[More Training (Part 2/2)]

Two weeks later

In the heart of a secluded training ground in Konoha, a scene unfolded with six young boys, mirror images of each other in appearance and temperament. Abruptly, a veil of smoke enveloped the training ground, and when it dispersed, a lone figure remained.

With a singular focus, the lone boy raised his hand, palm open, and within it materialised a mesmerising swirling ball of blue energy. A triumphant smirk graced Sasuke's face as he marvelled at the perfected Rasengan cradled in his hand.

The accomplishment echoed the mastery of a new, formidable jutsu and marked a significant milestone in Sasuke's relentless pursuit of strength and skill. The isolated training ground bore witness to the culmination of his effort, a tangible representation of his determination and progress.

"I've finally managed to master the Rasengan! Not only has it enhanced my overall chakra manipulation, allowing me to gain proficiency in other Ninjutsu and Fuinjutsu at a quicker pace. Now that I've achieved this milestone, I can shift my focus to mastering the Body Flicker Jutsu next," Sasuke contemplated, his thoughts consumed by the endless possibilities that lay ahead in his relentless pursuit of mastery over various ninja techniques.

Having concluded his rigorous training session, Sasuke left the secluded training ground, a sense of accomplishment accompanying each step. Eager to find reprieve from his hectic schedule, he made his way toward a scheduled appointment later in the day, a rare opportunity for relaxation amid his demanding ninja training.

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Sasuke found himself flanked by Shikamaru and Choji as they strolled down the lively streets of Konoha. Engaged in a conversation about their academy days, their attention was suddenly diverted by a commotion ahead.

"Damn Demon Fox! Didn't I tell you not to enter my store?! You're going to scare my other customers away!" a middle-aged man shouted at a young child standing in front of his shop. The child, head lowered and clothes stained, retreated silently as the man returned to his store, seemingly oblivious to his harsh words.

"Was that Naruto?" Shikamaru questioned, his two friends beside him sharing a concerned glance.

"It seems to be," Choji replied, unusually refraining from snacking, instead sighing as he watched Naruto walk away.

"Yeah..." Sasuke nodded, his thoughts swirling. 'I didn't realize it was this difficult for him here. Though not as bad as some fanfics made it seem, it's still enough to make me wonder why he decided to protect this village. If this is due to Ashura's chakra, does Indra's chakra in turn affect me too?'

"What a drag... Seeing that puts a bad taste in my mouth. Either of you fancy bringing him along with us today?" Shikamaru proposed, earning nods of agreement from his friends.

"Hey, Naruto!" The trio chased Naruto down the street, with Sasuke calling out to him.

"Sasuke? Shikamaru? Choji?" Naruto looked puzzled but soon realized his situation, avoiding eye contact.

"We're hanging out today, but we need a good place to eat. Want to join us and show us where to get some food?" Sasuke asked, deliberately ignoring Choji's disapproving look.

"What do you mean? I thought we were going to Yakiniku Q..." Choji muttered, munching on his crisps with mild annoyance. Shikamaru chuckled, patting his friend's shoulder in an attempt to calm him down.

"Really?!" Naruto's eyes sparkled with excitement.

Sasuke nodded. The four boys soon found themselves in front of a ramen stand.

The ramen stand boasted a pleasantly old-fashioned wooden counter at its forefront, seamlessly blending with a compact kitchen tucked away at the back. Positioned alongside the counter were thoughtfully arranged tables and stools, creating a unique dining experience for customers to enjoy in the open air.

"Trust me. Old Man Teuchi makes the best ramen in all of Konoha," Naruto assured, his confidence in the statement evident as he patted his chest with a broad grin. His endorsement of the ramen stand, carrying a weight of personal experience and emotion.

Behind the counter of the ramen stand stood a middle-aged man, the culinary maestro known to the villagers as Old Man Teuchi. His very presence radiated warmth and comfort, and he was adorned in the traditional garb of a seasoned chef, complete with a worn headband that bore the mark of his culinary craft.

"Well, if it isn't Naruto, and it seems you've brought some friends along. What can I get for you today?" Teuchi's voice, a harmonious blend of familiarity and hospitality, welcomed the boys as they approached the counter.

"Old Man, give me the usual," Naruto continued, his request delivered with a friendly smile that mirrored the familiarity shared between the ramen shop's regular customers and its owner. Something Shikamaru and Choji didn't expect, considering their previous memory of how Naruto was treated by the other adults of the village.

