Bab 178: Chapter 178: Hiruzen's Rewards
"Hokage-sama, these are the notes from the recent meeting. Please have a look," Tatsuma said as he handed over the notes from the meeting he and Minato attended.
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded with a smile as he accepted them and said, "Please, have a seat."
Tatsuma was taken aback. It seemed like the first time Sarutobi Hiruzen had ever allowed him to sit in the Hokage's office. Getting a seat in the Hokage's office wasn't an easy feat.
Even during their debriefings with Jiraiya, Sarutobi Hiruzen never allowed them to sit. Only Jiraiya and Tsunade dared to sit directly, while Orochimaru generally stood.
Even Sakumo Hatake stood during his debriefings.
Tatsuma nodded without hesitation and took a seat, without the same audacity as Jiraiya and Tsunade. He sat upright, much like Minato, who also appeared somewhat honored and nervous.
"You both did very well today," Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a smile after they had both taken their seats. Tatsuma knew what he was referring to and responded with a slightly shy smile, while Minato seemed somewhat uncomfortable, considering he was just there as a scribe.
Since today's Jonin meeting was exceptionally short, the notes were also brief. Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced through them before setting them aside and then looked at the two of them, asking with a smile, "How has your progress been with the Fire Dragon Bullet I assigned you earlier?"
Minato didn't answer; instead, he looked at Tatsuma, who nodded gently and replied, "We haven't disappointed your trust. I've reached the Novice level, and Minato has delved even deeper."
It wasn't false modesty on Tatsuma's part. He had spent most of his time studying Tobirama's notes, focusing on various Summoning techniques and, more importantly, Wind Release and Water Release Ninjutsu. As for the Fire Dragon Bullet Sarutobi Hiruzen had previously rewarded them with, Tatsuma had merely learned it and hadn't continued to explore it further. Although, given his proficiency in Fire Release Ninjutsu, he couldn't be considered a true Novice.
However, compared to other Ninjutsu he mastered, the Fire Dragon Bullet was indeed one of the least skilled.
Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't mind and continued, "Learning it is good. If you can't master the Fire Dragon Bullet, then you won't find the key to learning the Fire Dragon Flame Bullet."
Upon hearing this, Tatsuma's eyes widened slightly. It seemed like the leader was about to give them a reward.
Sure enough, Sarutobi Hiruzen got up, browsed through the nearby bookshelf, and then selected a scroll. He handed it to Tatsuma, saying, "Take this and study it well. This is considered the Ultimate application of Fire Release within the Sarutobi Clan."
The Sarutobi Clan was already proficient in Fire Release, and they had a systematic set of Fire Release Ninjutsu within the clan. Apart from the Fire Dragon Bullet that Tatsuma and Minato had already learned, there was also the Great Flame Jutsu before it, and then the Fire Dragon Flame Bullet that Sarutobi Hiruzen held in his hands at the moment.
Unlike the Uchiha Clan, known for their vast Chakra reserves, the Sarutobi Clan's Fire Release focuses not on the extent of flame coverage but on precise manipulation of the technique. Even with the Fire Dragon Flame Bullet, the damage radius isn't too large, but the temperature of the flames and the control over the technique surpasses that of the Uchiha Clan's Great Flame series Ninjutsu.
Of course, this judgment is made under equal casting conditions. If compared between Uchiha Madara and Sarutobi Hiruzen, Uchiha Madara's Great Flame series Ninjutsu not only possesses greater power but also comparable control.
However, for Tatsuma, the Fire Dragon Flame Bullet is more suitable because of his talent, "Sea Overturning," which compensates for the slightly insufficient destructive power of the Fire Dragon Flame Bullet.
Additionally, the more controllable technique allows for more versatile attacks. Seeing the joy on the faces of the two, Sarutobi Hiruzen was also extremely satisfied. The worst thing about giving gifts is when the recipients don't appreciate or value them. Tatsuma accepted the scroll of the Fire Dragon Flame Bullet and said, "Thank you, Hokage-sama. After Minato and I transcribe it, we'll return it to you."
"No need to rush; it's not like it's the only copy," Sarutobi Hiruzen waved his hand and then continued, "By the way, Tatsuma, in the battle with the Sand Ninjas alongside your sensei before, you used up all your ninja tools, right?"
"Yeah."
"In that case, make a list and hand it over to logistics. I'll have them replenish it for you."
If the earlier gift was somewhat within Tatsuma's expectations, then this was a pleasant surprise, one that made Tatsuma even happier. Ninjutsu is knowledge, an intangible asset. Even though its importance is known, tangible assets like ninja tools provide a sense of satisfaction that cannot be compared to intangible ones.
And most importantly, now Tatsuma wouldn't have to borrow ninja tools from Minato anymore. Though Minato didn't mind at all and even offered to give Tatsuma half of his ninja tools voluntarily, Tatsuma couldn't accept it with a clear conscience. Having the village replenish these consumables made Tatsuma, who no longer had money to buy ninja tools, almost laugh with excitement. Of course, if Sarutobi Hiruzen could exchange the missions he completed for money, Tatsuma reckoned he would genuinely burst out laughing.
Unfortunately, Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't seem to mention anything about money.
Sarutobi Hiruzen just asked, "Do you two want to participate in this operation?"
