Chapter 13"Is that so? I think it's fine." Tsunade held her flask and continued chugging liquor completely oblivious to herself, looking immensely content.Jiraiya: "Drink a little less."Tsunade: "So annoying, are you my dad?!"Jiraiya: "Sigh, no one looks after you even when you're drunk… Where is your student? Isn't she with you?"Tsunade: "You mean Shizune? She went home to visit her family… What, do you think I'm some crazy hag who throws tantrums when drunk?"Jiraiya said awkwardly: "No, it's getting late at night, I'm just worried you'll run into danger walking home in the dark.""Ha?" Tsunade clenched her fist and bragged: "The person in this world who can threaten this lady hasn't been born yet!"…No, no, no, there are still quite a few.Tsunade is drunk, Jiraiya sighs.The atmosphere grew subtle.Naruto: What a troublesome couple, and they're my master and the woman he likes. We're in for it now!The atmosphere was a bit awkward. Jiraiya quietly nudged Naruto and said: "Kid, aren't you usually full of talk? Why are you so quiet now?"Have you really fallen so low that you have to rely on me to ease the mood?With no other choice, Naruto swallowed the beef in his mouth and spoke: "White-haired Teacher, is this big sister your friend?""Of-course!" Jiraiya raised an eyebrow: "It's much more than just a friend, it's a much closer relationship—"Tsunade frowned: "Hmm!?""Teammates! She is your teacher's teammate!" Jiraiya quickly changed his tune: "You must have heard of the Sannin, Princess Tsunade!"Naruto suddenly realized: "Oh! Come to think of it, doesn't that mean she's the same age as you—""Little ancestor, will you just shut your mouth!"Jiraiya quickly stuffed a piece of spare rib into Naruto's mouth.However, it was too late.Tsunade crushed the flask."Kid! You've got a lot of nerve!"In her early forties, this was precisely the time she cared most about her age.Tsunade was furious!She rolled up her sleeves, revealing her fair arm: "I'm going to slaughter him!"Jiraiya rushed to persuade her: "He's still just a child!"The two of them made quite a commotion.Naruto seized the time to continue devouring the roast meat.In the end, this farce ended with Jiraiya getting a new bump on his head and Tsunade apparently leaving in a huff.Jiraiya thought for a moment.His gaze shifted back and forth between Naruto and Tsunade.Finally, he sighed and sat back down beside Naruto."Eat slowly, don't choke." Jiraiya chuckled as he rubbed Naruto's head, saying: "As long as you train hard from now on, you can eat roast meat every day."…"With Jiraiya taking care of him, that kid will be fine.""There's no need for me to personally... *Hic* ~!"On the streets of Konoha, Tsunade's figure was swaying a bit.It seemed she really drank a bit too much.It's fine. As a medical ninja, and the top medical ninja in the world, she knew how to sober up.It's just that today's date was a bit special.Returning to Konoha, passing by the Memorial Stone brought back memories, and with Shizune not around, she indulged herself a little.Therefore, it was fine to stay drunk for a little longer…She casually sat leaning against the wall near some alleyway. Anyway, basically no one ever came to this place, making it just right so she wouldn't be disturbed."Nawaki, Dan…"Murmuring the names of her younger brother and lover.Inexplicably, a clear tear slid down her cheek."Um, are you alright?""Do you need me to help you… call the Military Police Force?"Suddenly, a tender voice rang out, interrupting Tsunade's thoughts.She turned her head impatiently, and then saw a little girl standing by the alleyway, looking at her timidly yet worriedly…The little girl had cherry-pink hair.Very pretty.——————Early the next morning, the sealing space.Naruto's Shadow Clones crowded the sewers.In front of the giant sealing gate, the Nine-Tails saw that annoying yellow-haired kid, whose numbers had actually increased to several hundred!Yesterday they were just a bunch of little guys who only knew how to say 'Dattebayo'.Today they were all normal Shadow Clones!"Kid, I can roughly guess what you want to do.""Actually, we can discuss this…"[Ding!][Choice System, activated!][Successfully learned the Shadow Clone Technique, why not use the new technique here to get along better with the Nine-Tails…][Provocation] Continue to go against the Nine-Tails' wishes (Reward: Chakra Quality + 1)[Advanced] Sing and dance a song for the Nine-Tails (Reward: Song and Dance Talent + 1)[Super-grade] Sing and dance together with the Shadow Clones (Reward: Song and Dance Talent + 2)[Extraordinary] Form a band with the Shadow Clones to give the Nine-Tails a better musical experience (Reward: Musical Talent + 5)Uzumaki Naruto took a deep breath.The choices have evolved.It seems the system also knows that today he doesn't plan to just sing.Since the system is already prepared.How could he let it down?"Fox, do you know Subject Three?"Naruto looked at the Nine-Tails. Following the main body's gaze, his hundreds of Shadow Clones simultaneously stared at the Nine-Tails.The Fox Spirit locked inside the iron gates felt inexplicably a little scared.What does this inherently evil Uzumaki kid want to do?"Music! Start!!!"Seeing the main body give an order.Half of the Shadow Clones opened their mouths and began to sing—Song title: "A Laughing Jianghu" DJ Version!No background music, just bare singing!Amidst the crowd of tender, demonic singing voices, at least two hundred Uzumaki Naruto started dancing upon hearing it!They were just like they had rehearsed, their movements extremely uniform, swaying their flower hands with their upper bodies and twisting left and right with their lower bodies.Sometimes slow motion, sometimes fast-paced.Extremely demonic.Matching the chorus which was still somewhat tone-deaf, the Nine-Tails' fox face gradually took on a mask of pain.Another reason to hate humans has been added.Chapter 16: Shadow Clones Burdened with TasksEver since encountering the Nine-Tails, Musical Talent has almost increased by twenty points.Now it even involves dancing.However, these things, just like talent, require later training to slowly increase; after Naruto's consultation, 100 points in Musical Talent is roughly equivalent to a professionally trained singer.[Completed choices [Provocation], [Super-grade]][Obtained rewards: Chakra Quality + 1, Song and Dance Talent + 2]"Kid, from what this old man sees, you seem to have already learned the Shadow Clone Technique." The Nine-Tails' bewitching voice sounded once more.It tempted: "Listen to the old man, use it to assist your training, and you will definitely become very strong in a short time."The smell of conspiracy was practically overflowing.This bewitching vibe was much more serious than in the original work."No need."Naruto decisively rejected the Fox Spirit's temptation: "White-haired Teacher said that I must never use Shadow Clones for training."A crowd of Shadow Clones echoed on the spot.Several hundred Uzumaki Naruto opened their mouths to speak, that scene was simply…Demonic sounds piercing the ears!"White-haired Teacher?" The Nine-Tails was surprised for a few seconds. In its millennia of memories, many white-haired ninjas popped up, finally narrowing the target down to Konoha.White-haired ninja, Uzumaki Naruto's teacher, should be someone close to that bastard Minato… Heh, this old man has some impression."Hatake Kakashi, or Jiraiya?"The Nine-Tails grinned hideously and continued: "That doesn't matter… Naruto, you should have noticed, they are all afraid of you.""Not letting you use Shadow Clones for training is just because they are afraid of your talent, worried that you will surpass them, worried that you will slip out of their control…""Actually, you can use them boldly and assuredly.""Even if your teacher doesn't allow it." The Nine-Tails continued to tempt: "You can also use the Shadow Clone Technique right here, just like now, and train in secret!""Even, you can let the Shadow Clones come to the old man's side.""The old man will hand-in-hand teach you how to become stronger!"The Nine-Tails' words instantly harvested the suspicious gazes of hundreds of pairs of eyes.Even though this yellow-haired kid didn't say a single word.The wariness and estrangement in their eyes couldn't be faked!"Listen up clearly!" Uzumaki Naruto yelled at the top of his lungs: "Everyone fall back, no approaching within twenty meters of the cage!"Swish, swish, swish!
