Naruto: The new beginning

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Mount Myoboku

Minato, Naruto, and Fukasaku each sat cross-legged on separate stone pillars, the tranquil energy of Mount Myoboku surrounding them.

"Shall I start now?" Naruto asked, glancing at Fukasaku.

"Go ahead," Fukasaku replied. "No need to worry too much. Just treat it as a demonstration."

"Alright," Naruto said, exhaling. He adjusted his posture and closed his eyes, preparing himself.

Unlike before, when Naruto's mindset was riddled with thoughts like I must succeed this time, he approached this attempt with calm determination. His focus shifted to performing each step with precision, free of self-imposed pressure.

This shift in mindset, though unintentional, was perfectly suited to mastering Mount Myoboku's Sage Mode. The calmer Naruto was, the smoother his progress became.

Recalling Fukasaku's teachings, Naruto began the process of connecting with nature. Without realizing it, he instinctively incorporated techniques he'd practised over the past two days, adapting them to fit the principles of Sage Mode.

Minutes passed. Naruto gradually let go of his thoughts forgetting about success, failure, his surroundings, and even the presence of Minato and Fukasaku. He entered a state of true harmony with nature.

Do you remember?

I don't remember.

What kind of punch is this?

I don't know.

Who is your father?

I forgot!

Naruto successfully entered Sage Mode by forgetting that he was even trying.

Fukasaku and Minato watched as the natural energy around them converged on Naruto, flowing into him seamlessly. A bird perched on Naruto's head, mistaking him for a stone clear proof of his mastery.

"He's done it," Fukasaku said, his voice filled with pride.

For the first time, Naruto had entered Sage Mode without the aid of toad oil, relying solely on his own abilities.

Mastering Sage Mode was akin to learning to ride a bicycle. Once you learn how to balance, mount, and stop on your own, you will never forget the process. From here on, Naruto only needed to refine his technique and improve his proficiency.

Naruto opened his eyes, noticing the orange pigmentation around them. Clenching his fists, he grinned. "I feel… stronger!"

His excitement was palpable. If this were a different kind of story, Naruto might have tested his strength by punching a wall or flipping a table.

"Congratulations, Naruto," Fukasaku said, beaming.

Minato, equally proud, smiled warmly. "Well done, Naruto."

"Thanks, Dad! And thank you, Fukasaku-sama, for all your guidance and patience!" Naruto said, his gratitude genuine.

Fukasaku stroked his beard with a chuckle. "You're a good kid, Naruto. It's been worth it."

Naruto, brimming with energy, leapt off the stone pillar to celebrate. The bird on his head squawked in surprise and flew away.

Crash!

Naruto landed face-first on the ground, cracking the stone slab beneath him.

"Must've hurt," his brain reasoned.

"Doesn't hurt at all," his body replied.

Sage Mode enhanced every aspect of Naruto his chakra, perception, physical strength, and resilience. He brushed off the fall without a scratch.

Eager to test his new abilities, Naruto lifted boulders, threw Rasenshurikens (avoiding the sacred areas of Mount Myoboku), and generally caused a commotion.

Though his Sage Mode only lasted five minutes, Naruto knew that practice would extend its duration. And with Kurama's help in the future, he could unlock even greater potential.

"Dad, want to spar?" Naruto asked Minato, who had just descended from his stone pillar.

"Sure," Minato said, activating his own Sage Mode.

Naruto attempted to re-enter Sage Mode but struggled. By the time he succeeded, Minato's Sage Mode had already expired.

The father and son exchanged awkward glances.

Minato sighed. "Let's save it for another time. There's still a lot for you to learn like frog kata and other techniques that'll help you refine your Sage Mode."

Naruto nodded. "Alright, I'll keep working at it. Thank you, Fukasaku-sama, for your continued guidance!"

Fukasaku smiled, finding Naruto's enthusiasm refreshing. "Of course. You're doing well, Naruto."

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Six months passed in the blink of an eye, bringing Naruto to the 63rd year of Konoha.

Life had returned to its usual rhythm of missions, training, Sage Mode practice, and time spent with friends. However, one major change occurred: the Uzumaki family gained two "new members."

One night, as Naruto entered his inner sealed space, Kurama suddenly opened the gate.

"Pay attention to the seal, kid. I'm sending out a small clone," Kurama grumbled.

"A clone? Since when do you know Shadow Clone Jutsu?" Naruto asked, watching as a tiny version of Kurama emerged as a "mini-nine-tails."

The clone was barely the size of Naruto's head, with chubby cheeks, large ears, and a fluffy body. Its attempt at maintaining dignity only made it look more adorable.

Naruto picked it up under its armpits and raised it to eye level. "This is too cute!"

The little fox swatted at his face. "Put me down, brat! The great Kurama isn't meant to be handled like this!"

For reasons unknown, even the clone's voice sounded adorably squeaky.

Meanwhile, in Kushina's sealed space, a similar scene unfolded. Holding a smaller version of Kurama, Kushina smiled and said something she hadn't uttered in over a decade:

"So, you are a girl!"

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