- Thank you so much, old man Teuchi! - Uzumaki finished his third extra-large bowl of ramen and jumped off the stool. - Master Saitama, where will we be training?
The Bald Cape gave it some thought. Back in his world, the training location never really mattered. He would just go outside and push himself to the limit. But here, ninjas likely had special training grounds for honing their skills. However, he had no idea where these places were or whether they required any sort of permission.
- Today, we can go to one of the nearby ANBU training grounds. It's usually empty. I'll take you there, - seeing Saitama hesitate to answer, Anko suggested her own option. - But in the future, Naruto, you should find out which training ground is assigned to your team. Who's your squad's instructor?
The blond scratched his head thoughtfully:
- I don't remember. I think he ended up in the hospital after some mission, so for now, my team is on break.
- I see... - Mitarashi muttered. - Alright, let's go!
After about twenty minutes of leisurely walking, Anko, Naruto, and Saitama arrived at the vacant training ground. During that time, the kunoichi had tried to subtly extract information about her target for today. She hadn't expected much of an answer. However, she did get one-oh, did she ever!
Saitama had come up with such an absurd story that the tokubetsu jōnin was astonished at how anyone could even invent something like that: he was a hero from another world, who usually fought monsters, and after an encounter with one of them, he had accidentally ended up here... What a nerve! Did he take her for some clueless village girl? And the way he said it with a completely straight face, as if he weren't spouting nonsense but stating absolute truth! His acting was outstanding. It was a clear message for her to mind her own business. Anko wasn't stupid, so she dropped the subject.
Meanwhile, the little jinchūriki was clearly in awe and spent the whole walk listening to his master with his mouth open. Understandable-he was just a kid, after all. More than that, the answer was obviously meant to impress him. Anko, on the other hand, was amused by this storyteller's tale, especially his so-called "brutal training" being so intense that he even went bald. What a ridiculous story. How could anyone go bald from training?
*"More likely, he'd grow thick eyebrows..."* Anko thought... And where did Naruto even get the idea that this guy was so strong? Sure, he could take a hit well, but in her opinion, this bald guy was nowhere near Kage level.
- Master, will I go bald too? - Naruto asked worriedly as they stepped inside Training Ground 66.
- Kid, it's too early to say. Just survive the first day first, - the Bald Cape grinned.
Uzumaki nodded confidently, but in his mind, he had already made his decision: *No matter what happens, I won't back down...*
Out loud, the blond firmly declared:
- Master Saitama! I'm ready for anything to become as strong as you. And after that, I'll become Hokage. So, what's your super-awesome training?
The One-Punch Man fell into deep thought. He remembered how everyone he had told about his "special" training never seemed particularly impressed-some even thought he was just messing with them. But honestly, he really hadn't done anything special. A hundred reps for each major muscle group and ten kilometers of running every day.
Now, even Saitama was starting to think his training might not have been all that exhausting. But back then-it had been downright hellish for him.
---
Nevertheless, at this moment, the hero's main task was not to train his student but rather to "scare him off." He needed to suggest such an insane training regimen that the kid would give up on his own. Going through the various knowledge he had picked up from movies and manga, Saitama found a way.
The bald man immediately put on the most serious expression he could muster and began instructing his "student":
- Alright, Naruto! Listen carefully to your teacher's words!
Uzumaki straightened up like a soldier, clenched his fists, and eagerly absorbed every word of his sensei. Meanwhile, the Bald Cape continued:
- You're in for a grueling training regimen. Even if your tendons tear, your muscles snap, and your bones crack, you must pay no attention to it...
As he spoke, Saitama kept an eye on Naruto's reaction. And he didn't like what he saw: a focused, determined gaze, an unyielding will, and a drive to push forward at any cost. For a child, this was, to put it mildly, unusual, and the Bald Cape began to worry whether his "super training" might actually break the kid. But upon seeing the unquenchable fire in the boy's eyes, he realized that this little demon wasn't going to leave him alone anytime soon.
