"Well then, let us begin today's training."
Ryoto and Kakashi knelt in the traditional posture.
"The academy will teach you standard physical training," the White Fang began. "Just follow their program and maintain regular practice. Ryoto, you have a very solid foundation. Whether it's walking on water or climbing trees, your basic chakra control is excellent."
I can do that too! Dad! Kakashi exclaimed inwardly.
"However, because of your age, no matter how hard you train your bodies, it won't yield significant results."
Great minds think alike, Ryoto nodded in agreement. He had noticed this long ago.
"At your age, while your bodies are still growing, you just need to eat on time, sleep on time, and let your bodies develop. In time, as you grow, your chakra and strength will naturally increase. Therefore, work hard in your classes and take them seriously."
So that's what Father was thinking? Kakashi looked at the White Fang.
"So, does that mean there's nothing to do?" Ryoto sighed. He could just idle away each day, playing to his heart's content, but even games didn't bring the same pleasure anymore.
"Incorrect," said the White Fang. "Ryoto, you have a clear plan for your ninjutsu; you know what to focus on and which direction to move in. But other techniques are not meaningless to you either. Some ninjutsu may not need to be mastered perfectly, but knowing their basics will be very useful. For example, the Summoning Technique. You must master this technique."
"No one in the Inuzuka Clan uses the Summoning Technique," Ryoto replied. "There's no need for it; it's just a waste of chakra."
We go everywhere with our ninja hounds, eating and living together. Why would we need some other Summoning Technique?
"I heard from Inuzuka Rin that you have many ninja hounds, and you'll have even more in the future," said the White Fang. "As it happens, I have a ready-made scroll for summoning ninja hounds. I created it myself, and so far, I am the only one who has a contract with it. Learning this technique won't require much effort."
So, Mother had it all cleverly planned out.
Ryoto looked at the White Fang. This man is a true friend, no doubt about it.
"Father! What about me!?" Kakashi looked at the White Fang with hope.
The White Fang glanced at his son. You'll be able to borrow the Inuzuka Clan's elite ninja hounds if Ryoto agrees. So, I understand your impatience, but don't be hasty for now.
"That's all for the Summoning Technique," said the White Fang. "As for ninjutsu, I'm quite confident in them. Is there truly not a single technique you wish to learn?"
I do, but I'm afraid you won't have it.
Seeing Ryoto's gaze, the White Fang scratched the back of his head. It seemed this little guy was underestimating him.
"Speak freely, don't be shy. Any technique," the White Fang chuckled. What kind of powerful technique could a boy possibly know? In the worst-case scenario...
"The Eight Gates," Ryoto said. He hadn't even considered mastering this technique on his own, fearing he might accidentally die from carelessness.
"Uh..."
A bead of sweat appeared on the White Fang's forehead. It was possible, yes, but the White Fang didn't dare teach it. If Inuzuka Rin found out, it wouldn't end well. The technique was powerful, of course, but no sane person in the village would want to learn a suicidal jutsu. Except for one fellow with a bowl cut. To spend a lifetime of effort just for a single, fleeting bloom.
"A forbidden technique, is it? Not a bad choice. How about the 'Thousand Years of Death'? It's also a famous secret forbidden technique of the village, a terrifying jutsu that is forbidden to learn."
Forbidden to learn? But don't you learn that technique just by seeing it once? Kakashi didn't understand.
"Well, that'll do..." Ryoto said.
There was something to this technique of the White Fang's, especially in the fine control needed to concentrate chakra at the fingertips. Therefore...
"Thousand Years of Death plus Fang Over Fang, will it work?" Ryoto asked, looking at the White Fang.
Hearing this, the White Fang thoughtfully rubbed his chin. He was contemplating it very seriously.
"Theoretically..." the White Fang nodded. "It will work. Mine is a Lightning Style nature transformation, while yours would be a direct drill. A bit cruel."
Your version is cruel too! Thank you so much for your mercy!
