After completing his run along the new route, Masahiko didn't go anywhere else and headed straight into the school to the Ninja Academy's library.
At the entrance, a young Ninja stood still, respectfully waiting on the side and bowing slightly as Masahiko passed by.
Masahiko pushed the door open and entered, showing no signs of anything unusual.
Once inside the library, he went to a bookshelf, casually picked up a book, and glanced at the figure's back outside.
Silver hair, glasses, and such a distinctive style of glasses... it was definitely him!
Orochimaru's right-hand man, Yakushi Kabuto.
Thoughtfully, he put the book back on the shelf, turned half a circle, and saw a figure peeking from the other side of the bookshelf.
"Masahiko-sensei? It really is you. What brings you to the library today?"
Across the bookshelf stood none other than Mizuki.
Masahiko wasn't surprised and smiled, saying, "I came to look up some information. Is Mizuki-sensei here to borrow a book as well?"
"I wanted to further my studies... Hehe, it's a bit embarrassing to say, but I originally thought this was as far as I'd go in life, until I saw your deeds..."
Mizuki scratched his head with an expression of shame.
But.
Compared to Yakushi Kabuto, his acting skills weren't quite there yet; his expression was slightly exaggerated.
Masahiko didn't call him out on it, only sighing with emotion:
"I also just didn't want to admit defeat and persevered with a surge of willpower... Work hard, you can do it too."
"Yes, thank you for your encouragement!"
Mizuki said respectfully.
Masahiko waved his hand. "We're all teachers, there's no need for this."
"Yes, I won't disturb you any further."
Mizuki didn't say anything more and tactfully bowed before leaving.
Masahiko put down the book and walked toward other bookshelves.
He scanned the titles on the shelves while pondering the encounter just now.
Yakushi Kabuto was calm and composed, showing no abnormality, but Mizuki wasn't as cool-headed and had shown a hint of panic.
At the same time, Mizuki seemed to be looking for something... 'Mizuki's rank on Orochimaru's side is very low; he probably doesn't know Kabuto's true identity. So, what is Kabuto doing here?'
'Meeting with an idiot like Mizuki?'
Masahiko took down a book explaining Genjutsu, reading while thinking.
He frowned, and his movements suddenly paused.
"Wait?"
"The premise of all this is that the current Mizuki has already become a subordinate developed by Kabuto, but that might not actually be the case..."
"It's still more than four years until the main story begins. Mizuki likely hasn't become Orochimaru's subordinate yet."
"Is Kabuto scouting Mizuki?"
Masahiko was lost in thought, then rubbed the bridge of his nose.
Theoretically, he was the most suitable target, and Masahiko didn't dislike the idea of contacting Orochimaru.
The problem was—
Kabuto probably didn't dare to meet him.
As far as 'pawns' went, his strength was too great, and the persona he displayed was too much of a 'Hokage loyalist.'
"But... maybe I can use this one day."
The corners of Masahiko's mouth curled slightly as he put down 'Basic Genjutsu' and walked toward other shelves.
After a round, he only found two books related to Ninja Body Technique.
One only mentioned concepts and theories.
The other discussed the essence and extension of Ninja Body Technique from the perspective of using Chakra to augment physical strength and speed, but it was also limited to the theoretical level.
Most books in the Ninja Academy were quite basic.
Masahiko didn't mind. He took both books out, sat down in a nearby seat, and started reading from the beginning.
Reading was tedious, but it was a good way to pass the time.
The morning passed quickly.
In just one morning, he had hurriedly gone through both books.
There was still some useful knowledge to be found.
Ordinary Ninja Body Technique was a deep integration of Ninjutsu and Taijutsu, with a blurred boundary between them. A step further would be things like the Superhuman Strength Technique or the Lightning Release Chakra Mode.
The latter... Masahiko naturally couldn't do.
But for the former, he had some vague ideas, though that sliver of inspiration seemed to lack some supplementary knowledge.
He returned the books and headed toward the Hokage Building.
If you have difficulties, seek the Village.
That's what Hiruzen Sarutobi said!
..."You want to borrow books related to Ninja Body Technique?"
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Masahiko nodded, stating his reason 'truthfully,' "I've been researching Water Release Ninjutsu lately and wanted to see if I could integrate Water Release into Taijutsu combat..."
Fire-attribute Chakra wasn't very suitable for fusion into Ninja Body Technique; at most, it could be combined with or simplified for sword techniques.
The Uchiha Clan was working on this, and Shisui was the best among them.
Masahiko's target was Water Release.
Achieving the level of the 'Water Transformation Jutsu' was naturally impossible, but as long as he could achieve a similar effect, it would be enough for him.
Additionally—
Water Release could also serve as a lead-in to 'mastering' the Rasengan.
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled. "The Village encourages everyone to create their own Ninjutsu. It's good that you have this idea; I will certainly support it."
But?
Masahiko added in his mind.
Sure enough.
The next moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "But the Village has rules and regulations. You must at least submit some basic concepts."
"Yes."
Masahiko bowed respectfully and continued, "I've heard that Iwagakure has a Hardening Technique that uses Chakra to form earth-like skin. I wondered if a similar effect could be achieved with Water Release..."
"Flow and change are precisely the characteristics of Water Release. Techniques like the Water Dragon Bullet and Water Encampment Wall were created based on this. If a layer of flowing water were to cover the body's surface..."
He explained his ideas.
The technique of 'flow' was exactly what the Wave Riding Strike involved.
In the future, Masahiko could use 'research and development' to slowly bring out the Wave Riding Strike for use without raising the suspicion or wariness of the Village and Danzo.
Hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi became thoughtful.
"This kind of creative thinking is very special. People have tried it in the past, but it was never completed... There are indeed some notes, but whether they will be helpful, I cannot say."
As he spoke, he put down the documents in his hand and took out a piece of paper.
"Write a simple report."
"Yes!"
Masahiko didn't decline.
Applying for a research project always required a report.
But.
If he were still just a Chunin, he probably wouldn't even have the qualification to submit a report or obtain project approval.
After taking it, he briefly outlined the creative idea and then submitted it to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Hiruzen Sarutobi stood up.
"Follow me."
Turning right out the door, he led Masahiko to a sealed Room. After unsealing it with hand signs... the door opened.
Masahiko followed him inside and scanned the Room... He noticed that around the central shelf, a special sealing array was laid out. On the shelf was a huge scroll, which was clearly the Scroll of Seals he had seen in the anime in his past life.
Holy crap!
This thing is normally kept this securely?
In the anime from his past life, the fact that it could appear in the Hokage Office was simply ridiculous.
Masahiko complained internally but showed no abnormality. He didn't deliberately look away either, staring at the scroll. "Hokage-sama, is that our Village's Scroll of Seals?"
"Yes, the techniques on it are all very dangerous... You are smart and have strong research capabilities, but you must remember not to research techniques that violate the principles of the Ninja World, otherwise even I won't be able to protect you."
Hiruzen Sarutobi warned him sternly.
Masahiko nodded in agreement, looking somewhat apprehensive.
Seeing this, the Third didn't warn him further. Instead, he bypassed the scroll and walked deeper, scanning a tall bookshelf.
Finally... he leaped up and took down a book.
"Water Transformation Jutsu Research - Unfinished."
It perfectly matched his needs!
Masahiko's eyes brightened, and he forcibly suppressed his inner desire, quietly waiting for Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked around and took down another book.
Only then did he walk over.
"Both of these will be helpful to you. You can take a look, but it's best to finish reading them in the building and return them."
"Yes!"