His Personality Seemed a Bit Terrible

The Shadow Clone Jutsu, a B-rank ninjutsu developed by the Second Hokage Tobirama Senju, was widely spread throughout the Ninja World.

As long as he mastered this technique and paired it with the Nine-Tails' Chakra within him, Naruto could freely create hundreds or even thousands of Shadow Clones for training.

However, this technique had one flaw that could not be ignored: a clone's memories returned to the original body.

This meant that if Naruto summoned several clones to train, the pain of pushing past their limits during training or the sensation of being killed in battle would instantly feed back into Naruto's mind once the training ended.

An ordinary ninja would likely break down because of it.

Therefore, this ninjutsu was not particularly practical in battle.

If a clone was blown apart, the instant pain fed back to the original body could very well make the caster sluggish for a moment. Battle changed in the blink of an eye, and even a moment's hesitation could lead to death.

So, to use Shadow Clones in battle, one had to at least train until they could ignore the pain caused by a clone bursting apart.

Naruto had learned all this from Sasuke.

Although the information was thorough, the actual situation still depended on his own experience using it.

"You little brat, your mo—" The Nine-Tails stopped halfway, realizing he had misspoken. He hurriedly changed his words using online slang he had learned from games. "Your mother hen knows how difficult and dangerous this Shadow Clone Jutsu is."

"The previous Nine-Tails Jinchuriki had to put in tremendous effort before successfully learning this technique."

"Remember, take it step by step at first. Do not create too many clones at once, or the pain will kill you." The Nine-Tails seemed to recall something and revealed a faint smile.

Back then, Kushina, who knew no better, had once done something so foolish. The pain from over a hundred Shadow Clones bursting apart had made her cry her eyes out.

Sigh, Kushina had been annoying, but she had still been a decent Jinchuriki.

Times had changed. Who would have thought that Kushina's son would become his Jinchuriki?

If Kushina had known how Naruto was treated in Konoha, then with her personality, she would definitely have punched the Third Hokage hard in the face.

Pushing aside his memories, the Nine-Tails smacked his lips and waved dismissively. "With this old man's Chakra, let alone a hundred, even several thousand clones would be easy. You'd better cherish it."

"I'll teach you after I finish this match."

"Okay." Naruto sat down where he was and stopped disturbing the Nine-Tails.

At the training ground not long afterward.

Naruto began forming hand seals.

"Multiple Shadow Clone Technique."

"Bang, bang, bang." A series of sounds like firecrackers rang out. Then, hundreds of Naruto wearing white robes and looking refined appeared across the entire training ground.

As the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Naruto's Chakra reserves were unfathomable. Combined with his terrifying recovery ability, the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique was practically tailor-made for him.

"Hello, everyone." Naruto greeted his own Shadow Clones.

"Hello." Hundreds of Shadow Clones answered in unison, their voices deafening and their momentum imposing.

"Very good. What do you all want to do now?" Naruto decided to test whether the Shadow Clones possessed independent thought.

"Train."

"I kind of want to sleep."

"Chat with Grandpa Third."

"Help the villagers."

The various "Narutos" gave different answers.

Naruto nodded in satisfaction, then looked at one of the Shadow Clones with an apologetic expression. "Sorry, but I need to blow you up and experience the pain."

"Naruto, I think you can choose someone else. I am different from the rest." That Shadow Clone smiled.

"I am different too."

"You will never see the extent of my capacity, because we exist in different dimensions."

"Naruto, you will not do it. In my heart, you are gentle and refined. Tell me that you will not blow me up."

"Naruto, I understand that you want to become stronger. In my heart, you possess extraordinary talent. Before you blow me up, please give me one last five seconds to look at this world."

The "Narutos" began acting cool and sneering to themselves, or transforming into warm and considerate men.

Naruto's face darkened as he blew up one Shadow Clone.

The pain immediately transferred to his body.

He only felt a slight pain flash across his chest, so faint that it was nearly negligible, yet it undeniably existed.

This level of pain was entirely acceptable. Even receiving such pain in battle would not affect his body.

But if hundreds of Shadow Clones died at once, the accumulated pain would be unbearable.

To be safe, Naruto dispelled most of his Shadow Clones and kept only ten.

Standing in the open space, he cleared his throat, and his gaze became resolute.

"Everyone, I think we all know what our goal is!"

"To become stronger. Without effort, talent will only go to waste. To become Hokage, we need strength that surpasses everything, so—"

Before he could finish, one Shadow Clone interrupted him.

"This kind of motivational drivel does not work on me. My eyes have already pierced through the void and seen the essence of things."

Another Shadow Clone wore a gentle smile. "Naruto, you spoke well. I share your thoughts. Let us work together toward a beautiful tomorrow."

The independently minded "Narutos," like Naruto himself, stayed true to their established personas. At the same time, they possessed their own inner pride.

This gave Naruto quite a headache. He could only wave his hand and dismiss the Shadow Clones. "Arrange your own training. Do not slack off."

As soon as he finished speaking, the Shadow Clones scattered and vanished one after another. Before long, Naruto was the only one left.

It seems my true personality is rather troublesome after all, Naruto thought, maintaining his perfect smile.

After loosening up, Naruto picked up Kyoka Suigetsu and began today's Zanjutsu training.

He knew that, given his seemingly gentle yet inwardly proud personality, those Shadow Clones would definitely not slack off.

As the original body, he needed to work hard as well. He could not let himself be surpassed.

"Naruto actually learned the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique?" The Third Hokage, who was gathering "material" as usual, looked away from the crystal ball with a thoughtful expression.

The Multiple Shadow Clone Technique was not some advanced ninjutsu, but through what channel had Naruto learned it?

Could it have been the Uchiha?

The Third Hokage narrowed his eyes, a fierce glint appearing within them before he concealed his sharpness.

"Impossible. I have been observing them these past few days. Although Sasuke mentioned this ninjutsu, he did not teach Naruto the hand seals."

"Besides, the Uchiha are not foolish enough to interfere with Naruto's training."

"Then it must have been the Nine-Tails." Surprise flashed through the Third Hokage's eyes.

"That ferocious Nine-Tails is actually willing to teach Naruto ninjutsu. I never expected that, but it will not affect my plans."

"The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki is exceptionally suited for the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique. Naruto's rate of growth will become even faster."

"However, he still needs more bonds. Let him join Iruka's class."

"Although Iruka hates the Nine-Tails, he is gentle and kind at heart. He may become another ray of light for Naruto."