Starts In Konoha: Unlocking Shadow Clone

"How is it, did I pass?"

Naruto asked proudly.

Jiraiya nodded slightly, "I have to admit, your abilities are impressive. But..."

He narrowed his eyes, and said, "You're about the age of a recent Academy graduate. How could you possibly be this strong?"

Generally speaking, fresh graduates only knew basic techniques like Transformation Technique, Body Replacement Technique, and Clone Technique.

Those from prestigious clans might have a few additional techniques, but Naruto had no clan techniques to fall back on. Yet here he was, using Shadow Clone Technique and even a strange technique that managed to stun him.

"So, are you doubting me?"

Naruto was speechless: "I really can't tell if you're sharp or just clueless. I already told you, I inherited my father's memories. It's only natural that I'd be stronger than others my age. If I were weak, that'd be the real surprise."

Jiraiya pondered for a moment, then nodded, "You have a point."

"So, what else can you do now?"

"Now, that's not something I'm obligated to tell you. Every technique I have is my trump card. Even if you were my father's teacher, I don't see a reason to disclose that information."

Naruto continued, "Besides, I only asked you to repay your debt by taking me on a tour of Mount Myoboku. I didn't say anything about becoming your disciple."

If it weren't for the system, Naruto would have been eager to be Jiraiya's student. But with Sandaime himself as his servant, he saw no reason to lower himself to become Jiraiya's disciple.

"What? You really don't want to be my disciple?"

Jiraiya was shocked.

Many would do anything to become his disciple. He assumed Naruto's reluctance was mere politeness, and he never imagined that Naruto would really refuse.

"Not interested."

Naruto refused decisively, "I've just never visited the Sage Lands, and I'd like to see them for myself. Don't worry, I won't be any trouble once we're there."

"I… Alright then," Jiraiya conceded, realizing he had no reason to refuse Naruto's request.

"Hold on tight, I'll take you there now."

"Okay!"

Naruto grabbed the corner of Jiraiya's clothes, and Jiraiya formed hand seals and used the Reverse Summoning Technique.

Bang!

Accompanied by a puff of white smoke, the two disappeared from where they stood.

Naruto felt a dizzying spin, and when he opened his eyes, the familiar surroundings of the hot springs were gone. Instead, he found himself in a vast, deep valley.

At this moment, Naruto and Jiraiya were standing on one edge of this immense valley, surrounded by gigantic stone statues of toads. Each statue was as tall as several buildings, creating an awe-inspiring scene.

Across from the statues, there was a massive waterfall roaring down behind yet more toad statues.

Taking in the breathtaking sight, Naruto couldn't help but feel a wave of amazement.

This place is indeed Mount Myoboku, and these stone statues are not real stone statues. They were the unfortunate people who had tried to harness Natural Energy but failed, resulting in their petrification.

To put it simply, the number of statues here represents the number of toads that failed. While Sage Mode is indeed powerful, it's not something everyone can learn.

After marveling at the sight for a moment, Naruto found a clean spot and sat down.

"Aren't you going to look around? This is Mount Myoboku, one of the Three Great Sage Lands." Jiraiya asked.

Naruto shook his head: "Since this is a sacred place and you brought me here without permission, that's probably bending the rules already. I'll just sit here, take in the atmosphere, and that's enough."

"Heh, you're pretty sensible. Enjoy it, then." Jiraiya said, happy to relax.

Naruto nodded slightly and said nothing more.

His purpose for coming here was simple: to complete a sign-in. There was no need to wander around and create unnecessary trouble. Now, he just needed to wait patiently for the sign-in to complete so he could head back.

An hour passed in a flash, and then a system prompt sounded in Naruto's mind.

[It is detected that the host has stayed in Mount Myoboku for one hour. Sign-in successful. Since Mount Myoboku is one of the Three Great Sage Lands, a special gift pack has been awarded.]

'Huh? A special gift pack?'

Hearing this, Naruto's eyes lit up and he immediately became interested.

Normally, rewards were given directly, but this was the first time he'd received a special gift pack. He was really eager to open it immediately.

But now that he was in Mount Myoboku, Naruto could only suppress his excitement and said to Jiraiya, "I've felt enough, let's go back."

"Opportunities like this don't come often. Are you sure you want to leave?"

"I'm sure."

"Alright, grab onto me. I'll take you back."

Grabbing Jiraiya's sleeve, Naruto felt the world spin for a moment. When he opened his eyes again, they were back in the hot spring.

"The favor is repaid. From now on, we're even. Go on and enjoy your 'art'. I'll be waiting to see your masterpiece."

Naruto said, waving goodbye to Jiraiya.

Though he did want to join Jiraiya on his 'artistic pursuit', the special gift pack was far too tempting.

After returning home, Naruto eagerly called the system.

[System, open the special gift pack!]

[Opening the special gift pack… Successfully opened! Rewards as follows!]

[Sage Mode]

[Sage Mode: By absorbing a certain amount of natural energy to create 'Senjutsu Chakra', the user can significantly enhance their Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, and Genjutsu. With Sage Mode activated, the body undergoes certain changes, and only Sage Mode with eye markings is considered complete.]

[Master Ball x1]

[Master Ball: Poke Ball is an important item in Pokemon World. With it, you can capture any Pokemon and make them your companion. The Master Ball is the best of all Poke Balls. It is secretly manufactured by Silph Co. and is incredibly rare. With it, there's a 100% chance of capturing any Pokemon.]

[Colossal Smash]

[Colossal Smash: Galio's passive skill. During combat, the host will trigger Colossus Smash once every five seconds, gaining additional damage according to the percentage.]

Looking at the gift pack's contents, Naruto couldn't calm down for a long time.

'This sign-in is truly worth it.'

Initially, he'd only hoped for Sage Mode or maybe a Summoning Technique, but not only did he get Sage Mode, he also received a Master Ball.

The Master Ball is similar to a Summoning Technique, and it allowed him to bring allies into battle.

However, summoning had a downside. In the original work, when Naruto summoned Gamabunta, Gamabunta wasn't too pleased and only accepted Naruto gradually.

Naruto didn't have time to bond with these summoned creatures.

The Master Ball, though, solved this issue perfectly. Anything caught by it would instantly obey commands as if brainwashed. And since this was a Master Ball, the capture rate was 100%. He felt that the system was being incredibly generous.

As for Galio's passive ability, Naruto felt that it was inspired by the huge stone toad statues around.

'An extra hit every five seconds would pair exceptionally well with Eight Gates. If I timed it right, it'd be almost unbeatable.'

Naruto felt a surge of relief, grateful he hadn't been given Tahm Kench's passive ability. If he had to stick his tongue out and lick opponents, he'd rather just go and die.

After his excitement subsided, Naruto suddenly paused, realizing something, 'Wait… System, are you messing with me? The Master Ball is useless here! Where am I supposed to find a Pokemon...'