Yūgiri was a master of Taijutsu, or more precisely, a master of swordsmanship.
She didn't know many ninjutsu techniques, aside from the basic three techniques, and her only other ability was the Shadow Clone Jutsu, which she used to enhance her swordplay.
After teaching Naruto the Shadow Clone Jutsu, the rest of their time was spent sparring to sharpen his Taijutsu skills. It was a perfect opportunity for Naruto to also absorb the combat experience he inherited from Minato Namikaze.
Unfortunately, Yūgiri was only a special Jonin. Although she specialized in Taijutsu and was stronger in that regard than most Jonin, her strength wasn't enough to push Naruto to his limits.
Of course, Naruto wasn't about to reveal his full strength here either.
He simply used their sparring sessions as a way to steadily enhance his outward abilities, making it seem like he was rapidly growing stronger.
At first, Naruto pretended to be an ordinary Genin, slightly weaker than Sasuke at that time.
But as time passed, he gradually caught up to Yūgiri's speed, especially when she was holding back.
By now, Naruto's Taijutsu had roughly reached the level of a Chunin.
"Is this the power of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki? Or is it Naruto's own talent?" Yūgiri thought to herself, astonished.
Seeing him grow stronger at such a visible rate shocked her a bit. But along with her surprise, she also felt happy for Naruto. With such strength, his safety on future missions as a ninja would be greatly enhanced.
Encouraged by this, Yūgiri became even more serious in her training with Naruto.
Naruto, however, didn't go overboard. After barely reaching Chunin-level strength, he slowed down his progress deliberately.
One must walk step by step, and meals should be eaten bite by bite.
There was no need to rush to Kage-level right away.
Besides, showing off too much might attract unwanted attention. Additionally, Naruto enjoyed getting closer to Yūgiri, so he intentionally slowed his progress.
After all, now that he could keep up with her speed, it was only natural that they would occasionally bump into each other—quite literally.
Yūgiri, focused on training, didn't seem to notice Naruto's subtle moves, which kept him amused.
However, just as Naruto was enjoying the moment, a figure suddenly flashed into view nearby.
"You keep practicing on your own for a bit. I need to step away," Yūgiri said, noticing the figure and turning toward it, leaving Naruto alone.
The figure was none other than Moonlight Hayate!
Naruto immediately felt irritated, as if a green aura was forming above his head.
Alright, in reality, Yūgiri and Hayate were already in a relationship, so it was technically Naruto who was intruding.
But Naruto didn't see it that way. In his mind, it was time to find an opportunity to send Moonlight Hayate on his way permanently.
Watching Yūgiri and Hayate walk toward a nearby grove of trees, Naruto felt uncomfortable.
Without much thought, he wanted to follow them.
But just as he was about to act, he stopped.
The next moment, a figure that had been blending with the surroundings became solid and visible.
It was Moonlight Hayate, using his transparent jutsu!
Naruto discreetly sensed that the Moonlight Hayate walking away with Yūgiri was still there, meaning this was just a shadow clone.
Clearly, Hayate had something to say to him and wanted to avoid Yūgiri.
Before Naruto could speak, the clone of Hayate darkened his expression and said, "You're up to no good with Yūgiri, aren't you?"
"I'm telling you now, she's my girlfriend. You should give up on whatever you're planning. Yūgiri would never like a brat like you!"
Naruto couldn't help but laugh internally. So, his presence was threatening to Hayate, after all?
This wasn't about doing anything to Yūgiri, but rather an attempt to convince her to distance herself from Naruto!
It made sense, given Hayate's sickly condition. He probably wasn't able to do much with Yūgiri and felt insecure.
Because of his fragile health, he lacked confidence, which was why he felt the need to warn even a kid like Naruto.
"Whether she likes me or not isn't up to you," Naruto said with a playful grin. "And honestly, with your weak body, you can't take care of her properly. You might as well hand her over to me."
"Oh, wait," Naruto continued, mockingly. "Saying 'hand her over' is giving you too much credit. Even if she was your wife, not just your girlfriend, I could still take her away from you whenever I want."
Naruto didn't hold back. When it came to someone competing for a woman's affection, he had no reason to be polite.
If he was sure this was Hayate's real body and not just a clone, Naruto might've considered eliminating him altogether.
"What did you say?"
Hayate's face turned dark as he glared at Naruto. "So, you really do have ill intentions toward Yūgiri!"
He hadn't anticipated Naruto's personality being this vicious.
No way. He had to tell Yūgiri about this and make sure she cut ties with Naruto completely.
Though rage boiled inside him, and he wished to kill Naruto, Hayate knew he couldn't attack.
This was the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. Any mistake could lead to severe consequences he couldn't explain to the higher-ups.
"Heh, isn't it obvious?" Naruto shrugged casually. "Not only do I have ill intentions, but I've already kissed her and touched her. In a few days, she'll be mine for real."
"I should actually thank you," Naruto added with a sly smile. "Thanks to you, she's still pure. If you'd done anything, I'd still want her, but I'd be a bit disappointed. Now, I can genuinely treasure her."
Naruto spoke with cruel indifference, each word designed to provoke.
Hayate trembled with rage, unable to hold back anymore. He unsheathed his sword and charged at Naruto.
"I'll kill you!!"
No man could remain calm after such provocation.
Hayate, already feeling insecure about his relationship with Yūgiri due to his health, was pushed over the edge by Naruto's words.
He lost control, no longer caring about the consequences of attacking Naruto.
A smirk tugged at the corner of Naruto's lips. As Hayate slashed at him with full force, Naruto stood still, as if frozen in shock.
No!
Suddenly, Hayate realized what he was doing.
He had swung his blade directly at Naruto's head. If it hit, he would slice Naruto in half!
Panic set in as cold sweat ran down his back. Hayate quickly tried to pull back his attack.
Of course, he couldn't kill Naruto, but that didn't mean he couldn't teach him a lesson he wouldn't forget.
He had made up his mind—Naruto needed to be punished.
"Stop!!!"
Before he could finish withdrawing his blade, a panicked cry came from behind—it was Yūgiri.
At that moment, Naruto's sinister grin appeared, and with a quick jump, he made sure to throw himself right into Hayate's sword.
Splat!
The blade grazed Naruto's chest, sending blood flying as his body was "slashed" into the air.