Sage Fukasaku watched as Natsuro practiced diligently, following the rigorous training plan he had set for him. He had anticipated that Natsuro would struggle, much like Jiraiya did during his first training session. He expected him to falter and require prolonged corrections to meet the standards.
However, to his surprise, Natsuro, despite only seeing the training plan for the first time, executed the movements with near perfection. There was hardly any need for correction, and he couldn't find any faults.
Fukasaku stroked his beard with satisfaction. It seemed that Natsuro's foundation in physical techniques was even better than he had expected.
This wasn't due to Jiraiya's teaching but rather the influence of Might Guy, the Taijutsu master of Konoha. Only someone who had truly internalized Taijutsu, like Guy, could have broken down basic movements to such a refined level.
Fukasaku glanced at his black ruler, feeling that he might not use it as much this time. It was different from when Jiraiya trained, when the ruler had been worn out from constant use.
Moreover, Natsuro's physique was better than he had anticipated. The training session had gone on for so long but Natsuro had yet to finish his first round.
"Jiraiya, you've really taken on an extraordinary disciple this time." Fukasaku couldn't help but remark again.
Finally, after a while, Natsuro reached the limit of his first round of training.
"Take this and then continue with the next phase of training." Fukasaku said, handing a pill to Natsuro.
He took the pill but did not swallow it immediately. Sitting cross-legged under Fukasaku's curious gaze, his body began to crackle with lightning.
"Hmm? So that's it. No wonder." Fukasaku was surprised. He had sensed that Natsuro's growth was accelerating faster than usual. The reason was now clear.
Given this, Fukasaku thought it might be necessary to adjust the training plan to increase the dosage.
Once he had completed the Lightning Release massage, he swallowed the pill.
Natsuro didn't know what the pill was made of and didn't want to know. At least, he wasn't interested in knowing until he completed his several years of training.
After swallowing the pill, he initially felt a warm sensation spreading through his body. The fatigue remained, but…
He clenched his fist. Although he still felt tired, he felt he could continue training.
"So this is the secret medicine of Mount Myoboku?" He remarked.
"Of course. This is our well-guarded secret. Keep going, Natsuro. The full effects of this medicine will only manifest if your training keeps up," Fukasaku said. He felt that he might need to use his ruler after all.
The secret medicine provided a surplus of potential, but its full effects wouldn't be immediate. Therefore, the hardest part would be enduring the first phase after taking the medicine.
However, Fukasaku underestimated Natsuro. Since he had not pushed his limits before taking the medicine, he realized the implications now.
With the medicine's assistance, the aftereffects of breaking through his limits would no longer be present after each breakthrough. Maybe even the second and third breakthroughs could be achieved.
Fukasaku watched in astonishment as he continued to push himself. He swallowed nervously. He began to wonder if he was out of touch with the times. Perhaps his training plan was too lenient? And was the secret medicine insufficient to support Natsuro's demands, requiring an increase?
This realization left him at a loss for words. Jiraiya's pill was smaller, and he hadn't used it all, leading to some wastage.
In contrast, Natsuro could make unbelievable use of the medicine during its effective period. As soon as his body entered the next stage, his chakra would increase explosively every day.
It was evident now that Natsuro's chakra level would surpass Jiraiya's by a significant margin…
"With this chakra amount, it would be a waste not to learn Sage Mode." Fukasaku stroked his white beard, feeling a sense of admiration and a decision forming in his mind. Once Natsuro's chakra reached a sufficient level, he would begin to introduce him to Sage Mode.
After breaking through his second limit, he felt that his body was nearing its capacity. It seemed insufficient for a third breakthrough, but he was already quite satisfied.
Still… he glanced at the sky and sighed. The time required for training with this secret medicine was indeed considerable, but there was no other way.
To become stronger, he must endure the monotony and fatigue of training.
Natsuro was also surprised by his own performance. He had managed to achieve a second breakthrough, despite his previous life's lack of willpower to do so. This led him to believe that perhaps his willpower wasn't as lacking as he had thought.
What would the result be? He wondered if he could indeed keep pace with or even surpass Lee's physical progress.
Moreover, the most crucial aspect was that he was training within his body's limits under the medicine's influence, whereas Lee…
At this moment, he deeply felt the importance of background. Despite Lee's hard work surpassing limits and catching Guy's attention early on…
Lee might not even surpass him in physical techniques, just because he had Jiraiya as his master. While Jiraiya's physical skills might not match Guy's, Jiraiya's foundation was beyond comparison with Guy!
For example, could Guy provide the secret medicine of Mount Myoboku? This medicine ensured that during its effectiveness, Natsuro's physical growth speed was faster than that of the more diligent Lee!
He sighed but didn't dwell on it further. Although it seemed unfair, he had fought for every step he had gained.
Natsuro sat cross-legged, closed his eyes, and let the electricity crackle around him. As usual, he emptied his mind and entered the Void State.
However, this time, he forgot that Sage Fukasaku was beside him, who immediately noticed something unusual about his state.
Shocked, Fukasaku observed closely, thinking hard, and confirmed, "So this is the precursor to Sage Mode?!..."
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