บท 11: Chapter 11: Two Attitudes
"These three basic ninja techniques are the Replacement Technique, the Clone Technique, and the Transformation Technique. For convenience, most people call them the Three Techniques."
Actually, before Jiraiya spoke, many students already knew the answer. The Three Techniques were the most basic ninja skills, though only ranked E-level. Still, they seemed mysterious to these children.
After all, quite a few had not even been able to mold chakra yet.
When Jiraiya finished speaking, he observed the situation in the hall. Most people looked expectant, even the talented Uchiha girl Mikoto Uchiha.
He also intentionally observed Minato Namikaze's expression. This boy had a calm look, but his blue eyes were unwaveringly fixed here.
Jiraiya slowly withdrew his gaze, seeing the fluctuating expression of Homura Uchiha in the front row, clearly indifferent.
Though just a child, the arrogance typical of the Uchiha clan could already be seen in Homura.
This was not a good thing.
However, Jiraiya did not mind. He came today only to confirm whether this student the Third Hokage found for him was really as outstanding as claimed.
"First, I will demonstrate the Clone Technique!"
Jiraiya said, then made hand seals slowly for the demonstration. It took him three seconds to complete the three seals.
Poof poof!
With a light mist, two clones identical to Jiraiya appeared at his sides.
"Wow, amazing!"
Though the most basic technique, the ninja academy students could not help exclaiming when they saw it.
Some were even witnessing a ninja technique for the first time.
Jiraiya scanned the hall again. Homura Uchiha looked even more indifferent, as if he had already mastered the Clone Technique.
Indeed, children of the Uchiha clan were taught some techniques by their parents or the clan's strongest before attending the academy, so it was unsurprising if Homura had mastered the Three Techniques.
What interested Jiraiya was Minato Namikaze's expression. The boy was focused, without the exclamations of his classmates, but his eyes showed an inquisitive glint.
That gaze was not exploring the unknown, but deepening his understanding of something known.
Jiraiya's face flashed with surprise. Could Minato have already mastered the Transformation Technique too?
But according to the Third Hokage's information, though this child had exceptional basic talents, he had no ninja background. As a new student, he could not have learned the Three Techniques from teachers in his first year.
Then who taught him these techniques?
Concealing his surprise, Jiraiya made more hand seals, engulfed in another puff of smoke. His main body then transformed into an exact replica of Kunio Shindo.
"This is the Transformation Technique," Jiraiya said.
Seeing two identical Kunio Shindos, the students blinked in shock, their young faces showing amazement as they looked back and forth between the transformed Jiraiya and the real Kunio.
"There are two Kunio-sensei who look exactly alike!"
"They're like twins!"
The children exclaimed naively. Kunio and the other teachers just felt headaches coming on, having invited such a renowned guest instructor only for the students to treat it like a circus act.
Still, a few tried practicing the hand seals, following Jiraiya's earlier demonstration, which gave the teachers a bit of consolation.
Kunio's gaze fell on Minato, while Jiraiya observed again too.
Homura Uchiha was indifferent, while Minato Namikaze remained focused.
Perhaps they had both mastered the Three Techniques, but ninja techniques were not just about mastering them.
Their completely opposite attitudes might not matter now, but could impact their future paths as ninjas.
If Jiraiya had only accepted the Third Hokage's request before, in this brief time he had developed an interest in the child Minato Namikaze.
"Next is the final Replacement Technique."
Jiraiya undid his Transformation, then turned to Kunio and the others, saying, "I need one of you to assist me in demonstrating the Replacement Technique."
After a brief discussion, the "unfortunate" Kunio was chosen.
He came before Jiraiya, who told him, "Attack me."
Though expecting it, Kunio did not dare make a move against the renowned Jiraiya due to their status differences.
Realizing his hesitation, Jiraiya said, "This is just a demonstration for your students, not disrespecting your superior."
Kunio, though not particularly talented as a ninja, was an excellent teacher. Jiraiya's advice worked - his hesitant look faded.
Everything was for his students!
"Then I must trouble you!"
Kunio rushed in and threw a straight punch at full speed - extremely fast in the students' eyes.
Only Minato Namikaze and Homura Uchiha could clearly see his movements and that he was holding back.
Jiraiya smiled faintly, not dodging as Kunio's punch hit his chest.
"Bam!"
But then there was another puff of smoke. Not just the watching children, but even the ninja academy teachers were momentarily confused.
The three Jiraiyas became two, as the clone on the right dispelled into smoke.
The remaining Jiraiya walked before the students and explained, "The principle of the Replacement Technique is switching your own body with nearby objects like stumps or animals. I just switched my real body with my clone, which can better divert the enemy's attention in real combat. The effect is obvious - even your teachers didn't react immediately."
His explanation was clear enough, though the children would need time to digest it.
Even the previously indifferent Homura Uchiha lowered his head in thought.
Jiraiya smiled slightly, but behind him, the ninja academy teachers' expressions became strange.
The separated clone bodies of the Clone Technique had no physical substance and could not be used for the Replacement Technique.
Unless one of Jiraiya's earlier clones had physical form.
They could tell Jiraiya was unsurprised - fitting for his jonin level. What mattered to him was the reaction of the person he wanted to evaluate.
"That wasn't the Clone Technique," Minato Namikaze murmured, his blue eyes flickering with doubt and a questioning look that Jiraiya noticed.
A gratified smile appeared on Jiraiya's face.
"Did you notice?"
(end of chapter)
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