For the next week, Naruto's shadow clones were dedicated to mastering the Flying Thunder God Technique.
Why did it take so long—an entire week?
The reason was simple: the technique required marking locations beforehand. This meant Naruto had to dispatch a massive number of clones to spread his teleportation marks far and wide.
The Flying Thunder God was a space-time ninjutsu that allowed instant teleportation to any marked location within his sensory range. When combined with his Kagura Heart's Eye—an ability with an enormous detection radius—and the natural power of the Mori-Mori no Mi, Naruto could now teleport with pinpoint accuracy within a hundred-kilometer radius.
The next week was dedicated to mastering the sealing techniques of the Uzumaki clan. While the number of truly powerful sealing jutsu was limited, Naruto gained extensive practice in strengthening seals and barriers.
With the Flying Thunder God mastered, Minato and Kushina didn't need to leave Konoha personally to search for the ruins of Uzushiogakure. Instead, they used Naruto's teleportation to scout the area remotely. Kushina took this mission in stride, but Nagato—Nagato-sama, as some still called him—was visibly shaken. The sheer volume of Naruto's chakra made even him feel like he was witnessing something unreal.
While the clones handled reconnaissance, Naruto remained in Konoha. When not overseeing official matters, he spent his time with his mother. Their discussions often revolved around the control of Konoha's most fundamental power—the shinobi.
As a former Hokage, Minato had a deep understanding of this system. Within just two weeks, two-thirds of Konoha's ninja force was already under their influence! This number didn't even include the major clans, as they required a more delicate approach.
Secrecy was paramount. Any ninja who dared to leak information would find their chakra drained completely by the Nine-Tails, reducing them to a powerless husk.
Even civilian-born shinobi and chakra-deficient individuals like Rock Lee were being integrated with the support of the established ninja clans.
But Konoha alone was too limiting. Beyond the village walls, wandering shinobi from the Land of Fire were carefully selected for their talent and character. Those deemed worthy were also secretly brought under Naruto's influence.
Would the Nine-Tails' chakra be depleted from maintaining control over so many people?
Not at all.
Once a shinobi completed their training, they no longer required an external chakra supply. Instead, they contributed back—offering a portion of their chakra as a sort of "tax."
The Nine-Tails reveled in this arrangement, urging Kushina and Nagato to hasten their search for the Uzumaki ruins so they could tap into even more lost secrets.
Meanwhile, Naruto's progress skyrocketed. Tens of thousands of shadow clones diligently studied every jutsu at their disposal. The sight of them training in unison was nothing short of spectacular.
Each clone, upon reaching a certain level of mastery, dispersed—instantly transferring its knowledge back to the original. Naruto, meditating at the center of it all, would absorb the experiences before summoning another wave of clones to continue the learning cycle.
After two more weeks, he had thoroughly studied every technique recorded in the Scroll of Seals.
Where did he get the scroll? Naturally, Nagato retrieved it. As someone well-versed in Konoha's barrier defenses, infiltrating the vault was trivial for him.
As for bypassing the scroll's protective seals—well, Kushina was a pure-blooded Uzumaki. Breaking through Konoha's sealing techniques was child's play for her.
After all, much of Konoha's sealing knowledge came from the Uzumaki clan in the first place.
Even with his efficient learning method, the sheer volume of information was overwhelming. The mental strain left Naruto physically exhausted. Lying on his bed, his blue eyes were bloodshot from overexertion.
At that moment, he couldn't help but admire the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama. The forbidden techniques in the Scroll of Seals weren't just jutsu—they were products of entirely different conceptual systems. Each one followed a unique underlying logic. Learning one didn't necessarily mean he could apply its principles elsewhere. Every jutsu was a stroke of genius, leaving Naruto in awe.
But how did Tobirama create so many revolutionary techniques?
The answer was obvious: human experimentation. Much like Orochimaru, he had advanced his research through extensive trials.
And yet, Naruto suspected that even the Scroll of Seals didn't contain every forbidden technique Konoha had. Perhaps Tsunade knew of additional secret scrolls, including records of the First Hokage's Wood Release techniques.
After nearly four weeks of grueling training, Naruto was mentally and physically drained. He decided to take a well-deserved break.
"Mom, Dad, you should rest too. See you tomorrow."
Kushina, still recovering emotionally from her time trapped in the Tsukuyomi world, gave him a concerned look. "Naruto, make sure you rest properly."
"Yeah, yeah, I know."
Last week's emotional turmoil had left a mark. Kushina's rage had frightened even the Nine-Tails. She had been so furious that she threatened to drain every ounce of its chakra, no matter the consequences.
