Chapter 200: Exchange of Forbidden Techniques
"Sasuke, this time you have been incredibly successful, even capturing Iwagakure's commander, Higashino. What reward do you want?"
Hiruzen took a puff from his pipe, very lively. Having just arrived at the Land of Grass front, and under his wise leadership, they had already won their first battle, an unprecedented victory. How could he not feel proud?
"Where the leaves dance, the fire burns. For the future of Konoha, this is what I must do. I do not seek any reward, only to help the Hokage and ensure that Konoha remains the greatest ninja village in the world," said Sasuke, his body emanating a steely will of sacrifice that attracted considerable attention.
Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction and asked with concern: "Sasuke, the intelligence team said you just tried to assassinate Onoki. Are you hurt?"
"Hokage-sama, I saw how you beat Onoki to the point that he couldn't defend himself. He had already lost almost all of his combat strength, so I took a risk. I didn't expect him to be so formidable, so I didn't succeed."
Sasuke recounted the details of the assassination attempt, using his shadow clones to coordinate the Flying Thunder God Technique. He repeatedly praised Onoki's prowess, saying that he himself was no match for him, thus indirectly highlighting Hiruzen's strength.
"Hahaha! Don't be discouraged. You are already perfectly capable of assassinating Onoki."
Hiruzen patted Sasuke on the shoulder in approval. He knew he was extremely skilled in mechanical manipulation, especially with the Multiplicative Detonating Talisman. Unfortunately, due to his humble origins, his natural potential was limited. Without the chakra boost from Samehada, he would have already reached the jonin rank. Now, with elite combat power, he had overcome his physical limitations, reaching the limit of what a common shinobi could achieve.
"Sasuke, this is a spell detonating talisman. It can manipulate detonating talismans and secretly place them on enemies. It's perfect for you. Also, for your meritorious service, you can choose an S-rank forbidden jutsu from the Scroll of Seals as a reward."
Hiruzen handed him a prepared small scroll and then summoned the large sealing scroll. Then, he warned: "Don't choose a random jutsu this time. Last time, you chose the Flying Thunder God Jutsu. If you hadn't developed the shadow clones to work with it, you would have wasted a valuable opportunity."
"Mmm," Sasuke said noncommittally.
This time, Hiruzen was surprisingly generous. The Sealed Scroll contained many forbidden techniques, even the Impure World Reincarnation. Sasuke considered exchanging it for it, but sensing Hiruzen's cunning nature, he decided to wait and get it from Orochimaru later.
"Hokage-sama, I choose the Spiritualization Technique."
After carefully reviewing the introductions to the forbidden techniques, he finally chose Dan's jutsu. Dan's performance on the battlefield had been formidable. Although he was only at the quasi-Kage level, by using this jutsu, he could unleash the power of a weak Kage. With his identity as a time traveler and his soul talent, he should have the conditions to practice it. Once he mastered it, he could probably enter the ranks of the Kage. Furthermore, unlike Dan's weakness, which needed protection, he could bypass that flaw with his mecha puppets, Samehada, Shirotaka, and Umibozu.
"Sasuke, the Ino, Shika, and Cho clans have also sought this technique, but none have succeeded. Would you reconsider?" Hiruzen tried to dissuade him.
"Hokage-sama, even if I can't learn it, using it to increase my mental strength and my resistance to illusions would be beneficial," Sasuke replied, determined.
"Increase his resistance to illusions?" After hearing this, Hiruzen paused and understood. It seemed that Sasuke was truly determined to fight the Uchiha clan to the end; all his jutsu was aimed almost exclusively against them. As expected of Tobirama's successor, his vigilance against the Uchiha was a shared legacy. Fearing that the Umino clan would suffer before maturing, he advised: "Sasuke, the Uchiha clan is also part of the village. For the sake of internal unity, you must yield when necessary."
"Huh?" Sasuke was stunned, and then he understood that he had been misunderstood. He actually didn't hold much of a grudge against the Uchiha clan; instead, he felt a certain admiration for these tsunderes. Compared to the darkness of the ninja world, these proud people were like fireflies in the night.
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