Chapter twelve: Unlocking Hidden Potential
With only a few weeks left until the Chunin Exams, Naruto was determined to take his training to the next level. After completing the mission with Team 8, he'd gained valuable experience, but he knew he still had a lot to learn. Kakashi was out on another mission, and Riku had also left the village, so Naruto was left to train on his own.
One morning, he decided to work on his chakra control. Remembering how the Shadow Clone Jutsu let him divide tasks , he created one to help him with a few simple chores around his apartment. His clone got busy making tea, while Naruto mulled over how to expand his jutsu repertoire.
But just as the clone poured hot water, it accidentally touched the boiling kettle, yelped, and dispelled in a puff of smoke.
Suddenly, Naruto felt a rush of memories, including the sharp sting of the burn, the steps his clone took to make the tea, and the entire process of heating and pouring. He froze, eyes wide as he processed the realization.
"Wait a minute… If I get all my clones' memories when they dispel, that means I can learn stuff faster!"
His mind raced with excitement. Using clones for training could give him a massive advantage, especially with the limited time before the Chunin Exams. Determined to make the most of this discovery, he immediately summoned a dozen clones and began training in earnest, assigning each one a task to work on different aspects of his chakra control and basic jutsu.
With the clones' feedback flooding back to him each time they dispelled, Naruto improved faster than he ever imagined. He felt his chakra control solidifying, and even his accuracy with basic jutsu improved drastically.
But Naruto wasn't satisfied with just mastering basics. Inspired by the possibilities, he decided it was time to revisit the powerful techniques he had glimpsed in the Land of the White Tiger Clan. During his accidental summoning there, he'd seen how the tiger clan used lightning chakra in ways he could only dream of. Now, he was eager to train with them intentionally, hoping to learn their secrets and incorporate them into his own style.
Since he didn't want to leave the summoning up to chance, Naruto decided to summon one of the White Tigers directly. Focusing his chakra, he performed the summoning jutsu, and in a cloud of smoke, a large white tiger with a proud, regal stance appeared before him. The tiger's fur was sleek and rippled with faint currents of electricity, and its piercing blue eyes regarded him with curiosity.
The tiger blinked, raising a brow. "Naruto Uzumaki, was it? I didn't expect to be summoned here. What do you need?"
"Yeah, sorry for the sudden call!" Naruto rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "I was hoping to do some serious training with you guys. Last time, I kind of ended up there by accident, but I really want to learn more from you."
The tiger chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that made Naruto's hair stand on end. "Your determination is impressive, Naruto. My name is Raiden. We can reverse summon you to our homeland if you're ready to train seriously. But be warned—our training isn't easy."
Naruto grinned, excitement radiating from him. "I'm ready! I want to learn all I can before the Chunin Exams."
Raiden nodded approvingly. "Very well. Hold on tightly."
Raiden placed one of his large paws on Naruto's shoulder, and with a surge of chakra, a misty cloud of smoke enveloped them both. Naruto felt the air shift around him, a sense of weightlessness pulling him as space twisted and transported him to the land of the White Tiger Clan.
When the smoke cleared, Naruto found himself standing in the heart of the tigers' homeland, a wild, expansive forest beneath a sky charged with a strange electric energy. The air buzzed with a faint pulse of lightning chakra, and Naruto could feel it tingling against his skin.
He looked around, marveling at the rugged beauty of the place. Massive trees towered overhead, and rocky cliffs stretched out across the landscape. In the distance, he saw other tigers moving gracefully, their bodies sleek and powerful, with lightning chakra crackling along their fur.
Soon, an imposing figure emerged from the trees. It was Ryuu, the clan's elder, with sleek white fur and intense blue eyes that held the wisdom of years. The elder tiger approached, regarding Naruto with curiosity.
"So, you've returned," Ryuu rumbled in a voice like distant thunder. "And I see you've come by choice this time."
Naruto nodded, his eyes shining with determination. "I need to get stronger before the exams, Ryuu-sensei. I want to learn from your clan. If you'll train me, I promise I'll give it everything I've got."
Ryuu studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Your spirit is admirable, Naruto. But remember, lightning chakra requires not only strength but precision and patience. You can't wield it recklessly. Are you prepared for that?"
Naruto clenched his fists, nodding firmly. "Yes, Ryuu-sensei."
The elder tiger signaled for Naruto to follow, leading him to a large plateau where other tigers were training. Naruto watched in awe as they practiced various techniques, moving with speed and precision, lightning chakra crackling around their paws as they struck targets with deadly accuracy.
Ryuu turned to face him. "The White Tiger Clan specializes in lightning techniques. We strike with precision, focusing our energy to hit with overwhelming force. Watch closely."
With a fluid motion, Ryuu raised a paw, gathering a powerful charge of lightning chakra. With a swift slash, he sent a bolt of lightning across the ground, leaving a scorched path in its wake. The air crackled with residual energy as Naruto stared in awe.
"Now, focus your chakra in your hands and feet," Ryuu instructed. "Imagine it flowing like water but with the sharpness of a blade. Control is everything. Start slowly and work your way up."
Naruto nodded, creating several clones to help him practice. Following Ryuu's guidance, he concentrated chakra in his hands, feeling a faint crackling as the lightning energy began to flow. It was difficult to maintain the balance, and his first attempts flickered out almost immediately. But each time a clone dispelled, he gained valuable feedback and refined his control.
The hours ticked by, and with each attempt, he got a little better. His clones worked tirelessly alongside him, and soon he could sustain a faint charge around his hands.
Ryuu nodded approvingly. "Good. You're progressing well. But you'll need more than simple control to face your opponents. The true skill lies in our signature technique: the Bolt Step."
Naruto watched as Ryuu demonstrated, focusing lightning chakra into his legs and releasing it in controlled bursts. He moved with blinding speed, covering ground in the blink of an eye. It was as if he'd teleported, reappearing yards away almost instantly.
Naruto's eyes widened in amazement, his mind racing with ideas on how he could use the Bolt Step in battle. Without wasting a moment, he began to focus lightning chakra into his legs, attempting to mimic Ryuu's technique. His first few tries were clumsy—he stumbled as the lightning either surged too weakly or overpowered his steps, throwing him off balance.
But with each attempt, Naruto improved. His clones gave him immediate feedback on every movement, and as the hours went by, he gradually mastered the rhythm and control necessary for the technique. By the time dusk settled over the land, Naruto could execute the Bolt Step with surprising accuracy, darting across the plateau in controlled bursts.
Ryuu watched him with a hint of pride. "You've done well, Naruto. Remember, lightning demands respect. Use what you've learned wisely, and you'll go far."
Naruto, exhausted but exhilarated, bowed deeply. "Thank you, Ryuu-sensei. I won't forget this."
With Ryuu's permission, Raiden performed the reverse summoning, sending Naruto back to his apartment in Konoha. As he appeared in his room, Naruto staggered slightly, feeling the full weight of his training. He collapsed onto his bed, body aching yet buzzing with excitement.
The techniques he had learned were powerful, and with the Chunin Exams just around the corner, he couldn't wait to see how his newfound skills would serve him in the trials ahead.