Even Minato hadn't been spared. While Naruto and Kurama managed to avoid most of her wrath, the former Hokage was not so lucky. Thanks to Kurama's chakra, Minato's recovery rate was absurdly fast—but this only made things worse. Every time Kushina saw him heal quickly, she would beat him up all over again.
After Naruto left, Kushina turned her gaze toward the Nine-Tails.
"Kurama, lend me some money. Just fifty thousand ryo."
Minato merely smiled knowingly. Kurama might agree to many things, but money? That fox was a notorious miser.
"Do you even know how much fifty thousand ryo is?"
"A few A or B-rank missions' worth?" Kushina guessed.
"Naruto, that's nearly fifty months' worth of living expenses!"
"Fifty months?"
"That's over four years of savings without spending a single ryo!"
Both Kushina and Nagato were left speechless.
"Money? Not happening!" Kurama declared.
"Fine! Once I find the ruins of Uzushiogakure, I'm keeping all the valuables!" Kushina huffed.
Kurama pondered for a moment. "Fifty thousand ryo, huh? Do you even know how much that is?"
Kushina and Nagato exchanged confused looks.
"A million ryo per person! How could fifty thousand ryo possibly be enough to match your status?"
Eternal Sister Kushina: "..."
Meanwhile, Naruto returned home. As expected, Yuhi Kurenai and Anko arrived right on time.
Thankfully, Kushina and Nagato were too preoccupied with their current tasks to check in on him at home. Otherwise, they would've immediately figured out just who had "corrupted" their young son.
No words were spoken that night.
The next morning, the usual group arrived. The moment Sasuke walked through the door, he locked eyes with Sakura.
"Sakura, I want to fight you."
"You guys are already planning today's training first thing in the morning?" Shikamaru sighed. "Man, you're making me feel guilty for being lazy."
Sasuke ignored him and kept his gaze on Sakura.
In the original timeline, wasn't this something he had once said to Naruto?
Sakura was momentarily stunned before smirking. "Alright, I was thinking the same thing."
Sasuke turned on his heel and left. "I'll go find a suitable training ground."
Hinata tugged at Sakura's sleeve. "Sakura… don't go too hard on him."
"Yes, Sakura, your super strength is progressing absurdly fast. Be careful!"
The girls continued chatting, and aside from the initial reminder not to pummel Sasuke too hard, their conversation soon turned into girl talk.
No one was particularly worried about Sakura losing to Sasuke, even with his Sharingan activated.
Meanwhile, Kurenai and Anko had already finished their meal and left.
At noon, after their mission, Sasuke spoke up immediately:
"Let's go. I've already picked the location."
Kakashi sighed. "You know, all this special training wasn't meant for fighting your teammates."
He shook his head but eventually gave in. "Fine, I'll come along."
And so, Team 7 made their way to the training ground where they had once fought for the bells during their first exercise as a squad.
Sasuke had chosen the location well.
Kakashi stood between the two eager combatants, rubbing the back of his head in resignation.
"There are no strict rules. The match ends when one of you is unable to continue or admits defeat."
He gave them both a warning glance. "Remember, hold back. If things get out of hand, Naruto and I will step in."
"Understood!" Both replied in unison.
To be honest, Sakura had never expected Sasuke to challenge her.
Of course, she had also never expected to grow so powerful herself.
"Don't kill him," Kakashi added, half-joking.
Sakura smirked. "Don't worry, Kakashi-sensei. I'll hold back."
"What did you just say?!" Sasuke snapped, his temper flaring. "You think you can look down on me? I'm an Uchiha!"
His Sharingan gleamed dangerously as his frustration mounted.
Sakura simply smiled and said nothing. For a fleeting moment, she found herself comparing Sasuke to Naruto.
Strangely, all she could see was Naruto.
In terms of looks, personality, and sheer presence, Sasuke no longer seemed quite as dazzling as he once had.
Inner Sakura: "Wait, wasn't Sasuke supposed to be the most handsome?"
Pink-haired kunoichi: "Now that I think about it… without the mysterious cool-guy act, he doesn't seem as attractive as Naruto-kun."
Sakura took a step forward, rolling her shoulders.
"It seems you can't wait."
Kakashi closed his right eye, preparing himself. He had been heeding Naruto's advice and had grown accustomed to maintaining the Sharingan for extended periods.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!"
Sasuke unleashed a powerful surge of chakra, forming a massive fireball. He knew Sakura had never excelled in ninjutsu due to her limited chakra reserves.
But how could such a small attack possibly faze her?
"Idiot."
Boom!
Sakura slammed her fist into the ground. The earth split apart, forming a massive Earth-Style: Earth Flow Wall, shielding her from the flames. Sasuke's attack was rendered completely useless.
