----
The Uchiha cn's grounds weren't massive, but they weren't small either.
The group managed to explore the area within two hours, though their pace was slowed when Kakashi lingered in front of a particur house for a long time.
He looked uncharacteristically solemn, so no one disturbed him. However, Kakashi had already made up his mind: he needed to train harder.
Naruto, meanwhile, was most intrigued by Naka Shrine, not for the shrine itself but for its hidden basement. In the anime, even after Pain's Super Shinra Tensei devastated Konoha, the basement of Naka Shrine remained intact, sturdier than Ichiraku Ramen's shop.
Unfortunately, Naruto couldn't visit such a pce openly. Even if he managed to find a way in, Fugaku and Itachi wouldn't believe the contents of the tampered stone tablet, courtesy of Bck Zetsu.
After the visit, the team-building event concluded on a high note. Though it was vacation time, everyone had responsibilities, so they said their goodbyes.
Naruto, now a few coins richer thanks to Sasuke's unintentional generosity, was in high spirits. When he resumed his training ter that afternoon, his progress in senjutsu went surprisingly well.
---
The 61st year of the Hidden Leaf Vilge was far from peaceful. Between the attack from the Land of Sky and other internal disruptions, the vilgers had endured a lot.
Fortunately, Konoha's strength, strategic defences, and logistical support systems ensured minimal sting damage. Most vilgers could look forward to ushering in Year 62 with hope and retive stability.
For many, a sense of security came not only from the green barrier protecting the vilge or the airborne shadow guards but also from the sight of a certain blond ninja.
Wherever Naruto appeared, people knew he could whisk them to safety, be it a hospital, shelter, or police force, in an instant.
Rumours began circuting about the nature of his teleportation. Some called it "logistics jutsu" when he transported goods, and "people flow jutsu" when he transported vilgers. A few creative individuals even dubbed it Didi Crow.
What most didn't realize was that Naruto spent much of the past six months using the technique to take Hinata on mini-adventures: visiting the Land of Snow to see snow, the Land of Grass to admire grass, and the Land of Birds… to eat birds.
---
One such trip to the Land of Birds had Naruto holding a plucked bird over a fire when Hinata spoke up. "Naruto-kun, this bird is so cute. Don't eat it, okay?"
The bird, tied up and about to be roasted, gleamed with hope. 'A kind-hearted two-legged beast!'
Naruto gnced at the bird, his expression solemn. "Cute, huh? Should I add more chilli powder or cumin when roasting?"
Hinata tilted her head, pondering. "Hmm… cumin."
The bird's spirit shattered. 'Humanity is pure evil...'
After devouring his share of roasted meat, Naruto mischievously smudged a bit of oil on Hinata's cheek. She yelped in surprise, blushed furiously, and retaliated, smudging some on his face as well.
Naruto, taken aback, decided to escate. What followed was a pyful scuffle on the grassy pin, leaving both of them with colourful, oil-streaked faces and uncontrolble ughter.
When it was time to part, Hinata smiled brightly. "Naruto-kun, the new ninjutsu I've been working on is almost done!"
"Really? I can't wait to see it," Naruto replied. He had a hunch she was developing the Gentle Step Twin Lion Fists but didn't want to spoil her excitement.
"I'm also close to mastering Sage Mode," Naruto added with a grin. "I'll be able to change my eyes and get cool eye shadow. I'll show you when it's ready."
Hinata nodded eagerly. "Okay!"
---
"Argh!" Naruto scratched his hair furiously atop a stone pilr in Mount Myōboku. "Why can't I get this right? I told Hinata I'd master Sage Mode, but I'm stuck! How am I supposed to expin this?"
He considered asking "Naruko" how to draw fake eye shadow. Then he spped his forehead. 'Naruko is me. I don't even know how to draw eye shadow!'
Fukasaku watched Naruto with patience. "Calm down, Naruto. You're closer than you think. But the more impatient you get, the harder it will be to take that final step."
"I know!" Naruto groaned. "But I feel like I'm so close and yet, nothing!"
"Let's try again," Fukasaku said, guiding Naruto to the top of the pilr once more. He pced a sb in front of Naruto. "Focus. Calm your mind. Imagine you're a rock…"
Naruto tried to follow Fukasaku's instructions, but the word "rock" made his thoughts wander. 'A rock? Looking for a home?' His mental tune shifted to the lyrics of a random folk song.
"Whoosh!" Naruto toppled from the pilr again. He groaned. "Can we stop with the rock metaphors?"
Fukasaku sighed but adjusted his approach. "Alright. Just focus on the natural energy around you. Let it flow into you gently."
Naruto tried again, this time managing to stay calm… until his mind compared the training setup to Journey to the West.
Before he realized it, his thoughts shifted to whether eating a bite of his own chakra-filled body would grant someone immortality.
He quickly dismissed the idea, imagining the absurdity of being in a ninja world.
"Whoosh!" He fell again.
Fukasaku stared bnkly. "Naruto…"
"Sorry! I'm trying!" Naruto ughed nervously, scratching his head. Despite the repeated failures, he had felt a small breakthrough just before falling.
---
Naruto continued training te into the night, determined to succeed. By 1:30 a.m., he was still on the stone pilr, teetering between exhaustion and resolve.
Even Fukasaku had to intervene. "That's enough for tonight. Go home, Naruto. You're overworking yourself."
Naruto sheepishly agreed. "Sorry, I just didn't want to stop. It's like… when you say you'll py one more round of a game but end up pulling an all-nighter."
Despite his frustration, Naruto left with a flicker of hope. 'I'm almost there. Just one more push...'
----
Like for more chapters!??????
For early access to advanced chapters on p@treon.
P@treon/iamxeno
Thank you so much for your support and for reading!
