Chapter 53. The reason for poor Ninjutsu

Fugaku hurried to Natsuki's residence and, upon arrival, encountered him emerging from the room with a fatigued expression.

"What happened? Why was there a fluctuation in eye power just now?"

Waving his hand wearily, he responded, "It's nothing, just a test of a new technique. I didn't mean to cause concern for the clan leader."

"New Technique?" Fugaku's eyes gleamed. Ordinary Eye Techniques wouldn't trigger such significant movements.

Only one possibility remained—the Mangekyo Sharingan's eye technique!

Natsuki had mentioned his eye technique, the "Gap in the Sky," a formidable ability that allowed him to peer into the future.

Did Natsuki just peer into the future?

Observing his exhausted demeanor, Fugaku spoke softly, "Natsuki, does peeking into the future take such a toll on you?"

He appeared weary, with pronounced dark circles under his eyes and bloodshot eyes. He seemed physically drained.

Natsuki was momentarily stunned by Fugaku's inquiry, then closed his eyes to recuperate.

Eventually, he replied, "The activation of the Sky Gap is beyond my control. In recent years, its activation has become less frequent."

"That's why I've made an effort to record many things that will be useful in the future."

"I just witnessed some future scenes again, but this time they were more extended than before. I also have a premonition that the Sky Gap might cease to activate in the future."

Fugaku felt a sense of melancholy, realizing that Natsuki's Mangekyō Sharingan had brought substantial benefits to the Uchiha.

Although aware of the inherent limitations of this potent eye technique, the sudden prospect of it no longer being usable unsettled Fugaku.

Fortunately, the Uchiha were progressing in the right direction.

Whether it was the development of the Uchiha in the Land of Sound or their progress in the current village, the situation was vastly improved compared to over a year ago.

Now, neither the Third Hokage nor any other ninja clan dared to underestimate the Uchiha.

"Clan leader, I'm going to rest first. I'll let you know once I've sorted everything out," He said, yawning as he headed back.

Fugaku had long grown accustomed to Natsuki's casual style and didn't mind it.

Instead, he summoned the fourth elder, instructing him to impose a ban within the Uchiha clan—no one should share any news regarding the recent events with the outside world.

While Fugaku was confident that Uchiha with the Three Tomoe would keep this matter confidential, he issued the hush order as a precautionary measure.

...

Natsuki entered the room, collapsed onto the bed, and began to drift into sleep.

In reality, his eye power and chakra weren't significantly depleted. The weariness stemmed from experimenting with his new eye technique in his dreams.

One technique, named Kansatsu, merely heightened observation skills, leaving him somewhat disappointed.

The second one aimed to reinforce Susanoo's weapon, enhancing its sharpness. Through continuous strengthening to the utmost state—known as Tensouunryu—it could forcefully swallow space.

Obito, it seems you won't be dancing before me.

Yet, in the dream, neither his eye power nor chakra would be consumed.

After the dream experimentation, he emerged from the room, exhausted from expending too much energy and in need of rest.

However, this was just the beginning. Natsuki's Sharingan consumed even more energy.

Simultaneously, with the awakening of the eye technique, the Sharingan successfully completed its leap to the next level.

In other words, Natsuki had quietly achieved the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan!

What's more, the pattern of Natsuki's eye remained unchanged, concealing any visible alterations.

Now, he can finally lay to rest his concerns about his eyesight dwindling.

Natsuki reveled in the relief and drifted into a beautiful sleep.

He slumbered until noon on the third day, undisturbed by anyone.

Fugaku had earlier checked in on Natsuki, discovering that he wasn't unconscious but merely in a deep sleep.

Recognizing the immense energy demand of "Gap in the Sky," he refrained from disturbing him.

Upon awakening, Natsukirealized an overwhelming hunger. After hydrating, he hurried toward Konoha's Eight Streets.

...

Konoha Eighth Street

With the [Summer Food] shop on Eighth Street gaining renown, Naruto and Sasuke became its most dedicated customers.

Naruto favored stinky tofu, while Sasuke had a penchant for hot and sour noodles.

Despite Naruto lagging behind in ninjutsu today, he took Eighth Street after school to indulge in their favorite treats.

