutsu, Kirito could rely on chakra perception alone to detect any chakra-bearing creature within a hundred meters.

Led by an Anbu ninja, Kirito passed through corridors watched over by numerous Anbu ninjas before finally arriving at the Hokage's Office.

The Hokage's Office before him was much like Kirito remembered: a large desk piled with documents, shelves around it filled with all kinds of files and materials, a long sofa, several chairs, and so on.

The decor leaned toward simplicity.

Inside, a middle-aged to elderly man wearing a Kage Robe looked at him kindly.

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. This was Kirito's first formal meeting with him. He had seen the man several times before, but only from afar in the village.

He was a well-meaning old man who cared about the bigger picture, excelled at smoothing things over, and possessed a firm Will of Fire.

However, he was personally too softhearted and lacked a clear distinction between public and private matters. This led him to indulge Danzo too much, leaving Danzo without proper fear or respect for him. Danzo acted obedient on the surface while defying him behind his back, causing a series of disasters beyond his control and laying the seeds for Konoha's decline.

But for now, he had done an excellent job as the Third Hokage. Not yet fifty years old, his strength remained at its peak. He had also trained the Sannin, who had gradually made names for themselves during the Second Shinobi War, and finally relied on Danzo, the Dark Side of Konoha, to clear away every obstacle.

His hold on the Hokage Position was absolute.

It could be said that this was the peak of the Third Hokage's power. Even Danzo did not dare openly defy him and could only honestly gather strength in secret as he waited for an opportunity.

"I'm sorry, Kirito. I've interrupted your class."

The Third Hokage immediately said with a smile when he saw Kirito enter.

Kirito did not dare lose his manners just because the Third Hokage was smiling at him. He properly bowed, then gave an innocent smile and replied, "Not at all. I couldn't be happier that you called for me, Lord Third Hokage."

What a polite child.

The Third Hokage's impression of Kirito improved greatly. He continued, "Kirito, someone reported to me not long ago that you used Magnet Release Ninjutsu during Practical Combat Class. Where did you learn it?"

As he spoke, he quietly activated an extremely covert Sensory Ninjutsu to determine whether Kirito would lie in what he said next.

He did not believe Kirito was a spy sent by another ninja village, but there was no harm in being cautious.

"I developed it myself. Also, that Magnet Release Ninjutsu isn't actually a Kekkei Genkai. Strictly speaking, it's a kind of Lightning Style Ninjutsu."

Kirito told the truth.

Through his perception, he had clearly noticed that quite a few people had used Sensory Ninjutsu on him moments ago.

Therefore, telling the truth was the best choice right now.

Besides, he had nothing to hide.

"Oh? This is Lightning Style Ninjutsu? Are you certain?"

Hearing that, the Third Hokage's eyes widened with interest.

Magnet Release truly was a Kekkei Genkai, because the chakra used to perform it was a special kind of chakra with magnetic properties. The reason Sunagakure possessed this Kekkei Genkai was largely because its people had once been influenced by the chakra of One-Tail Shukaku, causing mutations in their bloodlines.

Not just anyone could possess such a special Kekkei Genkai, and it was also very difficult for descendants to awaken it.

But if what Kirito said was true, and the Magnet Release he used was actually a kind of Lightning Style Ninjutsu, then its value would be immense. It could be regarded as a teachable ninjutsu, benefiting ninjas in the village who specialized in Lightning Release.

"Yes. After reading some books on Electrical Science, I developed this ninjutsu based on the principle of electromagnetism."

Kirito nodded obediently.

Electrical Science?

The principle of electromagnetism?

The Third Hokage was immediately baffled.

Though he had read many books, most were related to ninjutsu. Occasionally, he read books that eased stress and promoted physical and mental well-being. But he knew nothing at all about science-related books such as Electrical Science.

Still, that was not important. All he needed to know was that this was a Lightning Style Ninjutsu that could be learned.

After all, creating a ninjutsu and learning one were not the same thing. The difficulty between the two was worlds apart.

Furthermore, his Sensory Ninjutsu confirmed that Kirito was not lying. This Lightning Style Ninjutsu had indeed been developed by Kirito himself.

"Good, very good. Kirito, you truly are a genius. The village needs geniuses like you. Are you willing to hand over this Lightning Style Ninjutsu you created to the village?"

The Third Hokage's time was precious, so he immediately asked Kirito for the ninjutsu.

This technique, which could turn Lightning Release into Magnet Release, was undoubtedly extremely valuable. It could allow the village to continually produce Magnet Release Ninjas.

Kirito was still young and weak, and there was a risk that he might die prematurely. Therefore, this teachable ninjutsu had to be recorded in the Scroll of Sealing as soon as possible.

If it were lost due to Kirito dying young, the loss would be tremendous.

"Sure. I'm willing to give it to the village."

Kirito had long been mentally prepared for this, so he agreed without hesitation.

Then he revealed an excited expression and looked expectantly at the Third Hokage, who was now smiling with satisfaction. "Lord Third Hokage, what rank do you think the ninjutsu I developed is?"

It is difficult for new writers to get noticed. I hope all readers will visit often to improve the follow rate. After reading, please vote for this book and invest in it. If you could spare some monthly tickets and tips, Haruko would be immensely grateful. Being a new writer with a new book is really difficult.