Chapter 952: Teaching Uzumaki Naruto
Arriving at an empty training field, Kuroto said, “Watch me!” and then walked closer to a wooden stake. He raised his hand, and a spiraling ball of Chakra appeared in his palm.
Looking at the spiraling ball of Chakra in Kuroto’s hand, Naruto asked curiously, “Hokage-sama, is this the trick you are going to teach me?”
Kuroto nodded, “Indeed, this is an A-Rank Jutsu developed by the Yondaime Hokage. It is known as Rasengan. You know, what’s the best thing about this Jutsu? You don’t need to weave the hand signs to use it!” then added, “Of course, this is still not the best part!” and thrust the spiraling ball of Chakra into the wooden stake.
Bang!
There was a low roar, and as the Rasengan came into contact with the wooden stake, it chipped away into multiple pieces and scattered all over the field.
Naruto’s eyes sparkled in amazement, “Awesome!”
Looking at Naruto’s expression, Kuroto questioned with a mischievous smile, “So, do you want to learn this trick?”
Naruto immediately bobbed his head, “Of course!”
“Heh, but Rasengan is not that easy to learn; you’d have to work hard. Are you willing to do that?!” asked Kuroto as his expression became serious.
Naruto nodded seriously, “Yes!” If there is one thing he is good at, it’s his determination to work hard.Of course, Kuroto is aware of this, and that’s why he plans to teach Naruto a few Jutsu, including ‘Rasengan’ and ‘Multi Shadow Clone.’ Although Naruto has to improve his Chakra Control to master the ‘Rasengan,’ there should be no problem learning the ‘Multi Shadow Clone’ immediately. Once he manages to learn the ‘Multi Shadow Clone,’ he will be able to use all his clones to improve his Chakra Control as well as master ‘Rasengan.’
For normal shinobi, using either of these two Jutsu can be difficult. ‘Rasengan,’ being a Rank-A Jutsu, also has high Chakra Consumption, not to mention the ‘Multi Shadow Clone’ Jutsu, which is a Forbidden Jutsu. However, for Naruto, who not only has the blood of the Uzumaki Clan flowing through him but is also the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails, high Chakra consumption is not that big of a deal.
In the canon, time and time again, Naruto has proved that these ‘Rasengan’ and ‘Multi Shadow Clone’ Jutsu were tailored for him.
Originally, Kuroto wasn’t concerned about Naruto’s growth. After all, the kid is the ‘Child of the Prophecy’ and the son of Namikaze Minato. He was bound to receive the tutelage of Jiraiya, and through Jiraiya, he would come into contact with Mount Myōboku. That’s all Naruto needed to grow into a Kage Rank Shinobi in terms of strength.
However, things changed. Instead of being taken under the wing of Jiraiya and later coming into contact with Mount Myōboku, Naruto ended up at the Ryūchi Cave. What’s more, Naruto’s place was taken by Sasuke, who ended up being taken under Jiraiya’s wings and signed the summoning contract with Mount Myōboku. Because of this, Naruto had no one left to teach him. And knowing Orochimaru, he would definitely not pay any attention to Naruto.
For this reason, Kuroto knew that he had to take it upon himself to teach Naruto. He is Orochimaru’s disciple and also has a secret contract with the Ryūchi Cave. Not to mention that Kuroto also understands how to become a perfect Jinchuriki as well as master the Sennin Mode. Coupled with his knowledge of canon information and how it would help in Naruto’s growth, he is undoubtedly the perfect candidate for teaching Naruto.
Fortunately, he is now the Hokage, and not a Jōnin or the Principal of the Ninja Academy, so no matter how close of a relationship he has with Naruto, there would be no problems or doubts from anyone.
At this time, Naruto inspected the damage that the wooden stake went through upon being subjected to a Rasengan and asked quickly, “Hokage-sama, please teach me Rasengan!”
“Alright,” nodded Kuroto as he converged his thoughts and said, “However, ‘Hokage-sama’ or ‘Principal’ is a bit too wordy and unfamiliar. Just call me ‘Sensei’ from now on.”
“Sensei?” Naruto was taken aback and asked in a cautious tone, “But… aren’t you Neji’s Sensei?” He also had a bit of expectation in his eyes.
Looking at Naruto’s puzzled and expectant gaze, Kuroto shrugged, “Neji and I indeed share a Shishō and student relationship, however, that does not mean that I am allowed to have only one disciple, right? In fact, other than Neji, there is one more person who is my disciple. If the opportunity presents itself, I will introduce that person to you…”
Naruto immediately asked, “Okay, but does that mean you are willing to accept me as your disciple, Hokage-sama?”
Kuroto said, “Well, it will depend on your performance and the determination you show. After all, becoming the Hokage’s disciple is not easy, and not everyone has such a right. If you don’t have the determination to bear the hardships, then I won’t accept you as my disciple. Think of this as your trial. If you do manage to impress me, I will accept you.”
Naruto nodded repeatedly, “As long as you are willing to teach me, Hokage-sama, I am not afraid of enduring any hardship!”
“Alright then, that settles it,” said Kuroto and added, “If you perform well, I will not only consider accepting you as my disciple, but I will also treat you to dinner tonight at my home.”
Initially, Kuroto thought about offering a treat at Rāmen Ichiraku, but then he immediately denied that. Naruto already eats a lot of Ramen, and Teuchi-San often treats Naruto with his specialties. What Naruto needs now is food at home and familial love.
Anyway, Shion, Hinata, and her younger sister Hanabi often come to his place for dinner. Sometimes, even Neji comes when he has doubts or wants Kuroto’s help with something, so there won’t be any problem with having another Naruto over for dinner, Yui won’t mind, and Hinata’s reaction would be cute to watch as well.
“Really?” Naruto was more surprised and spoke with a smile, “Kuroto-Sensei, you are a good person.”
Upon hearing Naruto’s remark, Kuroto blinked, “Why do you say that?” He didn’t understand why Naruto would suddenly call him a ‘good person.’
Naruto explained, “Except for the faculty at the Ninja Academy, you are the third person who is willing to teach me Jutsu.”
“Is that so? So, who were the first two?” asked Kuroto, although he already knew the answer.
After a bit of hesitation, Naruto answered, “Orochimaru-Sensei and Kabuto-Sensei!”