As Setsu reminded Naruto about the difficulty of learning, he responded indifferently, "It doesn't matter how hard it is. There's plenty of time."
Saying this, he glanced at his attribute panel. His progress with Wood Style ninjutsu was nearly complete, with only a few large-scale techniques left untested. However, Naruto noticed that mastering each new Wood Style technique had only a limited impact on his overall combat strength.
It became clear that there were only two ways to achieve rapid growth in power.
The first was through simulation—quick and straightforward.
The second was by mastering the secret techniques of the Uzumaki clan.
Since Setsu was now by his side, Naruto didn't have to waste a simulation attempt to learn these techniques. He could learn directly from her.
Training Begins
After their meal, Setsu began guiding Naruto in his training at the hotel.
"Kagura Mind's Eye is linked to chakra quality," she explained. "The higher the chakra quality, the wider the perception range."
She described the technique's method to Naruto. "You need to concentrate your chakra in your brain, close your eyes, and imagine your consciousness separating from your body. If done correctly, you'll be able to perceive everything around you."
Naruto smirked. "That sounds simple enough."
However, hearing her explanation reminded him of his own crude teaching style. It was like when he was taught the Rasengan—just popping a balloon.
Naruto still attempted it. He closed his eyes, forming a seal, and began controlling his chakra.
As he concentrated, Naruto felt a strange sensation—his brain becoming incredibly sensitive. He focused harder, attempting to let his consciousness leave his body as Setsu had described.
But he failed.
Opening his eyes, Naruto saw Setsu watching him closely.
Her expression shifted with concern. "Naruto-kun, did it work?"
Naruto shook his head.
"Hah…" Setsu let out a relieved sigh. "That's good."
Naruto narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean by that?"
Realizing her slip, Setsu quickly stammered, "I-I mean… um… I just—well… okay, I was wrong…"
She hesitated before confessing, "I was just scared that you'd leave me behind after learning the technique…"
Hearing this, Naruto fell silent for a moment before responding, "I've never abandoned my comrades."
Setsu's heart skipped a beat. Comrade?
Had she really become one of Naruto's companions?
Her face grew warm with happiness, though she still felt a bit guilty about her poor teaching skills.
A Brewing Storm
As days passed, Naruto and Setsu remained in the Land of Grass, staying at a hotel.
Despite slow progress, Naruto was steadily improving with Kagura Mind's Eye.
Meanwhile, the news of his departure from Konoha spread across the ninja world.
This information also reached him—particularly the fact that Yūgao Uzuki had been ostracized in the village because of him.
Naruto chuckled upon hearing it. He immediately recognized it as a ploy orchestrated by Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Why was he so sure?
Because he understood Sarutobi's character too well.
On the surface, the Hokage appeared like a benevolent leader. But underneath, he was a seasoned manipulator. As a politician, Sarutobi had kept Konoha running while maintaining peace in the ninja world.
Naruto knew better than to be swayed by guilt or sentiment.
So, he chose to ignore the situation entirely.
The Raikage's Plan
Far away, in the heart of the Hidden Cloud Village, inside the Raikage's office…
A Cloud ninja entered, bowing before speaking.
"Lord Raikage, we've received confirmation of the intelligence you requested."
"The Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, Uzumaki Naruto, has indeed left Konoha."
"Konoha has lost its greatest asset."
"Additionally, our reports indicate that Uzumaki Naruto defeated two SS-ranked rogue ninjas—Uchiha Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame—both of whom belonged to the Akatsuki."
The Fourth Raikage, A, listened intently, his already sharp expression growing even more serious. His muscular frame tensed as he clenched his fists.
"Excellent," he muttered, his deep voice filled with satisfaction. "A few years ago, that old fox Sarutobi Hiruzen killed our envoys to provoke us."
"I suspected Konoha was protecting something valuable… but now it's clear."
"Their trump card was Uzumaki Naruto, the one who could control the Tailed Beast."
"Now that he's gone, Konoha is weak."
Raikage's eyes burned with ambition.
It was time for the Hidden Cloud Village to seize its opportunity.
He turned to his subordinates. "Summon Killer Bee. Now."
As the Cloud ninja left to carry out his orders, the Raikage smirked.
His goal was simple.
Konoha possessed numerous Kekkei Genkai.
Cloud had very few.
The Fourth Raikage's plan was to use force to pressure Konoha into surrendering some of their bloodline limit users.
Once captured, they would be brought to Cloud and bred to create a new generation of powerful shinobi.
In a few decades, the Hidden Cloud Village would surpass Konoha.
A's eyes gleamed with determination. He would make this vision a reality.
An Unexpected Ambush
Back in the Land of Grass, Naruto was sleeping soundly.
Until he was woken by the voice of Kurama.
"Naruto, you're surrounded."
The warning instantly snapped Naruto into alertness. His blue eyes gleamed in the moonlight as he slowly sat up.
Closing his eyes, he formed a seal.
Kagura Mind's Eye!
He sensed them immediately.
Every living being had chakra, and Kagura's Mind's Eye allowed Naruto to perceive those fluctuations with clarity.
The sheer number of chakra signatures stunned him.
Ten powerful presences surrounded the area.
Each of them radiated immense chakra—at least Kage-level!
Naruto's heart pounded.
Ten Kage-level enemies?
That could only mean one thing—Akatsuki.
Naruto's mind raced. He had no intention of facing them head-on. He was strong, but against ten Kage-level foes, the risk was too great.
Fortunately, thanks to Kurama's warning, he had time to react.
Naruto made a mental note: Akatsuki… I'll remember this.
He then whispered to Kurama, "Thanks. You saved me."
Kurama chuckled. "There's no need to thank me at this point, kid."
A small smile tugged at Naruto's lips. Kurama really had changed.
But there was no time to reflect.
Naruto activated the Flying Thunder God Technique and teleported into Setsu's room.
He placed a hand on her shoulder, his voice urgent.
"Wake up. We need to leave. Now."
To Be Continued…
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