7 TSoL Chapter 7 - Progress

(Three days later, Konoha territory.)

At the moment, Naruto was at the far end of the Konoha forest next to a small river, and was training according to his father's instructions. He tried to learn how to walk on trees, and during the breaks he trained chakra control, and even tried to learn how to walk on water.

While walking on vertical tree trunks was not an easy task for him, but quite doable, his attempts to walk on water practically didn't work for him, and each time his failures left him drenched and irritated.

Minato had long since reached the limit of being outside the Seal, and after disappearing, left Naruto in the care of a system that monitored his progress. And so, after another fall of Naruto from the tree, a transparent window, imitating a scroll with ink inscriptions, appeared in front of him, and announced the progress of his training.

[Reach the top of the tree - Progress 58% out of 100%. Still not enough, keep trying, user.]

— Damn, this is getting annoying. Aren't you tired of reminding me of this yet, System-chan?

[The purpose of the Legacy Seal System is to guide and assist the user in developing their skills and keeping them motivated.]

— Yeah, sure... With this type of help, my motivation will disappear even faster...

Grumbled the annoyed blond, getting up from the ground and looking back at the tree, about to make another try.

[Reminder to the carrier, you can still ask the system for one hint for this particular mission.]

Hearing this, Naruto froze in place, and, as if remembering something, banged his forehead with his palm and shouted.

— Damn it! I completely forgot that I have such an opportunity, dattebayo! And where is my improved memory when I need it so badly, huh? Argh…

[...]

After getting a little annoyed, Naruto finally calmed down and spoke to the system.

— System-chan, I want to use the hint.

[Affirmative.]

[When climbing a tree, use different amounts of chakra in your feet, and pay attention to your footprints on the trunk of the tree. Then you will find the answer.]

Blinking, Naruto stood there staring at nothing and said.

— Again a riddle instead of direct help... And what was I hoping for?

Taking this hint more calmly than before, Naruto decided to do as the system advised. He ran up a tree, trying to change the amount of chakra in his feet, and after a certain number of attempts, he began to examine the tree trunk on which he was running, analyzing the situation.

— So, these deepened traces were the time when I pumped up a lot of chakra, and literally tripped over my own feet, and almost broke a tree. The next time I barely used the chakra on my legs, I took at least three or four steps until the momentum was gone and I lost my grip ...

Looking down a little in place, Naruto's face turned red with embarrassment and he thought.

«Crap! It was so obvious dattebayo! I just need to get the right amount of chakra in my feet so that there is enough grip without damaging the tree or getting stuck in it. And it took me two days to figure it out. And the most offensive thing is that all this is in front of my father's eyes. How embarrassing, dattebayo!»

An embarrassed Naruto created a clone to pass information on to other clones who practice chakra control to dispel them. When he received information with slightly improved skills, he sat down on the ground, and closing his eyes began to remember all his attempts to climb a tree, and his new improved memory came in handy more than ever.

Every failure, every sensation, and every little change. He tried to remember all this in order to keep the necessary images in his head, and finally understand the approximate amount of chakra required to complete this training.

Rising to his feet, Naruto created a dozen clones, and nodding to them, proceeded to climb the trees with them.

Just an hour later, Naruto stood at the top of the tree, with a satisfied smile on his face, and laughed.

— Ha-ha-ha! Yes! Finally I made it, dattebayo! One had only to figure it out, and everything went as it should.

[Mission "Reach the top of the tree" - Completed. 1/2 of the training completed.]

[Mission "Walking on Water" - In progress 5% out of 100%. Too bad, keep trying.]

[Since the host spent the hint on the first part of the tutorial mission, you cannot use it to complete the second part.]

— Ah, that's okay, System-chan. Now, I finally know how to proceed. I just need to use my head more often in situations like this, otherwise I definitely won't be able to surpass my father, dattebayo!

[Affirmative.]

Jumping off the tree, Naruto headed for the river to resume his attempts to learn how to walk on water.

* * * * * * * * * * *

(Five hours later.)

Minato was finally able to regain some chakra in order to restore his unsealed body, and looking around, he was greatly surprised as Naruto was currently standing on the water. And he did not just stand, but did it with additional weight, in the form of several weighty stones. At the same time, behind him, a group of his clones were running and jumping on the water, trying to get used to this skill, and to be able to move on to active actions on the water, if necessary.

Full of joy and pride for his son, Minato walked over to Naruto and said.

