At the Academy, on the Training Ground.
"Speed up your run. There are still several projects to train on later."
Under the scorching sun, Shinji spoke to the students who were doing physical training.
After the mid-term assessment, the students, who had initially thought they could relax for a while, found that their teacher seemed to have become even stricter.
Shinji observed the students while taking notes in a notebook.
Jiraiya's return with injuries made him even more eager to get stronger. Therefore, after a discussion with Hiruzen, he resumed his previous teaching work.
After all, the promotion mission was almost up to standard. Now, all that was left was to further improve his strength.
[Physical Training Class Completed, Calculating...]
[Overall rating: A+]
[Reward: Eternal Fist (Master)]
Shinji was somewhat surprised after finishing the physical training class. He hadn't expected to get a complete set of Taijutsu as a reward.
Driven by curiosity, he began to examine this Eternal Fist.
It was a pure Chakra Taijutsu style. It was even complemented by a modified Crescent Moon Breathing Method. Through the rhythm of breathing, Chakra regeneration could be accelerated. It also included the instantaneous release of compressed Chakra.
This wasn't even the most important part. This set of Eternal Fist actually had secret techniques developed.
However, Shinji had only obtained the Master level, so there were only two for now.
[Tiger Hunt: Stacking straight punches to compress Chakra into a shockwave, forming a tiger-head shaped air cannon.]
[Egoless State: Compressing Chakra to the cellular level, entering an absolute domain, where all attacks are imbued with Chakra vibration, destroying the enemy's Chakra pathway system.]
It was a bit ruthless, but very practical.
If his Yang Release Nintaijutsu was used in conjunction with these two secret techniques, wouldn't it be an indirect way to contend with the last two of the Eight Inner Gates?
It wasn't a Ninjutsu reward, but it was more useful than a Ninjutsu reward.
Shinji was very satisfied with this reward. The development of Yang Release Nintaijutsu was purely about Chakra application and couldn't achieve the comprehensive supporting facilities that this reward provided.
'I didn't expect an A+ class rating to yield a reward usually reserved for S-rank.'
Moreover, almost all of his disciples could learn this Taijutsu. It was attribute-less, yet after proficiency, they could each incorporate their own Chakra Nature Transformation, creating different effects.
An air cannon with a scorching aura or Wind Release cutting properties, who would dare to withstand it and see?
It seems he'll have to supervise his adorable students more closely in future physical education classes to ensure they complete it well.
"However, it seems I also need to strengthen my own physical training."
Even Shinji himself found it difficult to fully utilize this set of Taijutsu at his current level. And Naruto and the others would need even more extra training.
—
"Subsequent physical training will be increased, and practical combat training will be held every three days."
On the Training Ground, Shinji said to his disciples.
Sasuke, who had originally planned to practice Lightning Release Nature Transformation, was stunned, not understanding why his teacher suddenly wanted to increase physical training again.
Instead, it was Naruto, usually the least perceptive, who excitedly spoke up, "Sensei! Is there some Taijutsu you're going to teach us?"
After all, Shinji would only specifically increase training when he was about to teach them some new techniques. But this time was different from before. Pure physical training and practical combat could only mean Taijutsu.
"Oh, our Naruto can even think and answer quickly now." Shinji gave Naruto a thumbs-up in approval.
Sasuke was quite interested in what kind of Taijutsu this was. "Sensei, is there anything special about this Taijutsu?"
Shinji said, raising a finger, "Well, how should I put it, it's comparable to an S-rank Ninjutsu, of course, I'm referring to reaching the final step of mastery."
Hearing about such power, Sasuke immediately asked, "Sensei, can I directly copy it with my Sharingan?"
Shinji directly joined his fingers and lightly tapped Sasuke's head, saying helplessly, "The Sharingan's copying can only copy the basics. Without systematic training, you can only replicate the surface level, not realizing the essence, thus it will lack the power it should inherently possess."
"So, Sasuke, I hope you understand that before the three tomoe, the Sharingan is merely an auxiliary tool, not your advanced path to survival."
Of course, Mangekyo is an exception.
Shinji naturally wouldn't say this out loud, but as his disciple, if Sasuke thought he could just copy any technique just by activating his Sharingan, he would simply be wasting his inherent talent.
What's more, even if Sasuke, who currently only knew Fire Release Nature Transformation, could copy many Ninjutsu, he would definitely not be able to fully utilize them.
"Yes, sensei." Sasuke, noticing Shinji's seriousness for the first time, immediately responded.
It seems, it's not bad.
"Hehe, stupid Sasuke." Naruto secretly mocked Sasuke from the side.
—
Inside the Hokage Office.
Hiruzen said with a helpless expression, "Jiraiya, you're injured, so why don't you just get some good rest first?"
On the sofa, although Jiraiya's face was flushed with health, traces of bandages were still visible around his neck.
Jiraiya shook his head and said, "No, old man, you know I can't stay still."
He was not the type to stay in one place for too long. Although there were pretty nurses at Konoha Hospital, he wasn't in the mood for that right now.
Hiruzen leaned back in his office chair, saying helplessly, "Sigh, don't pursue Orochimaru's matter for now. The Land of Rice Fields has already lodged a protest because of this destruction."
"If we go deeper, I'm afraid the other Ninja Villages will take the opportunity to stir up trouble."
"Hmm, I think so too." Jiraiya nodded.
Some things needed to be handled with care.
Although he had found several controlled high-ranking officials in the Land of Rice Fields last time, who could be sure that was all of them?
Hiruzen asked with a hint of curiosity, "Then why are you in such a hurry to leave?"
He had noticed something was off with his disciple while he was in the hospital.
"Nothing, just some things I want to confirm." Jiraiya shook his head, not elaborating, as it was only Orochimaru's statement after all.
He had wandered the Ninja World for many years, constantly searching for the whereabouts of those disciples, but had always found no news.
"Alright, I can't stop someone who wants to leave." Seeing Jiraiya's demeanor, Hiruzen said no more, waving his hand.
Jiraiya got up, preparing to leave, but then thought for a moment and said, "Old man, it's time to find a successor. After all, you're getting so old."
Hiruzen said in an exasperated tone, "Get out! If you were willing, you could take my place right now."
Upon hearing this, Jiraiya quickly pushed open the door, waving his hand as he spoke, "Then forget it, I'm leaving now. Oh, and help me tell Shinji."
"Hoo—"
Watching the door slowly close, Hiruzen exhaled a deep puff of smoke.