https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-481-Mu-Yue-Born-in-the-Wrong-Era/12558712/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-483-The-Truth-is-Revealed-Danzo-Exposed-/12558720/
Chapter 482: Convergence of Timelines
Chapter 482: Convergence of Timelines
When Mu Yue arrived at the training ground, Yamato was already waiting there.
The time was half-past six, and the sky was painted with a soft orange hue by the evening glow. The sun slowly sank towards the horizon, leaving behind a golden afterglow.
A gentle breeze rustled through the trees in the training field, causing the layered leaves to sway gently, rustling softly as if nature itself was whispering.
Yamato stood alone at the edge of the training field, his silhouette elongated by the slanting light, casting a long shadow on the leaf-strewn earth.
"When did you get here?" Mu Yue approached with a gentle smile and asked.
"Six-ten," Yamato replied honestly.
"Weren't we supposed to meet at six-forty? Why are you so early?"
"There wasn't much to do in that house, and I didn't want to keep you waiting, so I came early," Yamato explained.
Although he had only met Mu Yue once, he had developed quite a favorable impression of her.
On one hand, she was the perfect ninja in Danzo Shimura's eyes, a goal for him to strive towards. On the other, her very presence made him feel at ease.
"Let's get to know each other properly. I'm Mu Yue Husyo. You don't have to call me Lady Mu Yue; you can call me Teacher Mu Yue or just Teacher," Mu Yue said with a warm smile.
"I am Yamato," he replied, gazing quietly at Mu Yue.
That warm, dazzling feeling gave Yamato the illusion that the setting sun had risen once more.
"Yamato is just a code name given to you by Danzo. It's not your real name," Mu Yue shook her head.
Yamato's expression turned blank. "But it's the only name Danzo-sama gave me."
He was a man without a past. Everything he had and everything he knew was given to him by Danzo Shimura.
"How about Yamato as your name, your own name, instead of a code name?" Mu Yue suggested, feigning a thoughtful expression.
Mu Yue's intention was not to take advantage of the situation to gain favor, but she genuinely felt that not having a real name was a bit odd.
"If you want to choose your own name or feel that this one doesn't suit you, that's fine too. Your name is yours, and your thoughts about it are the most important."
Yamato quickly shook his head. "No, I like this name."
He wouldn't possibly mind Mu Yue giving him a name out of kindness, and he genuinely liked it. There was an inexplicable feeling that this was how it was meant to be.
"If Danzo asks about it, just tell him that I gave you a name so you could function better in Konoha," Mu Yue thought for a moment before reminding him.
It wasn't that Mu Yue was making a mountain out of a molehill, but Danzo Shimura was just that sensitive.
At this point in time, Danzo Shimura still dreamed of every Wood Release ninja becoming an incredibly powerful warrior, so he placed a lot of importance on Yamato, seeing him as his secret weapon.
Who knew what plots and schemes would form in Danzo's mind if his secret weapon suddenly acquired a name? So, Mu Yue came up with a very logical and realistic reason to explain it.
Yamato nodded and committed Mu Yue's words to memory.
"Now, climb up a tree and step on the water. I want to test your chakra control," Mu Yue began her formal training regimen for Yamato, starting with improving his chakra control.
Mu Yue's Wood Release ability couldn't be exposed yet, so her short-term training plan was to first enhance Yamato's chakra control, and then teach him Water and Earth Release jutsu.
Yamato followed Mu Yue's instructions step by step and effortlessly climbed a tall tree, then looked left and right before turning to Mu Yue.
He couldn't seem to find any water nearby to step on.
"Earth Style: Ground Rupture!"
Mu Yue quickly formed the necessary hand seals, gathering a large amount of chakra to lower the ground in front of her by three meters.
"Water Style: Great Waterfall Technique!"
She then spat out a massive amount of water, filling the sunken area with a gushing torrent.
In just a minute, a huge swimming pool had appeared in the training field.
Yamato's mouth hung slightly agape. This was the first time he had seen a ninja use large-scale ninjutsu to alter the terrain.
"If you train hard, you'll be able to do this soon enough," Mu Yue said with a pat on Yamato's shoulder and a smile.
