Naruto stood frozen in place for a long time, slowly coming to his senses before aimlessly wandering the streets of Roran.
He desperately hoped that Jiraiya had only been joking, that Jiraiya hadn't really left, and was just hiding nearby using Ninjutsu.
"Why did it have to be like this? It would have been fine to just know the future," Naruto muttered to himself, lost in thought.
Naruto thought that changing Jiraiya's future was simple, since he knew clearly the cause, effect, and timing of Jiraiya's death.
"It could have been so easy... if only he hadn't gone to investigate the intel..."
"Do you want to eat some ramen?" Mutsuki suddenly appeared beside the absent-minded Naruto and asked.
"Yes," Naruto instinctively replied as he looked at Mutsuki.
Mutsuki quickly took Naruto back to the rented room.
As soon as Naruto entered, he was greeted by a strong, appetizing aroma. He looked toward the dining table, where two large bowls of steaming ramen were already placed.
Drawn by the fragrance, Naruto moved to the table and noticed that the ramen was exactly the type he loved—pork miso chashu ramen.
"I'm not sure if the ramen here in Roran tastes the same as in Konoha, so I made it myself," Mutsuki explained as he sat down next to Naruto with a gentle smile.
Looking at Mutsuki's warm smile, Naruto felt a sense of warmth in his heart. Even though they were indoors, it felt like basking in the sun.
He thanked Mutsuki, then said, "Itadakimasu" and picked up his chopsticks to begin enjoying the incredibly tempting ramen.
As the delicious ramen entered his mouth, Naruto felt as if he were lying on a refreshingly cool beach, soaking up the sun, his whole body filled with warmth.
After eating a few bites, Naruto took a sip of the broth, and the warmth inside him deepened even more.
If this were usual, Naruto would immediately praise Mutsuki for the delicious ramen with great excitement. But thinking about how Jiraiya might still die, the once incredibly tasty ramen seemed to lose some of its appeal.
"Big Brother Mutsuki, Jiraiya is really strange, right?" Naruto suddenly said while eating.
"He always brags about his name, but can't shake off his perverted habits. When teaching me Ninjutsu, he always makes me practice alone, then goes off to play. Even though he knows it's dangerous, he insists on going alone to gather intel. He bought ice cream with my money, then said he was treating me..."
Naruto complained endlessly about Jiraiya's various flaws, almost as if he had a personal grudge against him.
But Naruto's eyes, which were slowly filling with tears, betrayed his true feelings.
Mutsuki sighed softly, placing his hand on Naruto's head and gently patting it twice, saying nothing.
The reality was incredibly harsh. Even if Naruto told Jiraiya everything, and the Jiraiya from this world survived, the Jiraiya from Naruto's world would still never come back to life.
Because they were not in different times, but in two different worlds.
After pouring out everything, Naruto felt much better, and the ramen in his mouth regained its original delicious taste.
"This is really the best ramen I've ever had, even better than Uncle Ichiraku's ramen." After finishing, Naruto was still savoring the taste of the ramen, everything was just perfect.
Although Naruto really liked Ichiraku Ramen, he had to admit that the ramen Mutsuki made had reached the pinnacle of ramen. He felt that it would be impossible to ever have ramen better than this.
"I'm glad you like it." Mutsuki smiled.
Looking at Mutsuki's smiling face and thinking of Yamato's earlier speculation about Mutsuki, Naruto's heart sank again.
He felt that it really wasn't fair. Why couldn't people like Jiraiya and Mutsuki live until the end?
"Big Brother Mutsuki, if we go back, is there any chance we can come back here again?" Naruto asked.
He wasn't sure about the principle of their time and space travel, but Naruto really wanted to go back and travel again.
He wanted to find Kakashi-sensei and ask him everything clearly, bringing the causes of everyone's deaths back to the past, and then making sure Mutsuki and the others would survive.
"It's possible, but it should be very difficult," Mutsuki replied after thinking for a moment.
This was a hard question for Mutsuki to answer because he hadn't figured out the mechanism behind the Dragon Vein's ability to traverse time and worlds.
Perhaps, when Naruto triggers the power of the Dragon Vein again, it would only lead to another parallel world, or maybe it could truly take him back to the past of their own world.
Naruto's gaze became determined. Since it was possible, he would definitely try.
"Big Brother Mutsuki, let's continue the lessons," Naruto said.
Not only did he have things to solve in the past, but there were also many issues in his own time that needed his attention: the Akatsuki organization, the rogue Sasuke, and more. To solve these problems, he needed to become stronger.
Mutsuki smiled and nodded, leading Naruto back to continue their lessons.
Although Naruto could become the savior of the ninja world, mastering Yang Breathing would make his path a bit smoother.
Naruto didn't mention his meeting with Jiraiya, but Yamato noticed that Naruto seemed a little different after returning.
Yamato didn't ask about the specifics but continued training as usual.
He knew that Naruto's mood was definitely not good right now.
"How could a ninja like Jiraiya-sama accept such help?" Yamato sighed inwardly.