Although there was a hint of disappointment in his heart, Tatsuma still nodded. Despite the significant risks on the battlefield, for Tatsuma, the potential gains hidden within it outweighed the threats.
As for Minato, it goes without saying. His mind was set on fighting for the village. Even if he knew the dangers, he would charge forward without hesitation.
Seeing that the courage of these two wasn't dampened by the battlefield, Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction and said, "The detailed planning, implementation, and execution of the plan will take approximately a week to ten days. In the best-case scenario, you might depart four days from now. If there's too much coordination needed, it will likely be around a week before you depart. You can go back and make some more preparations."
At this point, Sarutobi Hiruzen paused for a moment and then continued, "The war has been going on for almost two years now, and every nation has had enough of its hardships. It's time for it to end."
Minato's eyes were already filled with excitement and agreement, while Tatsuma simply pursed his lips and nodded solemnly.
Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed inwardly, realizing that this topic wasn't one where Tatsuma and Minato could interject. He composed himself and continued, "Alright, go back and prepare. Make sure to give the list to logistics."
"Yes, Hokage-sama!" x2
Tatsuma and Minato stood up, bowed, and left. Tatsuma didn't even leave the Hokage Building; instead, he went straight to the logistics office. After explaining his purpose, he borrowed their paper and pen to write down his requirements.
Afterward, as they left the Hokage Building and walked along the streets of Konoha, observing how the once bustling streets now seemed somewhat desolate compared to two years ago, Tatsuma handed the scroll to Minato and said, "Minato, you should be able to learn faster. Take it back and study first."
Minato hesitated for a moment, feeling conflicted. He knew that being able to obtain this scroll was all thanks to Tatsuma's efforts, so he shouldn't be the one to study it first.
However, Minato understood Tatsuma's personality. If he wanted to refuse, he'd need a convincing reason. Seeing the expression on Minato's face, Tatsuma smiled and said, "Don't hesitate. I'm not just being polite with you."
"I understand. Then I'll take it back first to transcribe it. I'll transcribe a copy for you too."
Minato still accepted the scroll. Tatsuma didn't refuse Minato's help; after all, most people wouldn't feel at ease without contributing something in return.
After walking along the street for a while, Minato suddenly turned a corner and said, "Tatsuma, I'll head back first."
However, Tatsuma grabbed his hand. Seeing Minato's puzzled expression, Tatsuma said, "Do you have any money left?"
"No, I don't. Do you need some? I can sell some ninja tools."
"No, I mean, you're out of money, so where else can you eat if not at Grandma Mito's?"
Upon hearing this, Minato suddenly realized. He had been lost in his thoughts and completely forgot about it. He flashed an embarrassed smile, scratching his head as he said, "I forgot."
He had been so focused on transcribing the scroll and delivering it to Tatsuma and Sarutobi Hiruzen that he forgot about the need to eat.
Tatsuma also chuckled and shook his head. Both he and Minato were very focused individuals, and sometimes when they were preoccupied with something, they tended to forget about the mundane aspects of life, even essential activities like eating and sleeping.
As the Jonin meeting ended much sooner than expected, when the two returned to Uzumaki Mito's house, she was already preparing lunch. As she served them and complained about them missing breakfast, Tatsuma and Minato explained briefly about being called away by Sarutobi Hiruzen in the middle of their morning training and attending the Jonin meeting.
"Hmph!"
Upon hearing that the two would be heading back to the battlefield, Kushina snorted discontentedly. She had expressed her desire to join the battlefield more than once, but it seemed like the village turned a deaf ear to her requests.
Initially, Kushina had found some semblance of balance in her heart when she thought that the two, who hadn't been to the battlefield for months, had become non-combatants. There was a hint of emotion within her that she couldn't quite comprehend.
But now, the two were going back to the battlefield.
Minato, seeing Kushina's snort, looked at her helplessly, feeling the urge to explain himself. However, Uzumaki Mito calmly interjected, "Let's eat first."
"Yes."
Minato could only nod and start eating lunch. As they ate, Nawaki began asking about the timing of their return to the battlefield, saying something about preparing himself as well. This made Kushina so angry that she nearly chewed the bones she was eating into pieces.
Like Kushina, Minato found this meal tasteless and bland. He tried to answer Nawaki's questions while also worrying about Kushina's emotions.
In contrast, Tatsuma had quite the appetite. After all, he hadn't eaten breakfast, and with the energy he had consumed from thinking too much, he devoured all the dishes that Kushina and Minato had forgotten to eat due to their lack of appetite and Nawaki's persistent inquiries about returning to the battlefield.
After the meal, Nawaki pulled Minato aside for a conversation, with Kushina following suit. Tatsuma, on the other hand, tidied up the table, while Uzumaki Mito calmly observed everything, her face devoid of any emotion.
Once Tatsuma finished cleaning up, she finally asked, "This time... it should be the final battle, right?"
Tatsuma nodded and replied, "It's the decisive battle. If the plan goes smoothly, the Land of Rain will withdraw from the war, and what remains will be post-war cleanup and arranging scouts to various countries and from various countries to Konoha. It's time to end it."
Uzumaki Mito murmured a few words, her eyelids drooping as she seemed lost in thought. After a while, she looked up and said to Tatsuma, "Come along with this old lady for a trip."
"Sure."
Tatsuma couldn't quite put his finger on it, but he felt like he had heard that phrase quite a lot today.
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