Due to the presence of Hashirama's cells, Yamato had an innate advantage when it came to chakra. Once he mastered the nature transformations, his strength would be undeniable.
Yamato's performance in stepping on water was impressive. He had no trouble running quickly across the water's surface.
Mu Yue was not surprised. After all, Yamato was the only Wood Release user after Hashirama, so Danzo Shimura must have put in a lot of effort into his training. His fundamentals were bound to be solid.
"Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!"
Mu Yue performed the necessary hand seals and summoned a water dragon that wreaked havoc in the giant pool. The once calm surface now churned with violent waves, and Yamato's composure from before was gone.
Mu Yue instructed Yamato in the same way she had taught Obito and the others, honing his chakra control and movement.
After an hour, Mu Yue began teaching him Water Style jutsu, and since Yamato already had a basic understanding of a few, she directly taught him the Great Waterfall Technique.
Although the Great Waterfall Technique couldn't directly amplify the power of water jutsu like a clear sky during a sunny day, it could create advantageous terrain for a water-style ninja, making it a very useful support jutsu.
When the lesson finally ended after two and a half hours, Mu Yue declared the first day's training to be over.
Upon hearing that the training was over and he could go home, Yamato was dazed for a moment.
He looked up at the sky and realized that, without noticing, the sky had turned a deep indigo blue, adorned with twinkling stars that shone with a faint yet determined light.
It was already nine o'clock in the evening, and by this time, it was getting rather late.
This training session had been special for Yamato. While he didn't dislike training and even looked forward to Danzo's instruction, it was the first time he had lost track of time while practicing.
After Mu Yue and Yamato parted ways, the Root ninja who had been keeping an eye on them also returned to the Root Organization to report to Danzo Shimura about the training session.
"It was a solid training regimen, but nothing out of the ordinary. I wonder if it's an issue of capability?" Danzo contemplated.
He wasn't concerned about Mu Yue's dedication to teaching but was merely curious about her methods.
He had paid attention to Mu Yue's training of the Root ninja but hadn't focused much on how she cultivated her disciples.
Based on the report, Danzo could only describe it as unremarkable.
"Test 'A's' strength in a month. If he's not up to par, have Mu Yue change the training plan," Danzo thought. He felt that Mu Yue's training was a bit too gentle.
Given Mu Yue's past teaching achievements, Danzo chose to trust first and question later.
This was a privilege of the strong. If it had been any other Root ninja, Danzo would have doubted first and continued doubting.
After having the Root ninja monitor Yamato for five days, Danzo withdrew the surveillance.
There were plenty of Root ninja in training, and with their limited numbers, Danzo couldn't afford to waste resources on such insignificant matters.
...
It was Sunday once again, and due to the holiday, Mu Yue changed Yamato's training time to the daytime.
She also informed her other disciples to gather at the usual training ground where she instructed Yamato.
"It's daytime today. I wonder if Teacher Mu Yue will teach us for a little longer," Yamato said, looking up at the rising sun with anticipation as he arrived at the training ground early.
Yamato now looked forward to training every day, especially under Mu Yue's guidance.
This was his first time receiving Mu Yue's guidance during the day, as the previous six days had started at 6:30 PM, usually ending by 9:30 PM at the latest.
"I hope today's session lasts the entire morning," Yamato thought, his greatest wish at the moment.
Suddenly, Yamato noticed a figure walking towards the training ground at a leisurely pace.
Yamato's expression remained unchanged, as he knew that person wasn't Mu Yue, and the figure was only slightly taller than him, probably just a few years older.
As the figure drew closer, Yamato became even more certain of his assessment, noting the white hair.
The white-haired ninja walked right past Yamato without giving him a second glance, likely assuming he was just another Konoha ninja.
Yamato paid no mind to Kakashi, but Kakashi, on the other hand, took notice of Yamato.
For some reason, he felt that the long-haired ninja with the forehead protector covering half his face seemed vaguely familiar.
However, no matter how hard Kakashi racked his brains to recall familiar ninja faces, he couldn't match the stranger to anyone he knew.