As the boys perused the menu on the counter, the tantalising aroma of simmering broth and the lively sounds of the bustling street outside heightened their anticipation. The menu, adorned with colourful images and tantalising descriptions, showcased a variety of ramen options, each promising a delightful blend of flavours and textures.

With Naruto leading the way, they each placed their orders, selecting a combination of rich broths, savoury toppings, and perfectly cooked noodles. The atmosphere within Ichiraku Ramen became a symphony of contentment as the boys immersed themselves in the culinary experience.

The laughter of passersby outside, the subtle rustle of leaves in the breeze, and the comforting scent of simmering broth enveloped them in a serene ambience. The ramen stand, a haven of warmth and hospitality, provided not just a meal but a moment of respite in the heart of Konoha.

"Damn! This is great!" Choji exclaimed between enthusiastic gulps, his enjoyment evident as he rapidly consumed his ramen. Shikamaru and Sasuke, usually reserved in their expressions, nodded in agreement, acknowledging the exceptional quality of the meal.

The boys eventually finished their bowls, savouring the last few drops of broth and appreciating the camaraderie that had accompanied their dining experience. As they prepared to head home, the ramen stand's charm lingered in their memories—a testament to the culinary prowess of Old Man Teuchi and the unique appeal of Ichiraku Ramen.

"See you guys later," Sasuke waved as he walked off.

"Same, see you two in school," Shikamaru replied, walking away with Choji, who waved at Naruto and Sasuke since their homes were close.

"Yeah, see you guys later..." Naruto replied, his later words turning into a whisper. A smile crept onto his face as he made his way home, a hop present in his step.

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The following day found Sasuke once again at the familiar training ground, his determination unwavering. Today marked the beginning of his venture into mastering the Body Flicker Jutsu. With focused intent, he executed the required hand seals, seamlessly transitioning between them, and began channelling chakra to his legs.

Tiger (Hand seal)

Body Flicker Jutsu

*Whoosh*

In an instant, Sasuke found himself on the opposite end of the training ground. The rapid displacement left him contemplating the need to acclimate to this newfound speed, even though the option of activating his Mangekyou was always at his disposal.

'I should accustom myself to this speed, even though I have the Mangekyou. Mastering it conventionally will only serve to benefit me,' Sasuke pondered, his thoughts driven by both a commitment to excellence and a lingering concern. The Sasuke portrayed in the anime, consumed by a relentless pursuit of power and vengeance, loomed in the recesses of his mind. The paranoia of falling into the same abyss pushed him to embrace conventional mastery, hoping to avoid the pitfalls that had plagued his animated counterpart who only seemed to seek shortcuts and kept overestimating himself.

Eager to swiftly master the technique, Sasuke summoned five shadow clones and initiated the practice of the Body Flicker Jutsu in unison.

*Whoosh*

*Whoosh*

*Whoosh*

The repetitions continued, each attempt refining his mastery of the technique. With unwavering determination, Sasuke gradually reduced the hand seals required and discovered a level of control over his body mid-movement.

Amidst the swift whooshing sounds that echoed through the training ground, a sudden realisation disrupted Sasuke's sense of accomplishment. A perplexing thought surfaced, causing a pause in his elation.

'Oddly enough, there was no A-Rank Fire Ninjutsu in the scroll my parents left me. Come to think of it, I don't recall encountering any A-Rank Ninjutsu in the anime either...

I suppose it's because there's no pressing need for it. Fire-style techniques, unlike their other attribute counterparts, tend to share a similar essence. Their potency is intricately tied to the skill and control of the user rather than the technique's inherent complexity. Take Madara's resurrection via Edo Tensei, for instance. In that display of sheer power, a singular B-Rank Fire Ninjutsu proved sufficient to counteract numerous water-style Ninjutsu unleashed by a multitude of skilled shinobi. It emphasises that the potency of Fire Style often hinges more on the user's finesse and chakra mastery than the specific rank of the jutsu itself.'

The notion lingered, casting a shadow over Sasuke's optimism. He foresaw a potential depletion of new challenges in his training routine.

"At this rate, I'll exhaust my current repertoire. Perhaps it's time to delve into advanced Nature Transformation and consider modifying some of the Ninjutsu I've already mastered," Sasuke mused, his strategic mind already devising a plan for the near future.

After a moment of contemplation, Sasuke seamlessly transitioned from thought to action, diving back into his training regimen with renewed focus and an ever-present thirst for improvement.