Naruto rebirth! Born again with a system.

Chapter 40: The new sensei is?

The second day of training dawned with overcast skies, the air thick with the promise of rain. Kōzaru sat in the center of the battered training yard, his breathing steady as he entered a meditative state. Yuki and Riku flanked him, their own postures mirroring his calm focus.

Two days of relentless practice had brought them close to understanding the Fang Over Fang technique, but close wasn't enough. Each attempt had been an improvement over the last, but the perfect synchronization required for the devastating attack remained frustratingly out of reach.

"Remember," he murmured to his partners, his voice carrying the wisdom earned through countless failures, "we're not three separate entities trying to work together. We're one being with three bodies."

The mental shift was subtle but profound. Instead of coordinating their movements, they needed to become a single consciousness distributed across multiple forms. The concept was alien to normal thinking, but it was the key to unlocking the technique's true potential.

"Let's try again," he said, rising to his feet with fluid grace. "But this time, no thinking."

The transformation sequence began with newfound confidence. Yuki and Riku shifted into their human forms of Kōzaru, their chakra signatures meshing with his own until the boundaries between individual consciousness began to blur.

The efficiency was perfect now, his mother's lesson having been fully internalized. But more importantly, the mental connection felt different—deeper, more complete than ever before.

"All-Fours Jutsu!" they called out in perfect unison, their voices harmonizing as one.

The bestial transformation rippled through all three bodies simultaneously, their enhanced forms crackling with synchronized energy. Only costing Kōzaru a small amount of chakra thanks to him tapping into Riku and Yuki using their own chakra. But this time, there was no sense of effort or strain. They moved as naturally as breathing, their coordination so complete it seemed supernatural.

"Gatsūga!"

The spinning began immediately, three forms launching into the air in perfect formation. But instead of the chaotic tumbling of previous attempts, their rotation was controlled, precise, devastating. They moved like a single weapon with three points of contact, their combined force creating a drilling effect that carved through the air with visible intensity.

The impact was tremendous. The ancient oak tree they targeted—one of the few remaining after his mother's demonstration—was obliterated. Not cut down or damaged, but completely pulverized by the sheer violence of their coordinated assault. The destruction continued past the initial target, carving a path of devastation that stretched nearly forty meters before their momentum finally dissipated.

They landed in perfect formation, their spinning ceased, their forms separating as the technique concluded. For a moment, none of them moved, the magnitude of their success still settling in their minds as this was the first time they had pulled the jutsu off with perfection.

Then the system notification chimed:

[QUEST COMPLETE: Learn the Fang Over Fang - Reward: 500 EXP and 1 skill point]

[SKILL UNLOCKED: Fang Over Fang (Gatsūga) - Cost: 20 chakra - Devastating spinning attack with ninja hound partners]

[You have levelled up!]

The rush of advancement was intoxicating, but it was overshadowed by the sense of profound accomplishment. They had done it—not just learned the technique, but mastered it to a degree that exceeded even his expectations.

"Well, well," came a familiar voice from behind them. "Look what we have here."

Kōzaru turned to see his mother approaching, her expression carrying a mixture of pride and genuine surprise. Kiba padded alongside her, the great ninja hound's intelligent eyes taking in the scope of destruction with what looked like approval.

"I wasn't expecting you to get it so quickly," Mika said, her voice carrying the warmth of a teacher whose student had exceeded all expectations. "And certainly not with that level of power."

"It felt... different this time," Kōzaru replied, his own surprise evident in his voice. "Like we weren't trying to coordinate anymore. We just were coordinated."

"That's exactly right," she confirmed, moving to examine the path of destruction with professional interest. "True mastery of Inuzuka techniques isn't about control—it's about unity. You've achieved something that usually takes months of practice in just a few days..."

She paused, her sharp eyes noting details in the destruction pattern that spoke to the technique's effectiveness. "But what's really impressive is the modification you've made."

"Modification?" Kōzaru asked, confusion evident in his voice.

