"Very good," Kakashi said. "The ninjutsu I just demonstrated is called Wind Release: Wind-Slicing Blade. Many Anbu can master it; it's a relatively common wind-style ninjutsu. It's the exact opposite of your Great Breakthrough, as it requires precise chakra control. The key is to create two powerful wind pressures that rub against each other in opposite directions, using the extreme pressure difference to achieve the effect of cutting through anything."
Kakashi picked up a leaf and activated the ninjutsu again. Naruto watched as the leaf was easily sliced in two. "Although this technique is common," Kakashi continued, "it is not easy to perform. Controlling two opposing wind-style chakra streams requires a very high level of control."
"Oh! I understand!" Naruto exclaimed confidently. "I'll start training right away!"
Kakashi smiled slightly. "You're wrong, Naruto. The special training I'm giving you is... I want you to simultaneously cultivate the Great Breakthrough technique and the Wind-Slicing Blade technique."
"...What?!" Naruto was stunned.
"Simply put," Kakashi explained, "since you've chosen to have both, you have to master the secrets of both paths at the same time. If you can't train both ninjutsu simultaneously, then you will never be able to create the Wind Release Chakra Mode you want."
Naruto quickly understood. This was the special training that was unique to him: simultaneously practicing two completely different styles of Wind Release ninjutsu. It was an unprecedented and likely unrepeatable challenge. But he quickly regained his confidence. "Hehe, I get it, Kakashi-sensei! It's just about training two ninjutsu at the same time! Leave it to me, no problem!"
"This special training isn't that simple, Naruto," Kakashi said, his hands in his pockets. "My requirement is that you must perfectly master both ninjutsu within three days. The condition is that you can use shadow clones to assist in your training, but neither your main body nor your clones can continuously practice the same ninjutsu. You must alternate: one Great Breakthrough, then one Wind-Slicing Blade, back and forth."
Naruto's head spun just listening to it. "Hey, hey, hey, Kakashi-sensei, aren't you afraid this kind of training will give me a mental breakdown?!"
Kakashi's eye curved into a smile. "Naruto, this training is indeed extremely difficult, but if it's you... I believe you can do it."
Receiving Kakashi's approval, Naruto's eyes lit up, and a surge of warmth and passion welled up inside him, restoring his confidence. "Oh! Kakashi-sensei! I understand! I will definitely master both of these ninjutsu within three days!" The system immediately followed suit, issuing its own task with the same conditions. With the new buff from the system, Naruto was even more motivated.
"Here we go! Shadow Clone Technique!" He created about ten clones and, together, they all began the unprecedentedly chaotic training. "Wind Release: Great Breakthrough! Wind Release: Wind-Slicing Blade!" One after another, the two completely different ninjutsu were practiced back and forth, a constant, alternating refinement of chakra. It was like swinging a sledgehammer with all his might, then carefully threading a needle, over and over again. Even for Naruto, a seasoned warrior tested by the system, this inhuman training method was agonizing. Soon, he and his clones were clutching their heads, panting and complaining. "Ahhhh—this is impossible! My head is about to split open!"
Kakashi was lying leisurely on a nearby rock, reading his book. Tazuna frowned. "Mr. Kakashi, the training you're giving Naruto seems quite difficult. He looks really troubled."
"Well," Kakashi said without looking up, "if he wants to achieve something beyond ordinary people, he has to undergo extraordinary training. That's perfectly normal."
Tazuna sighed. "As expected, those who become ninja must endure what others cannot." Suddenly, he realized something and turned, but saw nothing.
"It's your grandson, Inari," Kakashi said. "He's been secretly following us for a long time."
"Inari? That child... he really can't let go. However," Tazuna mused, "perhaps Naruto can help him regain his faith. Seeing Naruto's efforts, maybe he can understand some things."
"Naruto does indeed possess such an ability," Kakashi smiled slightly.
From behind a tree, Inari watched Naruto with astonishment. The dozen or so Narutos were already drenched in sweat, but they showed no sign of giving up. After a few complaints, they immediately threw themselves back into their training. The Great Breakthrough roared, shaking the trees. Then, holding their breath, they focused intently, manipulating their chakra with the fineness of an embroidery needle to cut a single small leaf. Naruto's clothes were quickly soaked. He tore off his jacket and continued shirtless, sweat pouring down like rain. As Inari watched, it was as if he were seeing his father from years ago, leading the villagers, working under the sun... fighting against Gato's tyranny.
"Hmph," Inari stubbornly snorted. *What's the point? In the end, you'll still have to give in. There are no heroes in this world.*
On the other side of the training area, Sasuke continued to frantically run up the trees, marking his progress with a kunai. After a rapid initial improvement, progress became increasingly difficult. He was still very far from the top. He was panting heavily, sweat pouring down his pale face. *Damn it! I never imagined something as simple as climbing trees would be so difficult. Naruto has already gone way ahead of me. What should I do? I already made a promise, and if I can't keep it, he'll laugh at me every day!*
Suddenly, he spotted Hinata by the river, practicing her water walking. She was trying her best, repeatedly releasing chakra to her feet and attempting to step onto the water. She was gradually able to stand, though she was still struggling to maintain her balance. Sasuke looked around. Naruto and Kakashi were nowhere to be seen. He temporarily stopped his own training, walked awkwardly over to the riverbank, and hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but couldn't find the words.
Hinata, preoccupied with her training and eager to "reunite" with Naruto on the water, didn't notice him at all until her chakra became unstable and she fell into the water again. As she shook her head and prepared to try again, she finally realized Sasuke was watching her.
She blushed immediately. "S-Sasuke-kun, is something the matter?"