Chapter 18: The Heist Route Plan (Part 1)
After Kushina painstakingly redrew the complete structure of the Reverse Four Symbols Sealing Technique in the Hokage's office, explaining its principles line by line, the Third Hokage was finally convinced—they had really completed development of an S-rank sealing technique.
With this confirmation, both master and disciple received high praise, especially Hagoromo, who had just graduated from the Ninja Academy. Hiruzen Sarutobi even labeled him a genius.
Granted, in the world of Naruto, the title "genius" is tossed around fairly liberally.
With the sealing technique now officially accepted by the village, the S-rank jutsu development mission was considered complete. Kushina no longer had to stress about it.
All further refinements and testing would be handled by other departments. The duo's role was finished.
That said, they were still entitled to the handsome reward that came with completing an S-rank mission.
As the jutsu was classified a forbidden technique, it would be sealed away once completed. Only a select few shinobi would even know it existed. The vast majority—ninety-nine percent of Konoha's ninja—would likely live their entire lives without ever hearing the name "Reverse Four Symbols Sealing Technique."
But how the Hokage chose to handle the jutsu didn't concern Hagoromo much. After all, if anyone knew this technique inside out, it was Kushina, the lead developer from the Uzumaki clan—and right after her, it was her assistant, Hagoromo Kamishiraishi.
Perhaps the Hokage assumed Hagoromo couldn't retain such a complex technique in memory. But in truth, Hagoromo remembered every detail with perfect clarity. If necessary, he could reproduce or even use the jutsu himself—just ignore his tragically low chakra reserves for now.
Mission Record:
Name: Hagoromo Kamishiraishi
Age: 11
Rank: Genin
Registration Number: 009887
Missions Completed:
D-rank: 9
C-rank: 2
B-rank: 0
A-rank: 0
S-rank: 1
Aside from Kakashi, Hagoromo might be the first in his cohort to complete an S-rank mission—even if it had nothing to do with combat, infiltration, sabotage, or espionage. This one was purely due to a successful jutsu development project. Of course, such projects are still considered high-risk—he just happened to cling tightly to Kushina's metaphorical coattails the whole way. Regardless, on paper and in the records, it counted.
As for his paltry D-rank mission record—only a handful completed in the past three months—that could be explained. One, Hagoromo simply had no interest in mundane tasks like chasing cats or weeding fields (20% of the reason). Two, Kushina, as his mentor, had even less interest in low-tier missions (120% of the reason).
Self-assessed Abilities (out of 10):
Ninjutsu: 8
Taijutsu: 7
Genjutsu: 2
Intelligence: 10
Strength: 5
Speed: 8
Stamina: 7
Hand Seals: 9
Total: 56 (solidly high Chūnin level)
Of course, these numbers were just for reference—actual battlefield performance could differ.
Despite learning a wide range of ninjutsu from Kushina, Hagoromo still rated himself an "8" because, in practice, he could reliably use only a few techniques in combat. The rest, while impressive, weren't situationally practical.
Still, the learning continued.
And this was the problem—Kushina had hit a wall.
In just three months, she had already taught him every ninjutsu and sealing technique she could, even a few high-level ones. The rest? Either too advanced to teach or simply unusable by Hagoromo.
Take, for instance, the Reaper Death Seal—a massively powerful technique with a guaranteed death clause. Sure, Hagoromo could technically learn it, but Kushina would never teach it. Giving such a suicide move to a Genin? Not happening. Imagine if the boy tried it out of curiosity and just offed himself—who'd take responsibility?
Or the Adamantine Sealing Chains—a rare, powerful, and versatile jutsu that can attack, defend, and bind all at once. Kushina would teach it… if Hagoromo could learn it. But it's a unique Uzumaki bloodline technique. No Uzumaki chakra? No dice.
And so, the dreaded day came: the day Kushina realized—she had nothing left to teach him.
If Hagoromo had any tact, this would be the moment to bow respectfully, leave the temple, and search for a new mentor. But no, he had none. He remained blissfully unaware, still hungry for knowledge.
And knowledge, for those addicted to it, can be as deadly as poison.
Wait… is this how Orochimaru got started?
Nope. Definitely not.
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Kushina's House
Hagoromo, dutiful as ever, was in the kitchen playing the role of housewife. Kushina, by contrast, was lazily sprawled out with her legs extended and upper body slumped over a low table, chin resting on its surface, staring absently into the garden beyond the window.
Not daydreaming, mind you. Thinking. Deep thoughts.
Cooking? From Kushina? Not a chance. Maybe after marrying Minato... okay, even then her cooking didn't improve much.
So Hagoromo it was. After tasting his food once, Kushina never stepped into the kitchen again. While not delicious, his cooking was miles ahead of her own. She'd never admit it aloud, but the comparison had made it clear.
So, what was Kushina "thinking" about?
Simple—now that the S-rank mission was done, she had nothing to do. Boredom was setting in. And more urgently, she was wracking her brain to figure out what she could teach Hagoromo next.
Suddenly, inspiration struck.
Just as Hagoromo placed the food on the table, Kushina slammed her palm on it hard enough to nearly send the dishes flying.
"U-uh, Kushina-sensei? What was that for?"
Eyes sparkling, Kushina looked at him with the gleam of a mad scientist.
"Hagoromo, my dear disciple… Your enthusiasm and progress with ninjutsu have far exceeded my expectations. I've taught you everything I can—"
Hagoromo froze.
Wait, is she about to kick me out of the dojo?!
But her next words took a different turn.
"—and that's why I'm giving you a special opportunity. There's a place, you see… a secret place that holds a scroll. A scroll filled with ultra-powerful forbidden techniques. So… interested?"
Hagoromo wished she'd just kicked him out instead.