Whoosh—
Sakura leaped onto the rubble, looking down at Sasuke with unwavering confidence.
"It's over, Sasuke."
With those words, she sprang into the air, her petite fists clenched tightly, radiating overwhelming pressure.
Sasuke's dark eyes flickered crimson—
Sharingan!
Twin tomoe spun within his pupils. His intense training had paid off, his Sharingan having evolved through sheer dedication.
"In front of my eyes, your attacks will never land."
He swiftly retreated, forming hand seals in rapid succession.
"Lightning Release: Earth Walk!"
Sparks erupted across the ground, arcs of lightning crackling ominously.
Sakura, still midair, saw her landing spot flooded with electricity. She frowned, retracting her chakra-enhanced strength, and immediately formed her own seals.
"Hmph. Let's see if your eyes can keep up with my speed!"
I will surpass you, Sasuke!
Naruto-kun, are you watching? I've been working hard to catch up!
"Shadow Clone Technique!"
Poof!
A shadow clone materialized beneath her, catching her midair.
"Sasuke!"
The clone roared, launching Sakura forward before being consumed by the crackling lightning below.
"Tch, using shadow clones?" Sasuke smirked. "Fine. Then I'll show you the speed of Brother Shisui's Body Flicker technique! Without the Sharingan, you'll never grasp its essence."
With that, Sasuke created five afterimage clones, his Sharingan spinning wildly.
Sakura narrowed her eyes, adjusting her trajectory.
"Release!"
With a single-handed seal, she dispelled the visual illusion of his clones.
"Break through!"
She struck at one of the clones, but her fist phased through it harmlessly.
"I told you, your attacks will never land."
But Sasuke realized his mistake too late.
Sakura never aimed for his clone—
She targeted the ground beneath him.
CRACK!
Her fist slammed into the earth, sending a hailstorm of debris flying in all directions.
"Found you!"
Through the rising dust, her keen perception honed in on Sasuke's true body, which was hit by multiple rock shards.
Bending her knees, she launched herself like a bullet—twice as fast as before.
Kakashi's visible eye widened.
He had observed everything. He could follow their movements, yet an eerie sense of unease gripped him.
Sasuke had already opened the first three of the Eight Gates.
And he was using his afterimages to keep up with Sakura's raw power.
"Sakura... she's even stronger than when we were in the Land of Waves."
Kakashi's gaze drifted toward Naruto, who stood quietly, his expression unreadable.
"This kid... just how strong has he become? I haven't even seen him fight yet."
Noticing Kakashi's stare, Naruto turned and smiled.
"By the way, Kakashi-sensei, I'll need to talk to you later. Be prepared."
Kakashi's pupils shrank.
Memories of his first encounter with Naruto resurfaced.
"So, it's happening..."
As expected, there was no way to simply forget everything that had transpired.
Naruto... what are you planning?
Will you destroy Konoha?
A bitter smile crossed Kakashi's face. He wasn't sure how to handle it.
Suddenly, Naruto's expression shifted. His senses flared.
A powerful chakra signature had entered Konoha—
One that was strangely familiar, yet foreign at the same time.
"Is it... Mom?"
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's Office—
A masked ANBU knelt before the Hokage.
"Hokage-sama... a scouting ninja has reported back with urgent news."
"What is it?"
"Tsunade-sama has been spotted outside Konoha. It seems she is returning."
The Hokage, reviewing this year's Chunin Exam registrations, suddenly narrowed his eyes.
"Tsunade? She's coming back?"
"Yes, Hokage-sama. We have confirmed it multiple times. It is undoubtedly one of the Legendary Sannin, Lady Tsunade."
"Stand by and monitor her movements. Report back immediately with updates."
"Yes!"
With that, the ANBU disappeared using the Body Flicker Technique.
The Hokage leaned back, deep in thought.
Why now?
His gut told him something was coming—something big.
"Am I overthinking this?"
He recalled the past.
After the Third Great Ninja War, Tsunade had abandoned Konoha, disillusioned by its corrupt leadership.
Jiraiya had once promised that if she ever became a threat to Konoha, he would personally stop her—even if it meant killing her.
Tsunade had merely laughed.
Jiraiya, always blinded by the prophecy of the Great Toad Sage...
Now, if a powerful kunoichi—one of the three strongest ninjas—was returning, it would shake Konoha's stability.
"It doesn't matter. She has no interest in this seat."
Her return coinciding with the Chunin Exams, though...
That was something he would need to keep a close eye on.
Power had long since corrupted the Hokage, yet outwardly, he remained calm.
Inside, however, he braced for the coming storm.