"Too much rain actually makes the land barren?" Shino Aburame asked doubtfully. That seemed far from common sense. Common sense says that lots of rain should bring life and make things grow better, right? It just didn't seem to fit with the idea of barrenness.
"The reality is exactly like that. Unlike the mainland, places with many islands don't have enough lakes and rivers to store excessive water. When there's too much rain, it washes away nutrients and beneficial trace minerals from the soil. When consumption exceeds replenishment, the land becomes barren."
"So you're saying my insects aren't adapting because of environmental factors?" Mizuki had spoken a lot, but the general meaning was clear.
"Precisely. The environment here in the Land of Water is different from the mainland. If you observe carefully, you'll notice many plants only flower, bear fruit, and reproduce once every two or three years—or even longer. This land just doesn't have what it takes to support a lot of life. Your Parasitic Bugs mainly rely on chakra for sustenance, but they're still affected by external conditions. However, these effects are minor—they'll pass in a few days."
"In that case, that's good to hear." Shino let out a sigh of relief. Ever since arriving in the Land of Water, he'd felt something off about his condition, yet couldn't figure out why. Knowing it wasn't serious eased his mind.
"Still, Teacher Mizuki, what you mentioned just now—I've never heard it before."
He'd originally just come over to try his luck, hoping to resolve some confusion—after all, the Insect Techniques were far too obscure to ordinary ninja. That Mizuki could offer an explanation from a completely different perspective was already a pleasant surprise.
Mizuki smiled and said, "Come on, I'm at least a jonin, and have been a teacher for this long. You should have at least a little faith in me."
"I apologize for my earlier doubts," Shino said respectfully.
Mizuki waved him off. "No problem. In the future, feel free to ask me whenever you have questions. Since the Fifth Hokage chose me to replace the original Jonin squad leader of Team 8, I'm here to help."
"I understand that well." Having witnessed firsthand how Mizuki managed to seal a tailed beast during an S-ranked mission not long ago, Shino held deep respect for his instructor's strength.
"There's another matter I came here today to ask about as well," Shino continued.
"Oh?" Mizuki waited with interest for Shino's question.
"Lately, I've observed your fighting style. The way you skillfully employ a Summoned Beast has truly impressed me. Especially when combined with sealing techniques and barrier methods, the power becomes incredibly great. So, I was wondering if my Parasitic Bugs might imitate such a battle strategy."
"Oh, so you're interested in this?" Mizuki thought for a moment and said, "In theory, your highly controllable Parasitic Bugs may indeed be more suited for this kind of fighting style than my Summoned Beast. However, things aren't so simple. I fully support your initiative, but first, you should go back and consult your parents' opinion!"
After all, this isn't some incredible secret move. Learning sealing and barrier techniques merely requires proper guidance from a qualified teacher.
The key issue was that the Parasitic Bugs of the Aburame Clan weren't entirely under one's control like Mizuki's, and there were limitations to the contract. Plus, it would be a serious problem if it disrupted the Aburame Clan's inherited ninjutsu techniques.
"I understand. Thank you, Teacher Mizuki. I'll take my leave now." With that, Shino Aburame stood up and left. Quietness returned to the room once again.
Just as Mizuki sat down leisurely with a cup of tea, a voice came from nearby.
"Your earlier explanation was quite novel. It also seems to make a lot of sense."
"Oh? Back so soon, Lord Jiraiya?"
Mizuki had sensed someone secretly observing for some time but hadn't been too concerned. He originally thought it was a tracking ninja sent by the Mist Village. He hadn't expected it to be Jiraiya lurking nearby.
"It's been a long time, Mizuki."
"Didn't we meet over a month ago, Lord Jiraiya?"
"Was it that long ago?" Jiraiya chuckled slightly without much concern. "I didn't expect you to be so knowledgeable, having unique insights on many matters."
"Well, whenever I have some free time, I just enjoy reading up and thinking things through. Think enough, and naturally, I develop many personal opinions."
Although his words sounded relaxed, ultimately, he should thank the knowledge explosion before his reincarnation.
Jiraiya didn't dwell on these small details. He walked to the seat opposite Mizuki, the spot where Shino Aburame had just vacated, and poured himself a cup of tea.
"I've wanted to talk to you for a while. Never thought we'd run into each other so far away from Konoha."
"Yes, I also have many questions I'd like to verify with Lord Jiraiya."
"Is that so? That's great then."
Seeming somewhat tipsy, Jiraiya downed the tea in one gulp and exhaled deeply before asking, "Where did you learn your Sage Mode?"
"I figured it out myself."
Mizuki said proudly.
Although this version of Sage Mode was pieced together and still incomplete, at least it truly worked.
"You figured it out yourself?" Jiraiya asked with a faint smile. Self-learning Sage Mode was extremely difficult—harder than anyone could imagine. Even Jiraiya himself had studied off-and-on for years under Elder Fukasaku's personal guidance before achieving success, albeit not perfectly completed.
"Alright, let's just say you taught yourself. These aren't really important anyway. What I really want to know is, what was the medium through which you first perceived natural energy?"
"Tailed beast chakra." Mizuki didn't hide anything—it would eventually come out anyway.
Upon hearing Mizuki's answer, Jiraiya's expression changed.
"Tailed beast chakra? Did you go after Naruto?"
A surge of pressure hit Mizuki, making him catch his breath.
"How could that be? I used One-Tail Shukaku. Regarding our compatriots here in the village, I certainly wouldn't dare act recklessly. As for the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, there are countless people watching him closely. When would I ever have the chance?"
Hearing that it wasn't about targeting Naruto, Jiraiya's imposing aura relaxed somewhat.
"You're a smart man; I believe you wouldn't do anything foolish. But when did you start targeting the Sand Village's jinchuriki? During the Chunin Exams?"
"Indeed, such a great opportunity was ruined when Naruto knocked the person down and left them unconscious. You can't help but be impressed."
Mizuki said with a smile.
"Naruto, huh? He really is the top-most unpredictable ninja."
Jiraiya felt quite proud that his disciple managed to defeat the One-Tail Jinchuriki.
"But you'd better not drag the village into any trouble."
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