"It was also a coincidence that we happened to capture a Hidden Rock Spy, otherwise, we would not have easily won with fewer numbers," Mokgetsu replied modestly.
"How could it be a coincidence? This is your ability, Mokgetsu," Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a smile as he placed the document in his hand.
"If it weren't for your mastery of Ninjutsu that can discern malice, it wouldn't have been a victory with fewer numbers but rather another defeat."
Before Mokgetsu discovered those "Hidden Rock Spies," even Sarutobi Hiruzen had not thought that there was a Transformation Jutsu in the Ninja World that could evade Perception Ninja.
At that time, it would not only have been a defeat but would have also caused unrest due to spies of various identities.
If spies appeared from other clans, Sarutobi Hiruzen might have just investigated once, but if a spy from the Uchiha appeared, Sarutobi Hiruzen would definitely ponder if the Uchiha were plotting a coup with other Ninja Villages.
When dealing with the Uchiha, all Konoha high-ups are first dubious because the Uchiha truly have a history.
"Without Observation, Hidden Rock's spies are indeed hard to defend against. Third Hokage, I think we can select some ninjas with sensory talent to learn Observation," Mokgetsu said proactively, seeing Sarutobi Hiruzen drew the conversation to the Hidden Rock Spies.
"With only me knowing Observation, there's no way to cover too many places."
Since it would have to be taught eventually, Mokgetsu thought he might as well take the initiative, keeping everyone's reputation intact.
"Your worry is not unfounded, Mokgetsu, just worried it's too taxing on you," Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled even more brightly.
He was very satisfied with Mokgetsu's performance.
"Indeed, Mokgetsu is a ninja with the Will of Fire," Sarutobi Hiruzen exclaimed in his heart.
Mokgetsu had an exceptional sense of the bigger picture, proactive without needing instructions.
It's not that he coveted Mokgetsu's Ninjutsu, but Observation is truly important.
If Mokgetsu didn't pass down Observation and then something unexpected happened to him on the battlefield...
Then during subsequent encounters with Hidden Rock Spies, wouldn't Konoha be groping in the dark?
"This is what I should do as a Konoha Ninja," Mokgetsu replied seriously.
"Not every Konoha ninja can contribute as you do," Sarutobi Hiruzen laughed as he asked. "Is there any Ninjutsu you're interested in, Mokgetsu?"
"As long as it's not some taboo-breaching Ninjutsu, anything you want is yours,"
This time, not only had Mokgetsu achieved great success, but he also actively contributed his self-developed Perception Ninjutsu. As long as Mokgetsu didn't choose something like the ultimate Kinjutsu, Reanimation Jutsu, Sarutobi Hiruzen was willing to give it.
Reanimation Jutsu is indeed powerful but too inhumane, not only playing with the souls of the dead but also requiring living people as sacrifices.
Unless Konoha was truly on the brink of life and death, Sarutobi Hiruzen wouldn't allow anyone to research Reanimation Jutsu.
"I want all the information in the village about Wood Release," Mokgetsu said after thinking.
He wanted to rationalize the origins of his Wood Release.
Currently, he's portrayed as a Ninjutsu genius surpassing even Sarutobi Hiruzen, with the precedent of developing Ice Release, so developing Wood Release would barely be believable.
Mokgetsu's main reason was Yamato. If Mokgetsu's Wood Release was publicly acknowledged, it would help Yamato out of his current predicament.
With Mokgetsu, the first of the new generation as a Wood Release Ninja ahead, Yamato's existence wouldn't attract as much attention and would make more sense.
"Wood Release?" Sarutobi Hiruzen was a bit surprised. Wood Release Ninjutsu requires the Wood Release Kekkeigenkai to use.
"Are you trying to..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen recalled the origins of Mokgetsu's Ice Release.
Before completing the mission to the Snow Country, Mokgetsu didn't know Ice Release, but after visiting the Snow Country and witnessing their Snow Secret Technique resembling Ice Release, Mokgetsu developed Ice Release himself.
"If it's Mokgetsu, it might just be possible," Sarutobi Hiruzen, after careful thought, believed that with the talent Mokgetsu had shown, success was genuinely possible.
With anyone else, even if it were Orochimaru, Sarutobi Hiruzen would advise against wasting time.
Mokgetsu was different; he had already successfully developed Ice Release before.
"I want to see if I can draw from the experiences of predecessors to develop Wood Release," Mokgetsu answered honestly.
One has to admit, character settings are quite beneficial. If Mokgetsu hadn't established the genius character...
Then if Mokgetsu used Wood Release, the Konoha high-ups would probably have two guesses: the first being Hashirama Cells experiment, and the second, an illegitimate child of the Senju direct line.
"I'll have someone prepare it as soon as possible and send it to you via Anbu once it's organized," Sarutobi Hiruzen agreed.
"If there's no progress, there's no need to be too serious about it. Train other abilities that can continue to grow stronger first, and research Wood Release when there's time in the future," Sarutobi Hiruzen reminded.
Despite Mokgetsu's seemingly outrageous talent, Sarutobi Hiruzen still didn't believe Mokgetsu would necessarily develop Wood Release.
First, because Mokgetsu only developed one Ice Release, there might be some randomness.
Second, the only ninja with Wood Release is the God of Ninjas, Senju Hashirama. Even his descendants have never awakened Wood Release, leaving Konoha Ninjas to instinctively regard Wood Release as superior to other Kekkeigenkai, both more potent and harder to attain.
As someone who's been through a lot, Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't want Mokgetsu to waste his golden time for cultivation over obsessing.
In his view, even without developing Wood Release, Mokgetsu would still be the Ninjutsu genius who surpassed him.
After another ten years of training, even without a Kekkeigenkai, Mokgetsu would still have the potential to become the strongest in the Ninja World.