DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO (WHAT ABOUT YOU? DO YOU OWN NARUTO?)

Ch.42 - Above and Beyond

- Somewhere in Konoha -

Amidst a different corner of the forest in Konoha (Hidden Leaf), where the trees soared to new heights and the forest's cover created a refreshing shade, a commanding voice reverberated, "Again!" Asuma found himself engrossed in training his trio of students. Hour after dedicated hour, Team 10 toiled through the same routine, their efforts chiseling away at the barriers before them. While the advancements they made were small, they embodied progress nonetheless,

Team 10 persevered unfailingly, dedicating hours upon hours to the same regimen. While the steps they advanced were small, they embodied progress nonetheless,

"I can't feel my legs..." Ino groaned out as she was lying on the forest floor on her back.

"I can't feel my... Well... Everything!" Naruto chimed in

"That's because you two kept losing control of the chakra you gathered at the bottom of your feet" Asuma replied.

"Can we at least take a break, for like... I don't know... Five minutes?..." Ino pleaded.

"Yeah, Asuma-sensei! HECK! We'll even settle for three minutes!" Naruto's appeal was earnest.

"Not happening" Asuma's refusal was resolute.

"Fine, TWO MINUTES!" Naruto ventured into negotiation.

"No" Asuma's response remained unwavering.

"ONE MINUTE!" Naruto pushed on.

"No dice" Asuma countered.

"HALF A MINUTE! And that's my final offer!" Naruto's resolve held strong.

"Nope" Asuma affirmed.

"AWWW COME ON! Just a teensy-weensy little break, Asuma-sensei..." Naruto's imploring continued unabated.

"For the last time, Naruto! No, the both of you already asked for multiple breaks earlier, and what did you do with your break time earlier?... Both of you wasted it by squabbling for half an hour..." Asuma's exasperation was palpable.

"Well, she started it..." Naruto's muttered complaint reached Ino's ears.

"I most certainly did not!' Ino's retort was sharp.

"Did too!"

"Did not!"

"DID TOO!"

"DID NOT!"

The back-and-forth between Naruto and Ino continued while Asuma stood sentinel. Then suddenly, a touch on his back surprised him — it was Shino.

"Don't worry Asuma-sensei, why? Because they're tire themselves out, eventually..." Shino reassured him, Asuma couldn't help but chuckle at his student's pragmatic perspective.

"I suppose you're right, Shino. Good thing you're not complaining about not having a break as well" Asuma replied with a slight grin.

In response, Shino remained silent for a moment, his reply withheld. Eventually, he opted to be forthright with his sensei. "In all honesty, Asuma-sensei... I could go for a break as well..." Shino admitted, his reluctance evident.

Asuma sighed, massaging his temples in thought. "OI! You two! That's enough!" he commanded, his voice slicing through Naruto and Ino's impending protest.

"But-" Naruto and Ino began in tandem, silenced by their teacher's firm tone.

"No buts!" he asserted firmly, restoring quiet before continuing, "Now that I have everyone's attention, I will allow the three of you to take a break, ON ONE CONDITION!" Asuma emphasized, regaining their full focus, "That all three of you must surpass the marks you made on your tree, am I clear?"

The trio exchanged glances, a silent deliberation taking place as they weighed their options in response to their sensei's stipulation. After a brief discussion, a unanimous consensus emerged among them to accept Asuma's challenge. "YOU'RE ON!" the enthusiastic exclamations of both blondes reverberated through the clearing, while Shino, as usual, remained the silent participant.

"Okay then, whenever you're ready," Asuma's words ushered in the decisive moment for his three students.

Naruto, Ino, and Shino redirected their focus back to their respective trees. Among them, Naruto had etched the highest mark, drawing from his understanding of the Nebaiken (Sticky-fist) fighting style. Ino followed, her mark slightly behind Naruto's, while Shino's trailed as the last entry. Initially, their confidence was palpable, each assuming the exercise would prove rather straightforward. However, their preconceptions crumbled in the face of reality. The mechanics of channeling chakra and converting it into jutsu differed fundamentally from the challenge of anchoring chakra beneath their feet. While Naruto possessed a slight edge due to his prior familiarity with focusing chakra on specific body parts, he had only occasionally attempted it on the soles of his feet and struggled to sustain consistency.