"Traditional Fang Over Fang is executed with one ninja hound partner," she explained, her tone carrying the authority of someone who had mastered the technique decades ago. "Two spinning forms working in perfect harmony. But you've created a three-way attack."

The implications began to sink in. His version of the technique was fundamentally different from the standard application—not just because of the additional partner, but because of the way their combined force created a more complex and devastating attack pattern.

"The triangular formation creates multiple impact points," Mika continued, her voice carrying genuine admiration. "Instead of one drilling effect, you're creating three synchronized strikes that can overwhelm even the strongest defences. It's not just stronger—it's a completely different category of technique."

"Will it... will it serve me well?" Kōzaru asked, remembering his mother's earlier words about the importance of techniques that could make the difference between life and death.

"Boy," she said, her voice carrying the fierce pride of an Inuzuka alpha, "this technique will serve you better than you know. What you've created here isn't just an attack—it's a weapon that can change the course of a battle."

She moved closer, her hand resting on his shoulder with the weight of familial bond and professional respect. "Your father would be proud. This level of innovation at your age... it's exactly what our clan needs."

The mention of his father—a man he had never known in this world—carried unexpected emotional weight. The approval and pride from his mother, combined with the system's recognition of his achievement, created a moment of pure satisfaction that transcended the game-like elements of his experience.

"Now," Mika said, her tone shifting back to its usual practical authority, "you have one more day before you report back to duty. Rest, recover, and prepare for whatever comes next. A technique like this will make you a target for enemy forces, so be ready."

As she walked away, Kōzaru settled back against one of the few remaining practice posts, Yuki and Riku curling up beside him with the contentment of partners who had achieved something truly remarkable.

His status screen showed the results of their breakthrough:

Kōzaru:

Inuzuka Clan: Level 8: EXP (320/2000) Skill points available: 2

Health: 140 + (14×2) = 168,

Chakra: 140+ (10×2) = 160,

Taijutsu: 14,

Ninjutsu: 10,

Genjutsu: 2,

Kenjutsu: 2,

Abilities: Wind Style (Gale Palm): Cost 20 chakra.

Body Flicker: Cost 10 chakra.

Beast Mimicry: All-Fours Jutsu: Cost 30 chakra.

Man Beast Clone: Cost 30 chakra per clone.

Fang over fang: Cost 20 chakra.

Special: Heightened senses Yuki & Riku: Ninja hounds Basic Pack Coordination.

The advancement was significant, but more importantly, he felt the change in his own confidence. They had mastered one of the Inuzuka clan's signature techniques, and their modification had created something even more powerful than the original.

Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but tonight, they could rest in the satisfaction of a goal achieved through dedication, failure, and ultimate triumph.

Across the Village...

While Kōzaru was perfecting his devastating new technique, his teammates were experiencing their own breakthroughs in different corners of Konoha.

In the residential district, Aotaka faced his uncle across a small training area, both wielding practice swords that sang through the air with deadly precision. Two days of intensive instruction had transformed his understanding of swordplay.

"Again," Daiki commanded, his own blade moving in a complex pattern that seemed to bend light around its edge. "The Senju Falling Leaf technique requires perfect timing. Too early and you lose momentum. Too late and you're dead."

Aotaka's response was immediate and fluid. His sword moved in a descending arc that seemed to accelerate as it fell, the blade's edge becoming a blur of motion that carved through the air with whispered menace. The technique was advanced—a chunin-level form that could slice through steel when properly executed.

"Better," Daiki said, though his tone carried the grudging approval of someone whose standards were impossibly high. "But you're still thinking about the individual movements. A sword technique should flow like water, not lumber like a cart."

The criticism stung, but Aotaka understood the wisdom behind it. His uncle's instruction had been invaluable, revealing depths to swordplay that he had never imagined. The Senju clan's techniques were legendary, and he was learning forms that most shinobi never even saw in combat.

"Once more," he said, his grip adjusting on his practice sword's handle. "I think I understand now."

