Originally, Mito Uzumaki had planned to check on Hibari, but by happy coincidence, she encountered Hibari and little Tsunade on the way. So, there was no need to go out of her way to find him anymore. The three chatted as they walked towards Mito's residence.
"Mito-baasan, have Hashirama-jiisan and Tobirama-jiisan already left?" Hibari asked casually, carrying the packages while walking beside Mito, who was holding little Tsunade.
"What? Are you so eager to start training with your Tobirama-ojii already?" Mito asked with a smile.
"Well, not exactly. We only just decided yesterday that I'd begin training. Obaasan, you know that almost all of Ojiisan's ninjutsu is Water Release, which I can't learn yet. And when it comes to his 'strange' ninjutsu, I don't have the necessary theoretical foundation to learn those either. So, to be honest, I haven't even figured out the first step of my training yet. I was just asking," Hibari said with a slight, awkward smile.
Truth be told, Hibari hadn't received much 'theoretical' guidance. Just as Tobirama said, he only 'knew how' but didn't 'understand.' He could perform ninjutsu, but that was all; he didn't grasp the underlying principles.
For Hibari, it was simply a matter of copying. Did one need to learn refrigeration just to make a refrigerator freeze?
Since everyone released ninjutsu by performing hand seals in a specific sequence, Hibari followed suit, learning many ninjutsu. As for the deep mysteries behind them, apart from basic knowledge and what Tobirama and others had pointed out, he was essentially clueless.
Now, things were different. Hibari was preparing to learn 'science' with Tobirama, hoping to find a reliable way to resolve his own problem. At the same time, this kind of learning could complement his training and strength, perhaps even allowing him to develop more powerful ninjutsu in the future. Wouldn't that increase his power?
So now, Hibari was in a state where he 'wanted the refrigerator to freeze, and he insisted on learning refrigeration.' However, as he himself said, he hadn't even taken that first step yet.
"Then you'll have to think carefully. Without sufficient theoretical knowledge, the further you go, the harder it will be. Various complex ninjutsu aren't like they are now, where you can just perform them once you've learned the hand seals. To be honest, I was already a bit surprised that you could perform Adamantine Chains. But Hibari, you can't always be so lucky. For example, the Yin Seal that you want to learn is a sealing jutsu far more complex than Adamantine Chains, and it directly affects your own body. Even a slight deviation can be very dangerous. Teaching it to you now wouldn't be spoiling you; it would be harming you. Wait until your Ojiisan says you're qualified, then you can come ask me for that jutsu.... Hehehe," Mito said with a chuckle, looking at Hibari's obedient appearance.
"Hearing you say that, it really does seem to be the case. So, if that's true... I'll go find Ojiisan later to get his keys and start by reading books," Hibari said with a smile after thinking about it.
Hearing Hibari's words, Mito couldn't help but smile, then said with great satisfaction, "Your Tobirama-ojii didn't tell you directly because he wanted to see if you could figure out the first step yourself. It seems you haven't disappointed him by being too impatient."
Reading books is vastly different from learning ninjutsu. If we consider ninjutsu as an individual skill, even with a mentor, as long as the fundamentals are explained, it's usually enough for a ninja. Learning some ninjutsu can significantly boost a ninja's raw power in a short period.
But reading is different. Reading involves learning systems and theories, even exploring many 'unknowns.' This isn't something that can immediately enhance one's raw power like learning ninjutsu. Instead, it expands one's foundation, builds one's base, and improves one's soft skills.
"But I'm smart. While learning these theories and systems, I can also concurrently learn ninjutsu, genjutsu, taijutsu, and so on. Recently, I've been looking for knowledge related to fusing chakra natures and deriving Kekkei Genkai. I figure, if I really can't master Hashirama-jiisan's Wood Release Secret Techniques, then creating something like Scorch Release or Lava Release wouldn't be too embarrassing," Hibari boasted with a chuckle.
"You child, you're eating what's in your bowl but eyeing what's in the pot. You need to take things one step at a time to be steady. You haven't even figured out your Water Release problem, and you're already planning to create Kekkei Genkai. What am I to say about you?" Mito said with a hint of helplessness, advising him.
Hibari, however, made a face at Mito Uzumaki, then said, "Time waits for no one, Mito-baasan. I've already decided on the direction for my first step. So, if you don't need anything else, I'm off to the Village Head's office to get the keys from Ojiisan..."
"I just said you weren't too impatient, and now you're showing your true colors. Also, that's not the Village Head's office. You can't just blabber like that outside. Your Hashirama-ojii represents the entire village as the Hokage, he should..." Mito said, amused as she admonished him.
But before she could finish, Hibari chuckled and said, "Got it, Mito-baasan! Outside, I need to give Hashirama-jiisan and Tobirama-jiisan proper 'dignity,' right? Don't worry, I won't talk nonsense..."
