NOVEL NEXT Chapter 13: Chapter 12:[Progress ll]
Another few months passed, and Naruto's training progressed steadily. His knowledge of fūinjutsu had expanded significantly, with the boy now capable of creating custom storage seals and experimenting with basic defensive barriers.
Kurama's guidance proved invaluable, not only in helping him refine his techniques but also in ensuring he didn't accidentally blow himself up while experimenting.
His chakra chains had become a formidable tool. Naruto learned to use them in combat scenarios, working on fluidly summoning and controlling them to bind, block, or attack.
The chains were still far from perfect, and he could only summon them for a limited time, but the potential was clear.
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One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the training ground, Kurama spoke up.
Brat, you've been making good progress, but it's time to test you in a real challenge.
Naruto wiped sweat from his brow, raising an eyebrow. "Real challenge? What do you mean? I've been working my butt off every day!"
Seals and chains are all well and good, Kurama said, his tone laced with amusement. But you're not just an Uzumaki. You're my jinchūriki. That means you've got access to something most people could only dream of—my chakra.
Naruto froze, his heart skipping a beat. "Your chakra? You mean… I can finally learn to use it?"
Kurama's deep chuckle echoed in his mind. Of course. It's not just there to sit around, brat. But don't get cocky. My chakra is powerful, and if you're not careful, it'll overwhelm you. That's why we're going to start small.
Naruto swallowed his nerves, nodding. "Alright, furball. Let's do this."
"Stop calling me furball".
Kurama guided him through the process, explaining how to draw on his chakra in small amounts. The first few attempts were shaky—Naruto's body trembled under the strain, and the red aura flickered and sputtered around him.
But with each attempt, he grew more accustomed to the sensation, learning to control the wild energy that coursed through him.
Good, Kurama said, a hint of approval in his voice. You're starting to get the hang of it. But don't push too hard. Take it slow.Let your body get used to it.
Naruto grinned, the faint red glow of Kurama's chakra surrounding him. "Slow? That's not my style!"
Stubborn brat, Kurama muttered, though there was no malice in his tone.
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Despite his intense training, Naruto's behavior at the Academy remained unchanged. He continued to play the part of the loud, bumbling idiot, drawing laughter from his classmates and scorn from his teachers.
Sasuke had solidified his position as the top student, his talent and drive unmatched. Though Naruto kept his distance, he occasionally caught glimpses of the pain hidden behind Sasuke's cold exterior.
The Uchiha's quest for strength was relentless, and Naruto couldn't help but wonder if they were more alike than either of them thought.
It was a quiet afternoon when Naruto finally decided to address something that had been bothering him for weeks.
For nearly two months, he'd felt Hinata's presence trailing him, her Byakugan undoubtedly active as she watched him from a safe distance.
At first, he thought it was his imagination, but Kurama's dry comments confirmed his suspicions.
Brat, she's been following you like a lost pup. It's getting annoying. Just confront her already.
"I know, I know," Naruto muttered, perched on a tree branch in his usual training spot outside the village. "I just don't wanna scare her off. She's... different, y'know? Not like the other kids."
Different or not, this stalking routine is pathetic. Either scare her off or do something useful with her.
Naruto sighed, standing up and stretching. "Fine. Let's see what she's up to."
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Author's notes.
Please give me power stones for extra chapters.