Chapter 41: Flying Thunder God and the Massage

In Natsuro's home, Iruka was sipping hot tea while surveying the surroundings.

As he had imagined, the decor was relatively simple. The house wasn't too small, though. After all, Natsuro's father had been quite strong in his eyes, and if he were still alive today, he might have become a special jōnin. Iruka wondered if Natsuro would ever reach the level of a special jōnin in his lifetime.

However, seeing how diligent and talented Natsuro was, even in such modest circumstances, was truly gratifying.

Soon, Natsuro emerged from the bathroom, wearing a rarely seen high-neck sweater, a simple white jacket over it, and his black hair fluttering in the wind, giving him a very spirited appearance.

Iruka noticed his outfit and couldn't help but be impressed, saying, "Natsuro, you look quite handsome when you dress up. Why don't you dress like this at school?"

"Oh, it's because I often train and don't want to ruin my clothes. It's better to wear something casual when training." he casually replied.

"You really are very hardworking." Iruka said, looking at Natsuro with admiration.

"It's nothing much, Iruka-sensei. Let's head out." Natsuro said, running his fingers through his now-dry hair.

Iruka suddenly realized the wind in the room was probably due to his jutsu. Surprised but no longer shocked, he nodded and led Natsuro toward the Hokage's office.

...

"Lord Hokage, I have brought Shindōkawa Natsuro," Iruka announced as they entered the Hokage's office.

"Oh, Iruka, you're a bit late. Was it because Natsuro busy training and couldn't be found immediately?" the Third Hokage said with a smile. Even without using the crystal ball, he could guess the reason.

"Yes, Lord Hokage." Iruka scratched his head and replied.

"Alright, Iruka, you may go now. I need to have a private chat with our little genius."

"Understood!"

After Iruka left, only the Third Hokage and Natsuro remained in the room.

Of course, this was only in Natsuro's perception. In reality, there were likely ANBU operatives observing the room. He looked curiously at the Third Hokage. Although this wasn't their first meeting, it was the first time they were so close.

"Ho ho, little one, I've heard your name from Naruto for a long time. It's nice to finally meet you." the Third Hokage said warmly, like a friendly old neighbor.

"Mm, I've always wanted to meet Lord Hokage too," Natsuro said, though he felt slightly awkward. He didn't believe for a second that the Third Hokage hadn't observed him with a telescope, especially since he knew about his recent training.

"Ha ha, you must have heard about Naruto's reputation in the village. I'm curious—while other children have distanced themselves from Naruto, why aren't you afraid of him?" The Third Hokage chose to start the conversation about Naruto, a common link between them.

"Why should I be afraid? I've never felt Naruto would harm me. Besides, why is Naruto considered a monster? He hasn't done anything wrong." Natsuro asked knowingly.

"Well, you should be aware of the Fourth Hokage's story." the Third Hokage said with a hint of nostalgia. "The Fourth Hokage sacrificed his life to seal the legendary beast and saved the village from it."

"Of course, I know. The Fourth Hokage is my idol!" Natsuro decided to flatter the Third Hokage to build rapport.

"An idol, huh?" The Third Hokage chuckled.

--

"But that has nothing to do with Naruto. Even if the monster was sealed inside Naruto, it doesn't change who Naruto is." Natsuro said after some thought. He knew that the sealing technique didn't need to be hidden, since his library card had been given by the Third Hokage himself. He knew that the details about the beast and Naruto being the jinchūriki were well-known among the villagers, even if they weren't always clear, there were enough clues to piece it together. The Third Hokage could easily guess. But he knew not to mention the terms Jinchūriki and Nine-Tails.

"Indeed, it's not Naruto's fault. However, many people don't see it that way," the Third Hokage sighed.

"It's their own business what they believe. I only know that Naruto has been very good to me. And…" Natsuro paused and said firmly, "The village owes Naruto, not the other way around!"