Releasing a slight amount of battle aura, Saitama fixed a stern gaze on the boy and pronounced each word with emphasis:
- We begin training... Ten thousand push-ups, ten thousand squats, ten thousand sit-ups... After that, you'll run a hundred kilometers! Start!
- Hai! - Naruto instantly dropped to the ground and began doing push-ups, while the bald hero sighed in relief.
He figured that such extreme demands would surely kill the boy's enthusiasm for training. Soon, the kid would give up, and Saitama could go for a walk with Anko. She was supposed to show him around Konoha. And there was something else she was meant to do, but the One Punch Man couldn't quite remember what it was. It seemed like something important.
- I have to admit, this kind of workload is absurd for an ordinary child. But Naruto isn't an ordinary child, so after a while, he might actually adapt, - Mitarashi muttered.
That many repetitions would be overwhelming even for the average genin, chūnin, or a very weak jōnin. But for the Green Beast of Konoha and his student, it would be nothing more than a light warm-up; now, if the same exercises were done with weighted gear and the run involved carrying logs on their shoulders, that would be a different story.
- Who would've thought, Saitama, that you'd end up training a jinchūriki in the ways of the Power of Youth, - Anko said, involuntarily shivering as she recalled Gai.
- What? Power of Youth? What the hell is that? - the man asked in confusion.
And so, Anko had to tell Saitama about Konoha's greatest taijutsu master, Might Guy, as well as his methods for attaining strength, which, overall, bore a striking resemblance to the Bald Cape's approach. Then, Mitarashi began explaining what taijutsu was. After that, she started educating him on what jinchūriki were, deciding to start from the very beginning...
Saitama was actually interested in hearing about a man who trained with such intensity. He even wanted to test himself against the Green Beast-a master of close combat. But all the talk about some chakra fruit, a rabbit, some Rikudō guy, and unknown tailed beasts? As usual, he let it all go in one ear and out the other, doing his best to appear as if he was listening, even though he was already starting to feel drowsy.
- Got it, Anko, - the bald man muttered, yawning widely.
The girl, seeing her companion's reaction, gave up on explanations and pointed at Naruto:
- The kid is already exhausted. He needs a break.
The little Jinchuriki's arms could barely hold him up. His whole body trembled from the strain, his cheeks were flushed red, and sweat was pouring down in streams. He barely whispered:
- One thousand seven hundred one... one thousand seven hundred... t-two... t-three...
Saitama was surprised by the boy's endurance. Good thing he had told Naruto to do ten thousand repetitions instead of just a hundred. That would've been outright laughable because the little monster hadn't even broken a sweat in the first two hundred; in that case, surpassing his physical limit wouldn't even be a question.
- That's enough, Naruto! - the hero said firmly.
Uzumaki wanted to protest, but his arms gave out, and he fell face-first onto the grass. Rolling onto his back, the blond spread his arms to the sides. Gasping for air, he spoke in a broken voice:
- Master Saitama! Hah... I... hah... I'm not done yet...
- Calm down, Naruto, - Anko decided to step into the "lesson." - Saitama never said you had to do all the reps in a row without a break. Right? - she glanced at the bald man, who, after a moment, nodded with a knowing expression.
Technically, doing them consecutively was implied, but he really hadn't said it outright. Besides, the hero figured it would be smarter to increase the load gradually; otherwise, he might actually break the kid. After all, he had only surpassed his own limits as an adult. Naruto was still just a child.
- So, - the kunoichi continued, - you can practice strength training on your own. But strength alone won't take you far.
The boy, having rested a little, sat up, deciding to listen to what she had to say.
- That's not all, right, Saitama? I bet you have a whole training plan for Naruto, don't you? - Anko asked with a sly squint.
"Damn, damn... Where did you come from with all these questions? I never even planned to teach the kid anything. Think, think..."
