Konoha's Genius is a bit Ordinary?

Coming out of the sealed space, Natsuro had a smile on his face because everything was going according to plan.

Previously, Natsuro didn't dare let Kurama's senses mix with Naruto's because he was worried that Kurama might have malicious intentions. If Kurama deliberately gave the wrong reminders, it would harm Naruto instead.

But now that he had confirmed Kurama's relationship with Naruto, he could finally put his mind at ease.

Even if Kurama chose not to remind Naruto, it likely wouldn't deliberately sabotage him.

And if Kurama chose to remind Naruto once, there would be a second time, and then infinite times after that!

In the meantime, Naruto would not only be much safer, but his relationship with Kurama would also deepen rapidly.

It was truly a win-win situation. The only potential downside had already been avoided, making the plan nearly perfect.

"Alright, get up now," Natsuro said, patting Naruto.

"Is that it?" Naruto stood up and clenched his fist. He didn't feel much different.

"Of course. Who do you think I am?" Natsuro gave Naruto a sidelong glance.

"Haha, of course, I trust you, Natsuro. It's just that this time it seemed so quick." Naruto recalled how long these things usually took in the past.

"Naturally. Undoing something is far easier than adjusting it," Natsuro said, not bothering to elaborate. Explaining it to Naruto would likely be futile, so a simple conclusion would suffice.

"Oh, I see," Naruto nodded.

Soon, Naruto had dressed and looked at Natsuro. After some thought, he said, "Natsuro, let me treat you to Ichiraku Ramen!"

"Sure," Natsuro agreed after a brief pause. Although he had just returned and should technically eat at home, it didn't make much of a difference to him. He ate at home most of the time anyway, so missing one meal wouldn't matter.

"Natsuro..."

Naruto hesitated again.

"What's wrong?"

Natsuro was puzzled. Naruto hesitating like this was unusual.

"You've helped me so much, but I don't know how to repay you," Naruto said earnestly. To him, treating someone to Ichiraku Ramen was the best way to express gratitude.

But Naruto still felt that simply treating Natsuro to ramen wasn't enough. After all, he had done so much for him—far more than a bowl or two of ramen could repay.

"Repay me? I didn't help you to seek repayment," Natsuro was momentarily stunned but then replied thoughtfully. He helped Naruto out of personal preference and the hope that Naruto would assist him in future battles. As for now, what could Naruto possibly offer?

"But isn't it strange to leave it like that? Natsuro, is there anything I can do for you? As long as I can do it, I will!" Naruto declared resolutely. He didn't want to be someone who only received help without offering anything in return.

"Hmm, let me think," Natsuro said, understanding Naruto's determination. He pondered for a moment, then clapped his right fist into his left palm as if he'd just had an epiphany.

"Actually, there is one thing you can do for me."

"What is it?!" Naruto's eyes lit up with anticipation.

"Your biggest help to me is to become stronger," Natsuro said.

"Huh? That doesn't count!" Naruto felt he was teasing him. Becoming stronger was his own goal; how could that be considered helping Natsuro?

"Why not?" Natsuro decided to elaborate a bit.

"Naruto, you have to remember: in the future, I might face enemies that are very difficult to deal with. When that time comes, I'll need help. So, Naruto, you just need to work harder to become stronger and ensure you can help me then. That will be the greatest help to me!"

"I see." Naruto's eyes shone with determination. He scratched his head and grinned, then clenched his fist toward Natsuro.

"Don't worry, Natsuro! I'll work even harder, and when that day comes, I'll definitely help you, believe it!"

"Good. I believe in you too," Natsuro nodded. After all, if someone as overpowered as Naruto couldn't help, Natsuro would probably be doomed.

Even though Natsuro's current path wasn't weak, he didn't have absolute confidence in handling everything alone.

"Heh heh," Naruto chuckled awkwardly upon hearing his words.

What Naruto didn't realize, however, was that if those enemies were Natsuro's enemies, wouldn't they also be his own enemies?

"Alright, weren't you going to treat me to Ichiraku Ramen? Aren't we leaving yet?" Natsuro reminded him.

"Oh, right! Let's go now—Ichiraku Ramen, here we come!" Naruto ran ahead, humming happily. He was genuinely elated.

After all, everything he set out to do today was accomplished. He even learned how to help Natsuro. How could he not be happy?

After parting with Naruto, Natsuro found Ino and told her that Tsunade had agreed to teach her medical ninjutsu.

