The Chūnin Exam was fast approaching, and Minato knew that Naruto and Ryuga needed focused training to succeed. Minato decided to take personal charge of their training, utilizing his extensive knowledge and skills to prepare them for the challenges ahead.
First, Minato tackled the written portion of the exam. Knowing that both boys preferred action over academics, he devised a strategy to make studying more engaging.
"Remember, it's not just about knowing the answers," Minato said as he handed out practice tests. "It's about understanding how to find the answers under pressure."
Naruto groaned, staring at the complex questions. "Can't we just skip to the fighting part?"
Kushina, who had joined them to help with the training, chuckled. "You won't get far in the exams if you can't pass the written test, Naruto."
Ryuga, although more studious than Naruto, still found the academic exercises challenging. "I understand the concepts, but the way they phrase the questions is tricky."
Minato nodded. "That's why we're practicing. Focus on understanding the concepts thoroughly. The better you know the material, the easier it will be to navigate the questions."
Sparring with Minato
One afternoon, Minato decided it was time for a more hands-on training session. He called Ryuga to the training ground for a sparring match.
"Ready, Ryuga?" Minato asked, a confident smile on his face.
Ryuga nodded, determination shining in his eyes. "Ready, Dad."
They faced each other, and the spar began. Ryuga started with a series of quick hand seals, launching a barrage of wind-infused shuriken at his father. Minato deftly dodged the projectiles, his movements almost a blur.
"Good, but you'll need to be faster," Minato commented, his voice calm.
Ryuga switched tactics, combining his wind release with water release. "Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet!" he shouted, summoning a massive dragon made of water that surged towards Minato.
Minato swiftly formed his own hand seals. "Earth Release: Mud Wall!" A sturdy wall of earth rose from the ground, intercepting the water dragon and neutralising the attack.
Not giving up, Ryuga followed up with another technique. "Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!" A powerful gust of wind burst forth, aiming to push Minato off balance.
Minato simply smiled and disappeared in a flash, reappearing behind Ryuga. "You have to anticipate your opponent's moves, Ryuga."
Ryuga spun around, attempting a close-range attack with his kunai. Minato blocked with ease, countering with a gentle but firm palm strike that sent Ryuga skidding back.
"You're improving, but remember to conserve your chakra," Minato advised, noticing Ryuga's heavy breathing.
Determined to show his full potential, Ryuga decided to use his signature move. "Ice Release: Ice Dragon's Roar!" He gathered his chakra, feeling the icy power build within him.
Minato's eyes narrowed as he watched his son. As the ice dragon's roar formed and Ryuga released it, the temperature in the area plummeted. The massive Ice roar moves towards Minato with devastating force.
In an instant, Minato disappeared and reappeared right in front of Ryuga, placing a hand on his son's shoulder. "Enough."
The ice dragon dissipated as Ryuga fell to his knees, exhausted. "I... almost had you," Ryuga painted, looking up at his father.
Minato knelt down, placing a hand on Ryuga's head. "You did well, Ryuga. But your ice release consumes too much chakra. You're strong, but you need to be strategic. Save your ice techniques for when you truly need them. Focus on perfecting your wind and water releases for now, and keep the Rasengan as your trump card."
Ryuga nodded, taking his father's advice to heart. "I understand."
Minato smiled. "Good. Remember, conserving your strength is just as important as unleashing it."
While Minato trained Ryuga, Kushina took Naruto aside to focus on a different aspect of his training.
"Naruto, you have a special power inside you," Kushina began, her tone serious yet loving. "The Nine-Tails' chakra can be dangerous, but it can also be a great asset if you learn to control it."
Naruto's eyes widened. "You mean I can use the Nine-Tails' power?"
Kushina nodded. "Yes, but only in small amounts for now. I will teach you how to draw just enough chakra to enhance your strength and speed without losing control."
Kushina started with the basics of sealing techniques, explaining the principles behind them. Naruto, although impatient, tried his best to absorb the information.
"Now, let's try drawing a small amount of the Nine-Tails' chakra," Kushina instructed. "Close your eyes and focus. Feel the chakra within you, but only take a tiny bit."
Naruto followed her instructions, feeling the dark, immense power of the Nine-Tails. He carefully drew a small amount, feeling his body surge with energy.
"Good job, Naruto!" Kushina praised. "Now, try moving around and see how it enhances your abilities."
Naruto darted around the training area, his movements noticeably faster and stronger. "This is awesome, Mom!"
Kushina smiled, proud of her son. "Remember, control is key. Never draw more than you can handle. And always remember, you have the power to protect those you care about."
As the days passed, Naruto and Ryuga continued their rigorous training under the watchful eyes of their parents. They grew stronger, both in mind and body, preparing for the challenges that lay ahead in the Chūnin Exams.