"Mm, as long as you understand. Looking at you, if I hold you back any longer, you'll probably get anxious. Go on." Mito was just rambling a bit; she knew Hibari wasn't someone who lacked discretion. So, she understandingly took her packages from Hibari.
"Alright then, Tsunade, stay with Mito-baasan and learn well. If you're still mischievous when I get back, I'll punish you..." Hibari said goodbye to Mito, then "threatened" little Tsunade again.
Then, without waiting for little Tsunade to say anything, Hibari used the Body Flicker Technique and vanished decisively.
After Hibari's figure disappeared, Mito softly murmured to herself, "A fledgling of the Senju clan's third generation...?"
After mumbling, Mito looked at little Tsunade, who was still bewildered in her arms, and softly murmured again, "Tsuna... being a 'Hime' isn't that easy, you know. There are no benefits that come for free... Our Senju clan is also at a crossroads."
"Obaasama, what are you talking about??" Little Tsunade asked, biting her finger and frowning, a bit confused.
Hearing Tsunade's voice, Mito seemed to snap out of her thoughts. She gently ruffled Tsunade's hair and said with a smile, "Nothing, when people get old, they tend to overthink things. I truly envy you young ones..."
"Obaasama, you're young too! You look just like an oneesan!" Little Tsunade said with a giggle.
"Hehehe, really? That's a very nice compliment then," Mito seemed amused as well, and slowly walked away from the spot, holding little Tsunade.
However, judging by her slightly heavy footsteps, it seemed as if an invisible storm was indeed brewing over the Senju compound...
The Konohagakure had only been established for a few years, so many things hadn't been set up yet. For example, the iconic Hokage Rock of the future was currently just a rough mountain face.
As for things like Ichiraku Ramen, they didn't even exist. The overall population of the Konohagakure was far from as prosperous as it would later become.
Overall, the current Konohagakure was predominantly populated by various ninja clans, with a moderate number of civilians mixed in. Since there was no Ninja Academy or similar institution in this era, civilians rarely had access to concepts like ninjutsu. Most who lived in the Konohagakure made a living by serving ninjas, such as opening ramen shops, selling pastries, or making clothes.
Among civilians, only occasionally would a fortunate individual possess exceptional talent and happen to be discovered by a ninja, then taken in and trained as a new ninja prospect.
However, unless they met a very benevolent teacher, civilian ninjas wouldn't be able to learn the secret techniques safeguarded by the ninja clans.
This wasn't a phenomenon exclusive to the Konohagakure. Currently, the entire shinobi world exhibited this trend; none of the Five Great Nations or Five Great Hidden Villages could look down on another.
It could be said that this current solidification of 'classes' was stifling the vitality of the entire Konohagakure.
Of course, as a member of a top-tier prominent clan like the Senju, Hibari didn't have to worry about such trivial matters. On the contrary, he was a beneficiary, and certainly didn't have to worry about not having ninjutsu to learn.
At the same time, Hibari also knew that once his grandfather took on the role of Hokage, he would begin reforms. Being the Hokage was a world of difference from being a 'clan head.'
Given Ojiisan's broad-mindedness, it was inevitable that he would prioritize the village.
However, at this moment, Hibari's steps on the street suddenly halted. He seemed to have thought of some 'conspiracy theory'...
'If I follow this line of thought, then Ojiisan's establishment of the Ninja Academy, and extensively training ninjas from the civilian population, will inevitably mean cutting into the 'cake' of the various major clans in the village... Even our own Senju clan will have to make sacrifices...' A glint flashed in Hibari's eyes as he softly muttered to himself.
Before he could dwell further on the matter, a hand suddenly clapped him on the shoulder, almost making Hibari lose his balance and stumble.
"Hibari, you finally decided to come out? What are you spacing out for? People are coming and going on the street; don't block the way..."
A young man with an ordinary appearance, but overall somewhat handsome, stood behind Hibari, smiling and teasing him.
Hibari turned around, looked at the guy, and clicked his tongue, a bit bored. "I was wondering who it was. Turns out it's just Hiruzen-nii..."
That's right, this fellow, who appeared to be under thirty years old at the moment, was none other than Hiruzen Sarutobi, who would later take over Tobirama's important role and become the Third Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village.
"What 'Hiruzen-nii'? I'm a full cycle older than you! According to our family's seniority, you should be calling me 'Ojisan'!" Hiruzen said, displeased at Hibari's form of address.
"Yes, yes, 'Hiruzen-jisan' then, alright? Why do you insist on taking advantage of me? I'm telling you, I'm also training with Ojiisan now. By that measure, we should be fellow disciples..." Hibari said, a bit helplessly.
"Huh? Hibari, are you finally going to officially train with Tobirama-sensei??" Hiruzen asked, a little surprised upon hearing Hibari's words.