Kurama's Friend

Part 3: Trials of Friendship and Power

Naruto faced a major milestone as the Chunin Exams neared their final phase. With intense training behind him, the month had been transformative for Naruto. After the exhausting preliminaries, Naruto had rejected the chance to train with Kakashi, deciding to pursue his own training by meditating with Kurama near a waterfall. Yet he found his usual methods obstructed. The influence of the five-pronged seal Orochimaru had placed on him restricted Naruto's chakra flow, disrupting his ability to meditate and perform even basic chakra control techniques like water-walking. Frustrated, he sensed Kurama's tension but continued training regardless.

As Naruto pondered his next steps, he heard the raucous laugh of an old man nearby. This led him to encounter Jiraiya, the Toad Sage. With his white hair and rugged demeanor, Jiraiya immediately intrigued Naruto, who challenged him without hesitation. The old man, surprised but amused, accepted. When Naruto's jutsu failed to work, Jiraiya quickly noticed the five-pronged seal, which puzzled him as he lifted Naruto's shirt. To Jiraiya's surprise, Naruto's original seal was missing, replaced by the clumsy, limiting five-pronged seal. Naruto explained that he had willingly removed the original seal with Kurama's guidance, astonishing Jiraiya, who realized that Naruto had befriended the Nine-Tails. After Naruto pleaded with him, Jiraiya agreed to remove the five-pronged seal, restoring Naruto's chakra flow.

With his chakra back to normal, Jiraiya proposed that they test Naruto's abilities, urging Naruto to tap into Kurama's chakra. As Naruto began to glow with a bright yellow aura, Jiraiya felt the sheer intensity of Naruto's power. The resulting spar was explosive, with Naruto instinctively shifting into a Four-Tails form. This transformation shocked Jiraiya, who barely managed to keep up. Impressed by Naruto's potential, Jiraiya dedicated himself to training him for the final exam phase, beginning with summoning techniques. Thanks to his improved chakra control and Kurama's influence, Naruto learned to summon powerful toads faster than he ever would have on his own.

In addition, Jiraiya decided to teach Naruto the Rasengan. Naruto poured relentless energy into mastering the complex jutsu and, after two and a half weeks, achieved it without relying on clones, an accomplishment that stunned Jiraiya. The legendary Toad Sage, seeing Naruto's unyielding resolve, also taught him about the Gentle Fist, a Hyuga technique that inspired Naruto to create his own variant: the Wind Style Gale Palm Rotation. Though he couldn't match the elegance of the original Hyuga technique without the Byakugan, Naruto's creative, chakra-infused version was powerful, although it took considerable energy.

When the day of the Chunin Exam finals arrived, anticipation filled the air as Naruto faced off against Neji. Their taijutsu clash began intensely, with Neji's mastery of Gentle Fist posing a challenge for Naruto, who was struck by a sudden opening in his defenses. However, using Kurama's influence, Naruto adjusted his body enough to avoid significant damage. Neji continued to assert his beliefs about fate, claiming destiny was on his side. But Naruto's will would not be swayed. In response, he unleashed his improvised Wind Style Gale Palm Rotation, shocking everyone, especially the Hyuga clan in attendance.

Naruto's resilience broke Neji's palm rotation defense, and Naruto seized the moment. Forming the Rasengan in his palm, he charged forward. Neji attempted another rotation, but Naruto's Rasengan tore through, striking Neji squarely. Neji was defeated, and Naruto emerged victorious, the crowd cheering as they witnessed this unexpected display of skill and power.

Meanwhile, Sasuke arrived late to the arena for his own battle against Gaara. His training under Kakashi had been rigorous. Along with the Chidori, Sasuke had worked tirelessly to increase his chakra reserves, matching Naruto's pace. As their fight began, Sasuke pushed Gaara to his limits, drawing blood and triggering Gaara's transformation, which set off the chaotic events of the Konoha Crush.

With the village under attack, Naruto and his comrades launched into action to defend Konoha. Driven by newfound confidence and skills, Naruto prepared to face whatever came next. The village would soon bear witness to the fruits of his journey with Kurama, Jiraiya, and his unbreakable spirit.