Suddenly, a flash of insight struck Kakashi, and the figure of someone who didn't belong in this time overlapped with the mysterious ninja before him.
Kakashi rubbed his head, narrowing his eyes dangerously as his gaze turned sharp.
That despicable guy had taken advantage of him and knocked his head thrice, each time with considerable force.
To ensure he wasn't mistaken, Kakashi carefully examined the long-haired ninja, confirming numerous similarities between him and the Yamato he had encountered in Loulan.
"Hello, may I ask what your name is?" Kakashi inquired politely, his demeanor friendly.
Kakashi's pleasant attitude, coupled with Yamato's inherently kind nature, prompted him to answer truthfully.
"I am Yamato," he replied with a smile.
He always kept Mu Yue's words in mind—'A' was just his code name in Root, and Yamato was his real name, the one Mu Yue had given him.
"I finally found you," Kakashi said, his friendly smile growing warmer.
If Obito were here, he would have unconsciously taken a few steps back, as Kakashi rarely smiled, and when he did, it usually meant trouble.
Yamato was a bit perplexed. He didn't recognize Kakashi, so he wondered if he was a ninja acquainted with Mu Yue.
"What's your relationship with Teacher Mu Yue?" Kakashi didn't seek immediate retribution; instead, he inquired about Yamato's connection with Mu Yue.
He felt that Yamato's presence at this training ground wasn't a coincidence and that Mu Yue had probably summoned him as well.
"Teacher Mu Yue guides my training," Yamato replied to Kakashi's question and then asked, "Are you also a ninja who trains under Teacher Mu Yue?"
He noticed that Kakashi also referred to her as 'Teacher Mu Yue.'
"I'm one of Teacher Mu Yue's disciples," Kakashi answered honestly, not hiding their relationship.
"You must have started training with Teacher Mu Yue recently. I've been her disciple for over two years now, so I'm your senior," Kakashi explained.
Yamato looked at Kakashi with admiration. He wasn't sure if his relationship with Mu Yue qualified as a master-disciple one, nor did he know how long he could continue training with her.
"Senior Kakashi," Yamato addressed him politely, acknowledging the age and experience gap.
Kakashi was older and had been under Mu Yue's tutelage longer, making him a senior indeed.
Kakashi's smile grew warmer, "Yamato, did you know that Teacher Mu Yue loves diligent students the most? Let's start training now. She'll be delighted to see our progress when she arrives."
"I see," Yamato replied, his expression eager.
Mu Yue had been so kind to him, and he wanted to make her happy.
Yamato's gaze at Kakashi held gratitude, feeling reassured that there were still many good people in the world.
"As your senior, let me guide your cultivation."
A gentle smile spread across Kakashi's face, but it gradually turned mischievous. "It's simple. Just attack me with all your might, and leave the rest to me."
Kakashi thought to himself that this practice battle would not only allow him to take revenge but also help him gauge Yamato's current strength. It was a win-win situation, a double win for him.
Hearing Kakashi's suggestion, Yamato marveled in his heart, "No wonder he's Teacher Mu Yue's disciple. He's so nice."
Although Kakashi told him to go all out, Yamato was unsure of Kakashi's strength and worried about hurting him. So, he started with a tentative attack.
After exchanging a few moves, Yamato realized that Kakashi was incredibly strong; he couldn't even touch the hem of Kakashi's clothes.
Bang!
Kakashi dodged Yamato's swinging punch and countered with a chop to Yamato's head.
"Your punches are too slow. How can you expect to hit anyone like that?" Kakashi admonished, his tone earnest.
Yamato silently took Kakashi's words to heart. He feinted with his left fist and then swiftly swung his right leg.
However, his immature taijutsu couldn't escape Kakashi's all-seeing Sharingan. Kakashi saw right through all of Yamato's movements.
With a casual sidestep, Kakashi evaded the attack and countered with another punch to Yamato's head.
Feeling the impact of the punch, Kakashi's heart surged with elation, as if he had gulped down an ice-cold soda on a scorching summer day, leaving him refreshed and exhilarated.
