Changing Fate As Naruto

Time flew like an arrow. After bidding farewell to the Third Hokage and Uchiha Fugaku, Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke began their special training under Jiraiya's guidance. In the blink of an eye, more than a full year had already passed...

To make the most of their time, the trio packed survival gear and dove into Training Ground Three, beginning an intense, secluded period of training that yielded great rewards.

In the depths of Training Ground Three, before a roaring waterfall surrounded by dense forest—

Under Jiraiya's watchful eye, two small figures sat beneath the crashing falls, meditating. At first, they managed to endure the downpour with ease, but as time passed, their stamina and chakra were gradually depleted. Eventually, they could no longer withstand the intense pressure. With startled cries, their small figures lost balance, slipping from the slick stones and plunging into the stream. Bubbles rose as they sank, and the suffocating sensation of drowning quickly shocked them back into awareness.

Soon, two soaked little heads surfaced from the water, gasping. They paddled weakly to the shore and collapsed on the grass, lying flat on their backs as they greedily inhaled the fresh air.

Though it was hard to tell how much their ninjutsu had improved just by looking, the firm outlines of muscle beneath their drenched clothes and their noticeable height increase were proof enough of their progress over the past year.

"Huff... huff... dammit... I was so close... just a bit more and I'd have pulled it off..."

Compared to the completely exhausted Sasuke, Naruto, thanks to the Uzumaki Clan's exceptional stamina, still had enough strength to mutter. Gasping, he caught the Ration Pill tossed by Jiraiya, popped it into his mouth, chewed, and swallowed. Though his complaints were slurred, his eyes sparkled with satisfaction. Clearly, he was happy with the results of their training.

'This method was weird, sure… but it actually worked better than I expected. It took a lot more time, but I finally got the hang of it. Next time, I'll definitely complete the training goal!'

As the pill took effect, and with his naturally strong vitality aiding recovery, Naruto's chakra hadn't fully returned, but his stamina was nearly back to normal. Bending his knees, he sprang up in a Carp Jump and rolled up his soaked sleeves, looking eager to take on the waterfall again.

"Whoa there... Naruto, confidence is great, but don't rush it. You two are completely spent, and it's already getting late. Let's wrap up for today, go home and rest. We'll continue tomorrow."

After explaining a few key training points, Jiraiya, who'd been watching silently with his legs crossed, finally got up as Naruto prepared to go again. Yawning and lazily lifting a hand to stop him, he hid the twitching at the corner of his mouth as he muttered inwardly:

'Good grief... What, is the title "genius" free these days? I thought only Naruto, Hyuga Neji, and Uchiha Itachi had that kind of terrifying, Kage-level potential. Who would've thought this Sasuke brat was also this insane when he got serious? When Fukasaku taught me this method, it took me a whole week to crack it. These two are already close to succeeding in just three days?!'[1]

Of course, this wasn't the first time Jiraiya had been emotionally overwhelmed by these two monsters. Ever since training them, he'd taken on the role of comic relief, constantly grumbling in disbelief at their early completions. By now, he could probably do stand-up comedy just ranting about these two without repeating himself for hours.

Because of that, he no longer knew whether to laugh or cry. Naruto and Sasuke's progress had crushed his ego so thoroughly that his expressions had gone from slack-jawed shock to numb indifference. But strangely enough, the sense of defeat had strengthened his will. His resolve grew firmer, and he found himself improving again after a long plateau.

Of course, there was no way Jiraiya would ever admit that he was being outdone by two brats. He swore to take that humiliation to his grave!

"Huh? It's already late?" Naruto blinked and glanced around. "Wait, wait, wait! Since when was the moon that high?! Wasn't it just noon?!"

"Noon? That was ages ago, kid. Don't tell me you were half-asleep during training and didn't even notice the time?" Jiraiya chuckled, watching Naruto's baffled face slowly return to focus. With a playful smirk, he tossed them both freshly warmed clothes. "Here. Get changed. The night's cold, and if you stay wet, you'll be stuck in bed with a cold tomorrow."

Having been a teacher and student himself, Jiraiya knew how dangerous it was for young bodies like theirs to be pushed too hard. One or two times was okay, but a full year of intense training was already pushing their limits. Any more would cause long-term damage.

Naruto understood this, too. Jiraiya's words now mirrored things Naruto had said to Sasuke in the past. In the beginning, he used to end training on time, but now, aside from meals and necessities, he'd devoted himself entirely to improving. It wasn't just about power—it was a shift in mindset.

With Jiraiya, the same man who trained two Hokage (Minato and Naruto), guiding him, Naruto not only solved the problems he encountered quickly, but also grew deeply interested in ninjutsu. The thrill of progress replaced the struggle of endurance.

What used to be tedious and repetitive had become captivating and fun. That change, more than his growth in power, was what truly made Naruto happy. After all, loving the process always trumps enduring it.

'Right... If I don't let Sasuke go home now, forget Uncle Fugaku and Aunt Mikoto—even Itachi-san might come charging in ready to rip my heart out.'

Though Naruto had adult-level willpower and Uzumaki vitality, the same couldn't be said for the barely-conscious fan beside him. After a brief pause, he nodded and smiled, accepting Jiraiya's advice. With a shrug, he playfully responded, marking the end of their year-long training.

"Thanks for everything, Grandpa Jiraiya. We'll head home now!"

"Go, go, get lost! Finally, I'm free... I've stared at your bratty faces for a whole year—I'm practically a monk now! No, seriously, I need to find some hot young ladies to soothe my broken soul. If I become a cold fish, how am I supposed to marry Tsunade?!"

Their bond had long surpassed that of master and student. Though he shooed them away with a foul mouth, his gaze was soft, full of pride and affection. After a moment, he reached out, gently ruffling their wet hair like a grandpa seeing off his grandkids.

"Be careful on the way. Good night. Go get some sleep, you little runts."