Looking at his own situation, Akira Uchiha considered himself barely at the entry level of Kage rank. Might Guy, after opening the Seventh Gate, could temporarily boost his strength to the Kage level. So, in total, they had only two Kage-level fighters.
Given that they were both injured and poisoned, it wasn't exactly surprising that they got wiped out by Orochimaru and Sasori of the Red Sand.
Also, it's worth mentioning that back in Konoha, when Akira took down the Third Hokage, he had to open the Eighth Gate and use the Dead Gate.
This information had likely spread throughout the entire ninja world.
So, if Orochimaru and his allies really wanted to take Akira down, it seemed they had already devised a specific strategy to counter him.
As a result, Akira hadn't even managed to open the Eighth Gate before he was killed.
This is why, Akira mused, it's always important to keep a trump card or two hidden. If all your abilities are exposed, others can easily devise a counter-strategy against you.
Sigh, Akira thought. "In the Akatsuki, Orochimaru and Sasori could definitely be called the Poison Duo... or maybe the Science Duo?"
"Yet again, this falls on the shoulders of the Third Hokage and Danzo. They pushed Orochimaru, a top-tier asset, to defect from Konoha!"
If Orochimaru—well, maybe we should call him Aunt Orochimaru—hadn't defected, Konoha might already have a high-speed rail system by now.
Bang, bang, bang!
Just as Akira was analyzing the critical information provided by the life simulator, his thoughts were interrupted by a series of loud, firecracker-like sounds.
Looking around, Akira saw dozens of Naruto Uzumaki's shadow clones popping into existence.
"Ha ha ha! I did it! I really am a genius!"
"A-rank jutsu? It's not so tough after all! Ha ha ha!"
"There are so many of them! With this jutsu, am I basically invincible now?"
Naruto's naturally cheerful personality only heightened his excitement at mastering the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique. In one go, he created dozens of clones.
The combined chatter of these dozens of Narutos immediately filled the training grounds with noise.
Whoosh, whoosh!
The commotion was so loud that several Konoha Security Force ninjas, who were patrolling the area at night, used the Body Flicker Technique to rush over and investigate.
However, upon seeing Akira Uchiha present, the members of the Security Force simply saluted him and quietly left without saying a word.
"Already?" Akira muttered to himself as he watched the scene with a peculiar expression.
Even though he knew from the original story that Naruto had mastered the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique in one night, seeing it happen with his own eyes was still shocking.
Given this, how was it that in the original story, Naruto couldn't even perform the simplest Clone Technique and almost failed to graduate from the Ninja Academy?
That really is one of the great unsolved mysteries of Naruto.
"Akira, what do you think? Pretty impressive, right? I learned an A-rank jutsu so quickly!"
Hundreds of shadow clones, each with a proud expression, turned to Akira for validation.
"With your chakra, a mere few hundred shadow clones is nothing. You can create even more," Akira replied.
"Really? I guess I really am a genius! You sure have high expectations for me, Akira!" Naruto wasn't discouraged by Akira's words. Instead, he looked even more pleased with himself and continued to experiment with the technique.
"Wait, Naruto. Next, you should practice tree climbing and water walking."
"Like this—gather chakra at your feet and walk up the tree step by step."
"Most people don't have much chakra, so even saving a small amount isn't a big deal. But you have an enormous amount of chakra. Even if you save 30% on each jutsu, the amount you save is still massive."
"And the principle for water walking is similar."
"Oh, and you can use a few shadow clones to practice simultaneously. When the clones disperse, all the experience will return to you."
"But be careful not to overdo it. If you create too many clones, the accumulated fatigue could be enough to kill you."
"That's exactly why the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique is classified as a forbidden jutsu."
Seeing that it was getting late, Akira had no intention of staying with Naruto throughout his entire training session.
After giving Naruto a brief explanation of tree climbing, water walking, and how to use shadow clones to speed up his training, Akira turned and left the training grounds, leaving Naruto to practice on his own.
The night passed without incident, and the next morning, Akira was already up and at the village gate.
Kakashi, Might Guy, Hiashi Hyuga, Inoichi Yamanaka, Choza Akimichi, and Shikaku Nara had all gathered there, one after another.
"Akira, are we waiting for someone else? Everyone's here, but you don't seem ready to leave the village yet," Kakashi asked curiously.
