Ryu closed the [Mind Palace] with a satisfied nod after creating a new jutsu.
Another technique in my arsenal—once it's perfected. It will power up all my ninjas.
Ryu had developed a new power-up method with unexplored potential. This type of enhancement had never been explored in canon, as far as he knew.
Ryu looked at the kids training in the distance. Should I start teaching these guys the Rasengan?
He could teach them in secret, instructing them to use it only when their lives were at stake. But hiding it would waste the Rasengan's potential. Plus, Ryu wasn't a rule breaker. Even if he told them to hide it, there was a probability of it leaking out, which could crumble his credibility and ruin his chances of accessing more forbidden jutsu from the Hokage in the future.
An alternative formed in his mind.
I could seek permission to teach the Rasengan to these kids. I can offer something of equal value in exchange... The [R.A.T. Seal] should be sufficient.
Ryu thought about it carefully. The [R.A.T. Seal]—Resistance Affinity Training Seal—was one of his prouder innovations for chakra nature training. Unlike traditional suppression seals used in ninja prisons that simply locked away chakra, his version created graduated resistance that adapted as the ninja grew stronger.
I don't think Lord Hokage will refuse the [R.A.T. Seal]. It has the potential to elevate the ninjutsu level of lower-level ninjas who form the major bulk of any ninja village's forces. It will be useless for someone with the skill level of Kakashi or any elite jonin who are already at the higher standard when it comes to ninjutsu, but this could still benefit non-elite ninjas and average academy students. For average ninjas, it can help them reach elite level sooner.
One forbidden A-rank jutsu that maybe ten people in the village could master versus a training seal that could elevate hundreds of chunin and genin to elite levels. From a strategic standpoint, the training seal's benefits far outweigh the rarity of a difficult-to-learn single forbidden jutsu. The Hokage would be insane to refuse.
Ryu paused, deep in thought. Of course, there's always politics. But Grandpa's relationship with the Third should smooth that over.
I'll ask Grandpa to throw in a few seals or offer more in the future if they still refuse. But considering the Third Hokage's favourability toward me, it won't be necessary.
Just as he was about to rise, a massive chakra signature entered his sensory field.
Ryu grinned. So the brat is here.
Ryu had invited Naruto a few days back, but the boy had been hesitant. It seemed he'd finally worked up the courage to come.
After this, he sensed multiple other chakras. Probably a guard assigned to protect Naruto.
This guard will have quite the assignment in a few years when he starts pranking.
Ryu shifted his focus. I should put the other things on hold and train to use the [Chakra Chains] of the Uzumaki clan. After this, the higher-ups will know that I made contact with Naruto.
The [Chakra Chains], or [Adamantine Sealing Chains], of the Uzumaki clan were a signature technique Ryu needed for proving his Uzumaki lineage when the higher-ups came knocking after he made contact with Naruto. Being Naruto's sibling would have an impact if there was a hearing.
Ryu frowned. There's something wrong with this system. Ninja clans are forbidden to make contact with him, and civilians hate him...
Ryu whistled sharply. Two hummingbirds appeared at lightning speed, one landing on his shoulder and the other hovering in front of him.
"A brat's at the door. Grandpa will open it. Lead the brat here toward me," Ryu instructed.
The hummingbirds flickered with lightning chakra and vanished in a spark.
Nearby, Akihiro, who had been meditating, opened his eyes. He'd heard Ryu mention a brat coming. His hands moved in quick, precise gestures.
Akihiro signed, "Who is coming?"
Ryu turned slightly, his lips curving upward. "A very important guest."
At the Front Entrance
Naruto stood at the entrance, about to knock, when the door swung open on its own. Dan Hamura had activated the door remotely using a remote—something Ryu had built in his free time. Dan found it amusing, combined with the detection seals already in place.
"WHOA!" Naruto jumped back, his eyes wide. "This house is haunted! Is anyone here? Hello? HELLOOOO?"
He took a cautious step forward, peering into the darkened entrance. Big Brother assured there would be food here, but if there are ghosts, I'm leaving immediately. I'm brave, but I'm not that brave! Not on an empty stomach anyway!
Dan flickered behind him, white hair catching the afternoon light, his expression deliberately exaggerated—eyes wide, grin stretched unnaturally across his face.
"Oi, brat."
Naruto spun around so fast he nearly tripped over his own feet. "GYAHHH!"
"G-G-GHOST!" Naruto stammered, pointing a shaking finger.
"Who are you calling a ghost? I'm not dead!" Dan protested with mock indignation, his hands on his hips.
"Oi, old man, stop scaring me like that!" Naruto protested, clutching his chest.
Dan chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "You must be Naruto. Ryu told me you'd be coming."
"Where's Big Brother Funny Hair?" Naruto asked, tilting his head.
"Funny hair... Hahahahah." Dan laughed. "You mean Ryu. That's my grandson. That's a new one... even better than his current moniker..."
"Monkey what?" Naruto asked, confused.
Dan replied, "Nothing... Ryu is probably off training somewhere in the back."
Naruto nodded, relief evident in his expression. "Good, I'll go find him then."
