"Alright, kid," Jiraiya said as they walked along a dusty road, "let's start with the basics. Show me what you've got."
Naruto grinned, forming a hand seal. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!" A dozen clones appeared around him.
"Good. Now, let's work on your chakra control." Jiraiya nodded approvingly. "but first why don't talk about how much of the future you know."
Naruto took a deep breath, knowing this moment would come. "There's a war coming," Naruto explained, his voice grave. "A war that will change everything. I want to prevent it, and to save lives."
Jiraiya studied Naruto's face intently, searching for any sign of deception. Finding none, he sighed heavily. "I've heard a lot of wild stories in my time, kid, but this... This takes the cake. And yet, it explains so much."
"You believe me?" Naruto asked, hope evident in his voice.
"I'm not sure I have a choice," Jiraiya replied. "Your knowledge... it all adds up. So, tell me everything."
For hours, Naruto recounted the events of the future - the Akatsuki, the Fourth Great Ninja War, the resurrection of Madara, and the threat of Kaguya. Jiraiya listened intently, his expression growing more serious with each revelation.
"This is bigger than I could have imagined," Jiraiya said finally. "We need to adjust our training plan. If what you're saying is true, we don't have a moment to waste."
Naruto with a grin "I already have a plan, first, taijutsu, second, chakra control, third, talking with Kurama, fourth, sage mode"
Jiraiya raised an eyebrow at Naruto's organized approach. "Kurama? Do you mean the Nine-Tails? And you already know about Sage Mode?" He shook his head with a slight smile. "You do know a lot, kid."
"Yeah, in the future, Kurama and I become partners," Naruto explained. "But I need to get stronger physically first. That's why I want to focus on taijutsu."
"Smart thinking," Jiraiya nodded approvingly. "A strong foundation is essential. But talking to the Nine-Tails... that's dangerous, Naruto. Are you sure about this?"
Naruto's expression turned serious. "I am. Kurama isn't just some mindless beast. He's been used and manipulated, just like many others. With time and trust, we can become allies."
"Alright then," Jiraiya stood up, stretching. "Let's start with taijutsu. Show me your current form, and we'll work from there. But remember, we're not just training your body - we need to be smart about this. The enemies you've described... they're not your typical shinobi."
"I know," Naruto got into his fighting stance. "That's why I need to be stronger than I was before. Much stronger."
Jiraiya smiled, seeing the determination in his student's eyes. "Well then, let's get to work. And while we train, you can tell me more about these future events. The more we know, the better we can prepare."
The two began their training session, with Naruto demonstrating his current taijutsu skills while Jiraiya observed, already planning how to improve his student's form and technique.
Meanwhile, back in Konoha, Shikamaru was putting his plans into action.
He approached Choji and Ino first, knowing their teamwork would be crucial. "Alright, you two," he said, his tone uncharacteristically serious, "We're going to step up our training. Choji, we'll focus on expanding your clan techniques. Ino, we need to improve your mind transfer speed and range."
Ino raised an eyebrow. "What's gotten into you, Shikamaru? You're usually not this... motivated."
Shikamaru sighed. "Let's just say I've got a troublesome feeling about the future. We need to be prepared."
As the month passed, Naruto's progress continued to impress Jiraiya. They traveled from village to village, training and gathering information.
"Alright, kid," Jiraiya said, watching Naruto complete another set of complex taijutsu forms. "Your basic stance has improved dramatically. Now, let's add some weight seals."
Naruto nodded, remembering how Rock Lee had used weights in his training. Jiraiya placed his hand on Naruto's shoulders and ankles, applying chakra seals that immediately made Naruto feel like he was moving through water.
"These seals will gradually increase in weight as you adjust," Jiraiya explained. "Combined with your shadow clones, this should accelerate your physical development significantly."
Over the next few weeks, Naruto's training intensified. Each morning began with two hundred clones practicing chakra control exercises - walking on water while maintaining different chakra patterns, balancing kunai on multiple points of their bodies, and performing precise chakra-enhanced movements.
The real Naruto, weighted down by the seals, focused on physical conditioning and taijutsu forms. The results began to show: that his movements became sharper and more efficient, and his stamina, already impressive, reached new heights.
One evening, during a sparring session, Naruto demonstrated his progress. Jiraiya threw a rapid series of punches, but Naruto weaved through them with a fluid grace that hadn't been there before. He countered with a combination of strikes that forced Jiraiya to block seriously.
