He would shape it in his own way

But Shikai, too quick, teleported directly in front of Naruto before he could launch the attack. With a swift blow, Shikai deactivated the clones and struck Naruto in the stomach, sending him falling to the ground.

Naruto, exhausted, felt his hermit mode dissipate. He was lying on his back, looking at the sky, unable to move. Shikai stood above him, his arms crossed.

— "You've made a lot of progress, Naruto. But you still lack control and strategy."

Naruto grumbled, trying to get up.

— "I... I can still fight..." he murmured, his voice trembling.

Shikai shook his head, a thin smile on his lips.

— "You're at your limit. But this is not a defeat. It's a lesson. Every battle is an opportunity to learn."

Naruto, despite the pain, managed a smile.

— "You're truly amazing, sensei. But next time, I'll beat you."

Shikai extended a hand to help Naruto get up.

— "I look forward to it. Keep training, Naruto. You have the potential to surpass all those who came before you. And don't hesitate to meditate day and night to enter the hermit mode. It will strengthen your control."

...

The sun was slowly descending on the horizon, tinting the sky with a soft orange light. The training grounds of Konoha were quiet, the sounds of the battle had faded, and Naruto was wiping the sweat from his forehead. He was still tired from his confrontation with Shikai, but a gleam of admiration shone in his eyes.

Shikai, his hands in his pockets, observed Naruto with a light smile.

— "Come on, Naruto, that's enough for today. Let's go, I'll treat you to Ichiraku."

Naruto's eyes lit up.

— "Seriously?! Ramen?! You're the best, Shikai-sensei!"

— "Just don't empty the stock, okay?" Shikai replied with a hint of mischief.

They set off, walking quietly through the streets of Konoha. The villagers seemed still wary of Naruto, not so different from his childhood.

Sitting at the counter of Ichiraku, Naruto was already devouring his first bowl while Shikai was calmly sipping his tea.

— "So, Naruto, what did you think of the training today?" Shikai asked, looking at him with a curious expression.

Naruto put down his chopsticks and nodded.

— "It was tough... but I learned a lot. Your speed, your Hiraishin, it's incredible. I wish I could move like that one day."

Shikai let out a small laugh.

— "Speed is one thing, but strategy and willpower are just as important."

Naruto looked at him, intrigued.

— "You often talk about it, Shikai-sensei... this willpower... the will of fire. What does it really mean to you?"

Shikai put down his tea bowl, his face taking on a serious expression.

— "The will of fire, Naruto, is what binds us all here in Konoha. It's the conviction that each generation must protect the next, even at the cost of their lives. It's what drives shinobis like the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, to sacrifice themselves to protect the village."

Naruto remained silent, absorbing Shikai's words.

— "Minato was more than just a Hokage to me," Shikai continued. "He was a guide, almost like a father. His wisdom and dedication shaped Konoha. You must always remember what he did for this village, Naruto."

Naruto slowly nodded, a glimmer of understanding in his eyes.

— "You know, sensei, you're like an older brother to me," he suddenly said.

Shikai seemed surprised, but a warm smile lit up his face.

— "An older brother, huh?"

Naruto shook his head with a smile.

— "Iruka-sensei is like a father, but you... you're different. You've always treated me as an equal. You believe in me."

Shikai placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder.

— "And I will continue to believe in you, Naruto. You have great potential, more than you realize. You remind me of someone."

As they finished their meal, Naruto's gaze darkened slightly.

— "Sensei... why did Sasuke leave the village?" he asked in a low voice.

Shikai furrowed his eyebrows slightly, carefully choosing his words.

— "It's not for me to tell you everything, Naruto. But know that Sasuke has a different path from yours. He didn't desert for pleasure. He's searching for something he believes is vital."

Naruto clenched his fists, his eyes shining with determination.

— "No matter what he's looking for, I'll bring him back. Sasuke is like a brother to me, and I can't abandon him."

Shikai looked at him for a long moment, impressed by Naruto's resolve.

— "Then, keep training," he said softly. "If you really want to bring Sasuke back, you'll have to become much stronger than you are today."

Naruto nodded, a renewed flame in his gaze.

— "I won't stop until I've brought him back. Then I'll become the next Hokage, succeeding my grandfather Hiruzen!"

As they left Ichiraku, Naruto spotted a familiar figure in the distance.

— "Oh, it's Sakura-chan!" he exclaimed.

Shikai smiled slyly.

— "Don't get into trouble, Naruto."

But Naruto, true to himself, didn't listen. He formed a quick mudra and transformed into Sasuke, hoping to catch Sakura's attention.

— "Hey, Sakura, it's me, Sasuke, I'm back. Do you want to go out with me?" he said with a charming smile, approaching her.

Sakura, initially surprised, furrowed her eyebrows as she realized the trickery.

— "Naruto!" she cried before delivering a violent blow to his head.

Naruto fell back to the ground, holding his head and grimacing.

— "Ouch! Sakura-chan, why did you do that?!"

Sakura crossed her arms, clearly annoyed.

— "Stop making fun of Sasuke! It's not funny!"

"Well, it seems you still have some lessons to learn, Naruto."

Shikai, observing the scene from a distance, shook his head. Naruto didn't need this kind of distraction, and this ungrateful girl.

And he made sure of that, he would shape it in his own way.