"Ugh, I'm exhausted! I gotta take a break, you guys keep going!" Naruto was the first to colpse. Even with his extraordinary physique, his limited mental fortitude couldn't sustain the relentless persistence of training.
Now, two years had passed since the three of them first trained together. The three five-year-old children were already swinging their fists and feet with a decent form. Over these two years, under the guidance of their respective parents, they had all independently learned to use chakra. Haru, under the Third Hokage's tutege, had even learned some D-rank ninjutsu. A five-year-old who knew ninjutsu was a rare sight even in the warring states era, let alone in this retively peaceful time! Aside from individual talent, chakra capacity was also a hurdle. Without sufficient chakra, it was impossible to release any decent ninjutsu.
You see, even Naruto only knew the Shadow Clone Technique at this point, and even then, he could only create a maximum of three clones at once.
Looking at Sasuke's progress, he had simirly only learned the Shadow Clone Technique. Such an achievement was naturally commendable for a child who hadn't even entered the Ninja Academy yet. However, compared to a genius like Haru, Naruto and Sasuke were truly humbled.
Although they hadn't been able to defeat Haru in numerous sparring sessions over the past two years, they had learned a great deal of technique.
"Third Hokage-sama, your disciple is truly remarkable," Fugaku complimented Hiruzen Sarutobi, unaware that the Third Hokage's guidance to Haru was limited to pointing out techniques. Most of the time, Haru was exploring on his own. Simirly, Haru would identify his own weaknesses and practice them specifically.
This was a rare, heaven-defying prodigy.
A young body, yet possessing a complete and mature mind. No wonder the Otsutsuki cn called him a seed.
Continuing to stare at the impressive Haru within the crystal ball, the Third Hokage couldn't help but recall some scenes from the past two years.
...
"Grandpa Hiruzen, can you teach me some ninjutsu?" Haru was only four years old at this time.
"Alright, what would you like to learn?" The Third Hokage looked down at Haru kindly. He didn't think Haru would know which ninjutsu were suitable for him and which he could effectively use.
"Grandpa, I want to learn a Water Release ninjutsu with a small range but strong penetrating power; a Fire Release ninjutsu with a wide range and low chakra consumption; an Earth Release ninjutsu for defense; a Wind Release ninjutsu with low power and a small range; and a dispersive Lightning Release ninjutsu," Haru said, staring seriously at the Third Hokage.
The Third Hokage, as if humoring a child, said, "Haru, you need to know that a person is generally born with only one chakra nature. Having two is called a Kekkei Genkai, and three is called a Kekkei Tōta. Moreover, no one in this world has ever been recorded to have more than three." As the "Professor," he naturally understood the composition of ninjutsu very well. He had also done considerable research on unique ninjutsu like Kekkei Genkai. In his view, a child who hadn't even attended the academy yet, asking for ninjutsu of five chakra natures with such a wide-eyed request, was simply ignorant.
"Grandpa, I definitely have my reasons for choosing this way. If you don't believe me, you can use chakra paper to test me," Haru said with great confidence. He certainly had reason to be confident. As a member of the Otsutsuki cn, he could sense the chakra within his body, understanding everything from its attributes to its quantity.
"Haha, alright. Since little Haru is in such a hurry, I'll test you. Remember this: if the paper wrinkles, it's Lightning Release; if it gets wet, it's Water Release; if it splits, it's Wind Release; if it catches fire, it's Fire Release; and if it crumbles into dust, it's Earth Release. Come on, Grandpa will go buy a piece with you to try," the Third Hokage said, still not believing Haru's cim, and chose to verify the chakra natures.
They walked along the street to the ninja tool shop and easily obtained the chakra paper. No matter how mature Haru seemed, he was still just a child, and he couldn't hide his desire to prove himself. Once he had the paper, he eagerly pressed both hands onto it, a scene that remained vividly in Hiruzen Sarutobi's memory.
His hands were csped together.
The paper was sandwiched between his palms, and chakra was transmitted.
He opened his hands, and nothing happened.
"How could th—" Before the Third Hokage could finish speaking, the paper indeed began to change. Step by step, it went from wrinkling to becoming wet, then a fme instantly dried the paper, followed by it splitting in two from the middle, and finally, it crumbled into dust.
"Grandpa, I told you! I really do have five chakra natures!" At this moment, Haru's childishness burst forth, a proud aura emanating from within him, and little Haru immediately straightened his back.
"Kekkei Mōra…" The Third Hokage was already speechless with shock. Having lived for over seventy years and survived two Shinobi World Wars, he had never encountered the legendary bloodline limit, Kekkei Mōra, which now appeared right before his eyes. And he was a witness to this historical moment!
However, being the Third Hokage, he regained his composure after a moment of shock, but remained silent, pulling Haru out of the ninja tool shop. Haru, understanding the situation, didn't say anything more.