Dan laughed again, shaking his head. "Alright, alright. You came for a snack, didn't you?"
Naruto immediately started drooling, his earlier bravado forgotten.
"It'll take time to prepare something that good. Why don't you meet my grandson? He's training in the back," Dan suggested, already mentally planning the meal.
Just then, a hummingbird landed on Naruto's head.
Naruto yelped, flailing. "What—it's a bird!"
"Relax, kid," Dan said, grinning. "Those are my grandson's pet birds."
Naruto eyed the bird warily.
"Wait—is this bird related to Big Brother Funny Hair?" Naruto asked, looking at the bird that matched Ryu's red-and-white colour scheme. "They're both short on hair colour!"
Dan's eyebrows shot up, and for a moment, he stood frozen. Then he burst into uproarious laughter, slapping his knee. "SHORT ON HAIR COLOUR! BAHAHAHA! "
He wiped a tear from his eye, still grinning. "You are funny, brat. I like you already."
"Don't call me brat... My name is Naruto Uzumaki," Naruto protested.
Dan smirked. "I heard you loud and clear, Naruto Uzumaki." He emphasised the name with exaggerated formality before his grin returned. "But 'brat' has a nice ring to it. Now follow the birds—Ryu must have sent them to fetch you."
"Okay..." Naruto agreed.
Naruto started following one bird while the other sat comfortably on his head.
Dan watched the boy disappear down the hallway, following the hyperactive birds with determined shouts.
"So that's the Nine-Tails' host," Dan murmured to himself. "The Fourth's legacy."
Dan smiled, the expression both fond and melancholic. "Ryu's building quite the collection of misfits."
Dan turned back toward the kitchen. Naruto would need a proper meal. A lot of food. Dan rolled up his sleeves and got to work.
"You better not poop in there. Hold it in, or I'll roast you! Believe it," Naruto threatened the bird.
The bird zapped Naruto with a small jolt of lightning.
"Ahhhhh!" Naruto yelped, rubbing his head. "This stupid bird shocked me! Come here, you little—"
Naruto chased after the bird, determined to catch it. "I'll get you for that!" he shouted.
The hummingbird flickered ahead, moving in short bursts that Naruto struggled to keep up with. "You're fast, but I'll catch you eventually," Naruto muttered under his breath, determination shining in his eyes.
Its movement was too smooth, too precise. And it was mocking him by dodging at close calls. Naruto squinted, trying to understand how such a tiny creature could move so fast.
This weird bird is so fast, he thought.
The training arena appeared before him—a large open space surrounded by wooden dummies, weapon racks, and meditation stones arranged in a perfect circle. And there, in the centre, sat a boy. Ryu Hamura.
Naruto recognised him immediately. Who could forget that hair? Ryu's back was toward Naruto. The two birds sat on Ryu's shoulders and chirped.
"I was waiting for you... Naruto Uzumaki," Ryu said without ever turning his head.
Naruto jumped, startled. "How did you—"
"You wanted to know. Some ninjas can sense people from miles away and tell them apart using chakra..." Ryu explained.
Naruto's eyes sparkled. "Will you teach me that..."
Ryu spoke, "You want to run before you learn to walk..."
Naruto, as stubborn as he was, didn't fully understand.
"You really want to learn it...?" Ryu asked.
"Yes..." Naruto answered.
"I don't think it's possible for you, as you need a lot of patience for learning chakra sensing... And I bet you cannot even sit in the same place for more than a minute," Ryu said flatly.
"Look there at those two," Ryu instructed, pointing.
Naruto looked at Kaia sitting beside her brother Akihiro. Both had their eyes closed in deep concentration. A leaf stuck to Akihiro's forehead—the basic chakra control exercise.
Naruto approached her, trying to find what she was doing. "Big sister, what are you doing...?" he asked loudly.
Kaia felt someone yelling near her but ignored it, maintaining her focus.
"Hey, are you deaf...?" Naruto called out.
Ryu told him, "You're right; she is deaf..."
Naruto felt like he had been played and leaned closer, bellowing even louder directly at her face. "Are you really deaf?"
Kaia's eyes snapped open. She felt Naruto's breath.
"STOP YELLING IN MY FACE!" Kaia snapped, her voice loud and fierce.
Naruto yelped and stumbled backward, falling on his butt with a thud. "Whoa! She can hear me!"
Kaia glared at him. "I don't, and your breath stinks," she said coldly.
Akihiro grinned slightly and signed to his sister not to bully the kid.
Kaia huffed. "I'm not bullying him. He came at me shouting like an idiot," she protested.
Ryu turned to Naruto. "She is actually deaf. Please apologise to her for shouting at her."
Naruto scrambled to his feet and said quickly, "I'm sorry."
Ryu said, "Be kind to them... Naruto."
Ryu called out to everyone training. "Lunchtime! Everyone, come inside!"
## PoWeR StOnEs PlEaSe ##
A/N:
Wow. 300 chapters. I never thought I would be able to write for so long. I thought there would be no readers, but I was wrong. This journey was long and inspiring and it was full of lessons. There is much more to learn, and I hope you all will accompany me on this journey. Thank you.
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-PJ