The Transaction

Naruto didn't stay in the Village for too long; after buying the Chakra paper, he returned to continue his training.

Jiraiya followed Naruto, looking dispirited, somewhat desolate, withdrawn, and silent.

Naruto ignored him and directly infused Chakra into the Chakra paper.

Crack...

With a slight sound, the Chakra paper was torn in half; one half was dry and crumbled into dust, while the other half looked damp.

Wind, Earth, and Water—three attributes.

Earth and Water originated from Ashura's Wood Release, while Wind was Naruto's own.

Chakra is a product of an even mixture of spiritual and physical energy. Logically, as a transmigrator, he should have different attributes from the original Crown Prince.

Naruto felt that, without considering Ashura's Chakra, his attributes were most likely Wind and Water, possibly one of them, or perhaps both.

Earth was the least likely—because he didn't like it.

"Hmm, so it really is these three..."

Naruto formed a hand seal, and smoke burst forth as more than twenty Shadow Clones appeared around him.

Without Naruto needing to say anything, the Shadow Clones paired up and began developing the Rasenshuriken.

Buzz—

A piercing hum soon echoed throughout the forest, and Rasenshuriken appeared in the hands of the Shadow Clones.

Looking at the Rasenshuriken in the hands of the Shadow Clones, Naruto felt that he should now be able to easily cut through a waterfall.

Because he had been stuck in the previous stage for too long, his control over Chakra was now extremely high. After all, if there was no progress in Nature Transformation, he could only work on Chakra control.

This was also the fundamental reason he could make leaps and bounds in progress as soon as he learned the correct training method.

Compared to the previous Wind Release Rasengan, the current Rasenshuriken already looked very close to its complete form.

"Oh my... that truly is an incredible Wind Release Ninjutsu."

Feeling the intense Chakra fluctuations, Jiraiya, who had been somewhat dispirited, snapped back to attention. Noticing the Rasenshuriken in the hands of the Shadow Clones, his eyes were filled with surprise.

"If this jutsu can be successfully developed, it will probably be the strongest Wind Release Ninjutsu in history. You truly are a genius, Naruto..."

Just as he finished speaking, the Shadow Clones responsible for maintaining the Rasenshuriken exploded one after another, making a series of popping sounds.

"It's no good, Main Body."

A Shadow Clone responsible for infusing Nature Transformation into the Rasengan looked at Naruto: "The Chakra isn't stable enough. At least until this jutsu is completely finished, a Shadow Clone can't withstand this kind of backlash. Use Wood Clones first."

Naruto nodded and raised his hand to create two Wood Clones.

As soon as one of the Wood Clones landed, it flew up and kicked the Shadow Clone that had just spoken, making it explode.

"Are you the only smart one?!"

The moment the Shadow Clones exploded, the riverside instantly erupted into chaos!

"Damn it! Main Body, you saw it! The Wood Clones started it!"

"It's not your fault you're so useless! A bunch of worthless trash..."

"What did you say? Get him, brothers! There are only two of them! No need for rules with people like this, let's go!"

"Ura!!!"

A chaotic brawl, dust flying.

Until the dust settled, only Naruto stood alone by the river, with two twisted large trees beside him...

"Hahahaha!"

Jiraiya saw this scene, slapped his thigh, and burst into laughter: "Your clones have a lot of personality, Naruto..."

Naruto ignored him and created two more Wood Clones.

As soon as the Wood Clones landed, they stood with their hands behind their backs: "Trash Shadow Clones!"

Naruto: "..."

Jiraiya laughed again, then rubbed his chin, looking curious: "By the way, Naruto, where did you learn your Wood Release Ninjutsu?"

Naruto glanced at him: "Does it concern you? What good would telling you do me?"

"Don't be so cold..."

Jiraiya sighed: "No matter what, I did teach you Nature Transformation, didn't I?"

"You want to exchange my biggest secret for one Nature Transformation?"

Naruto laughed: "Are you dreaming?"

"A secret, huh..."

Jiraiya seemed lost in thought, then suddenly, as if something occurred to him, he slapped his palm and grinned at Naruto: "How about we make a deal?"

"The training methods for the other four Nature Transformations, Sage Mode, and the Nine-Tailed seal key."

Naruto was not surprised by Jiraiya's proposal.

Before Jiraiya could state the terms of the deal, Naruto put forward his conditions: "Not one less."

For Nature Transformation training, even ordinary Jonin would only know one or two, and certainly, the stronger one is, the more experienced they would be.

Jiraiya, no matter what, was a powerhouse in the early stages. His teaching ability might be questionable, but his experience was definitely not.

As for Sage Mode, perhaps because the human body cannot produce natural energy, it was not recognized as a skill by the system. This was also why Naruto didn't immediately send Jiraiya away.

Currently, Jiraiya was the most convenient way for him to learn Sage Mode.

"The seal key..."

Jiraiya's expression gradually turned serious: "Naruto, what do you need the key for?"

Naruto didn't hide it: "A promise with the Nine-Tailed. I will set it free. Of course, if you don't give it, there's no need to talk further. This is the crucial item for the deal."

"I see, the Nine-Tailed's temptation, huh..."

Jiraiya sighed: "Listen to me, Naruto, a Jinchuriki's life is bound to the Tailed Beast. I don't know what the Nine-Tailed told you, but if a Tailed Beast leaves a Jinchuriki's body, the Jinchuriki will die as well."

"Stop being so self-important."

Naruto's expression grew impatient: "I naturally have my own solution; you don't need to worry. Are you giving it or not?"

Jiraiya fell silent.

He didn't know what Naruto was planning.

It seemed Naruto knew a lot of things. Even without Mount Myōboku's Sage Mode, he would probably find a way to other sacred places.

As for the training methods for Chakra Nature Transformation, at most, it was just an extra perk; he could just ask a few Jonin.

In other words, Naruto's main goal was the Nine-Tailed's seal key...

He certainly didn't want to give it, but Jiraiya was sure that if he refused, there would likely be no further possibility of contact with Naruto.

But he also couldn't go back on his word. This child's personality wasn't easy to control; it would probably only escalate the conflict.

Jiraiya hesitated: "Your relationship with the Nine-Tailed..."

Inside the seal space, Naruto turned to Kurama, pulling a funny face: "I'm asking you, Kurama, what's our relationship?"

Kurama, lying on the water, snorted at the question: "Well... I suppose we're partners."

Naruto looked at Jiraiya: "I don't want it anymore."

"Hey! You brat!!"

Kurama immediately got anxious, suddenly sitting up and yelling while gripping the gate: "This old man has been helping you disrupt your Chakra all along!"

"Hahaha, just kidding."

Naruto spread his hands, looking as if he couldn't help it.

"We're family."