"Yeah, we're waiting for one more person," Akira nodded, glancing back toward the village, wondering if Naruto had overslept after training late into the night.
"Seems like someone who likes to be late, huh?" Kakashi muttered under his breath.
Akira gave him a peculiar look. Of all the people in their group, Kakashi was probably the least qualified to complain about lateness.
In the original story, didn't he always use excuses like getting lost on the road of life or helping old ladies cross the street—excuses he basically copied from Obito Uchiha?
Fortunately, Naruto didn't have a habit of being late. After only a few minutes, Naruto came running up, a large backpack slung over his shoulder and various supplies piled on top.
"The villagers were so enthusiastic! When they heard I was leaving the village, they gave me so much stuff. Sorry I'm late!" Naruto apologized.
Having been shunned by the villagers for so long, Naruto now found their sudden warmth a bit overwhelming.
"Naruto Uzumaki? He's coming with us?" Kakashi was stunned to see Naruto and looked at Akira with questioning eyes.
Likewise, Hiashi Hyuga and the others also showed expressions of surprise.
Sure, Akira was only seven years old.
But not every seven-year-old could be as exceptional as Akira.
Everyone present was among Konoha's top-tier fighters. So why bring along a "burden" like Naruto?
"I'm the captain of this squad, and I believe Naruto Uzumaki is qualified to join us," Akira said to Kakashi, not bothering to explain further.
Well, rank has its privileges.
Kakashi was just a squad leader in the Anbu, while Akira was the head of the Anbu, making him Kakashi's superior.
If Akira believed Naruto was qualified, what could Kakashi say?
"Shikaku, what do you think?" Choza Akimichi asked in a low voice, turning to Shikaku Nara.
When in doubt, ask Shikaku—that was a habit Choza had developed over many years.
"Naruto Uzumaki... If he joins us, it could indeed have some unique benefits. Let's not forget, he has the Uzumaki clan's special chakra and is also the Nine-Tails' jinchuriki," Shikaku replied after some thought, nodding in agreement.
The Nine-Tails' jinchuriki?
Well, although they didn't know how well Naruto could use the Nine-Tails' power, if they were bringing him along, it must have some significance, right?
Thus, the eight of them set off, heading toward the border of the Land of Wind.
Back in Konoha, a force of 3,000 ninja was quickly assembling.
"Akira, last night, I mastered tree climbing and water walking, and I'm now really skilled with the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique. Do you have any other powerful jutsu to teach me?"
After a night of training, Naruto was feeling accomplished and motivated, so he asked Akira eagerly.
"Since you've mastered the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique, it's time to teach you how to create a Rasengan," Akira said, glancing at Naruto.
A Naruto who can't create a Rasengan doesn't have a soul!
"Rasengan?" Naruto looked at Akira curiously.
The name didn't sound particularly impressive.
"The Rasengan is an A-rank jutsu developed by the Fourth Hokage over three years," Akira explained.
"An A-rank jutsu? Developed by the Fourth Hokage—my father?" Naruto's eyes lit up at Akira's words.
He didn't need to be told how powerful an A-rank jutsu was; the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique had already proven its worth.
And considering that this was a jutsu created by his own father, Naruto was determined to master it.
"Wait, Akira, you know how to create a Rasengan?" Kakashi, who had been listening to their conversation, couldn't help but ask, surprised.
"No, I don't, but that doesn't mean I can't teach him," Akira replied, shaking his head as he looked at Kakashi.
True, Akira didn't know how to create a Rasengan—he had never learned.
But in the original story, Jiraiya had taught Naruto how to master the Rasengan step by step, explaining every detail clearly.
So, just because Akira couldn't create a Rasengan himself didn't mean he couldn't teach it, right?
**********
Note: If you are interested, you can read up to chapter 136 at patreon.com/Emik01.
Well, isn't this something? Hearing Uchiha Akira's words, Kakashi couldn't help but exclaim inwardly, Unbelievable!
So, he can teach others things he hasn't fully mastered himself? It's like how some people are single yet act like relationship gurus, giving advice to others on how to date.
But if it were anyone else saying this, it would just seem like misguided advice or nonsense. However, coming from Uchiha Akira…
"I've heard some rumors—Akira, do you also know how to perform the Chidori?" After a brief pause, Kakashi asked Uchiha Akira directly.