Naruto turned his attention to his companions, seeking input on who should take the lead, his anxiety was evident since the prospect of taking a break was on the line. "You go first, Naruto" Ino offered, her response surprising him.

"EHHHHHH?!... Why me?!..." Naruto's query held genuine confusion.

"Well, you're the one with the highest mark out of the three of us! And you also know that Neb... Nebi... Neba... Whatever it's called" Ino's reasoning surfaced.

"It's called Nebaiken (Sticky-fist). And there's no way am I stepping up first! Ino. And besides, even if I'm in the lead, my chances of surpassing my record are slim, what if I screw up?!..." Naruto argued.

Ino conceded with a sigh – Naruto did have a valid point. Still, she was unwilling to assume the role herself. Their mutual gaze shifted to Shino, a non-verbal consensus forming. Shino sighed, well aware of the unspoken expectation. Reluctantly, he acceded to their silent urging. The blondes expressed their gratitude by immediately offering vocal encouragement.

"You can do it, Shino!" Ino's voice carried.

"You got this!" Naruto added.

Shino positioned himself in front of his designated tree, creating a slight gap between him and the bark to grant himself ample room to start running. Echoes of Asuma's guidance replayed in his mind. One particular piece of advice stood out: a reminder to approach the tree with enough momentum. This speed would help them run up the tree and reach high up. But Asuma also stressed that they needed to have enough chakra on the bottom of their feet. This chakra would help with their first steps stick to the tree. Otherwise, they'd just crash face-first into the tree really hard.

The second nugget of wisdom pertained to maintaining a steady and uniform stream of chakra across the surface of their feet. This consistency, or lack thereof, would determine whether their feet could cling to the tree's rugged surface. Without this, an inevitable outcome awaited – an untimely descent to the ground below. As Shino absorbed these instructions, he steeled himself for the upcoming attempt, ready to translate theory into action.

He produced a kunai, securing it with a resolute grip in his dominant hand. Inhaling deeply, he initiated the gathering of chakra to his feet. This process consumed a few fleeting moments, after which he directed his gaze straight ahead to verify his alignment with the looming tree. With unwavering determination, Shino embarked on a brisk sprint toward the tree, all the while concentrating on maintaining the chakra's connection to the soles of his feet.

Closing in on the tree's substantial trunk, a surge of urgency coursed through him. The pivotal moment had arrived. The initial step he planted adhered as if guided by fate, setting a promising tone. Subsequent steps secured a foothold on the bark, propelling him into a fluid rhythm, tracing the tree's sinuous path.

Time ebbed away as his proximity to the goal grew. Yet uncertainty clouded his focus. The chakra's grasp on his feet faltered, akin to a flame flickering in a gusty wind. Ignoring the encroaching doubt, he pushed forward, summoning hidden reserves of determination. A few strides beyond his intended mark, he maintained his momentum. Once he knew that he could no longer go further, using his kunai, he etched a fresh mark on the tree's rough surface, an indelible emblem of his triumph.

"He did it!" Ino's cheer rang through the air, a burst of elation.

"Way to go, Shino!" Naruto's cheer joined in, an exclamation of camaraderie.

Shino's agile form executed a graceful backflip, carrying him away from the sturdy tree trunk. His feet met the forest floor with a soft rustle of leaves as he joined his teammates. Their warm cheers resonated, an echo of camaraderie. The blondes, brimming with modesty, brushed off the praise, insisting it was a small feat. However, it was now Ino's moment, and her nerves were palpable. Taking a gulp of resolve, she ventured toward her designated tree, mirroring Shino's path.

