superior naruto

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On the Ship to the Land of Fire

Naruto's physical strength had reached the level required to open the first of the Eight Gates. However, he wasn't in a rush to attempt it. He was wary of Kakashi noticing the pressure points being activated, as the Eight Gates were a forbidden technique only accessible to high-ranking ninja with special permission. Naruto didn't want to draw unnecessary attention by revealing that he'd learned more than just the Shadow Clone Jutsu from the forbidden scroll.

With his physical training on hold, Naruto focused on mastering the Water Release nature transformation. Thanks to Kakashi's guidance, his affinity for water-based chakra had improved significantly.

One day, after a training session—which Naruto jokingly referred to as a "spa day"—Kakashi offered some advice. "Naruto, your affinity for Water Release is strong enough now. You could start learning C-rank or higher Water Release techniques."

Naruto, sitting in a tub of water created by Kakashi's chakra, stretched lazily as the water began to dissipate. "I'm not interested in Water Release techniques right now. I want to combine Wind and Water Release to create Ice Release."

He had decided to reveal his progress with Ice Release after careful consideration. While he initially planned to keep it as a hidden trump card, he realized that constantly hiding his abilities would limit his growth. Besides, relying solely on Shadow Clones and explosive tags wasn't sustainable—financially or strategically.

Kakashi frowned, clearly concerned. "Naruto, while it's theoretically possible to combine Wind and Water Release to create Ice Release, it's not a practical path. The 'Ice Release' used by the ninja of the Land of Snow is just a manipulation of existing ice and snow, not true Ice Release. It only works in specific environments with their specialized chakra armor."

To demonstrate, Kakashi formed hand seals and attempted to use a Water Release technique. "Water Release: Water Shark Bomb!"

But nothing happened.

Kakashi sighed. "See? Outside the Land of Snow, their so-called Ice Release is useless. Don't waste your time."

Naruto nodded thoughtfully but remained determined. "I still want to try."

Kakashi hesitated, then decided to let Naruto learn through experience. "Fine. Just don't spend too much time on it."

Later, Sasuke asked Kakashi, "Can a Kekkei Genkai like Ice Release really be learned through training?"

Kakashi shook his head. "It's nearly impossible. True Kekkei Genkai are innate abilities. Even the Third Hokage, who mastered all five basic chakra natures, couldn't replicate a Kekkei Genkai. Naruto's just wasting his time."

Three Days Later

Naruto approached Kakashi and demonstrated his progress. He combined Wind and Water chakra to create a small snowflake. Kakashi's worldview was shattered.

Inspired, Kakashi locked himself in his cabin to attempt combining Water and Lightning Release. The results were… explosive. Literally.

Over the next week, the ship was rocked by several loud blasts, each one more powerful than the last. The final explosion nearly sank the ship, breaking the mast and sending the crew into a panic.

Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata rushed to Kakashi's cabin, only to find him covered in soot but oddly triumphant. "I think I almost succeeded," he said.

Naruto: "…"

Sasuke: "…"

Hinata: "…"

Naruto regretted showing Kakashi his progress. Now, he couldn't sleep peacefully, fearing the ship would be blown up in the middle of the night.

Another Week Later

Kakashi asked Naruto about his training. Reluctantly, Naruto demonstrated. He raised his hands, palms outward, and condensed Water chakra in his left hand and Wind chakra in his right. Combining the two, he formed a fist-sized ice spike and launched it. The spike flew two hundred meters before dissipating.

Kakashi stared at the spot where the ice had vanished, his eyes burning with determination.

Naruto's heart sank. This is bad.

Kakashi turned to him. "Naruto, I think I'll try combining Water and Lightning again."

Naruto quickly tried to dissuade him. "Sensei, maybe you should wait until we're on land?"

Kakashi waved him off. "No, no. I'll try again when we're ashore."

Naruto wasn't convinced. That night, he, Sasuke, and Hinata gathered on the deck, staring at the stars and contemplating their survival.

Hinata activated her Byakugan and glanced toward Kakashi's cabin. "He's starting again!"

Naruto and Sasuke took a step back. Naruto muttered, "Maybe it won't explode this time…"

As if on cue, a massive explosion rocked the ship. The recently repaired mast collapsed again.

The trio didn't hesitate. They leaped off the ship, landing on the water's surface just as Kakashi emerged from the flames, coughing and covered in soot.

Naruto glared at him. "Sensei, you said you'd wait until we were on land!"

Kakashi chuckled awkwardly. "Mistakes were made. But I was this close to succeeding."

Naruto: "…"

Sasuke: "…"

Hinata: "…"

In unison, they thought, We need to get to land before this ship sinks!

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