Chapter 99: Divide and Conquer

As Ren walked through the village, his mind was focused on one goal: improving the chakra control necessary for the Shadow Clone Technique. For days, his training had revolved around that crucial point: splitting the chakra flow into two distinct units and keeping them stable.

If I could make this chakra division process automatic, like breathing, I'd be halfway there, he thought.

As he made his way toward the academy, his attention was caught by a familiar figure. Zabuza was heading in the same direction, his imposing figure barely visible through the mist. For a moment, their eyes met, but Zabuza quickly averted his gaze, almost pretending not to notice him.

Strange, I expected a friendlier reaction… I wonder what he's thinking, Ren mused, continuing his walk. It wasn't unusual for Zabuza to act distant, but there was something different about that brief exchange of glances.

At the academy, the routine went on without much surprise. The usual cycle of theory and practice was interrupted only by a stern reminder from their strict teacher, Fujimoto-sensei:

"Remember, the second-year final exam is approaching. Only those who prove themselves worthy will advance."

Another year has passed already. I wonder what this year's exam will be like, Ren thought, recalling the previous one with a faint smile.

As they left the academy, a shrill voice snapped him back to reality.

"Earth to Ren! Earth to Ren!" Jun'ko exclaimed, laughing as she interrupted his thoughts.

Ren turned around, slightly startled. "???" was all he managed to say, still lost in his reflections.

"These days, you always seem lost in thought, don't you, Aoi?" Jun'ko teased, nudging their companion.

"Technically, you do appear to be deep in thought," Aoi confirmed, adjusting his glasses in his characteristic manner.

Of course, I'm constantly trying to keep my chakra split into two distinct units, Ren thought. Noting his friends' concern, he forced a half-smile. "No, no, I'm just thinking about the upcoming exam."

Jun'ko seized the moment with enthusiasm. "It's been a while since we trained together. Why don't we have a sparring session? Aoi's improved a lot too, right?" she said, winking at Aoi.

"Technically…" Aoi began, but Jun'ko immediately cut him off with a mischievous smile: "Technically, I'm right, end of discussion, Aoi."

Ren watched them with a mix of amusement and curiosity. What's up with these two today? he wondered. But his mind quickly calculated the possibility.

It might be an interesting way to gauge their progress for the exam. I'm curious to see how they've developed over the months, especially with the training weights I gave them.

"Well, Ren?" Jun'ko pressed, clapping her hands. "Are you in?"

Ren nodded. "Fine, tomorrow after the academy."

Jun'ko pouted, crossing her arms. "Why not today?"

I'm meeting Utakata today, Ren thought, but he replied, "No, sorry. I promised my mom I'd help her."

"Okay, tomorrow then," Jun'ko said, her smile returning as she stuck out her tongue. Aoi, with his usual precision, added, "Ah, Ren, before I forget: my father asked about you. He'd like to see you."

The doctor Kaito wants to see me? I wonder why… Ren thought. "Sure," he replied.

Later, near the lake where Ren usually trained, he met Utakata. The shimmering water reflected the setting sun, creating a serene and almost unreal atmosphere.

"So, your second-year exam is coming up," Utakata said with a hint of a smile. Ren nodded, keeping a serious expression.

"Good. Brings back memories," Utakata continued, his voice a mix of nostalgia and encouragement. "I'm sure you'll ace it, Ren."

"Yes, I think so too," Ren replied, though his tone carried a shadow of hesitation. "But I'm unsure how much to reveal."

Ren, mature beyond his years, had found an unexpectedly reliable confidant in Utakata. Their friendship had started unexpectedly but had solidified over time.

"Don't overthink it, but be careful," Utakata warned, his tone suddenly more serious. "The second year—and especially the third—are different from the first. During the first year, accidents are rare. But from the second onward... there can be 'casualties.'"

Yes, that's true. This year will certainly be riskier, Ren reflected.

"Shall we begin?" Utakata asked, signaling Ren to get into position.

The two began their weekly sparring session. For Ren, these sessions had become a crucial opportunity for growth. Although he still couldn't land a hit on Utakata, his endurance was steadily improving.

My chakra reserves have increased significantly, Ren thought, dodging a quick strike. My resistance to and perception of Genjutsu are also improving. He moved nimbly to avoid another attack, though the gap between them was still evident. He's still in another league, even if the age difference isn't that great.

Despite the challenges, Ren felt the progress: his movements were becoming smoother, his combat decisions quicker, and his chakra control increasingly stable.

But once I master the Shadow Clone Technique, I'll drastically narrow this gap.

After parting ways with Utakata, Ren stayed by the lake to continue his training. The evening breeze created small ripples on the water's surface, reflecting the sky as it turned shades of orange and violet. It was a moment of calm that Ren always found useful for focus.

Sitting cross-legged, he closed his eyes and began to concentrate his chakra. The goal remained the same: split the flow into two distinct units and keep them stable.

I need to make this a second nature, he reflected.

His hands moved swiftly, forming the technique's seals. For a moment, he felt the chakra flow as desired, but as soon as the division seemed complete, the flow collapsed, leaving only a faint vibration in the air.

Ren clenched his teeth. "Another failure," he muttered, trying to calm his frustration.

But he didn't give up. He stood and tried again. This time, he changed his approach: instead of forcing the separation, he imagined the chakra as a river naturally splitting into two branches. His hands formed the seals more slowly, visualizing the flow dividing.

A faint glow appeared beside him. An indistinct figure began to form... only to dissolve immediately.

Too unstable. My control isn't enough yet, he thought, wiping the sweat from his brow.

Despite the failure, Ren noticed subtle progress: for a brief moment, he had managed to perceive the two flows as separate entities.

I'm improving, even if slowly. Once I stabilize it, I'll be closer to completing the technique.

Time passed, and the sun's light faded behind the horizon. With his characteristic determination, Ren resumed his position for one last attempt.

Meanwhile, far from Kirigakure, the sky over Konoha glowed with an unnatural light. A gigantic figure, the Kyūbi, roared with primal fury, its tails striking the ground with devastating force. The village was engulfed in chaos.

Madara—or rather, Obito, hidden behind the mask—watched the scene from above with icy eyes. Every action was calculated, every step part of a larger plan. But facing him, the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, remained undaunted. With lightning speed, he moved across the battlefield, trying to contain the fox's rage and protect the villagers.

In a small room far from the battle, a newborn let out his first cry. Naruto Uzumaki had entered the world, unaware of the destiny that awaited him.

A new era is beginning, Minato might have thought if he weren't so focused on battling fate.

The night in Konoha was destined to remain etched in memory: a night of loss, but also of new hope.

[ Hi there! Ito-kun here ^.^ 

Thanks everyone specially Jayroy_63 , Braden_T, Acnol, Overlord_Of_KARMA,Cordell_Clinton, Ian_Clark_6978, DaoistAZmi17, Strandarn, AKIB19, ERRO4004, BagusPardana, DarkGambit,Diegoa, Desert_Dust0 , Daoist0thxiB, and Miguel_024!

In the next couple of hours i'll release another chapter as well, it's my gift to you for reaching more then 500k visualization ^.^

 Sincerely Thanks and remember about the Power Stones, these are the motivation for my work :) ]