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[Konoha2] Chapter 96: Ultimate Ninjutsu!
🕑 Added 2025-07-03 16:37:49 +0000 UTCEight minutes!
The Wood Clone looked slightly disappointed. That was only three minutes longer than Naruto's initial Sage Mode.
Hajime smiled. “Eight minutes is already pretty good. I’m still not very proficient, and I’ve preserved a lot of my stamina.”
“With more practice, I should be able to extend it to ten minutes of continuous combat.”
The Wood Clone thought for a moment. “You could also use clones to store senjutsu chakra.”
“Also, in battle, using Deep Forest Emergence could let you absorb a huge amount of chakra in one go to extend the duration of Sage Mode.”
“But… your transformation into Sage Mode took a bit too long.”
Hajime nodded, estimating aloud, “About six seconds. That’s still too long, but there’s room for improvement.”
After all, he had only just completed Sage Mode training.
With his [Total Concentration] state active, every aspect of his technique could still improve.
First, he needed to reduce the time it took to enter Sage Mode. Otherwise, it’d be completely impractical on the battlefield.
Six seconds was more than enough time to get killed.
That meant he’d either need clones or teammates to stall for him, which was too much hassle.
It’d be far cooler—and more impressive—if he could activate it instantly, like Hashirama Senju or Minato Namikaze, with just a blink.
“Should be time for a status refresh, right?”
The Wood Clone reminded him, then transformed back into a tree.
Only then did Hajime snap out of it. He hadn’t realized seven days had passed.
Still, it seemed he hadn’t completed development of the Light-Weight Boulder Technique yet.
But since he was caught up in the excitement of mastering Sage Mode, he didn’t really mind not triggering the “Light as a Swallow” passive effect.
Deactivating Sage Mode, Hajime sat back down to reflect on his experience.
Moments later, the 28th arrived—and his new status refreshed right on schedule.
> Current Status: Never Yield
> Note: Under this status, even in the face of death, you will not submit, compromise, or retreat.
> Refresh Countdown: 167:59:58
“…Isn’t this a little too rigid?” Hajime muttered internally. “True strength lies in knowing when to bend or stand tall…”
Shaking his head, he got up and went home to finally get some sleep.
He had trained without rest these past days and hadn’t had a proper night’s sleep in a while.
His body was still growing—it needed rest.
The night passed without incident.
The next day, as usual, Hajime woke up early for his routine training—a non-negotiable foundation for constantly pushing the limits of his body. Persistence was key.
After training, he picked up some breakfast and headed to Tsunade’s house.
Nawaki was already awake, practicing in the yard by crushing rubber balls.
He’d been like this for days—up earlier than the roosters and to bed later than the dogs.
Hajime had to admit, Nawaki had a remarkable spirit of perseverance.
If he didn’t die young, even if he couldn’t become Hokage, becoming an elite jōnin was nearly guaranteed.
Currently, Nawaki’s chakra volume wasn’t absurdly high, but it still far surpassed other kids his age.
You could even say he stood alone in his tier.
Once he matured, he’d likely surpass Tsunade. You could describe his chakra volume as “Tailed Beast-level.”
Of course, there were nine tailed beasts (excluding the Zero-Tails).
Matching Shukaku (One-Tail) would count as “Tailed Beast-level,” but so would matching Kurama (Nine-Tails)—and the difference between the two was massive.
The God of Shinobi, Hashirama Senju, was clearly in the latter category.
“Progress with sealing techniques is a little slow…”
As he watched Nawaki train, Hajime thought, “Now that I have Sage Mode, I can try Sage Art: Gates of the Great God.”
“But that alone won’t be enough.”
“I still need a way to seal a Tailed Beast…”
“Maybe even a method to split one…”
Reaper Death Seal.
That was one of the few techniques Hajime knew that could divide a tailed beast.
“But no need to rush… If I can’t learn it myself, I’ll need someone trustworthy to do it.”
“Kushina’s one option. Tsunade too… but if it’s the Reaper Death Seal, I’ll have to do it myself. Unless…”
As those thoughts swirled in his mind, he began planning his future steps.
Suddenly, a loud pop sounded.
Followed immediately by Nawaki’s joyful laughter.
Hajime snapped out of his thoughts to see Nawaki hugging a burst rubber ball, laughing uncontrollably.
“Nice job!”
Hajime praised him with a smile.
Nawaki turned around, beaming with joy. “Big bro Hajime, I did it!”
“I’m almost done learning the Rasengan!”
“Hahaha! I’m one step closer to becoming Hokage!”
Hajime placed a hand on his head. “Yes, you’re one step closer—but you still need to keep working hard. Don’t get cocky.”
“You know Minato, right?”
Nawaki nodded.
Of course he knew Minato—they were basically from the same cohort.
Hajime continued, “I taught this technique to Minato too. He learned it faster than you did.”
Nawaki froze. His smile gradually faded, and his swelling pride deflated. Clenching his fists, he declared, “Big bro Hajime, I’ll work even harder!”
Hajime nodded, satisfied. “Alright, let’s eat breakfast first. Then we’ll finish the final step.”
“Yeah!” Nawaki nodded eagerly. He was starving and immediately began devouring the food.
Watching Nawaki like this, Hajime couldn’t help but think of Naruto.
They really were quite alike!
Though Nawaki had also lost his parents at a young age, he still had Tsunade as his sister.
