`"Can we, Minato-senpai?" Taiichi was ecstatic. He hadn't expected to gain this much from a simple dinner.
"Of course! Sensei told me you're a fast learner, Taiichi. Who knows, I might even get some inspiration from you," Minato said humbly.
Even though Minato hadn't reached his peak yet, he was already an Elite Jonin. For someone of his caliber to treat Taiichi as an equal in discussion was a huge validation.
"Then let's start right now, shall we?" Taiichi stood up immediately, buzzing with excitement.
"Haha, sure!" Minato agreed readily, then turned to Jiraiya. "Sensei, do you want to start?"
"No, no. I already told the kid everything I know. You two discuss it; I'll just listen," Jiraiya waved his hand dismissively. He had already emptied his pockets of knowledge on this subject.
Minato didn't push. He started explaining his understanding of one-handed seals to Taiichi.
After listening to Minato's explanation, Taiichi felt like a lightbulb went off in his head. "Minato-senpai, since everyone's one-handed seals are different, is there a simple method to quickly find the hand signs that suit you?"
"Unfortunately, no. It's trial and error. You start with the standard two-handed seals, maintain the chakra flow, and then try forming one-handed seals. You keep adjusting until you find the gesture that mimics the chakra flow perfectly."
Taiichi nodded thoughtfully. Following Minato's instructions, he began experimenting with his hands, trying to find his unique gestures.
Because one hand has fewer possible configurations than two, the movements are more subtle. It requires heightened sensitivity and chakra control to detect if the internal chakra flow matches the intended Jutsu.
Slowly, Taiichi started to get a feel for it. He snapped out of his trance.
> [Gaining insight. Skill: One-Handed Seals Lv0 (3/100)]
The skill system works! Taiichi smiled. As long as he kept practicing, the proficiency would rise, and eventually, he would master it.
The other three watched him silently, not wanting to disturb his thoughts. When Taiichi finally smiled and looked up, Minato was the first to ask, "How was it, Taiichi? Did you get it?"
"Yeah." Taiichi didn't hold back. He shared his newfound understanding and even demonstrated a simple one-handed sign he had just figured out that could mobilize a bit of chakra.
Minato was shocked. This progress is insane. It was no wonder Jiraiya said the kid learned everything quickly.
Taiichi's breakthrough stimulated Minato. The discussion heated up. Although Taiichi was mostly a listener, whenever he offered an opinion, it hit the nail on the head, giving both Minato and Jiraiya new perspectives.
The four of them talked until the sun began to set. Reluctantly, they stopped but made a promise to meet at Minato's place again for future research sessions.
---
Hokage's Office
The room was filled with thick smoke, originating from the Third Hokage's pipe.
"Alright, Hiruzen, smoke a little less. You've all seen the intel from Root. What do you think?" Danzo looked at the Hokage expectantly.
He had just delivered a big surprise to Hiruzen: "Report on Cloud Village's Abduction of Bloodline Limits Over the Past Year."
Although six months had passed since the Kurama Chizuru abduction attempt, the investigation had taken time.
Hiruzen flipped through the report. It detailed eight separate incidents over the last year where Cloud Village either planned or executed abductions of children with Bloodline Limits. The targets spanned the Land of Water, Fire, Hot Water, Waterfall, and others. The report even identified the planners and executioners for each case.
"It's shocking. Homura, Koharu, take a look," Hiruzen passed the scroll to his advisors.
"Hiruzen, there's no need to hesitate. We strike back. Cloud won't dare make a noise about it," Danzo said, a dangerous glint in his eye.
"Agreed, Hiruzen. We can do this. Even if Cloud finds out, we just publish this report. Do they really want to go to war with every village mentioned here?" Homura and Koharu surprisingly sided with Danzo.
Seeing his advisors unanimous, Hiruzen made his decision. "Fine. Since that's the case, send Sakumo. Have him eliminate the personnel responsible for planning and executing these abductions. Let it serve as a warning."
"Hiruzen! Shouldn't this be a Root mission?" Danzo was furious. His organization provided the intel, but now someone else was getting the glory?
"Danzo, Root needs to monitor the other villages. The intel from the Sand Village still hasn't been verified. You should focus your energy there!" Hiruzen scolded him without mercy.
"But—" Danzo tried to argue.
"No buts. It's decided," Hiruzen said firmly.
Danzo fell silent. He knew this was Hiruzen putting him in his place. He needed to lay low for a while.
---
Konoha Ninjutsu Exchange Office
Leaving Minato's house, Taiichi followed Jiraiya's advice and headed to the Ninjutsu Exchange Office. It was an unassuming room tucked in the corner of the Mission Hall. Who would have guessed that most of Konoha's ninja got their Jutsu from this tiny office?
Taiichi stepped inside. There was a simple desk with a staff member sitting behind it. Judging by the vest, he was a Chunin.
Because it was late, the office was empty. The Chunin was bored, cleaning his fingernails with a kunai.
Seeing someone enter, the Chunin perked up, straightening his posture. But when he saw it was just a kid, he slumped back down, looking annoyed.
A kid this small? He probably has a few D-Rank missions at best. He can't afford anything here. He should go beg his Jonin sensei for tricks.
"Kid, this isn't a place for you. Go to the main hall for missions," the Chunin said without even looking up, returning to his nails.
Taiichi didn't bother being polite to someone with that attitude. He pulled out his Ninja Registration Card and flicked it onto the desk.
It slid perfectly across the surface and stopped right next to the Chunin's hand.
The Chunin glanced at it lazily, then froze. There was a clear stamp indicating the completion of an A-Rank mission. That woke him up.
He picked up the card, reading every word carefully, comparing the photo to the kid standing in front of him. It was real.
A smile instantly plastered itself onto the Chunin's face. He couldn't afford to offend a kid this powerful at this age. Not to mention, a kid like this definitely had powerful backers.
"Mr... uh..." The Chunin glanced at the name again. "Mr. Taiichi Matsushita! What Ninjutsu would you like to exchange for today? B-Rank? C-Rank?"