Chidori was the one jutsu Kakashi had spent years developing, his unique creation. Yet, there were whispers that Uchiha Akira could use it as well. Kakashi had always been curious about this, and now that the opportunity had arisen, he naturally had to ask.
"Of course!" Uchiha Akira responded candidly with a nod. Then, without a hint of shame, he added, "Just because you created the Chidori, doesn't mean someone else couldn't come up with it too, right?"
"Lightning Release techniques can often overlap. Isn't there a saying that goes, 'If there's a resemblance, it's purely coincidental!'"
Kakashi's eyebrow twitched slightly at this, his expression as if asking, Do you really think I'm that gullible?
He admitted to knowing it, but as for how he learned it, Uchiha Akira wasn't about to share that. During his time using the Life Simulator, he had encountered Kakashi more than a few times, even getting caught up in a storyline where Naruto had taken him out.
After Shisui-sensei died and left him two million ryo in inheritance, Akira had immediately used it for a simulation, selecting jutsu learning experiences.
With his Sharingan's three-tomoe activation, he had witnessed Kakashi using Chidori countless times in the Life Simulator. Combined with his own dual affinity for lightning and fire, it was natural that he had mastered Chidori within the simulator.
Kakashi earned his title as the Copy Ninja with just one Sharingan, so why shouldn't others learn from him? Remember in the original story when Lee used the Shadow of the Dancing Leaf on Sasuke during the Chunin Exams, and Sasuke immediately copied it to create the Lion's Barrage?
And Naruto—he was even more shameless, not even bothering to change the name, just calling it "Naruto Uzumaki Barrage!"
So, it's fitting that Kakashi's disciples are also adept at copying techniques, right? As for what Kakashi was thinking at the moment, well…
Uchiha Akira then pulled out a balloon and began instructing Naruto on how to train by making the balloon burst.
"By the way, Kakashi, why don't you demonstrate the Rasengan for Naruto?" After explaining the training method, Uchiha Akira turned to Kakashi with a request. Upon hearing this, Kakashi's expression turned to one of pure resignation.
So now you're going to use me as your demonstration tool?
"What's the matter? You're the Fourth Hokage's student, aren't you? Surely you know how to use Rasengan. Or is it that you don't want Naruto to learn it?" Uchiha Akira teased, noticing Kakashi's reluctant look.
Sighing, Kakashi realized he had no choice. If he didn't demonstrate the Rasengan, it would either imply that he couldn't use it, or that he didn't want to teach it to Naruto.
So, Kakashi raised his hand, and in no time, a Rasengan the size of a small ball appeared in his palm. "Naruto, this is the Rasengan. The key feature is that it doesn't require any hand seals, making it very convenient to use."
Using Kakashi as a tool for the demonstration, Uchiha Akira then turned to Naruto and said, "Alright, Naruto, got it?"
"Yes, I got it!" Naruto nodded vigorously, full of motivation to train.
"By the way, Kakashi, you know Rasengan, but I've rarely seen you use it," Uchiha Akira remarked after noticing Naruto had already started practicing on his own.
"This jutsu is powerful, but it doesn't suit my style. It lacks the piercing speed of Lightning Release, making it harder to land a hit, and it consumes a lot of chakra," Kakashi explained, shaking his head.
That makes sense, Uchiha Akira thought. While the Rasengan is indeed strong, it doesn't have the same destructive power as Chidori. The Sharingan enhances vision, and Lightning Release boosts cellular activity, so Chidori's rapid thrusts naturally have a higher hit rate than the Rasengan. Given Kakashi's limited chakra reserves, it's no wonder he's cautious about using it.
As for Naruto in the original story… well, that's a different matter. While everyone else had to manage their chakra carefully, Naruto was like a player in infinite energy mode, tossing Rasengans left and right without a care.
Whenever Naruto tapped into the Nine-Tails' chakra, he could summon hundreds of shadow clones, each wielding a massive Rasengan to smash into the Nine-Tails. The name "chakra beast" wasn't an exaggeration.
So, with Kakashi as a reference, Uchiha Akira decided that Chidori was indeed more suited to him than Rasengan.
"Heh heh heh," Might Guy chuckled, clearly enjoying Kakashi's moment of discomfort. After all these years of rivalry, seeing Kakashi in a tough spot was a rare treat for him.
"Rasengan is indeed a powerful jutsu, but it's an A-rank technique. Isn't it a bit late to start training it now?" Hyuga Hiashi commented, surprised.