Then, suddenly, inspiration struck Saitama, and he launched into another passionate speech:
- That's right, Naruto. You should understand that strength isn't everything for a shinobi. Sometimes, you'll find yourself in situations where strength won't help you at all. Only wit will. So, aside from standard training, you'll also train your mind. Because a dumb shinobi... is a dead shinobi.
"What the hell am I even saying?!" Saitama thought.
Anko raised an eyebrow in confusion and asked:
- And how exactly is he supposed to do that?
"Anko! Why are you punishing me like this?.. What did I ever do to you? But, fair question. Really, how? What does this brat have that others don't?.."
When necessary, Saitama could think at the speed of an advanced supercomputer. This was one of those critical moments-his cool mentor image was on the line. Initially, the Caped Baldy had wanted to get rid of the boy as quickly as possible, but seeing his persistence and determination, Saitama immediately thought of Genos. Comparing the two, he realized that this little blond wouldn't leave him alone. He had to keep the kid busy somehow. Sifting through his memories, recalling what he knew about Naruto, the hero finally found the answer.
- Hm...- Saitama began meaningfully, - it's obvious, kid. You have that cool technique that lets you multiply, right?
Naruto nodded:
- Yes, Master Saitama. It's the Shadow Clone Technique. I learned it last night...
Anko was astonished. Learning a B-rank technique in just one night? This brat was most likely lying. Such a feat was only possible for a genius. And Uzumaki, to put it mildly, did not seem like one.
- Well then, using this technique, I think you can do many things at once. For example, why not create clones so that some of them stay in the library, absorbing new knowledge, while others train with you?
Uzumaki froze for a moment. First, he wasn't sure if the technique could even be used in such a way. The little Jinchuriki also genuinely didn't understand how reading boring books and scrolls could help him become the strongest and, eventually, reach his dream of becoming Hokage. He voiced these doubts to his sensei.
Saitama didn't understand either. He was just talking nonsense with a serious face, trying to look as convincing as possible. The boy's question caught him off guard, but this time, Anko came to Bald Cape's rescue.
- You're wrong, Naruto. Let me explain. The Second Hokage's technique is actually designed to transfer information from clones to the original. Shadow clones are usually used for reconnaissance: as soon as a clone disperses, it relays its gathered intel back. Theoretically, this technique can be used to accelerate learning, but only if you have a large chakra reserve. However, using clones for physical training is a waste of time, as they don't have muscles, bones, or anything else; they are entirely made of chakra, even though they appear identical to the original,- Mitarashi paused, allowing the boy to process the information.
- That's cool, dattebayo, but I still don't see why I need to study scrolls in the library...- the blond grinned widely, scratching the back of his head. Reading and studying were things he openly disliked. He wanted to know if learning all these subjects was truly necessary. After all, it wasn't some amazing jutsu or the absolute strength of his new teacher. So what was the point?
Saitama agreed with Naruto's statement. In his entire life, he had mostly read manga, and occasionally, light novels. Maintaining a serious expression, he also waited for the kunoichi's answer.
- I was just getting to that,- Mitarashi smiled. - As your new teacher already said, not everything in a shinobi's life can be solved by strength alone. If you want to become Hokage, you need to know a vast number of things. From general disciplines, you must master history, geography, mathematics, economics, psychology, political science, tactics... Basically, there's a lot to learn. And that's just a small part of what a village leader must understand. Now, when it comes to shinobi-specific subjects...
Anko hesitated for a moment. Overloading the boy wasn't necessary yet, so she suggested what she thought would be most useful for him:
- Well, for starters, at least take chakra theory, jutsu history, and physiology. The basics are taught in the academy, but that's far from everything. So, to sum it up: general subjects will help you as the future leader of the village; while knowledge of various ninjutsu, sealing techniques, taijutsu styles, chakra network structures, and approximate locations of tenketsu will prepare you for future battles. Sometimes, to win, you need not just powerful jutsu, but also deep knowledge of your enemy. Knowing their strengths and weaknesses...
