chapter 78 part 4
If that could be achieved, Tsukasa Kaede's potential would surge, and his importance in the Third Hokage's mind would skyrocket.
But the probing failed.
Tsukasa Kaede simply had no interest in the Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags, that ultimate weapon.
"You're right, I overlooked that. Even if the Village provided you with financial support, the burden would be too heavy for you personally. You haven't established a ninja clan, nor do you have enough industries to ensure long-term stable income."
The Third Hokage sighed, "Actually, the Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags is a complementary Ninjutsu to the Impure World Reincarnation Jutsu, much like the relationship between the Spatial Rift Jutsu and your Corpse Release Secret Technique. The Second Hokage anticipated this when he developed both Jutsu."
"Impure World Reincarnation Jutsu?" Tsukasa Kaede displayed a perfectly appropriate level of curiosity.
"Yes, you are a young person the Village trusts, so there's no harm in telling you. This is a forbidden jutsu that summons the souls of the dead to the Living World. However, the summoned dead are far weaker than they were in life, perhaps not even one-tenth as strong. If one were to summon overly powerful spirits of the dead, it would likely fail due to various reasons."
"I see. So, without the Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags, the Impure World Reincarnation Jutsu seems to have no standalone value? It sounds inferior to my Corpse Release Secret Technique," Tsukasa Kaede remarked.
The Third Hokage nodded, then shook his head. "The physical structure of an Impure World reincarnated person is very special. You can understand it as being composed of a vast number of blank talismans. When an Impure World Ninja uses the Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags Jutsu, they simply need to damage their own body, grab a handful from the wound, and they will have an endless supply of explosive tags to use."
Tsukasa Kaede deliberately showed surprise, even though he had known this all along.
In the original Timeline, the Impure World reincarnated Second Hokage, with only half his body remaining, had large amounts of debris scattering like snowflakes from him. He swept his hand over his wound, and the Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags Jutsu was unleashed.
Tsukasa Kaede exclaimed in admiration, "So that's how it is! As expected of the Second Hokage, what a genius concept. Then the Impure World Reincarnation Jutsu is essentially a combination of an S-Rank summoning jutsu and an S-Rank sealing technique? After all, the Impure World reincarnated person has to quickly transform the blank talismans on their body into explosive tags covered in explosive Jutsu Formulas..."
"You could understand it that way. The Second Hokage's talent is beyond my comparison."
"You are the Professor, and in the eyes of your subordinates, you are no less capable than the Second Hokage, perhaps even stronger."
"That title means I have good learning ability and can quickly learn and master a large number of ninjutsu, but it doesn't mean my talent for developing various new ninjutsu can compare to the Second Hokage's," the Third Hokage said with a kindly smile.
Afterward, the Third Hokage performed a sealing technique formula, transferring the Reaper Death Seal Jutsu onto a scroll, and handed it to Tsukasa Kaede.
Immediately after, he drew a kunai and thrust it out abruptly, in a motion strikingly similar to attacking Tsukasa Kaede, ultimately tapping it lightly on Tsukasa Kaede's hand, drawing a drop of blood.
From beginning to end, Tsukasa Kaede remained calm, not instinctively striking out, nor did his expression change drastically. Instead, he patiently observed the Third Hokage's actions.
This display further reassured the Third Hokage. He pressed that drop of Tsukasa Kaede's blood onto the scroll, formed Hand Kaedegns with his other hand, and then pressed it onto the scroll.
"This is a Contract Blood Seal, an extremely advanced Jutsu. Only your own flesh and blood can unseal this scroll; otherwise, the scroll will self-destruct," the Third Hokage explained.
Tsukasa Kaede nodded, he truly knew this Jutsu.
Jiraiya's prerequisite jutsu formula for summoning the two Great Toad Sages was to draw a mark below his eyes with his finger; this was a Contract Blood Seal, a Jutsu that used one's own flesh and blood as a medium.
The Third Hokage formally handed the scroll containing the Reaper Death Seal to Tsukasa Kaede. "However, remember, only you may read this scroll. You are not to teach it to anyone else."
"Understood. My purpose in learning forbidden jutsu is to better utilize my strength to protect the Village. I will absolutely not leak this forbidden jutsu. Once I've learned it, I will destroy this scroll."
Tsukasa Kaede solemnly promised.
As for why the Third Hokage didn't set a time limit for viewing... the answer was that it was meaningless. Once Tsukasa Kaede truly learned this forbidden jutsu, he could teach it to others himself, with no need for them to learn it from this scroll anymore.
The Third Hokage picked up his Hokage hat and placed it on his head, standing up. His small stature commanded authority without needing anger.
"You may leave. You should cultivate diligently from now on. I look forward to your future performance. If, in the end, you fail to learn this forbidden jutsu, that would be truly embarrassing, hahahaha. I'll be making a trip to Mito's place shortly to explain giving the Reaper Death Seal Jutsu to you. After all, it's a Jutsu she entrusted to the Village... she should grant her permission, right?"
The Third Hokage let out a hearty laugh, appearing as if he had made a difficult decision.
"Thank you, Hokage. You've gone to much trouble."
Tsukasa Kaede bowed his head slightly and exited the Hokage's office.
After leaving the Hokage's Office, he looked up at the sky and took a deep breath.
An excited heart, trembling hands.
Tsukasa Kaede didn't care whether Mito Uzumaki agreed or not. Was he really going to return the Reaper Death Seal if she disagreed?
Impossible, absolutely impossible. If such a thing truly happened, the Third Hokage would completely lose face, and he would absolutely not allow that to occur.
Even if the Third Hokage couldn't contain the situation, Tsukasa Kaede would rather defect with the Reaper Death Seal.