After completing his run along the new route, Masahiko didn't detour anywhere else. He headed straight for the Academy and entered its library.
At the entrance, a young ninja stationed there stopped immediately, standing respectfully to the side and bowing slightly as he waited for Masahiko to pass.
Masahiko pushed the door open and entered, showing nothing out of the ordinary.
Only after he had walked deep into the library and casually picked a book from a shelf did he glance back at the figure outside.
Silver hair, glasses, and that distinctively academic style...
There was no doubt about it.
That was Orochimaru's right-hand man: Yakushi Kabuto.
Masahiko grew pensive. He placed the book back on the shelf and turned around the aisle, only to see another figure leaning out from the opposite side of the bookcase, peering at him.
"Masahiko-sensei? It really is you. What brings you to the library today?"
Standing opposite him was, unmistakably, Mizuki.
Masahiko wasn't surprised. He offered a gentle smile. "I came to look up some reference materials. Are you here to borrow books as well, Mizuki-sensei?"
"I was thinking of... furthering my studies. Hehe, it's embarrassing to admit, but I originally thought I'd just coast through life like this. But after seeing your deeds..."
Mizuki scratched his head, wearing an expression of deep shame and humility.
However...
Compared to Yakushi Kabuto, his acting skills had not yet reached home. The expression was slightly exaggerated, lacking nuance.
Masahiko didn't expose him. Instead, he sighed with a touch of emotion.
"I simply refused to admit defeat and held onto my conviction... Keep working hard. You can do it, too."
"Yes! Thank you for your encouragement!" Mizuki replied reverently.
Masahiko waved his hand dismissively. "We are both teachers; there is no need for such formalities."
"Understood. I won't disturb you any longer."
Mizuki didn't linger. He bowed tactfully and took his leave.
Masahiko set down the book he was holding and walked toward another aisle. As he scanned the titles on the shelves, he mulled over the chance encounter.
Yakushi Kabuto had been calm and composed, showing no irregularities. Mizuki, on the other hand, hadn't been nearly as cool-headed; he had shown a trace of panic.
At the same time, it seemed Mizuki was looking for something—or someone.
'Mizuki is very low-ranking within Orochimaru's organization. He likely doesn't know Kabuto's true identity. So, what is Kabuto doing here?'
'Is he meeting with this idiot, Mizuki?'
Masahiko pulled down a book explaining Genjutsu theory and read while he thought. He frowned slightly, then paused.
'Wait...'
'That entire line of reasoning assumes Mizuki has already become a chaotic pawn developed by Kabuto. But strictly speaking, that might not be the case yet.'
'There are still more than four years until the start of Naruto: The Prequel—the main storyline. It's very likely Mizuki hasn't been recruited by Orochimaru yet.'
'Is Kabuto currently assessing Mizuki?'
Masahiko rubbed the space between his brows, deep in thought.
Theoretically, Masahiko himself was the most suitable target for recruitment. And honestly, Masahiko wouldn't mind making contact with Orochimaru.
The problem was—
Kabuto probably didn't dare approach him.
As a potential "chess piece," Masahiko was simply too strong, and the "Will of Fire" persona he displayed to the public was too perfect. He appeared to be a die-hard Konoha loyalist.
"Still... perhaps this connection will be useful someday."
The corners of Masahiko's mouth curled up slightly. He placed the Basic Genjutsu book back on the shelf and moved to another section.
After a full loop of the library, he only found two books related to Nintaijutsu (Ninja-Taijutsu).
One book only mentioned concepts and theories.
The other discussed using Chakra to amplify physical strength and speed, touching upon the essence and extensions of Nintaijutsu, but again, it was strictly theoretical.
The books in the Academy were, for the most part, foundational.
Masahiko didn't complain. He took both books, sat down in a quiet corner, and began reading from page one.
Reading could be dull, but it was an excellent way to kill time.
The morning passed quickly. In just a few hours, he had skimmed through both volumes.
There was some useful knowledge to be found.
Ordinary Nintaijutsu was a deep combination of Ninjutsu and Taijutsu, blurring the lines between the two. Taking it a step further resulted in advanced techniques like Chakra Enhanced Strength or the Lightning Release Chakra Mode.