When Naruto said he wanted to meet Jiraiya, Yamato had already guessed this would be the outcome.
But he couldn't stop Naruto. With such an opportunity in front of him, not trying would not be in Naruto's nature.
During breaks, Yamato racked his brain for funny stories, trying his best to cheer Naruto up.
Unfortunately, Yamato's face was not one suited for telling jokes. No matter how funny the joke, if it came from him, it would only turn into a cold joke.
"Could it be that Wood Release affects the humor cells in the body?" Obito pondered seriously.
"I don't think that's the case. It's just that his joke-telling skills are terrible," Kakashi commented.
"Kakashi, how can you say that? He's your future junior!" Obito seemed to be speaking up for Yamato.
"Fine, it must be that he doesn't have many friends. If you don't have anyone to tell jokes to, it makes your joke-telling skills awful," Kakashi revised his comment.
Yamato: ...
His fists were getting stiff.
He really wanted to punch the two of them right now. Why were they attacking him together like this?
"Don't say that about Captain Yamato" Naruto stepped forward to defend Yamato.
But Naruto's next words made it impossible for Yamato to hold himself back.
"He's just a bit slow," Naruto said seriously.
Yamato facepalmed, realizing he'd turned himself into the joke.
His face turned red, and then he muttered some incomprehensible words like "I can't help how I was born" and "ANBU Ninja," which made everyone burst into laughter, and the atmosphere lightened up.
Although he sacrificed himself, seeing Naruto smile made Yamato feel like it wasn't such a loss.
After a short break, the group quickly got back into training.
"Water Release is all about Chakra shape transformation. Don't get stuck on one form," Mutsuki said to Yamato.
"Try using Water Wall."
Yamato nodded, made hand seals, and gathered his Chakra, quickly converting it into water chakra and creating a Water Wall in front of him.
"This Water Wall can only block attacks from one direction, but if you do it like I do, you can block attacks from all sides," Mutsuki said as he began performing hand seals to demonstrate.
"Water Release: Water Wall!"
Mutsuki spat out a large amount of water, which rapidly spun around him in a circle, quickly forming an impenetrable water shield that enveloped both Mutsuki and Yamato.
Yamato tried to follow Mutsuki's process, but due to insufficient control over the shape transformation, he failed.
Mutsuki wasn't surprised. This wasn't something you could master instantly; it required long-term practice and a certain level of talent.
Ninjutsu isn't like clay, where a ninja can shape it however they like.
Just like Yamato not being able to use the Nativity of a World of Trees, it's not that he doesn't want to use it, it's that he simply can't.
"Try using Water Breathing while performing Water Release," Mutsuki continued to instruct.
Yamato had only been practicing Water Breathing for a short time, and his proficiency was still just above ten, so he could barely manage it.
Following Mutsuki's advice, Yamato tried to use Water Wall again. While it still didn't succeed, it felt a bit different from before.
[Lecture Completed]
[Evaluation: S]
[Rewards: Yang Chakra Nature Transformation +8, Yang Breathing +3, Water Chakra Nature Transformation +2, Water Breathing +1, Minor Increase in Chakra Shape Transformation Ability]
After the day's classes were settled, Mutsuki's thoughts on Yang Breathing had expanded considerably.
It wasn't clear if it was Naruto's breakthrough, but today the experience gained from Yang Breathing was slightly more than usual. Typically, it was a stable two points, with no other noticeable changes.
As the development of Yang Breathing gradually moved toward a shape that could be cultivated, Anrokuzan could no longer endure Mutsuki's torture and finally revealed the secret method for absorbing the Dragon Vein's power to Mutsuki.
"Dragon Vein's power is all yours. Just let me go," Anrokuzan begged.
Mutsuki glanced at Anrokuzan with a cold gaze, then looked at the secret method written by Anrokuzan himself.
"It seems I've been too kind to you," Mutsuki sighed and left the place where Anrokuzan was held, increasing the pressure.
In fact, he didn't know whether the secret method written by Anrokuzan was true or not, since this was a field he wasn't skilled in. However, that didn't stop Mutsuki from suspecting Anrokuzan.
Mutsuki wouldn't show any mercy toward someone like Anrokuzan; even if he was wrong in his suspicions, he wouldn't feel guilty.
"This guy hasn't even become a rogue ninja yet. He must be planning something," Anrokuzan thought, dumbfounded by Mutsuki's ruthless attitude.
Mutsuki gave him the impression of someone far from being a stable, upright ninja.
After leaving the detention area, Mutsuki went to see the Roran Queen.
Since Mutsuki had helped Roran solve a major problem, the Roran Queen agreed to let him control the Dragon Vein's power for his research.
However, this situation was different from the one with Anrokuzan. The Roran Queen would only allow a small amount of Dragon Vein power to be transferred to Mutsuki for research.
If Mutsuki hadn't already known about the existence of the Dragon Vein, the Queen probably wouldn't have agreed to his request. She was worried that Mutsuki might end up as the next Anrokuzan.
