In the clearing outside Tsunade's house, Hanekawa leapt into the air, performing a perfect high jump.
Sarutobi Asuma watched, puzzled.
Does this kind of training really help?
"Why aren't you training?" Hanekawa turned to him and asked.
"I don't need this kind of training," Asuma hesitated before replying.
"Then just stick to how you normally train," Hanekawa said casually.
"Huh?" Asuma blinked in confusion. "Aren't you going to teach me?"
He had assumed Hanekawa invited him to train together so he could teach him how to get stronger.
"I don't know anything about Wind Release, so how could I teach you?" Hanekawa clarified with a smile. "I can't teach you, but I can be your sparring partner."
Asuma's eyes lit up.
His father, the Third Hokage, had once told him, "Ninja battles are battles of information."
Asuma had sparred with Hanekawa three times before, all resulting in crushing defeats.
But on reflection, one major reason was that he didn't know enough about Hanekawa's abilities.
A sparring partner meant he could battle Hanekawa anytime and, over time, learn his patterns and strengths—maybe even beat him someday.
As the Hokage's son, Asuma had a personal elite Jōnin as his instructor, who also served as a sparring partner. However, due to his family status, Asuma always held back, unwilling to go all out.
Glancing around, Asuma plucked a leaf from a tree and held it in his hand.
Hanekawa's attention sharpened immediately.
Finally, he's bringing up Wind Release chakra nature transformation training.
However, Hanekawa didn't rush things and returned to his physical training.
---
After what seemed like hours, Asuma stared at the leaf in his hand, now neatly split in two. Exhaling deeply, he wiped the sweat from his forehead and slumped to the ground.
"What kind of training is that?" Hanekawa walked over and handed Asuma a bottle of water. "I've never seen it before."
"Of course you haven't!" Asuma beamed with pride. "This is Wind Release chakra nature transformation training."
"Impressive," Hanekawa said with genuine admiration. "I remember this is something only Chūnin are qualified to learn."
"Exactly! I'm a Wind Release prodigy, after all!"
Asuma's pride swelled, feeling as refreshed as if he had gulped down an icy drink on a hot summer day.
Kids are so easy to impress.
Hanekawa smiled and asked, "Can you tell me more about it?"
"Of course!" Asuma, still elated, agreed without hesitation.
As Hanekawa listened attentively, he recalled the episode in the original story where Naruto learned Wind Release chakra nature transformation.
The process was broken down into three steps:
1. Master the essence of Wind Release—cutting. This starts with slicing through a leaf.
2. Increase chakra output—powerful enough to slice through a waterfall.
3. Combine with jutsu—maximize the effectiveness of Wind Release techniques.
"Thanks," Hanekawa said, deciding to try it out when he had the chance. Even if someone noticed, it wouldn't matter—after all, he had powerful backers.
"No problem!" Asuma waved dismissively. "If you ever don't understand something, feel free to ask me!"
Asuma was beginning to enjoy explaining things—especially since Hanekawa was such a good listener. It made him feel important.
No wonder my old man is always preaching at me.
"Want to stay for dinner?" Hanekawa glanced at the sky.
"Maybe next time," Asuma declined, explaining, "I didn't tell my family beforehand."
"All right, see you next time."
Hanekawa stood up and headed to the bathroom.
He needed a shower before preparing dinner.
Meanwhile, Sarutobi Asuma returned home in high spirits.
"Why are you so happy today? Did you defeat Hanekawa?" Sarutobi Hiruzen asked, noticing the smile on Asuma's face as he entered.
"No," Asuma replied, shaking his head.
"Then what's the reason?" Hiruzen asked curiously.
"I became friends with Hanekawa, and we trained together," Asuma said with a grin.
"Huh?" Hiruzen looked surprised. "What happened?"
Asuma recounted the events of the afternoon.
Hiruzen stroked his beard thoughtfully.
Hanekawa has such a strong sense of camaraderie?
But then again, a six-year-old child wouldn't likely have the scheming ability to fake such behavior.
As for Hanekawa's questions about Wind Release chakra nature transformation, they were of no major concern. If Hanekawa truly wanted to learn, Tsunade could provide him with a wealth of knowledge.
What mattered most to Hiruzen was Asuma's growth.
My son shows the potential to be Hokage someday.
"Well done," Hiruzen said with a pleased smile. "Hanekawa is indeed worth befriending."
"Yeah," Asuma nodded. "I'm going to take a bath."
---
Not long after, the sound of the door opening echoed again.
"Jiraiya?" Hiruzen looked at the man who had just entered. "When did you get back?"
"Just now," Jiraiya explained. "I used the Reverse Summoning Technique."
"The conveniences of the Three Great Sage Regions," Hiruzen remarked, pausing before asking, "What's that in your hand?"
"The latest book by Thunderfire Blade!" Jiraiya said, visibly excited.
"I…" Hiruzen suddenly noticed Sarutobi Biwako emerging from the kitchen nearby.
"Did you read the last one? Wasn't it great? This new one has an even more compelling setting—you absolutely can't miss it!" Jiraiya eagerly recommended.
"I didn't read it. Why would I read something like that? I'm focused on…" Hiruzen cleared his throat, trying to change the subject.
"Don't pretend, old man," Jiraiya interrupted with a scornful grin. "You think I don't know you by now?"
"What book?" Biwako interjected unexpectedly.
Jiraiya froze, quickly hiding the copy of A Guide to Evaluate Ninja Girls.
With a nervous laugh, he said, "We were talking about the Will of Fire."
"I'm glad you're visiting, but your tone earlier was suspicious. It sounded like you were lying," Biwako said sternly, her face turning serious.
"I just remembered I have something urgent to do. I'll be going now!" Jiraiya bolted without hesitation.
---
Once safely out of sight of Hiruzen's house, he stopped to catch his breath.
"Old man, you're on your own now," Jiraiya muttered with a mischievous grin.
He took a deep breath, glanced around, then climbed a tree and sat on a branch. Excitedly, he pulled out Thunderfire Blade's latest book.
"Thunderfire Blade is a genius!" Jiraiya exclaimed after finishing the book. "I have no idea how he comes up with these—elves, demons, angels, snake women…"
He suddenly paused.
Snake women? That sounded familiar.
He had heard of the Three Snake Princesses in Ryūchi Cave, beings whose true forms were snakes but who could transform into humans.
Jiraiya's thoughts began to wander.
Do Mount Myōboku and Shikkotsu Forest also have creatures that can take human form? What about the Tailed Beasts?
He remembered that the Nine-Tails was a fox.
"Stop! Just stop!" Jiraiya shook his head violently to clear his mind.
Some things are possible, but some… definitely shouldn't.
---
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