Naruto:talent System

Chapter 3: The Pervert and the Prodigy

Jiraiya, now fully engrossed in his "research," was attempting to flirt with Lady Aiko, who looked increasingly uncomfortable despite her aristocratic composure. Tsunade, meanwhile, was giving Koji-sensei a stern lecture about situational awareness. Kaito watched, a mischievous glint in his eye. This was his chance.

He sidled up to Jiraiya, feigning casual interest. "Jiraiya-sama, your techniques are legendary. I heard about the time you turned an entire bandit camp into frogs!" Kaito's voice was full of manufactured awe.

Jiraiya, ever the showman, preened. "Oh ho ho! That was merely a warm-up, my boy! The Toad Sage has many secrets, many fascinating jutsus." He puffed out his chest, completely distracted from Lady Aiko.

[Scanning… Target: Jiraiya. Sannin. Primary Talent: Sage Mode Mastery (S-Rank). Secondary Talent: Summoning Jutsu: Toad (S-Rank). Tertiary Talent: Ero-Sennin Arts (A-Rank). Replication Points Required: 500 for S-Rank, 250 for A-Rank.]

Kaito's eyes widened, not entirely feigned. Ero-Sennin Arts? The system really didn't pull any punches. And there it was, another A-Rank "intimate talent." He needed combat skills, but the allure of… other possibilities was undeniable. He mentally bookmarked it for later, his gaze still fixed on Jiraiya.

"I aspire to be as strong as you, Jiraiya-sama," Kaito continued, laying it on thick. "Could you… perhaps… demonstrate some of your moves? Even just a simple taijutsu sequence?"

Jiraiya chuckled. "A budding pervert, eh? Always eager to learn, just like me! Alright, kid, pay attention. The art of the shinobi isn't just about flashy jutsu, it's about the fundamental movements…"

Jiraiya launched into a basic taijutsu demonstration, fluid and powerful, even in its simplicity. Kaito focused, his system whirring.

[Talent Replication Progress: Jiraiya (Sage Mode Mastery (S-Rank)) - 0.1%… 0.2%…]

[Talent Replication Progress: Jiraiya (Summoning Jutsu: Toad (S-Rank)) - 0.1%… 0.2%…]

[Talent Replication Progress: Jiraiya (Ero-Sennin Arts (A-Rank)) - 0.5%… 1%… 2%!]

The progress was abysmal for the S-ranks, but surprisingly quick for the Ero-Sennin Arts. Kaito suppressed a groan. Of course.

He spent the next few days playing the eager student, asking Jiraiya about his travels, his training, even subtly nudging him towards demonstrating various techniques. He also made sure to stay close to Tsunade, picking up those precious percentage points for her S-Rank abilities. It was a delicate balancing act – appearing respectful and curious without seeming like a creepy stalker, especially for a sixteen-year-old.

His teammates, Hana and Ren, noticed.

"Kaito, are you trying to become Jiraiya-sama's new apprentice or something?" Hana teased one morning, as Kaito returned from another "lesson" with the Sannin.

Kaito merely shrugged, a practiced innocent smile on his face. "Just trying to learn from the best, Hana-chan. These rogues reminded me how much more I need to improve."

Ren, ever perceptive, raised an eyebrow. "Or trying to replicate his… research methods?" He glanced pointedly in the direction of a distant, giggling group of kunoichi, where Jiraiya's distinct laughter could be heard.

Kaito coughed, his face remaining impassive. "Shinobi must be adaptable, Ren."

[Talent Replication Progress: Jiraiya (Ero-Sennin Arts (A-Rank)) - 15%… 20%!]

Damn it, System, Kaito thought, a bead of sweat forming on his brow. It was certainly adaptable in its priorities.

The journey continued without further incident, thanks in no small part to the unexpected presence of the two Sannin. Lady Aiko arrived safely at the neighboring village, and her family expressed their profound gratitude. Kaito, always polite, received a warm farewell. As she turned to leave, her eyes met his, and a faint, knowing smile touched her lips.

[Talent Replication Progress: Lady Aiko (Untapped Sensuality (A-Rank)) - 30%… 35%!]

"Perhaps… we'll meet again, Kaito-kun," she murmured, before disappearing into the grand estate.

Kaito blinked. The system had picked up on that. This was getting dangerously interesting.

Back in Konoha, life settled into a new routine. Kaito was now a recognizable figure, the chunin who had helped save Tsunade and earned the respect of Jiraiya. He used his accumulated replication points sparingly, picking up useful B-Rank talents like Basic Sealing Arts from an old scroll master and Advanced Stealth from a quiet ANBU he'd managed to 'observe' during a mission debrief.

But the S-ranks from Tsunade and Jiraiya were still tantalizingly out of reach. He was at 78% for Tsunade's Medical Ninjutsu and 72% for her Superhuman Strength. Jiraiya's S-ranks were still crawling, but his Ero-Sennin Arts was at a respectable 45%.

One afternoon, Tsunade summoned him. She was in her office, a pile of paperwork precariously stacked on her desk. She looked tired, but there was a flicker of genuine warmth in her eyes.

"Kaito," she began, "I've been watching your progress. You're a talented shinobi, and you learn quickly." She paused, then gave him a sharp look. "And you're surprisingly good at keeping secrets, aren't you?"

Kaito offered his most innocent smile. "I try, Tsunade-san."

She chuckled, a dry sound. "Indeed. That's why I have a proposition for you." She pushed a scroll across the desk. "I need an assistant. Someone I can trust. Someone who isn't afraid of hard work… or my temper."

Kaito picked up the scroll. It was an official appointment, granting him access to the hospital's restricted medical library and certain training facilities. He looked at Tsunade, a plan forming in his mind.

"I'd be honored, Tsunade-san," Kaito said, a genuine smile replacing his practiced one.

[Talent Replication Progress: Tsunade Senju (Medical Ninjutsu Mastery (S-Rank)) - 80%… 82%!]

[Talent Replication Progress: Tsunade Senju (Superhuman Strength (S-Rank)) - 75%… 77%!]

This was it. Constant proximity. This was how he would finally master S-rank medical ninjutsu, and perhaps, even her incredible strength. And with Jiraiya often lurking around the village, his Ero-Sennin Arts wouldn't be far behind either. Konoha was about to get a very talented, and potentially very problematic, new addition to its ranks.