Naruto: Blacksmith

Kuro had no idea Hiruzen had been there, but even if he had, he wouldn't have cared.

He was completely immersed in his training. With twenty clones and his main body, each one held a paper, focusing on transferring chakra through it.

Although the chakra flow wasn't very high, managing 21 simultaneous and continuous outputs consumed a significant amount of energy.

Even with his physique, maintaining this effort for an extended period was challenging.

After an hour and a half, Kuro reached his limit. He had to stop and rest.

Looking at the paper in his hand and seeing no changes, he sighed. "The road is long and complicated…."

Since he had learned how to use his system, he had experienced visible progress with each practice. But this time, there were no results.

Still, he wasn't frustrated.

The path is full of obstacles and challenges, but as long as you keep moving forward, there's always something to learn.

Kuro understood that as he grew stronger, what he needed to learn would become more complex and challenging.

This was inevitable.

"Have some water."

Lian approached with a large water container.

Kuro thanked him, took a long drink, and let out a sigh of relief. His face, tired from training, regained some energy.

Lian took back the container and said, "The Hokage was here a while ago."

"Oh."

Kuro's response was indifferent, as if he had already expected it.

Lian hesitated for a moment before explaining what Hiruzen had ordered regarding the ration pills and medicinal materials.

Kuro listened silently, his head lowered, deep in thought.

Finally, he looked up at Lian. "Don't worry, do as he said."

Although Kuro had no interest in the Hokage or power, he knew that living in Konoha as a ninja inevitably meant interacting with these people.

There comes a time in life when you need someone else. Making a friend is like gaining a new path.

If someone was willing to approach him and make an effort to support him, it wouldn't be wise to refuse.

Looking down on others for relying on shortcuts or cutting them off out of arrogance never led to good outcomes.

Moreover, Kuro already had good relationships with people like Chōji and Shikamaru. There was no need to distance himself from the rest of the village.

"Understood," Lian nodded. "I'll go to the Nara clan to request the medicinal materials."

"There's no rush. I imagine Hiruzen hasn't arranged everything yet. In the meantime, can you show me Nature Transformation? I want to observe it closely with the Sharingan."

"Alright."

After resting enough, Kuro felt his chakra had recovered and resumed practicing.

He tried various ways to improve the efficiency of his technique but only managed to make the paper produce a bit of smoke.

He wasn't discouraged and continued the next day.

Then the third day, the fourth, the fifth...

Two months passed in the blink of an eye.

The weather grew cooler, the green forest turned red, and fallen leaves danced in the wind.

That day, after dispelling his clones, Kuro endured the exhaustion caused by the day's training while also gaining new insight.

Then…

Fwoosh

As he transferred chakra, the paper in his hand ignited instantly.

"Congratulations."

Lian clapped as he approached with a slight smile.

Over those two months, Lian had become calmer. His attitude was no longer as cold as it had been during his days in Root.

Kuro shook his head. "This is just the first stage."

The paper he had burned was the easiest to ignite, and he hadn't even achieved instant ignition.

The next step would be to ignite damp and difficult-to-burn materials. Only after reaching that level could he imbue metal weapons with nature and shape transformations.

Lian also shook his head. "Everything is hard at the beginning. Now that you've mastered Fire Nature Transformation, you just need to work hard to make the flame more vigorous."

"Yes," Kuro smiled, "but the vacation is over. Tomorrow, I'm going back to school."

"Shouldn't you ask for more time?"

"It's important to balance work and rest."

"Really?"

Lian looked at him skeptically, suspecting that Kuro just wanted a break.

"Really."

Kuro nodded seriously.

In truth, he didn't think extending the vacation was necessary.

Life has many wonderful things. If you only focus on training, it would be very sad.

He still had four years left at the academy. Taking an occasional break to socialize, walk with friends, or chat for a while was good for relaxing the body and mind, which also benefited his physical and spiritual development.

Moreover, there were only a few days left until October 10th, the date he would pay tribute to his deceased parents.

After that, he planned to resume training with greater intensity.

.....

The next morning

The sun shone brightly.

Kuro got up early and headed to the academy.

The streets were bustling with activity, filled with people coming and going, energized by their daily routines.

"Konoha is becoming more prosperous…" Kuro sighed with a slight smile.

For the past two months, he had been so focused on his training that he hadn't had time to appreciate the scenery.

Now, walking leisurely through the streets, he felt a sense of detachment, as if he were looking at another world.

"Kuro! Kuro-kun!..."

From afar, a child's voice called out to him.

Kuro didn't need to look to know who it was.

He turned and saw a figure in a purple and gold dress running toward him.

Although still young, it was clear that this girl would grow up to be very attractive.

"Good morning, Ino," Kuro said with a kind smile as he watched her approach.

The faint floral scent she carried filled the air.

Ino, slightly out of breath from running, was momentarily mesmerized by Kuro's smile. Her face flushed, and it took her a few seconds to react.

"Uh, uh…! Kuro-kun, have you finished training for today?"

"No. Today I'm going back to school. It's been a while since I've seen Naruto and Shikamaru."

"Really?! Then let's go together!"

"Mmm."

Kuro nodded lightly, and the two began walking toward the academy.

On the way, although they didn't exchange many words, Ino kept glancing at Kuro from the corner of her eye. Every time he turned his head, she quickly looked away, afraid of being caught.

She wanted to say something but felt too nervous to speak.

When the academy came into view, Ino seemed to make a decision.

"Kuro-kun!"

"Hm?" Kuro looked at her, a little confused.

Ino, now standing directly in front of him, felt her heart pounding. She took a deep breath and, clasping her hands in front of her chest, began to speak.

"Kuro, I…"

Before she could finish, a yellow flash appeared on the path. A blonde boy in flashy clothes walked toward them as if he had just woken up.

"Naruto!"

Kuro's eyes lit up with excitement. He ran toward Naruto, calling out to him.

Ino stood in silence, feeling a void in her chest.

She sighed in relief, but seeing Naruto and Kuro chatting animatedly, she felt a twinge of irritation.

"Naruto… this idiot. Not early, not late, but he had to show up right now."

Muttering under her breath, Ino followed them to the academy.

---

In the classroom

When they arrived, the classroom was full of students. Some were playing and chasing each other, while others sat distracted.

Kuro's arrival, after two months of absence, drew the attention of the entire class.

Both friends and those he barely spoke to approached him, curious, asking questions.

Amid the commotion, Kuro felt an intense gaze fixed on him.

Turning, he saw Sasuke sitting in his usual spot, watching him intently.

"In these two months, I've gotten stronger. This time, I'll definitely beat you."

________

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