Chapter 34: Progress
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The last two weeks showcased the true power of the Shadow Clone Technique.
From morning to night, Naruto's main body focused on forging, while his clones handled everything else—training, eating, and even sleeping. When he mastered the hammer techniques, he began forging with weighted equipment, further pushing his limits.
Uncle Xuan praised: "You've transitioned from brute strength to finesse. Well done."
Naruto also sparred with Uncle Xuan daily, honing his swordsmanship. Meanwhile, two hundred clones split their time: one hundred practiced wind release by cutting wood, while the other hundred trained in water release.
Uncle Xuan couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy at Naruto's seemingly endless chakra reserves. To vent his frustration, he often pushed Naruto's clones to their limits during sparring, forcing them to dispel from exhaustion.
As the final day approached, Naruto set down his hammer.
Naruto: "Uncle, let me treat you to a meal as thanks for everything you've taught me this month."
Over the past month, Naruto had grown tremendously. He now felt confident enough to face Haku in a one-on-one fight, all thanks to Uncle Xuan's guidance. He genuinely wanted to express his gratitude.
Uncle Xuan: "A restaurant? That's boring. Let's hunt some wild game. I'll cook, and you'll see what real flavor is."
Naruto grinned: "Sounds great! I'll follow your lead."
Uncle Xuan wasn't exaggerating. The meal was unforgettable—rabbit, fish, snake, and wild boar, all expertly prepared. The sheer amount of food they consumed was staggering, far beyond what an ordinary person could handle.
As Naruto's body grew stronger, his appetite had increased dramatically.
Uncle Xuan, proudly: "How's the food?"
Naruto, mouth full: "Amazing! I'm afraid I'll get spoiled. No one else's cooking will compare."
Uncle Xuan laughed: "You've got a way with words, kid. I like that."
Naruto, sincerely: "I mean it."
The two shared a hearty laugh, their bond stronger than ever.
After the feast, Uncle Xuan handed Naruto a metal box containing the remaining live steel.
Uncle Xuan: "You're really leaving this with me?"
Naruto, lazily sprawled on the ground: "I don't have time to forge right now. It's safer with you. I'll come back when I need something new."
Uncle Xuan nodded, patting the box: "Alright. Since you trust me, I'll keep it safe."
Back at the shop, Uncle Xuan gestured to the shelves. "Take a look. If there's anything you can use, it's yours."
Naruto's eyes immediately landed on the explosive tags.
Naruto: "Explosive tags! I'll take those!"
Uncle Xuan chuckled: "Didn't you buy forty before? Used them all already?"
Naruto: "I had to. Otherwise, I wouldn't have gotten that sword."
Uncle Xuan grinned: "Forty explosive tags for a kilogram of live steel? That's a steal!"
He handed Naruto fifteen high-grade explosive tags, far more powerful than the standard ones.
Uncle Xuan: "These are top-tier. Each one's worth tens of thousands. Use them wisely. Next time, you'll have to pay."
Naruto's eyes gleamed. These will come in handy.
To avoid suspicion, he also grabbed forty ordinary tags to divert Kakashi's attention.
As Naruto prepared to leave, Uncle Xuan grew serious.
Uncle Xuan: "Be careful with those tags. Don't let anyone know where you got them."
Naruto nodded: "I won't say a word."
Uncle Xuan: "And be smart on missions. Even simple ones can be deadly. Many talented ninja don't live long enough to reach their potential."
Naruto smiled: "Don't worry. With my Shadow Clones, escaping is my specialty."
Uncle Xuan: "Good. And don't show off Qingxiu too much. A blade like that can attract trouble."
Naruto: "I understand. I'll keep it hidden."
Uncle Xuan handed him a scroll and a hammer: "This hammer's special. It adjusts its weight with chakra. And the scroll contains my forging notes. Don't waste your talent."
Naruto bowed deeply. "Thank you, Master Guimaru."
Guimaru was the name Uncle Xuan had inherited but felt unworthy of. Naruto, however, used it sincerely, showing his respect.
As Naruto walked away, Uncle Xuan sighed.
Uncle Xuan muttered: "What a kid. Smart, talented, and hardworking. If only Chiba's daughter were interested... Ah, well. It'll be interesting when they meet."
Back home, Naruto opened the scroll and examined the hammer. It was surprisingly light until he channeled chakra into it, causing its weight to increase.
Naruto murmured: "He really went all out..."
He then reviewed the forging notes, reflecting on how far he'd come since arriving in this world.
Naruto's Progress:
Shadow Clone Technique: His most valuable skill. Without it, he wouldn't have passed the graduation exam or progressed so quickly.
Chakra Affinities: He now had four—wind (from the original Naruto), water (from the Demon Brothers and Zabuza), ice (from Haku), and yang (from Kurama). Though he couldn't fully control them yet, they held immense potential.
Forging Knowledge: Not only had he strengthened his body through forging, but he'd also gained skills that could make him a renowned swordsmith.
Qingxiu: The legendary sword he'd forged. Its ability to cut through iron like butter and extend with chakra made it a priceless weapon.
Swordsmanship: He could now hold his own against skilled opponents like Haku, at least in pure swordplay.
Transformation and Substitution Techniques: Combined with Shadow Clones, these skills made him incredibly versatile.
Live Steel: He still had a significant amount stored with Uncle Xuan, along with over five million ryo in savings.
Naruto adjusted his weighted gear to 50%—410 kilograms. The strain was immense, forcing him to use chakra to walk without sinking into the ground.
Naruto muttered: "Once I get used to this weight, I should be ready to open the first Gate..."
What would have taken three months—or even half a year—had been drastically shortened thanks to the forging techniques that tempered his body.
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