Chapter 14The Shadow Clones stepped back in unison.Nine-Tails: "..."Could this kid really be only three years old?Are human toddlers this guarded at three years old?"Little brat, I hope you don't regret this."Seeing that his attempt to trick him had failed, Nine-Tails simply closed his eyes.Anyway, the purpose of a Jinchuriki's birth is for war, and ever since that guy Senju Hashirama died, the Ninja World had broken out in three great wars in less than forty years.It was only a matter of time before Jinchuriki were pushed onto the battlefield.Ever since taking Jiraiya as his master, Naruto's days had become much better.At least he didn't have to go to the vegetable market to draw hatred anymore.For the sake of Konohas Sannin, even if Narutowalked into any random shop, the shop owner wouldn't dare chase him away directly.At most, they would just pretend not to see him, just like the other customers.Of course, behind the scenes, the discrimination continued as usual.After all, a Jinchuriki thing... Let alone being a disciple of the Sannin, which Jinchuriki in the Ninja World wasn't related to a village's Kage?The villagers still discriminated against him; harsh words and rolling eyes were just the basics.When encountering fierce local customs, they would even throw rotten eggs and vegetable leaves, and sometimes certain villagers even braved the risk of the death penalty to assassinate the Jinchuriki...One could only say that the common people of the ninja village were truly brave.Naruto completely ignored the villagers' reactions; during this period, he was extremely self-willed and did whatever he wanted to do!Naruto's Home, rooftop.The little blond-haired boy formed hand seals with both hands to release Ninjutsu."Shadow Clone Technique! Shadow Clone Technique! Still Shadow Clone Technique!"Poof, poof, poof, poof, poof, poof!!!After the smoke cleared, over a hundred little Naruto appeared on the rooftop."Ha, finally free!""Log in, log in!""As a Shadow Clone, I am very excited."The Shadow Clones chattered away.To them, they were copies who possessed all the memories of the main body, and the whole world felt like a game to them.Die, memories return to the main body, loading bar.Wait for the next 'resurrection'."All of you, be quiet!" The main body Narutoshouted in a resonant voice: "Whoever makes noise again, I'll smash him to pieces with two punches!"The Shadow Clones shut their mouths with expressions of dissatisfaction."As agreed, I'll help you divide into groups!"Naruto waved his hand, directly assigning more than half of the Shadow Clones: "You fifty, Sleep Group! Get your asses back home to conserve your energy, and whoever dares to cultivate, read books, or do other things, don't blame me for showing no mercy!"As everyone knows, Shadow Clones can transmit memories and also send back fatigue.If I send fifty of them to sleep, wouldn't I become more energetic the more I practice?Naruto thought this way, and he did it this way.The effect was remarkable.At least when he released the Shadow Clones in batches, the fatigue and comfort counteracted each other, and his brain instantly stopped feeling sleepy."The most boring group!""Why make me sleep? I'm already wide awake!""I've been assigned to the Sleep Group for three days in a row; who wants to switch with me?"Half of the Shadow Clones started clamoring again.Naruto used both his hands and feet, kicking and shoving to send them back home.As for whether his home could cram in so many people?Just kidding, Naruto was the only resident in the entire building, so it was only right for the Shadow Clones to enjoy it.On the rooftop, Naruto continued grouping them."You ten, Song and Dance Group! Find any empty place to practice singing and dancing, and return to the rooftop to gather by evening!"Song and Dance Group: "Yay!""You ten, Reading Group! Stay at Konoha Villagelibrary until the afternoon; you should know in your hearts what books you ought to read."Reading Group: "Tch.""You ten, Entertainment Group! Play however you want, just don't go overboard!"Entertainment Group: "All right!""And you ten, Instrument Group! The guitars, pianos, drum kits I bought yesterday... exactly ten items!""Figure it out yourselves, or find a teacher; come find me after you've figured it out. Don't forget we're going to form a band!"Instrument Group: "Oh my god..."The main body started applying pressure."The last ten, Supervision Group! Your task is extremely important; focus on supervising the Reading Group and Instrument Group, and make sure you don't let them have idle time!"Supervision Group: "Guaranteed to complete the mission!"After making the arrangements, Naruto stretched his muscles and said indifferently: "As for me... as the main body, I shoulder the most important mission: cultivation!""Unlike you Shadow Clones, who only need to reap without sowing, the only one bearing heavy loads and pressing forward in the end is my great main body!"Not far away, the ANBU protecting Naruto: "..."Jiraiya, who came to find Naruto for training: "..."Jiraiya: "Does he always have this much drama?"Chapter 17 The Main Body Bearing Heavy Loads and Pressing ForwardFacts proved that Jiraiya's method was very effective.After one hundred clones went out every morning, only one percent of the Chakra remained, which was comparable to a Jounin, making it much easier to control.Whether it was hands and feet, limbs, torso or head, or even other hidden parts, Chakra could be smoothly gathered after training.The occasional interference from Nine-Tails was just like the rising tide of ocean waves.You just get used to it.Keep your feet on the ground, step by step, and build a solid foundation.What Three Techniques, what shuriken throwing, and other courses related to lurking and assassination—Jiraiya didn't teach a single one.He stubbornly focused entirely on Chakra Qualityand control!This made Uzumaki Naruto progress remarkably during this period.How should I put it? Even without a system, Uzumaki Naruto was an unadulterated genius!Even without relying on Nine-Tails, he could have Kage-level strength at sixteen or seventeen years old.Unlike the unconventional path in the original work, now with Jiraiya's hand-in-hand guidance, Uzumaki Naruto, having not taken any crooked paths, progressed so rapidly...In the blink of an eye, three months passed.Over these three months, by brushing choices in front of Nine-Tails every day, the accumulated rewards obtained were as follows: Chakra Quality + 90, Song and Dance Talent + 180.In terms of Song and Dance Talent, Uzumaki Narutodidn't feel much of a difference.He only felt that singing and dancing were getting smoother and smoother.If he stubbornly focused on song and dance, he could also become a professional in the future.As for Chakra Quality...Uzumaki Naruto only felt that his Chakra seemed a bit 'heavier' than before.Simply put, it was as if it had an elusive physical form, making it a bit easier to control... The actual feeling wasn't deep, as if it were just an illusion.Morning three months later.Uzumaki Naruto routinely offered song and dance to Nine-Tails; the latter was already too lazy to comment, looking blankly at the dancing Uzumaki Naruto with a pair of fox eyes, and yawned."Fox, give me a review.""Scram!"Nine-Tails wasn't very friendly.Consciousness floated up, returning to reality.The fulfilling life of a two-point line began——"Teacher Jiraiya, when will you teach me new Ninjutsu?"I've been craving the Rasengan for a long time.A signless Ninjutsu, compatible with various attributes, with extremely high plasticity and great power!He was just waiting to conquer the world with the Rasengan!Hurry up and teach me this thing, hurry up!"Learn the basics first before talking!"Jiraiya didn't even think about it and rejected Uzumaki Naruto's request.With your fluctuating Chakra, being able to learn the Shadow Clone Technique was already a blessing, and even if you learned extra Ninjutsu, you wouldn't have the chance to use it."Sigh, the basics.""Sigh, Chakra control."Uzumaki Naruto shook his head and sighed, and under Jiraiya's headache-inducing gaze, he came under a large tree and began tree-climbing.Tree-climbing refers to gathering Chakra at the soles of the feet to walk on uneven tree bark as if walking on flat ground.It is a basic ability for a Genin.Generally guided and practiced by the team leader Jounin teacher.However, Jiraiya figured that since he was already here and it was hard to teach Uzumaki Naruto other courses, he might as well stubbornly stick to the path of Chakra control to the end!On the tree trunk, Uzumaki Naruto was extremely careful and walked very slowly.In the original work, twelve-year-old Uzumaki Naruto practiced tree-climbing for a week, which looked very simple.However, in reality, three-year-old Uzumaki Narutoonly felt it was absurdly difficult!On the uneven tree trunk, he also had to dynamically allocate Chakra targetedly; a little too much would burst the tree bark, and a little too little would make him fall off.He practiced for a week before he began to see some results.Jiraiya wasn't in a hurry at all and let him take his time.After all, the foundation was right there, and it couldn't be rushed.A full month later, Uzumaki Naruto finally completed the tree-climbing training.One and a half months later, he was able to move freely on the walls, rocks, and ceilings of Konoha Village, which meant he had completely mastered this skill.
