After teaching Li Zhenwu summoning techniques, the Third Hokage also guided him on how to obtain a summoning beast and how to sign a contract to become a summoner.
"If you are interested in support-type summoning beasts, I suggest you go to the Inuzuka clan and request a ninja dog. Considering your relationship, they are unlikely to refuse."
The Third Hokage covered many potential paths for Li Zhenwu to acquire a summoning beast. "If you are looking for a combat-oriented summoning beast, you could seek out the wandering Jiraiya... If you earn his approval, there's no reason you can't form a contract with the toad clan."
With several options laid out, the Third Hokage awaited Li Zhenwu's final choice.
However, Li Zhenwu already had an idea in mind.
Rubbing his hands together, Li Zhenwu grinned and asked, "Sarutobi Sensei... what about your summoning beast?"
This was a subtle inquiry, but the Third Hokage understood what Li Zhenwu meant. "You crafty kid, you're eyeing my Monkey King," he said, quickly grasping Li Zhenwu's intent. He had refrained from including this choice earlier for a reason.
After some thought, the Third Hokage slowly explained, "The Monkey King is somewhat special; he can be quite stubborn."
He continued, "It's challenging to sign a contract with the Monkey King. If you're truly set on this choice, be prepared for the consequences."
"Can I choose the Monkey King, then? If yes, then I will go with it only" Li Zhenwu replied.
"Since you've made your decision, I won't dissuade you," the Third Hokage nodded, respecting Li Zhenwu's choice.
After finishing his words, the Third Hokage began to form hand seals in the clearing, then slammed one hand down onto the ground.
Circles of black markings appeared on the ground, interconnected like rings, and eight black runes extended outward.
"Summoning Technique!" the Third Hokage called out, and with a flash of white light, the tall Monkey King wearing a tiger-skin skirt appeared out of thin air.
Upon his sudden appearance, the Monkey King assumed an aggressive posture, but after two seconds, he relaxed when he assessed the situation.
"What's going on, Sarutobi? Didn't you call me out for a fight?" the Monkey King asked, puzzled.
"I'm in this (Hokage) identity now, and the ninja world is gradually moving towards peace. When will there be another opportunity for us to fight together?" Sarutobi replied, tapping his pipe.
"That's a flag being raised," Li Zhenwu thought to himself, unable to suppress a smirk as he considered his teacher's words.
Following the normal trajectory, it wouldn't be long before Orochimaru would launch his plan to destroy Konoha, resulting in the Third Hokage's death during that incident.
But the Monkey King, at that moment, could not foresee the future.
The Monkey King nodded thoughtfully and remarked, "It seems the ninja world is finally due for some peace."
"So, if there's no battle, why did you summon me?" he asked.
"It's because my disciple is ready to learn summoning techniques," Sarutobi said seriously.
Only then did the Monkey King truly notice Li Zhenwu standing nearby. "I thought this kid was your grandson... he doesn't look much like you. Turns out he's your disciple?"
"Yes, my disciple. The most outstanding one," Sarutobi said with a hint of pride and resignation. He was proud of Li Zhenwu's strength but acknowledged that it wasn't entirely due to his teachings.
"Who would have thought you'd take on another disciple, and such a little one at that," the Monkey King remarked, eyeing Li Zhenwu, who looked quite young.
"Zhenwu is the most talented ninja of this generation in Konoha! Even my previous three disciples can't compare to him," the Third Hokage praised Li Zhenwu without reservation.
"Is that so? So this 'Zhenwu' is here to learn summoning techniques?" the Monkey King began to scrutinize Li Zhenwu seriously.
Summoning techniques are not particularly complicated; as long as you have enough chakra, you can learn to use them.
However, the prerequisite is having your own summoning beast or signing a contract with one.
This means that the most crucial step in summoning techniques is to have a summoning beast or a ninja beast.
The Monkey King carefully assessed Li Zhenwu, while Li Zhenwu openly observed the Monkey King as well.
The Monkey King's gaze moved from Li Zhenwu's head to his feet, then suddenly caught sight of the tail behind Li Zhenwu.
"Huh?" The Monkey King looked serious as he turned to the Third Hokage. "Sarutobi, this disciple of yours... is he human?"
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