Clearly, Hikaru and Tsunade would become the fuse for the power struggle between the two great clans.
Shaking his head, Hikaru returned home, took a bath, changed into clean clothes, put the money away, and planned to return it to Tsunade when school resumed.
As for himself, if things did not work out, he could simply apply to graduate early.
It would be best if he earned the Third Hokage's favor. If not, at worst, he would drift between wild teams or become a wanderer.
After making his preparations, Hikaru headed toward the Clan Shrine. Since they were using him, why should he refuse the reward of two ninjutsu?
"Uchiha Hikaru?"
The Clan Shrine was always guarded by experts of the Uchiha Clan. Outsiders were not allowed inside. Apart from the higher-ups, only those with permission could enter, and their identities had to be verified.
"That is correct. The Great Elder rewarded this disciple with permission to enter the shrine and select two ninjutsu scrolls to study."
Hikaru nodded and explained his purpose.
"Go in."
The shrine guard had evidently received advance notice as well. He did not make things difficult for Hikaru and allowed him inside immediately.
"A ninjutsu is not necessarily better just because it is higher-ranked. What suits you is best."
"Thank you for the reminder, Senior."
That was true enough, but it was useless here. After thanking him, Hikaru entered the shrine. There was no need to think about it—ninjutsu scrolls available for children to choose from were basically all low-level techniques.
High-level ninjutsu were scarce and kept elsewhere. They would never be put on display for people to choose freely.
If S-rank and A-rank ninjutsu were placed together with C-rank and D-rank ninjutsu, who would choose the D-rank or C-rank ones?
After all, an A-rank or S-rank ninjutsu required a terrifying amount of contribution points to obtain. Even jonin had to work hard for a long time. In that case, how many children could resist choosing those high-level techniques?
Hikaru had guessed correctly. Under guidance, he arrived at the selection area: an underground chamber filled with piles of scrolls. As a great clan with a long history, the Uchiha had collected many ninjutsu scrolls.
That was even after they had donated many of them when Konoha was founded.
The saying that the most suitable ninjutsu was the best was correct. Many times, a higher rank did not necessarily mean a better technique.
Hikaru began making his selection.
He had considered it for a long time before coming, so he quickly found the scrolls he needed. They were two C-rank ninjutsu—not too high, not too low—both offensive techniques. Within the Uchiha Clan, they were common types, and the scrolls themselves were relatively simple to inscribe and produce.
They were the C-rank Fire Style techniques, Great Fireball Technique and Fire Dragon Technique. The Great Fireball Technique was more widespread, while the Fire Dragon Technique was considered a pseudo-B-rank technique. Though labeled C-rank, it could unleash the power of a B-rank ninjutsu.
Many fans of Naruto easily confused the Fire Dragon Technique with the Great Fire Dragon Technique. In truth, the Great Fire Dragon Technique was merely an enhanced version of the Fire Dragon Technique. If used properly, it might not only reach B-rank power—it could even unleash A-rank power.
Madara Uchiha was the best example.
That was why Hikaru chose it. For now, what he needed to learn most was the Great Fireball Technique, while the Fire Dragon Technique would serve as preparation for later.
This kid was not bad. The guard following Hikaru saw that he had not hesitated or kept changing his mind, but directly picked up the Great Fireball Technique and Fire Dragon Technique. He knew Hikaru had made a carefully considered choice. They were two C-rank ninjutsu, and the Fire Dragon Technique had great potential. This was the most suitable selection.
After choosing the scrolls, Hikaru left with them in hand. Though he wanted to sit there and read them slowly, that was impossible. He did not have that privilege, so he could only regret it.
Having selected suitable ninjutsu, Hikaru left the Clan Shrine and headed home, intending to practice the two techniques thoroughly before returning the scrolls.
If he accidentally lost or damaged them, he would have to pay a hefty sum. That was the most disgusting part.
"Look, that's Uchiha Hikaru. Who would have thought he could get along so well with Tsunade, the little princess of the Senju Clan?"
"More than that. His parents died, and he has no money, yet Tsunade even gives him spending money."
"Tsk tsk, he's really something."
After leaving the shrine and walking down the road, Hikaru heard some clan members whispering about him. The looks they gave him were strange—some were surprised, some admiring, and some contemptuous.
They were surprised that Hikaru could get along so well with Tsunade. They admired that he had somehow made Tsunade willingly give him money to spend. The contemptuous ones surely thought Hikaru had no pride, actually spending someone else's money.
Hikaru had become famous again, and this time the rumors spread even more widely than before. There was no need to think about it—wherever he went in the future, he would be the center of attention. Of course, that attention came because of Tsunade, and it was hardly a good thing.
Tsunade, Tsunade, you really got me into deep trouble this time.
Shaking his head, Hikaru could not be bothered with these people and returned home directly. He had already put Tsunade's money away and only needed to return it when he went back to school. He would have to be careful when returning it, though, or his reputation would be completely ruined. Still, that would not be difficult for Hikaru. It was only a minor issue.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!!!"
After obtaining the Great Fireball Technique and Fire Dragon Technique scrolls, Hikaru began trying them as soon as he returned home.
"..."
Sure enough, all that talk about being a super genius was bullshit. Hikaru shook his head and continued trying. Attempt after attempt ended in failure. Forget the Fire Dragon Technique—he had not even mastered the Great Fireball Technique.
While Hikaru was learning ninjutsu, the news that Tsunade had given him money had already spread throughout Konoha. The Senju Clan was furious and directly dragged Tsunade back home. Of course, aside from the money she had given Hikaru, she had basically sent all the rest to the Casino, leaving not a single coin behind.
"Hokage Lord, the Senju Clan is very unhappy about this. In addition, the Uchiha Clan refuses to lower their heads either."
Before you continue