"Hold up," Jiraiya called, grinning. "That last sequence - you didn't telegraph any of your moves. Your form has completely changed."
Naruto wiped the sweat from his brow. "Yeah, I can feel it. The weight seals forced me to be more efficient with my movements. Plus, all the chakra control training is helping me maintain better balance."
"Ready to test it in a real fight?" Jiraiya asked, his grin turning mischievous.
Before Naruto could respond, three bandits burst from the surrounding forest. Jiraiya stepped back, giving Naruto a nod.
What happened next surprised even Jiraiya. Naruto moved like water, his improved taijutsu flowing seamlessly as he disabled all three attackers without using a single jutsu. His movements were precise, economical, and devastatingly effective.
"Impressive," Jiraiya said afterward. "You didn't rely on your usual overwhelming force approach. Instead, you used their momentum against them, just like we practiced."
Naruto smiled, but his eyes remained serious. "This is just the beginning. I need to be ready for what's coming. Speaking of which..." he formed a familiar cross seal, "time for the afternoon training session."
Hundreds of clones appeared, each beginning their assigned tasks - some practicing wind manipulation, others working on sealing techniques Jiraiya had begun teaching him, and still others meditating to improve their chakra control.
Jiraiya watched his student with pride and a hint of amazement. This Naruto was different - focused, disciplined, and growing stronger by the day. The future might be uncertain, but at least they were preparing for it the right way.
Back in Konoha,
Shikamaru stood before the gathered group in a secluded training ground. All of the Konoha 12 (minus Naruto and Sasuke) were present, looking at him with varying degrees of curiosity and confusion.
"This is troublesome, but necessary," Shikamaru began. "We need to start training together, all of us, beyond our regular team formations."
"What brought this on?" Neji asked, his pale eyes studying Shikamaru intently.
"do you want to die? Our last mission was beyond failure, do you want to stay like this?" Shikamaru looked at each of them. "I've analyzed everyone's strengths and weaknesses, and I have a proposal."
He pulled out a scroll and laid it on the ground. "We'll rotate training partners daily. Hinata, your Gentle Fist could help Lee improve his defense against chakra-based attacks. Lee, your taijutsu expertise could help Hinata become more aggressive in her strikes."
"YOSH! The flames of youth will burn brightly in our training!" Lee exclaimed.
"Kiba and Shino," Shikamaru continued, "your tracking abilities complement each other. Kiba's direct approach and Shino's strategic thinking could benefit both of you. Both of you need to learn from each other as Kiba is too reckless, and Shino is too timid sometimes."
Both boys nodded, though Kiba looked slightly uncertain about working closely with the quiet Aburame.
"Ino, you'll work with Sakura on genjutsu and chakra control. Sakura, your perfect chakra control could help Ino refine her clan techniques. Also, Sakura and Ino, because both of you learning medical ninjutsu, you train by healing us after we train."
Sakura and Ino exchanged determined looks, their former rivalry now transformed into motivation to improve.
"Tenten, your weapon expertise could help everyone improve their tool usage. You'll rotate between all of us, but primarily work with Neji to develop new combinations with his Gentle Fist."
"Choji and I will work on combining our clan techniques for better battlefield control. We'll also rotate through partners to develop new team combinations."
As the days passed, the results of their joint training became evident. Hinata's confidence grew as she incorporated more aggressive movements into her Gentle Fist. Lee learned to better defend against chakra-based attacks, while Tenten and Neji developed several devastating combination techniques.
During one particularly intense training session, Sakura demonstrated her progress by shattering a boulder with a chakra-enhanced punch, something she'd developed by combining her perfect control with training tips from Lee.
"Forehead, that was amazing!" Ino exclaimed, before showing off her improvement - a new technique that allowed her to briefly connect multiple minds for enhanced team coordination.
Kiba and Shino had developed a tracking formation that combined Akamaru's nose with Shino's insects, creating an almost impenetrable surveillance network. "We can cover twice the area now," Kiba reported proudly.
Even Neji seemed impressed by their collective progress. "Your strategy is sound, Shikamaru. We're all growing stronger together."
But it was during a full-group sparring session that their improvement showed. The twelve of them moved like a well-oiled machine, covering each other's weaknesses and amplifying their strengths. When Might Guy and Kakashi came to observe, both jōnin were visibly impressed.
"Their teamwork is exceptional," Kakashi noted. "Whatever inspired this, Shikamaru, keep it up."