Chapter 15The master and apprentice shared a barbecue feast to celebrate."Next up is water walking."Jiraiya expertly arranged the next training goal: "Unlike tree walking, standing on the surface of water requires continuously releasing Chakra from the soles of your feet...""It's difficult to master the right degree. You'll understand once you try.""Well, with the foundation of tree walking, it shouldn't be too hard."Next to the training ground, Jiraiya took a deep breath, and then—"Rasengan!"He manually blasted out a huge crater.In reality, witnessing the Rasengan he had been longing to see with his own eyes, Naruto was rendered speechless with awe for a moment."Want to learn it?" Jiraiya asked.Naruto nodded: "Yes!""We'll talk about that after you complete all your training!" Jiraiya burst out laughing.As he spoke, he casually added a Water Releasejutsu.The huge crater blasted by the Rasengan was quickly filled with water.Wait...I remember this White-Haired Old Man knows Earth Release, right?Why did he specifically rub out a Rasengan?Naruto understood—he was dangling a carrot in front of him.And so, on the artificial pond, Naruto began his water walking training.The result was just as Jiraiya said... with the foundation of tree walking, water walking was very simple.In less than a week, Naruto could already walk freely on the water pit.He felt his Chakra control had become much more refined.Thus, he once again requested to learn Ninjutsu..."Still far from enough," Jiraiya shook his head. "Water comes in many types. What you're walking on is at most lake water, dead water.""Flowing stream water is another concept entirely.""Besides, above streams, there are swift rivers and turbulent ocean waves... Speaking of which, little Naruto, you haven't seen the sea yet, have you?"Naruto shook his head.He had seen it in his past life, but not in this one.Jiraiya patted the blonde head and smiled, "When we have time in the future, your master will take you to see the sea.""Yay!" Naruto agreed.Then came more days of training.Walking on streams, walking on rivers, walking on ocean waves (man-made Water Release), and even upgrading to walking on waterfalls at one point, Naruto completed all of them smoothly.From tree trunks to waterfalls, it took him half a year in total.Half a year later, Jiraiya still wanted to continue stringing him along...Naruto: "Teach me the Rasengan."Jiraiya: "Such an advanced Ninjutsu is too early for you."Naruto: "Rasengan, Rasengan, Rasengan!!!"Jiraiya: "You're so noisy, you brat!"In the end, Jiraiya comforted him again, "However, your master is not someone who breaks promises. Let's rest for today.""Tomorrow, your master will teach you a Ninjutsueven more powerful than the Rasengan... No, it should be said that it has already surpassed the scope of Ninjutsu."A bad premonition arose in Naruto's heart.More powerful than the Rasengan, could it be..."You'll find out tomorrow!" Jiraiya said mysteriously.——————That night, inside the sealing space.The smooth and repeatedly modified Subject 3dance ended, and the crowd of Shadow Clones was jumping around, making a racket.Naruto told them to be quiet, then looked at the Nine-Tails."Fox, how do you feel?" Naruto asked the spectator.Nine-Tails: "A pile of shit.""Alright, I'll give you a big one!"Nine-Tails: "!!?"It suddenly had a bad feeling.The next moment, Naruto and his Shadow Clones vanished from the spot.Soon, he appeared again.This time, Naruto had several musical instruments in his hands...Since clothes could be brought into the sealing space,it was only logical that musical instruments could be brought in as well."Fox Spirit, today I'll show you the fruits of my half a year of cultivation!""Jie jie jie, you'd better enjoy it thoroughly!"Chapter 18: Three Sage Regions, Mount MyobokuThe Shadow Clones developed horizontally and vertically in reading, singing, dancing, entertainment, and musical instruments, while the main body trained with Jiraiya every day.However, in Konoha, Naruto couldn't find anyone willing to teach him musical instruments, so he had no choice but to take sheet music and let his Shadow Clones figure it out on their own.Over the past half year, his song talent points increased by nearly 400 points. Relying on his sensitivity to music, Naruto actually carved out a wild path..."Uzumaki Guitar ready!""Uzumaki Drum Kit ready!""Uzumaki Melodica awaiting instructions!""Uzumaki Piano is already thirsty for action!""Uzumaki..."The Shadow Clone musical instrument ensemble was extremely excited.Damn it, after practicing hard for half a year, this day has finally come!Taking a deep breath, Chakra was released, and with precise control at the waterfall-walking level, it covered the surfaces of the instruments.The performance began!As the strings were plucked, a demonic guitar sound vibrated through the entire sewer and burst forth! Following his movements, other instruments also joined in, weaving into a chaotic medley.The singing group took the lead, channeling their Chakra and howling out—"A smile in the mortal realm, surging waves~!""Forgetting all the troubles of the red dust~!""All is in the past, why bother mentioning it~!"The volume was enormous, and with the enhancement of Chakra, rings of sound waves spread out in the air, echoing throughout the sealing space.Naruto's main body stood at the very front, flanked by the left and right guardians of the dance group, who began dancing to the sound, using hands and feet, twisting smoothly.One moment slow motion, the next moment fast forward.Such song and dance, such a performance, made even the Nine-Tails, who had seen grand scenes over thousands of years, turn its head in shock: I really haven't seen anything like this before!It had a wildness that broke conventions, shattered traditional constraints, and forcefully refreshed others' aesthetics.Just, how to put it...Quite rare.It's not that I'm interested, it's just because I haven't seen this kind of thing, so I took a couple extra glances... I am NOT interested!After the dance finished, Nine-Tails couldn't help but hold its forehead and cover its face."Foolish brat, what's the point of spending time on these miscellaneous tricks? If you have this spare energy, you might as well spend more time cultivating...""If you could apply this effort to cultivation..."Nine-Tails began naggy lecturing.Naruto only felt a strong sense of deja vu rushing to his brain.Without a second word—run!He left the sealing space.Seeing Naruto leave, Nine-Tails smacked its lips... Half a year, this little Jinchuriki was the weirdest one it had ever seen.Unable to get the upper hand verbally made it feel quite annoyed.Whatever, wait until tomorrow..."Ribbit! Ribbit!"Before the alarm clock rang, the sound of croaking woke Naruto up.Bleary-eyed, he opened the window and saw a giant toad staring directly at him at eye level... and incidentally spotted Jiraiya sitting on top of the giant toad's head.Fully awake, goosebumps broke out all over Naruto's body on the spot.He hadn't felt it when watching the original anime before.Now experiencing it in person, such a huge toad looked so damn terrifying!"So early? It's not training time yet."Riding on the giant toad, Jiraiya waved to Narutoand grinned, "Today is different! This Great Jiraiyatold you, I'm taking you to cultivate a super awesome Ninjutsu!"Naruto nodded and said, "Wait for me to make a clone first...""No need!" Jiraiya interrupted. "Save your Chakra, listen to your master."Ah, this?Naruto didn't hesitate; he flipped out on the spot, intending to land on the giant toad... The next moment, the giant toad opened its mouth.Its tongue shot out, wrapping around Naruto in an instant.And swallowed him in one gulp!Naruto: "!!?"Holy shit, I'm gonna die, gonna die, gonna die!Master, save me!Jiraiya didn't react...Out of survival instinct, Naruto instantly formed hand seals.Shadow Clone Technique!!!——————"Reverse Summoning Technique, go!"As the smoke exploded, Jiraiya only saw the surrounding scenery change.
Chapter 16They had already left Konoha.They had arrived at the holy land of the toad clan, Mount Myoboku!This place was very far away. If they walked, it would take at least a month departing from Konoha to arrive.But using the Reverse Summoning Technique, they arrived in a second!Although Naruto had not yet signed a summoning contract, he specifically had the summoning toad swallow Naruto so that it could easily reverse summon someone.Mount Myoboku, as far as the eye could see, was a place of picturesque mountains and clear waters.Everywhere he looked, there were only toads.The toads came in all sizes, and their size wasn't even related to their age, but they all shared one common trait: they could speak!"Yo, little Jiraiya is back.""Isn't this the summoning toad.""Jiraiya, I heard you found the Child of Prophecyagain?"As soon as they returned to Mount Myoboku, many toads gathered around.It was clear that Jiraiya was quite popular in this place."Toad brothers and sisters, come take a look at my newly taken little apprentice—"Before he finished speaking, the belly of the toad he was sitting on expanded at a speed visible to the naked eye."Blech!!!"Like spraying wine, the summoning toad suddenly threw up.Little Naruto was spat out by it like a waterfall.It was as if a Naruto hive had been poked; hundreds of Narutos descended all over the sky, crashing onto the ground with a flurry of thuds, breaking quite a few of them on the spot.In the end, only a few dozen remained without dissipating."Sorry, Jiraiya."The summoning toad honestly said, "Your apprentice seemed to have multiplied, and I... couldn't hold it in."Uh-huh-huh...Jiraiya suddenly realized: Oh right, I forgot to let him out."Oops, sorry, sorry."Jiraiya apologized insincerely, "I thought you had already desensitized to toads, but I didn't expect you to still be so excited."The spit-out Naruto opened his mouth and roared, "White-Haired Old Man, you're trying to get me killed!""Give a heads-up! Before swallowing me into your belly, couldn't you give a heads-up?!"The Shadow Clones disappeared one by one. Naruto stood up, sniffed, and immediately smelled an odor.His whole body reeked of saliva and gastric juices.Naruto's germaphobia flared up, and he wanted to take a bath.Forcing himself to divert his attention, he looked around and found that he had definitely left Konoha...Even though he was mentally prepared, Naruto was still shocked.Did the Third Hokage actually allow you to bring me out?"How is it, very surprised right?"Jiraiya walked up to Naruto, patted his head, and said, "This is Mount Myoboku that your master told you about, and it's also one of the world's famous Three Sage Regions.""Your master's Senjutsu, which surpasses the Rasengan, was learned right here!"Naruto thought to himself, Are you serious?Asking me, a three-and-a-half-year-old toddler, to study Senjutsu?What's wrong, does your family lack a Naruto-version stone statue?"Enough chitchat. If the old man finds out I brought you to such a far place, he's definitely going to blow his top."Jiraiya muttered, pulling Naruto away quickly.Naruto heard this sentence clearly.Turns out you brought me out in private!?Chapter 19 Senjutsu Training Crawls Like a TurtleMount Myoboku, the place for