In early November, Shu Furukawa had grown a little taller since returning from Shikkotsu Forest, but his appearance hadn't changed much.
Tsunade studied him from every angle in her apartment for a long while. Finally, she rested her chin on her hand and said regretfully,
"Katsuyu's senjutsu doesn't seem to have had any noticeable effect..."
Shu thought of the talkative Katsuyu and felt a headache coming on. This sage was nothing like he'd imagined, and having a bunch of clones surround him and chat had been a nightmare:
"It's just the use of Natural Energy, and I still haven't managed to learn it. Of course there wouldn't be any changes."
Hearing that he'd failed, Tsunade actually smiled, seeming especially pleased. Her laughter grew louder and more carefree.
"I know, of course. Jiraiya and Orochimaru didn't accomplish much with senjutsu either!"
"Looks like you, the genius, aren't so different from me after all. You've finally found a technique you're not good at."
"Just focus on your training from now on. Mastering senjutsu will take at least a few years."
"..."
Tsunade had already brought out all the secret techniques she had up her sleeve. Her daily lessons with Shu left her feeling constantly outmatched, and sometimes he even took care of her in everyday life.
It was rare for him to struggle with something, so getting the better of him at senjutsu finally restored some of her confidence.
Shu smiled and acknowledged her. He really hadn't sensed Natural Energy yet, but he had shortened the time it took him to form the Strength of a Hundred Seal.
More importantly, after a long conversation with Katsuyu's main body, Shu had come up with a few ideas.
The key to changing everything was the original "Chakra." Combining that with the memories in his mind, Shu felt that immortality was within his reach!
Not Orochimaru's kind of "eternal life," but "transcendence" achieved through energy.
"Shizune will graduate next year. I've been wondering what to give her as a present. That girl works so hard, all so she can stand by your side."
"It reminds me of Jiraiya and Orochimaru. They were like that back then, too. But talent is something you're born with."
"If talent could reliably be passed down to the next generation, that might be terrifying..."
As Tsunade spoke, she grew a little melancholy. No one in the Senju Clan had inherited their ancestors' outstanding talent, and by the time it came to her, even her younger brother had left this world far too soon.
With his mind full of his "cultivation plan," Shu came back to himself. After living with the talkative Katsuyu for two months, he'd nearly forgotten his classmates at the Ninja Academy.
"How about giving her a pet? Maybe a Ninja Dog or a Ninja Cat. Girls should like those, right?"
"You're sure about that?"
Tsunade asked, giving him a sidelong glance. She didn't think much of Ninja Dogs or Ninja Cats. Shu suddenly remembered the little pig from his memories. His expression turned strange as he quietly suggested,
"Then how about a Ninja Pig? Where could we find a suitable pig?"
"Show some sincerity! Who would like a pig?!"
By mid-November, the weather had turned cold.
At Training Ground 44, Might Guy, hidden behind a tree, seized his chance and suddenly sprang into action. Using the trunk to build momentum, he launched himself into the air, spun around, and shouted,
"Konoha Whirlwind!"
Guy's spinning kick came crashing down from above, heavy and fast.
Shu ducked low, curling up as if he had eyes in the back of his head, and dodged the "sneak attack." Then Chakra burst from his feet, and he quickly retreated along a thick branch.
Kakashi charged after him, thrusting with his short blade to interrupt Shu's Hand Seals. The blade and a Kunai clashed again and again as Guy joined the pursuit from behind.
"Thud..."
At last, Guy seized his chance and landed a side kick on Shu's crossed arms. Before he could celebrate, Kakashi hurriedly warned him,
"Watch out, Guy!"
As he fell from the branch, Shu used the momentum to perform the Shadow Clone Technique. Just as Guy was about to chase him, one of the clones came hurtling at him.
"Ah!"
Guy barely managed to destroy the first clone before letting out a scream as two more Shadow Clones slammed into him, knocking him off the branch.
Their combined attack had been foiled again. Kakashi rubbed his forehead in frustration, put away his short blade, and jumped down to check on the unfortunate Guy.
"Even when the fight is nearly over, don't forget the strategy we planned. The moment Shu gets a chance to hide among his Shadow Clones, we've lost."
"Neither of us is a sensory-type ninja. In a place like this, it's easy for him to catch us off guard."
Guy lay on the ground, panting heavily. He nodded, then gave a thumbs-up and flashed a bright smile.
"That went better than last time, Kakashi! I've caught up to your speed!"
Though he didn't want to admit it, Kakashi still gave a slight nod. He had mastered physical activation, but the Chakra boost used up too much energy, leaving him with little stamina.
Guy, on the other hand, relied purely on his physical abilities. Kakashi couldn't imitate the Youth Training Method.
"You're already doing great. There's only so much you can do at this age. Once you hit a growth spurt, you'll see a noticeable improvement."
Shu emerged from behind the tree. After praising them both, he wrapped a scarf around his neck and shared some news.
"More than half the students from our year in Class A are planning to graduate early next year."
"Kakashi, don't send your team back to school for another round of training this time. Be considerate of everyone's feelings."
"There'll probably be a joint mission next year, too, so make sure you're ready. It'll most likely involve Iwagakure. Captain Shikaku talked to me about it a couple of days ago."
After spending several months doing D-rank missions with his Genin, Kakashi was nearly at his limit. At the mention of Iwagakure, he immediately said bitterly,
"I've been itching to fight those guys who attacked the outposts!"
Guy didn't know the truth about the White Fang of the Leaf, but the village's official announcement had said that the White Fang had died because of Sunagakure and Iwagakure.
"A covert mission? Sorry, I might not be much help. Damn, I'm still not good at this kind of mission..."
Looking at the frustrated Guy, Shu simply patted him on the shoulder, then changed the subject.
"Let's celebrate our successful training this week. Ichiraku Ramen tonight!"
"We'll settle this with tonkotsu chashu ramen!"
Seeing the anticipation in Guy's eyes, Kakashi sighed helplessly. Still, he didn't refuse the challenge. He narrowed his fish-like eyes and grumbled,
"Don't eat so much you have to lean against the wall on your way home again!"
"..."
The colder the weather got, the busier Ichiraku Ramen became. Teuchi called out to customers nonstop, and when he saw the three of them sit down, he greeted them enthusiastically.
"Long time no see, you three! Tonkotsu ramen again tonight?"
"Double chashu for all of us!"
Guy answered with boundless energy. Teuchi immediately grinned and turned around to get started.
"Shu, it's been so long! Lady Tsunade told me you'd only just returned from your training."
The blond heartthrob broke away from the crowd of girls surrounding him and hurried over to greet Shu.
"Minato, you're as popular as ever! Are you here for dinner?"
Minato Namikaze was still wearing his Jonin vest. He glanced at the commotion behind him, then shook his head and replied with a blissful smile,
"I'm picking up a bowl of ramen for Kushina. She's been especially fond of it lately."
He was about to keep chatting when the girls started closing in again. Minato hurriedly took the ramen, offered an apologetic smile, and quickly said goodbye.
Kakashi had been hoping to watch the scene, but when he turned around, Minato Namikaze had vanished. His eyes widened in surprise.
"What kind of technique was that?"
"..."