Back in the Hokage's Office within Konoha Village, a detailed mission report concerning the successful resolution of the 'Miko's Plea for Aid' request and the climactic battle at Demon Sealing Mountain had finally arrived.
"Lord Hokage, this intelligence scroll just arrived, transmitted back from Jonin Team 8," Nara Shikaku reported formally, handing the sealed scroll containing the debriefing to the Third Hokage. Upon landing back at the designated seaport after their journey from the Land of Demons, Kurenai's team had immediately compiled their comprehensive mission report and transmitted it back to the village via secure ANBU communication channels.
Within the operational structure of Konoha, Kurenai Yuhi's squad was highly regarded. The team leader, Kurenai herself, was a fully recognized and respected Konoha Jonin. Although Mitarashi Anko didn't yet officially hold the Jonin title, her demonstrated combat strength and capabilities were undeniably more than sufficient for the rank. Hayate Gekko and Yugao Uzuki were both officially designated as Special Jonin, recognized for their particular expertise. A ninja team possessing such a combined level of skill and experience was typically classified internally as a Jonin Squad within Konoha's framework. Nara Shikaku, in addition to his clan head duties, held the official position of Jonin Squad Commander, responsible for overseeing the assignments and administration of all Jonin-level teams operating within the village, excluding those teams directly managed internally by the major ninja clans themselves.
"Oh?" the Third Hokage remarked, looking up from the mountain of paperwork on his desk in genuine surprise. "They resolved the situation so quickly!"
Taking the offered intelligence scroll, the Third unfurled it and began to read the detailed contents carefully, his expression growing thoughtful.
"Heh heh..." the Third finally chuckled after finishing the lengthy report, a complex mixture of amusement and something else flickering in his aged eyes. "It seems Konoha's newly dubbed 'Second Sage' has once again displayed truly tremendous power on this mission."
Based on the detailed descriptions of Tatsuya's two documented uses of Sage Art during this mission, the Third mused internally, his apparent mastery and raw power in senjutsu potentially seem even greater than Jiraiya's own... Could it truly be Ryūchi Cave Sage Art? Orochimaru... this unexpected development likely has your insidious fingerprints on it as well, doesn't it?
"Indeed, Lord Hokage," Shikaku confirmed gravely, pulling the Third from his thoughts. "Regarding Tatsuya, I strongly recommend that it is past time we officially reinstate his Jonin rank and formal position within Konoha's structure. According to this report, he has once again conveniently used the excuse of 'injuries' to remain behind after the mission's completion, this time lingering indefinitely in the Land of Demons. There is no indication given as to when, or even if, he plans to return to the village. We simply cannot continue to allow a shinobi of his power and potential influence to operate entirely outside the village's established administrative structure indefinitely."
Currently, Nara Shikaku, reflecting the general consensus among the leadership of the Nara clan and likely their close Ino-Shika-Cho allies, held profoundly complex feelings towards this recently prominent, undeniably powerful, yet frustratingly unpredictable young talent, Tatsuya. His demonstrated strength and innate talent were certainly gratifying and beneficial for the village's overall power. But the man himself was undeniably a restless, independent, and potentially troublesome element, difficult to manage or predict. They were constantly grappling with the political headache of how best to handle him and utilize his abilities effectively. Fundamentally, the leadership of the Ino-Shika-Cho alliance truly didn't want Tatsuya simply remaining inactive and unaccountable within the relatively low-impact posting of the Military Police Force any longer.
"Let it be for now," the Third Hokage finally said after pondering Shikaku's pointed recommendation for a long moment, surprising the Jonin Commander by waving his hand somewhat dismissively. "Let us respect his own stated wishes, at least for the present." His recent private conversation with Tatsuya had given the Third Hokage a certain crucial understanding of the young man's unconventional perspective and motivations. Tatsuya wasn't a 'proper,' duty-bound ninja in the traditional Konoha sense; he was someone deeply driven by his personal connections, his feelings, and his own internal moral compass. It wasn't that he was inherently unwilling to contribute his considerable strength to the village's well-being, the Third had concluded, but rather that he fiercely refused to be treated simply as a disposable pawn, a mere tool to be wielded unquestioningly at the strategic whim of the village leadership. His atypical actions during his last two critical missions outside the village, as well as his surprisingly gentle and protective attitude towards young Naruto Uzumaki, made this unconventional nature quite clear.