Senjutsu training, outside the toad oil field.Two normal-sized old toads had been waiting here early.They were the two major high-ranking members of Mount Myoboku, one male and one female."Boss! Big Sis!"Jiraiya was extremely excited, his tone thrilled: "I've brought little Naruto!"The male toad's eyes lit up: "Little Jiraiya did a great job! Quick, have little Naruto take off his shirt, I've already prepared the toad oil!"These two authentic Toad Sages were the teachers who taught Naruto in the original work, but due to the influence of certain butterfly effects, they met Naruto thirteen years early.Up until now, Naruto was also puzzled.He clearly hadn't even signed a summoning contract yet.And you guys already plan to pass Senjutsu on to me?What were you thinking in your heads?"These two guys!""It's one thing for the brat to lose his mind, but you dead old ghost are actually following the brat in his madness, and you even want me to escort and protect you!"The female toad's gaze swept back and forth between the two of them, finally looking at the short, three-year-old Naruto, and sympathizing: "You two are messing around all you want, look at how you've scared the child..."After saying that, overflowing with maternal instinct, she specifically walked over to comfort little Naruto.Naruto really wanted to say don't come over, I'm not afraid of Senjutsu training, but I'm truly a bit afraid of toads."Big Sis, time is precious, let's skip the small talk."Jiraiya stripped off Naruto's clothes in two or three strokes.Leaving him with only a pair of briefs.Naruto: "..."Can I resist?The male toad over there had already brought a bucket of oil, conveniently holding a black stick in its hand, looking eager to try."Naruto, listen well first!"Jiraiya half-crouched down, looked straight into Naruto's eyes, and said earnestly: "What your master is going to teach you next is not just Ninjutsu, but something that surpasses Ninjutsu... Senjutsu!""The so-called Senjutsu is to absorb the omnipresent natural energy, balance and mix it with your spiritual energy and physical energy to form Senjutsu Chakra.""Ordinary people have no way to perceive Senjutsu, so they need the toad oil of Mount Myoboku to assist; you just stay here, apply a bit of toad oil, and then use a peaceful mindset to control the natural energy..."Naruto widened his eyes.You're just going to let me dive headfirst into this like that?That's a Senjutsu with an off-the-charts danger index!"Oh right, as for things like Senjutsu training, there might be a tiny bit of danger." Jiraiya gestured unconcernedly: "But it doesn't matter, go ahead boldly!""Even if an accident happens, Sage Fukasaku will help you out of danger; so you don't have to feel any pressure at all, keep a calm mind! Keep a calm mind!"Right now your own heart is very uncalm!He thought to himself, this atmosphere is very wrong, always feeling like there's some conspiracy targeting him inside...[Ding!][Choice System, activated!]The system rang.No wonder it didn't make a sound this morning.Turns out it was waiting for me here.[Arrived at the Senjutsu holy land Mount Myoboku, facing the seemingly within-reach Senjutsu, what do you plan to do...][Accept] Try to practice Senjutsu (Reward: Bloodline Limit Potential + 20)[Refuse] Never try to contact Senjutsu early (Reward: Chakra Control + 5)[Court Death] Play big, jump directly into the toad oil field (Reward: Chakra Capacity + 500)The system truly lived up to its name.No movement in the morning was equivalent to implicitly predicting that something would definitely happen today.Whichever choice had the highest reward, the greater the difficulty.Or rather, the higher the danger.As everyone knows, after applying toad oil and absorbing natural energy, failing to master it means turning into a frog, and worse, turning into stone.Judging from the options, if he really fell into the oil field, by the time he was fished out, he would have already turned into a frog stone statue...Without thinking much, he had already made his choice!Naruto took a deep breath, sat cross-legged according to Jiraiya's guidance, and said: "White-Haired Old Man, if any accident happens, I won't let you off even as a ghost!""Ha... My apprentice really likes to joke." Jiraiya gave an awkward smile, explaining to the two toads."I am not joking." Naruto shouted with a start!Naruto was well aware of how difficult Senjutsu training was.To fuse Senjutsu Chakra, one at least had to concentrate and calm down, harnessing natural energy with the most peaceful mindset so as not to be harmed by it."Don't worry, little Naruto, there won't be any danger."The old toad Sage Fukasaku hopped over, dipped a bit of toad oil, and applied it to Naruto's lower arm...Suddenly, Naruto felt that the sense of touch where the toad oil touched seemed to perceive something else.It flowed all around, omnipresent.Just a thought, and it could be inhaled into the body.And quickly fuse with the body...Bang!Sage Fukasaku struck down with a stick!Naruto hugged his arm and screamed: "Ow!""You almost turned into a frog." Sage Fukasakubrandished his stick and gestured: "Don't be afraid, with the old man here, you won't be hurt!"Naruto widened his eyes: "But it hurts!""On the path of becoming a ninja, what is a little pain!"The male toad casually poured a bowl of chicken soup, and then applied toad oil to the rest of Naruto's body...This time, Naruto widened his eyes, repelling the natural energy.Don't you fucking dare invade my body!...Okay, calm down, one-third physical energy, one-third spiritual energy, and another one-third natural energy.The feeling is coming!Naruto's gaze turned sharp, and he shouted: "Gua!"Bang!The male toad struck up with a stick without hesitation!
Chapter 17He beat Naruto, whose body was half-frogified, back to normal.Naruto glared with wide eyes at the old toad. "Have you ever considered that I'm not even four years old yet?"Stared down by a child, Sage Fukasaku felt embarrassed as well.Their intentions were good, but for a child attempting to master Sage Arts, it might be too much to bear..."...Let's change locations and continue."Naruto took a deep breath and said.The system hadn't notified him of completing the training yet.Plus, he had long coveted Sage Arts himself.Naruto decided to give it another desperate try!Hearing this, Sage Fukasaku glanced in surprise at Jiraiya, who smiled proudly and said, "I told you, don't underestimate Naruto's willpower."Seeing this, the toad no longer had any reservations."Dear, bring over our ointment for bruises and injuries!""Little Naruto, let's keep going!"And so, the training resumed—By the end of the day, Naruto had been beaten black and blue.Whenever Natural Energy entered his body, if he wasn't turning into a toad, he was turning into a toad.The only progress was that he managed to endure just a little bit longer.Naruto thought to himself that when it came to Sage Arts, he was probably progressing even slower than in the original story, truly dragging his feet.[Completed choice [Agree]][Reward obtained: Bloodline Limit Potential +20]As the sun set, the day's training came to an end.Jiraiya and Sage Fukasaku stepped aside. Man and toad began conversing in hushed tones, full of confusion..."It doesn't make sense. Little Naruto's Chakracontrol meets the standard, and his Chakra is even denser than an ordinary ninja's. Reasonably speaking, he should master Sage Arts faster than I did.""Most importantly, he's still a child!""Children have pure minds and view the world in black and white, free of random distractions. They are natural talents for Sage Arts... Why is his progress crawling like a snail?"Sage Fukasaku pondered for a long while before speaking up, "Kid, is it possible that little Naruto's mind is actually even more active than yours?"Chapter 20: The Confused ProphecyAre you kidding? This kid isn't even four years old.Jiraiya recalled himself at four years old. His view of the world had been simple and direct, strictly black and white.An incomparably pure mind, without all the stray thoughts of an adult.Learning Sage Arts should logically be much smoother."You old fool, and you brat!" Sage Fukasaku's wife cursed loudly. "I told you long ago, who in their right mind lets a young child handle Sage Arts?!""When Naruto grows up and becomes a qualified ninja, it won't be too late to introduce him to Sage Arts! You two just had to try. Look at how badly you beat the boy, it breaks my heart..."She grumbled while applying ointment to Naruto.After a full day of training, Naruto looked as though his entire body had swollen a size larger.Moving even slightly caused him pain all over."This is a necessary path to learning Sage Arts," Sage Fukasaku argued defensively before quickly backing down. "Though my wife is right, little Jiraiya, you were too hasty."Jiraiya widened his eyes. "Boss, you clearly agreed with me...""Nonsense! You were the one who insisted I try!" Sage Fukasaku adamantly denied it. "Keep spouting nonsense and see if I don't lose my temper with you!"Jiraiya twitched his mouth.Truth be told, he really was the one who had brought it up first.Over the past six months, Jiraiya had noticed that little Naruto's Chakra was getting increasingly dense. If other people's Chakra was like 'gas', then little Naruto's Chakra was close to 'mist'!Like a severely degraded version of Tailed Beast Chakra.He didn't know where Naruto's condition came from—neither of Naruto's parents had it—so in the end, he could only attribute the change to the Nine-Tails.After all, as the child of a female Jinchuriki, Narutonaturally inherited some characteristics of the Nine-Tails (the whiskered facial marks), and then became the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki himself as an infant...With multiple factors combined, it wouldn't be surprising if some kind of Bloodline Limitmanifested.Compared to an ordinary ninja's 'gas-like' Chakra, 'mist-like' Chakra was denser and easier to control.Naruto's remarkable progress over the past half year was partly thanks to this.Dense Chakra + a child's pure mind + a father who had learned Sage Arts!It led Jiraiya to feel that little Naruto had a high probability of being exceptionally suited for Sage Arts, so he decided to just try it out and verify his conjecture.And so they had come...And so they had tried...The result, however, could only be described as disappointing.After applying the ointment to Naruto, Sage Fukasaku's wife said, "By the way, the old senile one asked me to tell you that once training is done, bring little Naruto to meet him.""The old senile one?"Sage Fukasaku froze for a moment, then realized who his wife was referring to."The Great Toad Sage?" Jiraiya's eyes widened.He wants to see me and little Naruto?Could it be!Holy cow, did I actually get the true Child of Prophecy this time?...The Great Toad Sage.A living specimen of Mount Myoboku, the prized treasure of the toad clan.Having lived for over a thousand years, it was said that he had even guided the Sage of Six Paths.And the Great Toad Sage's most prominent ability was... prophecy!He had once prophesied that a Child of Prophecywould appear in the Ninja World, and this Child of Prophecy would determine the rise and fall of the Ninja World.Although the Great Toad Sage did not know specifically who the Child of Prophecy was,he had clearly prophesied that the teacher of that Child of Prophecy would be Jiraiya! And whether the Child of Prophecy would destroy or save the Ninja World would depend on Jiraiya's guidance..."That's why your master has been traveling all over the world.""Gathering intelligence and material for my writing is one aspect, but on the other hand, it's to find the Child of Prophecy mentioned by the Great Toad Sage.""Of course, prophecies are just things you take with a grain of salt. Even without that connection, you are still this lord's beloved disciple!"Before going to see the Great Toad Sage, Jiraiya had specially explained all this.Naruto: "I don't really care.""