The morning sun streamed through the window as Nolan stood outside in the backyard, preparing for another round of training. He glanced over at Naruto, who was already bouncing on the balls of his feet, waiting eagerly.
"Alright, Naruto," Nolan said with a grin. "We're going to take your Shadow Clone Jutsu to the next level today. I know you're familiar with it, but there's something important I want you to understand about how it works."
Naruto's eyes lit up. "Oh? What is it, Dad?"
Nolan smirked slightly, looking at the young boy's boundless energy. "When you use your Shadow Clones, they don't just mimic your movements. They actually absorb everything you do—every technique you perform, every bit of experience you gain—they learn it all and keep it when they disappear. So, the more clones you make, the more you can learn in a short period."
Naruto nodded, excited. "So, like, they get the same memories as me?"
Nolan gave a short laugh, his gaze softening. "Exactly. They retain everything you've taught them, but the key is that you need to use them wisely. They're great for training, but don't just waste your chakra. Remember to focus, control the flow, and you can turn it into something useful."
Naruto's eyes sparkled with understanding. "I get it! It's like having extra me's who can learn stuff without me having to do it all at once!"
"That's right," Nolan said. "So today, we're going to work on something specific. I want you to use the clones to practice water walking."
"Water walking?" Naruto repeated, his enthusiasm undeterred. "I can totally do that! You've been teaching me chakra control, and with the clones, I'll get it in no time!"
Nolan nodded. "Exactly. And remember, it's not just about walking on the water—it's about maintaining your chakra flow consistently. It'll be challenging at first, but the more clones you create, the faster you'll learn. Use the clones to help you find your balance."
Without wasting any more time, Naruto clapped his hands together, gathering his chakra. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Instantly, a dozen Naruto clones appeared around him, each one grinning with excitement. The original Naruto glanced at Nolan, who gave him an approving nod.
"Alright, Naruto," Nolan said. "Get out there and show me what you've got."
With the clones in tow, Naruto dashed toward the nearby lake. He was eager to get started, ready to take on this new challenge. He stood at the edge of the water, his clones forming a small crowd around him.
"Okay, here goes!" Naruto shouted, focusing his chakra to the soles of his feet. He then tried to step out onto the surface of the water.
At first, he wobbled, his feet sinking into the lake. His clones, however, were doing the same thing, splashing into the water with each failed attempt.
Nolan stood back, watching as Naruto's determination only grew stronger. He'd been here before with his own training, and he knew that persistence was the key. After several more attempts, Naruto's expression shifted from frustration to intense concentration.
"I won't give up!" Naruto shouted to himself, clenching his fists. "I can do this!"
He tried again, this time focusing even more on his chakra control. Slowly, he began to feel the tension in the air as his chakra was more evenly distributed. He stepped forward, and this time his foot stayed on the surface, not sinking at all.
"Yes! I did it!" Naruto yelled, pumping his fist into the air. His clones cheered in unison, clapping and shouting their own versions of congratulations.
Nolan watched, proud but not surprised. "Well done, Naruto. You've got it. Now, make your clones do the same, and keep refining your technique."
Naruto's eyes shone with excitement. "Okay! Let's do it!" He began moving around the lake, water walking with each step. His clones were all copying him, some struggling a bit, but all making steady progress.
While Naruto was busy perfecting his water walking technique, Nolan turned his attention to Itachi and Sasuke, who had been quietly watching the training from the porch. Itachi's gaze was sharp, always calculating. Sasuke, on the other hand, looked like he was deep in thought.
"I've been thinking," Nolan said as he approached them. "Sasuke... It's time to start working with your Sharingan. I know it's a sensitive subject, but you have a lot of untapped potential, and I believe it's time to awaken that power."
Sasuke tensed slightly, but he didn't look away. "I've been trying to unlock it. I've been focusing on my training. But something feels... off. Like there's something holding me back."
Itachi, who had been silent up until now, spoke quietly. "Sasuke... you know the Sharingan requires a strong emotional trigger. The loss of something or someone important. It can be painful, but it's also necessary."
Nolan, noticing the tension between the brothers, stepped in. "Itachi's right, Sasuke. The Sharingan isn't something you can just force open. But what if... what if the key to unlocking it isn't loss or pain, but trust?"
Sasuke frowned. "Trust?"
"Yes," Nolan said, his tone serious. "You've been training on your own, thinking that you have to do everything by yourself. But what if you let someone in? What if you let your brother help you through this? That might be the missing piece."
Itachi's expression softened as he placed a hand on Sasuke's shoulder. "He's right. You don't have to carry this burden alone, Sasuke. I'm here for you, and so is everyone else. We're all family now."
Sasuke looked up at his older brother, his face torn between his pride and the deep-seated pain he carried. Slowly, he nodded. "I'll try. But I still don't understand what I'm supposed to feel."
"You don't need to understand all of it right now," Nolan said. "But when you're ready, the Sharingan will unlock. And when it does, you'll be ready to take on whatever comes next."
Itachi gave his younger brother an encouraging smile. "We'll work on it together, Sasuke."
Sasuke took a deep breath and nodded, feeling a sense of calm settle over him for the first time in a long while.
After a few hours, it was clear that Naruto was making incredible progress. His clones were now walking across the water with ease, some even racing each other around the lake. Naruto himself had mastered the technique and was now practicing with speed and agility.
"Look, Dad!" Naruto shouted, running across the water at full speed, his clones following suit. "I'm getting faster! Check it out!"
Nolan smiled. "You're doing great, Naruto. Keep it up."
Meanwhile, Itachi and Sasuke were deep in their own training. Sasuke, though still unsure of himself, began trying to focus on his inner thoughts, trying to break through the barrier that had kept his Sharingan dormant. He knew it wasn't going to be easy, but he trusted that in time, he would figure it out.
Nolan walked over to him, offering a quiet word of encouragement. "You've got this, Sasuke. Don't rush it. When it's ready, you'll know."
By the time the sun was beginning to set, the backyard was alive with the sounds of training and laughter. It was a small moment of peace in a world that was always shifting, always changing. And Nolan, watching his sons grow, felt a sense of pride he hadn't felt in a long time.
The future was uncertain, but for the first time in years, Nolan felt hopeful. He had his family. And together, they were going to make it through whatever came next.