This time, his movement was different. The Falling Leaf technique flowed from his previous stance without pause, his body moving as a single unit rather than a collection of separate actions. The sword became an extension of his arm, its edge trailing chakra-enhanced cutting power that could have cleaved through stone.

"Now that," Daiki said, his voice carrying genuine pride, "is the beginning of true mastery. Tomorrow, we'll start on the Storm Style techniques. But for now, you've earned your rest."

As Aotaka cleaned and stored his practice sword, he could feel the improvement in his muscle memory, his reaction time, and his understanding of combat flow. With the system tracking his progress, allowing him to see him improvement in numbers.

Aotaka:

Senju Clan: Level 7: EXP (800/1600) Skill points available: 0

Health: 170 + (7×2) + Senju bonus = 204.

Chakra: 135 + (7×2) = 149.

Taijutsu: 7,

Ninjutsu: 7,

Genjutsu: 4,

Kenjutsu: 13.

Abilities: Lightning Style (Static Force) Cost 20 chakra.

Chakra Flow into Weapon: Cost 20 chakra.

Special: Enhanced strength and endurance + 20 points to health.

"I'm growing stronger, but its still not enough." He said to himself, clenching his fist as he could feel the increase in strength, having spent two skill points in his taijutsu and elevated his kenjutsu two levels through training.

At Training Ground 7, Tatsuma dismissed his final set of shadow clones with a satisfied nod. The accumulated experience from multiple training sessions had pushed his shuriken and kunai skills to new heights, his accuracy now approaching the level of a skilled chunin.

The target practice had been intensive—five clones working simultaneously on different aspects of thrown weapon mastery. Speed, accuracy, power, and technique had all been refined through concentrated effort that would have taken weeks to achieve through conventional training.

[Experience Gained: 800 EXP + X 0.5 from Shadow Clone Training. Total 1200 EXP.]

But more importantly, he had developed new techniques that combined his shadow clone abilities with his improved throwing skills. Multi-directional attacks that could overwhelm an opponent's defences, also seeing a new element to his status screen, something that hadn't been there before.

Tatsuma:

Uzumaki Clan: Level 7: EXP (1360/1600) Skill points available: 0

Health: 135 + (10×2) = 155.

Chakra: 170 + (10×2) + Uzumaki Bonus = 210.

Taijutsu: 10,

Ninjutsu: 10,

Genjutsu: 4,

Kenjutsu: 4,

Shurikenjutsu: 7.

Abilities: Shadow Clone Jutsu: Cost 25 chakra per clone.

Shadow Clone Shuriken: Cost 20 chakra.

Special: Enhanced endurance + 20 points to chakra.

As he packed his equipment, Tatsuma reflected on how much had changed since their first mission. The growth in all their abilities was remarkable, but he suspected that his teammates had been pushing themselves just as hard. Tomorrow would reveal whether their individual improvements translated to better team performance.

The Third Day - Reunion and Revelation...

The morning of the third day found all three teammates converging on their usual meeting spot—a small park near the mission office where they had often gathered before assignments. The changes in each of them were immediately apparent to the others, though subtle enough that civilian observers might have missed them.

Kōzaru moved with a new confidence, his posture carrying the assurance of someone who had mastered a powerful technique. Yuki and Riku flanked him with perfect coordination, their bond with their partner now deeper than ever before.

Aotaka's hand rested on his sword with casual familiarity, his stance showing the improved balance and awareness that came from intensive training with a master. His movements were more fluid, more purposeful, carrying the subtle signs of advanced martial training.

Tatsuma carried himself with the quiet confidence of someone whose skills had been thoroughly refined. His equipment was arranged with the precision of a specialist, and his eyes moved with the tracking ability of someone who had spent days perfecting thrown weapon techniques.

"Well," Kōzaru said, his enhanced senses detecting the subtle changes in his teammates' chakra signatures and body language, "looks like we all made good use of our time off."

"You could say that," Aotaka replied, his voice carrying the satisfaction of someone who had achieved significant advancement. "I take it your training went well?"

