"Bastard…"
Seeing that the situation had temporarily settled, the Third Hokage forced a smile and turned toward Uzumaki Mito, attempting to ask gently, "Mito-sama, could you perhaps share the details of the rescue just now?"
"And... that mass teleportation technique—was that also developed by Ren Takashi?"
"Is it a modified version of the Flying Thunder God? What are its limitations?"
Before negotiating directly with Ren, Hiruzen wanted to pry more information from Mito, hoping to better understand this strategic ninjutsu.
But Uzumaki Mito immediately saw through him. Her gaze sharpened coldly. "So… your target is Takashi's improved Flying Thunder God?"
"Damn…"
Hiruzen was momentarily shaken by her piercing gaze and raised both hands in defense. "No, no! That's not what I meant. It's just… this technique has enormous tactical value for the village."
"If we had control over it, we could instantly deploy forces to the front lines or strike deep into enemy territory. It would give Konoha a huge advantage in wartime."
"Of course, I'm not expecting to get it for free. I'm willing to compensate him fairly—this is all for the village, Mito-sama. I hope you'll understand."
"Hmph."
Mito let out a cold snort. "Don't think of using sentiment or pressure to corner me. If you want this upgraded version of the Flying Thunder God, you'd better show real sincerity."
"If you plan to coerce or swindle, then don't blame me for being harsh."
She waved her hand dismissively. "Enough nonsense. I'll call Takashi here right now. You can discuss it with him directly."
This was, of course, pre-arranged. Takashi had foreseen this scenario and asked Mito to handle Hiruzen when the time came. Her presence would act as a shield and negotiation leverage.
"This… alright."
Though extremely reluctant, the Third Hokage had no choice but to agree. At least negotiating with a younger shinobi like Takashi might be easier to manipulate.
"Tch… why couldn't this old woman have died earlier…"
That ugly thought flashed across Hiruzen's mind.
"Hmm?"
Uzumaki Mito's expression turned cold. She glanced at him and said flatly, "You seem displeased with me?"
"No! Absolutely not!"
The Third flinched and hurriedly cleared his mind, frantically thinking of the good Mito had done for the village. Only then did the killing intent around her fade slightly.
Of course, Mito knew this fear wouldn't last. Once she wasn't around, he would likely hold a deeper grudge—but she didn't care.
All she wanted was deterrence.
With a thought, she activated the Flying Thunder God seal Ren had left on her. A moment later, a flash of chakra heralded his arrival.
"Grandma Mito, you called me?"
"Oh? Hokage-sama's here too. Greetings."
Ren greeted both with a calm smile.
"Ah… hello, Takashi."
Hiruzen managed a stiff smile. He still didn't understand how things were moving beyond his control.
Mito didn't waste words. "I called you here because Monkey—" she deliberately referred to Hiruzen by his nickname, "—wants to buy your mass teleportation technique. I'll let you handle it however you like."
"If you're not interested, don't worry—I'm here, and no one will pressure you."
Ren nodded with a grin. This played out exactly as he and his father had anticipated.
"This technique relates directly to civilian evacuation and rapid response. It's fundamental to protecting lives."
He smiled at the Third, hinting that he wasn't inclined to trade it lightly.
Hiruzen felt anxious. With Mito on Ren's side, he really couldn't force anything.
"Ren Takashi… Takashi, I understand this is difficult for you. But this jutsu is too important to the village! You're a part of the Leaf too, right? Please, for the village's sake—let's make a deal."
And then, the Hokage bowed deeply in front of him.
Anyone else might've been fooled.
But Ren Takashi merely rubbed his chin and said thoughtfully, "Hmm… trade? Not impossible."
"Yes?!"
Before Ren could finish, Hiruzen quickly said, "Thank you! On behalf of the village—"
"Hold on. I haven't named my price yet."
Ren raised a hand to cut him off. "I'll give you the technique—but you'll have to pay in kind."