Kakashi now understood why the future Yamato had hit him three times. Striking that despicable guy's head felt incredibly satisfying!
"Your footwork is too loose, and your stance is unstable!" Kakashi continued his critique.
Yamato rubbed his head with one hand, feeling a bit overwhelmed by Kakashi's intense guidance.
Just then, the usually late Obito and Itachi arrived at the training ground together.
Seeing Yamato and Kakashi sparring—or, more accurately, seeing Yamato being pummeled by Kakashi—Obito's eyes widened in recognition.
"Hey, isn't that Captain Yamato? How come he looks so young after not seeing him for several months?" Obito exclaimed, recognizing the ANBU captain who had traveled back in time with Uzumaki Naruto.
"That must be the Yamato from our time, not the future Yamato," Itachi mused.
As Itachi had not joined them on the Dragon Vein mission, he had not seen Yamato before and was deducing based on logic. He was certain that the Yamato being thrashed by Kakashi couldn't be the ANBU captain.
"Of course not!" Obito snorted. "If time travel were that easy, Teacher Mu Yue would have taken us to the future to play when we were in Loulan." He was just making a casual remark.
Noticing the arrival of the other disciples, Kakashi halted the sparring session. Mu Yue was usually the last to arrive, and it was about time. He didn't want to be impolite by continuing to beat up Yamato.
As Kakashi expected, Mu Yue appeared before them at that moment.
"Teacher Mu Yue!" Everyone greeted her respectfully.
"Good morning," Mu Yue replied with a smile and a nod.
Might Guy had temporarily returned to Chen Lin's team, and Rin Nohara was training with Tsunade, so all the disciples who could be present were there.
Mu Yue then called Yamato over to her side and addressed the other three disciples.
"This is Yamato. He will be training with us today." Mu Yue gave a brief introduction of Yamato and then signaled to the trio with her eyes.
Kakashi nodded slightly. He knew that he couldn't divulge anything about the future ninja, and even without Mu Yue's reminder, he would have made sure to caution Obito against revealing anything to Yamato.
"I'm Itachi Uchiha. Nice to meet you," Itachi introduced himself, taking the initiative.
"I'm Obito Uchiha. Follow my lead, and I guarantee that Kakashi won't be able to bully you anymore," Obito boasted, patting his chest.
Yamato looked at Obito in surprise. So, he had just been bullied by Kakashi?
Kakashi remained silent but pulled out a photo of Obito from his ninja tool pouch and held it up for Obito to see.
Obito glared at Kakashi angrily, but he closed his mouth, understanding Kakashi's unspoken threat: if he continued, Kakashi would plaster his photos all over the main district of Konoha.
"I'm Kakashi Hatake. Don't listen to that guy, Obito. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I'm the most reliable person around," Kakashi said with a friendly smile as he ruffled Yamato's hair.
"Sorry, did that hurt? I might have used a bit too much force earlier," Kakashi apologized sincerely.
"It's okay. It doesn't hurt anymore, Kakashi-senpai. You were just guiding me," Yamato replied, feeling that he might have misunderstood Kakashi's intentions.
After all, Kakashi seemed gentle, although not as gentle as Teacher Mu Yue.
A smile played at the corners of Kakashi's mouth as he looked at Yamato. He had plenty of time to get those three punches back with interest.
"Ahem, now that introductions are done, let's begin our training," Mu Yue said, clearing her throat.
PS: I'm considering whether to write the Boruto world's Naruto storyline as a side story first.
The Dragon Vein plotline isn't completely over yet, and Naruto will return later, around the time of the Fourth Great Ninja War in the original story. There will be plenty of exciting and familiar storylines to look forward to.
However, since that Naruto has also been influenced by the protagonist, I'm thinking of briefly writing about the changes brought about by Naruto with the Yang Breath first. That way, the storyline will be smoother and less abrupt.
Also, please vote for this novel with your monthly tickets!
Here's a friend's Naruto fanfiction:
Title: "Konoha: Nurturing the Fire Shadow"
A relaxing and fun story about a ninja who uses Gu (marital arts parasites) and Aburame insects.
(End of Chapter)
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