My Techniques are a bit off

[Behold my Mystical Palm Technique!]

[Slap!]

["Why did you hit me?!" — Jiraiya, Naruto, Minato Namikaze, Hashirama Senju, the Toad Sage, the White Snake Sage, the Slug Sage, the Sage of Six Paths…]

"?!

Link jolted awake, feeling uneasy after having an inexplicable dream.

Ever since he successfully mastered the Chakra Scalpel technique over a week ago, he was on the verge of mastering the Mystical Palm Technique as well. The name sounded powerful, yet its actual meaning was ambiguous.

The word "palm" had multiple interpretations, and "mystical" could vary depending on context. Whether the terms "mystical" and "technique" were linked was even harder to decipher. The phrasing left room for endless interpretations.

How could he not let his imagination run wild? While diligently practicing, he couldn't help but wonder what the technique's effect would look like.

Last night's dream had featured him slapping the faces of several prominent sages.

"It couldn't possibly be that abstract, could it…"

Sighing, Link dismissed the thought. It wasn't like the ninja world lacked abstract techniques.

"Whatever. Time to get up and start training. A few silly techniques won't hurt amidst all the serious ones."

…

A Day in Link's Life in Konoha:

Morning started with a balanced mix of physical training and dodgeball exercises, followed by a visit to the Medical Corps' HQ to literally "touch fish" (and practice healing techniques). After lunch, he assisted at the hospital, treating a few patients.

Post-work, he returned to the training grounds to practice ninjutsu, summoning random Stand abilities, or occasionally performing summoning jutsu (a.k.a. dialing random sage calls). In the evening, he visited Nara Ensui (who was fully healed but pretending otherwise).

Dinner was typically a satisfying bowl of Ichiraku Ramen.

Back home, he enjoyed a massage from his shadow while reviewing medical knowledge and ninjutsu scrolls. His nightly routine concluded with a glass of milk and two calcium tablets before going to bed promptly at 9 p.m.

"Am I relying too much on my shadow?"

Watching it tuck him into bed, Link chuckled silently.

Could there be anyone more reliable or trustworthy than his shadow?

With a soft "click," the shadow turned off the light, closed the curtains, and arranged his slippers neatly.

The room plunged into darkness. Link closed his eyes, knowing his shadow was there—always would be there.

"Goodnight."

…

"Knock, knock, knock!"

The next morning, Link was awakened by someone tapping on his window. Still groggy, he gestured for his shadow to open it.

"Good morning, Link!" Naruto Uzumaki bounded into the room. Ever since returning from his first mission outside the village, the boy had been practically vibrating with excitement.

The shadow fetched a glass of milk from the fridge and handed it to the visitor.

"Don't people in this village know how to use doors?"

Yawning, Link sat up and glanced at Naruto. The boy did seem a bit more composed after his Land of Waves mission…

"I want to challenge you!" Naruto's eyes burned with determination. "I want to see how much stronger I've gotten compared to you!"

"Hmm…"

Link got out of bed and headed to the bathroom, dragging his slippers. "How about this afternoon? Don't you have a mission or something?"

"Uh…" Naruto gulped down his milk and wiped his mouth. "Our missions lately have been way too easy. There's no room for me to shine!"

Grumbling, he eyed the shadow cooking breakfast with envy.

"Man, this technique is just way too convenient…"

After washing up, Link replied, "Even simple missions need to be completed. That's the ninja way."

"I know, I know…" Naruto scratched the back of his head. "But Kakashi-sensei is always late. We were supposed to meet nearby half an hour ago, and I bet he won't show up for another two or three hours."

"So you decided to bother me first thing in the morning?" Link sat at the table. "Have you eaten breakfast? Join me."

Naruto patted his stomach but sat down anyway.

The shadow had prepared two servings, silently stepping aside after serving them.

"This is delicious!" Naruto exclaimed.

Link smirked. Since the shadow's cooking was essentially an extension of his own, he had spent some spare time honing his culinary skills.

Breakfast over, Link wiped his mouth. "Let's meet at Training Ground Seven this afternoon. Deal?"

"Deal!" Naruto clenched his fists, brimming with fighting spirit. "I've gotten way stronger, Link. Don't underestimate me!"

"Got it, got it."

After seeing Naruto off (the boy exited via the window again), Link changed into his running gear.

As he stepped outside to stretch, he spotted Team Seven on the street across from his apartment building.

So that's what Naruto meant by "nearby"—just downstairs.

Sasuke Uchiha leaned against a wall, staring pensively at the ground, while Sakura Haruno waved cheerfully.

Link returned the gesture and jogged off, leaving the old, cramped ninja apartments behind. These buildings, including Naruto's place near the academy, were far from the bustling heart of Konoha.

"Yo!"

A familiar green blur zipped up beside Link mid-run. Bushy brows twitched with enthusiasm.

"Good morning, Link! Let's burn our youth together!"

"Whoever finishes a lap first gets a brand-new set of nunchaku!"

"Ohhh!" A smaller green blur screamed in excitement and vanished down the street.

"Ahhh, my youth is on fire!" Might Guy howled, bolting after his mini-me.

~~~

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