Rasengan wasn't new to Ryou as he already understood its detailed steps from the original work. He had even practiced it during his free time, successfully learning the first two steps: rotation and force. However, he didn't had time to complete the final step: compressing the swirling chakra into a perfect sphere.
Of course, if he had practiced with full commitment he would have mastered it. However, trying to master the Rasengan without guidance from Minato or Jiraiya could have raised suspicion, especially given his recent surge in chakra reserve.
So he had planned to master Rasengan after his strength reached Kage-level. But now that Minato was teaching him directly, he no longer needed to worry about all this.
After a moment's thought, Ryou summoned the system in his mind and used his upgrade point to improve his chakra control.
Chakra Control: Advanced → Master [Kage-level]
As soon as he did that, Ryou felt a profound change within him. With his chakra control surged to a new level, he felt incredible. He sensed he could now direct his chakra with a thought, instinctively.
"Alright, give it a try, Ryou. I can help you with the process if you don't understand." Minato encouraged, gesturing for him to try.
Looking at Minato's sincere eyes, Ryou didn't know what to say. Without hesitation, Ryou let his chakra gather in his palm. With a single attempt, he rotated and compressed the chakra, forming a flawless blue sphere in his hand.
The Rasengan glowed in blue light, the spinning chakra emitted a humming sound, similar to Minato's own.
Minato's eyes widened in astonishment, his mouth open. For a moment, he was at a loss for words and nearly cursed aloud, thinking, 'How is this possible? He mastered it on his first try! It took me three years to create this! He's really a genius!'
"Thanks for teaching me such a wonderful jutsu, Minato-san." Ryou thanked Minato from his heart.
"Ryou," Minato said, his voice still filled with disbelief, "You're truly exceptional. My master, Jiraiya, broke the Rasengan in three steps to simplify the process. I was planning to guide you through each one, but I didn't expect you could master it in a single attempt…" He shook his head a little. "I definitely made the right decision in teaching this to you."
Ryou smiled in response to Minato's praise and offered a suggestion, "Minato-san, you were trying to improve the offensive power of the Jutsu, right? Have you tried just making the Rasengan bigger?"
As he spoke, Ryou focused his chakra on the Rasengan in his hand, gradually increasing its size. The sphere grew bigger with intense chakra but he quickly dissipated the jutsu as it began to spiral out of control.
If he hadn't canceled it in time, the Rasengan would likely have exploded in his palm.
Minato's eyes widened in astonishment. "I'm at a loss for words, Ryou. You're really a talent. Not only did you master the Rasengan on your first attempt, but you already have ideas to improve it." He shook his head, impressed.
"You're right, I've also considered two approaches for increasing its offensive power: one, compressing the Rasengan to make it denser and stronger, and two, enlarging it, but that requires a vast amount of chakra and fine chakra control.
Minato's gaze turned serious as he added, "There's also the idea of infusing the Rasengan with Chakra Nature Transformation. If it succeeds, the power of the jutsu could reach beyond even S-rank. But it's incredibly difficult.
With your talent, I have no doubt that you'll find a way to do it. The Rasengan might reach new heights in your hands. I'm happy I taught you Rasengan."
At that moment, Kushina emerged from the house with a smile. "Ryou, you're here! Come inside. Dinner's ready, let's eat it while it's hot."
--
Minato led Ryou into the house, where Kushina had prepared a delicious spread of food. The table was filled with steaming bowls of rice, fresh vegetables, grilled fish, and a large pot of Uzumaki curry, its aroma filling the hall with a slightly spicy scent.
"Wow… Sister, did you make all of this? Minato-san is lucky to have you," Ryou said, impressed.
Kushina beamed with a proud grin. "Well, I'm not one to brag, but I am pretty good at making delicious foods, you know!" She chuckled
The three sat down to eat, with Kushina serving a generous portion onto Ryou's plate. "You're a growing boy, Ryou. Eat well. Don't be shy!"
Ryou took a bite of the rice mixed with curry. The taste was good. "This is amazing, Sister Kushina!"
"Hahaha!" Kushina laughed, a proud expression on her face. "Ryou, you were outstanding in the Chunin Exam finals. I never expected that your strength has reached such a level, ending it with one incredible move. You looked so cool out there!"
Minato nodded in agreement. "Not just that, Kushina. I just taught him the Rasengan, and he mastered it in a single shot."
"What? Really?" Kushina's eyes went wide in surprise. "It took me nearly three months to learn it, even after Jiraiya-sama simplified it. Still, I wasn't as good with the jutsu as Minato and Jiraiya-sama."
They continued eating with Minato and Kushina exchanging things that happened in their lives as Shinobi. It made the atmosphere warm and lively. Dining with them, Ryou felt a sense of belonging as if he was with his own family.
But as he looked at Minato and Kushina, his heart grew heavy as he knew their fate if things continued as in the original timeline. Such good people will die because of Obito's attack which will happen within a year or two.
At that moment Ryou decided in his heart that he wouldn't let it happen. They deserve better.
Just as he decided, a system notification sounded in his mind:
[~ Task: Prevent Minato and Kushina's death.
Reward: Summoning Contract + 1 Upgrade Point ~]
As they finished their meal, Minato looked at Ryou with a smile and said, "Ryou, let's go out for a bit. A friendly spar will help us digest faster, and I'd really want to see your limits."
Ryou's eyes lit up as he nodded, eager to fight someone like Minato who's a true Kage-level shinobi.
Minato glanced over at Kushina with a smile and said, "Kushina, I'll be back shortly,"
Kushina gave him a look and said, "Alright, just don't go too hard on him, Minato! See you again, Ryou."
Once Ryou said his goodbyes to Kushina, Minato placed a hand on his shoulder. In the blink of an eye, the world shifted around them, and they appeared at a remote training ground on the outskirts of Konoha.