Naruto knew Tsunade had tacitly approved. When the benefits grew large enough, so-called principles became remarkably flexible.
After leaving the Hokage Building, Naruto did not go home. Instead, he headed straight for Schola Progenium at the edge of the Forest of Death.
Dust filled the training grounds.
The Kaguya brothers, Kaguya Kei and Kaguya Ken, were engaged in intense sparring sessions with Might Guy and Rock Lee. Compared to two months ago, their fighting styles had undergone earth-shaking changes.
No longer were they wild beasts who attacked purely on instinct. Every punch and kick had become precise and efficient, filled with the simplicity and lethality of military hand-to-hand combat.
"Leaf Hurricane!"
Along with Guy's trademark hot-blooded roar, Kaguya Kei was kicked into the air. After tumbling several times, he landed steadily without a scratch.
"Hah!"
He let out a low roar as the chakra within his body began flowing at a strange rhythm.
"Gate of Opening, open!"
The first of the Eight Gates was forcibly opened. Power far beyond his previous limits surged from within, yet the bloodthirsty impulse in his eyes was firmly suppressed, replaced by absolute calm.
Naruto stood in the distance and nodded in satisfaction.
Guy and Lee truly were the best "polishing tools." Their inexhaustible enthusiasm was like two endlessly spinning grindstones, steadily shaping the unruly rough gems that were the Kaguya brothers into the forms he wanted.
Discipline was replacing instinct.
This was good.
However, that calm did not last long.
Toward evening, the door to the Hokage's Office was violently slammed open.
Shizune rushed in with a panicked expression, not even having time to catch her breath.
"Lady Tsunade! N-no, this is bad!"
"Has the sky fallen?" Tsunade replied without looking up, irritatedly sorting through documents.
"It's worse than that!" Shizune hurried to the