This one... the Third mused silently, resignedly. Perhaps it is best to let him follow a path similar to Jiraiya and Tsunade – immensely powerful, fundamentally loyal, yet operating outside the standard hierarchy.
"Yes, Lord Hokage," Shikaku replied formally, though he looked up at the Third Hokage with visible, unconcealed surprise at this unexpectedly lenient decision.
Meanwhile, back within the Uchiha Clan Compound in Konoha.
"Itachi, are you truly set on this course of action?"
In the quiet, secluded grove where the two cousins usually met in secret, Shisui looked intently at Itachi, his voice laced with seriousness and concern.
"Yes, Shisui-san. I have made up my mind," Itachi confirmed with quiet determination, his gaze firm as he met Shisui's eyes.
After a thoughtful pause, Shisui voiced his primary doubt regarding Itachi's plan. "I fear Tatsuya simply won't agree to it."
"But based on Tatsuya-san's usual behavior, and his interactions with others, he shouldn't harbor any particular aversion towards Sasuke," Itachi reasoned softly, hopefully.
"Tatsuya doesn't dislike us Uchiha specifically, that much is true," Shisui conceded with a familiar, wry smile touching his lips. "But he absolutely loathes being bothered with troublesome complications and unnecessary responsibilities!"
"But didn't Tatsuya-san himself offer, seemingly seriously, to become Naruto's teacher not long ago?" Itachi countered, still confused by the perceived contradiction in Tatsuya's character. (He recognized, internally, that he truly didn't understand Tatsuya's complex personality nearly as well as Shisui, who had maintained more consistent, albeit clandestine, direct contact over the years.)
"That offer," Shisui stated confidently, shaking his head slightly, "was almost certainly just a fleeting moment of uncharacteristic sentimentality on his part, perhaps triggered by thinking about the Fourth Hokage and his orphaned son. If you actually asked Tatsuya to formally commit to being Naruto's dedicated teacher, taking on all the long-term responsibilities involved, mark my words, he would definitely refuse outright."
"But within all of Konoha Village," Itachi insisted, his expression growing troubled as he clung to his hope, "when it comes to possessing a truly deep, fundamental understanding of ninjutsu principles and theory, I honestly cannot think of anyone more suitable to guide Sasuke's early development than Tatsuya-san."
"That's only because your expectations for Sasuke are already incredibly high, Itachi," Shisui gently chided, shaking his head again, this time with a hint of fond amusement. "Tatsuya's own path to achieving his current level of strength isn't one that can simply be taught or replicated through standard instruction. His power today stems from far more complex sources than just a thorough mastery of ninjutsu theory, believe me." He paused, then added thoughtfully, "Compared to asking the unpredictable Tatsuya, I actually think you, Itachi, would be a far more suitable, dedicated mentor for your own brother." He couldn't help but smile slightly at Itachi's earnest, almost parental 'hoping his son becomes a dragon' expression regarding Sasuke. This guy's brother complex, Shisui thought wryly, is really quite severe!
"Regardless of the potential difficulties," Itachi said finally, his voice regaining its firmness as he gritted his teeth with quiet determination, "I still have to try and ask him."
Far away in the serene Miko's Palace within the Land of Demons, Tatsuya remained blissfully unaware that he was the subject of such intense discussion and future planning back in Konoha. He spent the next few days quietly and peacefully within the palace grounds, allowing his mind and spirit to fully recover from the psychic backlash of the battle.
During his leisure time recuperating, little Shion became a frequent and welcome visitor, often seeking him out eagerly to play. Tatsuya had quickly grown genuinely fond of the kindhearted, intelligent, and undeniably adorable little girl. He found himself enjoying teasing her playfully and engaging in simple games whenever she sought his company, a surprisingly pleasant diversion.
"Tatsuya-kun."
One afternoon, just as Tatsuya was engaged in a lighthearted game of tag with Shion in a palace courtyard, the Miko herself approached, accompanied by her customary entourage of several handmaidens and palace guards.
"Your Highness," Tatsuya immediately straightened up, greeting the Miko with due respect upon her arrival.
