Starts In Konoha: Unlocking Shadow Clone

After being stunned for a while, Naruto suddenly burst into laughter.

'Fortunately, there was a system reminder, otherwise I would have really missed this incredible Dojutsu.'

However, as the system introduced the various abilities, it listed numerous unfamiliar names, which made Naruto a bit uneasy.

He had only watched Shippuden and knew very little about Boruto. He was aware that Boruto was largely controversial, often regarded as 'unworthy of attention', and he had heard others mention the appearance of numerous Otsutsuki Clan's members, but he had never truly looked into it.

Now, through this extended introduction, he was getting a firsthand look at the true terror of the Otsutsuki Clan.

Leaving aside abilities like Kamui, the fact that some of them could even peer into another's fate was just... outrageous.

Fate was something elusive and formidable. To Naruto, the power to see fate was as terrifying as creation itself.

Simply put, an Otsutsuki who could glimpse fate would basically be like Naruto himself, who already had knowledge of the original plot.

Previously, Naruto's greatest comfort came not only from the system but from his knowledge of the storyline, which allowed him to avoid many risks and feel that everything was under control. But now, knowing the Otsutsuki could do this, even if it was just one of them, shook his confidence in that control.

'This is a hidden danger.'

Naruto thought, sighing deeply.

'The only comforting thought was that these powerful Otsutsuki appeared in Boruto, meaning I had several years before encountering them.'

'As long as I worked hard over the next few years to become unbeatable, I might not need to fear these potential threats.'

'Besides, once the system's authority grew enough, I could always jump to another world to escape.'

'Though... other worlds might not be safe havens either...'

The next morning arrived without further incident.

After dropping off Squirtle at the training ground, Naruto met up with Jiraiya and Kakashi at Ichiraku Ramen.

"Kid, you're back again? Didn't you get enough yesterday? Look at those dark circles under your eyes! You need to learn some self-control; otherwise, you might regret it when you lose your... vitality."

Jiraiya said with a frown.

Slumped over the table, Naruto replied with a face full of worries, "It's not what you think. I was just up late thinking about something important. I couldn't sleep."

The thought of the Otsutsuki, even though they wouldn't show up for a long time, was enough to keep Naruto awake.

"Oh? Tell me, what's on your mind?" Jiraiya became interested.

Naruto thought carefully, then finally squeezed out a single line, "I feel... I'm too weak. I'm just not strong enough yet h."

"Pfft!"

Kakashi, who had just taken a bite of ramen, suddenly sprayed it out.

He looked at Naruto with extremely complicated gaze. This was the first time in his life he'd ever felt such an urge to curse at someone.

'Not strong enough?'

'Was this some kind of joke? Was Naruto trying to one-up everyone in humility?'

Jiraiya didn't know Naruto's true strength, so after seeing Kakashi's reaction, he thought Kakashi felt guilty and he preached earnestly, "Kakashi, as Naruto's teacher, you should be guiding him properly. Look at Naruto, he's reflecting on himself deeply, so why aren't you more considerate? Helping me with my work is important, but you can't neglect Naruto's training. I hear the main tournament is in a month, so how about this? Work for me in the morning and train Naruto in the afternoon."

"Jiraiya-sama, you're giving me too much credit. To be honest... I can't even beat Naruto myself." Kakashi said awkwardly.

Jiraiya, however, didn't seem surprised. Waving a hand dismissively, he replied, "Oh, you mean that self-made technique of Naruto's, the Body Slam, right? True, that move has great control, but it requires the element of surprise. It's not difficult to dodge as long as the opponent isn't a stationary target. You're the Copy Ninja Kakashi… you've mastered so many Ninjutsu. Surely you can teach Naruto a lot more. Don't underestimate yourself."

"What? Body Slam?"

Kakashi turned his head to look at Naruto, and said with surprised expression, "You created some insane technique that even Jiraiya-sama praises it? What kind of crazy technique did you come up with this time?"

"It's just a basic control trick. I've always been able to do it." Naruto said helplessly.

'Now that I think about it carefully, every time I used Body Slam, Kakashi had coincidentally missed seeing it.'

Picking up on this, Jiraiya frowned and said, "Kakashi, what do you mean by that? You're saying Naruto didn't beat you with that technique? Then how else could he have defeated you?"

Kakashi explained, "Have you forgotten that Naruto has the Kyubi in his body? Facing such terrifying power, I am no match at all."

"Kyubi, huh..."

Jiraiya pondered for a moment and said, "After all these years, the Kyubi's Chakra has started to blend with yours, Naruto. However, you shouldn't rely on its power too much. It's not something that can be easily controlled, and it can lead to a rampage if you're not careful. How about this… I'll teach you the Rasengan. Once you master it, not only will it improve your Chakra Control, but it will also lower the chances of going on a rampage from overusing the Kyubi's Chakra."

Kakashi nodded in agreement, "The Rasengan? That's a powerful, seal-less Ninjutsu created by Minato-sensei. Naruto, if you learn it, your strength will go up a whole level."

Naruto, resting his elbow on the table and chin in his left hand, lazily lifted his right hand and said glumly, "Is this what you are talking about?"

As he said that, a swirl of Chakra quickly gathered in the palm of his right hand, spinning rapidly and forming a small, bright-blue sphere within seconds… the Rasengan.

"Rasengan!"

Jiraiya and Kakashi exclaimed simultaneously.

Naruto relaxed his right hand, letting the spiraling chakra dissipate, and slumped back down on the table with a sigh, "It's just a boring little trick. Nothing to be impressed about."

The truth was, after learning about the Otsutsuki's ability to see fate and even use Yin-Yang Release, Naruto felt that Rasengan is too underwhelming.

But Jiraiya and Kakashi didn't see it that way. They just thought Naruto was showing off!

Jiraiya, with a hint of earnestness, admonished him, "Naruto, I admit your talent is remarkable, but you can't go around flaunting it. You need to stay humble and keep learning if you want to grow further. Pride and complacency will only make you regress."

"Ugh…"

Naruto said helplessly, "Where did you get the idea that I'm being arrogant? I genuinely feel like I'm weak and want to improve quickly. But, honestly, neither of you are really helpful... you don't have much to teach me."

"Not helpful?"

Jiraiya protested immediately, "Kid, don't think that just because you managed to beat me with that strange move, you can look down on me! If I went all out, you'd see that your strength is far from enough."

Before Naruto could respond, Kakashi leaned in and muttered, "Jiraiya-sama... the thing is, you actually couldn't beat him. Not only you, but even Hokage-sama couldn't defeat Naruto… unless he used the Dead Demon Consuming Seal, which would take his own life."

"How is this possible?" Jiraiya's brow furrowed deeply.

Kakashi explained, "Just two days ago, Naruto learned the Eight Gates and can fully open all eight gates. From what I've observed, with the Kyubi's support, Naruto can open all eight gates for a short time without sustaining any damage. If that weren't the case, considering the other Genin are preparing for the finals, I would never allow him to be wandering around."

"Eight Gates?"

Jiraiya was dumbstruck when he heard Kakashi's words.

He knew the Eight Gates very well. It was the ultimate Taijutsu, the Forbidden Technique among the Forbidden Techniques. Opening all eight gates granted enormous power but at the cost of certain death. It was a technique of absolute self-sacrifice. If Naruto could open all eight gates without dying, or even without injury, then he truly was beyond Jiraiya's league.

Coming back to his senses, Jiraiya shook his head in disbelief, "Naruto, with power like yours, you're still complaining about being weak? Do you even realize what you're saying? You know what? Showing off will get you struck by lightning..."