Naruto, savoring a forkful of stinky tofu, urged Sasuke, "Sasuke, you really should try this stinky tofu. It tastes absolutely delicious!"

Sasuke turned away, displaying a disgusted expression. "I won't eat this. It stinks so bad. My mouth will be full of stench after eating it."

As Naruto lamented Sasuke's lack of gratitude, he also pondered the implications of the test.

The Nine-Tails frequently meddled with Naruto's chakra, making its refinement consistently chaotic.

Even the transformation technique, which demanded precise chakra control, occasionally succeeded.

Once, he attempted to mimic Sasuke, and the transformed Sasuke appeared nearly identical, practically indistinguishable.

However, disruptions occurred consistently during class, turning the transformation technique into something unrecognizable as a human being.

This test had evidently become the final attempt.

Naruto hesitated, an uncertainty lingering, unaware of the unseen force interfering with the flow of his chakra.

Naruto, burdened with thoughts, slowed his pace, catching Sasuke's sullen glance as he looked back.

Assuming that Naruto was still dwelling on their earlier encounter, Sasuke pondered for a moment and reluctantly uttered, "Actually, I can give this stinky tofu a try."

Naruto's eyes gleamed upon hearing Sasuke's words.

Instantly forgetting his previous transformation failure, Naruto handed a piece of stinky tofu to Sasuke, urging him to try it.

"Well…"

Sasuke resisted the peculiar odor and took a couple of bites.

Unexpectedly, the black shell proved crispy, and a medley of fragrant, spicy, salty, and saucy flavors tantalized their taste buds.

Sasuke was instantly captivated by the taste, swiftly taking Naruto's stinky tofu and indulging in it.

Naruto was momentarily stunned.

What's going on? Didn't he just say he wouldn't eat it?

"Hey!"

The two swiftly engaged in a playful fight.

Though the two bantered for a while, Sasuke emerged victorious. After all, Naruto didn't genuinely want it back, so Sasuke claimed the spoils.

At that moment, a figure descended from the sky.

"You two, why are you causing a ruckus on the street?"

The arrival was none other than Uchiha, holding a few bunches of candied haws in one hand.

A friendly smack from Natsuki landed on Naruto, followed by the same treatment for Sasuke.

A smile brightened Sasuke's face, Natsuki was incredibly easy to get along with.

It had been a while since he came to pick them up.

Upon spotting Natsuki, Naruto shrunk a little, considering all the help he had received from Natsuki-senpai.

However, his lagging performance in ninjutsu weighed on him.

Observing Naruto's subdued demeanor, Natsuki shared a candied haw between him and Sasuke, asking, "What's wrong? Are you unhappy? Don't you want to see me?"

Naruto was momentarily at a loss for words.

Sasuke took the initiative to inform Natsuki, "Sensei, Naruto didn't perform well in the ninjutsu test this time."

"Oh?" Natsuki regarded Sasuke with an amused expression as if anticipating him to reveal his own grades.

"So, how did you do in your Ninjutsu scores?" He inquired.

Sasuke proudly puffed up his chest and declared, "Naruto and I are different. I am, of course, number one."

"Hehehe, well, it's Sasuke after all. When you go back, make sure to let the clan leader reward you handsomely."

Natsuki complimented casually, recognizing that Sasuke was still young and hadn't reached the rebellious stage.

A few words of praise and he's completely content.

But when he sets him aside later, he'll have to give him a good beating and assert his dominance before he shows respect.

Naruto's dissatisfaction deepened as he heard Natsuki praising Sasuke.

While his physical skills were commendable, ninjutsu proved to be a significant challenge for him. The chakra in his body seemed to wander aimlessly at times.

Natsuki ruffled Naruto's head, offering reassurance, "Why the long face? It's just one exam where you didn't do well. Put in the effort in the future."

Naruto wiped his face, attempting to appear less disheartened, "Natsuki-senpai, this time is different. Whenever I try to extract chakra, it feels like something is disturbing it."

"Normally, I can use the transformation technique proficiently, but during exams, I struggle with it. I can't figure out what's going wrong."