And so, training began.
Jiraiya taught Naruto the training method for the Rasengan. Naruto started from the very beginning—practicing with a water balloon—while Sasuke was undergoing intense physical training, struggling to keep up with Kiyosuke and the others.
This was something Kiyosuke had specifically arranged for Sasuke—to train his taijutsu. The essence of Chidori was using Lightning Release to stimulate the cells and activate them, which in turn produced incredible speed. By combining that speed with the piercing nature of Lightning Release, it became a deadly technique. The faster the movement, the stronger the impact.
Compared to the Rasengan, it might not seem as versatile in terms of growth, but the evolution of the Sharingan would more than make up for that in the future.
After all, Sasuke's true path lay in developing his Sharingan, not just relying on the Chidori.
Naruto's offensive move was the Rasengan. His Nine-Tails Mode and Sage Mode were just supporting tools to make him stronger. But as for Sasuke, his strength would ultimately depend on his Sharingan.
It didn't really matter that Chidori wouldn't change much for Sasuke. His fighting style had always been straight-line assaults. Chidori Current and Chidori Sharp Spear were just variations on the same principle. In the end, it all came back to the original Chidori.
What made Sasuke so formidable was that he was Indra's reincarnation and a descendant of the Uchiha Clan—he had the Sharingan, a powerful built-in cheat code.
There's a reason people call the Sharingan a cheat—what was once a story of gutsy ninja became a tale about legendary eyes.
As long as it kept evolving, the wielder of the Sharingan could continue growing stronger—so long as they experienced enough pain.
Sasuke had used the Chidori enough by now. Teaching him anything new wouldn't help much. It was better to focus on building his physical foundation for future growth.
His defense was way too weak. A traditional ninja with high offense but low endurance—he couldn't survive like a pure assassin. That needed to change. Naruto's development path was the right direction.
...
At night, Kiyosuke and Jiraiya claimed they were heading out to gather intel.
In reality, they were out goofing off all night.
The next morning, they slept in.
Jiraiya was finally woken up by Naruto. The water balloon training was over, and now it was time to learn how to use chakra to burst a rubber ball.
Rubber balls were much tougher than water balloons. Bursting them with chakra was difficult, and even if you did manage it, there was a high risk of getting injured by your own chakra.
Jiraiya's requirement was that the rubber ball had to be popped without the user harming themselves.
This stage was about maintaining chakra output and solidifying it into a tangible form. Once Naruto mastered that, he would be close to completing the Rasengan.
Meanwhile, Sasuke was still being pushed through physical training by Kiyosuke—and also training his Sharingan.
The two-tomoe Sharingan still wasn't enough. He needed to upgrade to three tomoe in both eyes. That was possible through training, but it was exhausting work.
"By the way, aren't we about to leave the Land of Fire?" Kiyosuke asked.
"Where exactly is Tsunade-sama?"
They had been on the road for almost a week now, taking their time and wandering around. But they still hadn't found Tsunade.
In every town they passed through, their first stop was always the casinos or game halls, hoping to catch sight of the infamous big spender.
No luck so far.
Tsunade was living even more carefree than Jiraiya.
"I think... we should be close. Don't worry," Jiraiya said. "Same routine—Naruto, Sasuke, you two head to the inn. Kiyosuke and I will check the casinos and arcades. We'll contact you the moment we find her."
"Yes!"
Naruto carried his ball.
Sasuke, weighed down by training, trudged slowly toward the inn.
Kiyosuke had increased Sasuke's training load again. Just as he had started adapting, the difficulty was ramped up, and Sasuke was once again miserable.
Still, at least his chakra reserves and physical strength had clearly improved. The training was working. That was enough for now.
Jiraiya headed to a casino in town.
Kiyosuke went to a game hall.
He didn't even search around. Without a word, he bought two boxes of steel balls and went straight to the pachinko machines.
An hour later—game over.
"..."
Kiyosuke looked at the pile of empty boxes beside him, deep in thought.
Something wasn't right.
His luck was usually decent.
What happened today?
"Oh, wow! That lady over there has incredible luck! She hasn't lost once!"
"Yeah, unbelievable! Damn it, another triple-seven?!"
Clink clink clink!
The sound of coins pouring out of a slot machine.
"No way... who's that lucky?" Kiyosuke stood up, curious, and pushed through the crowd.
He looked—and there she was.
Blonde twin-tails. Ample curves. A green jacket with a massive "Gamble" character on the back.
Beside her was a short-haired beauty holding a small pig, smiling brightly.
She had followed Tsunade-sama for years, and not once had she seen her actually win money.
And now they'd hit the jackpot?
Amazing! Absolutely amazing!
"Uhh... Tsunade-sama, long time no see!"
Tsunade, who had just been wondering how she could be winning so much, looked up and saw Kiyosuke.
They'd met many years ago, but time changed everyone. Still, when she noticed the Konoha forehead protector on his head, she instantly realized—something bad was coming.
No wonder her luck was so good!
Having inherited her grandfather—the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama's—gambling addiction and terrible luck, Tsunade knew she was destined to lose. But her cravings were strong, and she firmly believed that if she kept betting, one day she'd break even.
Classic gambling addict mentality.
And with that kind of mindset... it's clear she was beyond saving.
Gambling is not encouraged. Don't follow her example.
"Who the hell are you?" Tsunade said irritably.
"We've met before, Tsunade-sama. I'm Asakawa Kiyosuke—we crossed paths once in the past."
"Kiyosuke?" Shizune blinked at her old classmate. They hadn't seen each other in over ten years. She never expected to run into him here.
"Shizune, pack it up. We're leaving."
"Eh? Tsunade-sama, you're not playing anymore?" Shizune was stunned. They were actually winning for once—how could she walk away?
"Now!" Tsunade snapped.
"Yes!" Shizune didn't hesitate. She immediately lugged the massive sack of coins to the counter to cash out.
Tsunade didn't look back as she strode toward the exit.
Kiyosuke quickly followed.
"Tsunade-sama, I came to find you for something important."
"I don't want to hear it! Get lost!" Tsunade growled. She balled her fists and glared at him.
"Kid, if you don't move, I'll punch your head into the ground!"
Kiyosuke shook his head.
"Tsunade-sama, I came to ask you to return and become the Fifth Hokage."
"The Third-sama is in critical condition. He suffered severe injuries in a great battle. His mind was damaged. He's bedridden, can't take care of himself, drools uncontrollably, and is completely incontinent."
"Konoha desperately needs a leader right now."
"Serves him right! What does that have to do with me?" Tsunade snorted and brushed past Kiyosuke.
"..."
Seriously, what kind of teacher was the Third?
He trained a gambling addict, a pervert, and a lunatic?