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

There is already a highly practical and valuable martial art technique.

The Hokage plans to create a Book of Creation to correspond with the Book of Sealing, where techniques can only be learned by meritorious service or by creating new ninjutsu.

Asuma even put on a show in front of the Hokage Building...

Besides, is it reasonable for a Hokage to research such ninjutsu?

Techniques like shuriken shadow clones are something Kakashi's side can definitely do, so there's no need to waste this precious opportunity. Only techniques that Kakashi doesn't have are things that the Third Hokage's side needs to obtain.

"Go, go, go."

Konoha has no shortage of ninjas who like to create new techniques, but they usually keep their new techniques as trump cards and don't pass them on to outsiders.

Three generations were speechless.

What is the reason?

does it work?

If targeted improvements can be made, then of course it is feasible. Many techniques are not difficult to master once the underlying principles are understood. For example, the third generation, if asked to make some modifications now, could also be done.

Many people are still watching and waiting, but the three generations of cunning old foxes know how to win people over.

It's not too complicated. Anyone who understands the surgical procedure can basically understand it. Chiba's point is to use this technique to find the source of the disease, making it easier to quickly locate the injured area.

If there's enough money, everyone's happy to accept it, but the village probably isn't so keen.

"As the Hokage, shouldn't you set an example?"

The third-generation elder smiled and said, "So I'll have to make an extra note of this this time."

If they continued talking, he felt he was about to break down.

"I want to learn your Five Elements Sealing and Five Elements Unsealing techniques."

Chiba chuckled.

The next day, Asma came to visit.

The benefits are not enough.

"Just give me the technique, I don't need the reward, you can just help me figure it out."

He slapped his forehead and sighed, "Alright, then this technique..."

All three of them he mentioned were like that.

The image above is a simplified diagram of a surgical procedure.

"There are two!"

Then, the Third Hokage announced that Asuma had handed over a Fire Release ninjutsu called "Ash Pile Burning" in exchange for a technique called "Konoha Fluid Technique: Limitless".

Chiba continued.

Powerful ninjutsu is different.

So Chiba received two more scrolls. The Third Hokage wanted him to take them and study them slowly, but he could memorize them after reading them twice. Taking them would just waste time sending them back, so it wasn't worth it at all.

He didn't say he agreed.

If it weren't for Bodhiko's feedback, Chiba wouldn't have handed over the ninjutsu he had worked so hard to create for nothing. He might have been able to get some money in return, but most ninjas don't lack that little bit.

The difficulty lies in thinking about this aspect.

So, a few more days passed.

It is said...

The third generation stared at him strangely, then sighed softly: "Alright, I'll calculate your A-level again. Tell me if you have any other requests."

"Chiba-kun, do you think Asuma-sensei really wanted to come here?"

They would come over every day and ask in a low voice inside the hall.

Chiba looked around and said, "Asuma-senpai is wholeheartedly devoted to Konoha, so he must genuinely want to do his best for Konoha."

"I have a feeling that he..."

Tian Tian wanted to say more, but then a violent coughing sound came from the side.

Kakashi stepped forward and stopped her from continuing: "Let's think about which mission to choose."

"Let's choose a C-level. I've been training a lot lately, it's time to prove my abilities!"

Be full of fighting spirit every day.

"Ah."

Someone nearby gave a quiet response.

Chiba tilts his head.

Kazusa is usually quite reserved when there are many people around, but now that the lobby is packed with people, it's a huge improvement that she can even speak.

"Are you sure? Where's Chiba?"

Kakashi remained noncommittal, instead looking towards Chiba.

Chiba thought for a few seconds.

To be honest, C-rank missions aren't very rewarding. From a personal perspective, he would prefer to take on B-rank or higher missions and fight against real ninjas.

Only battles of that level can help you improve yourself.

However, based on rational analysis, that scenario seems unlikely.

Also.

Judging from the timeline, the Chunin Exams seem to be approaching.

Chiba turned his head to look at Kakashi, about to ask a question, but then his eyes darted around and he immediately changed his attitude.

"Although C-level is boring, I'd still like to take a C-level role."

"..."

Kakashi covered his face and sighed.

This kid clearly guessed the reason, but deliberately said he wanted to take the "C-level" course. It seems he may have guessed something deeper, or he may not want to participate for the sake of his teammates and team.

and so.

Chiba didn't say anything; he looked at Tenten, Tsukiko, and Sasa.

"The registration period for the Chunin Exams is almost here, don't you guys want to participate at all?"

"Huh? Can we?"

Tian Tian was astonished, "I heard that the exam is usually taken in the second year, right?"

"That's true for most teams, but you are the strongest graduated team I've seen in recent years. You already reached the level of a regular Chunin during the test, and you'll only get stronger now."

Kakashi said seriously, "As the Jonin leading the team, I believe you are qualified to participate in this Chunin Exam."

"That's great! I... wait, Chiba-kun, what do you think?"

Tian Tian wanted to agree immediately, but reason and trust in Chiba prevailed at this moment, pulling her back from the brink of excitement to irrationality.

"What about you?"

Kakashi looked at Tsukiko and Sasa.

The little girl didn't speak, but quietly pointed at Chiba, the meaning of which was self-evident.

He smiled silently.

"In the end, it depends on your decision. Congratulations, you have already acquired the first quality a captain needs—trust."

"So you mean I get to decide whether or not to participate?"

Chiba looked at Tenten and Kazusa.

The two girls nodded.

"how do you feel?"

Kakashi's eyes were narrowed; he was definitely smiling behind his mask.

"To be honest, the thought that my decision would affect the fate of two people puts a lot of pressure on me."

Chiba speaks the truth.

Although he had been a doctor and had killed people, the surgeries he participated in were the kind that would leave someone disabled if not performed, so he didn't really have much of a burden.

This time is different.

"So, what's your answer?"

"Not participating."

Kakashi raised an eyebrow.

After a few seconds of silence, he asked, "Why?"

"It doesn't matter why. Graduating a year earlier or a year later doesn't make much difference. A so-called Chunin rank doesn't mean anything. But if my teammates get into a crisis because of my rash decision, I will be very sad."

Chiba answered truthfully, "I care more about my partners than a position."

"Don't you trust your teammates?"

Kakashi's tone was somewhat stern.

Tenten couldn't help but speak up for Chiba: "Kakashi-sensei, Chiba-kun didn't mean that, he just genuinely cares about us!"

"So you mean I don't care about you?"

Kakashi's voice was cold and icy, exuding a hint of murderous intent. Tenten and Kazusa's faces paled slightly, and the others around them also took a few steps back. Only Chiba did not make any move.

"Teachers have their own ideas, and I have mine. I'm just expressing my own beliefs; the two don't conflict."

Chiba smiled.

"I'll give you another chance."

"No need to test me, Kakashi-sensei. I remember there are two Chunin Exams a year, right? Even if you don't participate this time, you can still participate next time."

Chiba stretched and said, "I think participating next time will be more beneficial for Tenten and the others."