In the center of the training ground, Neji and Naruto stood facing each other, forming the "Opposing Seal" at the same time.
Neji's gaze gradually turned solemn as he said slowly, "Naruto, I'm truly sorry. I have to win this match, so I won't hold back!"
Naruto's smile faded as well, and he replied seriously, "Bring it on!"
"Naruto, be careful!"
After letting out a breath, Neji activated his Byakugan and lunged at Naruto.
Seeing Neji charge at him, Naruto immediately began weaving hand seals with practiced ease.
On the temporary stands.
Seeing the seals Naruto was forming, Hizashi's expression tightened. "Naruto is going to use the 'Multiple Shadow Clone Technique'? Kagami even taught him a forbidden technique like that?"
Hyuga Kagami's special training for Naruto was classified information within the village.
Other than the Advisory Elder Council and people especially close to Hyuga Kagami, such as Rin, everyone else—including Hizashi—only knew that Hyuga Kagami had been training Naruto over the past few months. They did not know the specifics of that training.
Thus, Hizashi was quite shocked to see Naruto preparing to use the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique, a forbidden technique that even Jonin found extremely difficult to endure.
Like Hizashi, all the students' family members in the temporary stands who recognized Naruto's hand seals cried out in surprise.
The Multiple Shadow Clone Technique had been listed as a forbidden technique not because it was especially difficult to learn, but because it carried severe risks. Even Jonin did not dare use it lightly. Quite a few people present knew of the technique, but few had ever used it.
Poof, poof, poof...
In an instant, Naruto skillfully completed the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique. As clouds of white smoke billowed up, one identical Naruto after another sprang out of the smoke