"Shadow Clone Technique?"
Inside Tsunade's medical tent, she paused while sorting through a casualty report.
She looked up at Tianyi, who stood before her with a surprised expression.
"Why did you suddenly want to learn that? It consumes quite a lot of chakra.
"And you already have the Cell Activation Technique Orochimaru gave you as a foundation.
"The ordinary Clone Technique and Substitution Technique should be enough to handle most situations."
Tsunade set down the report, folded her hands on the desk, and leaned forward slightly, adopting an attentive posture.
She was willing to give this newly accepted disciple more patience and attention.
Especially when he took the initiative to make a clear request for training.
Tianyi had already prepared his explanation. A solemn expression appeared on his face before he spoke candidly. "Sensei, it's because of the Main House."
"The Main House?" Tsunade raised a brow.
"Yes." Tianyi nodded. "Although the fighting in the Land of Rain has ended, once I return to Leaf Village,
"The situation I'll face may be even more... complicated than the front lines.
"You saw the Main House's attitude yourself, and Root's people came before as well.
"That means Elder Danzo also seems to have taken an interest in me.
"Not to mention the others who may be watching me because of my small bit of fame."
He paused before continuing, "I know that with you here, they won't dare go too far openly.
"But I can't rely on your protection forever.
"I need to gain enough strength to protect myself as soon as possible—enough to even make them wary of me.
"Normal training progress is... too slow for me."
Tsunade listened silently, a complicated look flashing through her eyes.
She understood Tianyi's concerns. No one knew better than she did about the undercurrents within Leaf Village.
This disciple was not only exceptionally talented, but also sharp-minded and... mature beyond his years.
"So you thought of Shadow Clones?" Tsunade lightly tapped her fingers against the desk.
"Then what do you intend to use Shadow Clones for? You know that once they disperse,
"all of their experiences and exhaustion return to the original body, right? That places an enormous burden on the mind. This is no trivial matter."
"I know." Tianyi met Tsunade's gaze.
His eyes shone with an exploratory light that was almost like that of a researcher.
"But I studied the characteristics of this technique, and I discovered... or rather,
"I believe it has an exploitable trait—perhaps even a 'bug.'"
"Oh?" Tsunade was intrigued and sat up straighter.
"When Shadow Clones study or train, physical fatigue and accumulated injuries are fed back upon dispersal.
"But their experience and knowledge are also added back at one hundred percent." Tianyi's voice carried a hint of excitement.
"That means if I create a Shadow Clone to practice hand seals, taijutsu, or research the theory behind a technique,
"when it disperses, I'll have gained twice the learning results in the same amount of time!
"In theory, the more clones I make, the greater the increase in efficiency!"
After hearing this, Tsunade fell silent for a moment.
Of course, she knew about this trait of Shadow Clones. In fact, one of the Second Hokage's original purposes in developing the technique
was to efficiently handle governmental affairs and intelligence.
But using it for intensive personal training... carried extremely high risks.
"Do you know the risks of doing this, Tianyi?" Tsunade's voice turned stern.
"It's not merely a matter of chakra consumption. The most crucial issue is mental strength!
"Receiving an excessive amount of complex information and fatigue from different clones in a short time
is enough to overload the brain of a Chunin, or even a Jonin.
"At best, it causes splitting headaches and mental exhaustion. At worst, it causes memory confusion and cognitive impairment.
"It could even... turn you directly into an idiot. I'm not exaggerating."
The excitement on Tianyi's face faded somewhat, but his gaze remained firm.
"Sensei, I understand the risks, but I don't intend to abuse it without restraint.
"I'll strictly control the number of clones, the duration of training, and the content.
"I'll start with the most basic and simplest tasks, then gradually adapt. Besides..."
He pointed at his own head.
"I have the Byakugan. I can more clearly observe my own chakra and nervous system.
"The moment I feel I've reached my limit, I'll stop immediately.
"Please trust me. I won't gamble with my future."
Seeing the almost stubborn sincerity in her disciple's eyes, along with the urgency hidden deep within them,
Tsunade sighed inwardly. She knew that this boy carried far more than others his age.
She could understand his desperation to grow stronger. She even... felt a little heartache for him.
"It's precisely because you're like this that I'm even more worried!" Tsunade suddenly rose to her feet.
She walked around the desk and stopped before Tianyi.
She was much taller than Tianyi. Bending down slightly, she extended a finger and lightly tapped his forehead.
"Ugh!" Tianyi's head tilted back from the tap.
"I can teach you the ninjutsu." Tsunade withdrew her finger, crossed her arms, and softened her tone somewhat.
"But when you use Shadow Clones for intensive training, I must be there to supervise you!
"At least during the initial stage! I need to personally confirm your physical and mental condition and make sure you don't do anything reckless."
Her sharp gaze fixed on Tianyi. "If you dare do it behind my back—
"if you secretly use Shadow Clones to train beyond safe limits..."
As Tsunade spoke, her eyes swept toward a solid wooden table beside them that held medical equipment.
She did not even deliberately assume a punching stance.
She merely pressed her fist, wrapped in green chakra, lightly onto the tabletop—
"Bang!!!"
With a dull boom, spiderweb-like cracks instantly spread from the center of the sturdy wooden table.
Then, with a crash, it completely collapsed and broke apart into a pile of splinters.
"Just like this table," Tsunade said calmly, as though she had merely swatted a mosquito.
(⊙_⊙)!!!
Tianyi looked at the pile of wood chips, swallowed, and immediately broke out in a cold sweat.
He promptly bowed his head and bent at the waist, piling an incomparably sincere smile onto his face.
"Of course, of course! Sensei, don't worry! I'll absolutely follow your guidance strictly! I definitely won't act recklessly! I swear!"
"Hmph. It'd better be." Only then did Tsunade snort in satisfaction and turn to search through the ninjutsu scrolls.
"There are quite a few key points and precautions for learning Shadow Clones. I'll explain the basics first.
"Then we'll start with the most conservative approach—one clone..."
Before you continue