in Namikaze Minato's room, a stack of high-denomination bills lay on the table.
They had been brought back by Hoshita Shūichi.
Minato glanced at the money before turning to Shūichi. "The Daimyo wants to recruit you?"
Shūichi nodded and recounted the entire encounter.
Minato listened, stunned, and after a moment of thought, he asked, "A double agent?"
Shūichi rubbed his chin, considering the idea. "That doesn't sound bad, actually."
The thought of becoming a double agent hadn't crossed his mind before. His original plan was simply to secure funding from the Daimyo and then leverage the tension between the Hokage and the Daimyo to gain additional resources from Sarutobi Hiruzen upon returning to Konoha.
Minato, with his sharp political instincts and Hokage-like mindset, saw the opportunity differently. Even if it were Hiruzen in his place, he wouldn't pass up the chance to plant Shūichi as a double agent.
After a moment of contemplation, Minato said, "Keep this money to yourself. Don't mention it to anyone else. Once we're back in Konoha, I'll personally explain everything to the Third Hokage."
"Understood," Shūichi replied, tucking the money away. But instead of leaving, he pulled out a scroll and unrolled it with a smile. "Sensei, I've designed a sealing technique. Since it involves the brain, I didn't dare test it without consulting you."
"A sealing technique?" Minato was surprised. He took the scroll and examined it carefully.
The technique wasn't overly complex—in fact, it was relatively simple for someone of Minato's skill—but its design was ingenious.
Looking up at Shūichi, Minato's surprise deepened. "I had no idea you were skilled in seals and curse marks."
Shūichi scratched his head modestly. "I picked it up while making Explosive Tags. I developed a unique memory technique called the 'Memory Palace.' Working with Shadow Clones gave me the idea for this seal."
Minato nodded in understanding. "So, you want the memories brought back by Shadow Clones to be directly transferred into your Memory Palace without overwhelming your brain. You're trying to use clones to accumulate training experience?"
Shūichi confirmed, "Exactly."
Minato immediately cautioned him, "Memories are one thing, but the fatigue from Shadow Clones is another. The human mind has its limits."
Shūichi reassured him, "Don't worry, Sensei. I'll be careful."
Minato trusted Shūichi's disciplined nature and didn't press further. Instead, he began refining the seal while asking for details about the Memory Palace.
"Using all of Konoha as the foundation for your memory storage is a brilliant idea," Minato remarked. "Incorporating genjutsu would enhance it further. The seal should also be Chakra-based, supported by fuinjutsu—like building a library in your mind."
He continued tweaking the design, adding layers of complexity. "For someone who only studied seals through Explosive Tags, your talent in fuinjutsu is exceptional."
Two hours later, Minato set down his brush with a satisfied smile. "There. This should work. With your Chakra reserves, maintaining the seal shouldn't be a problem, though it will be a constant drain."
Shūichi examined the revised seal, now several times more intricate than his original design. He scratched his head sheepishly. "Sensei, I might need some time to fully grasp this."
Minato chuckled. "My apologies—I got carried away. But don't worry, you can ask me anytime if you're stuck. It's late now, and we have to travel tomorrow. We'll continue this once we're back in Konoha."
Shūichi agreed, gathered his things, and returned to his room.
Lying in bed, his attention turned to the "Talent Tree" in his mind.
Two new entries had just appeared.
Entry: Sealing Expert
Unlock Condition: Master the perfected version of the [Memory Palace] technique, as refined by Namikaze Minato.
Effect: Fuinjutsu and curse mark aptitude increased by 100%. Memory capacity increased by 100%.
The condition seemed straightforward, and the benefits were substantial. With his memory already sharp, doubling it might grant him near-photographic recall—a boon for learning, combat analysis, and overall cognitive ability.
"Having a talent for fuinjutsu is worth cultivating. It's one of the most versatile skills out there," Shūichi mused.
But he remained pragmatic. For now, his priorities were kenjutsu and medical ninjutsu—his current lifelines for survival and reputation.
Then he checked the second entry.
Entry: The Pioneer
Unlock Condition: Develop at least five A-rank (or higher) techniques, including but not limited to ninjutsu, fuinjutsu, genjutsu, or taijutsu. If assisted, the creator must have played a pivotal, innovative role.
Effect: Once per year, activate "Flash of Insight" for 10 minutes. During this time, creativity and comprehension are maximized (MAX).
Shūichi sat bolt upright.
Two MAX stats? The potential was staggering.
But five A-rank techniques? That was no small feat.
The Chidori was A-rank. The Rasengan was A-rank.
"Even if Minato hasn't invented the Rasengan yet, replicating it won't be easy," Shūichi muttered. "And Kakashi's Chidori requires mastery of Lightning Release chakra nature transformation first."
He pondered further. "The Wind Release: Rasenshuriken could count, too. But what counts as a 'pivotal role'? If I propose the concept and someone else helps develop it, does that qualify?"
This would require experimentation.
With a sigh, Shūichi lay back down and drifted into sleep.
The next day, the group departed the Daimyo's palace and arrived in Konoha by noon.
In the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen listened to Minato's report, which included Shūichi's remarks during their mission to the Daimyo's palace. The highlight, however, was the Daimyo's recruitment attempt and Shūichi's clever handling of the situation.
After the report, Minato added, "Shūichi is exceptionally sharp, with a keen political instinct. He recognized the underlying tension between the village and the Daimyo the moment he heard the mission details."
Hiruzen nodded in agreement. Shūichi's actions spoke volumes—not just about his intelligence, but also his unwavering loyalty to the Hokage.
"He handled it brilliantly," Hiruzen remarked. "For someone so young to navigate such a situation with such finesse is rare. Let him keep the money. As for the double agent idea... what's your take, Minato?"
Minato had anticipated the question. "I believe Shūichi is more than capable. He's disciplined, steadfast in his loyalty to Konoha and the Hokage, and despite his age, his judgment is mature. There's no risk of betrayal."
Hiruzen stroked his beard. "Very well. You'll be his handler for this mission. Inform him of the assignment."
Minato bowed slightly. "Understood."
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