51 Chapter 51: 6 Months Time Skip

Tatsuma's quest to master the Shadow Clone Jutsu ended in failure, much to hiss disappointment. The pervy sage attributed his refusal to Tatsuma's potential misuse of the technique, which could inflict severe harm upon his own body.

Undoubtedly, the Shadow Clone Jutsu stands as a formidable asset for supplemental training. Through this technique, a clone acquires the cognitive prowess of its creator, enabling it to absorb Ninjutsu knowledge with remarkable efficiency. When the clone dissipates due to chakra depletion, its experiences seamlessly merge back into the original, ensuring a continuous learning process.

However, amidst these advantages lie the burdens of exhaustion and the strain of heightened memories. While adults may withstand the double fatigue, for two young bodies merely eight years of age, such demands would inevitably impede their growth.

Jiraiya harbored particular concern, understanding the unwavering determination of these two young individuals in their pursuit of mastery. He foresaw that once they grasped the Shadow Clone Jutsu, they would not settle for creating a solitary clone to aid in their learning.

As the fatigue escalated to triple, quadruple, or beyond, the still-developing physiques of these two would buckle under the weight of such strain.

However, Tatsuma's inability to master the Shadow Clone Jutsu didn't dampen his ardor for learning. He remained the same fervently studious individual, characterized by his fierce competitive spirit, earning him the moniker "little devil."

He engaged in a friendly rivalry with Minato, wagering on who could master Ninjutsu and Nature Transformation quicker. Furthermore, he struck a deal with Jiraiya, vowing to surpass the sage's own youthful learning pace. Each day, he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to rigorous training.

After six months of relentless dedication, Tatsuma achieved significant milestones. He successfully mastered the two C-rank Fire Release Ninjutsu and two C-rank Wind Release Ninjutsu. Additionally, he demonstrated proficiency in C-rank Genjutsu and mastered the inscription seal, a C-rank Sealing Jutsu, among others.

He also delved into Sensory and Taijutsu knowledge. Interestingly, these Taijutsu techniques proved to be technically simpler in terms of physical execution than the simplified martial arts he had practiced extensively during his university days.

However, despite mastering the techniques through consistent training alongside Minato, Tatsuma recognized that this alone didn't constitute true Taijutsu mastery as it lacked significant refinement.

Aware of the importance of Jiraiya's Taijutsu teachings, which incorporated Chakra utilization, Tatsuma approached them with earnestness. His goal extended beyond mere replication; he aimed to comprehend the nuances of Taijutsu in the ninja world, intending to tailor a set of techniques that would suit his unique style and abilities.

Throughout this six-month period, Tatsuma's focus extended beyond mere acquisition of knowledge; he maintained an unwavering commitment to honing his eight Ninja attributes.

Distinguishing himself from his peers, Tatsuma possessed a keen sense of discernment regarding the optimal duration for daily skill practice, ensuring each session balanced progress and plateaus.

Presently, Tatsuma's innate talents have all attained the Chunin standard, allowing for a daily improvement period of 2-3 points. Upon reaching a proficiency increase of 2 points in a specific talent, he promptly transitions to refining other skills.

Tatsuma discovered through experimentation that once a talent reaches its fulfillment and enters a plateau, additional time invested in it during the same day proves futile.

Instead of persevering in such endeavors, he found it more effective to allocate the remaining time towards cultivating other talents still in their improvement phases. Barring any external factors, Tatsuma can successfully cycle through training for all eight Ninja attributes each day.

However, Tatsuma acknowledges that this high level of efficiency is unique to him and cannot be easily replicated by others. Not even Minato, his closest companion, can match this remarkable proficiency.

Even when Minato matches Tatsuma's intensity and repetitions, there's no assurance he can efficiently develop every innate talent to their full potential like he does. This is a key factor in why Tatsuma can barely maintain a fifty-fifty win-loss ratio.

Although the win-loss ratio is already balanced, because he doesn't have to attend the Academy, all of Tatsuma's time is spent on learning and matches, apart from the weekly D-rank missions. Tatsuma's adeptness at exploiting his system ability has not diminished; if anything, it has grown.

