Training the Shadow Clone Technique 2

Looking at the version of himself sprawled on the ground, Ruri steadied himself and said, "Again. I refuse to believe I can't master this jutsu."

After dismissing the failed shadow clone, Ruri formed hand seals once more.

"Poof!"

Another figure emerged from the smoke beside Ruri. This shadow clone looked pale and emaciated, as if it never got enough to eat. It even seemed a little malnourished.

"Another failed clone. Again!"

"Poof!" "Poof!" "Poof!"...

After a little over two hours and dozens of failed attempts, a shadow clone that looked exactly like Ruri finally stood before him.

"I'm exhausted, but I finally did it!"

Studying the shadow clone before him, Ruri wiped the sweat from his face. A faint smile appeared on his weary face.

Ruri looked at his shadow clone, then told it to continue practicing tree climbing and water walking while he went to cool off in the shade of a nearby tree.

"Naruto learned the Shadow Clone Technique in one night after stealing the Scroll of Seals. I never thought it would be this hard!" Ruri remarked as he sat cooling off beneath the large tree.

Strictly speaking, the Shadow Clone Technique was not particularly difficult to learn. Most jonin knew it. Naruto, who had known nothing about the Clone Technique, had taken a whole night to learn it, while Ruri had taken nearly three hours-a very slow pace indeed.

Watching his shadow clone diligently practice water walking and tree climbing, Ruri smiled in satisfaction, then rose from the shade.

"I'll let the shadow clone keep practicing while I explore what the Flame-Flame Fruit can actually do." With that, Ruri stepped out of the shade.

Ever since coming to this world, Ruri had noticed that many things here differed from what the anime depicted. The anime always dwelled endlessly on the bright side of things, presenting its audience with an uplifting picture full of passion and hope.

But after actually living in this world, Ruri finally understood that this was no cartoon. This world also had many sinister, treacherous sides. If he kept treating it like an anime, surviving here would be very difficult indeed.

One example was the harsh reality Ruri faced himself: the Hyuga Clan's Branch Family and Main Family system. As a member of the Branch Family, even his life was in someone else's hands for the time being.

Another example was the massacre of the Uchiha Clan that would take place in a few years. Although the anime had glossed over it, Ruri, who now lived in Konoha, could vividly imagine the scene of blood flowing like rivers.

It was a little early to dwell on these things. Although his life was in the hands of the Main Family, they would not act against him for no reason. The stronger the Branch Family members became, the more control and influence the Hyuga Clan would have in Konoha, allowing the Main Family to enjoy better treatment and greater benefits.

Whatever the world was like, all Ruri wanted now was to become stronger. His desire to break free of the fate hanging over him was as intense as his need to breathe.

Standing in the sunlight, Ruri thought about Ace's moves in One Piece.

"Fire Fist Ace was a famous figure in One Piece, too. It's a shame he died during the Paramount War," Ruri sighed.

Wall of Fire-a wall formed from flames.

Fire Gun-fired bullet-like flames from the fingers.

Flame Commandment-formed a ring of fire.

Fire Pillar-a pillar of fire that shot into the sky.

Fire Fist-unleashed a huge blast of flame at the enemy with a punch.

Fire Fly-created a swarm of tiny flames resembling fireflies.

Fire Dharma-ignited the fireflies to burn the enemy.

Divine Fire: Unknowable Fire-released slender pillars of fire shaped like spears.

Cross Fire-crossed the index fingers to release a cross-shaped flame.

Great Flame Commandment: Flame Emperor-a fireball comparable to the sun (Ace's strongest finishing move).

These were all Ace's moves.

"All right, time to practice Ace's moves."

With that, Ruri raised both hands in front of him, and the Flame-Flame Fruit within his body began releasing energy.

"Fire Fist!"

A huge fireball burst from Ruri's fist and hurtled forward. In an instant, it reached a large tree. The unfortunate tree had a massive hole blasted straight through it.

"Wow, that's seriously powerful! And I actually pulled it off on the first try!"

Looking at the lingering flames and warmth in his hand, Ruri was a little surprised. The Devil Fruit's power was easier to use than he had imagined. It was as though this flame ability were part of his body, ready for him to use whenever and wherever he wished.

Fire Fist was one of Ace's skills, and its principle was very simple: use the Flame-Flame Fruit's ability to generate flames within the body, then launch them from the fist. The resulting fireball packed far more than a modest punch!

Ruri could now control the size of the fireball in his hand, too. He conjured one and casually tossed it at a small branch nearby, which instantly burst into flames.

Ruri looked at the small fireball in his hand with satisfaction, but he would not settle for this so easily. In the hands of a transmigrator like him, the Flame-Flame Fruit could serve an even greater purpose, and he could develop even more powerful skills.