----
Minato dissipated the Rasengan in his hand and said, "Next, I'll teach you how to use the Rasengan."
Since Tenten had already witnessed Rasengan's power during her training, Minato chose not to demonstrate its destructive force.
After all, if he caused damage to the training ground, he'd have to call Yamato to fix it and Yamato was a busy man.
However, Tenten hesitated, her voice uncertain. "But… is this really okay? I'm already so lucky to have learned your Flying Thunder God Jutsu. Now you're teaching me the Rasengan too…"
She knew that powerful ninjutsu wasn't something easily obtained, let alone advanced techniques tailored to her skill set.
Minato smiled reassuringly. "I'm Hokage; it's my job to train the next generation. If it makes you feel better, you can call me 'sensei.' I doubt Gai would mind."
While Naruto had already inherited most of Minato's techniques, Minato didn't see any harm in mentoring another promising student.
After all, Jiraiya had taught him that the role of a teacher wasn't just about imparting techniques it was about guiding students on the right path. Tenten's character and potential met all the criteria for Minato to take her under his wing.
"Yes, Minato-sensei!" Tenten's face lit up with joy. I've become a disciple of Hokage-sama! She dreamed of becoming as strong and legendary as Lady Tsunade someday.
In her mind, she imagined Gai's reaction: he'd cry rivers of tears, snot running down his face, while shouting something about "youth." Knowing Lee, he'd probably join the tearful embrace.
'Tch… I'll just use Flying Thunder God to dodge their hugs,' she thought with a smile.
---
Minato began explaining the principles of the Rasengan, breaking it down into detailed steps.
Naruto, standing by, couldn't help but notice how thorough Minato's explanation was more so than when he had taught Naruto.
"That's about it for now. I have some things to handle, but I'll be back soon," Minato said. "You can start practising in the meantime, and if you have questions, Naruto is here to help."
Naruto sighed internally. 'So Dad brought me here just to be a sparring partner for Tenten?'
Minato, reading his expression, added, "We'll talk about your Sage Mode training when I return."
"Alright," Naruto relented.
After Minato left, Tenten looked at Naruto with a wistful smile. "Naruto, sometimes I really envy you."
"Huh? Why?" Naruto was caught off guard by the comment.
"Because you're the son of the Hokage, and your mom is an amazing ninja too. If you ever want to learn something, you just ask and they teach you."
Naruto scratched his head, acknowledging her point. "Yeah… I guess I'm lucky. But what about your family? What do they do?"
"They're just ordinary merchants," Tenten replied with a shrug. "So, I don't have much, except maybe a little money."
Naruto stared at her. The audacity of saying the most infuriating words in the world with the sweetest tone… If he hadn't been sure she was speaking earnestly, he might've smacked her.
"But it's okay," Tenten added cheerfully. "Now that I'm Hokage-sama's student, I'm sure I'll become a strong kunoichi!"
"Let's get started, then," Naruto said, eager to move past the awkwardness.
"Okay! I'll go buy some balloons first."
"No need," Naruto said, pulling out a bunch of water balloons he had saved from his own training. "I've got some here."
Tenten grabbed a balloon and began channelling her chakra into it, gripping her wrist with her other hand.
"Haahhhh~~~!" she yelled dramatically as she tried to create the spinning force.
---
Two hours later, Tenten sat on the ground, drenched in sweat. "This… is impossible. Making chakra spin in different directions at the same time is just… anti-human!"
"It's tough at first," Naruto said, recalling his own struggles. "You'll get used to it with practice. Just don't overuse shadow clones to speed things up it can backfire."
Tenten shuddered, remembering how a misbehaving shadow clone had nearly ruined her Chūnin Exam experience. She decided against using clones for training, especially after Naruto's warning.
After a short break, Tenten resumed her practice under Naruto's guidance. By the time Minato returned, she had made noticeable progress.
"How's it going?" Minato asked.
"I think I'm starting to get the hang of it," Tenten said, though she looked slightly embarrassed by her slow progress.
Minato smiled. "The Rasengan is an A-rank jutsu. It's perfectly normal for it to take time. Don't rush yourself."
He then added, "That's enough for this morning. You have a mission with Team Gai this afternoon, right?"
"Yes!" Tenten packed up the water balloons Naruto had lent her. "Thank you, Minato-sensei. Thank you, Naruto!"
---
After Tenten left, Naruto turned expectantly to Minato. "So… about Sage Mode?"
Minato crossed his arms. "You're stuck on the final stage, right? Trying to absorb natural energy without relying on toad oil?"
Naruto nodded. "Yeah, I feel like I'm so close, but every time I reach the last step, I get too anxious and lose focus."
"Why are you so impatient now, after nearly two years of training?" Minato asked.
Naruto hesitated. "I guess… it's frustrating being so close. I just want to finish it already."
Minato chuckled softly. "Then don't train today."
"…What?" Naruto blinked, confused. "You're saying I should… take a break?"
Minato nodded. "Exactly. Sometimes, stepping away for a bit helps clear your mind."
Naruto stared at him sceptically. "You're the Fourth Hokage. I thought you'd have some profound father-son advice. But you're telling me to just… relax?"
"Even the simplest advice can be the most effective," Minato said with a grin. "Now go enjoy your day."
Naruto sighed dramatically. "Fine… but I was hoping for some life-changing wisdom."
"Sometimes, rest is the wisdom," Minato replied. "You'll see."
----
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