Just like Sasuke, who could use Fire Release without any formal training in tree climbing or water walking, sometimes knowing *what* something is and knowing *why* it is are two completely different things. Hinata could project her chakra, a core component of water walking, but she hadn't yet put it into practice.
"Hmm, this is going to be troublesome," Kakashi muttered. "Unexpectedly, my three students are all at different levels. Looks like we'll have to train separately. Sasuke, you will train in tree climbing. Hinata, you will train in water walking. As for you, Naruto, I'll give you your own special training."
Naruto was overjoyed. *What's this? The special treatment for top students! I've never enjoyed this kind of preferential treatment before!* More importantly, he shot Sasuke a wicked grin, the meaning in his eyes perfectly clear. *I never would have guessed, Sasuke, that you'd be the one left behind!*
Sasuke was so angry he gritted his teeth, his fists clenching so tightly they cracked. "You dead-last, what are you so smug about?! This kind of training is nothing for me! I'll catch up to you in just one day!"
Naruto knew, however, that tree-climbing training, while seemingly simple, was incredibly difficult. Even with Asuma as his teacher and the system's pressure, he had to use shadow clones and risk his life to complete it. Even if Sasuke was a genius, it was impossible for him to finish in a single day.
"Hey, Sasuke, you're just bragging! Even if you do finish in a day, you'll only catch up to Hinata. You'll still be one step behind me!"
Sasuke's teeth itched with rage. "Then I'll show you! I'll master tree climbing and water walking in one day!"
Naruto just made a face at him. "Let's see you try!"
Kakashi sighed, rubbing his forehead. "You two, stop fooling around. I'll teach Sasuke the trick to climbing trees first, then Hinata, and finally you, Naruto."
"Oh, I understand!"
After Kakashi instructed Sasuke and Hinata, they both went off to train on their own. Finally, Kakashi came to Naruto's side, with Tazuna in tow for protection.
"Naruto, you've already completed the tree-climbing and water-walking training, so you have experience in controlling, releasing, and maintaining chakra. Your next stage of training has several possible directions. You can choose one yourself."
"Can't I train in everything?!" Naruto asked greedily.
Kakashi shook his head. "Everyone has a different path. For example, Hinata is a Hyuga and possesses the Byakugan. Combined with her clan's Gentle Fist, she was already capable of standing on her own. Her training focuses on more precise chakra control and external projection, which is her area of expertise. As for Sasuke, his chakra reserves and control are both excellent, so what he needs is comprehensive improvement. To strive for perfection."
"What about me? What about me?!" Naruto asked excitedly.
"Naruto, you graduated first in your class, so you are an outstanding genius," Kakashi said. "Your chakra reserves are enormous. You may not be naturally good at controlling your chakra, but through hard work, you've reached an excellent level. Therefore, you have two directions to choose from. The first is to take advantage of your massive chakra and focus on powerful, explosive ninjutsu. The second is to go against the grain and further enhance your chakra control, pursuing a more refined approach."
Naruto's mind stirred. He remembered what Asuma had said about the two styles of wind ninjutsu: blowing away and cutting. "It feels like that fits the two choices you mentioned, Kakashi-sensei. Using my huge amount of chakra to practice the 'blowing away' style, and using precise control to practice the 'cutting' style. Isn't that the logic?"
Kakashi smiled slightly. "You can apply what you've learned to new situations. You're a smart one, Naruto. While not completely identical, your thinking is correct. For example, among the jutsu you've mastered, the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique is the mass-production approach, while the Gale Palm is the refined approach. Which one do you think is more suitable for you?"
Naruto thought back. "Hmm... practicing the Shadow Clone Technique is much easier for me, while practicing the Gale Palm is much more difficult."
"Right," Kakashi snapped his fingers. "This shows that you are indeed more suited to the 'brute force' route. You get twice the result with half the effort."
"But, Kakashi-sensei," Naruto hesitated, "I don't want to give up on the Gale Palm technique. That one's pretty impressive, too."
"Naruto, didn't I just say? Everyone has their own style. You can't be too greedy."
"Okay, imagine the ultimate ninjutsu you most want to master in the future. What would it look like?"
Naruto's heart stirred as he remembered Asuma's words. "Kakashi-sensei, do you know about Wind Release Chakra Mode?"
Kakashi's expression immediately changed. "Wind Release Chakra Mode? I see... similar to the Hidden Cloud's Lightning Release Chakra Mode, creating your own unique Wind Style form. That's a brilliant idea. However, that path is harder than climbing to heaven. Did Asuma tell you about this?"
"Yes," Naruto nodded. "Asuma-sensei said he was also a Wind Release ninja, but he couldn't create it no matter what. He felt it should be the pinnacle of Wind Release, so he placed his hopes on me."
"I see. So that's why you can't give up the Gale Palm technique. Indeed, to master a Wind Release Chakra Mode, one would probably need to push both paths to their limits and achieve a complete fusion." Kakashi looked at Naruto's eager face and knew he wasn't just doing this for himself, but also to honor Asuma's wish. He took a deep breath. "Naruto, I understand. You can pursue both paths simultaneously, and I will fully support you. However, let me be clear. To practice two different paths of ninjutsu at the same time is an incredibly difficult task. Even if I teach you with all my heart and you train with all your might, you may still not succeed. Are you mentally prepared?"
Naruto's eyes lit up. He clenched his fists and looked up with a confident smile. "Kakashi-sensei, I will definitely succeed!"
Kakashi's visible eye curved into a crescent moon as he patted Naruto's head. "I believe you will succeed, too."
"Naruto, are you currently training in any particular ninjutsu?" Kakashi asked seriously.
"Yes, Wind Release: Great Breakthrough."
"That's a typical 'blowing away' ninjutsu, the first route, relying on a massive amount of chakra. Okay, I understand. Now, I have officially formulated a special training program that is uniquely yours. Naruto, watch closely."
Kakashi instantly formed hand seals, unleashing a powerful burst of Wind Release chakra. With two sharp, slicing sounds, a small tree in front of them was suddenly cut in half, the cut surface incredibly smooth.
"Wow, that's amazing!" Naruto said, surprised and delighted. "So you're also skilled in Wind Release, Kakashi-sensei?!"
"Well, actually I'm proficient in all five elemental ninjutsu: wind, earth, water, lightning, and fire," Kakashi said, trying to be modest.
"Is this the genius ninja, Kakashi Hatake?" Naruto pouted. "No wonder both Might Guy-sensei and Asuma-sensei admire you so much."
"...What's with that sarcastic tone?"
"Because it feels so unfair! I have a hard time even mastering one Wind Release ninjutsu, but you're proficient in all kinds of them!"
"Well, that's what I mean by everyone's constitution being different," Kakashi said. "Furthermore, Naruto, don't be discouraged. In terms of chakra reserves, you're already many times stronger than I am."
"What?! Me? I have more chakra than you, Kakashi-sensei?!"
"Much more," Kakashi said with a wry smile. "That's why I say this is your advantage."
Naruto burst into triumphant laughter. "I'm definitely not an ordinary person!"
"You are indeed extraordinary," Kakashi said, pouring cold water on his excitement. "So practicing the 'blowing away' style is simple for you. But now you insist on having it all. In that case, your future path of training will be as difficult as ascending to heaven."
"I'm not afraid!" Naruto declared. "Kakashi-sensei, this is my choice, and I will do my best to complete it!"
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