"Taiichi!" Kushina stared at the boy immersed in the intricacies of Sealing Jutsu, finally asking the question that had been bugging her. "Has anyone else taught you Sealing Jutsu before?"
"Huh?" Taiichi looked up blankly from the complex formula, clearly not following her train of thought. His clear eyes stared at her innocently.
"No, that's not right. You wouldn't have had the time!" Kushina muttered to herself.
In this moment, she genuinely doubted if she was the "Sealing Jutsu Genius" everyone claimed she was.
Back when she was learning, just memorizing all the runes took her two months of dedicated, undisturbed study.
But Taiichi? Missions, Taijutsu, Ninjutsu, Medical Ninjutsu... he was spinning like a top between different disciplines. How much time could he possibly spare for Sealing Jutsu?
The more she thought about it, the more depressed she became. Her vibrant red hair seemed to lose its luster.
Seeing Kushina's sudden mood drop, Taiichi was confused. He assumed she was worried about Minato.
"Sister Kushina, don't worry about Minato-senpai. He's on a mission with Lord Jiraiya. He'll be safe."
Hearing Taiichi's comforting words and seeing his concerned gaze, Kushina didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Her depression faded slightly. She pulled herself together and continued teaching.
Even if she probably wouldn't see much battlefield action in her life, personally raising a Sealing Jutsu Grandmaster who would make her techniques famous throughout the ninja world was an achievement in itself.
Thinking this, Kushina felt better and taught even more diligently.
The lesson continued until evening. Only when the setting sun cast its glow into the room did they snap out of their focus.
"It's already this late? Time flies!"
Kushina was still a bit reluctant to stop. The afternoon of dedicated teaching had benefited Taiichi immensely, but she also felt she had gained something. Reviewing the basics had solidified her own foundation.
For Taiichi, the progress was massive. His Panel showed it clearly:
> [Study Session. Sealing Jutsu EXP +500]
> [Congratulations. Skill Sealing Jutsu improved to Lv4 (254/600)]
One afternoon session had boosted his skill by over a full level. Taiichi couldn't stop smiling.
"Sister, thank you for teaching me this afternoon." Taiichi's gratitude was heartfelt.
"Don't mention it. With Minato away, having you here keeps me from getting bored. Besides, I learned a lot too." Kushina was candid. Before he left, she reminded him to visit often.
Taiichi agreed happily. With such a great teacher, he wished he could come every day.
Walking home, Taiichi pondered Sealing Jutsu. In the ninja world, it was the ultimate utility skill with limitless potential.
It was everywhere—from explosive tags and storage scrolls to village barriers, sealing Tailed Beasts, and even the moon itself (a giant seal).
Of course, Taiichi wasn't aiming that high yet. Besides practical utility, his main goal was the Strength of a Hundred Seal (Yin Seal).
Storing excess chakra for later use was a game-changer for someone like him who didn't have massive reserves yet.
But his foundation was still too weak. He estimated he needed Sealing Jutsu at Lv6 before he could even attempt to decipher the Yin Seal's secrets.
For now, slow and steady. The 500 EXP jump today was due to his low level and Kushina's expert guidance. Future progress would be harder.
Thinking about massive chakra reserves, Taiichi checked his own status.
> [Chakra: 18,500 (17,400)]
Huh? Taiichi rubbed his eyes. His current chakra exceeded his daily safe extraction limit. This wasn't good. It meant his physical body couldn't keep up with his chakra growth.
This was likely why many ninjas' physical health declined early. Desperately refining chakra for battle was essentially overdrafting their life force.
This made the Yin Seal even more critical. Watching his naturally recovered chakra dissipate daily felt like watching his life drain away.
With that thought, he quickened his pace to get home and train.
---
Over the next period, Taiichi's life became regular. Training body, refining jutsu, absorbing knowledge. Occasionally sparring with his team, meeting classmates, or visiting Kushina for Sealing lessons.
It was a busy but fulfilling life.
One day, at the riverside training spot.
Taiichi slowly molded chakra, forming seals. "Fire Style: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet!"
A thin, condensed stream of fire shot from his mouth, expanding rapidly into a fire dragon that struck the water.
Initially, the flames were normal orange, scorching everything in their path.
But as Taiichi poured more chakra into it, the flames changed.
The core brightened visibly, the temperature spiking.
Still not satisfied, Taiichi recalled the highest temperature he had experienced—the 2000+ degrees of the forge, melting metal and stone.
He deepened the Nature Transformation. Chakra consumption skyrocketed. The flames turned from orange to a brilliant gold.
Searing heat waves rolled out. The violent flames scattered uncontrollably. Sparks that hit the ground vitrified the soil instantly.
On the river, steam erupted along the fire's path. In moments, the entire river surface was shrouded in mist, accompanied by the bubbling sound of boiling water.
When he ran out of breath, the jutsu ended. Taiichi assessed the temperature. Still not quite there.
The temperature had increased, reaching maybe close to 2000 degrees at peak, but the conversion efficiency was too low.
The sustained temperature was only around 1000 degrees—better than average, but requiring constant, high-output conversion to maintain.
In combat, this inefficiency was a major flaw. It needed more work.
> [Fire Nature Transformation Lv8 (665/1400)]
His dedication to Fire Style was paying off. He had gained over 400 EXP recently. Of course, his other natures lagged behind.
As the mist cleared, the aftermath was revealed. A path of dark red, glass-like slag stretched from his feet to the river, heat still radiating from it.
The river was worse. Countless dead fish and shrimp floated on the surface, and the air smelled like fish soup.