— You surprised me a lot, Naruto.

Hearing a familiar voice, Naruto fell into the water in surprise, and emerged to stare at his father.

— Dad!

Climbing back to the surface of the water, Naruto said embarrassedly.

— Ha-ha, don't worry, Naruto. It took me about two to three days to master these two skills. So there is nothing to be ashamed of. You did a great job, son.

Naruto's eyes lit up with praise and he scratched the back of his head in embarrassment and laughed in response.

— Thank you dad. Although, unlike you, I used clones and took advantage of the help of the system. So without these benefits, I could have been stuck with it for at least a week.

Nodding at his son's self-criticism, Minato again remembered the stones he trained with and asked.

— By the way, Naruto, where did you find out about weight training on the water?

— Ah, that was a reward for completing the training from System-chan. It told me about an improved and sophisticated version of this workout. So while you were gone, I decided to try it.

With a nod, Minato said.

— Okay, then, given your sudden successes, I think we can finish for today. Kushina is already rushing into battle to spend more time with you teaching Fuinjutsu.

— Yatta! Now I can fully concentrate on my mom's lessons, and stop nodding and falling asleep from fatigue.

— Umh, then recall the clones and head to our house. I will disappear and give my remaining time to Kushina so that you can spend more time.

Delighted, Naruto ran to his father and hugged him and said.

— Thank you, Dad!

After that, he made a gesture with his hands, and after creating a clone, he immediately dispersed it, after which all other clones also dispersed. Naruto was really happy, because for the last three days, he spent almost all his strength on practice with his father, and he did not have the strength to continue studying with his mother. All this, coupled with the fact that, due to the excitement from spending time with his parents, he did not sleep enough, affected his body and general condition.

Tired, but still able to continue, he returned to his parents' house, where Kushina immediately appeared, and with a joyful expression on her face, she embraced her child.

— I received news from Minato that you completed the assignment, and now we can practice normally. Well done Naruto, I knew that my little angel son would cope with all this in a short time, so that he could start lessons with his mom as soon as possible!

— Hehe, thanks mom. It still took me quite a while to get it right, though.

Naruto was embarrassed, but he was in no hurry to break free from his mother's embrace. Still, it was what he dreamed of all his life, and now he enjoyed the love and attention of his parents to the fullest.

Hearing his words, Kushina just snorted.

— Pfft, you were more than quick, Naruto. It took me about five or six days to master these skills. All because of the huge amount of chakra from our ancestry. So it is not surprising that we need more time to master everything related to control and precise manipulation of the chakra. And seeing that you coped with just three days of training with your father, it says that I have a very talented son.

With these words, she once again squeezed the embarrassed blonde in her arms, and then led him to the table, where a heap of papers, scrolls and books on fuinjutsu lay from the previous lessons.

— Well, I hope you are ready, because we are going to make up for everything that you missed because of your absent-mindedness and fatigue.

— No problem, I'm ready, Dattebayo!

Naruto stated by raising his fist in the air, showing that he was still full of energy. However, Kushina could see small bruises under his eyes. She was well aware that Naruto had been over-straining himself lately, and although he was Uzumaki and concentrating on training is very important, rest is an equally important part of training that should not be forgotten. So before starting her studies, she said.

— By the way, Naruto. Do you have a hobby?

— Hobby? I've heard this word before, but I'm not sure what it means.

Naruto was a little puzzled as he had no one to talk to about such topics before. Hearing this, Kushina became a little sad, but still smiled and began to explain.

— A hobby is a little passion, or a favorite pastime of a person in his free time. Something that can distract you and just relax your mind.

After scratching his head, Naruto said.

— Well, if you can call organizing jokes something like that, then probably I do have? Otherwise, I don't think I have a real hobby.

— Then why don't you find it for yourself?

Naruto frowned a little and answered.

— But then I will have less time for training, and I will not be able to become as strong as you and dad! Not to mention surpassing you.

Kushina only laughed at his statement, and gently stroked his head and replied.

— Naruto, all the strong ninjas of which history knew, always found time to rest, and were engaged in other matters not related to the life of a shinobi. Found their hobby, and just let their burdens and worries fade into the background.

Listening to his mother, Naruto thought about it and turned to her and asked.

— Did you and dad also have a hobby?

