(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
(Four chapters today. 4/4)
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The knockout round had finally concluded, allowing everyone to emerge from the Forest of Death after five grueling days.
Hinata departed with Hiashi and her little sister, while Ino left with Team 10.
With the main competition approaching, the remaining participants knew they had to train diligently.
For Colt, seeing the two girls might prove difficult in the coming month.
Team seven made their way back to Konoha, spirits high for all except Sakura.
Even Kakashi was in a good mood, proud that all three of his students had advanced to the final stage. As for Sakura, Kakashi could only conclude that she had yet to fully commit to the path of a ninja.
"Sasuke, starting tomorrow, I'll guide you in your 'Chidori' practice and teach you how to better use thunder-attributed chakra," Kakashi said.
Considering that Sasuke's opponent was Gaara, Kakashi felt uneasy.
His keen eye could discern that Gaara's strength had already surpassed that of a Genin, reaching the level of a Jonin already. Moreover, when looking at the child, even Kakashi felt a sense of dread, as if Gaara concealed some great horror within.
Sasuke remained silent for a moment before agreeing. In truth, he had hoped Colt would guide him, but he knew it was unlikely. Colt was typically lazy and indifferent to such requests.
"What about me, Kakashi-sensei?" Naruto asked eagerly.
Kakashi glanced at Colt, who seemed disinterested. "What do you think, Colt?"
"Really?" Naruto's eyes lit up, excited by the prospect.
"Keep dreaming," Colt said, rolling his eyes. "What you need now is to focus on the basics. Kakashi-sensei will arrange that for you."
Colt knew that Naruto's chakra control was still weak, and Ebisu, as a special Jōnin skilled in teaching, would have more experience in this area. Besides, the Pervy Sage was waiting for Naruto.
Kakashi smiled and agreed with Colt's assessment. Although initially disappointed, Naruto quickly regained his enthusiasm. After all, he had won his match, qualified, and had such a cool technique he could train in.
As the sun set, its dying rays illuminating the sky, Naruto made a bold declaration: "I will definitely defeat Shikamaru, win the competition, and become the Hokage!"
"Haha, Keep working hard Naruto,"
Amidst the laughter that followed, only Sakura wore a stiff expression, her thoughts elsewhere.
Arriving home, Colt fell silent upon seeing that Ichibi had ravaged every room once again.
"Arrf~!"
Observing the dog's eyes blinking with wisdom, Colt finally made up his mind.
"Ichibi, you're a mature dog now. It's not okay to stay this chubby every day."
As he weighed the fat on Ichibi's chin, Colt's tone remained gentle.
"Arrf?"
What was the owner talking about? He was just an ordinary dog.
"Look at Kiba's Akamaru. He can help him in his fight against Naruto. Now, I'm not asking too much of you… but at the very least you should be able to take on Sasuke."
After interpreting Ichibi's gaze, Colt spoke earnestly while simultaneously calling out to the system.
"[System], exchange for the Seed of Nature."
A strange seed shimmering with golden light appeared in his hand. Colt opened Ichibi's mouth and tossed it in.
"Arrf?"
Ichibi's face was full of confusion before his whole body began to twitch violently, his yelps endless.
Seeing Ichibi's pained expression, Colt's face remained calm.
The Seed of Nature was worth 5,000 points, and its effects granted the summoning beasts the ability to use natural energy. The seed's power was now transforming Ichibi's body.
From this point on, Ichibi could practice sage arts just like the summoning beasts of the Three Holy Lands. Perhaps in a thousand years, he might even earn the title of a Great Hound Sage.
A little pain now was Colt's way of teaching Ichibi a lesson. After all, if one ate well and only suffered a little, they remained just a common dog.
Colt also put the practice of [Sage Mode] on his agenda. That was something he needed too.
Over the next period, to avoid disturbing Ino and Hinata's training, the three of them would likely see very little of each other.
Of course, Colt couldn't remain idle either.
His improvement from ninjutsu had been minimal, while his [Mangekyō] and [Sage Body] were growing steadily. After coming into contact with the cursed seal Orochimaru left for Sasuke, he gained some insights into natural energy.
And Colt, possessing a [Sage Body], could sense the energy of nature without relying on the methods of the Three Holy Lands.
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Early the next morning, Colt was awakened by a knock at the door.
"Colt, thank you so much for stopping Gaara yesterday and saving Lee!" Might Guy bowed deeply to Colt.
Yesterday, in his rush to tend to his disciple, Guy had only managed to issue a hurried thanks before leaving. So, this morning, he came specially to express his gratitude.
"No need to be so formal, Lee is my friend too," Colt said, rubbing his sleepy eyes. Last night's training had been intense, leaving him drained until the late hours. He hadn't slept long.
"No," Guy insisted seriously. "It might have been a small effort for you, but for Lee, it saved his ninja career!"
"That's why I brought you a special gift!"
"Oh?" Colt's interest was piqued.
'A gift from Guy?'
Guy solemnly produced a set of brilliantly green tights from his backpack.
"This is a special ninja suit for Konoha's elite! In the whole village, only Lee and I have them," Guy explained excitedly.
"Colt, you're about to become the third ninja in Konoha with this outfit!"
Colt's eyelid twitched. Wearing something like that in public seemed like social suicide. It was worse than the embarrassing fashion choices from his previous life!
"Guy-san, this gift is too much. If you really want to thank me, please do me a favor instead," Colt said, eyeing Ichibi trotting in the middle of the house behind him.
"Whatever you ask, if I can do it, I'll definitely agree!" Guy readily accepted. He disappointedly put away the suit.
Colt grabbed Ichibi's tail and pulled him over. "This is my ninja dog, Ichibi. I was hoping you could help me train him a bit."
"Are you sure this is a ninja dog?" Guy asked skeptically, eyeing Ichibi's rotund form. He'd never seen such a plump ninja dog before. Was it meant to be used as a meat shield?
"Haha," Colt laughed awkwardly. "Maybe he just eats well, as such he's more... robust. But trust me, he's very talented. He just needs some extra exercise and who's better at that than you."
Colt patted Ichibi on the head.
"Arrf~?" Ichibi whined, clearly unenthusiastic.
In the end, Guy agreed to Colt's request and began running laps around Konoha with Ichibi. Under his new trainer's pressure, Ichibi could only struggle to keep up.
"Finally, success," Colt sighed, wiping away cold sweat as his desire to sleep vanished. He was now preparing to leave the village to begin his own training for the day.