Konoha: Unable to learn ninjutsu, they had to develop their own.

"Wait, I want to know what your puppet technique is all about. Uh, I can trade it for secret techniques—secret techniques that you'll definitely be interested in!"

Jiraiya said with certainty.

of course.

He was mainly a little skeptical that someone could actually handle so many things in one night.

Chiba couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

Aside from the toad-themed techniques, the only other technique that Jiraiya is interested in and might be able to learn is hair-based ninjutsu, but hair growth also involves nature transformation.

Forget it.

Since puppet techniques are unimportant anyway, it doesn't matter at all; whatever I get in return is a win.

Thinking about this, he nodded and said, "Okay."

Then, Chiba handed a draft he had written to Jiraiya.

He opened it and examined it carefully.

Jiraiya leaned over and took a look.

Two seconds passed.

I've never believed in superstitions.

Jiraiya's lips twitched as he listened.

Chiba didn't hide anything, "My previous idea was to have a group of ninjas inside control multiple parts of the puppet, using chakra storage tools to drive the super-large puppet."

This is a completely new form of puppetry.

As for the other one.

Chiba nodded.

He pondered for a moment and then said, "Okay."

"Yes, puppet ninja tools. They have the lowest requirements for puppet manufacturing technology and materials, making them the best tools for beginners."

A weakened version of superhuman strength—you can tell what it is just by its name.

Chiba's technique uses chakra threads to control the puppet's limbs, combined with his own body techniques, which is completely different from the Sand Village Puppet Technique, which relies entirely on the puppet's abilities.

The text clearly explains both types of Gentle Fist and also provides detailed instructions on application techniques, making it easy for a ninja of Jiraiya's caliber to understand.

Chiba said, "I'm interested in both of your techniques, but they're not really worth it... Let me see. Gentle Fist, that should be more useful to you, and my self-created, weakened version of Super Strength Technique."

"My own creation, the Soft Fist."

Absolutely!

"Can I choose all of them? Also, I can't use them myself, so I might pass them on to others after I improve them."

Jiraiya was convinced. He sighed and then said, "I've heard about you. There are two techniques that you're particularly interested in: one is that I can enhance my hair for combat, and the other is that I can create toad oil using chakra nature transformation."

"Isn't this a bit too crazy?"

Jiraiya only glanced at it before stopping, lest he read it all and memorize it.

"I guessed it was this technique. I also have immortal versions of these two techniques, which I can give to you if you need them."

Putting aside its feasibility, the sheer amount of chakra iron required for such a ninja tool is terrifying.

Chiba turned to the next page.

After reading it, Jiraiya thought for a moment and said, "It is indeed feasible, but it is more appropriate to call it a ninja tool rather than a puppet. Moreover, I have a feeling that there is a better solution."

Chiba wrote very detailed notes, even clearly noting which version was sold to Sunagakure.

and so.

These aren't puppets, they're just piles of money!

This is a weapon of war, but it is never used in peacetime missions.

Who could create something like this?

"So, it's a conceptual puppet. To put it simply, it's a single-person operated puppet driven by chakra ninja tools. Although its power is not as great as the former, it is definitely far superior to ordinary puppets."

Jiraiya had been beaten up too many times, so he knew the effects of super strength techniques best.

and.

He opened his mouth, then looked at the drawing and said, "So this is the most simplified version?"

"Indeed."

"This is?"

The outcome was already predetermined before Jiraiya uttered those words; there was no room for surprise.

Kakashi stood to the side with a book, showing absolutely no interest in whatsoever.

Then, Jiraiya fell silent.

"Hahaha, what a greedy little brat. If you could bring out something that interests me..."

Kakashi said in surprise.

Jiraiya had only laughed halfway through when he saw Chiba quickly flipping through his notebook, as if selecting and pondering something.

Jiraiya watched it extremely intently—

These two techniques are already very well-developed, especially the latter, which, when combined with Sage Mode, is quite different from the Super Strength Technique in some respects.

After reading it, he couldn't help but admire the other person's talent once again.

This ability...

This really puts the older generation to shame.

Seeing that Jiraiya was satisfied, Chiba continued, "Lord Jiraiya, I remember you summoned two sages before, and it seemed you were preparing to merge with them?"

"Yes."

Jiraiya felt somewhat ashamed.

He didn't want to mention this, especially not in front of Chiba.

Jiraiya was preparing to activate Sage Mode to defeat Orochimaru and the two Hokage, but unexpectedly, the battle ended before he could even begin.

The Sage Mode chakra that had been gathered for a minute or two could only be used to congratulate Chiba on his victory over a powerful enemy.

Now that we're bringing this up...

My face feels burning.

Fortunately, Jiraiya had a thick skin, and seeing that Chiba's expression was normal, he calmed down considerably.

Chiba didn't pay attention to that point.

but.

The technique he wanted to sell was indeed related to it.

"I have a technique that can conceal my aura in normal times, and in battle I can increase my chakra consumption to absorb natural energy while fighting."

"!!!"

Jiraiya gasped.

Just how many ninjutsu does this kid have? And the ninjutsu he mentioned hit right where it hurts. His insight is truly sharp.

He remembered what Kakashi had said earlier—

You'll get used to it gradually.

Yes.

Jiraiya feels he's gradually getting used to it.

This kid's talent...

The third generation hasn't compromised at all; in fact, they're being a bit too modest.

After a few seconds of silence, Jiraiya sighed heavily.

"You want the fusion technique?"

"Correct."

Chiba nodded.

Jiraiya frowned, then shook his head and said, "I can't give you an answer right now. Or, after we finish discussing business, I'll summon the two sages, and we can talk about it together."

"also."

Chiba was only slightly annoyed with the Great Toad Sage and didn't want to interact with the charlatan toad much, but otherwise he didn't care.

Jiraiya and Kakashi both sat down.

Then he got down to business—

dawn!

From the composition and number of Akatsuki members to Itachi, Jiraiya basically shared all the information he knew.

"Is Itachi also in that organization?"

"According to my investigation, yes."

Jiraiya nodded.

Kakashi's expression was solemn. As the former captain of the Anbu, he knew Itachi's talent very well.

That guy is very strong!

Chiba thought for a moment and said, "If these people are all S-rank rogue ninjas from various countries, then we can collect information on S-rank rogue ninjas from various countries to narrow down the scope."

"Indeed, but I think their purpose is more important. Surely these people can't have gotten together just to do volunteer work for various countries, right?"

Jiraiya chuckled softly as he spoke.

Neither Chiba nor Kakashi responded to the joke.

Chiba knew perfectly well what Xiao was thinking.