Naruto: I am Uchiha Shirou

Credits: NovelReader

The Senju Clan

"Tsunade, it's like this. Over the past few years, while I've been away, Minato has… Although the Flying Thunder God Technique is a space-time ninjutsu, it involves a significant amount of sealing techniques.

This space-time ninjutsu is more of a special space-time technique that relies on sealing. Minato is a good kid, but I haven't fulfilled my duties as his teacher over these years..."

Inside the room, Jiraiya wore a solemn expression as he spoke about serious matters. Especially when it came to Namikaze Minato, his face carried a trace of guilt, as though blaming himself for not living up to his responsibilities as a mentor.

However, upon hearing this, Minato quickly waved his hand and said:

"Jiraiya-sensei, you're being too harsh on yourself! Everything I've learned is thanks to you. Even during the past two years when you were out on missions, you entrusted the Third Hokage to guide me!"

Tsunade, sitting on the sofa with a cold and prideful demeanor, impatiently waved her hand upon seeing this exchange.

"Jiraiya, you don't need to say such self-deprecating things. If we're being honest, Minato having the Hokage teach him isn't any worse than being taught by you."

Although Tsunade said this, deep down, she felt a bit annoyed and impatient. Sure, Minato might be a good person, fine, she acknowledged that. But just because he was a good person, did it mean she had to teach him?

Besides, why should his guilt as a teacher have anything to do with her? It wasn't her fault he hadn't come back to the village.

The Senju clan had already sacrificed so much for the village. Her grandmother, Kushina, and even Shirou—how much had they given for Konoha? And what was the result?

It was as if the village chose to ignore all of it. Konoha had too many good people and even more people who had bled for the village. Namikaze Minato wasn't the only one!

Besides, she knew all too well how much care and attention the Third Hokage had given to Minato over the years.

"Tsunade, when it comes to sealing techniques, no one in Konoha surpasses the Senju clan. Minato has recently reached a critical point in mastering the Flying Thunder God Technique."

Jiraiya awkwardly rubbed his hands together as he spoke, while Minato glanced gratefully at his teacher before bowing respectfully to Tsunade.

"Lady Tsunade, this forbidden technique from the Second Hokage is something I deeply admire. I've already managed to perform space-time transfers with it, but due to issues with the technique formula and chakra conduction, it consumes a tremendous amount of chakra each time."

Minato didn't hold anything back, openly sharing the challenges he faced in his training.

Tsunade glanced briefly at the blonde-haired kid, unconsciously comparing him to another dark-haired one.

Interesting… their progress in training was nearly identical. Both faced issues with excessive chakra consumption, although the obstacles they encountered were different.

Shirou was stuck due to his lack of innate spatial talent, while Namikaze Minato was hindered by problems with technique formulas and chakra conduction. If these two could complement each other, they'd be perfect.

"Lady Tsunade, this is the scroll containing my insights and direction in mastering the Second Hokage's forbidden technique."

With great respect, Minato placed a scroll on the table. After all, what he was practicing was a forbidden technique passed down from the Senju clan, even if it was now shared with the village.

Minato's attitude softened the impatience in Tsunade's expression slightly, but she still shook her head at Jiraiya and said:

"Jiraiya, under normal circumstances, it'd be no problem. But right now? Even in the near future, I'm afraid it's out of the question."

Tsunade's refusal left Jiraiya momentarily stunned. He wasn't asking for a forbidden technique—just a bit of guidance.

The Third Hokage himself was thrilled with Minato's progress in training. Although Minato was Jiraiya's student, the guidance he had received over the past two years had created a deep bond between the two.

After all, studying from a scroll and being taught by someone in person were two completely different things!

"Tsunade, I know… two years ago, certain things happened…"

Jiraiya scratched his head awkwardly as he spoke, but before he could finish, Tsunade coldly snorted and glared at him with evident irritation.

"Jiraiya, are you underestimating me?"

Her sharp gaze startled Jiraiya, who quickly waved his hands to deny the accusation. However, she only gave another cold snort.

"This is a separate matter. Those disgusting old people… I don't take out my anger on younger generations. But what you're asking for is guidance on the Flying Thunder God's technique formula.

Right now, the only people in the entire Senju clan capable of helping this blonde kid are my grandmother and Uzumaki Kushina."

As she said this, a hint of sadness flashed in Tsunade's eyes. She then turned to glance at Minato with a calm expression.

"It's good you came today. When you return, tell those old geezers to prepare for the transfer of the Nine-Tails in a few days."

Minato and Jiraiya were both stunned, their faces turning pale with shock. It was as if they were sitting on pins and needles, overwhelmed with shame and embarrassment.