...You always give answers I never expect."Jiraiya shook his head with a sigh.Truth be told, though he believed in the prophecy, every single disciple he took who possessed extraordinary talent and fit the look of the Child of Prophecy had died after he took them on.Naruto was his third disciple.Teaching him Sage Arts early was also to give him the ability to protect himself as soon as possible... Big Sis was right, I was too hasty.Filled with complex thoughts, the two finally met the Great Toad Sage.It was a massive... old toad.The old toad sat in a chair like a human, surrounded by giant wine cups, his body covered in wrinkled skin.So ancient that one couldn't help but wonder if he might drop dead on the spot!"Old senile fool, I brought the people to you!"Sage Fukasaku's wife hollered as soon as she entered the door.The senile Great Toad Sage strained to open his eyelids slightly, his murky gaze dropping down to see the two humans and one toad."Oh, oh, thank you for your trouble..."He paused for a long while, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes as he looked at Jiraiya and Naruto. "Who... are you again?"Sage Fukasaku's wife rolled up her sleeves. "Becoming senile to this extent, it looks like you shouldn't be drinking wine anymore!"She motioned to grab the Great Toad Sage's liquor bottle.The latter jolted awake, hurriedly snatching the bottle away and saying in panic, "I remember! This old man remembers! Jiraiya, right? The most popular contractor of Mount Myoboku!"He quickly continued the topic, giving no chance for other toads to touch his wine cup, "Little Jiraiya, calling you... calling you two over this time is also because of the prophecy."Oh, he already knows that I found the true Child of Prophecy!I knew it, hard work pays off after all!"The blue-eyed boy who plays with the Nine Tailed Beasts and calls them by their names, he will ultimately battle a rival boy of supreme eye power... This was a vision this old man saw hundreds of years ago."The Great Toad Sage said slowly, "However, in recent days, the fluctuations in space-time have grown increasingly vast. Perhaps in the past, perhaps in the future... an ambitious person has affected the integrity of time.""Jiraiya... the prophecy has changed."Unconsciously, Jiraiya straightened his posture.His expression gradually turned serious."Are you saying someone affected time?""That is truly... incredible."Astonished, he then added cautiously, "If someone can freely travel to the past and alter the future, what on earth will become of the Ninja World?"Naruto, who was listening on the side, wasn't particularly shocked.In the original storyline, between a movie and the Boruto original anime, time had already been toyed with twice.So the Great Toad Sage's reaction now was entirely within reason."In my prophecy, the future has become very blurry... and full of fragments."Saying this, the Great Toad Sage paused, his eyes falling upon Naruto. "Blue-eyed boy, your destiny has veered off track, and I am powerless to change it...""And little Jiraiya.""Your mission has ended."Chapter 21: The Responsibility Jiraiya ShouldersEnded?My mission is over?Jiraiya smacked his lips, feeling like it didn't quite feel real.Hey, wait a minute, what do you mean, old geezer? A goal I intended to strive for my whole life can just end whenever you want?Wait, it seems something was missed..."He is the Child of Prophecy?"
Chapter 18Jiraiya vigorously rubbed Naruto's blond hair, saying in shock, "Is this kid really the Child of Prophecy? Are you sure!?""If the prophecy is correct, then it should be him," the Great Toad Sage said slowly. "If not for him, the future of the entire Ninja World... would be pitch black.""However, listen to me carefully, young Jiraiya. The prophecy... has already become muddled. Even the Child of Prophecy cannot decide the rise and fall of the Ninja World.""And I... do not know what to do either.""We can only let nature take its course."As it spoke, it looked at Naruto with some confusion, leaning down slightly. "Child of Prophecy, you seem... not very surprised?"Naruto had a rough idea of why the prophecy had become muddled.After all, he was an anomaly.But as for the future of the Ninja World..."Why should I be surprised? This is only normal," Naruto said as if it were a matter of course. "With my peerless talent and shocking wisdom, isn't it only natural that I will save the Ninja World in the future?"The Great Toad Sage: "..."What a confident child.Well, that could be considered a good thing.The Great Toad Sage had a peaceful mindset; a thousand years of life had made him indifferent to many things.The only one present who wasn't calm was Jiraiya. "Wait a minute, if my mission is over, then... what should I do?""Young Jiraiya, you are free now," the Great Toad Sage said in a gentle tone. "Do whatever you want to do. If you ever get tired, Mount Myoboku will always be your home."He had watched Jiraiya grow up.For the sake of the prophecy, this kid had poured out almost everything.Now, he could finally rest.Thinking of this, the Great Toad Sage felt a lot better."Ha, hahaha!""You underestimate me, Jiraiya!"What answered the Great Toad Sage was Jiraiya's hearty and confident smile.Giving himself a thumbs-up, he declared loudly, "Since there are ambitious schemers in the Ninja World who wantonly disrupt time and space, how could I, the great Jiraiya, sit back and watch!"This kid...The burden had clearly been lifted from him.Yet he willfully took on more work for himself."I will continue to teach Naruto."Jiraiya said loudly, "Whether he is the Child of Prophecy or not, he is my trusted disciple!"Naruto curled his lips. "Cringey."Jiraiya grinned and added, "Besides, I'm used to being idle and free. If you suddenly make me retire, I won't know what to do. How about this—I'll continue traveling the Ninja World."Both toads sighed.These words were indeed something Jiraiya would say.Naruto was surprised and asked, "Are you taking me with you?"Jiraiya shook his head and said, "No, no, no. It's not like your master has to leave right now. I'll still stay in Konoha for quite a while!""Besides, little Naruto, you aren't even four years old yet and haven't even attended the Ninja Academy. I won't let you leave Konoha."Naruto: "Then where are we right now?""...It's fine to leave occasionally," Jiraiya bluffed. "In short, if you want to travel the Ninja World with your master, it will have to wait until after you graduate from the Ninja Academy!"This blond brat really couldn't sit still either.Not even four years old, and he already wanted to leave his hometown.He was a bit too independent.Thinking back, when he was four years old, he was still...Uh, well, he had also started getting in touch with Ninjutsu around then.After all, he, Tsunade, and Orochimaru had all graduated from the Ninja Academy at the age of six.His disciple's disciple, Hatake Kakashi, graduated at the age of five.The disciple he took in Amegakure, Nagato, was able to use the power of the Rinnegan to kill a Chunin when he was just over four years old.It was said that the genius of the Uchiha Clan also went to the battlefield at the age of four and killed enemies with his own hands....Thinking of it this way, Naruto wasn't too out of line?——————Finally, before the sun set, they returned to Konoha Village.Jiraiya was still his usual self.Naruto, on the other hand, looked miserable, covered in bruises.As soon as the two of them returned to the village, they received a warm welcome.Sarutobi Hiruzen, wearing his combat gear, rushed out swinging his thick and large adamantine staff, giving Jiraiya a severe beating!"Reverse Summoning, is it!""Mount Myoboku, is it!""Learning Sage Jutsu in advance, is it!""You unfilial disciple! Do you have any idea how worried the Barrier Team was? Leaving the village with the Nine... with Naruto for no reason, I almost branded you a rogue ninja!"The Third Hokage didn't show his disciple any mercy.Showing off his great might, he launched Jiraiyafrom the ground into the sky, then beat him from the heavens back to the earth, casually unleashing five-element Ninjutsu, with staff and Taijutsu techniques taking turns..."I was wrong, Sensei! I was wrong!"Jiraiya was thoroughly and cleanly thrashed in various ways.Seeing this, the Konoha villagers clicked their tongues in amazement.For the past half year, Jiraiya was either peeping at the bathhouse or on his way to peep at the bathhouse. In addition to vouching for the Demon Fox brat, his reputation had truly hit rock bottom.Now that he was beaten up, the villagers cheered.It would be even better if they could get rid of the Demon Fox brat as well.Do you have any idea how much psychological pressure it was for the villagers to have fifty-odd blond brats running wild all over Konoha on a daily basis!As for the blond kid himself?He had slipped away long ago.Half an hour later, Jiraiya, bruised, swollen, and suffering from internal bleeding, was sent to the hospital.After venting his anger, Sarutobi Hiruzen felt physically and mentally refreshed, so he went to Naruto's house."Little Naruto, Grandpa Hokage is here to see you!"As soon as Sarutobi Hiruzen entered, he got straight to the point.He lifted Naruto's shirt and gave him a thorough check-up.Fortunately, although there were bruises, they were only minor injuries.Jiraiya and the toads of Mount Myoboku knew when to stop.Even the ointment applied was of premium quality...Under Sarutobi Hiruzen's questioning, Naruto did not hide anything and explained what had happened on Mount Myoboku, including the Great Toad Sage's prophecy.The Hokage wasn't particularly interested in prophecies.But he knew his disciple well. "So, that fellow Jiraiyais going to run around for some other illusory goal again?""Sigh, why make yourself so tired..."After sighing for a moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen said to Naruto, "Little Naruto, do you want to learn Sage Jutsu from your master?"Naruto nodded. "Yes."In the future, the only things that could deal damage to the final boss were Sage Jutsu, Taijutsu, Sealing Jutsu, and Space-Time Ninjutsu.Preparing for a rainy day, he wanted them all."Since you want to, then that's fine.""That bastard Jiraiya already told me... letting you get in touch with Sage Jutsu early isn't a bad thing. If little Naruto wants to learn it, go ahead."As he spoke, he raised a finger.He said, "Little Naruto, make a promise with this old man.""You are still young, and high-intensity Sage Jutsu training is not suitable for you. So, after training in Sage Jutsu once, you must rest for at least a week!"Chapter 22: The Nine-Tails Explains HistoryInside the sealing space, in front of the Nine-Tails.The system prompt sounded at the right moment.[Ding!][Selection System, activated!][It's time for the daily choice. This time, you plan to... to the Nine-Tails][Provoke] Make the Nine-Tails feel anger (Reward: Chakra Quality +1)[Touch] Perform a show that touches the Nine-Tails' heart (Reward: Chakra Capacity +10)[Stage] Song and dance + band, giving the Nine-Tails a better experience (Reward: Musical Talent+5)[Ignore] Pretend to ignore the Nine-Tails (Reward: Chakra Control +1)The choices had arrived, but the performance with his Shadow Clones was set in stone.This had already become a habit, and not even the system could stop it!"Music!"Naruto's real body snapped his fingers.The Shadow Clone band played various instruments. Under the influence of Chakra, the magical music echoed for a long time.The Nine-Tails couldn't help but perk up.It was about to begin!"This is your excuse for breaking up~""If you could start over again~!""Would you love me~?"The real body stood in the center, with Shadow Clones on both sides, swaying and grooving rhythmically with the music, looking extremely smooth.The Nine-Tails' aesthetic sense had been assaulted for half a year.For a moment, it even felt that this kid danced quite well.When the song and dance ended, Naruto asked with a proud face, "Fox Spirit, how do you feel?""Humph."The Nine-Tails narrowed its eyes tsundere-style and said dismissively, "Just so-so."
