Naruto: Lost to Hinata on Purpose, and Now Everything's a Mess Chapter 63 63 : Ninjutsu In Exchange For Life

Riku's words left Kakashi speechless.

Three months... to master all of that?

It wasn't that Kakashi hadn't learned any Forbidden Techniques before. He was, after all, one of the most promising talents the Fourth Hokage had personally trained. He had dabbled in so of those Forbidden Jutsu.

But mastering them? Not even close.

Of course, part of the reason was his own limitations. Even so, the idea of soone mastering the Flying Thunder God Technique, Wood Style, Impure World Reincarnation, the Reaper Death Seal, and an S-rank Forbidden Jutsu like Tandem Paper Bombs—all within just three months—was absurd.

And Riku had the nerve to say it so casually.

For an ordinary shinobi, even a lifeti might not be enough to master just one of those techniques.

Especially the Flying Thunder God Technique—Kakashi had once thought it suited him perfectly.

But despite his efforts, he hadn't even been able to get started with it.

Seeing Kakashi's expression darken, Riku offered an awkward smile. "So, uh… what's tomorrow's mission, Kakashi-sensei?"

He clearly wanted to change the subject.

Kakashi let out a sigh. "Not sure yet. Probably just so D-rank errands."

They were still Genin, after all. It made sense that they'd be doing low-level missions.

Naruto groaned in frustration. "Kakashi-sensei, I've had enough! It's always picking up trash or chasing cats and dogs. When are we gonna get a real mission?"

Kakashi turned to him. "You're Genin. D-rank missions are standard. If you're lucky, you might get a C-rank."

"But we haven't even done one C-rank yet!" Naruto snapped.

Kakashi gave him a small smile. "That just ans we're not ready yet."

anwhile, Sasuke and Sakura kept glancing at Riku.

Neither of them had missed the conversation from the night before. They both wanted to know exactly what Riku had "mastered." But despite talking all night, neither Riku nor Kakashi had said what the technique was.

The next morning, Riku followed Kakashi to the Hokage's office.

Naruto was already there, arguing with the Third Hokage, demanding a harder mission.

The Third Hokage sat calmly behind his desk, smoking his pipe and watching Naruto with patient eyes. From ti to ti, he glanced at Riku.

To him, the boy standing before him today felt like a younger version of himself.

"Riku, you're here," the Third Hokage said, a faint smile on his face.

Riku's use of the Shadow Clone Jutsu had beco so advanced that not even the Third Hokage could tell the real one from the copies anymore.

That alone was proof of Riku's strength.

Riku gave a respectful nod. "Yes."

The Third Hokage smiled. "That must an you've mastered that technique."

Riku nodded again. "I can use it."

He was being modest. The Third Hokage knew that much. If Riku hadn't fully grasped the technique, he wouldn't have been allowed back on a team.

From the Scroll of Seals, Riku had also learned a sealing technique that, at first glance, seed useless—but it had great value to him.

To be precise, it was a type of hidden ninjutsu.

Riku had used it on both of his eyes.

Even if he activated the Sharingan in the future, no one would be able to tell.

In truth, with his current strength, there was no real need to hide it. But he didn't want to be branded a traitor.

Sharingan and Wood Style—these two bloodline limits were currently taboo in Konoha.

So Riku avoided using them unless absolutely necessary.

He could use the Sharingan now if he wanted, but techniques like Susanoo were far too conspicuous.

Unless Riku intended to leave the village, he had no reason to use them.

And right now, he had no interest in becoming a rogue ninja.

There simply wasn't any fight that required him to reveal Susanoo or Wood Style—not yet, anyway.

He had plenty of Forbidden Techniques at his disposal already.

The Third Hokage smiled warmly. "No one has mastered that jutsu since the Fourth Hokage. You've done well. I hope you can reach the sa heights he did."

Riku didn't react much to the complint.

But Naruto and Sasuke were stunned.

They now realized what Kakashi and Riku had ant by "mastery" last night—Riku had learned one of the Fourth Hokage's signature techniques.

Naruto, as straightforward as ever, asked, "Grandpa Hokage! What jutsu did Riku learn?"

"And it's the Fourth Hokage's, right? That ans it's super strong! Can I learn it too?"

The Third Hokage chuckled. "It is indeed the Fourth Hokage's jutsu. But it's not suitable for you."

The Flying Thunder God Technique required extraordinary talent. The Third Hokage was sure Naruto wouldn't be able to learn it—not yet.

Even Kakashi and Orochimaru had failed to master it.

For Naruto, it was simply out of reach for now.

Still, Naruto looked hurt. "Why won't you even let try?"

The Third Hokage's expression turned serious. "Naruto, this jutsu is dangerous. If you don't learn it properly, it could kill you. Do you still want to try?"

That made Naruto flinch.

At this stage, he was still afraid of death.

But Sasuke had picked up on sothing. "Wait... did Riku risk his life to learn it?"

Naruto blinked. "Huh? That's right—Riku risked his life?"

The Third Hokage glanced at Kakashi with a small smile. "If you're curious, ask Kakashi later. But since you're so eager for tougher missions, I'll assign you a C-rank."

Naruto imdiately forgot about the jutsu. "A C-rank mission? Really? Is it guarding a daimyo? Or maybe a princess?"

C-rank missions were usually escort jobs. But Naruto's imagination ran wild.

He clearly thought far too highly of the "C-rank" designation.

Kakashi sighed as he looked at Naruto's excited expression.

The Third Hokage found Naruto's energy amusing—and comforting. At least this Jinchūriki had a bright heart. A cheerful Naruto was good for the village.

It was one of the reasons he had never handed Naruto over to Danzo. If he had, Naruto would've been turned into a mindless weapon.

The Third Hokage smiled. "You'll be escorting soone."

"Mr. Tazuna, please co in."

The office door opened.

Tazuna entered, clutching a sake bottle. He was already a little drunk.

Naruto stared at him expectantly. But when he saw the scruffy, middle-aged man stumble into the room, he froze. "What the hell? This guy?! You're kidding! We're escorting so drunk old man?"

Tazuna paused, frowning as he took in the team.

His expression grew even more annoyed. "What the hell? These kids are supposed to protect ? Especially that little shrimp."

Naruto laughed, thinking he was talking about soone else. "Hahaha, who's the shrimp?"

He glanced at Sasuke, Sakura, Kakashi, and Riku—then realized the truth.

"HEY! WHO'RE YOU CALLING A SHRIMP?!"

Tazuna snorted. If Naruto couldn't see the contempt in his eyes, he was truly hopeless.

"Damn it, you old bastard! Let's take this outside!"

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