The latter...
Masahiko naturally couldn't achieve that yet.
But regarding the former, he had a vague idea. That spark of inspiration just needed a little more knowledge to flesh it out.
He returned the books and headed straight for the Hokage Building.
"When in trouble, turn to the village."
That was what Sarutobi Hiruzen always said, wasn't it?
"You wish to borrow books related to Nintaijutsu?"
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Masahiko nodded, explaining his "honest" reasoning. "I have been researching Water Release Ninjutsu recently. I wanted to attempt integrating Water Release into Taijutsu combat..."
Fire Nature Chakra wasn't particularly suitable for Nintaijutsu fusion; at best, it could be combined with Kenjutsu (Sword Techniques) or simplified coating. The Uchiha clan was already pursuing that path, with Shisui being the standout prodigy among them.
Masahiko's goal, however, was Water Release.
Achieving something on the level of the Hydrification Technique was naturally impossible for now, but as long as he could achieve a similar effect, it would be enough for his purposes.
Additionally—
Water Release could serve as the catalyst for "learning" the Rasengan.
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled. "The village encourages everyone to create their own Ninjutsu. It is excellent that you have such ambition. I will certainly support you."
But?
Masahiko mentally added the conjunction.
Sure enough.
In the next moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen continued, "However, the village has rules and regulations. You must at least submit a basic proposal of your concepts."
"Yes."
Masahiko bowed respectfully and continued, "This subordinate heard that Iwagakure possesses a Hardening Technique that uses Chakra to turn skin into stone. I wondered if Water Release could achieve a similar defensive effect..."
"Flowing and changing—these are the characteristics of water. The Water Dragon Bullet and the Water Wall are both created based on this principle. If one could cover the body's surface with a layer of flowing water..."
He laid out his "idea."
The concept of "Flow" happened to perfectly align with the mechanics of the Water Surfing Strike.
In the future, Masahiko could use this "research" as a cover to slowly introduce the Water Surfing Strike into his arsenal without arousing suspicion or fear from the village or Danzō.
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked thoughtful upon hearing this.
"That is a unique concept. People have tried it in the past, but none have fully succeeded... There are indeed some notes that might help, though I cannot say for sure."
He set down the document in his hand and took out a sheet of paper.
"Write a simple report."
"Yes!"
Masahiko didn't hesitate.
Applying for a research project always required paperwork.
However, if he were still merely a Chūnin, he likely wouldn't even have the qualification to submit a report, let alone get project approval.
Taking the paper, he briefly outlined his creative concept and handed it back to Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Sarutobi Hiruzen stood up.
"Follow me."
Exiting the office and turning right, he led Masahiko to a sealed room. After performing hand seals to release the barrier...
The door opened.
Masahiko followed him inside and scanned the room.
His eyes were immediately drawn to the central shelf, which was surrounded by a specialized sealing formation. Resting on that shelf was a massive scroll.
It was, unmistakably, the Scroll of Seals he had seen in the anime in his past life.
'Damn!'
'Is this thing really guarded this heavily in reality?'
In the anime, the fact that it was just sitting in the Hokage's office seemed completely absurd.
Masahiko internalized his gripe, showing no outward anomaly, though he didn't deliberately look away either. He stared at the scroll with appropriate awe. "Hokage-sama, is that our village's Scroll of Seals?"
"Yes. The techniques recorded within are extremely dangerous... You are intelligent and possess strong research capabilities, but remember: do not research techniques that violate the principles of the Shinobi World. Otherwise, even I cannot protect you."
Sarutobi Hiruzen warned him with a stern expression.
Masahiko nodded in agreement, a look of solemn apprehension on his face.
Seeing this, the Third Hokage didn't press the warning further. He walked past the scroll deeper into the room, his eyes scanning a tall bookshelf.
Finally...
He leaped up and pulled down a book.
[Water Hydrification Research — Incomplete]
It fit his needs perfectly!
Masahiko's eyes brightened. He forcibly suppressed the desire rising in his heart and waited quietly for Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Sarutobi looked around a bit more before pulling down another book.
Only then did he walk back.
"These two books should be of help to you. You may read them, but it is best if you finish them here within the building and return them immediately."
"Yes, sir!"