Chapter 19Naruto: "I knew you wouldn't appreciate it, you fox. This is the most famous song and dance in the human world...""Bullshit!" The Nine-Tails couldn't stand his blatant lying. "Hundreds of years ago, this old man was a Guardian Beast of the Nation. Those weak humans paid tribute to me every day, offering the finest delicacies...""Their court musicians would perform with all their might before me every now and then—compared to those musicians and actors, your level is simply too painful to watch!"This Fox Spirit, was his past life really this colorful?No wonder he hates the Ninja World. Case closed."Hundreds of years ago?" Naruto caught the keyword. "So, you're several hundred years old?""A thousand years old." The Nine-Tails stated the fact, then said angrily, "Don't tell me you kid know absolutely nothing about the Tailed Beasts?"Naruto shrugged innocently. "Tailed Beasts?"Naruto had read almost every book in the library, except for the highly specialized ones; he had gone through all the popular science, stories, biographies, and history books.But Konoha seemed to have intentionally erased records concerning the Tailed Beasts.At least in the Konoha Public Library, he couldn't find any information on the Tailed Beasts."...I suppose I overestimated Konoha."The Nine-Tails sneered. "To think you don't even know what is sealed inside your own body. It seems the Konoha higher-ups are merely using you as a pawn."Naruto: "Sealed?"The Nine-Tails couldn't hold it in anymore: "You really know absolutely nothing!"The seal inside Naruto's body was unprecedentedly strong. Staying inside, it had no idea what was happening outside, and could rarely even sense any negative emotions from Naruto.No wonder this kid is so carefree despite being a Jinchuriki.Turns out Konoha hid his identity entirely....If that's really the case, it will be hard to manipulate him."Since you know nothing, kid, I don't mind explaining a thing or two to you about the Tailed Beasts... and the Jinchuriki."And so, the Nine-Tails began.He briefly explained the origins of the Tailed Beasts, such as how they were created by the Sage of Six Paths and had lived in relative peace with humans for a thousand years, until the hidden villages were established and the First Hokage captured the Tailed Beasts...And the Jinchuriki are the vessels for the Tailed Beasts.As a Jinchuriki, the only duty one must fulfill is war.In his explanation, humans were despicable, and the Tailed Beasts were innocent.And the fate of a Jinchuriki was often miserable."Oh, no wonder."Naruto seemed to have a sudden realization. "No wonder those adults all wish I were dead. So they just hate Jinchuriki.""Wish you were dead?""The adults?""In other words, you couldn't escape the bullying targeted at Jinchuriki?""Then why does this kid barely have any negative emotions?""Aren't you angry?" The Nine-Tails was losing his composure."They're just a bunch of bullies who pick on the weak," Naruto said nonchalantly. "They're just villagers who don't even know Ninjutsu. Whoever treats me badly, I'll go splash manure at their front door in the middle of the night.""In just two months, no one in Konoha dared to mess with me anymore."Getting excited, Naruto even started gesturing. "Just talking about it isn't vivid enough... Clones, get over here, gather around!""I'll play myself, and you guys play the villagers.""Let's put on a show for this fox!"Then, a group of blond kids began acting with great focus—the cold stares of the villagers, the harsh words, the shop owners calling him bad luck...Naruto then used his world-shaking wisdom to counter-attack them one by one.Successfully making the Konoha villagers wish they could stay eight hundred meters away from him whenever they saw him!...The Nine-Tails was dumbfounded.Is this blond kid really just a child?Have human children evolved to this extent?Although it was indeed the correct solution, shouldn't a normal kid in this situation be full of endless resentment, crying their eyes out secretly at home at night...Why do I feel like you're living a pretty fulfilling life?"...Never mind."The Nine-Tails sighed in disappointment.It seemed that manipulating this kid to seek revenge on Konoha was out of the question.Because he didn't care about Konoha's bullying at all, there was no hatred, and thus the Nine-Tails had no chance to corrupt Naruto."Kid, as a Jinchuriki, you will step onto the battlefield one day.""When Konoha is defeated, they will have no choice but to use the power of the Tailed Beast.""Jie jie..."The Nine-Tails' laughter was incredibly sinister. "When that time comes, beg this old man, and I might lend you a bit of my power."Hearing this, Naruto scratched his head awkwardly."Well, aren't you sealed by Konoha...""If you were sealed by Konoha, doesn't that prove you, fox... are inferior to Konoha?""If an enemy appears that even Konoha can't defeat, even if I borrow your power... it feels like it wouldn't be of much use."——————[Completed Choices: [Provocation], [Moved], [Stage]][Obtained Rewards: Chakra Quality +1, Chakra Amount +10, Musical Talent +5]Naruto covered his ears and returned to reality.To be honest, this was the first time he had seen the Nine-Tails so angry.He was roaring while slamming the gates violently.A thousand years' worth of concentrated profanity was spewed right into Naruto's face.He wished he could grind Naruto's parents and eighteen generations of ancestors to dust.He was completely triggered.Just like any other day, after Naruto finished his breakfast, he arrived at the training ground as scheduled and began another day of cultivation.Naruto: "I want to learn the Rasengan."Jiraiya: "Shut up! Didn't I already teach you Senjutsu?!"Naruto: "Only a ghost could learn that thing!"Jiraiya: "You can only blame your own poor talent!"The master and disciple traded barbs, bickering back and forth for quite a while.Jiraiya, unable to bear the pestering, finally relented...Chapter 23 Wind Release Chakra"Don't even think about it before you graduate from the Ninja Academy!"Jiraiya's attitude was very firm: "Regardless of whether you have the talent or not, even if you could learn it, I wouldn't teach such a dangerous Ninjutsuto a child!"Since he put it that way, Naruto understood.Just like in his past life, even in America where gunfights happened every day, adults wouldn't give a loaded pistol with the safety off to a child as a toy.By the same logic, Jiraiya wouldn't teach NarutoNinjutsu that was too dangerous.Of course, many ninja clans would let their children learn their family's secret techniques (inherited Ninjutsu) beforehand, such as the Shadow Possession Technique or Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique, but that was a different story."As your master, I have already taught you Senjutsu."Jiraiya said righteously, "It's your own fault for not being able to learn it. What does that have to do with me?"Naruto stared at him with an expression of disbelief.He really wanted to loudly denounce this old geezer's shamelessness.But on second thought, being allowed to come into contact with Senjutsu thirteen years ahead of time was indeed beyond reproach... If he had to blame something, he could only blame himself for being disappointing.But seeing that Naruto really intended to give up, Jiraiya felt bad again.Honestly, just persist a little longer!"Fine, fine, I can't win against you."Jiraiya pretended to be helpless and said, "Since you want to learn so badly, I can teach you a harmless Ninjutsu. Watch closely..."He skillfully formed a few hand seals."Transformation Technique!"With a boom, smoke billowed up.After the smoke cleared, what appeared before Naruto was actually a blonde-haired, blue-eyed... well-endowed beauty!Holy crap, isn't this Tsunade?Naruto was shocked: "Is this your true form?!"Responding to Naruto was a flick on the forehead!"Idiot, stop fooling around." Undoing the transformation, Jiraiya said, "Don't think I don't know you have your clones soaking in the library every day. Are you telling me you didn't know about the Transformation Technique?"Naruto rubbed his head: "Just trying to liven up the atmosphere!"The Transformation Technique, he had almost forgotten about it.The Three Basic Techniques of the Ninja Academystudents were rarely seen in the later stages of the original work, causing Naruto to forget about them.He kept thinking about the Rasengan every day, forgetting that the Three Basic Techniques were actually quite important too.Uh, except for the Clone Technique.He had already learned the advanced Shadow Clone Technique, so he naturally had no interest in clones without physical substance.Jiraiya explained some key points of knowledge regarding the Transformation Technique.Then he let Naruto try practicing it himself.Nowadays, Naruto's Chakra control was far superior to his original self, so a mere Transformation Technique posed no difficulty at all.In less than half an hour, he was already able to master it proficiently.At least he could transform into people at will."Once you become more proficient, you can transform into animals, plants, or even stones and weapons. You can even adjust your body size through the Transformation Technique."Seeing that Naruto had already mastered it, Jiraiyanodded without any surprise.He also pointed out the direction for advanced applications of the Transformation Technique.However, Naruto had his own ideas: "Can I transform into a Ninjutsu?"Jiraiya: "...Do you even hear what you're saying?"I don't care, he transformed into one in the original work anyway.If you can't do it, it must be because you haven't mastered your craft!
