Neither the setting sun nor the gust of wind shook Kyojiro. His mind reeled from the shocking revelation he had gotten, 'Natural energy… Wait—that actually makes sense.'
It would explain why his jutsus were enhanced as well, and even how his body got strengthened to such a ridiculous degree.While it didn't explain the increase in his fire-style talent, just knowing why it worked the way it did brought a unique calm to Kyojiro's mind.
'So… it's perhaps my chakra amount that's holding me back—' He remembered the original plot.A huge amount of chakra was required for a ninja to truly learn Sage Mode.
'However, my chakra…' Kyojiro looked down, his fist clenching in frustration. It wasn't as if his chakra amount was bad, but it was nowhere near a Kage's.
Jiraiya turned toward Kyojiro with a raised eyebrow."If you didn't know, a ninja has to have a tremendous amount of chakra to just enter Sage Mode—AKA natural energy that you use."He placed a hand on the fiery-haired Uchiha."I don't even know how you're using it with your chakra amount."
. . .
The setting sun hovered over the Leaf Village—the air danced with a forgotten rhythm, like a calm before the storm.The leaves flowed down gently, accompanied by the soft sway of the branches.
The wood creaked, the ground watched—as two men moved constantly across the field.
Currently, both Jiraiya and Kyojiro stood in the middle of a training ground—specifically, the one used by the iconic Team 7.
Jiraiya swept back his white hair, his eyes narrowing with multiple theories."So basically, this swordsmanship that you developed utilized natural energy without you even knowing about it?" Suspicion was clear in his voice.
By evening, Jiraiya had gained a basic grasp of Kyojiro. The boy was genuine and sincere—he had immense talent when it came to the sword, and his jutsus were no slouch either.
However, even talent had limits. As a master spy and a Sannin, Jiraiya had seen countless forms of swordsmanship—even that of the White Fang.
He raised his eyebrows as he stared at the panting form of Kyojiro. 'This boy… if he developed such a thing, then he's a prodigy beyond any.'His mind wandered to a figure—blond hair, blue eyes… Minato Namikaze.
Only his talent could perhaps match this fiery-haired ninja.
Shaking his head, he turned toward Kyojiro."From what you've said, there are two ways you can strengthen your combat ability."
Kyojiro listened, his focus narrowed on the white-haired Sannin.
Jiraiya raised a finger."One—you specialize. It's common among all ninjas and basically set in stone. Someday, everyone has to specialize if they wish to improve."He leaned closer."You can continue building your physical strength while bettering your control over natural energy."
Jiraiya lightly patted his chest."Or, you go away from the samurai route—better your ninja skills. With tools like the Sharingan and your jutsu talent, it might take you to a whole other level."
Hearing those words, Kyojiro couldn't help but sigh. The choice was pretty clear.'While I respect Kyojiro, to bring true justice in this world… I need strength—and that won't come without perfecting the ninja way.'
Kyojiro's heart thumped erratically at the word 'justice.' Old memories, roughly from some days ago, ran amok in his mind.
The Kumo Jonin… 'A hypocrite—that's what he called me…'
Jiraiya immediately caught the conflicting look in Kyojiro's eyes."You know, I might not look all that reliable and I'm definitely not your sensei yet…" His eyes grew serious."You can still ask me if something's troubling you."
SIGH
Kyojiro looked up, his crimson Sharingan meeting Jiraiya's gaze instantly."I… I have an ideal. To give justice, to save the weak… to not kill the innocent."
Jiraiya didn't interrupt—he listened.
"However… I'm not naïve. I understand I'm in the middle of a war. Even if I wish to be kind, the world won't let me. One wrong move and I'd die before achieving anything…" Kyojiro's Sharingan trembled.
"I killed kids some days ago." Kyojiro couldn't exactly tell he was mentally older. "The Kumo Jonin I fought called me a hypocrite monster…"
His eyes darkened for a moment."And ever since then… I can't help but think—am I even doing something right?"
Jiraiya paused for a moment, his eyes slightly widening at the confession of the fiery-haired Uchiha. 'You… I never expected someone to have such a high ideal in a world like this…'Though he strived for peace, though Minato was kind-hearted—they weren't saints. And Jiraiya knew he was a monster.
It was a reality he had chosen to accept. Turning toward the boy in front of him, he spoke, voice low and somber:"There's only one thing I can answer for you…" His voice deepened."You aren't going against your ideals because you don't have a choice. Those kids, those enemy shinobi… Sure, they too deserve justice and kindness. However, this is war, kid."
Jiraiya placed his hand on Kyojiro's head."You don't have a choice. It's either you or them. If you lose, then your homeland gets conquered—who knows what they'll do to Konoha then?"
Jiraiya's sincere voice reached the Uchiha."Unfortunately for people like us, this is reality." His saddened tone shifted.
He let out a bellowing smile."So kid, get your head up. You aren't a monster or a hypocrite—just a man on the opposite line."
Wind swirled around the Sannin; his white hair fluttered, posture relaxed."So carry your ideals with pride. Not many have them—and follow those ideals every time you have a choice."
His words immediately cut through the dark cloud over Kyojiro's head.
THUMP
THUMP
His eyes widened as he once again looked at the figure of the Sannin. His smile softened.
'Thank you, Jiraiya…'
............
this chapter was finally setting in his mindset, We all know how the Ninja world is- Stark difference from the black and white demon slayer world.
Kyojiro has grown and hope it shows, Love y all and keep voting. ;)