A week later.
Ninja Academy.
"Next, Second Pillar."
Today was the Clone Technique examination.
Homeroom teacher Umino Iruka stood at the podium and called Sasuke's name.
"Sasuke-kun~! Good luck!"
The girls below called out Sasuke's name.
There was no need to wish him luck.
They were doing this purely to get Sasuke's attention.
Unfortunately, they didn't know.
Sasuke's attention would only be focused on Naruko.
Sasuke rose from his seat and walked toward the podium.
In Sasuke's eyes, the only person in the entire class qualified to become his opponent was Naruko.
As for everyone else... he could simply ignore them.
Sasuke stopped in front of the podium.
"Clone Technique!"
Smoke billowed up.
Sasuke created a clone.
There was no need to show off too much.
Although Sasuke could create several clones,
under Jiraiya's training, Sasuke's Chakra control had improved another step.
Of course, the most significant improvement was the increase in his Chakra Amount.
Jiraiya had maxed out "10," so he naturally knew what kind of training could greatly increase the upper limit of one's energy bar.
For example... rigorous endurance training.
"As expected of Second Pillar."
A smile appeared on Iruka's face.
It was an acknowledgment of an outstanding student.
Next, Iruka looked toward everyone.
"Everyone should study hard and learn from Sasuke."
"Oh..."
The boys' listless response formed a stark contrast with the girls' reaction.
What a drag...
The son of Shikaku Nara... Shikamaru Nara.
He propped up his chin with one hand while looking out the window with the other.
When will school end...? This is so boring.
"Shikamaru Nara!"
Iruka called Shikamaru's name.
"Tch..."
Shikamaru stood up. He didn't even need to think to know that Teacher Iruka was deliberately targeting him.
"Clone Technique..."
Shikamaru formed the hand seals listlessly.
Then, an equally listless Shikamaru