c2 – Chakra
As time went by, the Ninja Academy finally began teaching the fundamental method of chakra refinement. According to the textbooks based on the teachings of the First Hokage and the Nidaime's chakra theory, chakra is the fusion of physical energy from every cell in the body and spiritual energy derived from accumulated experience and will. After Naruto learned the method in class, he hurried home and immediately sat cross-legged to begin refining chakra. It was said that few students succeeded on their first attempt; those who did were usually considered prodigies like Uchiha clan members or top performers such as Neji. Yet when Naruto closed his eyes and followed the breathing rhythm Iruka demonstrated, he discovered the process was surprisingly smooth. Not only that after several cycles, he found his chakra volume far exceeded what ordinary students should possess.
In truth, his physical energy was outstanding because he was the son of the Fourth Hokage and a descendant of the Uzumaki clan, known for their monstrous vitality and chakra reserves. As for spiritual energy, the merging of his transmigrated soul with Naruto's original consciousness caused an unusually strong mental foundation. But large chakra reserves were one thing; precise control was another. In the original manga, Naruto struggled because his chakra mixed with the Nine-Tails' turbulent chakra, making fine control difficult. Therefore, he now focused on training that improved control. In addition to practicing basic taijutsu in the woods, Naruto also attempted the Academy's recommended control exercises.tree-climbing with chakra adhesive force and water-walking, which required minute release adjustments. The former strengthened his balance and stamina, while the latter forced him to stabilize chakra constantly.
Days passed quietly as he maintained his routine. One morning, during his usual run through the forest training grounds, Naruto spotted a boy in a green jumpsuit sprinting passionately through the clearing. That distinctive outfit and bowl-cut hairstyle were unmistakable: Rock Lee, the embodiment of youthful taijutsu. Inspiration struck Naruto instantly, and he dashed forward, shouting loudly, "Hey! I challenge you!"
As expected, Lee's eyes lit up like burning flames. "Yosh! A challenge offered with the power of youth! Guy-sensei, someone seeks to test his spirit! I accept with all my heart!"
"Take action!"
Naruto lunged first, throwing a straight punch. Lee twisted his body and dodged with fluid footwork taught by Might Guy. Naruto followed with a roundhouse kick, but Lee raised his forearms in a clean block, his form perfect. Lee countered with a quick kick to Naruto's torso; Naruto barely crossed his arms in time, slid back, and then charged again with a flying kick. For nearly thirty exchanges, the two clashed Naruto relying on raw physical strength and instinctive movement, while Lee's taijutsu was built on countless hours of harsh training, repetition, and Guy's "no ninjutsu, no genjutsu, only taijutsu" doctrine. Gradually, Naruto's stamina waned. Lee's conditioning and technique were superior; he was already recognized as a taijutsu specialist even before opening the Eight Gates. Finally, Naruto could no longer keep up. Not wanting to lose too miserably, he stepped back, gulped for breath, and shouted, "I admit defeat! But I swear I'll beat you next time!"
Rock Lee nodded seriously, "You are a worthy opponent. Other than Neji, I now have another rival for the future. I look forward to your next challenge! And I, too, will train harder!" He raised his thumb, striking Guy-sensei's trademark "Nice Guy" pose, and Naruto felt cold sweat trickle down his back at the overwhelming enthusiasm.
Even so, that encounter with Rock Lee noticeably improved Naruto's taijutsu foundation. He memorized most of Lee's basic movement patterns stance transitions, low sweeps, and rapid forward bursts in a single exchange, then continued reinforcing them through repeated personal practice.
Several months passed quickly, and Naruto made remarkable progress in every category. In chakra control, he could already sprint up tree trunks and walk slowly on water surfaces without slipping. In taijutsu, after frequently training with Rock Lee, he became one of the strongest students in his grade. His accuracy with shuriken and kunai also improved significantly through independent practice.
By now even the weakest students had finally refined chakra, and the Academy officially began teaching the basic Three Body Techniques. Naruto could perform the Transformation, Clone, and Substitution Techniques almost instantly after seeing Iruka's demonstration, which caused surprised whispers among the girls.
But Naruto knew well that learning was different from mastering. For the Substitution Technique, Kakashi was acknowledged as one of the finest users, while most Genin barely managed the basics. Thus Naruto practiced the Three Body Techniques whenever he found free time, aiming one day to reach Kakashi's level or even surpass it.
With the Three Body Techniques added to his arsenal, his sparring with Lee transformed from purely physical exchanges. Naruto now used Substitution or Clone feints mid-battle, while Lee unable to use ninjutsu found himself increasingly pressured. Their matches often ended in draws, and occasionally Naruto even won through clever timing. Still, Lee remained as passionate and youthful as ever.
Naruto also understood that Lee hadn't removed his weighted leg bands nor opened any of the Eight Inner Gates. Meanwhile, Naruto himself was not suited for weight training at his current age, and attempting the Gates without Guy's strict guidance would severely damage his body.
Still, Naruto continued enhancing his chakra control and training tirelessly in taijutsu. His proficiency with the Three Body Techniques steadily increased, and with his unusual talent and determination, his strength grew more solid every day.
Yet Naruto knew this improvement was still far from enough. His progress was too slow compared to prodigies like Uchiha Itachi, who had graduated early and awakened the Sharingan through harsh training. Even if Naruto was slowly earning recognition as a genius, it wasn't enough. Seeing the villagers' distrustful eyes made him understand clearly only overwhelming strength would change their views.
But Itachi had Fugaku teaching him advanced ninjutsu, while Naruto had no such privilege; not yet, at least. And the Academy's curriculum could no longer satisfy Naruto's hunger for progress.
How could he learn higher-level ninjutsu? He couldn't create something ridiculous like the "Sexy Technique" if he wanted a perfect reputation.
At that moment, inspiration struck Naruto like lightning.