But unlike Naruto, Nawaki didn’t have that protagonist’s aura. One exploding tag trap was all it took to end his life prematurely.
And in doing so, he changed the fates of others.
...
Nawaki ate quickly, and as soon as he finished, he eagerly prepared for the final step of his training.
Hajime collected his thoughts and began giving final guidance.
Time ticked by.
An hour later…
A small blue Rasengan formed in Nawaki’s right hand.
He finally did it!
Overjoyed, Nawaki shouted, stepped forward with a burst of speed, and thrust the Rasengan into a tree in the courtyard.
Crack!
The trunk was sliced clean in half.
“I’m amazing!” Nawaki proudly declared, then turned around and asked, “Big bro, what do you think about me graduating early—right after New Year’s?”
Hajime raised an eyebrow. “It’s not impossible.”
“But that’s not for me to decide. You’ll need Tsunade’s approval.”
Nawaki instantly deflated. His sister would never agree.
Seeing him so downcast, Hajime smiled warmly. “You’ve worked really hard these past few days, so I’ve got a reward for you. Think of it as a New Year’s gift too.”
Nawaki’s eyes lit up instantly, all disappointment forgotten. “Is it a new jutsu, big bro?”
Hajime nodded. “An ultimate jutsu!”
Nawaki’s eyes widened. “Ultimate jutsu?”
“You mean it’s stronger than an S-rank technique?”
Hajime nodded seriously. “Of course.”
“This is a jutsu capable of defeating the Hokage.”
Nawaki gulped, his anticipation skyrocketing. “Big bro Hajime, teach me right away!”
“I know you like my sister. Hehe, even Jiraiya likes her. But don’t worry, I’ll help you win her over!”
What a good little brother.
I like him already.
Hajime solemnly warned, “I can teach you the jutsu, but you must never tell anyone that I was the one who taught it to you.”
Nawaki blinked, confused. “Why not?”
Hajime remained stern. “No reason. Just don’t.”
Though he didn’t understand, Nawaki nodded seriously and promised, “Got it. I’ll never, ever tell anyone—especially not my sister.”
Hajime smiled. “Good!”
Without another word, he grabbed Nawaki and leapt into the air, speeding toward a remote forest clearing.
“Here will do.”
Hajime's expression turned serious. “Watch carefully.”
Nawaki stood at attention, focused.
The next moment, Hajime weaved hand signs.
Poof!
A super cute twin-tailed girl appeared in front of Nawaki.
Nawaki’s eyes bulged, face stunned.
…What?
This is the so-called “Ultimate Jutsu”?
Isn’t this just the Transformation Jutsu??
Seeing Nawaki’s bewildered expression, Hajime knew the boy hadn’t grasped it yet. He quickly explained with gravity, “You think this is just the Transformation Jutsu?”
Nawaki scratched his head. “Isn’t it?”
Hajime nodded. “Yes, but not only that.”
“This is the Sexy Jutsu!”
“Food and sex—these are primal instincts.”
“This is a technique no red-blooded man can resist!”
Seriously?
You’re not messing with me?
I’m supposed to be the future Hokage, you know!
Though doubtful, Nawaki trusted Hajime’s authority and finally nodded. “Okay, big bro. I’ll study it seriously.”
Hajime nodded. “Then let’s begin.”
Nawaki immediately formed the hand seals and transformed.
“Too fat!”
“Think of the prettiest girl in your class!”
Nawaki tried again.
“Too flat!”
“Legs not long enough!”
“Voice needs to be more delicate!”
…
...
Hokage’s Office
Hiruzen Sarutobi wiped the nosebleed from his face, staring solemnly into the crystal ball at Nawaki repeatedly transforming—while Hajime gave very specific critiques.
At this moment, Hiruzen seriously questioned whether Hajime was actually Jiraiya in disguise.
But obviously, that was impossible.
Still… how did Danzo end up training someone like this?
Such a heretical—and terrifyingly effective—ninjutsu wasn’t something just any ninja could invent.
Especially not from Root, with its dark and strict doctrine.
And this kind of personality… was it really appropriate to assign him to Kushina?
Hiruzen couldn’t help but imagine a Nine-Tails Jinchūriki with a wildly chaotic aesthetic.
Could this be a disaster in the making?
But then again, thinking about Hajime’s guidance of Uzumaki Kushina—his use of Wood Release—and the unique nature of Jinchūriki, maybe… this style of teaching was what suited them best?
Hiruzen pondered deeply.
He could already guess Danzo’s intent—to have Hajime take control of the Jinchūriki. But Hiruzen was confident he could win Hajime over and keep him aligned with the village.
Sure, the nurturing behavior toward Kushina could’ve been faked.
But this?
This definitely wasn’t fake.
This was pure, unfiltered personality.
And this version of Hajime… might actually be more trustworthy.
Just as that thought crossed his mind, Hiruzen’s eyes flew wide again, and blood sprayed from both nostrils.
The crystal ball’s display was now completely filled with various stunning transformations.
Frantically wiping his nose, Hiruzen glanced at the clock.
Should I knock off work early today…?
...
Back in the forest, Hajime dispelled the jutsu and told Nawaki, “Alright, the technique has been passed on.”
“Remember—use it creatively. Strike when they least expect it.”
Nawaki nodded rapidly, eyes glinting with mischief. Then he asked, “Big bro Hajime, can I use it during the exam?”
What a little rascal.
Hajime answered with a deadpan nod.
(End of Chapter)
