Tear it!
With the infusion of chakra, the chakra test paper in Naruto's hand split cleanly into two halves from the center.
Naruto looked at the split paper, blinking in curiosity before glancing up at Sarutobi Hiruzen.
The ninja world's knowledge structure was rigidly hierarchical, with significant knowledge gaps between ranks. Chakra nature transformation was considered high-level knowledge, typically reserved for jōnin. Most civilian genin and even many chūnin never accessed this information unless they belonged to a prestigious clan like the Uchiha or Nara. This was part of what kept the elite families ahead aside from bloodlines, knowledge was another pillar of their power.
Hiruzen chuckled lightly, then explained: "When the chakra paper splits in half like this, it indicates wind-nature affinity. Naruto, your chakra is naturally attuned to wind."
"Chakra nature is categorized into five basic elements: Fire, Wind, Lightning, Water, and Earth," he continued. "Each reacts uniquely when injected into chakra paper:
Fire causes it to burn.
Wind makes it split in half.
Lightning causes it to wrinkle.
Water dampens it.
Earth causes it to crumble.
If someone possesses all five, the paper will display all these reactions in their respective areas."
"So, if I have more elements, am I stronger?" Naruto asked with a look of hopeful wonder.
"Not necessarily," Hiruzen replied. "Elemental affinity affects the efficiency and potential of your techniques, but having many doesn't automatically make you powerful. What truly matters is chakra control, reserves, and how well you develop your techniques. Also, affinities can be cultivated through dedicated training, though that's much harder than having a natural affinity."
He continued, "The manipulation of chakra divides into nature transformation and form transformation. Form manipulation controls chakra's shape and movement your Rasengan is a prime example. Nature manipulation changes the chakra's elemental properties. When you combine both... well, that's how advanced jutsu like the Chidori or the Wind Style: Rasenshuriken are born."
"So I should start with wind techniques now?" Naruto asked, eyes glowing with anticipation.
"Indeed. Wind chakra is known for its exceptional cutting power it's offensive and direct," Hiruzen said, picking up a dried leaf from the ground. Infusing it with chakra, the leaf neatly split down the middle.
"To start training, focus your chakra and try to split a leaf like this. It's harder than it looks, so take your time."
Naruto grabbed a leaf immediately and focused his chakra but try after try, the leaf remained whole. His face twisted in frustration.
Hiruzen nodded knowingly. Chakra nature transformation was no small feat. Even he, the so-called Professor of Ninjutsu, had taken years to master the five basic natures. That Naruto was even attempting this at his age was impressive.
"Little Naruto, don't worry. You're still"
Before he could finish his sentence, his words caught in his throat.
Naruto held up a neatly split leaf, eyes sparkling with pride.
There was no mistake. He had succeeded.
Of course, from Naruto's point of view, this was within expectations. His reward back when he first crossed into this world chakra mastery had been no gimmick. It had smoothed his chakra flow, removed Nine-Tails interference, and allowed him to instantly replicate techniques with precise chakra manipulation.
The reason for his earlier failures? A little dramatization to keep Sarutobi's expectations in check. He hadn't expected to nail it so fast in front of him, but he'd underestimated his own "overpowered" advantage.
Sarutobi forced a smile, hiding his astonishment.
"It seems little Naruto has quite the aptitude…"
Relieved that Naruto's heart still aligned with the village and its ideals, Hiruzen let out a soft sigh. If Naruto had even a sliver of rebellion in him, the future would be very uncertain.
Naruto, meanwhile, picked up the change in Hiruzen's thoughts and let out an internal breath. As long as he didn't get flagged as a threat, things would stay in his favor.
"Grandpa Sandaime, can you teach me a new jutsu now?" he asked eagerly.
Hiruzen smiled and ruffled Naruto's hair with a calloused hand.
"You're right. So far, your techniques are all close-range Rasengan, Shadow Clones. Let me show you a long-range Wind Style ninjutsu. Step back a bit."
Naruto complied, backing away as Hiruzen took a stance by the river. His hands moved fluidly into three rapid hand signs.
"Wind Style: Vacuum Bullet!"
Chakra surged to Hiruzen's mouth, then he expelled it in several sharp bursts. Each shot, compressed wind chakra shaped like a small projectile, blasted toward the river.
The water exploded where the attacks landed, sending up jets of spray. The once-calm river rippled violently, disturbed by the barrage. The power behind even one Vacuum Bullet was substantial the technique's continuous fire made it clear why it was a favored jutsu for mid-range combat.
"Whoa! That's awesome!" Naruto's eyes sparkled as if he were watching a fireworks display.
"Now it's your turn," Hiruzen said with a grin.
He carefully walked Naruto through the seals and chakra flow. Although classified as a B-rank technique, Vacuum Bullet had relatively few hand signs, making it easier to learn for someone with sufficient chakra and control.
Naruto took his position at the river's edge and mimicked the hand signs, though a bit clumsily.
"Wind Style: Vacuum Bullet!"
He gathered a large chunk of chakra into his throat and fired.
However, the resulting projectile was the size of a marble and drifted down like a falling leaf, causing nothing more than a gentle ripple on the surface.
Naruto's face scrunched up in disappointment.
"Haha, that's more than okay!" Hiruzen reassured him, placing a gentle hand on his head.
"To perform it at all on your first try is incredible. With more practice, your control and power will improve."
"I'll train hard!" Naruto promised, his tone unwavering.
"I know you will." Hiruzen glanced at the sun, which had climbed high into the sky.
"Well then, Naruto. Be careful while training on your own. I have duties to attend to, but I'll come again."
"Okay! Bye, Grandpa Sandaime!" Naruto called, waving as the old man disappeared in a swirl of leaves using the Body Flicker Technique.
Naruto's smile didn't fade. In fact, it grew wider as he sensed the presence of the ANBU nearby, always stationed for his surveillance.
Today was a good day.
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