"This child... is even better than I thought."
"I understand. I will go with you."
"Yes."
Sarutobi Hiruzen changed into his old combat attire, a set of clothes he hadn't worn in years. The last time he had donned this uniform was during the Nine-Tails' attack on the village.
To borrow the words of an experienced warrior—no true ninja's battle gear should remain pristine and untouched.
In the restricted archives of the Hokage Building, Oshikuma stood before the Forbidden Scroll, securely sealed within a complex formation. His outstretched hand hesitated for a moment.
"No, this isn't right. Naruto's strength is growing too fast. If his Will of Fire doesn't develop alongside it, he could easily lose control."
He took a deep breath and withdrew his hand.
"Step by step. If we rush this, he'll rely solely on the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique in battle. Against a formidable enemy, that limitation will become a weakness."
He narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. "When the time comes, I'll teach him the Flying Thunder God from this scroll... but only when he's ready. Even if he can't master it, there are plenty of other techniques to choose from."
His gaze darkened. "Besides, Jiraiya should be returning soon. He has the key to Naruto's seal. More than a decade has passed—he won't stay away much longer."
In the original timeline, Orochimaru had tampered with Naruto's seal during the Chunin Exams.
The Nine-Tails' seal was a combination of the Four Symbols Seal and the Eight Trigrams Seal. Minato had deliberately left a small gap to allow Naruto to access the Nine-Tails' chakra, helping him integrate it into his own.
Orochimaru had seen through this and promptly disrupted the flow by adding the Five Elements Seal, severing Naruto's connection to Kurama.
It was partly a move against Jiraiya and partly a taunt toward his former teammate.
"Naruto."
"Hey, it's Old Man Third!"
Naruto turned to see Hokage-sama and Kakashi approaching. A flicker of disappointment crossed his face before he quickly masked it.
No big deal. No rush.
If nothing changed, the Third Hokage would eventually be killed by Orochimaru.
But that would be too easy for him.
"Grandpa, are you going to teach me ninjutsu yourself?"
Hiruzen chuckled. "Of course! Haven't I always been the one teaching you?"
Oshikuma shamelessly took credit without the slightest hint of guilt.
Sasuke frowned slightly, while Sakura looked skeptical. But before she could voice her doubts, Naruto discreetly signaled her, and she quickly caught on.
"Oh, that explains why Naruto is so strong! He was trained by the Hokage himself!"
"That's right! Lord Hokage is known as the 'Professor of Ninjutsu' across the ninja world!"
Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction. Generating a little admiration never hurt.
"Grandpa, let's get started! What jutsu are you going to teach me?"
He smiled. "Do you remember what I told you when you were younger? That I'd give you a gift when you graduated?"
Naruto's eyes widened. "Of course! I remember everything!"
"Good. This gift... I hear you haven't learned the Shadow Clone Technique yet?"
"Uh-huh!"
The Third Hokage put his hands behind his back, adopting a solemn expression. "Naruto, you've likely noticed that your chakra reserves far exceed those of ordinary shinobi—even my own."
Naruto nodded eagerly.
"Because of that, I've chosen a technique that suits you best."
"What is it?!"
"It's a forbidden jutsu."
Sakura gasped. "A forbidden jutsu?!"
Sasuke subtly leaned in to listen. Even Kakashi focused his attention on Naruto, observing his reaction closely.
Hiruzen continued, "For others, this technique is forbidden. But for you, Naruto, it isn't."
He paused before revealing, "It's the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique."
"Why is it forbidden?" Naruto asked curiously.
Hiruzen chuckled. "For most shinobi, creating too many clones is dangerous. The more clones a ninja produces, the more chakra is divided between them. If someone with limited chakra tries to use this technique, they could drain themselves completely and die."
"But for you, Naruto, that won't be a problem. Your chakra reserves are enormous. This technique will be one of your greatest assets."
Naruto clenched his fists in excitement. "I understand!"
Sasuke scowled. Tch. He gets a forbidden jutsu while I'm stuck training chakra control...
"Alright, let's begin," Hiruzen said, rolling his shoulders as he prepared for the lesson.
Kakashi glanced at Sakura. "Come with me. I'm taking you to a teacher who can give you special training."
Sakura blinked. "Really?! Yes!"
She pumped her fists. "Naruto-kun, do your best~!"
Sasuke narrowed his eyes. Something feels off, but whatever.
"Kakashi-sensei, where are we going?" Sakura asked as they walked away.
Kakashi shoved his hands into his pockets. "You'll find out soon enough. After today's mission, you'll begin your special training. It's not mandatory—you can decide if you want to continue."
Sakura frowned, picking up on his unspoken message. The training will be intense, and he doesn't think I can handle it.
Her fists clenched. I'll show him. I won't back down!
Not long after, her resolve began to waver.
"Yosh~!"
"Kakashi! My eternal rival!"
At another training ground, Might Guy stood with his arms crossed, watching someone perform one-handed push-ups. His voice boomed with enthusiasm.
