Chapter 12: Training from the Third Hokage
No need to say much. After hearing the good news from Kudo Ryouban, the whole family was unusually excited. After all, this is a great era of competition, a time when life is as cheap as grass.
Only the strong are qualified to dominate all resources, including lives. Thus, an ordinary civilian could find themselves caught up in the fallout of a battle between gods and die without knowing why.
This explains why the family was so thrilled. Of course, Kudo Ryouban brought more than just this one piece of good news. When he revealed that the Third Hokage would personally instruct him, his parents were moved to tears of joy. Honestly, Ryouban wasn't even that happy. Although the Third Hokage is among the most formidable figures in the entire Shinobi world, he believes that if given some time, he can surpass everyone and reach the level of the Sage of the Six Paths.
Early the next morning, led by the Anbu, Ryouban entered an outdoor training ground. Before long, the iconic figure of the Third Hokage appeared in his line of vision.
"First, tell me your Chakra nature, and then I will adjust my training accordingly," the Third Hokage said, noticing the awkward expression on Ryouban's face.
At that moment, the Third Hokage looked at Ryouban with an expression of despair: "You haven't tested your Chakra nature with the resulting paper, have you?"
You wouldn't believe it, but sometimes these situations can be humorous. Ryouban could only innocently nod in response. In his mind, it felt as if there were ten thousand alpacas passing by the Third Hokage. The Hokage produced a piece of Chakra paper from Ryouban's ninja tool pouch and handed it to him.
For those who have watched Naruto, you know how Chakra paper works. Ryouban followed suit, channeling his Chakra into the paper.
Before long, the Chakra paper split in two, with the half he was holding becoming damp, ultimately tearing into small pieces that fluttered down from Ryouban's hand.
"Hmm, very good. You possess three Chakra natures: Wind, Water, and Earth." While the Third Hokage was beaming, Ryouban couldn't help but think: Well, it looks like I can't use powerful Fire and Lightning techniques in the future.
Seeing Ryouban's face fall, the Third Hokage was also somewhat affected. "Little Ryouban, you must understand the principle of not biting off more than you can chew. Besides, to be born with three Chakra natures is already a remarkable talent!"
Unfortunately, he didn't realize that Ryouban was actually struggling with the thought of those incredibly powerful Fire and Lightning Jutsu from the manga. With both of them operating on different wavelengths, Ryouban had no choice but to accept it.
"Now, it's time for me to see your true capabilities. Show me your resolve to defeat me and launch an attack! I will hold back to the level of a Genin." After finishing his instructions, the Third Hokage swiftly moved ten meters away from Ryouban.
Alright, since this is in front of the Third Hokage, any so-called tactics would be futile. Ryouban could only speak through his body and ninjutsu!
He pulled out three shurikens from his ninja pouch and quickly threw them. Ryouban followed up by charging towards them. "Earth Style: Underworld Swamp!" he shouted as he launched a jutsu.
The Third Hokage easily dodged Ryouban's three shurikens, and as he was still in mid-air, he executed a jutsu that summoned the swamp from the ground.
Fortunately, Ryouban was using the Shadow Clone technique, not his real body. As his clones became trapped in the swamp, Ryouban dashed quickly towards the Third Hokage. To unleash his full potential, he understood he needed to engage in close combat.
Unfortunately, the Third Hokage, who he thought might be slightly weaker in physical skills, gave Ryouban an entirely different "feeling"! After exchanging several blows with the Third Hokage, Ryouban couldn't help but sigh: even with the benefit of the Golden Bell Shield, there was still a significant gap in physical skills compared to the Hokage.
Even after resorting to using his inner energy out of defiance, he was still beaten "mercilessly." Within two minutes, all Ryouban could do was scream as he was sent flying, landing face down on the ground.
"Hmm, not bad. You managed to last two minutes against me." The Third Hokage didn't care about Ryouban's "anger" as he struggled to get up from the ground.
The Third Hokage began to summarize: "First, your ninjutsu reserves are too limited; perhaps you only have one Water jutsu? This area needs improvement. As for physical techniques, you have already surpassed all your peers at your age, but since your body is still developing, you have yet to reach your full potential."
His feedback was quite pragmatic. After speaking, he casually took out a "large quantity" of Wind, Earth, and Water attribute ninjutsu scrolls from a sealing scroll. In Ryouban's astonished gaze, the Third Hokage continued: "These are ninjutsu scrolls that match your Chakra nature. In half a month, we meet here again, and I hope to see your progress!"
After finishing, he put the scrolls away, and with a puff, the Third Hokage transformed into a cloud of white mist, leaving only the scroll on the ground. Coming back to his senses, Ryouban couldn't help but sigh: "The Hokage just has that kind of flair!"
Although he didn't receive direct guidance, the arrival of a shadow clone was quite sincere; after all, a village leader doesn't have that much free time.
With so many scrolls tailored to his attributes gifted by the Third Hokage, combined with the teachings from his parents at home, Ryouban felt a high expectation for himself in half a month.
As Kudo Ryouban walked down the streets of Konoha Village, he spotted a figure approaching him rapidly in a green vest.
Well, the only person in Konoha who could perform like this was… "Guy, wait!" Before Ryouban could finish his sentence, Might Guy had already pounced on him.
"Ryouban! I heard all about it. What techniques did the Third Hokage teach you? Don't keep it to yourself! Tell me how you felt today!" Seeing Ryouban's confused expression, Might Guy added, "Could it be that this news is false? No way, everyone is saying so!"
After hearing this, Ryouban realized it must have been his big-mouthed mother who let the news slip.
Helplessly, he covered his already flushed face with his right hand and dragged the enthusiastic teenage ninja out of the crowd that had gathered to watch.