A drop of sweat rolled down Taiichi's forehead. I probably shouldn't practice Fire Style on the river anymore. It's an ecological disaster.
But looking at the destruction, he was satisfied. Once his Nature Transformation level increased and he mastered the jutsu, his Fire Style would rival Scorch or Lava Release.
Just as he was fantasizing, he felt the Reverse Summoning tug.
Tsunade's reply!
Ignoring the mess, Taiichi wove the signs. Poof.
A puppy-sized Katsuyu appeared.
"Katsuyu-sama, is it a letter from Tsunade-sensei?"
"Yes, Taiichi-sama."
Without preamble, a letter emerged from her body.
Taiichi opened it with trembling hands. Tsunade's familiar handwriting jumped out.
Brat:
Received your letter. I know about Nono. Danzo, that gutter rat... I know how dirty his methods are better than you do. Your worries are completely justified.
However, I'm away from the village and can't return right now to confront Danzo for you.
But I understand your feelings. Nono is indeed unsuited to remain in Root.
You can go to Jiraiya. I will contact him and ask him to give you full support.
Also, below is a letter I wrote to the Old Man (Hiruzen). You and Jiraiya can take it to him. It represents my stance.
Remember, keep this absolutely secret before you act. Otherwise, Danzo won't let Nono go easily.
Finally, don't forget to train your Chakra Control. The further you go, the more important it becomes.
—Tsunade.
Taiichi checked the envelope again and found a folded letter inside labeled: To Sensei (Personal).
This must be the letter for the Hokage.
He stored the letters carefully. These were crucial chips for saving Nono.
He immediately wrote a heartfelt thank-you letter to Tsunade and handed it to Katsuyu.
Watching Katsuyu disappear, Taiichi relaxed slightly. He hadn't known if Tsunade would help, but now he had a plan.
Ultimately, it came down to strength. If he had Kage-level power, he could have just marched into the Hokage's office and demanded Nono's release.
But alas...
He wasted no time and started training Taijutsu and Meditation.
---
The next morning, Taiichi searched for Jiraiya. He spent the whole morning scouring Konoha but couldn't find the white-haired sage.
In the afternoon, he went to Minato's house, hoping for intel.
Knock, knock.
Kushina answered again.
"Taiichi! Looking for Minato?"
"Hello, Sister-in-law!"
Kushina blossomed at the address. "Can't you be looking for me?"
"Haha! I can change it to 'Big Sister' if you prefer."
"Yes! Big Sister Kushina!"
Inside, Kushina broke the news. "You're out of luck. Minato went on a mission. Won't be back for a long time."
Taiichi was disappointed but recovered quickly. "That's okay. I can chat with Big Sister Kushina."
"Nice try." Kushina noticed his disappointment. "Is it urgent?"
Taiichi hesitated. Should he tell her? The "Red Hot Habanero" might burn down the Hokage building if she knew.
"What is it? Stop being wishy-washy! Be a man!" Kushina snapped.
Provoked, and realizing he needed allies—and maybe someone to flip tables—Taiichi told her everything about Nono.
As expected, Kushina exploded. Her hair floated menacingly. "Let's go! We're asking the Third Old Man right now!"
She hated Danzo. Hearing this despicable scheme enraged her.
It took all of Taiichi's effort to calm her down. He explained the need for a coordinated strike with all their allies—Tsunade, Jiraiya, Minato—to ensure success and Nono's safety.
Calmed down, she agreed and promised to notify him the moment Minato and Jiraiya returned.
Taiichi learned that Jiraiya and Minato were on a mission together. That meant it was important.
Business done, Taiichi switched gears. "Sister Kushina, since you're here, I have some Sealing Jutsu questions."
Kushina was amused but agreed. However, as the session went on, her amusement turned to shock.
This progress... is ridiculous.
---
The Next Day.
Taiichi went to the orphanage early.
"Nono-nee!"
Nono sighed as she heard Taiichi's shout. The kids, who were practicing writing, instantly looked up with bright smiles.
"Director! It's Taiichi-nii!"
The quiet yard turned noisy. Nono shooed the kids away to play and opened the gate.
Seeing Taiichi's beaming face, she asked, "What are you so happy about?"
Taiichi grabbed her hand and pulled her inside. "Come on! Inside!"
In the room, Taiichi handed her Tsunade's letter.
Nono read it, her hands trembling slightly. As she scanned the lines, her lips curbed upward, and the deep-seated worry in her eyes began to dissipate.
"With Tsunade-sensei's help, we have a 30% chance. Add Lord Jiraiya, that's another 30%," Taiichi analyzed happily. "The remaining 40% depends on us."
Nono looked at the radiant boy, feeling a surge of affection. She knew how much effort he had put in for her.
"Thank you, Taiichi."
"Haha! We're family. No need for thanks." Taiichi rubbed his head, embarrassed.
They spent the morning playing with the kids. After lunch, Taiichi left, humming a tune. The sun seemed brighter, the flowers prettier.
He hoped Jiraiya and Minato would return soon.
However, days turned into weeks, and there was no news. Taiichi eventually settled back into his routine. Life had to go on.
One day, it was time for the team spar. But this time, Captain Yamaguchi showed up too.
"Captain? You're here?" Yohei asked.
Yamaguchi didn't answer, just giving Taiichi a meaningful look.
"Did you invite him, Taiichi?" Saori guessed.
"Yeah! We always train by ourselves, forgetting we have a captain. I thought he should see our progress."
"Great! Captain! We usually gang up on Taiichi," Yohei said, eyes shining. "Since you're a Jonin, surely you'll let the three of us 'ask for advice' together?"
Yamaguchi's smile froze.
Damn it. I've been set up.