Having previously experienced Jiraiya's two forms in battle, Naruto had become quite proficient in using the Rasengan.
Therefore, when adapting to the Rasengan techniques of his three future forms, Naruto surprisingly displayed remarkable talent.
Naruto had always been incredibly talented, but due to the Nine-Tails' interference… whether it was disrupting his Chakra flow or causing chaos whenever he tried to perform Jutsu, Naruto had struggled even with the simplest techniques like the Clone Technique during his Academy days.
The Transformation Technique and Clone Technique were only manageable because of Naruto's innate talent.
However, the amount of Chakra he consumed when performing Jutsu was far greater than that of an average ninja, undoubtedly thanks to the Nine-Tails' 'help.'
But now, things were different.
After just a few attempts, Naruto managed to create the Rasenshuriken!
As for the cost? He nearly blew his hand off.
This alone showed just how devastating the technique was!
However, since Naruto's Wind Release: Rasenshuriken was performed using the abilities of his in-game character, Naruto [Kurama Link Mode], it was much easier to execute.
During the Kurama Link Mode period, Naruto could casually and effortlessly use the Rasenshuriken, and the technique itself was more refined compared to its early Shippuden version.
This was why the consequences weren't as severe.
Therefore, relying on his Uzumaki Clan's physique, Naruto, after a brief 'explosion,' was soon bouncing around, ready to try out other newly learned techniques.
Another reason Naruto was able to master the Rasenshuriken so quickly was... the Nine-Tails hadn't interfered.
Because it was asleep.
Although Tailed Beasts don't need sleep, and the seal wasn't exactly comfortable, the Nine-Tails was just too bored.
It usually passed the time by messing with Naruto.
But every time it looked up, it saw Naruto staring at a colorful little square.
To a normal person, the content inside might be visible, but to the Nine-Tails, it was like looking at a glare, impossible to make out.
And staring at it too long made the Nine-Tails dizzy.
So, out of sheer boredom, the Nine-Tails decided to take a nap.
When it woke up, it found Naruto already in battle.
So without hesitation, the Nine-Tails let out a sinister chuckle within the seal.
"Heh heh heh! You're in for a bad time now! Let's see how I mess with you next!"
Although Naruto couldn't hear it, the Nine-Tails, bored out of its mind, resorted to talking to itself.
---
Meanwhile, Kakashi, who hadn't intervened and was carefully observing Naruto's performance, silently made his assessment.
The day before, many people had already started using these Naruto forms as their in-game characters.
Konoha had also conducted extensive records of the powers these individuals gained from the various Naruto forms.
This was done after the Jonin Meeting and during the elder meeting, when Tsunade ordered these records to be taken.
Kakashi was one of the record-keepers.
Others who used the Wind Release: Rasenshuriken, while having the appearance of the Rasenshuriken, had chaotic Wind Nature Chakra spirals inside, more resembling the Chidori.
But after extensive testing, Kakashi found that these Rasenshuriken were actually less effective than the Chidori.
Compared to the Chidori, the Rasenshuriken used by these people had only two advantages: no hand seals were required, and it could be used at mid-to-long range.
But in terms of damage, it was far inferior to the Chidori.
Kakashi initially thought it was an issue with the technique itself, that the Rasenshuriken had sacrificed some of its power for versatility.
But no matter how he looked at it, it didn't match the Rasenshuriken Naruto used in the storyline...
It wasn't until now, seeing Naruto himself use the Rasenshuriken for the first time, that Kakashi realized... it was a matter of the person.
Naruto's Rasenshuriken had a range and power several times greater than anyone else's!
With his Sharingan activated, Kakashi could clearly see the Wind Nature Chakra currents swirling within the Rasenshuriken… Naruto's Rasenshuriken was like a miniature whirlpool!
It condensed a massive amount of Wind Nature Chakra, compressed into the shape of a shuriken, and when thrown, it unleashed an overwhelmingly destructive force!
Of course, the backlash on the user was also severe.
Even though Naruto had already thrown the Rasenshuriken, his arm still suffered significant damage.
Given Naruto's current condition, it would be difficult for him to use such a powerful ability multiple times in a short period.
Just as Kakashi finished his assessment, the situation took an unexpected turn.
A massive White Zetsu, several times larger than the average one, suddenly emerged from the ground beneath the aftermath of the Rasenshuriken explosion.
It was mere inches away from Naruto when it opened its massive, venus flytrap-like maw, aiming to engulf him.
This was a technique even ordinary White Zetsu could use, but if a regular White Zetsu swallowed someone, killing the White Zetsu would free the person with minimal harm.
However, this giant White Zetsu was different...
Its open maw was the size of an adult human!
Someone as small as Naruto could easily be swallowed whole, with room to spare!
Kakashi's expression turned grim. Instinctively, he formed the hand seals for Raikiri, and violent lightning began to swirl around his hand.
But the White Zetsu was practically glued to Naruto.
If he used Raikiri now... it might pierce through Naruto as well!
Gritting his teeth, Kakashi dismissed the Raikiri and prepared to use Kamui to get closer, then figure out another way to save Naruto.
Sasuke, who was closer, was also startled by the scene, his Mangekyo Sharingan spinning rapidly...
But in the face of the White Zetsu's lightning-fast movement, both Kakashi and Sasuke seemed a step too late.
Nine-Tails, having just woken up, took one look at the situation and immediately became intrigued.
'Heh heh heh, foolish Jinchuriki, how will you handle this?'
Nine-Tails had previously made a deal with Naruto, agreeing to lend him its Chakra in specific dangerous situations in exchange for 'rent.'
Of course, Nine-Tails, trapped inside Naruto and agreeing to pay 'rent,' had its own ulterior motives.
It hoped that by making Naruto increasingly reliant on its Chakra, one day Naruto would lose control, and it could break free from its prison!
Nine-Tails was eagerly waiting for Naruto to come and ask for its help.
'What pose should I strike this time?' Nine-Tails pondered.
However, even after a while, Naruto didn't show up.
Just as it was getting confused, it saw Naruto teleport to a nearby flat area in a peculiar manner. Although he landed somewhat clumsily, Nine-Tails was dumbfounded.
'What the... how did this brat dodge that?'
'Body Flicker Technique?'
'No, no, Body Flicker isn't that fast!'
'Could it be...?'
After quickly running through the possibilities, the Nine-Tails could only think of one explanation, the Flying Thunder God Technique.
Moreover, along the path of Naruto's teleportation, there was a faint golden light, similar to the Flying Thunder God Technique, but...
'Where was the mark?'
While Nine-Tails wasn't an expert on the Flying Thunder God Technique, but during its time inside Kushina, it had seen that guy named 'Namikaze Minato' use it to show off plenty of times.
It knew that the Flying Thunder God Technique required a mark to activate, so if Naruto had used it, where was the mark?
And... when had Naruto even learned the Flying Thunder God Technique?
Nine-Tails sat in its cage, scratching the back of its head with a claw, looking suspicious.
It also felt a little bit, the energy that Naruto released when he teleported just now made it feel a little... familiar?