"The village owes Naruto?" The Third Hokage enhaled a large amount of tabacoo smoke. Although he had thought about it, hearing it from a child was surprising.

"Yes. Naruto hasn't done anything wrong; he's helped the village with his own body. So, it's the village that owes him." Natsuro stated plainly, staying true to his character.

"Well, what if people are afraid of the beast inside Naruto going berserk? Aren't you scared?" The Third Hokage asked.

"Scared? Why should I be scared? As long as I'm strong enough, stronger than that monster, why would I need to be afraid," he said earnestly. To the Third Hokage, his words seemed somewhat naive but also characteristic of a promising young talent.

"Ha ha, being strong, indeed. That's true," the Third Hokage said with a smile. He had no intention of discouraging Natsuro. Having such goals was good for a young talent, and it might just be achievable.

"Since the Fourth Hokage is your idol, do you know what his greatest jutsu was?"

"Of course. The Fourth Hokage was famous for his 'Teleportation Jutsu'" Natsuro replied, referring to the Flying Thunder God Technique by its common name.

"And it wasn't just any teleportation jutsu; it was a unique one mastered and perfected only by the Fourth Hokage!" Natsuro continued.

"Mm." the Third Hokage nodded, pleased with his answer. He could see the boy had done some research and was indeed a fan of the Fourth Hokage. The Third Hokage smiled warmly and said, "So, Natsuro, would you like to learn this special teleportation jutsu?"

He froze, his eyes widening in disbelief. "I can really learn the Fourth Hokage's jutsu?"

"Indeed. Jutsu are meant to be learned, but you should know that this jutsu was created by the Second Hokage and perfected by the Fourth Hokage. It's extremely difficult." the Third Hokage said seriously.

"I will definitely learn it!" Even though Natsuro had already suspected it, confirming it still made him incredibly excited. Flying Thunder God was a remarkable technique!

"Ho ho, it's not that easy to learn. There will be a test before you can start learning it." the Third Hokage said, taking out a scroll and a special kunai.

Seeing the kunai, Natsuro recognized it as the special kunai with the Flying Thunder God seal and the inscription "Sword of the Ninja Love."

"To learn the Fourth Hokage's teleportation jutsu isn't simple. It requires not just talent in ninjutsu but also a very special talent. This kunai is one used by the Fourth Hokage for testing, and the scroll next to it contains the method of the test and a summoning technique. After one semester, I will test your progress. If you show real talent, you'll be qualified to learn the Fourth Hokage's jutsu." the Third Hokage said, handing over the kunai and scroll.

Natsuro took the kunai and scroll, sighing internally. He hadn't expected to start with the Flying Thunder God Technique itself, but this was still enough.

A test to determine the talent for learning the Flying Thunder God Technique? It seemed that while the Fourth Hokage had to figure things out through trial and error, he had the advantage of previous solutions. If he couldn't learn it now, he would be a failure.

"Good luck, little genius. I'd love to see the Fourth Hokage's teleportation jutsu reappear in the ninja world one day." the Third Hokage encouraged with a smile.

"I will do my best!" Natsuro said sincerely as he put away the scroll and kunai.

The Third Hokage watched Natsuro leave, nodding to himself. He truly hoped Natsuro had the talent. Although he had considered learning the technique himself, he clearly lacked the space-time talent required. Even the Fourth Hokage had struggled to find a successor, with only a few capable of learning the lower technique, Flying Thunder God Formation. Hopefully, Natsuro would prove himself capable.

Soon, Natsuro left the Hokage's office and, after saying goodbye to Iruka, returned home alone.

Eagerly, he opened the scroll and began reading. The method described was relatively simple: imprint your chakra into the special kunai and establish a connection with it. Once established, you needed to sense the kunai's location as clearly as possible.

The scroll also included a summoning technique specifically for summoning the kunai, which was another space-time jutsu. So, summoning the kunai after establishing the connection would be considered a success?

It couldn't be that simple. He realized that while summoning was related, the final test set by the Third Hokage would be more challenging.