"Really?! The Hokage-sama is really willing to teach me medical ninjutsu?!" Ino asked in astonishment, her eyes full of admiration. Tsunade was undoubtedly the idol of most girls in Konoha.

"Of course. I personally asked her," Natsuro replied with a satisfied smile.

"Natsuro, you're the best." Without hesitation, Ino planted a kiss on his cheek, seemingly unfazed or shy. After all, they weren't in public, and such gestures had become natural.

Natsuro then mentioned Sakura and Hinata, implying that Ino should notify them as well.

"Oh, so I'm not the only one." Ino's expression turned stern, and she glared at him. "You tricked me into kissing you! How will you make it up to me?"

"Hmm..." Natsuro pretended to think deeply before suddenly looking enlightened. "How about I kiss you back?"

"Alright," Ino replied playfully, narrowing her eyes at Natsuro before they both broke into laughter.

Ino didn't mind at all. The fact that Natsuro shared this with her meant a lot. If Natsuro had other intentions, he would've personally informed Sakura and Hinata, earning their gratitude and more opportunities to interact.

By letting her handle it instead, Natsuro was clearly showing his trust.

Ino had always been mature for her age and understood these nuances well. She saw no reason to sulk.

Natsuro leaned in and gave Ino a playful peck on the cheek before discussing his suggestions for her training path.

Ino didn't argue. She was used to him making plans for her, and experience had shown that his guidance always suited her.

For now, Natsuro suggested that she focus on learning Tsunade's medical expertise, which he believed was Tsunade's greatest asset. If Tsunade was willing, Ino could also learn other techniques, such as superhuman strength, the Yin Seal, and the Creation Rebirth technique.

"Do you think I can master those?" Ino hesitated. She understood the principles behind superhuman strength, but knowing didn't always mean being able to execute.

"Don't worry. With me here, I'll guide you step by step," Natsuro reassured her with a confident smirk.

"Alright," Ino nodded, trusting Natsuro completely.

"Also, don't neglect your clan's secret techniques while you're learning medical ninjutsu. You've mastered the core jutsu, but there are still some variations you haven't grasped yet, right?" Natsuro asked.

"Yes, but I'm close," Ino replied earnestly.

"Good. Once you've mastered both your clan techniques and medical ninjutsu, you can start developing your own jutsu. For example, direct mental attacks, as I've mentioned before," Natsuro said, thinking of the Spirit Transformation Technique.

The Spirit Transformation Technique bore some similarities to the Yamanaka Clan's techniques but operated on a completely different principle, using the soul to freely roam and attack. Unlike Mind Body Switch, which required hitting a target and had a singular effect, the Spirit Transformation Technique allowed more versatile and impactful attacks.

Additionally, with the Spirit Transformation Technique, harming the controlled target wouldn't affect the user's body, though the soul might feel pain. This was a significant difference from the Mind Transfer Jutsu.

Despite their differences, the similarities between the techniques raised questions about whether the Spirit Transformation Technique had any connection to the Yamanaka clan's techniques.

As far as Natsuro knew, only Kato Dan had mastered it. Although he was confident he could learn it, it would still take him some time, as it was an entirely new field.

So, there was no rush. he decided he would first master the technique himself. If he later deemed it suitable for Ino, he could teach her. By then, his own mastery of the technique would make teaching her much easier.

Besides, if he did decide to teach her, he would have to inform Tsunade since it was a technique from the Scroll of Seals. While learning it himself wouldn't be an issue—after all, he was the prospective Sixth Hokage—teaching it to someone else would require Tsunade's approval. At least, until the "prospective" part was removed from his title…

"Got it." Ino nodded firmly, her thoughts already forming. The next step would be experimentation and training.

Determined, Ino envisioned a mental attack technique, which would inevitably involve the use of her mental energy. This meant she would have to endure some backlash.

When she eventually started practicing, she would need to figure out how to minimize the damage to herself while maximizing the mental damage inflicted on her opponents. The initial stages of training would undoubtedly be painful.

Glancing at Natsuro, Ino wondered if she could be of help to him once her technique was perfected.

Catching up to Natsuro was no longer her goal; she'd given up on that. To her, their generation had no one who could rival Natsuro. All she wanted now was to be useful to him.

With that resolve, Ino said, "I'll go find Sakura and Hinata. They'll definitely be excited to hear the news."

"Alright."

Knowing there was plenty of time ahead, Natsuro didn't stop her and watched her leave.

With his schedule clear, Natsuro decided to check out a place he'd sensed during a previous mission. Perhaps it held some surprises in store...

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Currently on Chapter 226 - Another Nine-Tails?