Chapter 8
It turns out that training is such an exhausting endeavor.
After finishing his run, Naruto collapsed under a tree like a drowned rat, gasping for air. His once-elegant appearance was gone, replaced by a disheveled, sweat-soaked mess.
He hadn't fallen into a river—his drenched state was entirely due to his own sweat.
Naruto had always thought that training meant learning flashy techniques and that talent alone would make progress effortless. But now he realized that building a solid foundation required time, effort, and relentless physical exertion.
Do I regret it? he asked himself.
No. I'm determined to become stronger. He shook his head, pushing aside any doubts.
"Human bodies are fragile, but they're also incredibly adaptable. Through training, they can achieve limitless potential," Aizen mused as he watched Naruto train, his eyes gleaming with interest.
Among humans, there existed individuals known as Quincy Masters, who could rival even the Shinigami in strength. Unlike Shinigami, who honed their Reiatsu through rigorous training, Quincy Masters could directly absorb spiritual energy from their surroundings. This made their growth far more rapid than that of most Shinigami, sparking jealousy and conflict between the two groups.
The Shinigami sought to purify Hollows, allowing their souls to reincarnate, while the Quincy obliterated Hollows entirely, disrupting the balance between the Soul Society and the human world. This fundamental difference led to a centuries-long war, culminating in the near-extinction of the Quincy.
Unlike most Shinigami, Aizen harbored no hatred for the Quincy. Instead, he was fascinated by their abilities.
If humans and Shinigami each have their limits, what about a hybrid of the two?
It was this curiosity that had driven Aizen to orchestrate the birth of Kurosaki Ichigo, a boy with both Shinigami and Quincy blood. Now, as he watched Naruto—a human with the potential to wield both Reiatsu and chakra—Aizen's anticipation grew.
One is a hybrid of Shinigami and Quincy, the other a human with the power of a Shinigami and a ninja. I wonder what surprises they'll bring me.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, an Anbu operative reported Naruto's activities in real time.
"Nine-Tails Jinchuriki has begun training," the operative said.
"Training? Why would Naruto suddenly start training?" The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, frowned deeply, puffing on his pipe.
He pulled out his crystal ball and began monitoring Naruto. In the orb, he saw Naruto struggling to carry a small tree, its roots still caked with soil. The tree was roughly Naruto's height and weighed at least 50 pounds.
Watching Naruto's determined efforts, Hiruzen's brow twitched.
"It seems I need to intervene," he muttered.
Naruto had expected the intense training to leave his body battered and sore. But to his surprise, after a night's rest, he felt completely fine—energetic and ready for more.
My recovery is different from ordinary people, he realized.
With this newfound resilience, Naruto threw himself into his training with even greater intensity. At first, the physical strain was overwhelming, but over time, he began to crave the feeling of pushing his body to its limits.
Then, one evening, the Third Hokage paid an unexpected visit.
"Naruto, how are you? I realized I forgot to give you your living expenses last time," Hiruzen said, placing a stack of money on Naruto's desk.
"Third Hokage Grandpa, this is too much," Naruto said, counting the money with wide eyes. It was at least 50% more than usual.
"Consider the extra as pocket money from your grandpa," Hiruzen said with a wink.
The two exchanged knowing smiles.
Hiruzen: He's so easy to manipulate.
Naruto: Heh.
Hiruzen then feigned concern. "Naruto, why do you look so tired?"
"I've been training these past few days. It's been draining," Naruto replied.
The conversation flowed naturally from there.
"Why did you start training?"
"Because I need to become stronger to become Hokage. I want the power to protect everyone."
Hearing Naruto's textbook answer, Hiruzen felt a pang of emotion. He took a few puffs from his pipe before remembering Naruto was just a child and set it aside.
"Naruto, you've really grown up," Hiruzen said, his voice tinged with pride.
"Maybe it's the environment. I want to be recognized, so I've been thinking a lot," Naruto said, his tone momentarily somber before brightening. "But I believe I can become Hokage."
"If you need my help, just ask," Hiruzen promised.
Naruto seized the opportunity to request lessons in swordsmanship and chakra control.
"You're already four years old, the right age to start refining chakra. I'll have Anbu bring you some basic books. But why swordsmanship?" Hiruzen asked, raising an eyebrow.
Ninjas typically favored kunai and ninjutsu. Swordsmanship was a rare choice.
"A few days ago, I read about Konoha's White Fang in a book. I think mastering the sword could be just as effective in battle," Naruto explained, his answer well-rehearsed.
"Why not focus on ninjutsu? It's versatile and lethal. Swordsmanship takes a lot of time to master," Hiruzen pressed.
"Honestly, I just think swords are cool," Naruto admitted, scratching his head sheepishly.
Hiruzen chuckled. Children Naruto's age were often drawn to what seemed flashy or impressive. He remembered having similar thoughts as a boy.
He'll probably give up soon, Hiruzen thought, agreeing to Naruto's request.
After Hiruzen left, Naruto closed the door and retrieved the Zanpakutō from under his bed. The unremarkable black blade, known as Asauchi, gleamed faintly in the dim light.
"Asauchi is the initial form of a Zanpakutō. It will only awaken once the Shinigami communicates and bonds with the sword's spirit," Aizen explained.
"Sword spirit? What's that?" Naruto asked, confused.
"Awakening a Zanpakutō requires a deep connection between the Shinigami and the sword's soul," Aizen said.
Naruto ran his hand along the blade, feeling a faint, familiar connection.
Suddenly, a wave of exhaustion washed over him. His eyelids grew heavy, and he slumped against the bed, falling into a deep sleep.