The Final Piece of the Puzzle

"Shadow Clone Technique?"

In Tsunade's medical tent, she paused while organizing a report on the wounded.

She looked up at Tianyi, who stood before her with surprise in her eyes.

"Why do you suddenly want to learn this? It consumes quite a lot of chakra, and you already have Orochimaru's Cell Activation Technique as a foundation.

The regular 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 prepared his explanation long ago. A grave expression appeared on his face as he honestly said, "Teacher, it's because of the Main House."

"The Main House?" Tsunade raised a brow.

"Mm." Tianyi nodded. "Although the war in the Land of Rain has ended, when I return to Leaf Village, the situation I face may be even more... complicated.

You saw the Main House's attitude yourself, and Root's people came before as well. That shows Elder Danzō seems to have taken some interest in me.

Not to mention the others who may be watching me because of my little 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 strength to even make them wary of me.

The usual pace of training is... too slow for me."

Tsunade listened quietly, a trace of complexity flashing through her eyes.

She understood Tianyi's concerns. She knew Leaf Village's undercurrents better than anyone.

This disciple of hers was not only exceptionally gifted, but also sufficiently perceptive and... mature beyond his years.

"So you thought of the Shadow Clone?" Tsunade's fingers lightly tapped the desk.

"Then what do you intend to use Shadow Clones for? You know that when a Shadow Clone is dispelled, all of its experiences and exhaustion return to the original body, right? That places an immense burden on the mind. This is no trivial matter."

"I know." Tianyi met Tsunade's gaze.

His eyes gleamed with the exploratory light of a researcher.

"But I studied the characteristics of this technique, and I discovered... or rather, I believe it has a trait that can be exploited—perhaps even a 'bug.'"

"Oh?" Tsunade became interested and sat up straighter.

"When a Shadow Clone studies or trains, the accumulated physical exhaustion and injuries are fed back.

But its experience and knowledge are also transferred back in full." Tianyi's voice carried a hint of excitement.

"That means if I create a Shadow Clone to practice hand seals, taijutsu, or study the theory behind a certain technique, then when it is dispelled, I'll gain twice the training results in the same amount of time!

In theory, the more clones I create, the greater the increase in efficiency!"

After hearing him out, Tsunade fell silent for a moment.

Of course she knew about this trait of the Shadow Clone. In fact, one of the Second Hokage's original purposes in developing the technique was to handle administration and intelligence efficiently.

But using it for intensive personal training... was extremely dangerous.

"Do you know the risks of doing this, Tianyi?" Tsunade's voice turned stern.

"This isn't merely a matter of chakra consumption. The key issue is mental strength!

Receiving excessive amounts of complicated information and exhaustion from different clones within a short period of time is enough to overload the brain of a Chunin, or even a Jonin.

At best, it can cause splitting headaches and mental fatigue. At worst, it can lead to confused memories 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.

"Teacher, I understand the risks, but I'm not planning to abuse it without restraint.

I'll strictly control the number of clones, the duration of training, and the training content.

I'll start with the most basic, most singular tasks and slowly adapt. Besides..."

He pointed to his head.

"I have the Byakugan, so I can inspect my own chakra and nervous condition more clearly.

The moment I feel that I've reached my limit, I'll stop immediately.

Please believe me. I won't make a joke out of my own future."

Seeing the almost stubborn seriousness in her disciple's eyes, along with the urgency hidden deep within them, Tsunade sighed inwardly.

She knew the burdens this boy carried were far greater than those of his peers. She understood his desperate desire to grow stronger and even... felt a little heartache for him.

"It's precisely because you're like this that I'm even more worried!" Tsunade suddenly stood.

She walked around the desk and stopped in front of Tianyi.

She was much taller than Tianyi. Leaning down slightly, she extended her index finger and tapped his forehead with neither too much nor too little force.

"Ugh!" Tianyi's head tipped backward from the tap.

"I can teach you ninjutsu." Tsunade withdrew her finger, crossed her arms, and softened her tone slightly.

"But when you use Shadow Clones for intensive training, I must be present 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 to do it behind my back!

If you secretly use Shadow Clones to train beyond safe limits..."

As Tsunade spoke, her gaze swept over 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 against the tabletop—

BANG!!!

With a dull sound, cracks spread from the center of the sturdy wooden table like a spiderweb.

Then, with a crash, it completely collapsed and fell apart into a heap of splinters.

"You'll end up like this table," Tsunade said blandly, as though she had merely swatted a mosquito.

(⊙_⊙)!!!

Tianyi stared 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, plastering an utterly sincere smile across his face.

"Of course, of course! Teacher, don't worry! I'll absolutely follow your guidance strictly! I definitely won't act recklessly! I swear!"

"Hmph. It had better be that way." Only then did Tsunade give a satisfied snort and turn to search through the ninjutsu scrolls.

"There are quite a few key points and precautions for training the Shadow Clone Technique. I'll explain the basics first.

Then we'll begin with the most conservative approach—trying just one clone..."