Chapter 12: The Development of Seal-less Ninjutsu (Part 1)
"In the next three days, don't mention the words 'sealing jutsu' in front of me."
It was obvious that something in Hagoromo 's tone irked Kushina.
But if it wasn't about the Four-Symbol Reverse Sealing Technique, then what was it that had Kushina in such a good mood?
"Oh, I get it—love troubles…"
Before Hagoromo could finish, a solid whack landed squarely on his head.
"You're a minor! How do you know so much already?"
Embarrassed?
Absolutely.
Because Hagoromo had guessed it right: today, Minato Namikaze was returning to the village.
Truth be told, despite the occasional blow to the head, Hagoromo actually enjoyed spending time with Kushina. Her straightforward personality made things easy, and the fact that she didn't stand on ceremony with him meant she already considered him one of her own.
"So, that means Minato-senpai is coming back today?" Hagoromo asked, rubbing his sore head and putting some distance between them.
"How do you know Minato?" Kushina was clearly surprised that Hagoromo could drop his name so casually. Was he aware of her relationship with him?
"Minato Namikaze—the Yellow Flash of the Leaf. Not knowing that name would be weirder," Hagoromo replied, feigning innocence.
With the Third Great Ninja War raging, the Yellow Flash had become a household name. Ever since the unexpected death of the White Fang, Minato had become Konoha's strongest mobile force, his fame even surpassing that of the Sannin. Every time he appeared on the battlefield, he boosted allied morale and terrified enemy forces.
Back in the Academy, many students—though never having met him—idolized him.
Of course, Kushina's question wasn't really about Minato's fame. She wanted to know how Hagoromo knew about her relationship with him. But his evasive response muddied the waters just enough that she didn't press the issue.
"Anyway, today is a day off. No ninjutsu training, no C- or D-rank missions, and definitely no endless forbidden jutsu development. Just come with me."
"Understood, sensei!"
Hagoromo wasn't about to argue—he understood the importance of taking breaks, too.
Kushina led him to Konoha's front gate, where she stood gazing down the road like a woman awaiting her beloved's return.
Not long after, four figures—one adult and three youths—appeared on the horizon.
Unfortunately, there was no dramatic reunion. Minato didn't teleport into Kushina's arms, nor did she leap into his embrace.
No, there was a dramatic reunion—just not the kind Hagoromo wanted to see.
"Yo, Hagoromo! You knew I was coming back today, didn't you? Didn't expect you to come greet me in person! That's friendship, man!"
No need to guess. It was Uchiha Obito, loud as ever.
Sometimes, you had to wonder—brains are such a wonderful thing. Too bad some people just aren't born with them.
While the lovers were being all subtle, this clown was the first to come crashing in. Why?
"I'd like to clarify—I'm not here to greet you." Hagoromo quickly set the record straight. These kinds of misunderstandings were dangerous, after all.
"Aww, no need to be shy. Our friendship is undeniable!"
Undeniable, your face. I'm just here for background support, thank you very much.
"I heard you've been stuck in the village all this time? Man, that's rough. Meanwhile, as an elite ninja, I've already completed an A-rank mission. Jealous, aren't you? You totally are."
Obito's boasting began barely three minutes into the reunion.
Hagoromo simply smiled in silence. Hah, you fool. I'm currently assisting with the development of an S-rank forbidden jutsu, thank you very much. Sure, I'm just support, but still.
He didn't bother rebutting, but luckily, someone else stepped in.
"Hmph. I don't recall you contributing anything useful to that mission. If anything, someone was dragging the team down," Kakashi snorted coldly.
"Hey, Kakashi! What nonsense are you spouting now?!" Obito immediately blew up. Apparently, he saw no irony in calling Kakashi the arrogant one.
And so began their routine of mutual destruction.
Hagoromo , having zero interest in their endless banter, turned to greet Rin instead.
"You three—enough already. Let's walk and talk." By now, Minato had completed his return registration and walked over to Kushina.
"Kushina, I'm back."
The last time he returned, it was only to collect Kakashi and Rin, barely even stopping by the village. He and Kushina hadn't seen each other in over a year.
Now, Minato and Kushina walked side by side at the front while the others followed behind.
Given Minato's popularity, people kept greeting him along the way. He returned each one with a warm smile, never showing a hint of irritation.
Obito continued to chatter around Kakashi, who wore his usual "I'd rather be anywhere else" look, occasionally tossing out a line or two just to rile him up.
Meanwhile, Hagoromo and Rin walked together, speaking in hushed tones.
"That woman in front—is she your teacher, Hagoromo ? She and Minato-sensei look really… close."
"What's so surprising? Didn't you guys know? Kushina-sensei is Minato-senpai's girlfriend," Hagoromo replied casually, dropping the nuclear-level gossip like it was nothing.
"Kushina… you mean the Red-Hot Habanero?! She's Minato-sensei's girlfriend?!" Rin was completely shaken.
"Is that weird? Red and yellow—classic power couple combo. Honestly, intel like this? You guys really should be keeping up."
At some point, even Obito and Kakashi had stopped bickering—they were both leaning in, ears wide open.
In this gossip-loving world of shinobi, especially in war-torn times, information like this was golden. One side was the fearsome Red-Hot Habanero, the other the legendary Yellow Flash. It was the ultimate ninja OTP.
"Tch, what's the point of that info anyway?" Obito tried to act cool, but the curiosity was obvious.
"Oh, it's useful, alright. The more intel you have, the better your chances of getting leverage. Say you want to learn a new jutsu—imagine having the dirt to blackmail your teacher into teaching it…"