This Is the Shadow Clone Technique

"Shinki had never encountered a Tailed Beast before, had he?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi drew a sharp breath.

"No. By the time he was found and brought back, the Nine-Tails' attack was already over. He just said he had seen the Nine-Tails in a dream..." the Anbu continued.

"He only saw the Nine-Tails in a dream, yet he could imitate the Nine-Tails so closely, and that enormous amount of Chakra... Has Shinki finally learned to use the Chakra in his body proficiently?"

The Third murmured to himself, then instructed the Anbu, "Keep a closer eye on Shinki from now on."

After the little incident with Shinki's Transformation Technique, Iruka began the day's lessons.

But during class, he couldn't help looking back at Shinki.

Shinki, meanwhile, paid close attention from beginning to end, completely focused on the lesson. He was worlds apart from the rowdy Naruto beside him.

Before long, the day's classes at the Ninja Academy came to an end.

Just before dismissing the class, Iruka assigned them some homework. "Tomorrow we'll be reviewing the Clone Technique. Everyone, make sure you prepare for it at home."

On the way home, Naruto and Shinki walked together.

Seeing that Shinki had been silent the whole time, thinking about something, Naruto suggested, "Shinki, let's go draw on the Kage Rock together."

"Huh?"

Shinki came back to his senses and shook his head. "I can't. I was planning to practice using the Clone Technique when I get home."

"I already did a terrible job with the Transformation Technique today. If I'm just as bad at the Clone Technique tomorrow..."

Shinki sighed as he spoke.

"All right, then."

Naruto spread his hands. Watching Shinki walk home, he murmured, "Shinki's so strange today. He's working so hard."

"No! I have to practice hard too. I can't fall behind!"

Night fell.

Shinki practiced the Clone Technique over and over in his little courtyard.

Of course, he hadn't forgotten what Iruka had taught him about comprehension and adaptability, and he kept trying new things.

As he practiced, he grew so tired that he fell asleep in the courtyard.

Early the next morning.

All the students in the class had arrived, except for Shinki, who still hadn't shown up.

Iruka looked at Naruto. Of everyone in the class, Naruto was closest to Shinki.

"Naruto, do you know where Shinki went?"

Iruka asked.

Shinki was very punctual.

He had never been late before.

Something unusual must have happened today.

"He must have gotten scared and didn't dare come."

A student in the class spoke up.

"Exactly. The only thing Shinki can make with the Clone Technique is one limp doll!"

Another girl added mockingly.

"He probably just got lucky with the Transformation Technique yesterday. I bet he didn't dare come today!"

"Yeah, he must have gotten it right by accident yesterday, and now he has no confidence!"

The class grew noisier and noisier. Iruka had no choice but to lower his hand, signaling everyone to quiet down.

Just then, Shinki appeared at the classroom door, sweat covering his head.

"Sorry, Iruka-sensei. I practiced too late last night and accidentally overslept."

Shinki looked apologetic as he spoke.

But his explanation immediately drew another round of laughter from the other students.

"I practiced too late and accidentally overslept... Haha, that's definitely an excuse!"

"Exactly! Shinki, you've practiced for so long and still can't use the Clone Technique. I think you should stop wasting your effort!"

"Actually, there's nothing wrong with being an ordinary person!"

An angry Naruto immediately stood up for his friend.

"Haven't you people said enough?!"

4

"Naruto, they're only telling the truth. There's no need to get angry."

Sakura spoke from the side.

As she spoke, she looked toward Sasuke, who was sitting by the window, apparently hoping her words would catch his attention.

"Everyone's right. I really don't have much talent."

"But I can use the ordinary Clone Technique now."

In response to everyone's mockery, Shinki spoke with an innocent expression.

"Really, Shinki?"

Iruka asked in delighted surprise.

If it had been any other student, he certainly wouldn't have been so excited.

But this was Shinki!

Shinki, who hadn't successfully used a single Ninjutsu in five years at the Ninja Academy!

"Show everyone."

Iruka encouraged him.

"Hehe, we want to see it too!"

Sakura continued to laugh.

She didn't believe Shinki could learn the Clone Technique overnight!

Even if he had learned it, it was sure to be flawed!

It definitely wouldn't meet the requirements for the exam!

Shinki looked modest. "I might not be very good at it yet, so please excuse me."

With that, Shinki walked to the front of the classroom and formed a hand seal. "Clone Technique!"

"Whoosh!"

A clone identical to Shinki appeared at the front of the classroom!

(ｷ｀ﾟДﾟ´)!!

The whole class was stunned!

"He actually learned it!"

"At least he won't fail the Clone Technique exam."

"Looks like Shinki really has been working hard all along."

"Do you have to be so shocked? We learned that two or three years ago. He's only just learned it now!" Sakura said unhappily.

"That's true. It's only surprising because it happened to Shinki, the dead last."

Another student spoke up.

"Shinki, well done. You've already met the standard for the final exam."

Iruka patted Shinki's shoulder approvingly as he spoke.

"But don't get cocky. You're still quite a way behind your classmates."

"Yes, I know, Iruka-sensei."

Shinki nodded obediently and modestly.

Iruka-sensei is right!

I don't have talent for Ninjutsu.

And I don't have a good bloodline.

Even compared with my classmates,

I'm still far behind!

I have to keep working hard!

"Oh, right, Sensei. When I was practicing the Clone Technique yesterday, I discovered that if I changed the hand seal a little, I could make a different kind of clone."

Iruka immediately grew interested. He gave a small exclamation and said, "Oh? Show me."

Shinki nodded obediently and formed a hand seal completely different from the one for the Clone Technique.

The next moment.

"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—"

Five or six Shinkis appeared in the classroom, one after another.

The Shinkis spoke at the same time. "Sensei, like this."

The whole class: "????"

Iruka frowned. "Shinki, don't try to fool your teacher. Isn't that just the ordinary Clone Technique with a few extra clones?"

"Sensei, touch one."

The Shinkis spoke again.

Iruka reached out doubtfully and touched one of Shinki's clones.

It had the feel of real flesh, just like a real person!

Iruka: ヽ( ຶ▮ ຶ)ﾉ!!!

M-Masaka!!

This is the Shadow Clone Technique!

The Shadow Clone Technique, a B-rank Ninjutsu recorded in Konoha's Ninjutsu scroll!

It uses Chakra to create physical clones with consciousness independent of the user's body and a certain ability to withstand attacks!

More importantly, when the Shadow Clone Technique is released, the clones' memories and experience return to the original!!

"Shinki, d-did you figure this out yourself?!"

Iruka's eyes widened.