Chapter 13: Chapter 13: Do You Want to Learn Divine Skills?
Chapter 13: Do You Want to Learn Divine Skills?
Well, just as Kudo Ryouban had thought, his mother, who had "retired" from the Hokage's direct Anbu division, now resembled an ordinary middle-aged woman.
In Ryouban's helpless gaze, his mother finally gave in, promising that she would no longer spread similar rumors. Ryouban managed a forced smile; after all, some things were better kept private.
The night passed without a word.
The next morning, a dressed-up Kudo Ryouban arrived at the training area of his home. He began his special training, and as for basic exercises like walking on water and tree climbing, he had already completed those before the Chunin exam.
At this stage, his biggest shortcoming was that he had too few ninja techniques at his disposal. Not every hostile ninja would allow him to get close for a hand-to-hand combat match.
Fortunately, the Third Hokage had pinpointed his weaknesses. Looking at the sealing scroll in his hand, Ryouban softly called out to "unseal" it. Immediately, a plethora of ninjutsu scrolls appeared around him.
After a brief glance, he saw that they were all C-rank techniques, with the only B-rank being the Shadow Clone technique. It seems the Third Hokage, knowing that Ryouban had much more Chakra than an average Genin, purposefully included this Shadow Clone technique among the C-rank ninjutsu.
Compared to the basic Clone Technique, the Shadow Clone Technique had more practical applications. It not only could confuse enemies but also allowed the clones to possess independent thoughts and use ninjutsu!
As Ryouban pondered over his unique combo techniques, an unexpected visitor arrived in the afternoon! Although his home was not yet outside of Konoha Village, it was already in a fairly remote area where visitors were rare.
When Ryouban heard the familiar enthusiastic voice, he could only sigh in resignation; who else could it be but Might Guy?
Before he even arrived, the voice had reached him: "Ryouban, you can't keep it to yourself!" Alright, Ryouban thought, even if I give you the scroll, can you even learn it?
Now, Ryouban was different from his former self, thanks to his "golden finger." He had a natural affinity for Chakra but knew that Might Guy still wouldn't be able to learn ninjutsu!
Seeing the eager yet suddenly deflated Might Guy approach, Ryouban walked over and patted him on the shoulder: "Don't be so down! I was actually planning to come find you. I can make you able to use ninjutsu!"
Like a rollercoaster, there were lows and highs. After hearing Ryouban's words, Guy's expression brightened instantly. He excitedly grabbed Ryouban's arm and said, "Ryouban, are you serious?"
"Of course, but you must keep it a secret. This is the family's ancient secret technique from the East!" Ryouban said with a sincere expression, which convinced Might Guy.
In the world of Naruto, many clans had secret forbidden techniques. There were even rumors that Ryouban's father, Kudo Shinichi, hailed from a mysterious eastern continent. Therefore, Ryouban's claims held significant credibility.
"Of course, the first step is to strengthen your bones and flesh!" Ryouban said gravely. To enable Might Guy to use ninjutsu was, to be honest, beyond Ryouban's ability.
What Ryouban really wanted was for Might Guy—the taijutsu genius—to try learning some martial arts. This would be a unique approach. In truth, Ryouban had always believed that the Eight Gates technique, being a forbidden technique, resulted in death due to the practitioner's insufficient physical strength when opening the eighth gate.
It was much like an engine: as long as the material of the combustion chamber was strong enough, it could withstand any high pressure or temperature. Thus, there would be no so-called limits.
With their bond already established, Ryouban was determined not to let his good friend suffer negative consequences from excessive use of the Eight Gates in the future.
Only by practicing a martial art like the Golden Bell Shield from a young age would it make a qualitative difference to Might Guy's body. However, without the system's "enlightenment," self-training required the essential formula for the exercises, as well as crucial medicinal baths!
Ryouban had the formulas and exercise routes, but unfortunately, the medicinal herbs he needed were beyond his current good-and-evil value to exchange for. Suddenly, a name flashed into his mind.
With the Third Hokage as a backing, why would he need to worry about those herbs? Realizing this, Ryouban instructed Might Guy to wait for him and took off running toward the Hokage's office.
When he explained that he needed to see the Third Hokage, the Anbu guards didn't impede him at all; he quickly entered.
While the Third Hokage was reviewing documents, he looked up and saw Ryouban in the office. Knowing that the Hokage intentionally wanted to cultivate him, Ryouban boldly stated his request for the materials needed to practice the Golden Bell Shield.
The Third Hokage didn't ask too many questions about the specifics of the materials, but seeing the hopeful expression on Ryouban's face, he nodded and instructed one of the Anbu to fulfill Ryouban's request. Pleased, Ryouban walked out.
Although the materials were not particularly rare, the Third Hokage still tried to meet Ryouban's needs. Even though Konoha Village was currently at its peak—boasting the Third Hokage, the Sannin, and White Fang, all major powerhouses—there were definitely hidden experts behind the scenes. If there weren't any hidden talents, then the Third Hokage wouldn't be the type to leave any hand unplayed in significant matters.
However, in the latest generation of his faction, there hadn't been any child who exhibited potential surpassing or even matching Ryouban's. In his heart, the Third Hokage had already resolved to give special treatment to Ryouban, who was under his wing.
The Hokage's orders were indeed reliable. Ryouban and Might Guy did not have to wait long; within two hours, all the required medicinal materials were laid out before Ryouban's eyes.
Looking seriously at Might Guy, Ryouban said, "Guy, during the medicinal bath, I will guide you with special methods for utilizing your energy, but it will be quite painful; you have to endure!"
To help Might Guy sustain the pain of the medicinal bath, Ryouban unleashed his ultimate motivational speech: "Do you want more people to acknowledge you? Then bear the pain! Remember, in ancient East, there's a saying: 'Through hardship comes mastery!'"