As time progressed, the Ninja Academy began teaching the fundamental method of chakra refinement. Chakra, the fusion of an individual's physical and spiritual energies, was the lifeblood of every ninja. Upon learning the technique, Naruto returned home and immediately began to practice. It was widely known that mastering chakra refinement on the first attempt was a feat reserved for true prodigies. Yet, as Naruto sat in meditation, he found the process surprisingly smooth. With each successive attempt, he not only refined his chakra with ease but also discovered an extraordinary abundance within himself.
Indeed, his physical energy was immense, a natural inheritance from his lineage as a descendant of the Uzumaki clan and the Fourth Hokage. His spiritual energy, meanwhile, was amplified by the unique fusion of two souls within him. However, possessing a vast amount of chakra was one thing; controlling it effectively was another entirely. The original Naruto's consistent struggles were primarily due to his poor chakra control. Determined to overcome this, the current Naruto resolved to meticulously improve his control. Therefore, in addition to his daily physical training in the woods, he dedicated himself to tree climbing and water walking exercises. The former enhanced his physical prowess, while the latter specifically honed his chakra manipulation.
Days turned into weeks. One morning, as Naruto was engaged in his usual routine of running and training in the woods, he spotted a familiar figure in a green jumpsuit also running. It was unmistakably the embodiment of youthful exuberance, Rock Lee. A sudden idea sparked in Naruto's mind. He immediately ran towards Lee, shouting, "I want to challenge you!"
As expected, Lee's eyes ignited with a passionate fervor. "Guy-sensei!" he exclaimed, addressing his unseen mentor, "Someone has challenged me! Very well, I accept your challenge!"
Naruto initiated the sparring match with a punch, which Lee skillfully dodged. Naruto followed with a roundhouse kick, but Lee expertly blocked it with his hands. Lee then retaliated with a kick of his own, forcing Naruto to block with both arms, using the momentum to retreat before launching a flying kick. After nearly thirty exchanges, Naruto began to tire. While he had undergone significant physical training, Lee's dedication was far greater, and he was undeniably a taijutsu prodigy with exceptional fighting skills. Eventually, Naruto could no longer keep up, but unwilling to suffer a complete defeat, he shouted, "I concede, but I will definitely defeat you next time!"
Lee nodded thoughtfully. "You are a worthy opponent. In addition to Neji, I now have another rival for the future. I eagerly await your next challenge. I will train hard as well!" He then struck his signature "Nice Guy" pose, complete with a thumbs-up, causing Naruto to break out in a cold sweat.
Nevertheless, this encounter with Rock Lee proved invaluable for Naruto's physical development. He managed to memorize most of Lee's taijutsu movements in a single observation, subsequently integrating them into his own practice.
Months flew by, and Naruto made significant advancements in all areas. His chakra control had progressed to the point where he could effortlessly walk on tree trunks and move slowly across water. In terms of taijutsu, his consistent training with Rock Lee had made him unmatched among his peers in the same grade. Furthermore, his proficiency with ninja tools had also greatly improved through diligent personal practice.
After such a long period, even the least naturally gifted students in the class had managed to refine their chakra, and the Ninja Academy began teaching the fundamental Three Body Techniques: the Transformation Jutsu, Clone Jutsu, and Substitution Jutsu. Naruto grasped these basic ninjutsu instantaneously, eliciting gasps of admiration from the girls in his class.
However, Naruto understood that learning a technique and mastering it were two distinct concepts. While some, like Kakashi, were exceptional at simple substitution techniques, most Genin were far less proficient. Therefore, Naruto practiced the Three Body Techniques whenever he had the opportunity, aspiring to quickly reach, or even surpass, Kakashi's level of mastery.
With the addition of the Three Body Techniques, Naruto and Lee's sparring sessions evolved beyond pure taijutsu. Naruto would now strategically employ the Substitution or Clone Jutsu, creating more challenging scenarios for Lee, who was unable to use ninjutsu. This made their battles increasingly difficult for Lee, often resulting in draws, and occasionally, Naruto even managed to secure a narrow victory. Despite these outcomes, Lee's youthful spirit remained as vibrant as ever.
Naruto knew that Rock Lee fought without removing his weights or utilizing the Eight Gates, formidable techniques that would drastically increase his power. However, Naruto didn't solely rely on taijutsu, nor did he consider using such methods himself. Moreover, his current age was unsuitable for the physical strain of weighted training, and the Eight Gates would put an excessive burden on his body.
At this point, Naruto had made significant strides in chakra control, consistently improved his taijutsu, and could effectively use the Three Body Techniques. Coupled with his innate talent, his strength was destined to grow exponentially with continued effort.
Yet, Naruto privately acknowledged that his current rate of improvement, while impressive, wasn't enough. He still couldn't compare to the genius of a young Uchiha Itachi. While he would gradually earn the title of "genius," it still wasn't sufficient. Observing the villagers' and most ninjas' attitudes towards him, Naruto knew that only immense strength would earn him true recognition.
Uchiha Itachi had the advantage of his father teaching him ninjutsu, a luxury Naruto currently lacked. Furthermore, the knowledge imparted at the Ninja Academy was no longer enough to satisfy Naruto's hunger for growth.
So, how would he learn more ninjutsu? He couldn't simply "invent" a jutsu out of thin air. Naruto now needed to cultivate a flawless image.
At that moment, an idea struck Naruto.
(End of this chapter)