NOVEL NEXT Chapter 14: Chains of Strength: A Test of Teamwork
As the sun rose over Konoha, Naruto and Hana woke up and headed to the bathroom to freshen up and change into their training clothes. They made their way downstairs for breakfast, savoring the calm before what they knew would be a challenging day.
During breakfast, Kushina suddenly spoke up, "Today, you two will be sparring against me. Only taijutsu and non-chakra ninjutsu, with chakra chains allowed. We'll train in the backyard." Naruto and Hana exchanged a quick, determined nod, knowing how intense their mother could be when it came to training.
After finishing their meal, the three of them moved to the backyard, where Naruto and Hana took their places on one side, with Kushina standing on the opposite side, her stance radiating a confident readiness. The air between them grew tense, as each of them readied themselves for the upcoming battle.
"Remember," Kushina instructed, her voice firm but encouraging, "focus on your taijutsu techniques and how you use your chakra chains. This is about precision and control."
Naruto and Hana exchanged a glance, silently planning their approach, and then sprang into action. Naruto charged in first, his fists moving in a blur, while Hana stayed close behind, positioning herself strategically to back him up.
Kushina anticipated Naruto's opening move and blocked his punch, redirecting his momentum with practiced ease. He quickly pivoted, aiming a low kick at her legs, but she evaded by jumping gracefully, her long, red hair swirling around her like a fiery aura.
As Kushina landed, Hana saw her opportunity and launched a series of rapid punches, targeting her mother's torso. Kushina blocked each one with smooth precision, her face showing only a slight hint of effort. Hana's strikes were well-timed and focused, each one testing Kushina's defenses and searching for an opening. Naruto took advantage of Hana's distraction, launching a spinning kick aimed at Kushina's midsection.
Kushina sidestepped the kick, deflecting it and pushing both of them back with a quick burst of strength. "Good! Keep your movements sharp and pay attention to each other's cues," she encouraged, her eyes shining with pride.
Realizing they'd need to step up, Naruto and Hana activated their chakra chains. Naruto focused, and his Abyssal Void Chain appeared around his arm, a shadowy, dark energy swirling within it. Beside him, Hana's Heavenly Storm Chain materialized, crackling with lightning.
Naruto took the lead, swinging his Abyssal Void Chain in a wide arc toward Kushina, attempting to trap her. But Kushina, an experienced chain user herself, sidestepped the chain with fluid ease, evading its reach.
Seizing the opportunity, Hana launched her Heavenly Storm Chain, the air crackling with energy as it surged toward her mother. Kushina reacted quickly, raising her arm to block, and the chain wrapped around her forearm, sparking with electricity.
Naruto followed up, aiming his chain at Kushina's legs to immobilize her. Sensing their strategy, Kushina focused her chakra and, with a sudden surge of energy, broke free, twisting out of their combined grip.
"You're both improving," Kushina praised, a hint of pride in her voice. "But remember, stay focused!"
As a test of their reflexes, Kushina stepped back and swiftly threw a shuriken toward them. Naruto and Hana dodged the attack, the shuriken embedding itself in the ground behind them. Naruto quickly retaliated, launching his own shuriken in a spread pattern to limit her movements, while Hana flanked her from the side.
Kushina weaved through the shuriken with impressive speed, but Hana anticipated her next move and threw a kunai in her path, forcing Kushina to block rather than dodge.
Taking advantage of the pause, Naruto and Hana closed in, combining their taijutsu and chakra chain techniques. Hana aimed a high kick toward Kushina's shoulder while Naruto swung his chain low to sweep her legs. Kushina ducked under the kick and, with swift reflexes, dodged Naruto's chain by a narrow margin.
Hana was ready, her Heavenly Storm Chain surging forward in a lightning-charged arc. Kushina blocked the chain with her arm, sparks flying from the impact. Her expression shifted momentarily as she realized they had caught her off guard.
In a synchronized final move, Naruto unleashed a rapid series of punches while Hana used her chain to restrict Kushina's movements. Their teamwork was precise and relentless, each sibling reading the other's intentions and adapting seamlessly.
Kushina, though blocking and countering with speed, began to feel the pressure of their assault. Hana's chain grazed her side, creating an opening for Naruto to land a solid punch on her shoulder. Kushina's eyes widened, impressed by their progress.
After a few more exchanges, Kushina raised her hand to signal the end. "Enough! You've both improved tremendously," she said, breathing a little heavier but smiling proudly. "Your teamwork and precision are better than ever."
Naruto and Hana, panting from exertion, grinned with pride. Earning their mother's approval was a hard-won achievement, and they felt more motivated than ever to continue growing stronger.
"Keep up this level of dedication," Kushina encouraged warmly. "Soon, you'll be able to give me a real challenge."
The twins exchanged a determined look, both knowing they were just beginning to unlock their true potential.
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Author's Note
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