The "father and son" began chatting, much like in the original Naruto story.
Chu Ran avoided mentioning Naruto's painful childhood, instead speaking in Naruto's voice about his longing for his parents.
When Minato Namikaze learned his son aspired to become Hokage, a joyful expression crossed his face.
[By the way, Father, can you teach me your signature technique?]
[The Flying Thunder God Technique. Third Grandpa said it's your trademark.]
[But no matter how I try, I can't learn it.]
Chu Ran's face showed a childlike eagerness, like a kid craving a new toy.
Minato paused, surprised by the request.
He hadn't expected Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, to allow a child access to a forbidden technique from the Scroll of Seals.
Hiruzen, known for his caution and adherence to rules, shouldn't have done this.
But then Minato considered that his son was a hero of the Hidden Leaf.
Naruto was a hero born from the sacrifice of him and his wife, Kushina. Learning a forbidden technique—his father's signature one—shouldn't be an issue, right?
"Of course, Naruto. If there's anything you don't understand, you can ask me."
Feeling needed by his son warmed Minato's heart.
When he learned Naruto was doing well, a faint sense of loss had crept in—a parent's bittersweet realization that their child thrived without them.
But now, sensing Naruto's reliance on him, that feeling vanished.
Chu Ran, having achieved his goal, asked every question he had.
Minato patiently explained everything.
As a genius dubbed the Yellow Flash, Minato's mastery of the Flying Thunder God Technique was unparalleled.
He had dissected the technique thoroughly.
With Minato's guidance, Chu Ran soon managed to perform the Flying Thunder God marker, albeit clumsily.
It wasn't polished, but with practice, it would undoubtedly become Chu Ran's first mastered ninjutsu—and it cost him nothing.
"My time's almost up."
"I've used my remaining chakra to reinforce the seal."
"We likely won't meet again."
"I believe in you, Naruto. You'll become Hokage."
"You'll surpass me and make your mother proud."
"I wish Kushina could see you now."
As Chu Ran grasped the Flying Thunder God marker, Minato's form began to fade into a translucent shadow, as if he'd vanish any moment.
He chose to embrace Chu Ran one last time.
[Don't worry, Father.]
[I won't let you or Mother down.]
Chu Ran nodded, a cryptic smile playing on his lips.
As Minato faded, Chu Ran dropped the act, stretching lazily and turning to the sealed Kurama.
"You're quite the actor."
"If Minato knew how deeply you're hiding, he'd be shocked."
Unlike his earlier rage, Kurama was now eerily calm.
His eyes gleamed with curiosity as he studied Chu Ran.
[So, you didn't expose me…]
[Just to watch the show?]
Chu Ran glanced at Kurama, surprised. He'd expected Kurama to call him out.
Instead, the Nine-Tails had stayed silent.
"Hmph, even if I exposed you, I'm still trapped."
"Might as well see what you're scheming."
"But don't get it twisted—if I get a chance to escape, I'll rip you apart."
Kurama's wild, bloodthirsty eyes locked onto Chu Ran.
His menacing aura sent a chill down even Chu Ran's spine.
Among the nine Tailed Beasts, Kurama's strength was arguably the greatest.
Being targeted by such a beast would terrify anyone.
Chu Ran didn't respond, his slightly upturned lips leaving a lasting impression on Kurama.
"This kid's got a split personality…"
"No idea what he's planning."
"Damn that Minato. If he hadn't split and sealed me…"
"This pathetic seal could never hold me!"
Kurama glared at the spot where Chu Ran vanished, his eyes growing fiercer.
His essence had been divided by Minato into two parts for sealing.
One half was in Naruto's body, the other in Minato's.
When Naruto was born, Minato knew he lacked Kushina's talent to suppress the Nine-Tails alone.
Using a forbidden technique, he split Kurama and sealed the halves separately.
If Kurama's full power were in Naruto, the boy's body couldn't contain it.
…
A week later, the Ninja Academy reopened.
The faculty had changed.
Iruka Umino, the original homeroom teacher for Naruto's class, and Mizuki were no longer teaching.
A new teacher took over.
Except for Naruto, no one knew the two had died.
To the students, it made little difference; classes continued as usual.
After the break, Naruto gained a few friends.
Besides Hinata Hyuga, Shikamaru Nara and Choji Akimichi occasionally chatted with him.
Sasuke Uchiha frequently invited Naruto to spar during taijutsu lessons.
Their matches were evenly split, with no clear victor.
After half a semester, most classmates' prejudice against Naruto's Jinchuriki status had softened.
Though some instinctive discomfort lingered, Naruto still picked up on it.
"Um, Naruto-kun, could I ask you about something?"
"After school, maybe?"
As taijutsu class neared its end, a voice sounded behind Naruto.
Turning, he saw a girl as shy as Hinata.
Her cherry-blossom hair, tied with a headband, and cute face made Naruto's cheeks flush.
This was Sakura Haruno, another teammate from the original Naruto story.
She was also the first girl Naruto had a crush on in his youth.
"Of course!"
"Uh… Sakura-chan?"
Naruto scratched the back of his head, smiling sheepishly.
(End of Chapter)
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