"A Kekkei Genkai is born when chakras of different elemental natures are combined in a specific way to create a special property. Secret Techniques, however, according to what Shikamaru Nara said in the anime, are created by combining spiritual energy and physical energy in a unique ratio."
Tonbo Tobitake carefully analyzed the information he had, organizing his knowledge. First was Kekkei Genkai—this went without saying; most shinobi knew about it. But when it came to Secret Techniques, very few possessed real insight.
Developing a Secret Technique was no less dangerous than developing a Kekkei Genkai. The danger lay in the ratio; one didn't know what specific balance would allow spiritual and physical energies to create a stable, special chakra when not mixed in the standard 1:1 ratio. Only this specific chakra could serve as the foundation for a Secret Technique.
It was perilous. If physical energy was insufficient, the resulting chakra tended to consume spiritual energy, and vice versa. This was the hurdle Tonbo needed to clear.
He already had a plan. First, he would aim for a ratio favoring higher spiritual energy. Second, he had a boss from a famous Secret Technique clan whom he could ask for general knowledge regarding the creation of such techniques. As long as he didn't pry into the actual secrets of the Yamanaka clan, it should be fine.
With his thoughts in order, the first priority was to go home and eat. One needs strength to get things done.
After he had finished his meal, Yamanaka Inoichi summoned him. Entering the office, Tonbo saw not only Inoichi but also the Fourth Hokage.
"Lord Hokage." Tonbo bowed.
"Tonbo, I came because I wanted to see you and get a clearer, firsthand account of the intelligence," Minato Namikaze said with a friendly smile.
"Is it regarding the Hidden Mist?"
"Yes."
Since the Hokage requested it, Tonbo recounted the situation once more. He understood that Minato wanted to ensure no details were lost in translation through intermediaries, which also signaled how seriously the Hokage took the matter.
Minato nodded repeatedly, showing his approval of Tonbo's detailed report. Truly a talent, just as the Third said. After their previous encounter, Minato had looked into Tonbo's files. He discovered that the Third had met him and even provided some guidance. According to the Third's evaluation, Tonbo was a young man who truly inherited the Will of Fire. Now, it was clear his abilities were top-tier among his peers.
Once Tonbo finished his explanation, Minato gave him a small smile and vanished instantly.
"That was...?" Tonbo acted confused, feigning shock at the Hokage's sudden disappearance.
Inoichi laughed. "That is the Flying Raijin Jutsu. It's a forbidden technique developed by the Second Hokage. Only the Fourth has the talent to master it."
"So that's it. How enviable... I wish I could learn that too!" Tonbo truly meant it. His talent was decent and his reflexes were excellent; compared to ordinary ninja, he felt his only real weakness was his chakra reserves.
"Haha, that won't do. The Flying Raijin is a forbidden technique with high risks during training. Only those recognized by the Hokage can study it," Inoichi explained.
"I see. By the way, Boss, I have something I'd like to ask your advice on."
"What is it?"
"Questions regarding the nature of Secret Techniques..."
"You're an ambitious kid! I didn't realize you were so gifted. However, this is quite dangerous. Let me explain it to you in detail."
"Thank you, Boss!"
As a superior, Inoichi was exceptionally qualified. Outside of work hours, he was easy to talk to. Facing Tonbo's request, he was generous with his advice and provided the best suggestions. Of course, as a head of the Intelligence Division, he knew exactly where to draw the line on what could and couldn't be said.
Through their chat, Tonbo also learned that his recent intel had earned him a major merit.
Time flew by. Although the war was over, post-war reconstruction was vital. Many things were being restored. For instance, strategic resources were slowly being made available to the public. Combat supplies like paper bombs and shuriken, which required special applications during the war, could now be bought at ordinary ninja tool shops.
Tonbo threw himself into the work of village restoration. With the war over and fewer enemies, the workload of reading memories decreased. In his spare time, he took on various odd jobs—helping the Hokage organize documents or standing guard at the Konoha gates.
Indeed, he had become a "Gate God." Wherever there was a need, he was there. Seeing how hard he worked, Ayame prepared bento for him every day. This made him feel incredibly happy.
He redoubled his training efforts. His progress on the Secret Technique accelerated, and his Genjutsu reached a new level. In their daily spars, Shimon, Guy, and Ebisu suffered bitterly. Even a hot-blooded youth like Guy only dared to challenge him every few days. The problem was that even if you broke his Genjutsu, the lingering emotions would haunt your heart. It was miserable.
Clang!
A blade parried a kunai and came to rest against Tonbo's neck.
"You lose," the masked youth, Kakashi, said calmly.
"Ah... I still can't beat you, Kakashi!" Tonbo raised his hands in a helpless gesture.
"You only lost because of the Sharingan," Kakashi said, lowering his weapon as his red eye spun slowly. He never expected this expert recommended by Guy to have such formidable Genjutsu. Without the ocular power of the Sharingan, he wouldn't have been able to touch him. Furthermore, Tonbo's Taijutsu was practically on par with his and Guy's.
"Haha, there's no such thing as 'relying on something' for a ninja. If I'm relying on anything, it's my brain." Tonbo wouldn't say something as foolish as "I would have won if you didn't have the Sharingan." Ninja were assassins; there was no need for talk of fairness or morality, other than the rule of not using forbidden techniques on comrades.
"But next time... hehe, your Sharingan won't be enough," Tonbo said with a confident grin.
Kakashi paused, looking at him intently. Where did this confidence to rival the Sharingan come from? Having used it, Kakashi knew its value—insight that ordinary ninja couldn't hope to match, and a comprehensive resistance to Genjutsu. He had broken Tonbo's illusion just now precisely because of the Sharingan.
"Ah! As expected of my eternal rival, you actually defeated Tonbo!" Nearby, Guy cheered for Kakashi. He proceeded to shout that he would run five laps around Konoha as a reward for himself.
Tonbo's face darkened with embarrassment. This "art style" was much more cringeworthy in person than in the anime. Kakashi felt the same way. Since Guy had been promoted to Chunin a few months ago, his challenges to Kakashi had become even more feverish, vowing to finally settle the score.
Tonbo looked up at the sky. The Nine-Tails' night of chaos was drawing near.
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