Chapter 43: Chapter 43: Is It Necessary to Have So Many People?
The next day, at the Uchiha Compound.
Inside one of the rooms, Sasuke stood awkwardly, glancing at the group of people before him.
"Is it really necessary to have this many people just to take a photo?" he asked hesitantly.
Naruto, holding a camera, replied confidently, "You don't understand, Sasuke. This is a professional operation."
He gestured towards the others, elaborating, "I'm the photographer, Sakura is the lighting technician, and Ino is the makeup artist. Everything is essential for perfection."
Haruno Sakura stepped forward, holding a stick wrapped in wires, with a lightbulb attached at the end. She smiled encouragingly. "Come on, Sasuke. Don't be shy; it's just us here."
"Exactly," Ino chimed in, her tone carrying a mischievous undertone. "Relax, we're all friends here."
Sasuke hesitated for a moment but eventually resigned himself to their plan, his shoulders slumping in defeat. After what felt like hours of meticulous preparation and multiple takes, the photoshoot was finally over. Sasuke retreated to the bathroom, a numb expression on his face, as the sound of running water filled the room.
Meanwhile, Sakura and Ino took the photos and started strategizing their sales approach.
Not long after, Sasuke emerged from the bathroom, freshly changed and with a determined look on his face. He turned to Naruto and said, "I'm ready. Let's begin."
Naruto nodded approvingly. "Alright then. Attack me with all your strength, and I'll evaluate where you stand right now."
---
Sasuke's Determination
Hearing Naruto's words, Sasuke's excitement bubbled up. This was the moment he had been waiting for. After enduring all the indignities and putting aside his pride, he was finally going to receive Naruto's personal guidance.
The two left the compound and headed toward a nearby river. Once there, Sasuke activated his Sharingan, its crimson hue glinting in the sunlight.
"My Sharingan allows me to copy movements, replicate techniques, and enhance my vision. Naruto, don't hold back," Sasuke declared confidently before charging at full speed.
Naruto, however, remained composed. With his eyes closed, he relied solely on his combat instincts to predict Sasuke's moves. Despite Sasuke's flurry of punches and kicks, Naruto blocked each one with effortless precision, using only one hand.
After a brief exchange, Naruto decided it was time to take the offensive. With a swift motion, he grabbed Sasuke's arm, twisted it, and sent him crashing into the river. The splash echoed in the serene environment, and Sasuke surfaced moments later, coughing and drenched.
In the water, Sasuke replayed Naruto's movements in his mind. The gap between their abilities was staggering, far greater than he had anticipated. It felt like a child trying to fight an experienced adult.
Dragging himself back to shore, Sasuke admitted defeat. "I lost."
Naruto pulled Sasuke to his feet and evaluated him. "Your taijutsu is impressive for your age. Among your peers, you're definitely in the top tier."
Sasuke blinked in surprise. "Top tier? Really?"
Naruto nodded. "Yes, but you're still lacking in key areas. Your body is strong enough from constant training, but what you need now are refined techniques and practical combat experience."
Hearing this, Sasuke's spirits lifted. He eagerly asked, "What's the plan, then?"
---
Naruto's Training Plan
Naruto outlined the schedule. "On Tuesdays and Thursdays, you'll challenge me in combat. Learning from defeat is essential. Every Monday, I'll teach you a new technique until you master it. Once you reach a certain level, we'll start taking missions together."
Sasuke listened intently, his heart racing with anticipation. He could already envision himself growing stronger under Naruto's guidance.
Naruto continued, "We'll accept missions to gain experience and, more importantly, to expose you to real combat situations where you'll see blood. That's how you truly grow as a ninja."
Though the mention of blood made Sasuke's chest tighten, he wasn't afraid. He nodded resolutely. "Understood."
"Good," Naruto replied. "Now, let's begin. I'll teach you today's technique."
Naruto walked to the edge of the river, where Sasuke had fallen earlier. He turned back and asked, "Do you know why you fell into the water?"
Sasuke hesitated. "Because... I'm heavier?"
Naruto smirked. Instead of answering, he stepped onto the river's surface. To Sasuke's amazement, Naruto stood effortlessly on the water, as if it were solid ground.
"How are you doing that?!" Sasuke exclaimed, his Sharingan spinning in astonishment.
"This is the technique I'll teach you today," Naruto explained. "It's all about controlling your chakra. By focusing chakra on the soles of your feet, you can stick to any surface, including water."
Naruto paused, giving Sasuke a moment to absorb the information. "Treading water might be challenging for you initially. Start by practicing tree climbing."
"Tree climbing?" Sasuke echoed, confused.
Naruto nodded. "Yes. Use your chakra to stick to the tree trunk and climb it without using your hands. It's the foundation for mastering this skill."
Sasuke's eyes lit up with determination. "Got it. I'll give it a shot."
---
Sasuke's Practice
Sasuke immediately approached a large tree. Following Naruto's instructions, he concentrated his chakra on his feet. As he lifted his foot to place it on the trunk, he felt a slight suction, almost like an adhesive.
"So, this is chakra control," Sasuke muttered, a smile tugging at his lips. He began his practice in earnest, climbing higher with each attempt.
Satisfied with Sasuke's progress, Naruto turned to leave. "Keep practicing. I'll check on you later."
Sasuke, focused on mastering the technique, barely noticed Naruto's departure.
---
Naruto's Errand
By the time the sun reached its zenith, Naruto was on his way to Ichiraku Ramen. After enjoying a hearty meal, he returned home for a brief rest before heading to Konoha's main gate.
Although it was peacetime, Konoha's security measures required anyone leaving the village to register. As Naruto approached the gate, one of the gatekeepers, Kotetsu Hagane, greeted him.
"Naruto? Are you planning to leave the village? Do you have a mission permit from Lord Hokage?" Kotetsu asked, puzzled.
Naruto frowned slightly. "Why would I need a mission permit? I'm not a Jinchūriki anymore."
Kotetsu blinked in confusion, momentarily stunned. He then remembered the rumors: the Nine-Tails had escaped, leaving Naruto as an ordinary ninja. This revelation had sent shockwaves through the village, as many had believed Naruto to be the embodiment of the demon fox.
"Well, it's just standard protocol," Kotetsu finally said, handing Naruto the registration sheet.
Naruto shrugged and quickly filled out the form, writing his name and the time of his departure. Once the formalities were done, he left the village and ventured into the surrounding wilderness.
---
Into the Jungle
Naruto chose a less-traveled path, leaving behind the bustling village streets. The dense forest welcomed him with its quiet serenity. His steps were purposeful as he navigated the terrain, his mind focused on the tasks ahead.
The training with Sasuke was just the beginning. Naruto knew that the road to strength wasn't a solitary journey. With the bonds he was forging, he believed they could all grow stronger together.
The journey was far from over, but Naruto was determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
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