For three consecutive days, Rinto remained in the ANBU dungeon without making a sound. He neither shouted nor struggled.
The cell was cramped, the lighting dim, and even going to the toilet was inconvenient. But everything in life is about comparison; compared to the underground prison of the evil cult, this place felt like paradise.
Lying on the simple bed, Rinto spent his time thinking and recalling, and at last, he grasped the passage describing the Flying Thunder God Technique. To be honest, he never expected that it would take him three whole days to decipher just one sentence.
Yet, once he understood it, he found himself facing new problems.
First and foremost, the Flying Thunder God Technique had extremely strict training requirements. One needed to possess an exceptional sensitivity to the mysterious nature of space itself. The passage explicitly stated that unless one could continuously perform the Body Flicker Technique with minimal chakra consumption, they would not even be qualified to learn the Flying Thunder God Technique.
But even mastering the Body Flicker Technique did not guarantee success in learning the Flying Thunder God. It was merely a stepping stone.
Furthermore, the passage also mentioned that the ability to perceive space could only be enhanced through the frequent use of space-time ninjutsu.
Rinto's understanding of this was simple—if one was unafraid of death, unafraid of the risks of injuring their brain, body, and limbs, and willing to put in relentless effort, they might just possess the talent needed.
This was good news. Rinto was not afraid of death. If he failed, he would simply lose his head. No big deal!
The Forbidden Scroll also detailed the various types of Body Flicker Techniques.
Generally speaking, the Body Flicker Technique was categorized into three types: space-time ninjutsu, taijutsu-based movement, and elemental-based movement.
Rinto could already achieve a form of instant movement through his immense explosive power, but this was merely a physical application of the technique.
From what he remembered, those who had mastered similar movement techniques included Naruto in Kurama Mode, Might Guy in the Eight Inner Gates state, and the Fourth Raikage.
Although he was not particularly interested in the Flying Thunder God Technique, Rinto still studied it diligently. After all, if he ever started his own business, he could use the Flying Thunder God Technique to travel the world and negotiate deals, saving a fortune on travel expenses.
Even if his business did not expand, he could still use the technique for delivery services—whether it was food, goods, or messages.
And if the Flying Thunder God Technique proved too difficult to learn, there was always the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique.
If he mastered that, he could buy land outside Konoha and start a farm. He could have his shadow clones work the fields, all without consuming his own stamina. It would be equivalent to having unlimited chakra, which meant unlimited free labor!
As this thought settled, Rinto grinned and tapped his toes against the floor in satisfaction.
Just then, a noise interrupted his thoughts.
"Squeak~"
The small window on the cell door opened, revealing the familiar masked face of ANBU agent Tugou.
"233, your vacation is over."
Hearing this, Rinto was overjoyed. He jumped off the bed instantly and rushed toward the door.
"What are we waiting for? Open the door, Dog Brother!"
"Don't call me Dog Brother," Tugou muttered, tossing Rinto's old clothes into the cell.
"Oh, and don't leave immediately after you change. Lord Tobirama wants to see you."
"Lord Tobirama?" Rinto froze. "Senju Tobirama?"
Confusion filled his mind. Senju Tobirama was supposed to be dead. How could he possibly meet him now?
From what little he remembered, Tobirama had died at the hands of Kinkaku and Ginkaku.
To be precise, Ginkaku was killed, while Kinkaku was severely injured.
Suppressing his doubts, Rinto quickly changed into his clothes, stepped out of the opened cell, and followed Tugou's lead.
In the Hokage's office, the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, leaned back in his chair. His once-handsome face was pale and bloodless.
An enormous wound ran through his chest, piercing from front to back. Through the gaping injury, one could faintly see his weakly beating heart.
His blue armor was covered in charred black marks, and blood trickled from the corner of his lips.
Beside him, a medical-nin in a white coat worked tirelessly, green chakra illuminating his hands as he attempted to heal the wound.
Outside the office, Tobirama's six disciples waited anxiously.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes were filled with tears. His usual composed demeanor had vanished, replaced by sheer desperation. He waved to an ANBU agent.
"Where's Sakuta Rinto? Why isn't he here yet?!"
Before the ANBU could answer, hurried footsteps echoed down the corridor.
It was Tugou, bringing Rinto.
Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't hesitate. He grabbed Rinto's sleeve and pleaded, "Rinto-kun, the teacher wants to see you. Please, go in!"
Just as he was about to let go, he tightened his grip and added, "Please… don't say anything reckless. Do you hear me?"
The usually strong and steadfast Sarutobi now looked lost and helpless.
Seeing the tears in his eyes, Rinto silently nodded before pushing open the office door.
Once he stepped inside, an ANBU ninja closed the door behind him.
As Rinto approached, his eyes immediately locked onto the massive wound on Tobirama's chest. He frowned deeply.
How was this man still alive?
How had he even managed to return to the village with such a fatal injury?
Tobirama slowly lifted his head. His bright red pupils locked onto Rinto's gaze, sharp as a blade.
"I see doubt in your eyes, Sakuta Rinto," Tobirama said hoarsely. "Are you wondering why I'm not dead?"
Rinto felt a chill crawl up his spine. The hair on his arms stood on end.
Why did this man seem to grow even more terrifying the closer he was to death?
Countless thoughts raced through Rinto's mind.
No, I can't lie. My expression has already betrayed me. There's no point in denying it.
Gritting his teeth, Rinto nodded stiffly. "Yes. I am curious."
Hearing his admission, Tobirama smiled. The cold aura around him melted slightly.
"Then, tell me why," Tobirama said. "Tell a dying man the reason."
Rinto swallowed hard and responded hoarsely, "Kinkaku and Ginkaku are hardline radicals from the Land of Lightning. They wouldn't accept peace. The Second Raikage was moderate and willing to negotiate, but they saw that as weakness. The battle didn't last long, and both Konoha and the Cloud sustained losses, but neither side suffered critical damage."
He raised his gaze to Tobirama's wound. "Lord Tobirama, is the Second Raikage dead?"
Tobirama nodded, eyes full of appreciation. "Sakuta Rinto, impressive. Truly impressive."
Sweat trickled down Rinto's forehead. Inwardly, he screamed.
Tobirama, please! Stop praising me! If you praise me any more, I'll wet my pants!
He knew that the more Tobirama admired him, the more dangerous his situation became.
After all, he was not from Konoha.
Taking a deep breath, Rinto asked, "So, Lord Tobirama, what do you want me to do?"
Tobirama smiled faintly. "You're smart. Can't you guess?"
Rinto remained silent for a long time before shaking his head. "A living person can never truly guess what a dying man is thinking."
After a long pause, Tobirama exhaled deeply. "Sakuta Rinto, leave."
Rinto looked at him, then turned and walked away.
As he disappeared into the night, Tobirama murmured, "Rest in peace, Senju Tobirama."
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