Actually, the Nine-tails' intuition wasn't wrong…
Aomi indeed does not need the Chakra from the Nine-tails and Naruto; the Chakra they carry, infused with Otherworld's aura, is worthless to Aomi and merely a burden when returning to the original timeline.
Otherworld Chakra, it's not even worth giving to a dog…
As the medium for the Dojutsu "Bonke Jizaiten," Aomi simply wishes for the Nine-tails and Naruto to become stronger, and then diverge from their predetermined destiny, forging a unique path along the way.
"I just can't stand a kid who a few days ago was thinking about pulling silly pranks to get attention, suddenly understanding life's philosophies like an old man just because he learned one Shadow Clone…"
The Nine-tails, seeing Aomi's cheerful demeanor, flicked its tails, squinted its eyes, and increased the Chakra output: "That's enough!"
"I bet in a couple of days, you'll remember that pink-haired girl and start itching to figure out how to get her attention, to see her excited over those few ninjutsu tricks you've learned…"
"Such a poor desire for conquest, sigh…"
The Nine-tails shook its head: "You just go ahead and waste time pondering these useless things. I've not only mastered the Shadow Clone but also the simplified Yang Release Wood Release Clone!"
"What, you stupid fox, how did you learn so fast!"
Naruto had been listening dismissively to the Nine-tails' jabs, since he was genuinely uncaring towards Sakura now, even if the Nine-tails' taunts hit a bit off-mark.
But hearing that the Nine-tails learned faster than him, Naruto suddenly broke into a sweat…
No, this can't be!
"Haha, for an idiot like you, it's no surprise that I learn faster!"
The Nine-tails performed the hand seals and rapidly summoned several lifelike fox clones, dozens of tails crazily wagging, full of mockery and show-off.
As Naruto looked closely, even his breathing became a bit labored…
Damn it!
The Nine-tails' clones looked even more realistic than his own Shadow Clones…
"Ahhhhhhhhhh!"
Naruto crouched on the ground, clutching his head and screaming: "No, I must master a more powerful clone jutsu than yours, just wait, you stupid fox!"
The Nine-tails laughed heartily: "Serves you right for mocking me the other day. This is what happens when you laugh at Lord Kurama!"
The scene turned jovial, prompting even Aomi to crack a smile.
The Nine-tails and Naruto, both slow learners in ninjutsu, encountered certain obstacles at the beginning of their training—which was also part of Aomi's plan.
The two novices, both with talent, yet eager to show off their so-called cleverness to Aomi…
By slightly raising the difficulty, the Nine-tails and Naruto would start communicating as classmates in private, fostering a strong bond.
Naruto and the Nine-tails, after all, are a natural pair…
And for Aomi, their synergy creates a beneficial amplification, yielding significant strategic advantages…
Through Aomi's prompting, the two managed to break free from their predestined path, forming a bizarre relationship—You can do well, but you can't outshine the classic brotherhood I have!
This person and fox, due to Aomi's arranged Jutsu, would discuss passionately until dawn, and even begrudgingly at each other's rapid progress.
Nevertheless, this can be considered a form of competitiveness…
As long as they lift each other up, rapidly enhancing their own abilities, they align with Aomi's interests.
"Naruto, the weak are limited by talent, forced to rely on the group… The gifted individual might struggle with inherent social bonds, shackling their passions in the intricate web of emotions."
Aomi smiled as he observed the playful Naruto and Nine-tails, speaking leisurely:
"I want to ask you, Naruto… If Konoha's perception of you shifts after today, and those who looked down on you begin to admire and favor you, even the ninja school teachers praise you, what will you do?"
"Just follow your heart, Naruto… There's no need to consider my influence; I don't intend to interfere with your growth. I simply wish to quietly witness your decisions as a friend."
When Aomi's voice echoed, Naruto and the Nine-tails paused their actions in unison, quietly listening to Aomi's words.