"Tatsuya-kun, thank you for your patience," the Miko said, offering him a warm, slightly apologetic smile. "I have concluded my most pressing duties. I am now prepared to impart the sealing techniques of the Miko lineage to you, as promised." During the past few days since the Kumo and Iwa teams had departed, she explained briefly, she had been intensely preoccupied managing the immediate post-conflict administrative affairs and refugee situations within the Land of Demons.
"Furthermore," the Miko continued, her expression turning serious as she elaborated on the nature of the knowledge she was about to share, "the body of fuinjutsu preserved by the Miko lineage is exceptionally complex and truly vast. Traditionally, its full breadth is passed down directly from one generation's Miko to her chosen successor primarily through the use of a unique, hereditary Mind Jutsu technique. Very few comprehensive written records or instructional ninjutsu scrolls detailing the specifics have survived outside our direct mental transference method over the centuries." She paused, letting the implications sink in. "Therefore, for an ordinary person to attempt to learn the core secrets of the Miko lineage's sealing techniques through conventional study is considered virtually impossible." Her gaze met Tatsuya's significantly. "Thus, if you truly wish to learn the fuinjutsu unique to the Land of Demons' lineage, the only truly viable method is for me to utilize this special Mind Jutsu transmission technique on you as well."
"Your Highness speaks too gravely!" Tatsuya quickly replied, bowing respectfully once more. "Simply receiving Your Highness's generous permission to even attempt to study the esteemed Miko lineage's sealing arts is an unexpected kindness for which I am already immensely grateful! Waiting patiently for a few extra days while you attended to your duties was truly nothing in comparison!"
"Very well then," the Miko said, her gentle smile returning as she nodded in understanding. "Let us begin."
Saying this, making no move to dismiss the guards and handmaidens standing attentively nearby, the Miko reached out and gently placed the palm of her hand directly upon Tatsuya's forehead.
*Large influx of information detected. Commencing collection and storage.* Tatsuya's internal bio-chip immediately registered the incoming data stream.
Instantly, a staggering, overwhelming flood of incredibly complex fuinjutsu knowledge – theories, principles, intricate seal diagrams, historical context, ritualistic applications – began pouring directly into Tatsuya's mind.
Watching Tatsuya, who had reflexively closed his eyes and was clearly concentrating with intense focus to receive the transmission, a faint flicker of renewed surprise crossed the Miko's serene face. She could actively sense that Tatsuya was indeed successfully, efficiently receiving the incredibly intricate and vast stream of complex mental information she was projecting. His raw capacity to receive and process such dense psychic information so directly and rapidly was, frankly, shocking to witness.
She knew from her own experience, and the history of her lineage, that even when passing down these sacred techniques to the Miko lineage's own designated successor, the process was never completed quickly or easily. The chosen inheritor typically needed to receive the vast body of knowledge in carefully managed segments, often requiring multiple, repeated transmission sessions spread out over a significant period of time, allowing them to fully absorb, comprehend, and integrate the entire legacy gradually. Receiving the entirety of the Miko lineage's fuinjutsu knowledge repository in a single, short session like this was generally considered fundamentally impossible for any normal mind to withstand or retain.
This inherent, seemingly insurmountable difficulty was, in fact, the primary, unspoken reason why the Miko had agreed so readily and without much probing to Tatsuya's seemingly simple request to 'study' her techniques earlier. She had assumed he would be able to grasp only superficial elements. Imparting the knowledge directly via the Mind Jutsu, and the recipient actually being able to learn, retain, or comprehend it meaningfully, were always two entirely different matters.
But now, observing Tatsuya's steady, focused reception, it seemed he genuinely, impossibly, possessed the mental capacity to absorb it all at once.
However, the Miko mused silently, a touch of proprietary caution tempering her surprise, even if he can absorb the knowledge, the Miko lineage's most potent sealing techniques require more than just theoretical understanding and chakra control to perform correctly. One must also possess the unique, inherent special spiritual abilities passed down exclusively within the Miko bloodline itself to truly activate their full power.
As these complex thoughts flashed through the Miko's mind in an instant, the Mind Jutsu's intricate information transfer continued unabated, flowing steadily from her mind into Tatsuya's.
Tatsuya, for his part, was already completely, utterly immersed, lost within the vast, fascinating ocean of fuinjutsu knowledge flooding his consciousness, eagerly processed and stored by his bio-chip.