With the goal of mastering chakra control, Naruto's daily routine became extremely disciplined.
At exactly 4 a.m., he would get up and start running around Konoha. Then, amidst the curious and sometimes strange looks from the villagers, he would return home to cook breakfast.
During the morning hours, Naruto devoted himself to reading and studying, gaining a deeper understanding of the ninja world.
Around eleven o'clock was lunchtime. Naruto spent half an hour preparing his meal, then took a short nap afterward. Only then did he begin refining his chakra and practicing ninjutsu and taijutsu.
This routine continued until around 5 p.m., by which time Naruto would be drenched in sweat and ready to rest at home.
At 8 p.m., after drinking a cup of warm milk, Naruto would go to sleep, making sure not to carry his fatigue into the next day.
Such a regular lifestyle naturally caught the Third Hokage's attention. He was quite pleased with Naruto's progress and felt relieved that he had not sent Naruto into the Anbu for training but allowed him to grow up like a normal child.
If things continued like this, Naruto might one day become the next Minato Namikaze, shining brightly for the village.
The villagers were curious about the demon fox's disciplined life, but only out of curiosity. They dared not approach too closely, partly due to the superstition that the fox brought bad luck and partly because of the Third Hokage's strict orders.
Combined, these factors made them treat Naruto like air, simply ignoring him.
The only one displeased was the old fox sealed within the space of the barrier. It waited patiently for Naruto to back down first, hoping to gradually take control over him and eventually escape imprisonment.
But Naruto refused to yield. Their cold war lasted from winter well into spring.
At this point, the Nine-Tails was growing lonely and restless.
As a tailed beast sealed inside a jinchūriki, it could normally endure solitude. But Naruto's presence had made it accustomed to constant noise and scheming.
Dissatisfied with the status quo, the Nine-Tails began deliberately manipulating its overflowing chakra to disrupt Naruto's training, trying to catch his attention—and it seemed to be working.
Bang!
Under the influence of the Nine-Tails' chakra, Naruto even failed to perform the Transformation Jutsu.
Squatting on the ground, clutching his head in frustration, Naruto looked on the verge of breaking down, thoroughly impatient.
This scene greatly encouraged the Nine-Tails, which intensified its interference.
However, what the Nine-Tails did not realize was that Naruto's lips curled into a faint, barely noticeable smile.
The Nine-Tails thought it was successfully disrupting Naruto's training, but unknowingly, its interference had become part of Naruto's practice.
Within the "Gentle Fist Training Insights" were years of Hyūga Hinata's memories, from Genin to Chūnin. The Hyūga clan was one of the ninja clans most skilled at chakra control.
Although Naruto had only grasped the basics so far, his control was already on par with a Genin. Simple tasks like treading water or climbing trees were no problem.
To reach Chūnin-level chakra control, besides practice, external pressure was essential.
Countering the Nine-Tails' chakra interference was the best way to train.
After several more practice sessions, Naruto finished training the Three Body Technique and turned his attention to the wooden posts nearby.
These simple posts were crafted by Naruto using the "Taijutsu Training Essentials." Besides practicing basic taijutsu moves, they also served to train the Gentle Fist.
With the "Gentle Fist Training Insights" in hand, Naruto had no reason not to practice the Gentle Fist.
However, to avoid unnecessary trouble, Naruto only practiced a few opening moves, avoiding the core Bagua Palm techniques and the clan's secret arts.
After all, although he trained alone, he was constantly monitored by the Third Hokage, with countless Anbu members around—both to protect him and to prevent him from losing control.
Several days later, Naruto and the Nine-Tails maintained their cold war, each ignoring the other.
Every meeting was met with icy glares and biting sarcasm, as if the jinchūriki and tailed beast had returned to their natural state—deadly enemies.
With time, the Nine-Tails began to reconsider.
As the clever Kurama, it was neither a naive Ox Demon nor a boastful Shukaku; it was naturally sensitive to sensing malice.
Naruto did harbor some hostility toward it, but not much. Yet, Naruto's usual expression of deep resentment was puzzling.
The Nine-Tails could not pinpoint the cause and decided to pause all unnecessary actions, observing the situation carefully.
Days passed. The Nine-Tails gazed at Naruto outside the prison cage, seemingly enlightened: "Kid, you're using my chakra to train your chakra control, aren't you?"
"What did you say? I don't understand…"
The Nine-Tails spoke seriously: "Kid, you think you're hiding it well, but the amount of chakra I've been using to interfere with you lately is fixed. You should easily adapt and then successfully perform your ninjutsu…"
At this point, the Nine-Tails paused, as Naruto's face broke into a mischievous grin. "Big Fox, didn't you just admit you were deliberately interfering with my ninjutsu?"
The Nine-Tails looked slightly embarrassed, but showed no sign of blushing:
"What do you know? I'm training your chakra control. After all, a useless ninja has no right to be my jinchūriki."
"I know that's why I've been quietly practicing chakra control, right, Teacher Kurama?"
"Teacher Kurama? What did you call me? I have no human disciples."
"You must have misheard…"
Naruto was not indulging the Nine-Tails and walked out of the sealing space, leaving the Nine-Tails inside, muttering "Teacher Kurama" over and over.
Clearly, Naruto's joke had struck a chord.
A moment later, the Nine-Tails' voice whispered in Naruto's ear:
"Human kid, I won't admit you as my human disciple, nor will I interfere with your training lightly. Rest assured."
"However, I must warn you—every time you go out, there are ninjas quietly tailing you. They are likely spies of the Third Hokage. Be cautious…"
Though the Nine-Tails didn't say it outright, the meaning was clear: Naruto needed to be careful.
Whether it was Naruto's chakra control skills or his previous prank of using mushrooms to embarrass the Third Hokage, if exposed, it could have serious consequences for Naruto.
Naruto understood what the Nine-Tails meant and tacitly accepted the warning.
But with Anbu surveillance, he had no way to respond, just as he could not counter the Telescope Jutsu.
Still, since the Nine-Tails had confided in him, it was likely willing to help. Perhaps one day Naruto could escape the Third Hokage's watchful eyes and become truly free.
Glancing toward the nearby bushes, Naruto suddenly had a hunch and asked the Nine-Tails, "Big Fox, are the ninjas spying on me hiding somewhere nearby?"
After sensing, the Nine-Tails was somewhat surprised: "Kid, you're lucky... you guessed right."
(End of chapter)
If you'd like to read advance chapters be one of my subscribers at patreon.com/YugiroTL