Chapter 20Naruto didn't argue. He struggled to even transform into an animal right now, so he was in no position to discuss deeper levels of transformation..."Shadow Clone Technique."After learning this technique, he first summoned a Shadow Clone.The latter was taken aback. "F*ck, I'm the clone."He immediately understood what the original body wanted to do."There's no pain, it'll be over in an instant."Naruto comforted him, stepping up and delivering a massive flying kick!He directly kicked the Shadow Clone, popping it!The next moment, including the original body, all the Shadow Clones received this memory."Ha, the Transformation Technique.""We should have learned this a long time ago.""With this technique, is there any place in Konoha I can't go?"The Shadow Clones grew excited.On this day, the villagers of Konoha noticed that the blond kid's Shadow Clones, who usually ran around everywhere every day... had vanished.In their place was a large crowd of... unfamiliar children.In the Hokages Office, Sarutobi Hiruzen took a deep breath to calm himself down for a long time before turning off the image on the Crystal Ball.Screw it!"Monitor Naruto's damn Shadow Clones? I'm off to watch the women's bathhouse!"——————On the training ground, the training continued.In terms of Chakra control, Naruto no longer needed to walk on water or climb trees, because Jiraiyaplanned to take things a step further..."This is Chakra Paper.""Hold it and channel your Chakra into it."Naruto did as he was told.Soon, the paper split in half on its own."You have wind-attribute Chakra," Jiraiya said. "You should know what that means."Naruto was a genius, and he spent every day in the library.It would be a miracle if he didn't know."Yeah, it proves I'm good at using Wind ReleaseNinjutsu," Naruto said resentfully. "But you don't plan on teaching me Ninjutsu.""Ninjutsu is still too early for you."Jiraiya pulled a leaf from his clothes and said, "Starting today, you will practice Chakra Nature Transformation.""Just like me, first channel your Chakra into this leaf.""And then... slice!"Under Naruto's watchful gaze, the leaf was'sliced' into two.This was the manifestation of Chakra nature.Wind, Lightning, Water, Fire, and Earth correspond to the five elemental attributes of Ninjutsu. When Chakra exhibits the property of 'Wind', it can slice through objects."Come find me when you can slice the leaf in half.""*Yawn*... I'm going back to sleep."Jiraiya pulled out a jar of leaves and placed it on the ground.He let Naruto take them as needed.He then left the training ground, yawning.This kind of slow, painstaking training wasn't very dangerous, and Naruto was a smart and sensible kid, so he would practice on his own."...That old geezer is so half-hearted."Naruto curled his lip. He knew that although the Naruto in the original work completed it in just a few days, that was a feat accomplished only by using hundreds or thousands of Shadow Clones.During that time, Yamato, a Wood Release expert, was responsible for suppressing the Nine-Tails' Chakra, and the Mangekyo Sharingan user Hatake Kakashi was on standby at all times.By the way, Naruto was sixteen years old at that time.His Chakra control alone was much stronger than his current self.But now, he didn't dare use Shadow Clones to speed up. If he only relied on his own talent to practice, how much time would it take?"Sigh.""I'm afraid I really have to spend several years like an ordinary ninja to learn the Chakra Nature Transformation... Huh?"Suddenly, his eyes widened.He moved his hands away.The leaf that had been wrapped in his hands earlier was already sliced into two pieces!"Are you kidding me? It's that easy?"He had only imagined turning his Chakra into a thin blade to slice the leaf, and the leaf was actually cut?Something was wrong!Picking up the leaf, Naruto was shocked to find a clear indentation where it had been cut.It wasn't sliced in half!It looked more like it had been crushed and snapped!This situation, which never happened in the original work, threw Naruto into confusion.Suddenly, he noticed a clue—Chakra Quality!An ordinary person's Chakra was like gas, and they could only rely on Nature Transformation to slice things.But his own Chakra was much denser, forcibly crushing and snapping the leaf!Chapter 24: Stripping Leaves, Then Stripping BarkThe first half-year of training had proven that the Nine-Tails inside Naruto would not run wild, at least not during his training.Therefore, the surveillance on him had relaxed quite a bit in secret.A minor thing like slicing leaves could be practiced anytime, anywhere.Not only did Naruto practice, but he also increased the difficulty for himself—climbing trees, walking on water, and practicing while hanging upside down!"Slice, slice, slice...""Damn it, I didn't tell you to crush it!""Why is this Chakra so disobedient?"In the original work, Sasuke only took a few days to learn the Lightning Nature Transformation; the original Naruto took even less time, but that was an effect achieved by using Shadow Clones to speed things up.Now, grinding all by himself, he was really working hard!Shredding a leaf into pulp with his Chakra, Narutoflicked it away with his finger and then picked up a new one...Like this, he repeated it day after day without interruption.Several trees were stripped completely bare!In this way, Naruto's training life remained fulfilling, spending every day slicing leaves. Meanwhile, Jiraiya was even more comfortable, either slacking off or gathering "material" every day, occasionally writing when inspiration struck.He only practiced Sage Jutsu once a week.For the sake of Naruto's development, the intensity of the Sage Jutsu practice was reduced, so the rewards from the system options decreased accordingly.The Bloodline Limit Potential reward went from +20 to +10.The rest remained unchanged.Daily, Naruto could farm +1 Chakra Quality, +5 Musical Talent... and occasionally +10 Chakra Amount from the Nine-Tails.Trying to move the Nine-Tails with performances was indeed a difficult task.In the blink of an eye, two months passed.Over these past two months, the system had rewarded him with a total of: Musical Talent +300, Bloodline Limit Potential +80, Chakra Quality +52, and Chakra Amount +40.The area of greatest improvement was in singing, dancing, and musical instruments.After all, this was something he could use Shadow Clones to cheat on!Early morning, in the Seal Space as usual..."Hmph, there are still quite a few flaws."The Nine-Tails snorted coldly, his tone full of the arrogance of someone who had seen the world: "Though it barely manages to catch this old man's eye."Naruto wiped his sweat. He didn't expect that the new routine he had spent so much time and effort coming up with would only get this kind of review."Stinky fox, you sure have high standards.""Nitpicking every single day, can't you just be honest?"Over the past two months, the [Provoke] option in the system had changed to [Appreciate], and it succeeded every time. This proved that the Fox Spirit had clearly acknowledged his astounding dance moves in his heart, even if his mouth remained stubborn.Communicating with a tsundere is truly exhausting."This old man never tells lies."The Nine-Tails grunted a few times, squinted his eyes, and asked, "Kid, don't you want to be a ninja in the future? Do you want to be a singing and dancing star instead?""How can ninjas make money as fast as stars?"Naruto answered honestly, "I practice Ninjutsu to become stronger. But if it's just about making money, I have a hundred ways to make more money than a ninja!""As long as you haven't completely lost yourself to money..." The Nine-Tails grunted twice and said, "Power is the foundation. Don't forget that."As the saying goes, if my neighbor hoards food and I hoard guns, my neighbor is my granary.Without power, no matter how much money you make, you won't be able to keep it.——————[Completed choices [Appreciate], [Stage]][Received rewards: Chakra Quality +1, Musical Talent +5]Naruto got up very early as usual.After using Shadow Clones, he assigned tasks to each group in turn.Over the past two months, he had created an extra group of ten..."You ten, same as usual."Naruto said to them, "Zone out. Don't think about anything, don't do anything, just quiet your minds for me!"The Mind-Quieting Group immediately wailed in agony."You might as well kill me!""Let me go back, I want to go to the Entertainment Group!""I didn't come out of the Sleeping Group just to zone out!"How could Naruto ever be the type to sit still?Usually, even if he did nothing, his mind would constantly run through plotlines or think about all sorts of random things.Making him quiet his mind was practically more painful than killing him.But he had to do it. Otherwise, how was he going to practice Sage Jutsu?
