Konoha's Tag-System Ninja

Chapter 40: The Pioneer

In Minato Namikaze's room, a stack of large denomination money bills lay on the table.

Hoshita Shūichi had brought them back.

Minato glanced at the money, then looked at Hoshita Shūichi. "The Daimyō wants to recruit you?"

Shūichi nodded and then recounted the entire process.

Minato listened, wide-eyed and astonished. After some thought, he finally said, "A double agent?"

Shūichi stroked his chin, deep in thought. "That could actually work."

He hadn't originally considered becoming a double agent.

He was just trying to scam the Daimyō for some investment, planning to grab some resources from Hiruzen Sarutobi when he returned to Konoha.

It was a way to exploit the underlying power struggle between Konoha and the Daimyō for his own benefit.

Minato, who wasn't lacking in political awareness and was trained in the Hokage's mindset, considered the situation. If the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, were in his place, he probably wouldn't let this opportunity slip by, likely assigning Shūichi as a double agent.

Minato thought it over and said, "Keep this money for yourself, but don't tell anyone else. When we get back to Konoha, I'll personally explain the situation to the Third Hokage."

"Understood."

Shūichi nodded and put the money away, but he didn't leave. Instead, he pulled out a scroll, opened it, and smiled. "Minato Sensei, I designed a technique here. Since it involves the brain, I haven't dared to try it yet."

"A technique?"

Minato was surprised, then took the scroll and examined it carefully.

The technique wasn't complex, in fact, it was quite simple for him, but the concept was remarkably clever.

Looking up at Shūichi, Minato's surprise deepened. "I didn't expect you to be skilled in curse seals and sealing techniques as well."

Shūichi "bashfully" responded, "I learned while making explosive tags."

"I've developed a unique memory technique that I call the Memory Palace."

Shūichi explained to Minato, "Due to my training with Shadow Clones, I had the idea to create this technique."

Minato nodded. "So, you're trying to have the memories brought back by the Shadow Clones directly enter your Memory Palace through this technique, avoiding any mental shock or confusion."

"You're aiming to accumulate training experience through your Shadow Clones?"

Shūichi nodded.

Minato immediately cautioned, "Remember, the memories brought back by the Shadow Clones are just one aspect. You also need to be wary of the accumulated fatigue."

"A person's capacity to endure is limited."

Shūichi quickly assured, "Don't worry, Minato Sensei, I'll be careful."

Minato, trusting in Shūichi's steady nature, didn't press further. Instead, he continued asking about the details of the Memory Palace while reexamining the technique on the scroll.

"It's impressive, Shūichi, that you're using the entire village of Konoha as the container for your memories. That's a brilliant idea."

"Incorporating genjutsu could make it even better."

"Yes, and it should be based on chakra, supplemented with sealing techniques, almost like constructing a library."

"Even though the technique itself is simple, the fact that you could devise something like this just from studying explosive tags shows you have exceptional talent in sealing techniques."

...

Minato Namikaze wrote and revised, making adjustments as he went along.

What had originally been a simple technique designed by Shūichi rapidly became more complex, changing right before his eyes.

After about two hours, Minato set down his brush and smiled, "There, this should do it."

"With your chakra capacity, Shūichi, you shouldn't have any trouble using it."

"Of course, to maintain the seal, you'll need to continuously channel chakra, which will be a drain on your reserves."

Shūichi looked at the technique, now vastly more intricate than before, and scratched his head. He sighed, "Minato Sensei, I think it's going to take me some time to fully grasp this."

Minato chuckled, "Sorry, I got a bit carried away."

"But don't worry, if you run into any issues, feel free to ask me anytime."

"Yes, it's getting late, and we've got a long journey tomorrow. Let's save this for when we get back to Konoha."

Shūichi nodded, gathered his things, and bid farewell to Minato before heading back to his room.

Lying on his bed, Shūichi's attention shifted to his Tag Tree in his mind.

Just now, two new tag had been triggered.