With the Queen's help, Mutsuki's research on the Dragon Vein proceeded smoothly.
"To solve the Chakra problem, I still need to farm more rewards and develop the Yang Seal." The more Mutsuki studied the Dragon Vein, the more he realized that Dragon Vein energy couldn't be directly stored in the body like a Tailed Beast's chakra as a power source—it was too dangerous.
However, Mutsuki found another use for Dragon Vein energy: enhancing Chakra armor.
After sealing the Dragon Vein energy into the Chakra armor from the Land of Snow, the armor's amplification of Ninjutsu power saw a significant increase.
But there was still a limit to this enhancement. Mutsuki tried using his full power in Perfect-level Nature Transformation Fire Release Ninjutsu, and the armor's boost became negligible.
Still, it was a good discovery. Even if he couldn't use it himself, Mutsuki could have Kakashi and the others make use of it.
...
"Big brother Mutsuki, I think I can feel that difference you mentioned." On the first day of officially training Yang Breathing, Naruto said with a delighted expression.
Mutsuki used Identification Jutsu to take a look at Naruto.
[Name: Naruto]
[Skill: Yang Breathing (1/100)]
It was unclear whether it was because of the time spent on theoretical study or Naruto's natural talent, but his progress was rapid. Within a few hours, he had already reached a Proficiency level.
Having found the right training path, Naruto immediately used the Shadow Clone technique to train, splitting into more than twenty Shadow Clones to practice Yang Breathing together.
After some time, Naruto dismissed the Shadow Clones to organize the training memories, and in Mutsuki's assessment, Naruto's Breathing Technique Proficiency level skyrocketed to six points.
Though the twenty-plus Shadow Clones didn't necessarily grant Naruto twenty times the training speed, the efficiency of his training was indeed extraordinary.
Mutsuki had expected this outcome. In the original story, Naruto went from knowing nothing about Wind Nature Transformation to developing S-rank Wind Style techniques in a short period, so it could only be said that Naruto was indeed on another level compared to ordinary ninjas.
By the second day of officially training Yang Breathing, Naruto's Proficiency level had already surpassed that of Yamato, who had started training Water Breathing first, and he could now begin to use breathing techniques to enhance his power in combat.
Around 4 PM, Mutsuki called a halt to Naruto, Kakashi, and the others' training, instructing them to switch to combat practice.
Kakashi and the others were full of energy. By this time, it had been quite a while since their first battle. While they may not have been able to defeat Naruto, they were certainly not going to suffer the same humiliating defeat as before.
Naruto was also eager. During class, in addition to learning the theory behind Yang Breathing, Mutsuki had also given him guidance on Taijutsu, making this the perfect opportunity to test his training progress.
This time, Naruto didn't immediately rely on the Shadow Clone army strategy but instead decided to take on all three opponents head-on.
Over the past month, Obito had made significant progress with his Flame Breathing Chakra Mode, now able to perform the same Ninjutsu as Mutsuki, even striking with both hands to unleash any jutsu he desired.
During the battle, Obito transformed into a Fire Release cannon, unleashing several powerful Fire Release techniques that caused Naruto quite a bit of trouble.
Kakashi's speed had also increased, and his potent Lightning Release strikes forced Naruto to use a significant number of Shadow Clones to distract Kakashi and relieve the pressure.
Rin's display of Enhanced Strength reminded Naruto of Sakura.
Watching Naruto and the others' battle, Yamato couldn't help but nod. Everyone was showing visible progress.
Yamato glanced towards Mutsuki, deeply impressed by Mutsuki's teaching abilities.
However, that glance left Yamato a bit confused.
"Two Mutsuki-san?" Yamato suddenly noticed that standing next to Mutsuki was a man who looked almost identical to him.
Noticing Yamato's gaze, Minato Namikaze turned and smiled at him.
After clearly seeing Minato's face, Yamato immediately recognized him as the Fourth Hokage.
Mutsuki wore black-framed glasses, while Minato did not, making it easy for Yamato to tell them apart.
Yamato could somewhat understand Obito's feelings now. They looked so similar and shared similar vibes; no one would doubt they were brothers.
"Should I stop them?" Mutsuki asked.
"No need, the battle is almost over," Minato smiled warmly and shook his head.
Although Obito with Flame Breathing Chakra Mode and Kakashi with Transparent World were not weak, they couldn't maintain it for long. Naruto, on the other hand, had more than enough chakra as long as he didn't use Rasenshuriken.
But Naruto certainly wouldn't use Rasenshuriken in a training battle, it could really kill someone.
"Naruto, you're really stronger," Obito admitted, conceding defeat.
Kakashi gasped for air a few times, thinking that there was still quite a distance between them and such a powerful Jonin.
"After all, I'm much older than you guys," Naruto scratched his head and laughed.
After a very harmonious post-battle discussion, Naruto turned to Mutsuki, wanting to know his opinion, only to see Minato Namikaze standing next to Mutsuki, smiling warmly at him.
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