Back home, the Third Hokage excitedly held Haru's hands. "Your chakra naturally contains all five attributes! This is the once-in-a-millennium Kekkei Mōra! Little Haru, you must work hard and not waste such incredible talent. I will teach you everything you want to learn right now! Do your best, child, you will become… the first of your kind in history!" The Third Hokage's words were jumbled, and his excitement clearly startled Haru. He had never seen the usually kind and peaceful Grandpa Third Hokage so agitated. But he was still very happy; after all, it was the first time since he was born that someone had such high hopes for him.
Thinking this, he nodded firmly, then pulled the Third Hokage to the training grounds, beginning his ninjutsu training.
...
"Back then, I could understand his need for other ninjutsu. I could see that he had his own unique insights into ninjutsu and their natures. But I could never quite figure out what he wanted a Wind Release like that for," the Third Hokage said to himself, leaning back on the sofa, recalling the scene, a smile uncontrolbly spreading across his face.
...
"Little Haru, there are so many powerful and useful Wind Release techniques. Why do you want to choose one like that? Wouldn't a Wind Release with strong penetrating power and a wide range be more effective?"
"Grandpa, effectiveness depends on the situation. I'm not choosing this Wind Release for offense, but to coordinate with other ninjutsu. For example, the Fire Release I chose can have its range and intensity adjusted through this Wind Release. Also, this Wind Release, combined with Shadow Clones, can instantly accelerate the main body," Haru analyzed calmly. He really didn't act like a small child.
"Acceleration, huh? He's truly a genius," the Third Hokage murmured. Since ancient times, Wind Release had always been an offensive art. No one had ever used such difficult-to-control chakra to py with fire on themselves. But Haru wanted a low-damage one; perhaps that was his consideration. Looking at it this way, this child's meticulous mind was truly unmatched.
...
"Naruto, Sasuke, how about you two try taking me on together today?" Haru stood on top of a wooden log, looking down at Sasuke and… Naruto, who was lying on the ground. But hearing the challenge, Naruto perked up again, immediately getting up and yelling wildly, then abruptly stopping.
"Haru, isn't that unfair? Two against one, are you alright?"
"Dumbass."
"Sasuke!"
"Dumbass."
"Alright, alright, are you two going to fight or not? If not, I'll continue practicing," Haru said, jumping off the log and taking steps into the distance.
"Wait, wait, Haru! Let's start now! I'm ready," Naruto looked at Haru eagerly, after all, he had just developed new taijutsu moves. Sasuke was even more so, his competitive nature, although not outwardly expressed, was evident in his movements, which radiated a strong fighting spirit.
"Hmph, I don't believe I can't beat this Haru."
"Then let's begin, you two be careful!" Shadow Clone Technique! Haru directly performed the Shadow Clone Technique, releasing three clones. Seeing this, Naruto and Sasuke didn't hesitate and immediately released Shadow Clones as well. Simirly, they each created three.
"Naruto Whirlwind!" Naruto roared and took the initiative, using his self-created taijutsu. Two shadow clones grabbed the other shadow clone and the main body, forcefully spinning them and throwing them into the air. Then, the shadow clone in the air would throw the main body towards the enemy, creating a powerful impact. Obviously, this "powerful" was retive to children.
Naruto smashed towards the seemingly defenseless Haru like a cannonball.
"Dumbass." Even at this moment, Sasuke didn't forget to mock Naruto. After saying that, he also surrounded Haru with his shadow clones, employing the taijutsu he had learned.
Leaf Shadow Dance!
In an instant, all the Sasukes disappeared from view, as he unched an attack from below! One shadow clone against one shadow clone, while the main body was unequivocally targeting the main body. And at this moment, Naruto was still flying, his trajectory directly towards Haru's main body! Clearly, Sasuke was better at coordination.
Leaf Shadow Dance activated! Haru's main body was kicked towards the incoming Naruto, the direct collision causing Haru to let out a cry of pain.
"Haru, Haru? Are you alright?" His feet had just touched the ground when Naruto impatiently ran towards Haru, whom he had sent flying, asking anxiously. Sasuke also rushed over upon hearing the sound.
Earth Release: Underground Headhunter Technique! A hand suddenly shot out from the ground, dragging the unsuspecting Naruto underground. Then, an unharmed Haru popped out of the ground, immediately following up with the next move without stopping.
Earth Release: Rock Pilr Prison! A spherical rock object formed in an instant, trapping the equally unsuspecting Sasuke inside. Just like that, Haru had dealt with both of them in three seconds.
Then, the Haru who had been sent flying earlier turned into a puff of white smoke, silently dissipating.
"Haru! You're despicable!" Naruto, unwilling to admit defeat, continued to shout loudly even while buried in the ground, not caring about his image at all.
"When did he…" Sasuke muttered to himself inside the rock. But as he mumbled, the rock was already undone, so Haru heard the question clearly.
"When I jumped off the log," Haru replied to Sasuke's question with a smile.
"I see… then let's do it again."