The two of them didn't continue talking afterward and resumed their previous training. Rock Lee felt even closer to Naruto now.
He could sense that Naruto had many secrets—like how he had learned so many training methods at such a young age, or how his deep eyes and mature demeanor made it seem like he was carrying heavy burdens.
But no matter what Naruto was planning, Lee would follow him without hesitation.
My ninja way is to always bloom for Naruto-kun!
Although still young, Rock Lee had already been moved by Naruto's sincerity and charm.
He was willing to give everything for his friends.
If Naruto-kun was ever in danger, Lee would gladly put his life on the line.
In Lee's heart, Naruto was like a beam of light shining into his soul. While Might Guy had been a gentle breeze in his life, Naruto was now the sun that opened his heart completely.
At this point, Might Guy had yet to officially accept Lee as a disciple, so their bond hadn't fully formed. Though Lee always claimed he would become a great ninja with Taijutsu alone, deep down, he had still been confused—until now.
With the Six Styles Naruto shared, Lee finally saw hope for Taijutsu's future.
Knowing that Naruto carried something greater, Rock Lee trained even harder.
In the world of Naruto, people matured early and had a very strong sense of self. People like Rock Lee treated their beliefs as ninja paths to follow for a lifetime.
The next day, classes continued as usual. Naruto felt somewhat relieved. Previously, he was always alone, but now with Rock Lee around, it no longer felt like he had enemies everywhere.
That day, Uchiha Sasuke didn't approach Naruto immediately. Maybe he hadn't yet learned the Shadow Clone Technique, or maybe he chose to reject Naruto's proposal.
Either way, Naruto didn't lose anything—it was a deal without cost.
He continued his routine training, and teasing Hinata was one of the few fun things he indulged in.
On the fifth day, Sasuke caught up with Naruto again, but this time Naruto didn't leave the ninja school. Once outside, Anbu surveillance would kick in again.
"Why are you following me?" Naruto asked.
Sasuke looked at him and hesitated before replying, "Didn't you say you wanted the Shadow Clone Technique? I've learned it. Now I can train with you, right?"
"Oh? You're really planning to train with me? Let me make something clear—if you're joining us, don't reveal our connection or mention my strength at school!"
Naruto's tone was calm but firm.
Sasuke accepted the terms—none of it seemed important to him.
Why hide strength? In his mind, Uchiha should shine for all to see. They were Konoha's strongest clan.
Soon, the two of them went to the training ground together.
Rock Lee was already deep into his routine, using the advanced training Naruto had given him.
Though he didn't understand Naruto's reasons for hiding strength, Lee followed Naruto's philosophy: a ninja should always have trump cards. After being thoroughly "brainwashed," Lee embraced the importance of concealment.
When Naruto arrived, Lee stopped training and began preparing the ingredients. Surprisingly, Sasuke joined in too.
After they finished their meal, they waited a bit and then resumed training. Naruto's physical training methods helped the body absorb nutrients more effectively and improve overall power.
He shared the revised Taijutsu routines with Sasuke—more comprehensive than what Sasuke had learned from his brother.
Sasuke was stunned. Naruto's guidance surpassed even Itachi's.
In return, Sasuke taught Naruto the Shadow Clone Technique, passed down from Itachi. Though Itachi was initially reluctant, Sasuke's constant begging eventually convinced him.
After all, Sasuke was six and a half now, and Itachi himself had learned Shadow Clone by age five.
As Sasuke explained the jutsu's structure, Naruto heard the sweet sound in his mind again, and a small smile appeared on his lips:
"Shadow Clone Technique +5! Shadow Clone Technique +4!"
Over the next few days, Naruto, Rock Lee, and Sasuke continued training. Sasuke's grades at the academy improved rapidly—especially in practical combat.
A new book also appeared on Naruto's desk. It was the one he had wanted to borrow earlier: "Chakra Properties and Hand Seal Techniques: Detailed Explanation."
There was even content on herbal remedies and introductory medicine, which most students ignored—only those aiming to become medical-nin considered such books.
But Naruto found Introduction to Medicine especially useful. Its content on human anatomy and chakra pathways could greatly support his physical training theories.
Hokage Building, Hokage Office
" Rat, report."
The Third Hokage's voice came slowly.
"Yes," replied the Anbu who had been monitoring Naruto.
"In addition to classes, Uzumaki Naruto has been training in Taijutsu with Rock Lee and the son of Uchiha Fugaku. He's also been reading various books, covering a wide range of topics."
"And recently, he learned the Shadow Clone Technique from Uchiha Sasuke. Occasionally, he even skips classes to train in the woods."
The report was simple. It confirmed what the Third Hokage already suspected.
As for Naruto's Taijutsu development, Hiruzen didn't think much of it.
How powerful can Taijutsu be anyway? In his eyes, even Might Guy's abilities had a ceiling—Elite Jōnin at best.
He didn't factor in ninjutsu-enhanced Taijutsu or understand that Naruto's abilities were far from ordinary.
When Uchiha Sasuke was mentioned, the Third Hokage paused.
"The Uchiha clan... they've been restless lately," he muttered quietly.
He waved his hand.
The Anbu vanished instantly, leaving only the haze of tobacco smoke swirling through the office.
Over the next few days, Naruto and Sasuke began using Shadow Clones to skip theory classes. As long as there were no practicals, they sent clones to school while training at their base.
During this time, Naruto and Sasuke grew closer.
But Sasuke remained frustrated that he couldn't surpass Naruto. Even when he won a match, he knew Naruto wasn't fighting seriously. In Taijutsu, even Rock Lee could slightly suppress him.
End of the Chapter.
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