Chapter 89

Title: Improvements and Show down 1

...

In the course of the following week, Naruto diligently adhered to the guidance provided by Shun in his training on Mount Myoboku.

Shun, observing the progress from his unique vantage point, marveled at the transformative journey of the young ninja.

Shun witnessed Naruto's unwavering determination to refine his body, channeling the combined energy into polishing his bones.

The blonde shinobi exhibited a surprising resilience to the challenging process. The energy flowed within him, creating a harmonious synergy between his mental, physical, and natural prowess.

As Naruto immersed himself in the Stellar Body Refining Technique, Shun noticed subtle shifts in the young ninja's aura.

The once scattered Senjutsu energy began to coalesce. Naruto's body emanated a pulsating glow, indicating the initiation of a profound transformation.

Under normal circumstances, a normal Sage would find it hard to channel the entire pool of Senjutsu Chakra to a particular point in their body, leading them to just enhance whatever it is they feel needs enhancement.

But due to Shun's forceful use of [Focus] on Naruto, he was able to follow the instructions to the later leading to the scene playing out in front of Shun at the moment.

From Shun's perspective, Naruto's Ki was surging with each stream of Natural Energy he took in. This ki was basically the manifestation of one's Blood and Bodily aura.

Shun observed the gradual metamorphosis of Naruto's inner body into a semi pseudo-sage body.

Naruto's progress also extended to the Natural Breathing Technique and Crystal Visualization Technique. With each passing day, his understanding of the five elements and the purification of his chakra deepened.

The crystalline clarity of his mind, as symbolized by the Crystal Visualization Technique, reflected a newfound serenity and focus.

In Naruto's chakra pathways, the influence the Kyuubi's chakra had had on it over the years were slowly and gradually being purified.

Whether Naruto liked it or not, Kurama's Yin chakra was always flowing Within his body leading to him having a passive vile aura around his person when he wasn't paying attention or when his emotions were all over the place.

In this way, with Naruto meditating within the pool, dredges of Kurama's chakra were being washed away, leaving Shun to Marvel at the heights Naruto would reach should they both willingly fuse.

Shun's method of imparting wisdom and knowledge seemed to resonate with Naruto's unique way of learning. While the young ninja might not grasp the theoretical intricacies immediately, his intuitive understanding and adaptability allowed him to absorb the essence of each technique.

The moments of struggle and frustration were met with perseverance and a willingness to learn. Shun noted that Naruto's emotional outbursts, which were once impeding his progress, were gradually replaced by a calm resolve.

The [Focus] skill played a crucial role in tempering his emotional responses, allowing logic and reasoning to guide his actions.

The culmination of Naruto's week-long training manifested in a profound change. Shun sensed a refined strength emanating from the young ninja, a power that transcended mere physical prowess. Naruto's aura resonated with a harmonious blend of natural energy, mental clarity, and physical vitality.

As the week drew to a close, Shun couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at witnessing Naruto's growth. The once-disgusted young ninja, hesitant to embrace the unconventional methods of the toads, now stood on the precipice of a transformative journey.

...

"You think I can lift this up?" Naruto asked hesitantly as he observed the massive stone toad statue in front of him. Behind him were Pa, Gamabunta, Gamakichi and Shun

"Yup. Just try it out. Use only your normal chakra first." Pa said as he stood atop Gamabunta.

Taking a deep breath, Naruto walked up to the statue and tried lifting it only to barely lift it past his knee level.

"Grrr! What's with this statue? It won't budge even a little!" He cried out seemingly unaware that he had lifted it way past his knee.

"Alright, stop." Pa said despite his shock and Naruto did as instructed. "Now try using your Senjutsu Chakra."

"Alright." Naruto said and closed his eyes for a few seconds before a yellow eye line appeared under his eyes.

'Sonfast?' Pa thought as he glanced at Shun who was watching on, unaffected by Naruto's performance.

Naruto bent down once more and using his full force, he lifted the stone statue and even managed to tilt it due to his initial momentum being more than he had expected.

"Wha-" the three toads watching were all flabbergasted, but moments later, they all exclaimed in joy.

"Nice one Naruto!" Pa complemented.

"I did it! I lifted it up!" Naruto screamed in reverie as he turned to his audience.