"Ah, the burning passion of youth, Lee! Keep going!"
Nearby, Neji focused on his Gentle Fist training, striking a wooden training post with precise movements. Every day, he found himself avoiding the two green-clad shinobi, while a few half-dead fish lay on a nearby stone with an auxiliary scroll—clear evidence of his daily attempts at the Palm Sage Technique.
As he meditated, Might Guy's voice shattered the peaceful atmosphere.
Kakashi had arrived, bringing along Sakura.
Guy's gaze locked onto her, and his smile widened. His teeth sparkled in the sunlight.
"Kakashi, this child lacks training. Her physical stamina is far too low. Please leave her in my care for special training."
"Hahaha! Don't worry! I'm the best at this!" Guy declared, raising his thumb.
The light bouncing off his teeth flashed in Sakura's eyes. She blinked, momentarily blinded.
Sakura stared at Guy, then at Lee.
Her expression screamed disbelief.
Their thick eyebrows… They were identical!
"Hehe… hahaha…" Sakura let out an awkward but polite chuckle.
"Sakura-chan!"
Lee, suddenly inspired, increased his push-up speed.
"Ninety-nine… one hundred… ten thousand!"
"Sensei! I've finished— Ahhh!"
Bang!
A flying kick from Might Guy sent Lee airborne.
"Discipline, Lee! Never let distractions interfere with your training!"
"I swear upon the fires of youth that I shall remain steadfast!"
"Sensei!"
"Lee!"
"Sensei!!"
"Lee!!"
The scene was… overwhelming.
Kakashi coughed, bringing attention back.
"Ahem, well, Sakura, if you want to improve, this isn't the only way. But… this training is the most effective for you right now. It's up to you whether you accept it."
Kakashi patted her shoulder in sympathy.
Sakura: o(╥﹏╥)o
She took a deep breath, forcing herself to stand firm. "Thank you, Sensei. I'll do my best!"
"Glad to hear it." Kakashi smiled.
At that moment, Guy and Lee returned—upside down.
"Yo!"
"The flames of youth burn brightly today!"
Guy proudly presented a training suit.
"Sakura! This is the special outfit I prepared just for you! When you put it on, you'll feel the power of youth surge within!"
Thud.
A bright green jumpsuit landed in front of her.
Sakura forced a smile, tears forming in her eyes.
"D-Do I really have to wear it?"
"Of course not!" Guy assured her, before grinning. "But I highly recommend it!"
"Yes! Sakura-chan, embrace youth with us!" Lee cheered.
Before Sakura could respond, Tenten appeared, rubbing her temple.
"Sakura, you don't have to listen to them. Just train with me instead."
She pulled Sakura away before things escalated further. If she stayed too long, she might actually give in and wear the suit.
Tenten shuddered at the thought.
Even Neji, usually composed, twitched at the memory.
He had tried it on once.
It had been the most humiliating moment of his life.
With a promise to return, Sakura followed Kakashi back, though the psychological trauma of meeting the 'Green Beasts' would take a few days to overcome.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the village…
Sasuke steadied his breathing.
"Finally… finally, I did it! I can learn ninjutsu too!"
He dashed toward the training ground where Kakashi and Sakura had just returned.
Sakura, red-faced, was doing push-ups nearby.
I need to build muscle… she thought. I must get stronger… (╥﹏╥)
Tenten, watching from the side, sighed.
"Sakura, relax. Girls don't bulk up that easily. Besides, do you really want a six-pack on your stomach?"
Sakura didn't respond. She was still convinced she'd bulk up overnight.
"Hey, looks like Sasuke finished his training too," Tenten noted.
Kakashi nodded. "Not bad. Although it took you the longest, it's still an accomplishment."
Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "Hmph. So, will you finally teach me a real jutsu?"
Kakashi scratched his chin, deep in thought.
"Hmm… Because of Naruto, you guys have been advancing too fast. I haven't decided what to teach you next."
He crossed his arms. "Well… the Uchiha are best known for their Fire Style techniques. How about I teach you Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique?"
Sasuke twitched.
"Are you serious?!"
Seeing Sasuke's impending explosion, Kakashi chuckled.
"Just kidding. I'll think of something more fitting."
Sasuke clenched his fists. "You better."
At that moment—
Bang! Bang! Bang!
A chain of sonic booms erupted, shaking the training ground.
White smoke flooded the area.
Sasuke snapped his head toward the noise, frowning.
Sakura, mid-squat, paused in confusion.
Kakashi… felt a twinge of jealousy.
Unlike the others, he knew exactly what had happened.
As the smoke cleared, Sasuke and Sakura's eyes widened in shock.
Their jaws nearly hit the floor.
Even Kakashi, who had braced himself, felt a shiver run down his spine.
Not only was his chakra ridiculous, but he even used Shadow Clones so effortlessly…
"How many Earth Style: Earth Flow Walls could be placed here?!"