Chapter 40: Rasengan
On that vibrant night in Konoha Village, the air was electric with celebration, music, and dancing. The streets echoed with laughter and merriment, painting a vivid picture of a village in the throes of jubilation. It was a time worth rejoicing, with the promise of a new year just around the corner. Today marked December 27th, only four days left before the grand New Year's festivities on January 1st.
Amidst the jubilant crowd, it was evident that one particular family, the Hyuga clan, was conspicuously absent from the festivities. It was a special day, not just any day; it was Hinata's third birthday, a significant moment for the Hyuga family. However, they had chosen not to partake in the village's revelry, a testament to their unique status among the residents of Konoha.
The Hyuga's decision to stay aloof from the celebrations spoke volumes about their distinction and perhaps, in some people's eyes, their arrogance. Such a stance could potentially lead to friction, as the village's giants, like the Hyuga family, seemed to set themselves apart. However, as the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility.
And then there was Naruto, who also decided not to participate in the lively event. It wasn't for lack of desire or any specific reason, but rather his own choice. Having moved out to live independently and returned to Konoha Village, rumors about him being the reincarnation of the demon fox had been gaining momentum. Naruto didn't wish to draw unnecessary attention or become the source of discomfort for others. He was, in his own way, very considerate.
On a day like this, a day of worldwide celebration, Naruto felt it was best to remain inconspicuous and out of sight. Instead of relaxing and taking the day off, he continued to work diligently on his training.
"The weight-bearing sandbags are no longer effective," Naruto said as he sat cross-legged on the ground, deep in thought. Compared to when he first started, the sensation of carrying 120-pound sandbags had become almost imperceptible. It felt like shedding a heavy burden every night when he removed his clothes and the sandbags before taking a shower.
Naruto contemplated, "Perhaps it's time to switch to heavier weights." He was mentally prepared to do so. With the subsidy he'd receive next month and his frugal lifestyle, he could afford to invest in new, heavier sandbags or perhaps a set of six, effectively doubling the load. He mused that he might end up looking rounder, but what mattered most was not appearance but the effectiveness of his training.
Naruto thought about Rock Lee, who was renowned for his strength and endurance. He wondered how much weight Lee trained with and when he could hope to reach that level.
In the midst of his musings, Naruto's eyes sparkled with excitement. He turned his head to look at the ten shattered balls on the floor nearby. After two days of relentless work, Naruto had utilized his Shadow Clone technique to practice day and night, finally achieving success in mastering the Rasengan.
A sense of satisfaction and determination filled Naruto's heart. He couldn't help but recall a particular incident involving Hyūga Hinata. If his memory served him right, her kidnapping had occurred during the period when the Cloud Shinobi Village was on a mission in Konoha Village.
The Cloud Shinobi Village's leader had a hidden agenda - to abduct Hinata and bring her back to their village to study the secrets of the Byakugan. Cloud Shinobi Village had a history of such schemes, having previously attempted to take Kushina back to their village as a candidate for the Eight Tails Jinchuriki.
Naruto sat alone in his room, his thoughts swirling like a whirlpool. He couldn't help but dwell on the intricate web of relationships and alliances in the ninja world. Hinata, the shy and gentle heiress of the Hyuga clan, had once again captured his attention on this remarkable night.
The bustling streets of Konoha quivered, mirroring the tumultuous emotions coursing through Naruto. His concerns were well-founded, for the age-old rivalry between the Cloud Shinobi Village and Konoha had ignited into a blazing feud, exacerbated by the recent turmoil within the Hyuga clan.
Naruto couldn't help but feel the unpredictability of the situation. How could anything escape the watchful gaze of the Byakugan, with its unparalleled perspective, farsightedness, and a complete 360-degree view? In terms of insight alone, the Byakugan outshone even the formidable Sharingan.
Yet, Naruto's apprehensions delved deeper than the realm of insight. He worried that the unfolding plot might take an unexpected twist. He had patiently withheld from exploiting any tactical advantages, silently awaiting the impending night of reckoning. However, the fear of being caught off guard gnawed at him.
With unwavering determination, Naruto rose from his seat, needing a respite to recover from the taxing efforts of his Shadow Clone and to assimilate the newfound memories he had gained. His mastery of the Shadow Clone technique had bestowed him with a wealth of experience, and it was high time to embark on the next phase.
Naruto's right hand ascended, activating his Mangekyo Sharingan. Although he refrained from using the Nine Tails Chakra within the village, he couldn't help but wonder if the Hokage had a hidden agenda for this momentous day. It was unlikely that they were simply observing him without reason.
Yet, it appeared that the Hokage had other priorities.
Refocusing on the task at hand, Naruto's right hand unfolded and drew closer to his body. With the Mangekyo Sharingan's unparalleled insight, he intently studied the flow of Chakra. His concentration was unwavering as he merged all the training stages he had undergone, condensing Chakra within his palm. Gradually, a tangible Chakra sphere took form in his hand. His voice whispered softly, "Rasengan."
It was a moment of sheer astonishment for Naruto. The Rasengan had materialized in his grasp.
The essence of the Rasengan lay in executing it swiftly with one hand, and Naruto had just showcased his mastery of this technique. Its power had the potential to be amplified by the caster's strength, holding the promise of further evolution.
Naruto had laid the foundation, and now, he stood at the precipice of greatness. He dreamt of a future where he could leave Konoha behind, a village he considered unworthy of his memories, to explore the world as he pleased.
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