Ren and Minato's conversation left Nawaki feeling even more bewildered.
What was a Rasengan? And what did it mean to "add an element" to it?
He hadn't even cleared up the difference between Form Transformation and Nature Transformation yet, and these two had already moved on to the next field of study? Please, spare a thought for the dummy in the room!
Minato, however, looked at Ren with a knowing expression. "Ren, you've already mastered the advanced training for the Rasengan, haven't you? That star in your hand—that's the result of Wind Nature Transformation, right?"
Ren didn't bother hiding it, nodding openly. "Yeah. I've finished all the advanced training for the Rasengan. Whether it's the Big Ball Rasengan or integrating the five elements, I've mastered it all. Even that Lightning Style jutsu I was researching before is fully complete."
"What? Even that one?!" Minato said, stunned. "But you've spent all your time lately on Sealing Jutsu. You shouldn't have had the time to study those things!"
Ren simply smiled and didn't explain.
In truth, ever since his second fist-bump with White Coat Ren and the acquisition of the God Gene, these Nature Transformations had become as natural to him as breathing. He didn't even need to practice; the knowledge was simply "there."
Looking at the relaxed Ren, Minato felt a wave of helplessness. Without realizing it, the gap between them had widened significantly again.
I won't let you leave me too far behind! Minato vowed silently.
Nawaki finally couldn't take it anymore and blurted out, "Um, what exactly is this Rasengan you guys keep talking about?"
"Don't ask. It's not something you can handle right now," Ren said, putting a hand up in front of Nawaki's face. "What you need to do first is learn to control that massive amount of chakra in your body!"
"Control my chakra? I think I control it just fine!" Nawaki huffed. He marched over to a nearby tree and walked straight up the trunk, hopping and skipping along the bark to demonstrate his prowess.
After two laps around the tree, Nawaki returned to Ren's side with an expectant look. "Master! Please teach me something else!"
"Teach you what..." Ren mused, thinking it over. "Do you know your chakra natures?"
"Yeah! Water, Earth, and Wind!"
"That's a start," Ren noted. "In that case, you can begin training in Wind Nature Transformation alongside me."
He picked up a medium-sized leaf from the ground and handed it to Nawaki. "Your task is to use your chakra to slice this leaf clean in half."
"Slice it in half?" Nawaki thought for a second, gathered his chakra in his palm, and instantly pulverized the leaf into dust.
...
THWACK!
Nawaki rubbed the growing lump on his head, looking aggrieved. "Why'd you hit me?! You can shatter rocks—if you don't control your strength, I'm a goner!"
"I have perfect control over my strength; there won't be any 'exploding watermelon' scenes," Ren said. "I told you to use Wind Nature chakra to cut the leaf, not use your 'Chakra-tons' to crush it!"
Though Nawaki was impulsive, he wasn't a total idiot. He had studied elemental chakra before. For the rest of the afternoon, he stayed by the river, mimicking Ren's earlier posture—clasping his hands together and straining with all his might.
Seeing this, Ren said helplessly, "Don't make such a scene. Calm down. Focus your mind."
Gradually, Nawaki entered the zone, pouring his entire focus into the training. Seeing him settle down, Ren and the others returned to their own tasks. Time flew by; the sun dipped below the horizon, and the world grew dim.
Feeling his stomach growl, Ren signaled the group to head back to camp. On the way, Nawaki excitedly showed everyone his leaf—which had a tiny nick cut into one corner. It was his progress for the afternoon.
"You managed a result in just one afternoon? You're actually pretty smart."
Before Nawaki could celebrate, Ren added, "So why haven't you been studying properly under Lady Mito? You're still acting like a basic Genin."
The fire in Nawaki's heart was promptly doused. He slumped his shoulders. "Because Grandma Mito is so strict! she's always comparing me to Grandpa. It's just not a fair comparison, ya know?!"
"What? She compares you to the First Lord?" Ren was genuinely shocked. He hadn't realized Mito held Nawaki to such an impossible standard. No wonder the kid didn't want to stay by her side—the pressure must be astronomical!
With that thought, Ren looked at Nawaki with a hint of sympathy. This kid's resilience to pressure had to be on par with Boruto's!
Beside them, Minato silently tucked away his own leaf, which was already sliced halfway through...
They returned to the camp to find the atmosphere even more frantic than it had been that morning. Tsunade emerged from a tent to catch her breath and grab a quick bite to eat.
Seeing the group, she beckoned them over. "Come here. I have some things to tell you."
Ren approached and handed Tsunade a handkerchief, noticing how her blonde hair was damp with sweat. "Lady Tsunade, you should take a moment to rest."
Tsunade took the cloth and wiped her face. "There's no time for rest. Listen, don't wander too far from the camp. Anything you eat or drink must be provided by me personally; do not touch anything else. Especially you, Nawaki! I told Ren and the others this yesterday, but since you just arrived, you don't know the situation. Before you do anything—anything—check with Ren and his team first!"
After her stern warning, she tucked the damp handkerchief into her pocket and dove back into the medical ward.
Once she was gone, Nawaki sighed. "Sis still treats me like a kid..."
He had grasped the situation as soon as he arrived; he wasn't stupid enough to go around drinking random water when a poison was on the loose that even Tsunade was struggling with.
"Don't be mopey. She's just looking out for you," Ren laughed. "You'll be squeezing into our tent tonight. Space is limited, so you'll have to bunk with Minato or Shibi."
"I brought my own sleeping bag."
"Even better."
Inside the tent, Nawaki was immediately taken aback by the sight. "Why are there so many moldy things in here? Ugh, gross!" He reached out to toss away a pile of rotting fruits and vegetables.
Slap!
Ren swatted his hand away. "Those are my treasures. Don't touch them!"
Ren drew a line on the ground with a kunai, warning them not to cross it.
"So mysterious... I have no idea what he's doing," Choza muttered. "Anyway, I'm going to bed. Eating grilled meat all day is exhausting~"
At that, the rest of the team was left truly speechless.
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