Chapter 21Taking a step back, even if he didn't cultivate senjutsu, achieving a state of mental calm was still immensely beneficial to him; at the very least, calming down during combat would allow him to perform at a full hundred percent of his strength.He paid no mind to the wails of his Shadow Clones.Naruto left the house, picked up a leaf, and put it in his mouth. A few seconds later, he spat it out—The entire leaf had been cut cleanly in half!Five days ago, he had already completed the leaf-cutting training.But since the White-Haired Old Man was nowhere to be found, a bored Naruto could only raise the difficulty for himself: using his hands, his cheeks, the soles of his feet, his armpits...Now, even if he put a leaf in his mouth, he could easily slice it into two halves. This was the fruit of his training.(Even though I know the next step is cutting a waterfall... why a waterfall? Isn't that a bit too abstract?)(Logically speaking, shouldn't it go from leaves to bark, wood scraps, stone slabs, iron plates, steel plates...)(The harder and tougher the material, the more sense it makes!)With that thought in mind, no sooner said than done!Snapping off a piece of bark, Naruto held it in both hands and began channeling his energy, transforming his Chakra into thin blades that sliced away—"Police Force! The evil Uzumaki brat is ruining the street trees! Are you really not going to do something about it?"The Konoha villagers began to complain.The Konoha Police Force glanced over and immediately understood that Uzumaki Naruto was practicing Chakra nature transformation...A pile of bark covered in cut marks was scattered on the ground.The trunk of this tree was almost stripped bare."Has he already trained to this extent? As expected of the Nine-...""Whatever, none of my business."As usual, the Police Force turned a blind eye.When the day to train in senjutsu arrived, Jiraiyareturned to the village.Konoha Village was peaceful as usual.When he walked down the street where Naruto's home was located, he was shocked to find that every tree trunk along the entire street had been stripped completely bare...The hatred in the villagers' eyes as they looked at Naruto's house grew even deeper."What did that kid do this time?"The increasingly sharp conflict between the villagers and the Jinchuriki gave Jiraiya a major headache.Growing up in an environment like this, how the hell could Naruto have the will of fire... Is he really the Child of Prophecy?By the time he found Naruto...His room was filled with bark covered in cut marks!"White-Haired Old Man, where have you been these past few days?"He pinched a leaf and channeled his Chakra.The leaf was perfectly sliced in two."The training task you gave me, I've already finished it.""Hurry up and teach me the next stage!"Jiraiya picked up the leaf and examined it.The cut was extraordinarily smooth."Two months earlier than I expected."Without mentioning a word about where he had been this past week, Jiraiya changed the subject: "Let's go, let's go. Today it's time for you to practice senjutsu with your master!"Chapter 25: Jiraiya Should Leave the VillageFor Naruto, practicing senjutsu = getting beaten with a stick.Each week's senjutsu training felt almost like torture.However, Jiraiya found it boring to stay on Mount Myoboku, so he simply trained alongside Naruto, which boosted his own senjutsu skills quite a bit.In Sage Mode, he looked more and more like a human.Once senjutsu training ended, Naruto didn't feel like resting at all and immediately moved on to the next stage of Chakra nature transformation the very next day."You have Wind Release Chakra. As far as power is concerned, being able to cut a leaf is almost enough. If you want to become stronger, even simple Wind Release Ninjutsu can achieve that.""Fixating obsessively on cutting is just foolish."That was Jiraiya's assessment of Naruto's hard work over the past week.Then he brought Naruto to a waterfall.This waterfall had been created with Ninjutsu by Jiraiya so Naruto could practice water walking, and by now it had become part of Konoha's scenery.Of course, for now, it remained the private training ground of master and disciple."The training for this stage is to cut through the rushing waterfall horizontally!""This step isn't about pursuing raw power anymore, but about training the stability and sustainability of your Chakra. You should know what I'm talking about."Jiraiya formed hand seals and used Earth Release.He built a railing-less bridge in front of the waterfall."Watch closely, just like master here—""Ha!"He rested his hand on the waterfall, and his Chakrasuddenly erupted!Starting from Jiraiya's palm, the several-meter-wide waterfall was split into top and bottom halves!The flowing water above accumulated more and more until, after several seconds, it finally broke through the Chakra barrier and cascaded down."Amazing!"Unlike watching it in an anime, only by experiencing it firsthand could Naruto truly feel the incredible power behind this waterfall-slicing feat!After the demonstration ended, Naruto began his training.Every time he erupted his Chakra, a large section of the waterfall would cave inward.That was the effect of over 200 points of Chakra Quality!Setting that aside, the actual result was mediocre."Practice at your own pace. Master will take his leave first." Seeing this, Jiraiya prepared to depart."Where are you going?" Naruto asked hastily."Leaving the village to research." A smile belonging strictly to adults appeared on Jiraiya's face. "Konoha is way too boring. How could it compare to the young ladies out there..."Naruto: "..."Now I know what you're leaving to do.To hold it in for half a year for my sake, you really worked hard, old man.Just like that, another four months passed.During these four months, nothing unexpected happened. Naruto simply relied on his daily teasing of the Nine-Tails and practicing senjutsu to collect system rewards:Musical Talent +600, Bloodline Limit Potential+160, Chakra Quality +104, Chakra Amount +60Before he realized it, Naruto had already passed his fourth birthday.However, during these days, Jiraiya frequently went outside the village, returning less and less often until he would only return once whenever it was time for senjutsu training.Today happened to be the one-year anniversary of their meeting.Now four years old, Naruto stood on the Earth Release bridge. He extended both hands into the cascading waterfall, and his Chakra surged abruptly—"Ha!"The waterfall changed.Centered around Naruto's hands, the several-meter-wide waterfall was split cleanly in two!It maintained this state for several whole seconds before slowly washing back down.Standing on the bridge, Naruto gave a thumbs-up.He asked, "How's that?"Beside the bridge, Jiraiya showed a proud smile: "As expected of my disciple."Naruto curled his lips: "It's not over yet."With that, he jumped off the Earth Release bridge, ripped a piece of tree bark off with his bare hands, and placed it on his palm.Clasping his hands together, his Chakra sliced down sharply—"Sever!"There wasn't even a crisp snap sound.When Naruto opened his hands, the bark had been cleanly divided into two pieces."You really plan on walking down this path, huh." Seeing Naruto slice the bark so easily, Jiraiyaseemed to guess Naruto's intentions."Still, it's a path nonetheless.""Extreme nature transformation might one day become a secret technique, or perhaps even a Kekkei Genkai."Naruto glared at him: "Isn't it all because you refuse to teach me Ninjutsu?"Jiraiya chuckled, seemingly unbothered by Naruto's words.Then, he said in a low voice, "Not letting children master high-power Ninjutsu is a consensus among Konoha Ninja. Besides, this isn't the Warring States Period anymore; there's no need for children to go out and slaughter on the battlefield."He added in his heart: Except under extreme circumstances.After a long pause, Jiraiya said with a hint of worry, "Little Naruto, master might have to leave for a while.""Why?" Naruto asked, puzzled."While outside the village these past days, I investigated some intelligence that caught my concern...""So during the time I'm gone, stay in the village and train hard. By the time I return, Little Naruto, you'll probably have become a grand ninja."Naruto was surprised: "How long are you leaving for?"Jiraiya stroked his chin and thought it over: "Hard to say, depends on the situation. At shortest three to five years, at longest ten years or more... What's wrong? Can't bear to see your master leave? Going to shed little pearls?""Not really—" Naruto immediately denied."Setting that aside for now," Jiraiya said, "even after I leave Konoha, your senjutsu training shouldn't stop.""So, you need to sign a contract."Jiraiya summoned a massive scroll.He placed it on the ground and unrolled it."This is Mount Myoboku's Toad Contract Scroll. Write your name on it in your own blood, and you can sign the summoning contract.""This way, even if master isn't around, you won't fall behind in your senjutsu training! How about that? Isn't your master very thoughtful?"The contract scroll of Mount Myoboku.Logically, as Jiraiya's disciple, he should have signed the contract long ago, but being so young, he shouldn't have been exposed to such dangerous things.It wasn't that Summoning Jutsu itself was dangerous, but rather the fear that a kid at this age might get itchy fingers and perform Summoning Jutsu on the streets, causing damage to Konoha.