"T-Tsunade… I truly didn't know!"

"Lady Tsunade, I deeply apologize!"

Jiraiya hastily apologized, and Minato followed suit. At that moment, neither of them brought up the subject of technique guidance anymore. Their minds were consumed by the thought of leaving as quickly as possible.

They had come seeking guidance, but now they learned that Tsunade's grandmother was about to transfer the Nine-Tails. From the looks of it, the transfer seemed to have been moved up ahead of schedule.

How could they possibly ask for help now?

One of the only people capable of providing guidance was on the brink of death, and the other was about to seal half of the Nine-Tails. How could they even bring this up anymore?

Faced with their apologies, Tsunade simply laughed bitterly and waved them off.

"Enough, it has nothing to do with you. When you get back, pass this news along to those old geezers. From now on, Konoha will have one less mountain weighing down on it."

Tsunade's sarcasm made Minato lower his head in embarrassment. With his position, he couldn't say much, but Jiraiya could sense that the rift between Tsunade and the Third Hokage had only deepened over the past two years.

"Tsunade, the old man is only doing this for the sake of the village."

Jiraiya's tone was dry as he repeated the same excuse. In the past, Tsunade might have just snorted in dissatisfaction, but the Tsunade of today was like a stunning, thorny rose. She laughed and said:

"For the village? The First and Second Hokage also did everything for the sake of the village. But now, a certain Hokage lacks that level of strength, so he regards the very people who built Konoha as obstacles."

Jiraiya scratched his head awkwardly, unsure how to respond.

If someone else had said this, he could have argued back. But this was Tsunade!

And more importantly, her two grandfathers were Hokage. What could he even say to that?

What's worse was that Tsunade wasn't wrong. During the First and Second Hokage's time, they encouraged the major clans of Konoha to grow stronger, believing that this would only make the village more powerful.

But under the Third Hokage, these clans were seen as too powerful, posing a challenge to the Hokage's authority.

It all came down to capability. The First and Second Hokage had the strength to wield the clans as weapons. The Third Hokage could only dull those weapons into blunt sticks.

"As for the Flying Thunder God Technique, I might not have much expertise in sealing formulas, but I do know one thing: for the chakra conduction issue, you could try using higher-quality chakra metal."

Tsunade spoke calmly, offering at least some guidance. But Minato didn't have the luxury of a wealthy and powerful clan supporting him.

"Thank you, Lady Tsunade."

Embarrassed, Jiraiya and Minato didn't even bother to finish their tea. They hastily came up with an excuse and left.

After all, Tsunade's family was about to face life-and-death matters, and they had come asking for help. They were lucky they hadn't been punched out of there.

Outside the Senju compound, Jiraiya and Minato exchanged looks under the setting sun, both giving bitter smiles.

"Jiraiya-sensei, we were too rash this time."

Minato sighed politely, while Jiraiya scratched his head awkwardly.

"Minato, Tsunade was being pretty nice today. If this were the old days, she would've punched me out of the house already."

Although Tsunade's temperament seemed calmer, Jiraiya couldn't help but sigh inwardly. This new dynamic between them added a layer of unfamiliarity, and he almost missed the days of being punched.

"Don't worry about it, Minato. We have all the sealing scrolls we need. I believe in your talent—you'll succeed for sure."

Jiraiya laughed, slapping Minato on the back in encouragement. Minato scratched his head awkwardly and nodded.

"I'll do my best."

After all, while his girlfriend was from the Uzumaki clan, there was no comparing people like that.

How could an ordinary member of the Uzumaki clan possess so many sealing techniques? Uzumaki Kushina was the princess of the Land of Whirlpools, which is why she inherited all the clan's traditions and even the heritage of the Land of Whirlpools.

"However, Tsunade's suggestion just now seems to make a lot of sense."

Jiraiya stroked his chin thoughtfully, while Minato, standing beside him, rarely showed a bitter smile.

"Jiraiya-sensei, I've thought about it before, but do you know how expensive chakra metal is? Even elite Jonin would feel the pinch."

Using chakra metal for experiments? Minato truly didn't have such extravagant resources. This made Jiraiya feel even more awkward. He had completely forgotten that Minato was just a commoner.

Jiraiya was used to interacting with the wealthy clans in Konoha, so he had never paid much attention to this issue.

Especially Tsunade—chakra metal, in her eyes, was just a decent ninja tool. Naturally, she didn't overthink it and instinctively made her suggestion. But this also reflected her perspective.

"Haha, Minato, don't worry. With me as your teacher, I'll take care of it."

Jiraiya laughed heartily, patting his chest in assurance, but he still felt a headache. In the current state of the ninja world, chakra metal was a rare commodity, nearly impossible to buy.

