"You mean the Third Hokage wants to record the Lightning Chakra Mode into the Scroll of Seals?" Ishikawa couldn't help but exclaim in shock upon hearing Kakashi's question.
To be honest, he was already grateful that Kakashi had allowed him to even practice the Lightning Chakra Mode. How could he dare to expect anything more?
Did they even need his opinion for this?
Without Kakashi and Tsunade backing him, Ishikawa wouldn't have gotten anywhere near the Raikage's Jutsu—he'd have been crushed before touching even a strand of hair.
So how could he possibly have any objections?
"Sensei, you decide. There's no need to ask me." Ishikawa responded quickly, then scratched his head and feigned curiosity.
"By the way… what exactly is this Scroll of Seals?"
"The Scroll of Seals," Kakashi explained. "It's a collection of forbidden jutsu compiled since the First Hokage's time."
He paused and gave Ishikawa a meaningful glance. "So… Ishikawa, do you want to learn a jutsu from the Scroll of Seals?"
Ishikawa's face twitched.
"The forbidden techniques in that scroll?" he groaned. "Sensei, please… that's not funny! How could a Genin like me be allowed to touch something labeled forbidden by the Hokage himself?"
He wasn't joking. He couldn't even fully control the jutsu he already had—how could he afford to practice more, let alone something forbidden?
Not to mention that Chakra Enhanced Strength, Lightning Chakra Mode, and Rasengan were already high-level techniques. If he kept chasing flashy jutsu, he'd end up like a jack of all trades and master of none.
"That's true," Kakashi chuckled. "With your chakra reserves, practicing a forbidden technique would be tough."
He sighed and scratched his head as he turned toward the Hokage Building. "Still, this is tricky. I already promised the Third Hokage you'd pick one jutsu from the Scroll of Seals in exchange for contributing the Lightning Chakra Mode… looks like I'll have to learn it myself. What a hassle…"
"Wait!!" Ishikawa's eyes lit up. He darted forward and shouted. "Sensei, let me handle this! It's only right that I help you out with something so troublesome."
Without waiting for a reply, he bolted off.
"Let's meet at the Hokage's office! I'll run home and get the scroll!" Chakra flared beneath his feet as he vanished down the path.
What do you mean pass up a forbidden technique handed to you on a silver platter?!
Ishikawa had declined earlier only because he assumed Kakashi was joking. After all, what Genin have the qualifications to learn forbidden jutsu?
But now that Kakashi had personally vouched for him to the Third Hokage, he'd be a fool not to accept! Whether he actually practiced it or not could be decided later—first, grab the benefits!
"This kid…" Kakashi watched Ishikawa's retreating figure with a helpless smile.
He then turned and strolled toward the Hokage Building. To someone with a Sharingan like him, the Scroll of Seals wasn't too appealing. His real limitations were chakra and physical endurance; ninjutsu variety was never his problem.
Maybe it really was time… to consider practicing the Lightning Chakra Mode himself.
---
Ten minutes later – Hokage's Office
"This is the Scroll of Sealed Ninjutsu. You may choose one technique from it to practice."
After verifying the Lightning Chakra Mode on the scroll, the Third Hokage personally handed over the thick, aged Scroll of Seals to Ishikawa.
"Yes, Lord Hokage." With a deep breath, Ishikawa opened the massive scroll under the watchful eyes of the Third Hokage and Kakashi.
And the first technique written within was none other than Naruto's legendary cheat, Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu!
Ishikawa gave it a cursory glance, then flipped the page. He wasn't interested.
Sure, it was incredibly useful for both training and combat. But its weaknesses were just as clear: heavy chakra consumption and dangerous memory feedback.
He didn't have the chakra to spare, and he wasn't sure if his brain could even handle the mental recoil of multiple clones.
Better skip it.
As he turned the page, the second of Konoha's infamous forbidden techniques came into view…
"This is the Genjutsu: Infinite Darkness, a forbidden jutsu added to the Scroll of Seals by the Second Hokage. It deprives the enemy of their vision..." Seeing Ishikawa's gaze pause, the Third Hokage began to explain calmly.
"An illusion that takes away sight?" Kakashi murmured from behind, surprised. He hadn't expected a genjutsu like this to exist.
Judging from the description, it seemed to be a high-level illusion specifically designed to counter visual-based techniques, especially something like Sharingan.
"Huh? This is..." While patiently listening to the Third's explanation, Ishikawa suddenly looked down again—and his pupils shrank.
Noticing what he had turned to, the Third Hokage followed his gaze and sighed.
"An S-rank forbidden technique... the Spirit Transformation Technique."
"It's a soul-based assassination technique used during the Second Great Ninja War. Its effect is to separate the soul from the body, turning it into a spirit form. The user can then possess an enemy to manipulate them or attack directly at the spiritual level."
"Additionally," the Third Hokage continued, "once in spirit form, the caster can sense the soul of a familiar person regardless of distance. After locating them, they can instantly travel to their target. It can be used to deliver intel, confirm someone's status, or even transfer chakra to them."
As the Third explained, Ishikawa's eyes grew brighter and brighter with excitement.
"This—this is the one I want to learn!" Without hesitation, Ishikawa pointed at the Spirit Transformation Technique and said with enthusiasm.
He hadn't expected this technique, famously used by Kato Dan, to be recorded here. With this, he could safely possess Nohara Rin and traverse back to the Third Ninja War timeline, adding a major layer of safety.
Not choosing this would be a mistake!
"That one?" The Third Hokage's expression turned serious.
"This jutsu demands immense spiritual strength. The stronger your soul, the easier it is to learn. If your soul is weak, it'll either be extremely difficult or outright impossible to master. Because of its risks and complexity, it's ranked S-class and generally restricted to jonin-level shinobi."
While soul strength couldn't be measured directly, spiritual energy was a useful benchmark, and chakra, formed from physical and spiritual energy, often reflected one's soul strength.
That's why the Third Hokage hesitated. Since he had already agreed to train Ishikawa, he didn't want to see such a promising ninja waste time on something that might hinder his growth.
"No. I still choose this, Lord Third." Ishikawa met his gaze firmly, unmoved.
So what if it required soul strength? He might sound arrogant, but as a transmigrator, Ishikawa didn't believe his soul was weak, not in the slightest.
If others could succeed in mastering it, then so could he.
"Let him have it, Lord Third." Seeing the Third still hesitate, Kakashi finally spoke, his voice calm and thoughtful.
Now that Ishikawa had the Lightning Chakra Mode and Tsunade's Chakra Enhanced Strength to work on, Kakashi believed this was a suitable choice. If Ishikawa had picked a large-scale offensive or flashy forbidden technique, it might've split his focus.
But the Spirit Transformation Technique? If he failed to master it, he'd just drop it and pour all his energy into physical strength and chakra-based training.
He could always relearn it later, once he became a jonin.
With both student and teacher in agreement, the Third Hokage finally sighed and nodded. Very well. Let's see if this Spirit Transformation Technique will reveal whether Ishikawa is just diligent or truly a genius.
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