At that moment, Natsuro glanced at the special kunai, feeling a bit regretful. Although he wanted to start immediately, he didn't have enough chakra left for the task.

After storing the kunai, he calmed his excitement and considered how to adjust his training schedule. For the Flying Thunder God Technique, such adjustments were worth it!

For now, he'd wait at home for Shinai to return.

...

At this moment, she, carrying a large number of boxes and humming a tune, was heading home.

Although she hadn't arrived yet, she had already heard from some well-informed customers at her shop that her son had once again topped the exam.

Pleased with her son's achievement, she thought it was only natural.

This time, she had stayed at work a bit longer and bought plenty of grilled meat to celebrate his first place. She remembered that Natsuro liked meat, even though he wasn't picky about food.

Soon, she arrived at their doorstep. Not sure if Natsuro was home or out again, she didn't call out.

However, before she could open the door, Natsuro had already come out to meet her, taking the boxes from her hands.

"Bringing so much today?" He said, lifting the boxes.

"It's your favorite grilled meat, with the seasoning. I'll go get the barbecue grill. We're celebrating you getting first place again!" she said with a smile.

"So you already knew."

"Of course. You're quite famous in our barbecue shop now. Everyone knows you're my son, so news about you spreads quickly there."

Shinai then noticed Natsuro's outfit and seemed puzzled. "Why are you dressed so formally today? You never wear such clothes when I ask you to."

He explained the situation with the Third Hokage and the potential to learn the Fourth Hokage's jutsu.

Finally, seeing her shocked expression, Natsuro felt satisfied. Achieving first place was no longer surprising, but the prospect of learning the Fourth Hokage's jutsu was impressive!

"My son is amazing, able to learn the Fourth Hokage's jutsu." Shinai said after a long pause. The Fourth Hokage wasn't just a Hokage but also her generation's idol. It felt surreal that her son might have the chance to learn such a prestigious technique.

"Mm, of course, since I'm the first." he said modestly.

Shinai didn't respond. Even without much interest in ninja affairs, she knew that getting such treatment for being first wasn't typical. The only explanation was that his talent was beyond her expectations, enough to attract the attention of a high-ranking figure like the Third Hokage.

But regardless, her son's abilities were her pride. Time to cook and let Natsuro enjoy her grilling skills!

After the meal.

"Is there something on your mind?" Shinai asked, noticing that Natsuro usually went to his room to study at this time.

"Actually, Mom, I recently learned how to do massages and wanted to try it out." he replied.

"Oh, you want to give me a massage? There's no need, Natsuro. You should focus on your own things." Shinai said, not wanting to take up her son's time.

However, Natsuro's determination didn't waver. He insisted on helping his mother out, who eventually agreed, her eyes showing contentment. He kept enough chakra just for this.

Soon, she realized that this massage felt different—it was extremely soothing, and what was with the jumping lightning?

She was startled at first but then reassured herself that it must be Natsuro's doing. She trusted him not to harm her, and the areas touched by the lightning were indeed very comfortable.

Shinai understood that this must have been a special preparation by her son. Although she didn't fully grasp the principles behind it, it seemed quite advanced. She had never encountered something like this during her days as an active Genin.

Even though she felt some concern about whether Natsuro was overexerting himself, he reassured her.

To Natsuro, this wasn't a trouble at all. Learning jutsu was about becoming stronger and helping those around him be healthier. Since he had the ability, why not use it?

He hadn't done this before due to concerns about his control and the risk of harming his mother, but after testing it on Lee, he felt confident.

The results were even better than expected since her chakra was naturally lightning-based, making her more resistant and the effects slightly less pronounced than on Lee.

The massage was effective in relieving fatigue and enhancing physical condition, which was more than enough for him.

After the massage, Shinai wanted to tell Natsuro not to continue, but she was once again persuaded by his determination and emotional appeal.

Having such a son, Shinai felt immensely lucky, even if he didn't have exceptional talent.

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