— Of course, Naruto! When I was young, I found an interest in music and often loved to sing. And your father, as a child, loved to draw in his free time, but when we met and he found out that I love to sing, he specially learned to play the Shamisen in order to play along with me while I sing. We often spent time writing small songs together, which we then sang.

Kushina spoke about it with great warmth in her voice, and Naruto could see that this time was very dear to his mother. Thinking about something like that, Naruto smiled slightly himself and said.

— That… sounds great, Mom. I think I will try, like you and dad, to learn and make music in my free time. I think it would be a good hobby, wouldn't it?

Seeing how her son with a bright smile chose the same Hobby as her and Minato, she smiled brightly and nodded her head.

— Yes, Naruto. And I hope that you start resting more, otherwise I can tell from the bruises under your eyes that you have not rest in quite a long time.

— Seriously?

Naruto stood up and walked over to the mirror and stared at his slightly pale and tired expression. He was quite surprised, as he had not paid attention to it before. Sighing, he said.

— Okay, Mom. I will be more careful to make time for rest.

— That's good. Now, let's get started.

— Hai!

So, for three hours, Kushina instructed Naruto in the art of Fuinjutsu. To Naruto's surprise, everything was much simpler and clearer than he originally thought, and more, it was much more interesting and more exciting than he thought.

Seeing Naruto's surprise, Kushina explained that to all members of the Uzumaki clan, the study of Fuyin seals is much easier than others. She called it a kind of kekkei genkai, which only strengthened Naruto's desire to delve into the study of this direction.

While the mother and son couple sat in the theoretical part, sorting out some basic formulas, in the other part of the room, Naruto's clones sat and practiced calligraphy, improving the accuracy and speed of writing, which was an extremely important part of any seal.

At the end of the lesson, Naruto was finally able to create his first and simple storage seal, and could already see ways to improve and expand it. Kushina was extremely pleased and proud of her son's learning speed, which even surprised her.

«My son is definitely gifted at this. I am sure that in the future he will remind the whole shinobi world why everyone was so afraid of the Uzumaki clan, dattebane!»

At the end of the teaching, Kushina turned to Naruto.

— By the way, Naruto. It's been three days since you've been missing the Academy. I think you should still return to it tomorrow, so as not to cause unnecessary problems and suspicions. I think it is too early for you to declare that you have learned about your heritage. At least until graduation from the academy.

Naruto fell into a stupor and slapped his forehead again and said.

— Ahh, right... The academy... I completely forgot about this place, never missed it tho. I think you're right. More than three days of absenteeism is too much even for my reputation as a "lagging troublemaker." Pfft...

Then Kushina finally paid attention to her child's clothes and said.

— Hey, Naruto, what are these clothes on you? It's all worn out and torn in places. And the style is a bit repulsive.

Naruto cringed slightly at the criticism and answered.

— Well, it's just... These are the only clothes that I liked from those that I could afford. Plus orange is one of my favorites.

Kushina frowned, and again cursed the Konoha Council and the village idiots for making life worse for her son. Sighing, she thought a little and asked.

— Naruto, what other colors do you like besides orange?

— Hmm…

Clutching his chin, the blond thought, and carefully listening to his feelings, answered.

— I think I like the color of your hair, that is, red, I think. I also like blue, as well as white. But orange is my favorite.

— I see...

Thinking again, Kushina remembered something and smiled as she said.

— So, Naruto. I cannot allow you to go to the academy in this outfit worn out by life and your training.

Straining, Naruto examined his suit and said.

— But I don't have anything else. Maybe shorts with a vest, but I have them for a special occasion, so I don't wear them often.

Laughing, Kushina answered.

— Don't worry, Naruto. I have the perfect replacement for you. Go up to the attic and find a black chest there.

— Um… Okay.

Rubbing the back of his head, Naruto stood up and headed into the hallway where the ascent to the attic was. Looking around, he was surprised how clean it was, but remembering the same situation in the rest of the house, he wrote it off on the seal.

Noticing the black chest, Naruto approached it, and at that moment Kushina appeared next to him. She looked at the chest and said.

— Yes, this one, open it.

After doing as instructed, Naruto opened the large lid and saw a set of clothes. At the very top was a white jacket, which he took in his hands and examined it carefully. It had black trim around the edges and a black collar with three black stripes running along the sleeves.

— This is…

— The clothes your dad wore to the ninja academy when he was your age.