"Money? How much do you want?"
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. Money wasn't a problem. He was even ready to call in favors from the Fire Daimyo if needed.
But Ren chuckled. "I don't mean ryo. I mean jutsu—forbidden ones."
"I'll give you a full copy of the mass teleportation technique, but in return, I want: the Reanimation Jutsu, the Spiritualization Technique, and the complete Eight Inner Gates Formation."
"What?!"
Hiruzen was stunned.
"These are dangerous, especially the first—Reanimation desecrates the dead! Can't you trade it for ten other techniques instead?!"
He truly didn't want to part with that one.
Even Mito frowned when she heard Ren's request—but she quickly relaxed. She knew the boy wasn't reckless.
She'd ask him about it later.
Originally, Hiruzen hoped Mito would dissuade Takashi from taking the Reanimation Jutsu.
But when she stayed silent, he knew his hopes were dashed.
'So… even Mito-sama trusts him this much… I never should've let Tsunade take him as a disciple.'
Inwardly, Hiruzen was full of regret. If not for Tsunade, Ren wouldn't be so close to Mito and Kushina. No matter how talented, his Uchiha name would've been enough for Mito to reject him back then.
"Biggest mistake of my life… Why did I push him to Tsunade back then? Even Danzo tried to block it—and I insisted!"
Now that the trade was happening, Hiruzen reluctantly asked for one condition:
"You mustn't share these three techniques with anyone else. Agreed?"
"Impossible."
Ren flatly refused. "I might keep Reanimation to myself, but the other two? That depends. I won't limit myself."
The Third gritted his teeth. "Then at least… don't share Reanimation Jutsu?"
"Still no. You're putting restrictions on me, yet I'm giving you a technique freely? That's unfair. I won't pass it on lightly—but you don't get to decide that."
Veins bulged on Hiruzen's forehead, but again, he had no choice.
"Fine! I agree."
"I'll fetch the Book of Seals now. Let's finish the trade here."
Ren waved. "Go ahead. Don't keep me waiting."
The Third stormed off, fuming inside. Ren didn't even pretend to show respect anymore.
He recalled how the boy once appeared to admire the Will of Fire. Now he wondered—had it all been a show?
"I was completely fooled…"
Ren turned back toward Mito and laid a chakra barrier over the area.
"Thanks, Grandma Mito. If you hadn't been here, he would've dragged things out endlessly."
Mito smiled. "It was nothing."
Then she asked, "Can I ask why you want the Reanimation Jutsu? The other two I understand, but that one…"
Ren nodded calmly. "Two reasons."
"First, to complete the Fourth and Fifth Hokage transition plans—we may need the First and Second Hokage to come back and lend their authority."
"Second, I want to improve the Reanimation Jutsu—study it and eventually create a true resurrection technique."
Mito's eyes widened.
That… that would be godlike.
If Ren could achieve true resurrection, reviving Hashirama, Tobirama—or even the fallen Senju elites—would be possible. It could ensure the revival of her clan.
She wouldn't have to carry everything herself anymore.
"Do you really think it's possible?"
"Who knows?" Ren shrugged. "But if we don't try, we'll never know. Besides…"
He smirked.
"If it doesn't work through effort, we cheat. That's what being talented is for."
Mito laughed. "Then try it. Just don't neglect your own training, understand? That should still be your main priority."
"Yes, ma'am. I know my limits."
"Oh—speaking of which…"
Mito's tone shifted. "I've completed the Chakra Refinement Technique you taught me, but when I started practicing the Chakra Circulation Cycle Method… something's wrong. I feel blocked."
Ren blinked. "Ah! That's right!"
"There's one more prerequisite—the Chakra Seed Refining Technique. You must first refine the innate seeds of Chakra in your body and make them your own. Only then can you open your dantian and use the full Zhou Tian circulation."
He scratched his head. "I almost forgot… this is why I studied sealing under Tsunade in the first place!"