Chapter 36: Self-Training & Truth About Karin's Family

After the dinner, both Team 8 & 10 embarked on a month-long retreat, specifically guided by their parents. Unlike Sato and Shikamaru, none of the others grasped the significance of the Chūnin exam. However, that didn't mean their parents were unaware. Participating in the official game meant Sato and the others would fight on behalf of the village, observed by high-ranking ninjas from allied countries, daimyo, nobles, and even civilians. Simultaneously, they fought on behalf of their Clan, representing the honor of both the village and their families. Ino, being grounded at home, accepted teachings from Inoichi Yamanaka and began learning the advanced secret arts of the Yamanaka family. The same applied to Nara, Chōji, Hinata, and Shino. The only exception was Sato, who, as an orphan, enjoyed the same freedom as Naruto.

Of course, Naruto wasn't entirely free either. Although Sato was paired with him, he felt extremely desperate. However, like a true shinobi, Sato never easily gave up in the face of challenges. Just like in the original story, Naruto persistently pursued Kakashi to be his mentor. Kakashi, being eccentric, initially only intended to teach him in time for the fight between Gaara and Rock Lee. He copied Rock Lee's taijutsu skills using the Sharingan and instructed Sasuke. If the opportunity arose, Kakashi also planned to pass on the Lightning Style Chakra technique to stimulate cells, as well as his unique Lightning Style Chidori, to Sasuke.

As for Naruto, he recruited Konohamaru's teacher, Ebisu, a Special Jōnin, just as in the original story. However, Kakashi, in his earlier stage, remained eccentric. Apart from teaching Chakra control, he didn't teach Naruto anything else. Despite treating everyone equally, Kakashi possessed exceptional abilities and copied thousands of ninjutsu. He didn't teach Naruto anything, but instead focused on teaching Sasuke the Lightning Style techniques and Chidori. Naruto never saw Kakashi come to his aid during his most difficult times.

As the disciple of the Fourth Hokage, Kakashi's negligence in teaching Naruto was his biggest flaw, and it was during this period that he began descending into darkness. As a result, Kakashi's influence on Naruto was far inferior to that of Iruka, one of the three teachers who impacted Naruto's life. Fortunately, Naruto encountered one of the most important teachers during this month and officially embarked on his own path of growth.

While all the strong individuals, both big and small, started their respective isolated practices, Sato secretly left Konoha and went to meet Karin.

"Sato, it's really you!" Karin's surprise greeted Sato as he arrived at the small house where she lived. She had been waiting at the door before his arrival. Curious, Sato asked, "Karin, how did you know I'm here?" Karin blushed and replied, "Because I sensed it. Your Chakra is so strong, so immense... It's the most incredible Chakra I've ever encountered."

Sato sighed, Patting Karin on the head lightly, and said with a frown, "Speak normally." Karin, realizing the ambiguous nature of her words, stuck out her tongue and explained, "A few days ago, you taught me the perception technique. For some reason, I seem to be exceptionally talented in it. My perception range has been increasing rapidly every day, and I can even see from far distances. I was practicing the technique when I sensed your Chakra, and I've been observing you ever since."

Amused by Karin's transformation into an infatuated girl, Sato couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. However, maintaining his composure, he commented, "So, it seems the information I found was correct. This perception ability must be your family's 'Mind's Eye of the Kagura.'"

"My family? Mind's Eye of the Kagura!?" Karin was taken aback, her eyes lighting up with excitement. She asked, "Sato, have you discovered the background of my mother and me?"

Sato nodded and gestured for them to enter the house. As Karin squatted down to help him change his shoes, Sato allowed her to assist him. She had been serving him in this manner for the past three days. Karin and Sakura, both infatuated and willing to do anything for the boys they liked, humbly satisfied themselves with even the slightest bit of affection. They never asked for more.

Karin, who had fully transformed her perception of Sato, yearned to please and repay him in various ways. She desired to stay by his side, just like a loyal dog, without ever abandoning him. Her humility surpassed even that of the original story's infatuation with Uchiha Sasuke. For a girl who lacked love and finally received the love she dreamed of, the fear of losing that love grew within her. Thus, during Sato's absence, Karin's mind and dreams were consumed by thoughts of him. She even feared that he wouldn't come to pick her up, causing her intense pain. These dreams had gradually distorted her mind.

Unaware of Karin's perverted thinking, Sato began explaining what he had discovered in the Konoha library. He revealed that Karin and her mother were likely descendants of the extinct Uzumaki clan, blood relatives of the Senju clan that founded Konoha. The Uzumaki clan resided in an allied country of the Fire country and possessed distinct characteristics such as red hair and three special abilities: physical healing, the Mind's Eye of the Kagura for perception, and Adamantine Sealing Chains. Sato assured Karin that her background traced back to the Uzumaki clan, which had perished along with their hidden village years ago.

Karin expressed her disbelief and confusion since her mother had never told her about the Uzumaki clan, nor had she come across any information about it in Kusagakure. Sato explained, "Although I don't know the details about your mother or why she never sought help from Konoha, you being a descendant of the Uzumaki clan ensures that you can join us smoothly."

Overjoyed by the news that she could join Konoha and remain by Sato's side forever, Karin's attention was diverted from the revelations about her background. Excitedly, she exclaimed, "Really? That's fantastic!" Had it not been for her fear of Sato's potential disapproval, she might have thrown herself into his arms.

Sato stood up and jokingly patted Karin on the head, saying, "Come on, let's go out for dinner." For the next month, Sato planned to focus on training Karin, deepening her infatuation with him to the point where she would never be able to live without him. Unbeknownst to him, Karin had already completed intense self-training during the days he was absent.