"…"
Watching the father and son run off while doing handstands, Seiryū stood rooted in place for a long time, holding back a massive complaint he did not know how to voice.
In the end, he could only squeeze out one sentence. "Konoha really is full of hidden talents."
"I already thought I was hardworking, but compared to them, I'm still a bit lacking. The Eight Gates really aren't something ordinary people can train.…"
Seiryū let out a long breath.
Although the Eight Gates were extremely powerful, the effort required in the early stages was simply too intense, and the conditions were far too harsh. It truly was not something normal people could endure.
"Since my physique prevents me from freely using Shunpo, I need to spend more time exercising to improve my physical conditioning. That would be killing two birds with one stone."
"Hm, I also need to find time to study swordsmanship. After completing that other mission, I wonder what kind of effect enhancing my Hakuda Talent will have."
"Thinking about it, I really have way too many things to do. I can't split myself into several people."
Seiryū suddenly realized that there were many things he wanted to do, and he could not handle everything on his own.
"Damn it." Seiryū slapped his forehead, nearly smacking himself. "I almost forgot, this world has the Clone Jutsu. How did I forget something like that?"
How could he forget such a convenient jutsu?
Without a doubt, it had to be the system's fault for not reminding him.
After pushing all the blame onto the system, Seiryū immediately felt refreshed.
It definitely was not his problem. It was the system's problem.
It did not even remind him about such a convenient ninjutsu.
Truly unreliable.
Without lingering any longer, Seiryū headed straight toward Training Ground Three.
Before long, he arrived.
There were already people there. Jiraiya and Minato.
Judging from the craters scattered across the surrounding rocks and ground, the two were still in the process of developing and refining the Rasengan.
Seiryū walked over and greeted them. "Teacher, Senior Brother."
Seeing the disciple he had only recently taken in, Jiraiya laughed heartily. "Seiryū, you're here. Come over."
Minato also waved gently. "Long time no see, Seiryū."
He had been out on missions recently and had only returned to Konoha yesterday, so he had not seen his junior brother for a while.
After exchanging a few greetings, Seiryū looked at Jiraiya and asked, "Teacher, did you need me for something today?"
Jiraiya scratched his head and chuckled awkwardly. "It's nothing serious. I just wanted you to come over and help out a bit."
Seiryū froze. "Help out?"
Wait.
What kind of problem could Jiraiya, one of the Sannin, not solve, that required help from a little kid like him?
Was he supposed to stand guard while Jiraiya went peeping?
"It's like this," Minato spoke up with a smile. "Seiryū, you have excellent talent in ninjutsu. As you know, my teacher and I are developing and perfecting a new ninjutsu. We wanted you to give us some suggestions. Maybe we can gain some inspiration from you."
Seiryū's talent in ninjutsu was unquestionable. He had already developed and refined a variation of Monster Strength based on Tsunade's technique.
This new jutsu, developed from the concept of the Tailed Beast Ball, had been stuck at a bottleneck for a long time. Perhaps Seiryū could provide some insight.
"Offer inspiration?" Seiryū's expression became strange.
They wanted him to help develop and perfect the Rasengan?
Wasn't this like handing him a pillow when he was sleepy?
He was extremely interested in the Rasengan.
Moreover, he knew the complete principles behind it, including all of its later variations. He clearly remembered every single "ball" Naruto had ever formed.
Seiryū showed interest but still spoke modestly. "This is a jutsu you and Senpai are researching, Teacher. If even the two of you haven't perfected it yet, I'm not sure I can be of much help."
Jiraiya laughed loudly. "Hahaha. More people means more ideas."
In truth, he did not really expect Seiryū to provide anything substantial.
He and Minato had been developing this jutsu for quite some time without much progress, and they were both exceptional shinobi.
Seiryū was talented, but even geniuses had limits.
Developing that variation of Monster Strength was probably a lucky coincidence. Many ninjutsu were created purely by chance.
The same was true for how he had signed a contract with Mount Myōboku and learned Sage Arts. That too was due to coincidence.
The main reason he called Seiryū over this time was to strengthen their relationship.
Teachers, students, and senior and junior brothers should interact more often. Since Seiryū was on break, he decided to show up and maintain his presence as a teacher.
As for teaching Seiryū new ninjutsu, he was still too young. A shinobi's strength had to be built up gradually.
Seiryū asked curiously, "Then why didn't you ask Jōnin Kushina to come as well?"
Minato scratched his head awkwardly. "Because I'm developing this jutsu for Kushina. I want to surprise her once it's fully completed."
That was one reason.
Another reason was that Kushina's status was special. As a Jinchūriki, she could not casually leave the Sealing Barrier. Even her weekly free time only meant she was not being monitored by Anbu. It did not mean she could leave the barrier.
To leave it, she still needed the Third Hokage's permission.
Training Ground Three was already outside the barrier.
Seiryū: "…"
But Kushina did not know that Minato was developing the Rasengan?
Wait.
Why did this feel so familiar?
Wasn't this similar to the plot from Minato's story?
Seiryū felt his teeth ache slightly. "Uh, Senpai, your relationship with Jōnin Kushina is really good. But let me say this, girls are very sensitive. If you keep something like this a secret, she might think you're hiding something from her."
Minato was startled. "Is that so? I didn't think that far…"
Kushina's situation was special. Because she was a Jinchūriki, she rarely had free time. Hiding this from her really might make her overthink things.
And most importantly, he was actually a little afraid of Kushina when she got angry.
Cold sweat immediately formed on his forehead.
Jiraiya gave Seiryū a strange look, then shook his head and chuckled. "You really understand girls' feelings, kid. With your looks too, I really don't know how many girls you'll end up hurting in the future."
Seiryū: "…"
How could a famous pervert say something like that to a pure-hearted warrior of true love like him?
That was truly rare.
Not wanting to continue this topic that was clearly slander against him, Seiryū went straight to the point.
"Sensei, Senpai, what ninjutsu are you researching?"
(To be continued.)
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◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)