6. Training and Growth

Chapter 6: Training and Growth

The battle on the bridge was over. Zabuza and Haku were gone. Gato's thugs had fled, and the people of the Land of Waves could finally breathe again.

But Team 7 wasn't leaving just yet.

Kakashi, still recovering from overusing his Sharingan, had ordered everyone to rest and train near Tazuna's house until he felt they were ready to return to Konoha.

For Sasuke, this was the perfect opportunity.

He needed to push his new two-tomoe Sharingan to the next level.

---

Training Begins: Tree Climbing Exercise

"Alright, listen up!" Kakashi said, standing in front of Naruto and Sasuke. "This exercise will teach you to control your chakra better."

He walked over to a tall tree.

"The goal is simple—run up this tree without using your hands. Focus your chakra into the soles of your feet and maintain balance. Too little, and you'll fall. Too much, and you'll be blasted off the tree."

Sasuke's Sharingan flickered as he analyzed the technique.

Naruto grinned. "Tch, that sounds easy!"

"Then let's see you try," Sasuke smirked.

Naruto sprinted forward, channeling chakra into his feet.

He took three steps up the trunk—then immediately lost control and face-planted into the bark.

"Ow! What the hell?!"

Sasuke scoffed. Dobe.

He took a deep breath, focusing his chakra. Then, with one swift movement—he dashed up the tree, making it nearly halfway before flipping back down.

Kakashi raised an eyebrow. "Not bad. You have good control."

Naruto, still rubbing his face, scowled. "Tch, whatever. I'll get it soon!"

And so, the training began.

For the next few hours, Naruto and Sasuke continuously attempted to reach the top. Sasuke improved quickly, climbing higher with each attempt.

Naruto… took longer.

But he refused to give up.

By sunset, Sasuke had nearly mastered it. He stood on a high branch, looking down at Naruto, who was still struggling.

He smirked. "You're really bad at this."

"Shut up, bastard!" Naruto growled, before running up again—only to fall flat on his back.

Sasuke chuckled but said nothing more. He had his own training to focus on.

---

Sasuke's System Training

Later that night, as everyone rested, Sasuke snuck into the nearby forest.

DING!

> [New Quest: Sharpening the Blade]

Smelt 10 More Iron Ingots (5/10)

Reward: Iron Armor Upgrade

Sasuke checked his inventory. He had already collected five Iron Ingots from his previous mining session. He needed more.

Equipping his Stone Pickaxe, he found a rocky hillside and started mining.

CHINK! CHINK!

DING!

> +1 Iron Ore

After gathering enough, he placed his Iron Furnace down and began smelting.

A few minutes later—

DING!

> Quest Complete!

[New Armor Upgrade Unlocked]

Iron Armor (Lightweight Version) – Increased Speed & Durability

A new armor set appeared in his inventory. When he equipped it, he immediately felt the difference—lighter, yet stronger than stone armor.

He smirked. This system really is something.

His next goal? Find diamonds.

But for now, he had training to finish.

---

Naruto and Inari

Meanwhile, back at Tazuna's house, Naruto sat outside, panting from exhaustion. He had spent all day training, but he still wasn't as good as Sasuke.

"Damn it…" he muttered. "Why am I so behind?"

A small voice interrupted.

"You should just give up."

Naruto turned to see Inari, Tazuna's grandson, staring at him. The boy's eyes were filled with doubt.

"Gato will just send more bad guys," Inari said. "No one can stop him."

Naruto stood up, fists clenched. "Tch, what kind of talk is that?! We just kicked Gato's butt! And you're still scared?"

Inari looked down. "You don't understand. The people of this village… we've suffered for too long. We've lost too much."

Naruto's expression softened. He could see himself in this kid—someone who had also suffered, felt weak, and wanted to give up.

He crouched down. "Look, I don't know what you've been through… but I know one thing: You gotta fight back. If you give up, you've already lost."

Inari looked up, his eyes widening.

Naruto grinned. "Besides, I'm gonna be Hokage someday! If I can't even beat a stupid rich bully like Gato, how can I protect a whole village?"

For the first time, Inari smiled.

The fear in his eyes faded.

---

The Next Day: A New Strength Awakens

Morning came, and the training continued.

Sasuke had improved his chakra control, allowing him to walk up the tree with ease. His system training had also strengthened his body, making him faster and more durable.

Naruto, though still struggling, had finally made progress. By mid-afternoon, he reached the top of the tree.

"YES! I DID IT!" Naruto cheered, arms raised.

Sasuke smirked. "Took you long enough."

Naruto glared. "Tch, whatever, bastard!"

Kakashi watched them with approval. "Good work. Now, we just need to prepare for the journey back to Konoha."

Sasuke, standing at the edge of the hill, stared out at the sea. His Sharingan gleamed.

He was getting stronger. But it still wasn't enough.

He needed more.

More power.

More skills.

More…

Resources.

He clenched his fists.

Soon, he would find diamonds.

And when he did—he would surpass everyone.

To Be Continued…