If it were just for crafting a weapon, he could manage it. But for training? That was a whole other story!

From Minato's situation, it was clear that he needed far more than just one or two pieces.

As the sun set, Jiraiya and Minato—one with white hair and the other with blonde—walked slowly toward the Hokage building.

Behind them, Tsunade watched the two disappear through the window. A self-deprecating smile appeared on her otherwise calm face.

"You're good people who care about Konoha. Does that make us bad people, only caring about ourselves?"

The changes over the past two years had made Tsunade more reserved and mature. Her opinions about the upper echelons of the village had long been deeply ingrained.

"The Flying Thunder God Technique… What does it have to do with me whether you can learn it or not? That kid risked his life on the battlefield to cover up the village's filth, only to be schemed against before even returning home, gaining nothing in the end.

And your geniuses complete a few A-rank missions and are suddenly said to have inherited the Will of Fire, even being rewarded with the Flying Thunder God. What a bunch of hypocritical, shameless old fools."

Prejudice in people's hearts is like a mountain. After seeing the filth of the upper echelons, Tsunade couldn't help but find their actions disgusting, no matter how human they seemed.

"Tsunade."

At that moment, a kind laugh came from inside the room. Tsunade turned her head, and her face instantly lit up with a cheerful smile.

Her change in expression was so quick that, apart from being a woman, it showed how much Tsunade had matured and learned to disguise herself.

"Grandma, why are you out here again?"

Tsunade's playful voice echoed as she spoke. Inside the room, Uzumaki Mito gently stroked Tsunade's blonde hair with a loving smile.

"Our little Tsunade has grown up. The way you speak now is flawless. Haha… When I'm gone, I can rest easy knowing the Senju clan is in your hands."

"Grandma, don't say such things!"

In this moment, Tsunade acted like an innocent young girl, playfully leaning on her grandmother. Only in front of Uzumaki Mito could she let go of all her burdens.

"Grandma, do we have to do this?"

Faced with her granddaughter's reluctant gaze, Uzumaki Mito, sitting on the sofa, smiled and nodded.

"Tsunade, you know why. In the past, I held on because I didn't trust you or the clan. But now you've grown, and this time, splitting the Nine-Tails into two halves must be done while I still have the strength.

Otherwise, when my time truly runs out, who knows what might happen?"

As she said the last sentence, Uzumaki Mito gave her granddaughter a meaningful look. Having lived so long, she could see through many things. Over the past two years, the secret activities of her granddaughter hadn't escaped her notice.

Training could be explained, but spending so much time in the research lab was unusual. Over the past two years, Tsunade had been either training or working tirelessly in the lab.

It was hard to believe this was just a passing interest. Who keeps up a passing interest for two years straight?

"Tsunade, strength is important, but the heart matters more. Don't let power consume you. Only by staying true to your will can strength truly serve you."

Uzumaki Mito smiled as she offered her advice. Tsunade obediently nodded.

"Don't worry, Grandma. I've kept all of Second Grandpa's warnings about forbidden techniques in mind. I won't misuse such power."

Tsunade knew exactly what her grandmother was worried about. But she was the proud Tsunade, and she would never lose herself.

...

Night gradually descended, and lights flickered within the Uchiha compound.

Inside a room:

"In its ultimate form, the Lightning Chakra Mode grants extreme speed while surrounding the user with a layer of lightning chakra for effective defense. Once mastered, it's called the Lightning Armor.

The Hell Stab technique, combined with Chidori, enhances its piercing power. The standard A-rank jutsu Chidori is already comparable to the Four-Finger Hell Stab, with its strength increasing based on the user's proficiency.

The S-rank Lightning Cutter is faster and silent, and when fused with the Hell Stab, it surpasses the Two-Finger Hell Stab in power. However, its full strength depends on the user's abilities…"

As he flipped through the collected scrolls on ninjutsu, Shirou couldn't help but marvel at the sheer diversity and power of ninja techniques.

In the original story, Chidori was even evaluated by the Kumogkure as being similar to their Hell Stab. Both were high-speed-piercing ninjutsu and when combined, their power multiplied.

"However, the true strength of a jutsu always depends on the user."

Shirou deeply understood this point. After two years of intense physical training, he had experienced firsthand how the same jutsu could vary significantly in power based on the user's body.

Click!

Suddenly, the lights went out. Startled, Shirou turned to look at the light switch near the bedroom door, only to see a figure standing there.

"Shirou…"

A nervous and hesitant voice echoed. Bathed in moonlight, Shirou didn't even need to activate his Sharingan to recognize the figure—it was Uchiha Mikoto.

But tonight, her demeanor was even more delicate and shy.