"I've made my choice."
Mitsuki's clear voice rang out.
Hiruzen followed the direction of his finger, his expression turning complicated. Of all things, he had chosen that jutsu. It wasn't that Hiruzen was unwilling to give it, but because the last known user of this technique bore the name Katō Dan.
That's right. The ninjutsu Mitsuki ultimately chose was Spirit Transformation.
There was no doubt that this was a powerful technique — an S-rank jutsu dealing with the soul.
Soul-based techniques were almost as rare in the shinobi world as space-time ninjutsu.
It allowed the user's spirit to leave the body and take on a spectral form, moving across distances unhindered to assassinate enemies. It could also take control of another's body or enter their spiritual world.
Ever since Dan sacrificed himself on the battlefield, no one had ever successfully cultivated this powerful jutsu again.
"You're certain you want to choose the Spirit Transformation? Among S-rank ninjutsu, its difficulty of mastery is among the highest."
Though Hiruzen said this aloud, inwardly he truly hoped Mitsuki could succeed.
In war, this jutsu's value was immeasurable. Ultra-long-distance mental control—whether for gathering intelligence or transmitting information—was an absolute advantage beyond comparison with any other ninjutsu.
But since Mitsuki had decided, he would not waver.
"Yes, I'm sure, Hokage-sama."
"Good. If you find later that you can't master it, you can always come back to me and exchange it for another one, hahaha."
Hiruzen laughed heartily, like a kindly grandfather next door. He spoke as though they weren't discussing an S-rank jutsu at all, but something completely ordinary.
And in truth, that was how Hiruzen saw it. Mitsuki's talent was extraordinary, but the Spirit Transformation was not something that talent alone could secure.
Unlike the Flying Thunder God, which was purely a matter of the learning threshold, Spirit Transformation had mysterious requirements that no one fully understood.
Perhaps a gifted shinobi could never use it, while a so-called "nobody" could. Even Dan himself couldn't explain why others had failed where he had succeeded.
…
After taking his leave of Hiruzen, Mitsuki walked out of the Hokage's office carrying the training scroll for the Spirit Transformation, along with some old notes Hiruzen had dug up from among a pile of forgotten scrolls.
These notes, written by previous users of the technique, might prove useful — or so Hiruzen had said, before stuffing them into Mitsuki's hands.
Returning to the Senju estate—
"Rin? Shizune?"
Lately, ever since returning to the village, Rin had spent most of her time training with Kakashi and Obito under Minato at Training Ground Six.
Mitsuki would sometimes join in, sparring with them for fun.
Incidentally, after learning that Mitsuki had become a Jōnin, Kakashi had finally gotten serious—cutting down even on his usual reading time.
This, of course, made Obito miserable. He had thought Kakashi's obsession with novels would be his chance to surpass him. But now, with each sparring session, Kakashi's growth was visible to the naked eye.
At this rate, Obito worried, the position of Sixth Hokage might really end up being taken by Kakashi.
"This can't be happening!"
As for Shizune, since Mitsuki had been looking after Tsunade these days, she gleefully took the chance to give herself a holiday and spend time at home. The other day, when Mitsuki went out to buy flowers, he had run into her shopping together with Kurenai.
But what were the two of them doing here today?
Tsunade noticed Mitsuki's puzzlement.With a mischievous grin, she explained,
"Rin is my new disciple. Of course Shizune, as her senior, came to meet her."
Rin followed up, adding, "Yesterday I asked Lady Tsunade to take me as her student."
Her chakra reserves weren't very high. Even if she could technically learn some of Mitsuki's high-powered techniques, they wouldn't be practical in real combat.
So she had decided to study medical ninjutsu under Tsunade.
Naturally, Tsunade didn't refuse. Whether because of Mitsuki's connection or her own judgment, she had every reason to agree.
If Rin hadn't shielded her from Rasa's attack back in the Land of Rivers, Tsunade might already have died there.
Now, Tsunade pulled Rin into her generous embrace, rubbing her small head.
"What did you just call me?"
"Lady Tsu… no—Tsunade-sensei!"
Hearing the answer she wanted, Tsunade finally released her.
"Congratulations, Rin. Tsunade-nee will be an excellent teacher for you."
Mitsuki sincerely felt happy for her. In fact, he had been worrying about Rin's future direction lately.
Unlike him, Rin didn't possess the Six Eyes, which allowed him to balance chakra refining and expenditure almost perfectly for endless stamina.
Now that she had apprenticed under Tsunade, he could finally relax. Tsunade's ability to teach was beyond question.
The Strength of a Hundred Seal could help Rin overcome her weakness of low chakra reserves. Medical ninjutsu was also perfectly suited for her excellent chakra control, honed under Mitsuki's training.
Most importantly, Tsunade was done with the Land of Rivers frontline and would remain stationed at Konoha Hospital from now on.
With Rin safe in the village training under Tsunade, Mitsuki could roam freely once again. And he still had a score to settle with Kiri.
Watching Rin and Mitsuki, Tsunade suddenly felt playful.
"Oh my, only a simple 'congratulations'? Yesterday, when you weren't around, Rin said out loud that she wanted to learn medical ninjutsu to protect you."
She eagerly looked between them, expecting to see blushing, flustered faces.
But she was disappointed.
Mitsuki immediately said, without hesitation:
"Given the bond between Rin and me, isn't that only natural? Right, Rin?"
Rin smiled wryly. To her, Mitsuki was usually like a dependable older brother. But sometimes, he also seemed like a childish younger sibling who needed an elder sister's care.
So, with a touch of indulgence, she replied, "Hai, hai~. I'll protect Mitsuki."
Tsunade suddenly felt foolish. Of all people, she had tried to tease this pair — like an old married couple already.
…
By evening, Mitsuki finished another day of Flying Thunder God training. He prepared to go out and buy groceries, since they were running low.
Just as he was leaving, Tsunade called out to him.
"Buy some extra, Mitsuki. From today, Rin and Shizune will also be living here."
She lounged in a reclining chair she had dragged from who-knows-where, rocking comfortably.
"Got it~."
Mitsuki answered lightly, taking Shukaku with him as he left.
When he returned with arms full of food, Rin and Shizune had just finished their training.
"Let me help you, Mitsuki." Rin rushed over to take some of the groceries from his hands.
"Huh? Since when do you like eating fish?"
"Oh, that's not for me. Shukaku likes fish."
Rin nodded, mentally noting down "Shukaku likes fish", then followed Mitsuki into the kitchen.
"I'll help too."
Shizune had spent the past few days relaxing thanks to Mitsuki's help with Tsunade.
"Sure" Rin replied with a smile.
Hearing that, Shizune was about to step into the kitchen.
But Tsunade immediately grabbed her.
"Shizune, come give me a shoulder massage. Leave the kitchen to Mitsuki and Rin."
"Eh? But just now you said—"
"C'mon, c'mon."
…