"I… I won't change my views, Brother Aomi…"
Naruto bowed his head in contemplation for a moment, then his eyes steadily turned determined: "I don't need others to change their attitude toward me, or rather, the way this village treats me doesn't matter at all."
"Even if they change, it's not due to benevolence towards me, but out of reverence for the ninjutsu and techniques you taught me, Brother Aomi."
"I haven't yet understood why my parents were betrayed by Konoha… Brother Aomi, I just wish to quickly grow stronger, to uncover why, as the son of the Fourth Hokage, I was kept in the dark, treated this way by the village since childhood…"
The Nine-tails snorted coldly: "Kid, do you understand what human nature is? It sounds like you're interested in delving into those murky and ugly layers…"
"Fox, precisely because I don't understand, that's why I need to do it myself!"
Naruto, instead of immediately retorting the Nine-tails, took a deep breath and said seriously: "I want freedom, true freedom! Just as Brother Aomi said, I am an orphan with no family constricting my thoughts…"
"The only thing is, as my parents' son, I wish to resolve the posthumous betrayal they suffered. After that, I won't feel bound by my heritage…"
"I only need to account for Brother Aomi, who guides me!"
Naruto glanced sideways at the Nine-tails, pulling a face: "What are you looking at? Do you think I'd care about you? Stupid fox!"
The Nine-tails rolled its eyes dramatically, yet its lips unexpectedly curled upwards: "Such a childish kid…"
"Alright then, time to train!"
Aomi clapped his hands: "Now that you've mastered Shadow Clone Jutsu, following a gradual teaching method, today's lesson is—Handseal-less Dust Release!"
With a buzz.
In Aomi's palm, a grey and icy barrier suddenly appeared.
"Awesome! I want to learn this; it looks really powerful!" Naruto jumped up excitedly, seemingly oblivious to the fact that transitioning from Shadow Clone to Dust Release didn't adhere to a strict incremental scale...
The leap was slightly ambitious.
Meanwhile, the Nine-tails widened its fox eyes.
It could sense that Dust Release, as an advanced jutsu, was positioned above Kekkeigenkai…
Could such a thing truly be taught?
But observing Aomi's gentle smile, the Nine-tails' heart suddenly calmed down.
If it's this man…
Perhaps there's nothing impossible.
Having a Nine-tails proficient in Dust Release… wouldn't that be extremely cool?
——
While Naruto and the Nine-tails studied with Aomi.
Konoha Village was far from peaceful.
In the Hokage Building, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, listened to a report from a Ninja School teacher, his eyes clouded with uncertainty.
The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Naruto, appeared to display a talent akin to Namikaze Minato?
And more critically, Naruto seemed to harbor some discontent towards the village, not continuing to maintain friendly interactions with classmates and villagers, showing signs of aggression instead.
"Hiruzen, I've heard, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki is acting up!"
Shimura Danzo burst in, saying loudly: "Leave him to me! I will turn Uzumaki Naruto into a qualified weapon. Don't be lenient just because of his parentage!"
"For Konoha, such a sacrifice is worth it. I believe Namikaze Minato, if he were alive, would agree!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen took up his pipe, gesturing for Danzo to leave: "Get out, Danzo! The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki is not within your jurisdiction. Don't bring up such matters with me again."
Shimura Danzo's face stiffened, instinctively roaring: "Hiruzen, you will regret this!"
"Danzo, I am the Hokage!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen deeply inhaled the just-lit tobacco: "Leave now, the Uchiha Clan's recent movement is concerning, you should focus your attention there…"
"And remember to close the door on the way out."
Shimura Danzo snorted heavily: "Uchiha… The Uchiha should have been dealt with long ago!"
As the two Konoha leaders discussed the Uchiha.
In the precincts of the Flame Fan clan.
Uchiha Itachi looked at the disheartened Sasuke with curiosity, softly asking: "What's wrong, Sasuke?"