Over the past six months, amidst numerous bouts against Minato and Jiraiya, albeit with some victories attributed to luck or unorthodox methods, Tatsuma's prowess has undergone remarkable transformation.

"Host: Sakamoto Tatsuma

Innate Talents:

Strength: 1996/3016

Speed: 2351/5213

Stamina: 2173/4607

Wisdom: 1678/2663

Ninjutsu: 1620/2735

Illusions: 1044/2048

Spirit: 1705/3119

Seals: 1811/2867"

Special Talents:

Space-Time: 100%

Ninjutsu Development: 85%

Ninja Tool Throwing (Minato Namikaze Limited Edition): 100%

Sensory: 75%

Seals (Kushina Uzumaki Limited Edition): 40%

Now, Tatsuma proudly attains the status of a Chunin in its entirety. Even his weakest domain, Genjutsu, has now met the Chunin minimum standards through his dedicated daily practice.

In addressing his Genjutsu shortcomings, Tatsuma has pursued various remedial measures. Notably, the "Genjutsu Release!" technique stands out as his most proficient Ninjutsu achievement.

Yet, what truly gratifies Tatsuma is his mastery of the Space-Time talent and Minato's Ninja Tool Throwing expertise. Despite not delving into Space-Time Ninjutsu directly, this talent brings him a sense of assurance.

For Tatsuma, this signifies the possibility of walking a path akin to Minato Namikaze's, mitigating deficiencies such as inadequate Genjutsu skills, lesser physical prowess, and bolstering his own survival instincts.

Tatsuma firmly believes that once he qualifies to learn Flying Thunder God, ensuring his future survival will become significantly more manageable.

During their lunch break, Tatsuma raised the question to Jiraiya: "Sensei, do you think we should take on higher difficulty missions?" Jiraiya, momentarily setting aside his magazine, sat up attentively and turned his gaze towards them. "Minato, what are your thoughts?" he inquired.

After a brief pause, Minato responded, "Sensei, I too am eager to tackle more challenging missions to apply the skills I've honed over the past six months."

Upon learning of Minato's eagerness to tackle advanced missions, Jiraiya paused, stroking his chin in contemplation. Over the past six months, he had observed the remarkable progress of his two young students.

Despite their tender age of eight and yet to enter the prime years of a ninja's development, Tatsuma and Minato had already solidified their proficiency at the Chunin level. Jiraiya couldn't help but acknowledge their innate suitability for the ninja path.

While their physical attributes—strength, speed, and chakra levels—were aligned with Chunin standards, Jiraiya harbored a strong belief that their synchronized efforts could effectively outmaneuver even inexperienced Jonin in a strategic ambush.

The deceptive facade presented by these two young individuals was truly remarkable; it was inconceivable that eight-year-old children could wield Ninjutsu and other ninja techniques with a proficiency comparable to battle-hardened Chunin.

Crucially, Tatsuma and Minato not only mastered their skills but also demonstrated a cunning approach in their methods. Recalling their audacious behavior during Taijutsu practice, particularly an incident involving the attacks on each other's crowned jewels, sent a shiver down Jiraiya's spine.

Nevertheless, he swiftly composed himself and remarked, "Since both of you are eager to proceed, I won't stand in your way. I'll carefully select a mission suited to your abilities."

"Thank you, Jiraiya sensei," Minato expressed gratefully.

Jiraiya rose from his seat, addressing them, "Consider this mission as an assessment for both of you. If you excel, I'll expand your knowledge to include other elemental techniques."

Minato's face lit up with excitement at the prospect. Tatsuma, however, voiced a question tinged with curiosity, "But, Jiraiya sensei, didn't you mention lacking proficiency in Lightning Release Chakra? What about Minato?"

Jiraiya's expression swelled with pride as he responded, "True, I may not possess expertise in Lightning Release, but I happen to know a ninja who does. If necessary, I'll, ahem, 'borrow' Sarutobi-sensei's notes for your benefit."

Tatsuma and Minato shared a knowing glance between them. Despite their reservations about Jiraiya sensei's reliability, they chose to keep their doubts to themselves.

Several days later, Jiraiya summoned them together and announced, "There's a suitable C-rank mission for you both, but before you embark, there's someone you need to meet."

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