The expanse between her and the tree invited her to gather chakra, a sensation that radiated from within. Her eyes closed, immersed in concentration, then opened with determination. Swift strides closed the distance as she propelled herself toward the tree. Right foot met wood, the connection immediate and sticky, encouraging her to proceed. Step by step, the rhythm of contact continued, propelling her along the trunk akin to Shino's earlier spectacle. Each step fueled her confidence, her pace surpassing all previous attempts. Triumphantly, she surpassed her prior mark and etched a new milestone into the bark. With a decisive leap, she disengaged from the trunk, landing back on the forest floor, her heart alight with achievement.

Naruto's voice, full of genuine encouragement, cut through the air. "Nice one, Ino!" he exclaimed, his praise a soothing balm.

Her response was a heartfelt expression of gratitude, spoken amidst the rustling of leaves and the shared sense of accomplishment. Shino's understated approval followed, his words like a quiet affirmation that lifted her spirits further. Another appreciative exchange transpired, wrapping her in a tapestry of support.

Amid this exchange, Naruto's realization dawned—his turn had arrived. A hand rested on his shoulder, a gesture of reassurance from Ino. Her words, soft yet firm, carried a promise. "You'll do just fine, Naruto," she assured him, her voice a steady anchor amidst the anticipation.

A mixture of hope and doubt danced in his reply. "I hope you're right, Ino," he admitted, his stance poised in front of the waiting tree. But before he took another step forward, a spark of inspiration ignited within his mind. He decided to halt his progress momentarily and asking a question to his sensei, letting the words flow, "Say, Asuma-sensei... I've been thinking..." The intrigue in his tone caught Asuma's attention, prompting him to listen attentively. Seizing the opening, he posed the question that had been weighing on him.

"Can you define what a jutsu is for me?..." he inquired.

Asuma narrowed his eyes, momentarily puzzled by Naruto's sudden curiosity. However, he chose to indulge the query with an earnest response, explaining that a jutsu was a technique employed by shinobi in diverse situations to enhance their capabilities in fulfilling their duties.

Nodding with contentment at his sensei's answer, Naruto reflected, "I see... So, technically, even something like tree-walking could be classified as a jutsu too, right?..." he probed.

"I suppose it is, Naruto" Asuma replied.

"You guys heard it from Asuma-sensei himself: a jutsu is a technique that shinobi use to help them do their job, whatever it may be." Naruto summarized. He positioned himself confidently before the ancient tree, making sure he had the right distance for a strong start. Clutching the kunai Ino had given him back in the woodlands of Mori no Kuni (Land of Forests), he held it firmly, channeling his chakra downward to his feet. Ready to go, he sprinted toward the sturdy tree trunk, executing a familiar hand seal just as he neared it. "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu! (Shadow Clone Technique)," he declared. Suddenly, a clone materialized, its hands forming a foothold for Naruto to utilize to propel himself upwards. With a graceful leap, Naruto landed on the clone's palms, using them as a springboard to soar higher. Naruto then adroitly aligned his feet to grip the tree trunk, the chakra he had infused in his feet ensured a secure hold, granting him stability as he made his ascent. Foot by foot, he ascended, gaining height with each sure step.

Asuma and his teammates, Ino and Shino, were taken aback by Naruto's approach. Uncertainty clouded their expressions as they watched Naruto's unconventional approach, wondering if he would be disqualified, yet they realized Asuma hadn't expressly forbidden the use of additional jutsus. Asuma's eyebrows quirked, realization dawning upon him. He wasn't angry, he was actually impressed by Naruto's ingenuity. Asuma couldn't help but admire the resourcefulness that had eluded his initial judgment, he had indeed refrained from prohibiting the utilization of alternate jutsus.

Moments passed, and Naruto had long surpassed his initial goal. The temptation to conclude this endeavor was ripe, he could have easily marked a new spot and called it a day, yet he chose to persist, propelled by an unyielding curiosity on how much higher he could get. His focus remained steadfast, meticulously managing the flow of chakra to the soles of his feet. Step after step, he etched a new path along the ancient oak's bark, each movement a testament to his audacity. He managed to score a few more steps before his control over the chakra wavered. Without hesitation, he used his kunai to carve a new mark onto the trunk. Stepping back, he landed gracefully on the forest floor, his teammates appearing nervous and his sensei observing quietly. Naruto's anxiety grew; he wasn't sure how Asuma felt about his bold move.