- Hrrr... pfyu...- Saitama's snoring interrupted her lecture.
Mitarashi's eye twitched. The bald shinobi had managed to fall asleep right next to her! While standing! She was about to smack him on his shiny head when she heard another quiet snore coming from the boy. Naruto was also asleep-though sitting down.
- Oh, Kami! You've got to be kidding me!..- Anko hissed. - Who am I even talking to?
Was she really such a terrible teacher? Or were these guys just terrible listeners?
- Wake up, Saitama! - Anko shouted into the bald ninja's ear.
The man jolted awake, while Naruto, startled, began looking around in confusion.
- Why are you yelling, Anko? Is there a sale? Or is it lunchtime already?
The kunoichi sighed heavily, trying to quell her irritation. Men often got on her nerves, but this bald one was something else entirely. She tried to console herself with the thought that he was just playing dumb-that he was only pretending to be clueless, sometimes even downright idiotic. After all, Saitama had just been making very logical and convincing points. Take, for instance, his idea of using shadow clones for learning. Of course, the technique had its nuances, and there were some side effects when clones dispelled, but that wasn't the point.
- Bijuu, Saitama! Can you be serious for at least a little while and act normally?! - Anko pleaded.
- Of course,- the man nodded.
The hero had no idea what exactly he was being accused of, but he decided to play dumb and stay quiet. However, he couldn't help but ask one last question:
- By the way, who's Bijuu?
Mitarashi lowered her gaze in exhaustion. She had literally just explained who the Tailed Beasts and Jinchuriki were. She even started with their history...
The kunoichi decided for herself that she would no longer pay attention to the bald shinobi's mockery. Her nervous system was too fragile to take his "jokes" seriously.
- Never mind, forget it. So, about Naruto's training? - she redirected the conversation back to the main topic.
- What about it?.. Oh, right,- the man smacked his forehead.
Gathering his thoughts, Saitama continued, addressing Uzumaki:
- Listen carefully, my student. Your goal is to become not only the strongest but also the smartest shinobi. To achieve this, you will now create as many clones as possible, and they will comb through every textbook, scroll, and reference material available...
- Eh? What kind of reference materials?
- I'm sure Anko will help you figure out which areas to focus on and what to study. Some clones will stay here for training.
- But training with clones in strength exercises is pointless! They're made of chakra! - Anko wailed. This guy just refused to listen to her. She wanted to tear her hair out over Saitama's stubbornness, but that was impossible for very specific reasons.
The hero ignored the kunoichi's remark. It wasn't about results for him-he just needed to keep the kid occupied so he wouldn't be a nuisance, at least for a while. And after that... they'd see.
- There's no such thing as a pointless workout, - the Caped Baldy declared firmly. - Leave your clones, and they'll practice basic punches in the air. As they say, it's better to train one punch a thousand times than a thousand punches just once. Meanwhile, you'll be completing your daily quota-ten thousand repetitions of each basic exercise, plus a thousand-kilometer run!
- Master Saitama, but you said a hundred kilometers, - Naruto reminded the bald hero.
- ...If you argue with your master, you'll do ten times more! - the hero stated unequivocally. - Is that clear?
- Hai! - Uzumaki nodded like a bobblehead and formed the seal for his jutsu. - Shadow Clone Technique!..
***
Konoha was sinking into twilight. The sun had almost disappeared beyond the horizon, leaving only a narrow crimson streak in the sky. The fading light filtered into the Hokage's office, painting the room in fantastical hues.
- Crimson... the color of blood, - Hiruzen murmured, packing his pipe.
The Sandaime was troubled by an unsettling feeling-most likely, a premonition of looming danger. He wasn't sure where the threat was coming from. He had felt something similar before the Second and Third Shinobi Wars. What could it mean? Was another war approaching? Perhaps. The fragile peace they had now wouldn't last long. However... this time, that bijuu-like instinct gnawed at him far more than before. It seemed the danger wasn't just to Konohagakure...
