Shadow Clone Training Method

He unconsciously touched the bandage on his arm, a look of confusion on the youth's face.

Ever since receiving the order three days ago to come here today for ninjutsu training, Shū had been pondering the potential problems hidden within.

How could a low-level cannon fodder who had to queue just to see a doctor have such a stroke of luck as free ninjutsu training land on his head?

The youth stared coldly at him, his attitude unchanged, even if he did feel that Shadow Clone Technique suited him well.

As for the risks of learning ninjutsu, he wasn't even afraid of death—why would he care about some negligible danger?

"What exactly are you trying to do?"

This was a youth full of wariness toward the outside world. Sosuke knew well that sweet talk would be useless on someone like him.

To achieve his goal, all he needed was an open and honest conversation.

"Uchiha Shū, 12 years old. Years ago, your parents died tragically at the hands of enemies. For many years, your greatest wish has been to avenge them."

Looking at the expressionless Shū, Sosuke continued, "I saw you a few days ago. I admire the tenacity in your bones. Come work for me, and perhaps I can grant you the power to take revenge."

Finally understanding the other's intentions, Uchiha Shū nevertheless wondered if Sosuke's mind had gone bad.

Who was he?

The most diligent cultivator in the clan, yet at twelve years old, still a waste unable to awaken his bloodline power.

Without being able to unlock the Sharingan, he would completely lose any competitive edge within the Uchiha clan.

As for that so-called tenacity, what use was it? Would it let him hold out a little longer before dying if captured by the enemy?

But doubts aside, Uchiha Shū wouldn't let any chance to grow stronger slip by.

If the other could help him get revenge, what did it matter if he became a dog for him?

He wasn't afraid of death—why would he care about that?

"Fine." Uchiha Shū said decisively. "As long as you help me take revenge, from now on, my life is yours."

Sosuke had been waiting for those very words.

Even someone as powerful as Kaguya, Isshiki, or Uchiha Madara needed to cultivate subordinates. Of course, he too wanted a few people to help him handle problems.

Uchiha Shū was his first test subject.

"Learn the Shadow Clone Technique as quickly as possible. Your path to strength will depend on it."

"Got it."

After the youth turned and left, Sosuke stretched and thought for a moment, deciding to go check what war missions were available.

As the squad leader of a solo team, Sosuke could freely take on any type of mission without worrying about his teammates' opinions or consulting anyone.

"Priority goes to high-combat missions. Earning points is my core goal."

In peacetime, ninjas would handle war missions in batches, and sometimes take on commissions from civilians.

This was the survival method for most clans. Those like the Uchiha, who owned mines, were exceedingly rare.

Arriving at the mission management office, he presented his Identity Token and picked up the long mission list to browse.

Assassinate Sarutobi Kouta, mission rank S, reward 12 million.

Infiltrate the Shimura Clan, mission rank S, reward 8 million.

Escort supply convoy, mission rank A, reward 2 million.

Eliminate mountain bandits, mission rank B, reward 700,000.

Depending on difficulty, missions were divided into several ranks.

In truth, S-rank missions were the hardest, requiring facing powerful Captain-level enemies.

In Sosuke's words, S-rank meant going all-out against elite Jonin-level fighters.

The two remaining S-rank missions—he'd just glance at them. He certainly wouldn't try them lightly.

Escorting a supply convoy—just from the mission rank, he knew the road would be fraught with danger, with large-scale battles inevitable. He just didn't know how strong the enemies would be.

The fact that anyone dared to raid an Uchiha convoy already spoke volumes. Fools couldn't survive in the Warring States Period.

Comparatively, B-rank missions suited Sosuke's needs best.

He could earn some credentials, get a little spending money, and most importantly, use them to plunder a large number of points.

Everyone had Chakra in their body, meaning every kill earned him points.

He wouldn't go out of his way to do anything, but if meat was delivered to his mouth, Sosuke never refused a meal.

Eliminating mountain bandits—he'd encounter a considerable number of enemies. Cutting them all down would yield a very impressive amount of points.

After accepting the bandit elimination mission, Sosuke packed up and prepared to set out.

No time to waste—if that bandit gang fled, it would be very inconvenient.

As for that cold youth, he could give him guidance when he got back.

The Shadow Clone Technique uses Chakra to create solid clones.

Each clone possesses an independent consciousness separate from the user's original body. When dispelled, the clone's memories and experience return to the original.

Based on this, Kakashi created the "Shadow Clone Training Method" for Naruto.

By leveraging the characteristic of experience doubling upon accumulation, one could rapidly stockpile experience in certain areas, thereby achieving the effect of quickly boosting strength.

Naruto could rely on the Nine-Tails inside him to offset the fatigue and pain generated by shadow clones. The Youth Shū certainly lacked that ability, but he might be able to grit his teeth and endure through sheer willpower.

As long as he could hold out, the waste once looked down upon by everyone would one day become a powerhouse that made countless people sit up and take notice.

This was the gift Sosuke had prepared for him.

Thinking of how he didn't know when he'd return, Sosuke took out paper and pen and carefully wrote down all the precautions regarding the Shadow Clone Training Method.

If he couldn't wait, Shū could start training early—there were plenty of medical ninjas in the camp, so nothing too serious would happen.

After having it delivered to that cold-hearted youth, Sosuke packed his bags and prepared to set off.

According to the intelligence records, aside from the target that needed to be eliminated, the Western War Zone also concealed many large mountain strongholds.

Many of them had tangled connections with various clans, and on the surface, they didn't need to worry about official power at all.

Sosuke wondered if he could find a way to take them all out in one fell swoop.

I'm a battlefield rookie—it's understandable that I don't know your shady dealings.

At worst, I'll write a few apology letters afterward.

With an excited heart, Sosuke eagerly rushed off to his destination.

Back in the camp, Uchiha Shū was gritting his teeth and making an attempt.

He found that Sosuke's reminder was indeed correct—the fatigue generated by the Shadow Clone Training Method could instantly shatter an ordinary person's will.

Even a well-trained ninja, after trying it a few times, would probably be left with psychological trauma.

But he was different. Relying on his tenacious will, Uchiha Shū simply ignored the pain of the shadow clones and increased the number he trained to four.

The shadow clones fought each other in pairs, holding nothing back, and the youth's understanding of combat and swordsmanship began to grow rapidly.

Soon, it reached a level that even he found unbelievable.

"This... this is the feeling of getting stronger."

A thrilling smile curled at the corner of his mouth, and the next second, Uchiha Shū collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

Only three days had passed.