1,000 ryo for such a small piece of paper.
Hoshita Shūichi remembered that Explosive Tags could come in larger sizes, which likely cost even more.
No wonder they were considered military supplies!
Suddenly, Shūichi thought of Konan's billions of Explosive Tags. How had she acquired them?
By buying them?
"Probably related to her own secret technique," Shūichi speculated silently. "The money Kakuzu earned was likely spent by Konan on paper or materials to make it."
Paper capable of bearing jutsu and chakra was clearly no ordinary stationery.
Just as the shinobi world had its unique chakra-conductive metals, specialized paper must exist for such purposes.
"It seems my summer plans need some adjustments..."
Shūichi had already made up his mind.
Earning 200 ryo per Explosive Tag was an opportunity he couldn't pass up.
Earlier, when he'd claimed to possess Fire and Wind Release chakra natures, he hadn't been lying. He'd tested himself with Chakra Paper and confirmed it.
Accepting the Explosive Tag, Shūichi immediately focused, scrutinizing the intricate design.
At its center was the character for "Explosion," surrounded by swirling seals.
To an ordinary person, these seals would appear as nonsensical scribbles with little discernible pattern.
But for Shūichi, who had self-studied all foundational seals and committed them to his Memory Palace, it was different.
These seals were beautiful, governed by their own unique logic.
Yet, what seemed like simple markings actually contained layers of condensed information.
"A foundation of sealing seals, simplified but densely packed," Shūichi murmured, frowning slightly.
Reverse-engineering the complete, non-simplified formula from a finished Explosive Tag was challenging—but not impossible.
After all, it only involved two core components: sealing and Fire Release.
Shūichi had never formally studied sealing techniques, but their fundamentals were rooted in seals.
The academy's textbooks even listed the nine most common foundational sealing seals.
Similarly, examples of Fire Release seals existed.
The activation of an Explosive Tag was simple—a hand sign resembling the right half of the Boar Sign.
From Uchiha Obito, Shūichi had observed that the Fireball Jutsu required six hand signs, the second of which was the Boar Sign.
Additionally, the Flame Bullet, a Fire Release technique inherited from his father, also began with the Boar Sign.
Shūichi immersed himself in analysis, pulling vast amounts of knowledge from his Memory Palace.
Moments later, he grabbed his backpack, retrieved paper and a pen, and began rapidly sketching seals under Ten'un's astonished gaze.
"So... so impressive!" Ten'un covered her mouth to stifle a gasp.
By the time Shūichi neared completion, she exhaled in relief.
Thankfully, he hadn't gotten everything right.
But this was still astonishing!
This boy hadn't been exaggerating—he was a genuine prodigy.
Though Konoha was no stranger to geniuses, his talent was remarkable.
Just as Shūichi tore off the paper covered in seals and began forming hand signs, Ten'un cried out, "Wait—!"
But it was too late to stop him.
Shūichi completed the signs and pressed his right palm onto the paper laid on the floor.
Instantly, as chakra flowed into it, the seal markings writhed like living creatures, swirling and converging around his palm.
"Careful!" Ten'un yanked Shūichi into her arms and leaped onto the counter, her other hand already unfurling a Water Release scroll.
The paper hissed, igniting spontaneously—but without exploding.
Seeing this, Ten'un relaxed and stored the scroll, then set Shūichi down.
Gasping for air (partly from being smothered), Shūichi quickly explained, "I didn't use much chakra. It wouldn't have exploded."
At most, it would've been like a firecracker—harmless. He wasn't reckless enough to risk his life.
Ten'un's cheeks flushed. She flicked his forehead and scolded, "That's still dangerous!"
Descending from the counter, she added with a smile, "Even with mistakes, your work is impressive. You're hired!"
Shūichi bowed eagerly. "Thank you! I won't disappoint you!"
Ten'un grinned. "Now, shouldn't you tell me your name?"
"Hoshita Shūichi. Just call me Shūichi!"
Half an hour later, Shūichi left the shop, muttering, "Ten'un... Is she related to Tenten?"
He'd obtained the complete Explosive Tag seals and sealing formulas from Ten'un, along with an agreement to return daily for lessons. Materials would be provided by Ten'shō, the shop's namesake.
Glancing back at the sign, Shūichi hurried home.
After washing up, he skipped dinner prep and headed straight to his study to revise his summer plans.
Originally, he'd aimed to master water-walking, tree-climbing, and cliff-scaling—foundational chakra control exercises to prepare for the medical ninjutsu left by Yakushi Nonō.
Next were the Clone and Substitution Jutsu.
Then, memorizing Konoha's layout to expand his Memory Palace.
Finally, learning at least one medical technique.
But now, Explosive Tags demanded priority. Mastering a Fire Release jutsu would refine his chakra nature transformation, and after today's experiment, Flame Bullet seemed within reach.
However, learning and mastering were two different things.
The next day at 9 AM, Shūichi, Gai, Kakashi, and Shizune gathered at a training ground near a river, flanked by a cliff—perfect for climbing, water-walking, and even fishing during breaks.
After a short rest, they began. Shūichi, Gai, and Shizune started with water-walking, while Kakashi went straight to the cliff, having already mastered the basics.
Unbeknownst to them, a figure observed from the trees.
Tsunade, arms crossed, eyed Shūichi and scoffed. "This kid doesn't seem all that special."
Hearing Shūichi's name often from Shizune, she'd decided to check on their training session.
As the group practiced peacefully, Tsunade turned to leave—then froze, sensing a presence.
Her gaze sharpened.
"Anbu... Root."
She glanced back at Shūichi, understanding dawning.
"Danzō's doing... Hmph!"
With a silent snarl, she vanished.
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