"Well damn... I'm impressed, Naruto" Asuma's voice held a tone of genuine admiration. His eyes bore witness to Naruto's accomplishment, a leap beyond his prior limits that bordered on the astounding. "Not only did you beat your previous mark by a massive margin, but you also took advantage of a loophole I didn't think of. Well played, kid. Well played..." Asuma's hand found a home on Naruto's shoulder, a silent congratulation that spoke volumes.

The weight of Asuma's recognition lifted a veil of tension that had unknowingly settled over Ino and Shino. A collective sigh escaped their lips as the cloud of uncertainty dissipated. With a casual yet earnest assurance, Asuma's words held sway. "A deal's a deal. You guys can now take a break. But please..." His tone held a gentle admonishment, a request tinted with a shade of pleading. "No more fighting, okay?..."

Naruto, never one to resist a playful response, shot a grin toward his sensei. "We'll try, Asuma-sensei. But no promises!" His eyes gleamed with mischief, a twinkle that mirrored his cheeky demeanor. Asuma couldn't suppress a resigned sigh in response, a mixture of fond exasperation and affection for the spirited determination of his young charges.

- In The 3rd Training Grounds -

At the 3rd Training Grounds, Kakashi and Hinata were deep into their training, having dedicated a solid hour to their efforts. Just an hour before, Kakashi had set Hinata on a task – using her Byakugan (All Seeing White Eye) (All Seeing White Eye) to spot the clones he had created and strategically placed in various hidden spots around them. A few days prior, Kakashi had conducted an experiment to gauge Hinata's visual range while her Byakugan (All Seeing White Eye) was active. His findings revealed that her sight extended to a maximum of fifty meters.

Keeping this insight in mind, Kakashi delved into one of the training techniques outlined in the missive handed over by Hinata's father, Hiashi. The letter contained valuable guidance, and it suggested that continuously maintaining the Byakugan's (All Seeing White Eye) activation and compelling its user to peer beyond its usual boundaries could eventually expand the Byakugan's (All Seeing White Eye) range. With this strategy in play, Kakashi directed the clones he had conjured to strategically conceal themselves within a span of 51 to 60 meters from their location, pushing beyond the comfort zone Hinata was accustomed to.

Kakashi conjured around thirty lifelike clones, skillfully scattering them through the training ground. Hinata, with a determined gleam in her eyes, had managed to pinpoint about 65% of these elusive duplicates—twenty in total. However, ten more remained hidden, a challenge that still lay ahead.

"How are you holding up, Hinata?" Kakashi inquired, genuine concern lacing his words.

"I-I can keep on going, Kakashi-sensei," Hinata replied, her voice infused with a mixture of determination and slight exhaustion.

Even though she projected resolve, Kakashi discerned the subtle strain in Hinata's efforts. A memory drifted to his mind, the time he had prompted each of his students to introduce themselves and unveil their aspirations. Among them, he recalled, was Hinata, her dream twofold: earning her father's pride and someday leading her clan with unshakable strength. Kakashi was also privy to the weight of her low self-esteem, a burden perhaps exacerbated by the towering expectations the Hyuga Clan placed upon her as their heiress within the Leaf Village.

"You know you can take a break if you wanted to, Hinata," Kakashi suggested gently, his words carrying a comforting assurance. "This exercise isn't necessarily about speed; it's more about expanding your Byakugan's (All Seeing White Eye) range. And besides, my clones aren't going anywhere," he added with an eye smile.

Hinata let out a sigh, surrendering momentarily. With a subtle release of chakra, the veins that had pulsed around her eyes faded, and the tension in her form eased. Kakashi observed her, noting the slightly labored rhythm of her breath—a testament to her determination.

"T-This is very hard, Kakashi-sensei..." Hinata confessed, her vulnerability exposed in the midst of their training.

"Well, it's meant to be challenging. The purpose of this exercise is to push you beyond your comfort zone," Kakashi responded, his tone a mix of camaraderie and mentorship.