It made sense. They were already on their way to the border of the Land of Wind, with about ten days left before they arrived. Starting to learn a new jutsu now seemed like terrible timing.
Although Hiashi wasn't worried about Naruto's chakra, being the Nine-Tails' jinchuriki, learning a jutsu wasn't just about having lots of chakra.
"Hiashi-sama, care to make a bet? Let's see if Naruto can master the Rasengan before we reach the Land of Wind's border," Uchiha Akira suggested with a smile.
"Oh? And what's the wager?" Hiashi asked, intrigued by Uchiha Akira's confidence, though he still believed Naruto didn't have a chance of learning the Rasengan so quickly.
"If you win, I'll give you a secret—one that involves evolving the Byakugan into the Tenseigan. How does that sound?" Uchiha Akira proposed with a grin.
"The Byakugan evolving into the Tenseigan?!" Hiashi's face showed shock. The Byakugan could evolve? Into something called the Tenseigan?
"What do you mean?" Hiashi asked, shaken by the revelation.
"Well, you'll find out if you win the bet," Uchiha Akira replied with a light chuckle.
"Alright, but what do you want if you win?" After a brief pause, considering that his chances of winning were high, Hiashi nodded and asked.
"Just a small price—a ten million ryo, perhaps?" Uchiha Akira suggested after a moment of thought.
Everyone in the squad exchanged curious glances. Uchiha Akira was known for being a bit of a penny-pincher, but it seemed that his reputation was well-deserved.
"Fine, ten million it is," Hiashi agreed without much hesitation. As the head of the Hyuga clan, he was quite wealthy, so the amount didn't faze him.
Seeing Hiashi agree, Uchiha Akira couldn't help but smile. That's ten million ryo in the bag. With that, I can afford another simulation, even at Kage level!
Suddenly, Hiashi seemed much more agreeable in Uchiha Akira's eyes—after all, he was unknowingly investing in his future son-in-law's ninja training. The old man had no idea what kind of talent Naruto really had.
With that, Uchiha Akira turned to glance at Naruto. This whole bet is really just a way to showcase Naruto's abilities to his future father-in-law. Once Hiashi sees Naruto's potential with his own eyes, he'll be practically begging to give Hinata's hand in marriage, dowry be damned!
"We're doomed…" Nara Shikaku muttered to himself, shaking his head after witnessing Uchiha Akira and Hiashi seal the deal.
"Oh? Shikaku, do you think Hiashi-sama will lose?" Akimichi Choza asked, puzzled by Shikaku's reaction.
"Whether Hiashi wins or loses, I'm certain you'll end up losing," Shikaku replied, glancing sympathetically at Choza.
What does that mean? Choza thought, utterly confused. This bet is between Hiashi-sama and Uchiha Akira—what does it have to do with me?
"Well, there's a town not far ahead. It's almost time for lunch. How about we stop there for a meal?" Yamanaka Inoichi suggested at that moment.
"Sounds good!" Uchiha Akira, acting as the squad leader, agreed with a nod.
Once they arrived in the town, Choza's eyes immediately locked onto a barbecue restaurant. "I've been here a few times before. Their grilled meat is amazing!" he said, enthusiastically recommending the place.
However, Uchiha Akira coughed lightly and objected, "Grilled meat isn't suitable. It's too greasy and won't be good for travel. We should grab some rice balls instead. When we're out on a mission, we should embrace a spirit of endurance."
"Didn't the Hokage give you a 3-million-ryo budget for this mission?" Kakashi asked, puzzled by Uchiha Akira's insistence, given the funds they had.
"We need to be frugal with our spending. It's only the first day, after all. We can't go splurging on luxuries," Uchiha Akira replied without missing a beat, leading the way to a shop selling rice balls.
"I knew it…" Nara Shikaku sighed, muttering to himself with a mix of amusement and resignation.
At Shikaku's words, Choza suddenly realized what he had meant earlier. So that's why he said I'd lose…
Given my appetite, how could a few rice balls possibly satisfy me?
"Damn it, I thought 3 million ryo would be enough for three simulations. But at this rate, I'll be lucky if it's enough for two!" Uchiha Akira grumbled as he watched Choza and Naruto compete in a rice ball eating contest, both devouring hundreds of rice balls.
**********
Note: If you are interested, you can read up to chapter 136 at patreon.com/Emik01.
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