Shikamaru watched his friends training, his mind already planning the next phase. They were getting stronger, but would it be enough? He thought of Naruto, wondering how his training was progressing.
"Alright, everyone," he called out. "Let's work on that formation we discussed. The one for facing multiple high-level opponents..."
The group immediately moved into position, ready to continue their preparation for whatever challenges lay ahead.
Shikamaru was facing his challenges. His increased focus on training had not gone unnoticed by his father, Shikaku.
Shikaku and Shikamaru sat before the shogi board, still early in their game. The evening was young, and the summer heat lingered.
"These new training regimens," Shikaku moved his piece. "Not like you to be so... motivated."
Shikamaru kept his eyes on the board. "Things change."
"Hmm." Shikaku studied his son rather than the game. "And Naruto's sudden improvement?"
"You noticed."
"Hard not to. The boy who barely passed the academy is now teaching advanced chakra control." Shikaku captured one of Shikamaru's pieces. "Your move."
Shikamaru shifted his knight. "If I told you we had information about future threats, would you believe me?"
"Depends. How troublesome is this information?"
"Very." Shikamaru met his father's gaze. "But right now, I can only tell you we need to be stronger. All of us."
Shikaku leaned back, considering. "And you trust this source?"
"With my life."
"Then for now," Shikaku moved his piece, "that's enough. But I'll expect a full explanation when the time comes."
"Thanks, Dad." Shikamaru returned to the game, knowing he'd need to be careful with how much he revealed and when.
Meanwhile, at Naruto's training location:
Naruto sat in meditation pose, dozens of clones around him practicing various exercises. Jiraiya watched as his student's breathing steadied.
"Kid, you've made impressive progress with taijutsu and chakra control," Jiraiya noted. "Think you're ready to try communicating with the Nine-Tails?"
Naruto opened his eyes. "Yeah. I want to do it differently. The one I saw was that our relationship started with conflict. This time..." He closed his eyes again, focusing inward.
Inside his mindscape, Naruto stood before Kurama's cage. The massive fox glared down at him with suspicious eyes.
Naruto grinned confidently as he faced the massive fox behind the bars. "Yo, Kurama! I know you're probably wondering how I know your name, dattebayo!"
The Nine-Tails' crimson eyes narrowed dangerously. "You... how do you know that name, brat?"
"Hehe, I know a lot more than just your name!" Naruto pointed his thumb at his chest. "I know about the Old Man Six Paths being your dad, about that jerk Madara using you, about everything!"
Kurama slammed his claws against the cage, making the mindscape tremble. "Impossible! There's no way a puny human like you could know such things!"
"But I do!" Naruto stood his ground, unflinching. "And I know something else too - that you're not just some mindless beast. You've got feelings, you've been hurt, and you're tired of being used as a weapon, dattebayo!"
"Watch your mouth, brat..." Kurama growled, though there was a flicker of something besides anger in his eyes.
"I'm not here to fight you or steal your power," Naruto held out his fist. "I want us to be partners! Real partners! What do you say, Kurama?"
The fox demon stared at the offered fist, a mix of suspicion and intrigue in his ancient eyes.
Kurama's eyes widened as the memories flowed through their shared mindscape - their battles together, their growing trust, their final moments as true partners.
"These memories..." Kurama growled, his tails swishing thoughtfully. "They feel... real. But how?"
"Because they are real, dattebayo!" Naruto grinned. "That's our future - or at least, what it could be! We become more than just jinchūriki and tailed beast. We become friends!"
"Friends?" Kurama scoffed, but there was less bite in his voice. "With a tiny human like you?"
"Hey, I'm not that tiny!" Naruto protested. "And yeah, friends! Partners! The strongest team in the whole shinobi world! You saw it yourself - we even beat Madara together!"
Kurama was quiet momentarily, studying the determined boy before him. "And what makes you think I want any of that, brat?"
"Because," Naruto's expression turned serious, "you're tired of being alone. Tired of being seen as just a weapon. I know your heart, Kurama. You're not the monster everyone thinks you are."
The great fox's eyes narrowed, but Naruto could see the impact his words had. "You're either very brave or very foolish, kid."
"Probably both!" Naruto laughed, holding out his fist again. "So what do you say? Partners?"
"Hmph." Kurama finally bumped his massive fist against Naruto's tiny one. "Don't make me regret this... partner."
"YATTA!" Naruto jumped with joy. "Just wait, Kurama! We're going to be even more awesome this time around, dattebayo!"