Hearing this, Naruto's eyes widened and he examined the entire outfit again. In addition to the jacket, there were also black cargo shinobi pants, a white T-shirt with a mesh cape beside it, and black sandals with an elongated shaft. Returning his gaze to his mother, Naruto asked.

— So, the replacement you mentioned is...

— Yeah, this is it. Do you want to try it on?

Naruto looked at the clothes and nodded with a smile.

— Yes, I would like to try it on.

— Then go ahead, I'll be back in a few minutes.

With that, Kushina disappeared, giving Naruto time to change. Quickly shedding his shabby jacket and trousers, he began to put on the clothes that his father had worn in his youth.

A few minutes later, Kushina reappeared, and froze when she saw her son from the back, looking in the mirror. Right now, at that moment, he reminded her so much of young Minato that for a second she even confused him with him.

Noticing someone's presence, Naruto turned around and when he saw his mother smiled and said.

— How do I look? Looks as good on me as on dad?

Smiling, Kushina wiped a little moisture from her eyes and lifted her finger to answer.

— Looks even better, dattebane! Now you have something to go to the academy tomorrow. And if you want something else, then you can always take more money from our savings and buy whatever you want.

Naruto was immensely happy. From the day his parents appeared in his life, he constantly felt warmth and love emanating from them, even though they could not be with him for a long time. Over the past three days, he has finally been able to feel some peace in his mind, and some peace within. Now, even the thought of recognizing him by other people did not bother him.

Looking at the suit again, Naruto said.

— Actually, I like these clothes. It's a pity that there is nothing orange in it.

Kushina raised her eyebrows and replied in a tone as if it wasn't a problem at all.

— Oh, this? Don't worry, it's easy to fix with fuinjutsu. Let's go back to the room and we'll quickly make some small changes to these clothes.

— Really? Fūinjutsu can do that too?

— Oh, you haven't even seen what real fuinjutsu is capable of. You can do anything with it, like at all! The main thing is to study it at a sufficient level.

With sparkling eyes, Naruto returned to the room where he studied Fuyin with Kushina, and under her strict guidance, he applied a certain Fuyin structure to the inside of the black collar of his jacket.

— Well that's it, now just put your chakra into it, and the whole black lining of the sweatshirt will change color.

Nodding, Naruto injected his chakra into the seal, and at the same second, a dark orange color began to spread straight from it, until he completely filled and repainted all the black parts of the jacket. Looking at this, Naruto noticed that this orange was shifted slightly towards red. Looking at his mother, he received an answer from her.

— I decided that it would look better if the color is a little closer to the color of your beloved mom's hair, which you liked so much. But if you don't like it, we can redo it, it's not diffic...

— No, everything is okay. I like it.

Saying that, Naruto immediately put his new jacket on himself and said.

— Thanks Mom. From now on, I will wear this until I graduate from the academy, dattebayo!

Satisfied, Kushina pulled her son into her arms again and said.

— I'm glad you like it. Now, you should go to bed quickly. And yes, don't forget to dispel your clones. I know you send a few to the library all the time, so don't even argue.

Smiling bitterly, Naruto created a clone, and relayed the information to dispel to all of his supported clones. It hit his head pretty hard, but still bearable.

— Good, then good night, Naruto. We'll be doing a little more fuinjutsu tomorrow, as you're taking a break from heavy exercise for now, so be prepared.

— Yes mom. Naruto Uzumaki is always ready to learn cool jutsu, dattebayo. Believe it!

With a nod, Kushina wished Naruto good night and disappeared.

Looking at his new clothes, Naruto couldn't calm his joy. Entering the room that his parents wanted to give him when he grows up, he carefully took off his clothes and folded them on the dresser by the bed, and crawling under the covers, he closed his eyes with a peaceful smile on his face.

At this time, Naruto did not know that the changes in his consciousness and inner world were noticed not by him alone, but by one creation of the purest chakra inside him.

— The inner world began to gradually change again, hmm... What's going on with this brat, in the end…

At this, the demonic creature again looked around its changed prison, and with a snort, fell back into sleep.

* * * * * * * * * *

Author's Note:

Finally, it was Naruto's fanfiction turn to receive its frequent publications!

I'm starting to gradually change the behavior of the hero, and some of the characters.

There will be many more interesting things in the future, so do not forget to comment and leave your opinion on this work.

And please, if you see a mistake, write to me about it.

Also, I added a photo of Naruto, in new clothes. I hope you will like it. —>

* * * * *

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