"Don't get complacent. This is only the foundation."
Although Tsunade was deeply satisfied after seeing Sora persist for three full years without wavering, her tone remained stern.
"The Ninja World is full of geniuses. Some graduated from the Ninja Academy and went to the battlefield at your age.
I've seen someone with extraordinary talent who was already a Chunin at six."
Sora simply nodded.
Of course he knew.
This world was filled with monsters. Compared to them, his current achievements meant nothing.
But he wasn't discouraged.
If even a dead last could eventually become a powerful ninja, then why couldn't he—with Tsunade as his mother?
Having a strong backing was also a form of strength.
"You know how important Chakra is to a ninja," Tsunade continued.
"But for these three years, I only had you train your body and practice hand seals. I never taught you how to refine Chakra. Are you angry?"
Sora shook his head.
Tsunade had walked far more roads than he ever had. His knowledge from manga was incomplete and idealized. Reality was different.
If she chose not to teach him something, there had to be a reason.
Tsunade nodded slightly.
"Good. I told you before that Chakra is formed from physical energy and spiritual energy. The strength of those two determines the quality of the Chakra you refine.
A person's Chakra is limited. You're not a Jinchuriki. If I had let you refine Chakra three years ago with your weak body, it would have been suicidal. It would have permanently limited your future growth."
She paused before continuing.
"I once saw a genius who became a real Chunin at six. At that time, in Konaha, he was considered number one in talent. Even the strongest genius of the Uchiha Clan couldn't compare to him.
Logically, someone like that should have surpassed me. But do you know what his current level is?"
"I don't," Sora replied calmly, though he had already guessed.
"Elite Jonin." Tsunade's voice was steady.
"And he's been stuck there for many years. His talent wasn't lacking. His foundation was.
The ninja path values foundation more than explosive early progress. Some geniuses rise quickly and become Jonin in their teens. But then? They remain Jonin for life.
Talent doesn't determine everything. Acquired effort and opportunity are what create true power."
Sora understood immediately.
She was talking about Kakashi Hatake.
Back then, he was unmatched in talent. Yet in the end, he remained at Jonin level for many years.
"If your talent is inferior, then work several times harder," Tsunade said firmly.
"For three years, I strengthened your body. Your current physical strength is more than ten times what it was. It surpasses many adults.
If I had let you refine Chakra back then, you would never have achieved this level of physical conditioning."
Sora nodded seriously.
Chakra was limited.
Refining it too early would cap potential.
He didn't have the natural monstrous physique of the Senju Clan.
Everything he had now was built by Tsunade.
He truly understood her intention.
"Starting today, I will formally teach you ninjutsu, taijutsu, and gengutsu." Tsunade took out a scroll and placed it in front of him.
"This is the unique Chakra refining method of the Senju Clan. It's faster and produces stronger Chakra than standard methods."
Sora's eyes flickered.
High-grade resources.
He finally understood something clearly:
The Ninja World didn't just compete in bloodline limits, ninjutsu, gengutsu, and taijutsu.
It competed in background.
It competed in family.
It competed in mothers.
And he had one of the strongest mothers in the world.
Without hesitation, he opened the scroll.
After three years of theoretical study under a Kage-level expert, his foundation was extremely solid.
The method was more refined and precise than ordinary ones, but not difficult.
After memorizing it, he sat cross-legged and began refining Chakra.
He had expected it to take a long time. He didn't consider himself some extraordinary genius.
But less than ten minutes later—
Subtle blue light began to flicker around his body.
Like streams of air, it circulated through his meridians, flowing smoothly.
"So fast?" Sora opened his eyes in surprise.
Then realization dawned.
"You understand now," Tsunade said calmly.
"Three years of training strengthened both your physical and spiritual energy. More importantly, it refined your control over them. They coordinate perfectly. That's why you can refine Chakra so easily."
Hearing it explained at that moment etched the lesson deeply into Sora's mind.
This was far more effective than memorizing theory.
And for the first time—
He truly felt himself stepping onto the path of a ninja.
...
Author's Update 18+ 📢
The fanfic Naruto: Raised by Kushina, Took His Brother's Wife – Part 1 is now officially fully completed!
It is now available on Patreon for all tiers, including the lowest Tier 1.
The complete Part 1 has been uploaded on Patreon.
📚 Category: Naruto 18+
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Thank you all for your continuous love, support, and patience for this story 💙