Whether the Raikage's sword techniques were truly formidable or not, mockery was the appropriate response.
"If you think you can do better, come try," the Third Raikage growled through gritted teeth.
'I shouldn't.'
'I shouldn't have brought this damn cat along,' he thought.
'He's not cooperating at all. Doesn't he understand we're supposed to be allies when facing a common enemy?'
"Since this blade was passed down from White Fang, perhaps his son should experience it firsthand. That would be a true inheritance through action. I have other matters to attend to, so I must excuse myself."
The Third Mizukage nodded politely to the group, then rose and departed.
'The intelligence gathering is complete. Third Raikage, Yugito Nii... It seems Kumogakure's Jinchuriki has been captured, and the Raikage's injury forced them to compromise. I wonder what losses Kumogakure has suffered.'
'It seems Kirigakure's dreams of establishing a foothold on the mainland are doomed to remain just that - dreams.'
He sighed inwardly.
As an island nation, they had always yearned to set foot on the mainland of the Ninja World.
Yet from the First Hokage's era to the present, this dream had remained unfulfilled, and the future looked even bleaker.
The strength of a Ninja Village was directly tied to its economic power.
The Land of Fire, Land of Lightning, and Land of Earth were vast and resource-rich.
As time passed, these three nations would only grow stronger, while Sunagakure would inevitably weaken.
Achieving true power would become increasingly difficult.
Even with the Tailed Beasts, they would never be able to compete with Konoha in the future.
"Still as boring as ever," the Third Raikage muttered.
"Alright, kid, I've taught you everything I can, even some advanced techniques beyond what I promised. Consider our agreement fulfilled. Now go practice on your own - see how far you can take it."
The Third Raikage tossed two swords to Kakashi and calmly strode back to the camp.
Yugito immediately followed him.
Kakashi caught the swords, thoughtfully considering how to integrate them into his own fighting style.
Raj trailed behind, seemingly aimlessly, muttering, "Lady Tsunade is currently treating our Konoha ninja. I wonder if she's finished yet?
She might not have time to treat others, you know, meow."
The Third Raikage's face darkened.
After taking a few steps, he stopped and rubbed his arm.
His arm had begun to ache from overexertion.
He glanced sideways and saw Raj strutting past, as if he hadn't spoken to him at all.
Yugito immediately chased after him, but after only a few steps, she realized Raj had vanished.
Her eyes darted around, searching, before finally turning to the Third Raikage.
That little look.
"Don't even think about it," the Third Raikage sighed softly.
"Surrounded by Byakugan and with the Flying Thunder God Technique on you, just stay put. They won't dare harm you."
'Entering a den of thieves and expecting to leave? It's not that easy.'
'As for him...'
Konoha still needed the Third Raikage to deal with the Iwa Ninja.
They wouldn't force him to stay.
Once his arm healed, he would set out for home.
Raj wasn't worried about them escaping.
Both Yugito and the Third Raikage had been marked with a sealing technique.
Even if they fled, their locations could be tracked.
The Flying Thunder God Technique led Minato to Tsunade's location.
He had originally intended to ask about the Reverse Summoning Technique, but when he arrived, he found her examining Guy's body.
Sensing Raj's arrival, Minato tilted his head.
Then, he led the cat outside.
"Meow?"
"It's not too serious," Minato explained.
"He just needs some rest. He won't be able to use the Eight Inner Gates again for a while."
Raj nodded slightly.
This meant Guy's body was strong enough that opening the Sixth Gate only required a period of recovery.
Having inquired about others, Raj finally stated its purpose: "I'd like to learn the Reverse Summoning Technique. Our clan's Summoning Scrolls were all destroyed, so the technique wasn't passed down."
Minato didn't hesitate.
"I know the Reverse Summoning Technique. There's no reason I can't teach it to you."
"Meow?"
Raj's eyes lit up.
It had expected to have to travel to Mount Myoboku or have Minato summon Sennin Fukasaku for a consultation.
It never imagined he would teach it directly.
How straightforward!
"I studied it while researching the Flying Thunder God Technique, so I learned it. Ultimately, it's not that complicated. It's just using a Summoning Scroll as a medium to perform the Summoning Technique in reverse."
Minato immediately began explaining in a low voice.
"The Summoning Technique is commonplace, but the Reverse Summoning Technique, while different, is fundamentally simple - at least, that's how I see it. Raj, you've already mastered something as profound as the Flying Thunder God Technique, so the Reverse Summoning Technique shouldn't be too difficult for you."
After the explanation, Raj noticed the price had dropped to 10,000.
A reduction of 2,000.
'Not bad?'
With nearly 30,000 in savings, Raj didn't hesitate and immediately exchanged for the Reverse Summoning Technique.
However, beyond the Reverse Summoning Technique, Raj was also deeply interested in Sealing Techniques.
When it asked Minato about them, the man replied that it would have to ask Kushina.
'Henpecked to the core. Hopeless,' Raj thought inwardly.
But Kushina wouldn't be a problem.
Raj had Uzumaki Ori as its trump card.
With Takuma's appearance, it could easily obtain the secrets of the Uzumaki Clan's Sealing Techniques.
'Next... Time to test it out.'
Raj pulled out the scroll and glanced around the Medical Room.
Tsunade had finished treating Rin and was personally instructing her, sharing her medical expertise.
Raj waited until Tsunade and Rin were about to leave before pressing its paw onto the scroll.
Poof!
With a soft pop, Chakra formed a summoning seal, instantly teleporting Rin from nearby.
Since the distance was short, only a minimal amount of Chakra was required.
Rin appeared, her face utterly bewildered.
However, upon seeing Minato and Raj, she gradually understood what was happening.
This was the Reverse Summoning Technique mentioned in books.
"Meow! I've mastered it!" Raj declared, rolling up the scroll.
Tsunade glanced over briefly but was immediately pulled away by Yugito, who had rushed over.
Next, Raj handed Rin the remaining half-bag of cat food.
Rin had already consumed the previous portion over the past few days.
At this rate, Raj estimated it would take no more than five or six days to teach Rin how to use Sage Mode.
'I wonder how far Rin has progressed with her Sage Mode training?' Raj mused inwardly, feeling a thrill of anticipation.
Minato watched from the sidelines.
After a few seconds, he suddenly spoke up.
"Are you guys working on Sage Mode?"
Raj and Rin turned to look at him and nodded slightly.
He hesitated for a moment.