Hermit mode Training

Year 63

The wind blew gently through the trees of Konoha's training grounds. Naruto Uzumaki, as energetic as ever, stood facing Shikai Nara, a shinobi of great reputation. Shikai had taken him under his wing after noticing his so-called untapped potential. Despite his clumsiness, Naruto possessed an unwavering determination that reminded Shikai of the great ninjas he had known.

— "Naruto, focus!" Shikai said, his tone authoritative but not devoid of patience.

— "I'm doing my best, sensei! But it's not as easy as that!" Naruto protested, holding in his hands an unstable chakra sphere in a rubbery state.

Shikai sighed, crossing his arms.

— "The Rasengan is a technique that does not tolerate imperfection. You must feel the flow of chakra, control it with precision, and maintain a constant rotation. You are capable of it, but you always rush. Calm your mind."

Naruto grumbled but closed his eyes, trying to concentrate as Shikai had taught him.

After several attempts that had lasted for months, a nearly perfect sphere formed in his hands.

— "I did it! Look, sensei!" Naruto exclaimed, his eyes shining with pride.

— "Not bad, but you're still far from being able to use it in real combat," Shikai replied, his gaze serious. "Now, try to use it against that target."

Shikai pointed to a tree trunk marked with a red cross. Naruto rushed forward, shouting with enthusiasm:

— "Rasengan!"

The chakra sphere exploded on impact, reducing the trunk to splinters. Naruto, exhausted but delighted, fell to his knees.

— "Sensei... it's really hard, but so cool! I'm sure I could compete with Sasuke." he said, panting.

— "It's just the beginning, Naruto. But I must confess something to you," Shikai replied, squatting down next to him.

Naruto raised a curious gaze towards his mentor.

— "I'm not the best to teach you certain things."

— "Huh?! But you're amazing, sensei!"

— "Listen to me. I want you to become stronger than me, stronger than any ninja. And for that, I know someone who can help you."

Naruto frowned, intrigued.

— "Who is it?"

— "My master. Jiraiya."

A few days later, in a quiet corner of Konoha, Shikai led Naruto to an imposing man with spiky white hair and dressed in a red and green kimono. Jiraiya, one of the legendary Sannin, observed Naruto with a mischievous smile.

— "So, this is the kid Shikai has been talking about so much?" Jiraiya said, examining Naruto from head to toe.

— "Hey, I'm not just a kid! I'm going to become Hokage!" Naruto retorted, his fists on his hips.

Jiraiya burst into laughter. He certainly knew Naruto's identity as the son of Minato. After all, he bore the name of the hero from the book he had written.

— "He's got guts, I'll give you that, Shikai. But why are you bringing him to me?"

Jiraiya was a bit skeptical of Shikai. He believed that Shikai would be more suited to teach him, as he could not only teach him the Rasengan but also the fuinjutsu of his mother.

Shikai approached Jiraiya, lowering his voice so that Naruto couldn't hear.

— "I want you to teach him the hermit mode. It's the only way for him to effectively control chakra and surpass his limits and control Kyubi. I'm not qualified for that."

Jiraiya raised an eyebrow, surprised by this request.

— "The hermit mode, huh? It's not something to be taken lightly. Are you sure he's ready?"

— "If anyone can train him, it's you. He has the will and tenacity. With you, he'll become unbeatable."

After a moment of reflection, Jiraiya nodded.

— "Alright. But I warn you, kid," he said, turning to Naruto. "It won't be a walk in the park."

— "Don't worry about me! I'm ready to do whatever it takes to become stronger!" Naruto replied enthusiastically.

"Then let me check your sexy jutsu!" Jiraiya said with a mischievous smile.

...

Soon after, Jiraiya took Naruto to Mount Myōboku, the sacred land of the toads. The journey was an adventure in itself, punctuated by Naruto's clumsiness and Jiraiya's relentless teachings.

— "So, Master Jiraiya, what exactly is this famous 'hermit mode'?" Naruto asked along the way.

— "The hermit mode is the ability to merge your chakra with the natural energy that surrounds you. It will make you stronger, faster, and your techniques will become much more powerful. But it requires extreme concentration and rigorous training."

When they finally reached Mount Myōboku, Naruto was awestruck by the beauty of the place. Crystal clear waterfalls, gigantic trees, and toads of all sizes inhabited this mystical land.

Fukasaku, an ancient toad sage, welcomed them.

— "Jiraiya-boy, who is this young man?"

— "His name is Naruto Uzumaki. I want him to learn the hermit mode."

Fukasaku looked at Naruto with curiosity.

"Uzumaki, you said?"