As Ethan and Kushina approached the Minami-Kaga River, he suddenly paused, his eyes flickering as a flood of information surged into his mind.
Kushina noticed and tilted her head. "What's wrong?"
Ethan blinked before shaking his head with a small smile. "Nothing, Minato's Shadow Clone just dispelled. He found a training spot. Let's go."
With that, they ran through the dense forest, following the river downstream. Within minutes, they arrived at a clearing where Minato was already waiting.
Minato waved. "Over here! What do you think? Pretty good, right?"
Ethan surveyed the area, nodding in approval. "Yeah, this will work well. Secluded enough, no disturbances."
Minato stepped forward. "So… how do we train?" He looked a little uncertain. Being from a civilian background, he didn't have access to specialized training methods beyond what was taught in the Academy.
Ethan smirked. "We'll start with the fundamentals—Chakra control, hand seals, and physical training. No rush for advanced ninjutsu yet. Once the foundation is solid, everything else will come easier."
Minato frowned slightly. "I understand hand seals and physical training, but isn't that what we already do in school? And what exactly do you mean by Chakra control training?"
Ethan shook his head. "No, what they teach in school is too basic. I've developed a physical training regimen based on Uchiha techniques, mixed with other styles. It's already being used in our Uchiha Academy for young trainees. Let me show you."
He steadied his stance. "Watch carefully. This isn't just about movement—it's about control, balance, and efficiency."
Ethan began demonstrating, his movements precise and deliberate. Every motion served a purpose, enhancing flexibility, endurance, and strength. His training combined traditional Uchiha agility drills with elements of advanced taijutsu and even hints of the Six Styles.
As he moved, he explained each step, breaking down its purpose and benefits. Kushina and Minato watched in awe, absorbing the technique. When Ethan finished, he turned to them.
"Alright, how much do you remember?"
Kushina immediately raised a hand. "I got all of it!"
Minato nodded. "I think I can follow along."
Ethan smirked. "Great. Now show me."
Kushina and Minato tried mimicking Ethan's movements, but it was clear that remembering was different from executing. Their stances wobbled, and their movements lacked precision.
Ethan clicked his tongue. "Not bad for a first attempt, but you're both too stiff. Let your body flow."
Seeing they needed more guidance, Ethan created a Shadow Clone to personally correct their form. As his clone worked with them, Ethan stepped back and began his own training.
He focused on basic physical conditioning and health-preserving exercises, pushing his body to refine his movements. His mastery talent allowed him to adjust and optimize his technique constantly, making every repetition more efficient.
[You have practiced basic physical techniques, proficiency +6.]
After ten rounds, his muscles ached from exertion. He took out a nutritional pill—one of his high-purity formulations. Unlike the standard Uchiha Pharmacy products, this pill contained 90% pure concentrated Sea Kings essence, equivalent to eating a pound of high-grade meat.
He swallowed the pill, feeling a warm surge spread through his body, restoring energy and reducing fatigue. His cells absorbed the nourishment, reinforcing his stamina.
Meanwhile, Minato and Kushina continued practicing under his Shadow Clone's guidance. They improved gradually, but it was clear they had a long way to go.
Ethan clapped his hands. "Alright, that's enough for now. You're both making progress, but don't rush. Mastery takes time."
Kushina groaned, stretching her sore arms. "Ugh, I never thought basic training could be this tough."
Minato wiped sweat from his forehead but smiled. "Yeah… but I can already feel the difference."
Ethan nodded. "That's because this training isn't just about raw strength—it's about efficiency. Keep at it, and your speed and stamina will skyrocket."
Kushina smirked. "Fine! But once I get better, I'm challenging you to a spar!"
Ethan grinned. "Deal."
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, the three of them collapsed onto the grass, catching their breath.
Minato sighed. "This was a tough first session… but I feel like I'm finally improving."
Ethan glanced at both of them. "This is only the beginning. If we keep this up, we'll be on another level in a few months."
Kushina sat up, eyes burning with determination. "Then let's make a pact! We train together. We grow stronger together. And we NEVER leave each other behind!"
Ethan and Minato exchanged glances before smiling.
"Agreed," Ethan said.
"Yeah! Let's do it!" Minato added.
They reached out, placing their hands together in the center, sealing their promise.
No matter what the future held, they would face it together.
Ethan watched as the fatigue and soreness in his body gradually dissipated under the effects of the warm energy. It would take about half an hour to completely recover, so he dismissed the Shadow Clone that had been guiding Minato and Kushina and walked over to assess their progress.
He observed their stances, movements, and breathing, nodding in satisfaction. "Not bad! It seems your understanding and physical talent are quite good!"
"Over the next few months, spend one to two hours in the morning and afternoon practicing this basic physical training. Keep tempering your body consistently."
"Huh?!" Kushina's expression immediately fell as she panted, sweat dripping from her forehead. "Every day?! One or two hours in the morning and afternoon?! You might as well kill me now!"
Minato chuckled as he wiped his sweat away, shaking his head. "Kushina, there's no shortcut in training. Hard work is the only way to get stronger."
