Life in Konoha had taken on a peculiar routine. Naruto was divided between Shizune's rigorous medical lessons (which included practicing fish healing and memorizing anatomy), chakra control training with Jiraiya, and enigmatic sessions with Gojo Satoru. While Tsunade and Jiraiya provided structure to his growth as a ninja, Gojo opened his eyes to a whole new dimension of power.
Naruto's Emperor's Haki had shown significant improvements. It was no longer just a shock wave that knocked out small creatures; now, with Gojo's guidance, Naruto could infuse his Haki into his blows, giving them devastating force that surprised even Jiraiya. The sensation of sensing the will of others and Gojo's presence made him see the world in a new way.
One afternoon, as Naruto was trying to meditate under a waterfall, concentrating on sensing the natural energy of the surroundings as Gojo had instructed (a technique that cost him enormously and often ended with him soaked and frustrated), a notification appeared in Gojo Satoru's Dimensional Shop.
[Critical Plot Mission Received!]
[Objective: Investigate cursed energy anomalies in the Land of Tea and confirm the existence of a special-grade curse.]
[Success Reward: 20,000 Dimension Points (DP) and a 'Schematic Blueprint: Reverse Curse Technique'.]
[Failure: Uncontrollable expansion of cursed energy in the region, creating a 'Curse Plague' that will affect the stability of the overall plot.]
Gojo raised an eyebrow beneath his blindfold. "My, my, cursed energy in the ninja world? That's new. And a special-grade one... now that's interesting." The reward, a blueprint for the Reverse Curse Technique, intrigued him. It was an extremely useful art, even for him, and a good complement to his own cursed energy.
He returned to the training grounds where Jiraiya was "supervising" Naruto, which really meant he was writing in his perverted book while Naruto made shadow clones to practice the Rasengan.
"Hey, you little pervert," Gojo called out in his usual tone.
Jiraiya looked up, irritated. "What do you want, Gojo? I'm in the middle of a masterpiece."
""I have to go for a while," Gojo said, ignoring the complaint. "A mission. Something about 'energy anomalies' and 'special-grade curses' in the Land of Tea."
Jiraiya looked at him suspiciously. "Cursed energy? What the hell are you talking about? And why aren't you taking the brat with you?"
"Because this isn't his fight," Gojo replied, uncharacteristically serious. "It's a matter that goes beyond chakra, Jiraiya. Something your world has yet to fully experience." His gaze settled on Naruto. "Besides, the Blond needs to consolidate what he's already learned. He needs to master that Rasengan once and for all. And 'Sage Mode' won't be mastered on its own."
Naruto, who had been listening, approached, a disappointed expression on his face. "You're leaving, Gojo-sensei?! But I still have a lot to learn!"
Gojo ruffled his hair. "Don't worry, Blond. I'll be back. And in the meantime, I'm leaving you in good hands." He turned to Jiraiya. "Jiraiya, I'm entrusting Naruto to you. I want you to train him. Teach him to fully master the Rasengan, and to start Sage Mode. He needs a... shall we say, more traditional mentor for a while."
Jiraiya crossed his arms thoughtfully. "So, you want me to train the vessel of the Nine-Tails to master Minato's technique and the power of Mount Myoboku? And all while you go off hunting 'curses'?"
"Exactly," Gojo smiled. "Consider this a test of your competence, Sannin. Don't let me down. The future of this brat, and this world, depends on it." Gojo winked.
"Besides, if you master it, maybe I'll teach you how to expand your own 'domain'." I assure you it's more fun than your little 'dome.'"
Jiraiya gaped, though the mention of "domain expansion" intrigued him. Gojo had displayed powers that far surpassed anything known in the shinobi world. If Gojo's "domain" was even a fraction of his own power...
"Wait, Gojo-sensei!" Naruto yelled. "When are you coming back?! And what are these 'curses'?"
Gojo was already levitating, his silhouette blurring. "Don't worry about that, Blondie. Just focus on getting stronger. See you!"
And with a flash of light, Gojo Satoru disappeared, leaving a perplexed Naruto and a thoughtful Jiraiya.
Jiraiya looked at Naruto. "So, the great Gojo has entrusted you to me." "I guess this means my hot spring 'research' days are on hold for a while," Jiraiya said, scratching his head.
"Very well, brat. If Gojo says you can do it, then we shall. Prepare yourself, because training with the Toad Sannin is much more... intense than that weirdo."
Naruto nodded, a spark of excitement replacing his disappointment. Jiraiya was one of the Sannin, and if Gojo trusted him, Naruto would too. The path to mastering the Rasengan and Sage Mode lay before him as Gojo Satoru headed into the unknown, toward the Land of Tea and the mysterious cursed energy anomalies that threatened to destabilize the "plot."
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Thanks for the support, guys. I'd appreciate it if you could contribute with your power stones.
Also, read the first chapter I posted of my novel called A Reincarnated Transmigrator.