Yoru's body was gradually approaching the age of eight, meaning he was now capable of enduring this kind of hellish training.
Over the course of a month, Yoru's strength had increased once more. However, the most significant improvements were in his stamina and endurance.
Back at home, Yoru estimated that, at this rate, it wouldn't be long before these basic foundational exercises would no longer have much effect on him.
At that point, he would need to begin weighted training.
In this world, weighted ninja tools were quite advanced. The seemingly inconspicuous iron plates that Rock Lee wore on his legs in the original story carried an astonishing weight.
However, thinking about how Sasuke Uchiha managed to match Lee's speed within a month by stimulating his cells with lightning, Yoru couldn't help but feel a bit envious.
If only he could find a training method suited for himself.
Hoo!
Shaking off these distracting thoughts, Yoru took a short break before resuming his training.
At home, Yoru could train to his heart's content, pushing himself to the absolute limit.
This so-called extreme training involved squeezing out every last ounce of strength from his body, forcing himself to reach and surpass his limits—a true hellish mode of training!
Over time, Yoru's body had begun to develop distinct muscle definition.
But this was merely the first stage.
In the world of ninjas, muscles were nothing extraordinary; they didn't necessarily represent overwhelming strength.
If he continued to train, these muscles would gradually fade away, only to reappear again—more refined and perfectly shaped.
That would be the point where his body had fully matured. Judging by the early physical development in this world, Yoru estimated that his body would reach its prime around the ages of fourteen to sixteen.
The problem, however, was whether he could live that long.
In less than two years, the Second Shinobi World War would erupt—something Yoru remembered very clearly.
With a month of training behind him, Yoru's Shock Release power had also strengthened. He might now be able to shatter weaker C-rank jutsu directly.
Of course, the power of a C-rank jutsu varied greatly depending on who used it—a genin, a chunin, a jonin, or someone of Madara Uchiha's caliber.
The path of ninjutsu was vast and profound. But the same could be said for taijutsu, and even Yoru's Shock Release kekkei genkai.
If developed to its fullest, perhaps he really could shatter space itself!
Sweat dripped continuously onto the ground.
His arms were nearly immobilized, continuing purely through sheer willpower.
He had already surpassed his previous limit.
But Yoru's face showed nothing but determination. Gritting his teeth, he pushed himself further, only stopping when he had exceeded his previous limit by dozens of reps. Finally, his body gave out, collapsing to the ground, unable to move.
Yoru approached his training with extreme severity, relentlessly pushing himself.
There was no other choice. If he didn't push himself to the absolute limit, how could he hope to survive the Second Shinobi World War?
Yoru had no background to rely on, and as an outsider from another village, once the war erupted, he would undoubtedly be sent to the front lines for the most dangerous missions.
Kushina, however, was different.
She was Konoha's chosen successor to become the next Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. When war broke out, she wouldn't even be allowed to leave the village; she would be under strict protection.
So Yoru wasn't worried about Kushina's safety during the war.
The only one he needed to worry about was himself.
Suddenly, he heard the sound of a key turning in the door.
Slightly surprised, Yoru looked toward the entrance, attempting to get up. However, since he had just reached his limit, his body wouldn't recover for a short while.
Only one person had a key to his house and his trust—Kushina.
"You did this to yourself again, huh?"
Carrying a dinner box, Kushina sighed helplessly as she looked at Yoru. Without caring about the sweat on his body, she walked over to help him up.
"I really don't get why you push yourself so hard... Didn't you already awaken that powerful Shock Release kekkei genkai?"
Kushina pouted, looking at Yoru with a confused expression.
Yoru thought for a moment but decided not to tell her about the war and its darkness. Instead, he simply smiled and said, "Because there are still people stronger than me."
"You mean Minato Namikaze?" Kushina pouted even more. "But catching up to him won't be easy."
"It's precisely because it's not easy that I have to push myself to the limit."
Yoru smiled.
Kushina pursed her lips but eventually smiled as well.
"I believe you'll surpass him one day."
"Mm."
Yoru nodded, then scratched his head awkwardly before looking at Kushina. "By the way, can I borrow some money?"
"Huh?"
Kushina looked at him in surprise, instinctively replying, "Of course... But what do you need it for?"
"Nothing much, just some training equipment… Haha, most of my money got deducted."
As an orphan, Yoru received financial aid from Konoha.
But since he was an outsider, most of it was withheld, leaving him just enough to barely afford food.
Yoru had no way to change this situation for now. His only option was to grow stronger and gradually break free from these restrictions and difficulties.
"Those bastards…"
Hearing Yoru's words, Kushina clenched her fists, looking furious. But after a deep breath, she sighed and patted Yoru's shoulder.
"Alright, I'll lend it to you."
"Thanks. I probably won't be able to pay you back for a while, but once I become a genin and complete a few missions, I'll make sure to return it."
Yoru smiled at her.
Kushina pouted. "If you're planning to pay me back, then I'm not lending it to you!"
"…"
Yoru, having expected this reaction, sighed helplessly. "Fine, fine… I'll repay you in another way later."
"Hmph."
Kushina snorted proudly before handing Yoru the money and leaving.
Looking at the dinner she left behind, Yoru's gaze softened slightly.
"Heh… At this rate, I really am changing the original story. But how could I possibly ignore Kushina's kindness?"
…
Walking through the streets of Konoha, Yoru observed his surroundings before letting out a faint smile.
This world still felt somewhat unreal to him.
But he was truly here—in the world of Naruto, in Konoha.
Even though he had been in Konoha for a long time, Yoru had always been immersed in training, never paying attention to the bustling streets.
After wandering for a while, he arrived at a ninja tool shop.
Just as he was about to enter, Yoru suddenly froze.
He had spotted a very familiar figure.
A green jumpsuit, thick eyebrows…
But Rock Lee shouldn't have been born yet. Even if Guy had been born, he would only be a child at this time.
That meant there was no doubt about it.
Yoru instantly recognized the ninja who was also purchasing weighted training gear.
Konoha's eternal genin…
Might Duy!
The father of Might Guy!