After all, the requirements for learning the Flying Thunder God Technique were extremely harsh.
The only ones who truly mastered it were Tobirama Senju and Minato Namikaze.
Others, such as the third Hokage, who was proficient in all Five Nature Ninjutsu and had deep research into Sealing Technique, and Orochimaru, a research fanatic who had studied the human body and soul to an unbelievable degree and mastered countless Ninjutsu and forbidden techniques, were also unable to master it. The two of them couldn't even get started.
Learning the Flying Thunder God Technique seemed to require more than just being a genius. Besides involving the Sealing Technique, it also required a special kind of talent?
Shinichi wasn't sure whether he possessed such talent or whether his Ninja occupation provided enhancement in this regard.
The characteristic of the Ninja occupation was enhancement related to ninja aptitude, but for things like swords and other conventional weapons that were used by ninjas, the corresponding enhancements were not reflected in the Ninja occupation. Instead, they were provided by the Swordsman occupation, and specialized weapon-related talents were also derived from the Swordsman occupation.
For example, the Sage Jutsu. Logically speaking, Sage Jutsu was also an important component of the ninja system and should fall within the scope of ninja aptitude.
However, in reality, it did not. Otherwise, with his current Jonin-level occupation, even if he couldn't absorb Nature Energy anytime and anywhere like Jugo, he should at least be able to clearly perceive Nature Energy.
Just like how weapon-related enhancements were assigned to the Swordsman occupation, the special talent enhancements of Sage Jutsu and its specialized derived talents would likely also fall under another occupation.
"However…"
At this moment, the reception personnel continued speaking.
"Village Hidden in the Cloud's Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, Blue B, is still causing us significant trouble. Once that guy enters his Tailed Beast Mode, his destructive power is enormous. His Tailed Beast Bomb has put tremendous pressure on our defenses and caused heavy casualties. According to intelligence, Village Hidden in the Cloud may also deploy the Two-Tails Jinchuriki next."
The Two-Tails Jinchuriki?
'Yugito… if I remember correctly, she's at most nine years old this year, right? At such a young age, she's already being deployed on the front lines?'
Hearing this, Shinichi raised his eyebrows slightly and thought to himself.
But what were the future fourth Raikage and Killer B doing now?
At this moment, the reception personnel continued, somewhat unwillingly, "If only our Konoha Nine-Tails Jinchuriki could also—"
Before he could finish, he realized something and abruptly stopped.
Shinku Yuhi glanced at him but did not respond.
The reception personnel lowered his gaze, fell silent, and said nothing more.
…
Entering the camp, Shinichi saw more and more Konoha ninjas.
There were members of the Hyuga Clan. Most of them had bandages wrapped around their foreheads or used their forehead protectors to cover them. Their distinctive white eyes stood out among the crowd.
There were also Uchiha Clan ninjas with the fan crest embroidered on their clothing. Someone noticed Shinichi's gaze, glanced at him, then withdrew their eyes and continued on their way.
In addition to these two major clans, Shinichi also noticed some ninjas who were not wearing Konoha forehead protectors.
They wore combat uniforms slightly different from Konoha's, and on their right arms was a special clan emblem, a pair of black tomoe crossing each other, with black-lined patterns above and below as markings.
Shinichi's gaze lingered on that emblem for a moment.
The Kohaku Clan.
He knew of this ninja clan. They had lived in this region for generations. After the war broke out, as a local force, they were naturally conscripted into the battle sequence against the Village Hidden in the Cloud.
A few minutes later, after Shinku Yuhi spoke briefly with the guarding ninjas, the three representatives, Shinichi, Shinku Yuhi, and Abbot Gyatso, entered the command center.
The lights above illuminated the tall, slender figure and pale face of the commander before him.
"Orochimaru-sama."
Shinku Yuhi spoke first, his tone respectful.
"Commander Orochimaru."
Abbot Gyatso also clasped his hands together and nodded slightly.
"Ah, Shinku, and Abbot Gyatso. You've arrived just in time. The front lines are in need of support."
Orochimaru's magnetic voice sounded. He nodded to both of them, his gaze briefly resting on them as a greeting.
Then, his iconic golden vertical pupils turned toward Shinichi with interest while a faint smile curled at the corners of his lips.
"Shinichi-kun, long time no see. I've heard that you've accomplished quite remarkable feats on the southwestern battlefield. Even here, far from the village on the northeastern front, I often hear various rumors about you, hehe…"
Hehe, my foot!
If you're going to talk, just talk properly. Can you stop using that look and tone of, I'm very interested in you, you have secrets, and I want to dissect you for research.
Even if you really have such thoughts, don't make it so obvious. Any normal person would want to stay three meters away from you after seeing that.
No wonder you can't compete with Minato Namikaze.
Minato just stands there, radiating a warm, reliable vibe; anyone who sees him wants to get closer. He has a strong public appeal.
And you?
Hehe…
Shinichi complained inwardly, but showed nothing on his face. He simply bowed slightly and said calmly: "Orochimaru-sama, you overpraise me. I only fulfilled my duty as a Konoha ninja and did something insignificant. I do not deserve to be called remarkable."
Orochimaru stared at him for two seconds, the smile on his lips deepening.
"Hehe… Shinichi-kun is as humble as ever."
"As it happens, I have a rather troublesome mission here that requires a well-rounded, intelligent, and trustworthy Jonin to carry it out."
Orochimaru turned around, his long fingers pointing to a location on the large map on the wall, a position slightly behind the border between the Land of Hot Water and the Land of Fire.
"According to the latest intelligence from the reconnaissance unit, this should be one of the Village Hidden in the Cloud's frontline supply depots. It stores a large amount of weapons, food, and a considerable quantity of medical supplies and medicine. There are standard patrols and traps on the outside, and at least one unit of elite Kumogakure forces is stationed inside."
Orochimaru slowly turned his head and looked at Shinichi again, his golden snake-like pupils narrowing slightly.
"And Shinichi-kun, your mission is to completely destroy or seize it!"
"This mission carries a very high level of danger. It requires deep infiltration behind enemy lines, facing unknown defensive forces and environments. Once exposed or if the operation is delayed, you may be surrounded by reinforcements from the Village Hidden in the Cloud. However, the rewards are equally significant. If successful, it can cut off an important supply line for Village Hidden in the Cloud, damage their frontline morale, and possibly obtain critical intelligence about their subsequent deployments."
"Considering the special nature of this mission and the comprehensive capabilities required…"
Orochimaru's tone stretched slightly, his gaze settling on Shinichi's face like something tangible.
"I believe you are the most suitable candidate at present. So, Shinichi-kun, will you accept this troublesome mission?"
As soon as his words fell, the gazes of the other staff and ninjas in the command center involuntarily gathered, waiting for the answer of this young Jonin who had just arrived and was already personally selected by the supreme commander to carry out such a dangerous mission.
Damn!
A single word popped into Shinichi's mind. Right from the start, he was being assigned a dangerous mission deep behind enemy lines?