shadow hokage dark moon

Chapter 19: Ninjutsu Instructor

After concluding his conversation with Hiruzen Sarutobi, Tsukiko respectfully bowed, expressing his gratitude.

Hiruzen, standing from his seat, walked around the desk and gently patted Tsukiko's shoulder. His tone was warm and encouraging.

"Work hard, Tsukiko. The future of Konoha needs young talents like you."

Tsukiko nodded seriously.

"I won't disappoint you, Hokage-sama."

Hiruzen smiled.

"Go now, train diligently. I'll be watching your progress."

With another deep bow, Tsukiko exited the Hokage's office. As he stepped into the bustling streets of Konoha, a faint ripple stirred in his mind, followed by the familiar sound of the Destiny System notification.

[Destiny System Prompt: You have gained Hiruzen Sarutobi's recognition. Destiny Points +500.]

Tsukiko's eyes brightened. Recognition from the Third Hokage, one of the most powerful figures in the village, was no small feat. Not only had he gained precious Destiny Points, but his standing within Konoha had also subtly risen.

But the system message didn't stop there.

[Destiny System Prompt: You have significantly altered the fate of the Shinobi World. A Lucky Draw opportunity has been granted.]

Tsukiko's steps halted momentarily.

"Significantly altered fate?" He pondered. "Well, given how active I've been lately, I guess it's no surprise. Still, a Lucky Draw... That's rare."

His heart raced with anticipation. He knew such opportunities could lead to immense gains. Without hesitation, Tsukiko muttered inwardly:

"System, start the Lucky Draw."

The familiar interface appeared in his mind, and a glowing wheel began to spin. Various rewards flashed across the segments—bloodlines, jutsus, artifacts, and special abilities.

Tsukiko's gaze sharpened, watching the wheel slow down, each tick echoing in his ears until it stopped on a golden segment.

[Congratulations! You have obtained the Special Ability: Ninjutsu Instructor!]

Tsukiko blinked, momentarily puzzled.

"Ninjutsu Instructor? Isn't that Hiruzen's title?"

The system promptly provided an explanation:

[Ninjutsu Instructor: This ability grants the host unparalleled comprehension of all ninjutsu principles. Learning new jutsu will be significantly faster, and teaching others will become highly efficient. Your understanding of jutsu mechanics will surpass most elite jonin.]

Tsukiko's lips curled into a satisfied smile.

"So, it's not direct combat power, but it enhances my growth rate and teaching ability? This is perfect for mastering advanced jutsu."

With this skill, complex techniques like the Flying Thunder God or Edo Tensei would no longer remain out of reach. He could grasp them faster, adapt them to his needs, and even modify or create entirely new jutsu.

Excitedly, Tsukiko opened his status panel to check his progress.

---

[Character Status: Uchiha Tsukiko]

Identity: Ninja Academy Student

Bloodline: Senju-Uchiha Hybrid

Kekkei Genkai:

Sage Body (37% Awakening)

Sharingan (Not Activated; Prowess: 82%)

Wood Release (Mokuton)

Chakra Reserves: 3.5 Cards (35,000 Units)

Special Abilities:

Dance King of the Ninja World

Ninjutsu Instructor

Ninjutsu Mastery:

Clone Technique, Transformation Technique, Body Flicker Technique

Uchiha Flow Taijutsu & Shurikenjutsu

Wood Release: Wood Clone, Sea of Trees Descent, Piercing Roots, Wood Locking Wall

Eight Gates (Locked)

Destiny Points: 3,460

---

Tsukiko's gaze lingered on the numbers. His Sage Body had grown to 37%, and his Sharingan prowess had reached 82%, indicating he was on the cusp of awakening the fabled eyes.

His chakra reserves had expanded to 3.5 cards, rivaling chunin-level ninja and granting him the stamina to sustain high-level jutsu for extended battles.

But the real treasure lay in his new Ninjutsu Instructor ability. This skill would make mastering complex ninjutsu exponentially easier.

"With this, I can perfect my Wood Release and explore advanced elemental jutsu. And once my Sharingan awakens, my combat potential will soar."

---

Tsukiko recalled his previous chakra nature test. To his surprise, he'd possessed affinity with all five basic elements:

Fire – Expected, given his Uchiha bloodline.

Lightning – Also common among Uchiha.

Water and Earth – Inherited from his Senju lineage.

Wind – Rare in both Uchiha and Senju bloodlines.

Moreover, with his Sage Body and latent Rinnegan potential, he naturally harbored Yin and Yang release as well.

"Seven elements, huh? If Hiruzen earned the title of Professor with five, what does that make me? The next Sage of Six Paths?"

The thought amused him, but Tsukiko knew such strength was still far off. The current priority was refining what he already had.

---

Reflection and Planning

Walking through the bustling streets of Konoha, Tsukiko couldn't ignore the political weight surrounding him.

The reason he hadn't been targeted by Konoha's higher-ups, despite his unique bloodline and potential threat, was largely due to one person's influence: Uzumaki Mito.

Mito, as the wife of the First Hokage and the elder sister-in-law of the Second, wielded unparalleled respect. More than just a political figure, she was the village's first Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails, famed for her mastery of Uzumaki sealing techniques.

"Without Mito-sama's support, I doubt Sarutobi and his council would be this lenient with me."

---

Tsukiko recalled the original timeline. The Nine-Tails had despised Mito—proof of how thoroughly she dominated the beast. While most Jinchūriki struggled to earn their tailed beast's cooperation, Mito had enforced absolute control, draining Kurama's chakra at will.

"To her, the Nine-Tails wasn't an ally—it was a tool, bound by her will. No wonder it loathed her."

Her presence was also pivotal during the early years of Hiruzen's reign. When the Second Hokage, Tobirama, sacrificed himself during a mission, he appointed Hiruzen as his successor.

However, a young Sarutobi—barely a senior jonin at the time—lacked the strength and influence to command the respect of the village's war-hardened elders.

Without Mito's endorsement, Hiruzen's claim to power would have been fiercely contested. But Mito, as the First Hokage's widow and the matriarch of the Uzumaki-Senju alliance, stood firmly behind him.

"Her word alone secured Hiruzen's position."

---

Tsukiko now realized the true extent of Mito's influence.

Her support didn't just shield him from Danzo's machinations; it subtly positioned him as a figure the higher-ups couldn't easily suppress.

After all, antagonizing Mito meant challenging the very foundation of Konoha's leadership.

"No wonder Sarutobi didn't dare hand me over to Root. He knows who holds the real power behind the scenes."

But Mito wouldn't live forever. Her health was already declining. Once she passed, Tsukiko's protective barrier would weaken, leaving him vulnerable to political predators like Danzo.

"I need to grow stronger—fast. Strength alone earns respect in this world."