His voice was calm and steady, but it held deep gratitude. He never imagined someone like Ethan—someone from the prestigious Uchiha clan—would share such precious training techniques with him. These were things civilians like him would never have access to.
Minato's favorability toward Ethan increased again, reaching 86 points.
Kushina rolled her eyes. "Ugh, stop being so serious, Blondie! I was just complaining!"
She then turned to Ethan with a hopeful gaze. "But really, isn't there a way to make this training a little easier?"
Ethan smirked at her. "Well... there actually is."
Minato and Kushina's eyes widened in shock.
"Really?!" Kushina ran up, grabbing onto Ethan's arm, her eyes shining with excitement.
Minato, however, remained calm, already accepting the hard work ahead.
Ethan didn't answer immediately. Instead, he activated Observation Haki, scanning the surroundings. Once he confirmed no one was nearby, he made a series of seals and placed a soundproof barrier around them.
His expression turned serious as he looked at them. "However, my method comes at a price."
Kushina and Minato both tensed.
"It requires you to trust me completely."
"This involves one of my most important secrets."
"If you agree, you'll gain immense benefits… but you'll also be bound to me in a certain way."
"Are you still willing to proceed?"
Minato's expression became thoughtful, while Kushina hesitated only for a second before beaming. "I trust you, Ethan!"
Her answer was instant, without doubt. In her mind, she already saw Ethan as someone she admired, someone she…
She quickly pushed the thought away.
Minato took a deep breath, his eyes firm. "I trust you too."
Ethan smiled. "Alright, then I'll give you this opportunity."
With a flicker of his chakra, two glowing mystical runes appeared from the center of his forehead, floating toward Minato and Kushina.
Their eyes widened in awe.
"Touch the mark and choose to accept the contract in your mind. That's all you have to do."
Without hesitation, Minato and Kushina both reached out, pressing their hands against the glowing runes.
A voice echoed in their minds:
Do you accept the contract with Ethan? In doing so, you will receive great benefits, but you will also be bound to him in a certain way.
"I accept!"
Both of them answered without hesitation.
The runes turned into streaks of light, sinking into their bodies and settling within their sea of consciousness.
At that moment, an overwhelming flood of information poured into their minds.
Their eyes shut involuntarily as they struggled to absorb it all.
Ethan had shared knowledge about the Time-Space Gate, the Pirate World, and the existence of Devil Fruits, Haki, and powerful swordsmen.
More importantly, he gave them a glimpse into the future of the ninja world—though only vague information.
He revealed the Uzumaki Clan's imminent crisis and hinted at a far greater threat looming in the future—the Ōtsutsuki Clan.
More than ten minutes passed before Minato and Kushina finally opened their eyes.
Minato's expression was filled with disbelief. "This… is this all real? The existence of another world? The Pirate World? Devil Fruits? Haki? And… and the future of our world?"
It was almost too much to believe.
Ethan nodded calmly. "It's all real."
Minato clenched his fists. The weight of this knowledge was immense.
He looked at Ethan with deep respect. "You trusted us with this… Thank you."
His favorability soared to 90 points—a level where betrayal was impossible.
Ethan smiled knowingly. "Minato, you're truly an incredible person."
Kushina, however, had her priorities elsewhere. "Ethan! Is my home really going to be attacked? Is the Uzumaki Clan really going to be destroyed?!"
Her voice was frantic.
Ethan reached out and gently placed his hand on her head, comforting her. "Don't worry. Sarah and Lady Mito have already prepared for it."
Kushina's heart pounded from the warmth of his touch, but she focused on his words.
"Before my mother even met with Lady Mito, Lord Third Hokage had already received intelligence on the upcoming attack."
"A message was sent to your grandfather, Uzumaki Luming, urging him to evacuate the clan to Konoha… but he refused."
Kushina gasped. "What?! Why?! Why would Grandpa refuse?! Doesn't he see the danger?!"
Ethan sighed. "It's not that he doesn't want to leave… but moving an entire clan, an entire nation, isn't a simple decision. There are political pressures, obligations, and pride involved."
Kushina's fists clenched in frustration.
"But don't worry. When the attack does come, Lady Mito and Sarah will act. The Uchiha Clan has already agreed to assist in the rescue."
Kushina's eyes widened in surprise before softening with relief. "Really? We can save them?"
Ethan nodded. "Yes. But you must not tell Lady Mito or anyone about this conversation. This information is part of my secret, and I trust you both to keep it safe."
Kushina hesitated but nodded. "I understand. Thank you, Ethan."
Minato, who had been silent, finally spoke. "Ethan… about the Ōtsutsuki Clan… Is it true? Will they really come and try to destroy our world?"
Ethan's expression turned serious.
"Yes."
Minato's fists tightened. "Then… I have to get stronger."
He looked Ethan in the eyes, his gaze burning with determination. "You gave me this chance… I won't waste it. I'll become stronger, no matter what."
Kushina, too, had fire in her eyes.
Ethan smirked. "Then let's get started."
At that moment, the real training began.
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