"Fool! Don't let it keel over! How dare you do such a thing to your predecessors!?" Gamakichi shouted as he jumped on Naruto's head after delivering a slap.

"It appears you've mastered toad oil assisted control." Pa said. His shock was obvious as Naruto had managed to do this in no less than 2 weeks. This was unprecedented, the first in history even.

Taking one more glance at Shun, he continued. "Now you need to master your control over this energy,"

"I can feel the power flowing through me as is." Naruto said while jumping up and down.

"That's just an illusion." Shun suddenly said, causing all eyes to turn to him. "What you've learnt under me is Refining and forging your body, so that it can absorb and hold in that Senjutsu Chakra you're feeling right now."

"You still need to learn how to use said energy."

"That's right." Pa said. "Unlike Ninjutsu where you progressively tire because you're using up your internal energy, with Sage Chakra, you continuously take in nature energy from outside. And not only do you not get tired, you'll even recover and heal quicker too."

"Huh..." Naruto said as he looked at his hands. He could see the invisible energy covering his outer body. Due to the refinements he had undergone, his spiritual energy was at an all time high. "Maybe I can do that now."

"What?"

"Eh? Oh, no. Nothing. It's nothing." Naruto answered quite suspiciously but no one paid him any attention.

"Nevermind. Here, I thought I'd give this to you today." Pa said and brought out a book his size from god knows where.

"What's that?"

"A book." Pa answered.

"A book?"

"Oh? Isn't it Jiraiya's first novel?" Shun suddenly appeared behind the short toad and collected the book.

"That's right." Pa answered. "A lot of Jiraiya-chan's mind and heart are contained within."

"That's true." Shun muttered as he went through the book. "You gotta read this Naruto." He said and walked up to Naruto to give it to him.

Naruto shakily took the book and read the cover. "The Tales of the Gutsy Ninja."

"Yup. Jiraiya was quite the kid in his youth." Shun said but suddenly stopped and frowned.

"What's the matter?" Naruto, who noticed this, asked.

"Sasuke... I see." He only said and then smiled. "I've taught you everything I can. I'm gonna go check up on Sasuke and see how's doing. Next time you meet. He might even be stronger than you."

"Heh. That's impossible. I'm the strongest!" Naruto said with a smug smile only to receive a Knock from Shun.

"Wha-" Naruto clutched his head in surprise as he was unable to perceive the punch coming.

"That's my lime kid. Only say that when you're able to dodge my punch." Shun said and then glanced at PA.

"Make sure to teach him everything you can. I wouldn't want him to be weak against Pain..."

Pa nodded. "I will make sure of that."

"Good." Shun said and teleported out of the dimension.

...

Shun's POV.

Spending the last week with Naruto was very informative. This way, I know that the normal human body can actually cultivate Natural Energy without using my unique Breathing Method.

I still don't know whether it's due to his unique Fate of being Ashura's reincarnation but his was a step forward.

One had to know that the human physiology of this planet was different from that of others outside the planet.

It was just that weird. And while the outside world could cultivate Natural Energy, this planet's humans couldn't.

With those three cultivation techniques I imprinted on Naruto's mind, I was sure to make him use the Natural Energy as a catalyst to break down the Serum I had given him back then.

Currently, Naruto's body has fully assimilated the serum. His mental energy was already through the roof and though unaware, his learning time would be shortened by a great margin.

This was good since he would be able to learn everything the Pa could teach him before Nagato attacks the village.

As for where I was currently standing... Sasuke had finally decided to confront Itachi after awakening his Mangekyou Sharingan.

Although I have no idea what his two abilities are, his Eye Pattern still remained the same as it was in the original.

Although I didn't dislike the abilities of the original Sasuke, I just felt it was too weak in comparison to the ones already shown.

Amaterasu was good, no doubt, but the Kagutsuchi was pretty...weak in a way.

It was an ability he got due to his immense desire to control his own fate unlike his brother's, but in the long run, controlling and shaping flames, despite being strong in a way, was also weak in a way.

I mean, compare it to Tsukiyomi and Kamui. Although there wasn't much mention of other abilities from the Canon, I had observed the clan for eras and have seen my fair share of Cheat level abilities.

So to me currently...the Kagutsuchi is weak. I can only hope he gets better.... Sharingan-like.