The door creaked open, and a frail, dark-haired old man entered, leaning on a wooden cane. His right eye was concealed beneath bandages, while the other remained half-closed. One of his hands rested under the black haori draped over his white shirt.
- Hokage-sama, - the newcomer gave a barely perceptible nod.
- Leave us, - Sarutobi ordered the ANBU operative standing in the corner. The shinobi obeyed without a word and exited, closing the door behind him.
- Sit, Danzo. What did you want to discuss? - the Sandaime asked as he formed the seals for a soundproofing barrier. Once the jutsu activated, the Hokage took a drag from his pipe.
The elder silently made his way to the nearest chair, settling into it smoothly as he placed his cane across his lap.
- According to my sources, the subject has made contact with the jinchūriki, - the man rasped. - The boy even considers the outsider his teacher... Hiruzen, what were you thinking when you brought that shinobi into Konoha?
Normally, the man's face betrayed no emotion. He was always cold and composed. But now, the head of Root ANBU was struggling to suppress the indignation burning within him.
- He's not a shinobi, - the Third replied. - He's just...
- Please, stop talking nonsense, - the Hokage interrupted Danzo. - Do you really believe his story about traveling between worlds? A hero? Not even funny. I think even a blind man could see that a spy has infiltrated our village.
- You see conspiracies everywhere, - Hiruzen replied, exhaling a swirling ring of smoke. Unlike his conversation partner, the Hokage remained completely calm. - I believe him. So don't even think about harming him, Danzo. It's better to befriend such a powerful man. You have no idea how dangerous he can be.
- On the contrary, - the elder countered. - I fully understand the danger this outsider poses. And that's exactly why he must be eliminated. He could cause trouble...
- No! - Hiruzen declared firmly. - You will not touch him. That's an order!
Danzo narrowed his eyes. He was starting to think that the Third had lost his mind. Allowing an enemy disguised as a civilian onto the village grounds was the height of foolishness. The fact that he had no chakra meant nothing. The bald man had effortlessly taken down a dozen ANBU operatives. No ordinary person could do that. Perhaps he had been the subject of experiments, or he possessed an unknown Kekkei Genkai that blocked sensory abilities or granted him supernatural strength and speed.
But the most dangerous part was that the bald ninja had already gained influence over the Jinchūriki-on his very first day in Konoha. Unbelievable! The village's weapon had to be controlled by the village, not by an unknown shinobi. This was yet another reason why the bald man had to be eliminated.
Even before speaking with the Hokage, Danzo had already devised a plan for poisoning or secretly assassinating the outsider. Moreover, treacherous thoughts had begun to form in his mind-thoughts that perhaps Sarutobi had sat on his throne for too long. Most likely, he would have to remove the Professor as well; of course, not with his own hands. The Chūnin Exams were approaching, which meant there would be an opportunity to create chaos-a small, localized war, during which a certain slippery acquaintance of his could be helped to trap the "God of Shinobi"... or, at the very least, not interfere with a reunion between teacher and student.
Even if Hiruzen survived, he would no longer be Hokage. He would retire "for health reasons." Yes, there would be casualties, many of them. But it was all for the good of the village. In this case, the ends justified the means...
- Forgive me, but I have too much paperwork. Is that all you wanted to discuss, Danzo? - Hiruzen asked.
For a moment, a tense silence filled the office.
- I won't take up any more of your time, Hokage-sama, - the elder muttered, rising from his chair. Tapping his cane, he limped toward the exit. Sarutobi quickly dispelled the soundproofing technique and returned to his paperwork, though his mind remained on his recent conversation with the head of Root...
"I hope you won't do anything reckless, Danzo. Now is not the time for internal strife," thought the Hokage.