Ryoto's eye twitched, and covering his rear with one hand, he looked at the White Fang.
Kakashi stared... So this technique can also electrocute someone's backside?!! Is this man truly my kind, gentle, and strong father!!? Kakashi was only angry at himself for not being strange enough to fit in with this group, and he clenched his small fists.
Noticing Ryoto looking at him like a pervert, the White Fang laughed nervously and said:
"Speaking of ninjutsu development, I have considerable experience in it. Every shinobi, upon reaching a certain level and gaining a full understanding of the system of techniques, naturally begins to create ninjutsu suitable for themselves. Some even manage to develop a Kekkei Genkai. But whether they can achieve it is another question. I heard you're already developing ninjutsu on your own. Usually, only jōnin do that."
Developing ninjutsu on his own? A jōnin? Kakashi looked at Ryoto's profile. Him? He now had a more concrete idea of his strength. He can't be a jōnin! Not with that dumb look on his face! Big deal, developing a ninjutsu, I can do that too! Kakashi remained silent.
"Although I think it's still a bit early for you."
"Sensei, improving Fang Over Fang and developing a new ninjutsu are not the same thing," said Ryoto.
"Almost the same..." the White Fang waved it off. "Don't sweat the small stuff. Since you've reached this level, let's begin training in the five nature transformations of chakra."
"Sensei, aren't there seven?"
"If you want to learn the other two, I will teach you," said the White Fang. "As for Yang Style, Ryoto, you should ask your mother more about it; she is a strong medical-nin. Besides that, you mustn't forget about genjutsu, fūinjutsu, kenjutsu, and so on. So, prepare yourself. I am very strict."
The White Fang looked at Ryoto seriously. Ryoto nodded. Your fist is stronger, so you call the shots. I'm ready.
"First, let's eat," the White Fang smiled gently. "And we'll consider the training as after-dinner entertainment."
The meal at the Hatake household was very lavish today—it was a shinobi clan, after all. Moreover, there were lovely maids, and Ryoto felt a little envious of Kakashi's lordly life. There could be no maids at his home; Inuzuka Rin would never allow it.
At the table, Ryoto ate for two. This fellow, the White Fang, was too generous and served only the best dishes. Seeing this, Kakashi also buried his face in his plate and began to stuff his mouth. It's so annoying that this Ryoto guy is eating so much, so I have to eat even more.
"Eat more, don't be shy," the White Fang said with a smile, sipping his sake. He noticed the glances Ryoto occasionally threw at him but pretended not to see. I know you want a drink, but Rin won't allow it. Otherwise, I would have definitely made you have a couple of cups with me.
After dinner, the slightly tipsy White Fang got into the right state of mind and began the training.
Learning the nature transformations of chakra is painstaking work, the success of which depends on the amount of practice. It requires a lot of time and effort. Every shinobi is born with one or two chakra natures. Additional natures must be mastered through nature transformation. Without the corresponding nature, it is impossible to use ninjutsu of that type. Therefore, only jōnin who decide to master a large number of techniques undertake such training. Ordinary shinobi are usually still busy learning and mastering the techniques of their innate nature and have no time for such training.
Ryoto was born with only one chakra nature—Wind. In addition, every shinobi is born with Yin and Yang natures. After all, chakra is created by combining and refining vital and spiritual energy; the only difference is in their ratio.
Therefore, Ryoto decided that his second chakra nature would be Earth. "A dog that can't dig is no good."
I've won! Kakashi silently practiced the Wind nature transformation. By this point, he had already mastered three natures: Fire, Water, and Earth.
At ten o'clock in the evening, having exhausted all his chakra, Ryoto tiredly left the Hatake household.
After waiting for a very long time, Nohara Rin, leaning against the windowsill, peeked her head out and watched Ryoto walk by. When he was far enough away, Rin, hugging a plush toy, sat down, leaning against the wall. Her long eyelashes fluttered.