The sun bathed Konoha in gentle warmth as the training grounds came alive. The soft sound of steel meeting air echoed from Naruto and his clones, each mimicking Kushina's graceful yet fierce sword movements. Their determination was unmistakable.
Iruka watched from the sidelines, arms folded, but a faint smile tugged at his lips. "He's adapting quicker than I expected," he muttered.
Beside him, Kurenai tilted her head, her dark red eyes gleaming with amusement. "Must be the teacher."
Iruka chuckled.
Kurenai leaned closer, voice low and teasing. "Well, I suppose having someone watching closely can make anyone improve... or flustered."
He glanced at her, his smile lingering. "That depends on who's watching."
Their eyes met briefly before both turned away, just as Kiba and Shino approached Jiraiya, who was tapping his chin thoughtfully while observing the morning drills.
"You two," Jiraiya called, "have raw potential. Shino—your stealth is top-tier. I've seen ANBU make more noise than you. Let's refine that, yeah?"
Shino gave a quiet nod. "I would appreciate that."
"Kiba," Jiraiya continued, turning to the excited Inuzuka. "You've got natural speed. But you're not optimizing it. We'll train together. I'll show you how to push past your limits—especially with Akamaru."
Kiba lit up. "Seriously? That's awesome! Let's go!"
In his mind, he asked the system for a report.
[System Alert: Kurenai Yuhi - Post Pill Analysis]
[Genjutsu: can now affect five senses of other of trained properly
Elemental Talent: Improved compatibility and control
Sage Art: not tallented
Haki: Inherited. (Observation and Armament only. No Conqueror's.)
Chakra Control: Sharper
Chakra Reserve: Boosted]
Iruka turned slightly toward Kurenai. "Kurenai. That technique I used—when my blade turned black? It wasn't chakra-based. It's older. More primal."
Kurenai's expression turned curious. "The hardening technique? I remember. It didn't feel like any nature transformation I've sensed before."
Iruka nodded. "It's called Haki. Not many can use it. Most shinobi's bodies are too infused with chakra to accept it. But you—after that pill—you might be able to learn."
She raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And what would learning it involve?"
"Training your body and will. Hardening your limbs or weapons. Enhancing your perception—feeling intent, even before it strikes. You can already influence the senses. This would amplify that."
Kurenai leaned a bit closer, voice dipping into playful tones. "If I'm going to learn from you, Sensei~ then I hope I get rewarded for my hard work~"
Iruka raised an eyebrow, smirking slightly. "Don't worry. You'll be rewarded plenty."
A few feet away, Naruto stood beside Hinata and a dozen clones while Tsunade demonstrated a healing technique on a flower.
"Hinata," Tsunade said, inspecting her chakra flow. "Your chakra control is excellent. Honestly, with a little focus, you'll surpass most medics in your age group. I'll train both of you."
Hinata gasped, flustered. "Y-yes, Tsunade-sama! I—I'll do my best!"
Naruto turned to her, smiling brightly. "Hey, Hinata. You know, when we're both amazing medics, we should open a healing stand or something. You could patch up people and I'll just sit beside you and say how beautiful the doctor is. Bet that'd heal people faster."
Hinata froze.
Her chakra pulsed erratically, her hands shaking slightly. "B-b-beautiful?! M-me?"
Naruto tilted his head, confused. "Yeah. I mean, it's true. You've got those eyes that look like moonlight and your hands are super gentle. That's important for healing, right?"
Hinata's face exploded into color, and she stumbled backward, clutching her chest.
"O-oh my god…!"
Even Tsunade blinked. "Did he just—?"
Kiba shouted from a distance. "Naruto! What the heck, man! That was smooth!"
Naruto looked around, confused. "Wait, what'd I say?"
Tsunade laughed under her breath. "He's like Minato—if Minato were completely dense."
Hinata had ducked behind a nearby bush, her breathing uneven as she tried to recover.
Meanwhile, Kurenai watched with a knowing smile. "So... your student's turning out to be quite the heartbreaker."
Iruka snorted. "He has no idea."
Kurenai stepped back beside him. "And what about you, Iruka? What else are you hiding? I never imagined you'd be the mysterious type with ancient techniques and charming words."
"I could show you more," Iruka said with a calm tone, "but only if you're serious about training."
"I'm always serious," she replied, eyes narrowing in challenge.
He looked at her, voice low and warm. "Then meet me tomorrow morning. We'll start with basics haki training. It'll feel strange at first—like molding a second skin with your will."
"And the reward?" she asked with a small, sly grin.
Iruka chuckled softly. "Let's see how you do. Impress me, and I'll make it worth your while."
From nearby, Tsunade called out, "We can still hear you two!"
Jiraiya added with a grin, "Careful now, Iruka—you're flirting in public!"
Iruka coughed into his hand, and Kurenai tried to compose herself, but neither denied it.
As training continued, Shino silently vanished into the treeline with Jiraiya's subtle instruction, moving with increasing stealth. Kiba dashed through the trees in synchronized steps with Akamaru, faster and more fluid each time.
Tsunade monitored Naruto and Hinata as they healed practice targets, giving steady corrections. Hinata kept stealing glances at Naruto, cheeks still red. Naruto just smiled back cluelessly, giving her more reason to flush.
Jiraiya and Tsunade stood side by side, watching the next generation.
"They're monsters in the making," Jiraiya muttered with a grin.
Tsunade nodded. "Give them time—and the right teachers—and this generation might be the most dangerous the world has ever seen."
[End of the chapter]