In the days that followed, Shima brought new varieties of mixed fruits every day. The presentation improved significantly compared to the first time, and more importantly, so did the taste. Although the fruits themselves were of excellent quality, Shima's increasing skill in preparation made them even more delicious.
This convinced Natsuro that her culinary skills were indeed exceptional, just as Fukasaku had said. It was just that Natsuro, being human and not a toad, couldn't fully appreciate her's best dishes. Something that only he was at fault for.
Over time, he also realized that Shima was actually quite reasonable, despite her often stern demeanor. In reality, she was kind-hearted, a classic example of someone with a tough exterior but a soft heart. All he had to do was compliment her cooking every day after eating, and Shima would be pleased. Gradually, she stopped bringing up the insect dishes altogether.
During his time on Mount Myōboku, he not only continued his physical training but also kept up with his ninjutsu studies. His mastery of the Substitution Jutsu had improved to the point where he could perform it with just two hand seals. With his current hand seal speed, he could execute the jutsu in less than half a second.
He also made some progress combining the Void State with his Lightning Release Massage technique, although moving while in the Void State was still extremely difficult—he could barely manage to blink. These were challenges he knew he would need to keep working on. As for the Flying Thunder God Technique, he was also making good progress in deciphering and simplifying its seals. Before long, he believed he would be able to create his own version of the Flying Thunder God seal. However, unlike the Fourth Hokage, he couldn't inscribe it on kunai just yet—that would take more time and effort.
Additionally, Jiraiya had upgraded Natsuro's library access pass, allowing him to read not only general knowledge but also learn B-rank ninjutsu. Although A-rank techniques were still restricted, and secret and forbidden jutsu were off-limits, this was already a significant privilege. After all, he was the student of one of the Sannin, the junior to the Fourth Hokage, and the grandstudent of the Third Hokage. His connections were formidable.
While Natsuro was learning quickly, the amount he needed to learn was also growing. With clear goals in mind, he found himself both frustrated and exhilarated.
Back in Konoha, at his home...
Natsuro dragged his extremely fatigued body outside. The reason? To swap places with his Shadow Clone, of course. Although he no longer attended afternoon training, following the Third Hokage's instructions and under Iruka's watch, his reputation as the "Great Demon King" ensured that no one dared to bother him.
Technically, he could just dispel his Shadow Clone, but he preferred to make a personal appearance every day after school to take over from his clone and walk Ino home, as usual. The reason for this was simple—using a Shadow Clone for such tasks felt odd to him. When a Shadow Clone is created, its thoughts are based on his mindset at the moment of its creation, independent of his control. Although he would eventually receive the clone's memories and experiences, it still felt to him like being "cheated" by his past self.
As a result, after the first time using a Shadow Clone to finish the day, he never used it for this purpose again. He decided that for special tasks like these, his true self should be present.
He believed that the only clone technique he could accept would be one directly controlled by him, where his thoughts and sensations were perfectly synchronized with the clone. Such a clone might be less versatile than the Shadow Clone in some situations but far more useful in others.
"Natsuro, why do you look so tired?" Ino asked Natsuro with concern. In her mind, he wasn't even participating in afternoon training anymore, so how could he be this exhausted? And he wasn't weak by any means—he was the "Great Demon King" of the second grade, after all!
"I am a bit tired." He admitted. Every day after his training, his body was completely drained. Even the Lightning Release Massage could only alleviate the fatigue slightly.
Ino's expression suddenly changed. "Natsuro, are you sick?"
She wondered if his sudden decision to skip afternoon training was because of some illness.
Seeing Ino's worried expression, he couldn't resist pinching her slightly chubby cheeks. At this age, the texture was perfect—soft and plump. He had decided to take advantage of this while he could; after all, once this cute childhood phase was over, he wouldn't have the chance again.
"Don't worry, I don't get sick that easily."
Ino's face turned bright red, but she didn't pull away. "Then what's going on?"
He thought for a moment before explaining, without giving away too much, that the Natsuro at school was actually his Shadow Clone while his real body was elsewhere training. He mentioned that he was currently at a critical stage in his training and couldn't return to school.
"So, you're a Shadow Clone right now?" Ino asked, curious as she squeezed his hand. His palm was a bit rough, a sign of all his training.
"No, this is the real me. I don't want to use a Shadow Clone to spend time with you." He replied.
"Why not? Isn't a Shadow Clone still you?" Ino asked, even more curious.
"Because, when I'm spending time with you, I want it to be the real me. Even if I get the memories later, it wouldn't be the same." Natsuro said. He couldn't very well explain that he didn't want to "cheat" himself with a clone, could he?
Ino didn't say anything, but the blush on her face spoke volumes about how she felt. Although she didn't fully understand his reasoning, she was happy nonetheless.
He withdrew his hand, reflecting that children's cheeks were indeed more fun to pinch. When they grow up, not only does the texture change, but they also lose some of their cuteness.
This was why he really wanted to have a daughter who wouldn't grow up. Of course, she could be adopted, but she had to be naturally small and cute. He wasn't the kind of person who would manipulate someone's physical development to suit his preferences.
After dropping Ino off at home, Natsuro met up with Lee to give him his daily massage. He noticed that Lee had been training even harder lately, likely because he had been informed of his progress. Although Might Guy didn't know exactly what he had been up to, as a taijutsu expert, he could tell that he was making significant strides.
Guy had initially hoped that Lee might eventually catch up to Natsuro. Now, however, he realized that even that hope was fading fast. The harsh truth made Guy want to cry, especially seeing that Lee hadn't given up despite the odds. It made Guy even more emotional!
After finishing up with Lee, he returned home to rest. His head was spinning from the feedback he received from his Shadow Clones, and his body was utterly exhausted. There was no point in pushing himself any further.
What made him feel slightly hopeless was the realization that these days would likely continue for a long time. But he knew he had to persevere.
And his hunch was correct, and this continued on for three more years...
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A/N: A timeskip has finally arrived. Please feel free to donate some power stones in celebration!!
Get ahead with the patreon :)))