"I-I know... It's just that... I-I worry that I don't have what it takes to be strong enough..." Hinata's voice wavered, carrying the weight of her doubts.

Kakashi paused, his mind working to find the right words. Then, an inspiration struck him. Slowly, he lifted his hitai-ate, exposing the Sharingan (Copy/Mirror Wheel Eye) that resided beneath. Hinata's gaze caught the sight, curiosity and uncertainty evident in her expression.

"This Sharingan (Copy/Mirror Wheel Eye) of mine, I struggled to wield it when in the past, believe it or not," Kakashi shared, revealing a piece of his own journey.

"R-Really?" Hinata's curiosity surged, her eyes widening with interest. Kakashi acknowledged this with a nod, his gaze fixed on her.

"In the past, my Sharingan (Copy/Mirror Wheel Eye) would eat up a lot of my chakra causing me to be always tired. I had no choice but to train myself, to learn its ways and trying tons of ways to conserve my chakra. It took a very long time to master. But now? I think I can safely say I've gotten the hang of it," Kakashi elucidated, his words carrying the wisdom of experience. Hinata absorbed his explanation, nodding in understanding.

"So you see, struggling at first is perfectly normal. We all have to start somewhere," Kakashi reassured her, a gentle smile gracing his features. Grateful for his encouraging words, Hinata expressed her thanks before announcing her readiness to resume their training. At his encouragement, she prepared to reengage her abilities, her Byakugan (All Seeing White Eye) reawakening.

Gathering her chakra, she channeled it into her eyes, hoping to enhance her perception for this exercise. With unwavering focus, she scoured the surroundings, intent on locating the concealed clones. Gradually, her efforts bore fruit: one clone found shelter behind a tree, another strategically positioned near a boulder, one cleverly submerged underground, another concealed within a cave's shadows. Her search persisted, unveiling more and more clones, until just a solitary figure remained undiscovered. Kakashi had purposefully positioned this last one at a distance of 60 meters, a deliberate challenge to test Hinata's capabilities.

Recognizing the difficulty of this final task, Kakashi decided to offer a hint, gently guiding her. He subtly indicated that the elusive clone lingered in the northwest direction. Taking note of her sensei's clue, Hinata adjusted her focus, her gaze sweeping the northwest quadrant in pursuit of the concealed duplicate.

Hinata channeled an increased surge of chakra into her Byakugan (All Seeing White Eye), a determined effort to stretch its boundaries even farther. Patiently, she persisted, her gaze sweeping through the terrain. And then, after a considerable span of searching, success graced her endeavors. There it was—a clone positioned delicately upon a tree branch.

"I-I did it!" Hinata's jubilant exclamation carried a mixture of triumph and exhilaration. Kakashi met her achievement with a genuine smile, his approval evident in his eyes. He offered his congratulations, praising her for her impressive accomplishment. He also promised her a well-deserved reward, inviting her to name whatever she desired. Though slightly bashful, Hinata hesitated to voice her wish. Yet Kakashi, with gentle encouragement, urged her to express her longing, emphasizing that she had earned it.

Gradually, Hinata's resolve solidified, and she disclosed that she has always wanted to try eating at the place where Naruto ate ramen, Ichiraku Ramen. Kakashi's recognition was instant and understanding dawned in his eyes. Asuma's recounting of the amount he spent on Naruto's ramen habit made Ichiraku Ramen's name familiar to him. Amid curiosity, one question lingered: why this particular eatery among all the choices?

Pushing aside his musings for the moment, Kakashi nodded in agreement. With a sense of camaraderie and accomplishment, both of them then left the training ground as he accompanied Hinata to the ramen stall, the promise of a hearty bowl of ramen awaiting them.

(A/N: Here's another new chapter, and this time I tried out the new solution! This chapter features Team 10 and Team 7 (well, two of them) training. And hopefully I did an okay job with this chapter in terms of moving the plot forward and developing other characters as well. Anyway, I hope y'all liked this one, and yeah! Love you lots! Cheers! ^^)