Tag: Sealing Expert

Condition to Obtain: Complete the training of the secret technique [Memory Palace], perfected by Minato Namikaze.

Effect: Increases talent in sealing techniques and curse seals by 100%, and boosts memory by 100%.

The requirement didn't seem too difficult, and the Tag's effects weren't bad either.

As for memory, though Shūichi prided himself on having an excellent memory, he wasn't quite at the level of photographic recall—so the Memory Palace technique was essential.

Doubling his memory might just push him to that level.

This would obviously enhance his ability to perceive, learn, and perform at his peak during actual combat.

"Having a talent for sealing techniques means I should take them seriously. After all, they're an incredibly versatile skill."

However, Shūichi remained clear-headed.

At this stage, sealing techniques weren't a top priority.

His focus was still on swordsmanship and medical ninjutsu—these were the skills he relied on for survival and establishing himself.

Next, he examined the second Tag.

Tag: Pioneer

Condition to Obtain: Develop at least five A-rank or higher ninja techniques, including but not limited to ninjutsu, sealing techniques, genjutsu, taijutsu, etc. If others assist, the user must play a key, innovative role in the development.

Effect: Once per year, the user gains "A Flash of Insight" for 10 minutes. During this period, comprehension and creativity are maxed out.

Shūichi sat up abruptly.

Two maxed-out stats—an irresistible temptation.

But developing five A-rank or higher techniques—be they ninjutsu, sealing techniques, genjutsu—was no small feat.

The Chidori is A-rank difficulty, and so is the Rasengan.

"Tsk, this won't be easy!"

"Even if Minato-sensei hasn't developed the Rasengan yet, it won't be simple to replicate and claim credit for it."

"And then there's Kakashi's Chidori... first, I'd have to master the Lightning Release chakra nature transformation..."

"Hmm, the Wind Release: Rasenshuriken could also count."

Shūichi pondered, "A key, innovative role... I wonder if coming up with the idea and having someone else assist in the development would count?"

Looks like this will require some trial and error.

Shūichi lay back down and slowly drifted off to sleep.

The next day, the group left the Daimyō's residence and returned to Konoha around noon.

In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi listened to Minato Namikaze's report, including the comments Shūichi had made on the way to the Daimyō's mansion.

Of course, the most important part was the Daimyō's attempt to recruit Shūichi and how Shūichi responded.

After the report, Minato said, "Shūichi is incredibly smart, with an exceptionally keen sense of political awareness. He recognized the divide between the village and the Daimyō's office as soon as he heard the mission details."

Hiruzen nodded in agreement. This was evident from Shūichi's words and actions.

Not only that, but he's also a staunch supporter of the Hokage.

Hiruzen was quite pleased with this and smiled, "Shūichi handled it very well. It's rare to see someone so young respond so flexibly."

"As for the money, let Shūichi keep it. Now, about making him a double agent... Minato, what do you think?"

Shūichi was, after all, under Minato's command, so as Hokage, Hiruzen felt it was necessary to consider Minato's opinion.

Moreover, Hiruzen was keen on grooming Minato as well.

It was becoming clear that Tsunade had little interest in succeeding as the Fourth Hokage, and Jiraiya, ever the wanderer, was lost in his own destiny, not having returned since the Second Shinobi World War. Rumor had it he was training some disciples in the Land of Rain.

Orochimaru had originally been a promising candidate, but he had changed too much since the war...

All these factors forced Hiruzen to reconsider his options.

Minato, anticipating Hiruzen's inquiry, had already formed a plan. He responded, "I believe Shūichi is well-suited for this task."

"He's very disciplined, has a strong will, and firmly upholds the Will of Fire, dedicated to protecting Konoha and the Hokage. Despite his young age, his mind is mature, and I don't foresee any risk of betrayal while serving as a double agent."

Hiruzen nodded and then said, "In that case, you'll be the one to relay this mission to Shūichi. You'll also be his point of contact."

Minato immediately accepted the order, "Yes, Lord Third!"

---

(End of Chapter)

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