"Eventually," Kōzaru confirmed with a grin. "Though I'm pretty sure I destroyed half the compound in the process."

"Shadow clone training is exhausting," Tatsuma added, stretching muscles that were still sore from the accumulated strain of multiple simultaneous training sessions. "But effective. I think we're all stronger than we were three days ago."

The competitive spirit that had driven them to their individual improvements was evident in their exchanges. Each was curious about what the others had accomplished, and each was eager to test their enhanced abilities against worthy opponents.

"Think our new sensei will be impressed?" Aotaka asked, his tone carrying both curiosity and mild concern about the leadership change.

"Depends on who they assign," Kōzaru replied thoughtfully. "Hopefully someone who understands how we work together."

"Or someone who can push us to grow even stronger." Aotake suggested.

As they made their way toward the mission office, the conversation turned to speculation about their next assignment. Their proven capabilities meant they would likely face more challenging missions, and their individual improvements suggested they were ready for greater responsibilities.

The mission office buzzed with its usual activity—teams receiving assignments, reporting mission completions, and coordinating the complex logistics of Konoha's military operations. But as Team 15 approached the assignment desk, they noticed something unusual.

The Third Hokage himself was present, his distinctive robes and authoritative presence making him immediately recognizable. Beside him stood a chunin they didn't recognize, his expression carrying the professional neutrality of someone delivering important information.

"Team 15," the chunin said as they approached, his voice carrying official authority. "You're here for your new temporary assignment and squad leader introduction."

"That's correct," Kōzaru replied, his enhanced senses detecting the subtle tension in the room that suggested this was more than a routine briefing.

"With Aburame Shibi still recovering from his injuries," the Hokage said, his voice carrying the measured tone of someone making important decisions, "we've selected a replacement who can provide appropriate leadership for your demonstrated capabilities."

The door to the mission office opened, and a figure entered that made all three teammates struggle to maintain their composure. Blonde hair, blue eyes, and the distinctive jōnin flak jacket.

"Team 15," the Hokage continued, his introduction carrying the weight of official assignment, "meet your new temporary sensei—Minato Namikaze."

The silence that followed was deafening. Kōzaru felt his heart rate spike as he tried to process what he was seeing. This was Minato Namikaze—the future Fourth Hokage, one of the most legendary shinobi who would ever live, and the man who would ultimately sacrifice his life to save the village and become the farther of Naruto himself.

Aotaka's hand moved unconsciously toward his sword, a nervous habit that betrayed his shock at the introduction. His knowledge of the series made him acutely aware of exactly who they were meeting, and the significance of being placed under his command, feeling butterflies in his stomach.

Tatsuma's eyes widened slightly, his usually composed demeanour cracking as he struggled to maintain his professional mask. The implications of training under the future Hokage were staggering, and he was fighting to keep his excitement from showing as he almost went red in the face.

The three teammates exchanged glances, each recognizing the shock and excitement in the others' faces. They had to maintain their composure, had to act like this was just another sensei assignment rather than the opportunity of a lifetime.

"Hello," Minato said, his voice carrying the warm authority that would one day make him one of the most beloved leaders in Konoha's history. "I've heard impressive things about your recent mission from Shibi himself. I'm looking forward to working with you." He said, flashing them a warm smile.

"Thank you, Minato-sensei," Kōzaru managed, his voice steadier than he felt. "We're honored to be placed under your command."

"The honor is mine," Minato replied, his smile carrying genuine warmth. "From what I've read in your mission reports, you've already proven yourselves capable of handling significant challenges. I'm here to help you become even stronger."

As the introductions continued, the three teammates fought to contain their excitement and disbelief. They were about to train under one of the greatest shinobi who would ever live, during the height of the Third Ninja War, with techniques and knowledge that would shape the future of their world.

The adventure was about to reach an entirely new level, and they could hardly believe their fortune in being selected for this opportunity. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them under the guidance of a legend.