In the end, Konohamaru chose [Ultralight Weight Rock Technique] and [Ultra-Added-Weight Rock Technique].
First, because while trying to master Lightning Release nature transformation, he accidentally stumbled upon Earth Chakra Nature Transformation first.
Second, he had also been eyeing that ability to fly freely for quite some time.
Additionally, the Ultra-Added-Weight Rock Technique could be applied to the rocks he used for strength training during his usual exercises.
This way, he wouldn't need to specifically find such large, whole rocks for training anymore.
As his mastery of this technique deepened, he could even directly apply it to his own limbs and torso, training his entire body comprehensively.
"Hoho? I thought you'd like these flashier techniques."
Saying so, his hand brushed over things like [Particle Release], [Swirl Release], and the like.
Naruto also expressed great approval of Konohamaru's choice.
Actually, Konohamaru had already learned quite a few purely offensive Ninjutsu.
Things like Wind Cutter Technique, Great Fireball Technique, and even the Rasengan.
As long as the user's Chakra amount and control were sufficient, the attack power of these techniques was more than enough.
In comparison, the Ultralight Weight Rock Technique and Ultra-Added-Weight Rock Technique had much wider application ranges.
"But these two techniques aren't simple. After all, they were meant to be passed down to his descendants by that old man Onoki."
Here, Naruto added quietly as if remembering something.
"After you learn them, don't show off in front of the Tsuchikage."
"—And don't display them in front of your grandfather either."
Otherwise, given Onoki's temperament, Naruto was really worried he might give the old man a heart attack.
"Roger!"
Although Konohamaru didn't understand the reasons behind Naruto's instructions, he chose to follow them as always.
...
"First, gather your Chakra like this, imagine the feeling of a hand grabbing you."
"Then exert force upward, then 'whoosh' and rise up."
"The Ultra-Added-Weight Rock Technique is similar. Imagine that big hand pressing down hard on the target, then 'thud' smashing down..."
It turned out Konohamaru had been too optimistic.
After hearing Naruto explain the operating mechanisms of the two techniques in an extremely abstract way, Konohamaru ultimately decided… he'd learn by himself from the records.
The Chakra Flow and hand seals were all there, and what was missing was understanding the techniques themselves.
In this aspect, Konohamaru was still quite talented.
Of course, the Ultralight-Weight Rock Technique was also more complex in principle and mechanism than the Rasengan, so replicating it wasn't so simple.
Naruto sat by the lakeside, fishing with a branch-made fishing rod, while watching Konohamaru practice the techniques with large rocks nearby.
"Sigh... You could have learned it just by following my instructions."
Clearly, he was quite dissatisfied with Konohamaru wanting to self-study, which was obviously a lack of trust in his teaching ability.
And Konohamaru heard it loud and clear, but he chose to turn a deaf ear.
He felt that if he listened too much, he'd actually find it harder to learn.
The Ultralight-Weight Rock Technique was more difficult than any other technique Konohamaru had learned before.
It took him less than a day to master the foundational B-Rank technique [Light-Weight Rock Technique], but the Ultralight-Weight Rock Technique improved by Onoki obviously wasn't that easy.
"Waaaahh!!"
Naruto watched as Konohamaru made an operational error, throwing himself into the air, then falling heavily into the lake water, creating ripples on the surface.
"Really, Konohamaru, you scared all my fish away."
Saying so, he casually threw aside the empty fish basket and fishing rod.
"Pfft... Naruto Aniki, you didn't catch many fish either..."
Konohamaru surfaced from the water, then used Chakra to stand on the water's surface while complaining.
Only after seeing Naruto's unfriendly gaze did he shut up and change the topic.
"So, Naruto Aniki, how long are you planning to stay here?"
"Aren't you worried about the matter with the two big sisters?"
Bonk!
Naruto seemed to teleport, appearing beside Konohamaru, giving his head a good knock.
Watching Konohamaru sink into the water with a gurgle, Naruto then answered somewhat grumpily.
"Adult matters… don't worry about them, brat."
Then followed a string of words like 'male dignity', 'family status', and such. The air in the forest seemed to gain a bit of a cheerful atmosphere.
However, what one fears often comes.
Just as Naruto was shamelessly holing up in Konohamaru's shelter on the third day, the island received new visitors.
Naruto's Observation Haki, capable of covering the entire island, issued a warning immediately.
But the other party clearly anticipated this, having already dispatched dozens of ships to surround the entire island.
Who else could mobilize such a large number of ships within Kuja Pirates' territory besides the Pirate Empress herself?
Tap, tap, tap...
High heels walked on the rugged mountain forest as if on flat ground. The obstructing trees and vines on both sides were cut down by the accompanying [Fighting Maids], forcibly opening a path on the densely wooded island.
This commotion startled the fierce beasts in the forest.
These creatures emerged from the shadows one after another, pouncing toward Hancock and her group.
Swoosh—
Marigold's guandao directly cut those beasts in half.
Some that slipped through were entangled and bound by the giant snakes formed from the hair of Sandersonia. After a series of bone-crunching sounds, they fell powerless to the ground.
Throughout the entire process, Hancock never intended to lift a finger, her aura overwhelmingly powerful.
When this group approached, even Konohamaru had noticed them.
"Naruto Aniki, aren't you going to run?"
Konohamaru didn't have the slightest intention of buying time for his Aniki.
On one hand, he knew Hancock wouldn't really harm Naruto. On the other hand, Hancock was actually quite good to him, her 'brother-in-law'.
She's basically giving him whatever he wanted.
It wasn't just a sugar-coated bomb… it was practically a 'sugar-coated nuke'.
Hearing this, Naruto gave Konohamaru a weathered smile, then subtly rubbed his lower back.
"Some things cannot be avoided."
"I'm off."
Finishing, ignoring Konohamaru's puzzled gaze, he left him with an aloof back.
By now, three months had passed since Hancock became pregnant. In other words, the 'high-risk period' had long passed.
Some things truly could no longer be avoided.
But when Naruto arrived before Hancock, he found she wasn't having a triumphant 'got you' smile. Instead, her expression was serious as she looked at him.
'Something's off.'
Naruto sensed the unusual atmosphere.
Sure enough, the next moment, Hancock's words slightly stunned him.
"That woman Stussy is gone."