“You’re a fire-natured ninja, right? Let me think… My main affinities are water and earth, but I’ve picked up a few basic techniques from other elements too…”

  Hashirama stroked his chin, thinking deeply for a while before continuing, “Got it. I happen to have a B-rank Fire Release technique called Fire Dragon Fme Bullet. I remember your father just got you a C-rank Fireball Jutsu, right? These two are from the same lineage, which makes it easier for you to train in the future. Plus, getting a taste of high-level fire jutsu early on will help you better understand the lower-tier ones and even develop your own.”

  The moment Kaya realized the First Hokage was actually gifting him a B-rank jutsu, his mind went bnk, save for one thought:

  Damn. This guy’s loaded.

  His father had nearly worked himself to death just to trade for a single C-rank jutsu. But for Hashirama? A B-rank technique? Just a casual handout.

  Then again, considering who Hashirama was and the power and wealth at his disposal, a B-rank ninjutsu was really nothing to him. If he got serious, even his throwaway techniques would be A-rank—S-rank secret arts were probably just another Tuesday. And Fire Dragon Fme Bullet wasn't even some rare B-rank move like the Shadow Clone Jutsu. It was just a standard elemental technique. No big deal.

  But to a civilian ninja like Kaya, this was like the First Hokage plucking a single hair from his thigh—and that hair was still worth more than anything Kaya could hope to earn in years.

  Kaya’s gaze flicked to Tsunade behind Hashirama, who was grinning smugly and making exaggerated faces.

  There was no denying it—this particur “thigh” was massive. If there was such a thing as the biggest, thickest second-generation elite in the ninja world, Tsunade was absolutely it.

  Backed by the strongest Hokage in history, plus the Second Hokage, Uzumaki Mito, and the entire Hidden Leaf Vilge—and judging by Madara’s attitude that day, even he treated Tsunade with surprising warmth. Kaya had no doubt: given Madara’s personality and borderline obsessive bond with Hashirama, it wouldn’t be strange if he cared more about Hashirama’s kid than his own.

  With a backing like Tsunade’s, even the tiniest favor could be a life-changing boon for an ordinary ninja. Unfortunately… Kaya wasn’t exactly “ordinary.”

  His system already housed an array of rare B-rank techniques, not to mention a whole arsenal of A-rank and S-rank jutsu. Sure, they cost money to unlock—but once redeemed, his strength would be set. No grinding. No years of back-breaking training.

  In that light, spending time and effort mastering a conventional B-rank jutsu didn’t seem all that worthwhile.

  After a long silence, Kaya suddenly looked up, his expression steady.

  “Lord Hashirama… would it be possible to trade that B-rank jutsu for a different one?”

  “Trade…?”

  Hashirama's brow furrowed ever so slightly.

  Even Tsunade blinked in surprise behind him.

  After all, this jutsu was a gift—pure generosity. Who had the nerve to nitpick over a free gift? Even Tsunade, young and na?ve as she was, thought Kaya’s request was a bit… much.

  Hashirama stared at him quietly, wondering if the kid had overstepped. Based on Kaya’s earlier maturity, he didn’t seem like the type to be ungrateful.

  But Kaya spoke again, firmly, “Here’s the thing, Lord Hashirama. For me, it’ll still be a while before I start going on missions or entering battle. There’s no rush. But my father… he’s out there risking his life every day. He was badly wounded not long ago—barely survived. I’d like to ask if you could give me an earth-style defensive jutsu instead. Something that might help him survive on the battlefield.”

  “…So that’s how it is.”

  Hashirama’s expression instantly softened. His frown disappeared, repced by warm admiration.

  Seeing that change, Kaya quietly let out a breath of relief.

  As expected, this approach worked. Who could fault a child for worrying about their father’s safety? Especially someone like Hashirama, a kind soul through and through.

  And honestly, Kaya did need that jutsu.

  Maybe Hashirama himself didn’t know it, but Kaya did—the First Great Ninja War was looming on the horizon.

  Compared to the Second and Third, this one might end up being the most brutal of all. From what Kaya remembered, at least four Kage-level leaders would die in this war, an unprecedented toll in ninja history.

  A single defensive jutsu wouldn’t make anyone invincible—but every bit of protection counted. A stronger defense meant a slightly higher chance of survival.

  Given his current status and strength, there was basically nothing Kaya could do to protect his father. This sudden opportunity might be the only chance he had to help.

  “…I’ll grant your request.”

  Hashirama gently ruffled Kaya’s hair, smiling warmly.

  In that moment, his impression of Kaya soared.

  A diligent, filial child with a strong sense of responsibility—what more could you ask for?

  Hashirama soon returned from his room, holding a scroll in hand.

  “This technique is called Stone Coffin Burial. I think it might suit your father.”

  “Stone Coffin...? Isn’t that an offensive technique?”

  “It is,” Hashirama said, ughing heartily. “But if you use it on yourself, doesn’t it become defensive?”

  As he chuckled, he began to expin the jutsu.

  “It’s a practical move. Offense and defense, both covered. I used it a lot back in the day. Eventually, I outgrew it, but it’s still a solid technique. It’s versatile, easy to use, and doesn’t drain too much chakra.”

  “I see...” Kaya hadn’t considered that an attack jutsu could be used defensively like that.

  Hashirama added seriously, “Ninjutsu doesn’t have fixed rules. It’s all about using the right move at the right moment. Even a pure defense like Earth-Style Wall can kill in the right terrain. And an attack like Fire Dragon Fme Bullet? If it blocks someone else’s jutsu, it’s serving as a defense. In the end, a technique’s function depends on you.”

  Kaya nodded earnestly. Hashirama’s words might sound simple, but they were gems of wisdom—hugely enlightening.

  “Thank you, Lord Hashirama—for your guidance and the jutsu.”

  He bowed deeply in gratitude.

  “Haha,” Hashirama waved it off. “It’s really no big deal. If you don’t mind me rambling, come visit me more often.”

  Kaya quickly bowed again, full of appreciation.

  For some reason, Kaya felt a sudden wave of emotion.

  It seemed… he’d left a good impression on the First Hokage. Someone who admired and appreciated him.

  If nothing went wrong… this might just become his strongest connection in this world.

  What a shame, then…