Itachi had already taken on the duties of a Kage-level leader at the age of seven. Could this child also have the potential to become Hokage?
The Third couldn't help but smile as he reached out and ruffled Shiki's fiery red hair. "I never expected you to hold such strong convictions, Shiki. I believe that in time, you will surely become a powerful ninja."
With that, the Third pulled a scroll from inside his robes.
"This is the [Shadow Clone Jutsu]. It's the ninjutsu you asked for when you first came to Konoha. Originally, I planned to give you the [Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu] once you graduated and became a genin. However, for your safety, I've decided to pass on this technique first."
Shiki accepted the scroll with heartfelt gratitude.
This was truly a godsend.
Although the rank-B Shadow Clone Jutsu wasn't as powerful as the rank-A Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu, the Third was right—his current body simply couldn't handle the effects of the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu.
In the original story, ordinary people couldn't endure the side effects of the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu. Many only saw its benefits—the accelerated training speed and boosted combat power.
Even in his past life, fictional portrayals often showed protagonists casually using the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu like an overpowered cheat, but in reality, it was extremely unlikely.
Otherwise, the Second Hokage wouldn't have classified this jutsu as [Kinjutsu] (forbidden technique).
Because the fatigue from every clone would accumulate in the original body. If someone created a thousand clones like Naruto did on his very first try,
once the technique ended, even if one survived, they'd be unconscious for several days and nights.
Therefore, although the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu appeared to be the ultimate cheating method, realistically speaking, only the Senju and Uzumaki clans could use it without consequence.
But…
What a pity.
Shiki sighed inwardly, shaking his head. If his chakra pathways weren't damaged, wouldn't the Third have given him this overpowered technique today?
Self-made troubles were unforgivable indeed.
Still, at least he had temporarily escaped Danzo. Without threats lurking behind him, Shiki could finally train systematically again.
"Lord Third, thank you. When I grow up and become a strong ninja, I promise to buy you lots of beautiful photo books to repay you."
Shiki joked lightheartedly,
but to his surprise, the Third turned slightly red in the face, pretending not to care by glancing elsewhere.
Still, he replied, "Then it's a deal."
Wow...
Shiki broke into a light sweat, surprised that the Third actually responded this way.
After briefly chatting with the Third about a few other things, he took his leave.
After all, as the village's Kage, the Third was extremely busy.
Shiki gazed out the window. The sun was nearing midday. He suddenly realized—it was already the next day.
But after enduring such exhausting training for so long, it was time to treat himself to a break.
"I'll just sleep well today," Shiki murmured faintly before lying back and drifting into a peaceful slumber.
This nap felt especially peaceful now that the constant pressure of impending death had finally lifted.
But Shiki knew that from this day forward, his small training goals would change.
He wouldn't have to worry about when Danzo might stab him in the back anymore. Now, he was the one planning the first move—and doing it sooner rather than later.
Danzo didn't know that he'd already been targeted by someone he regarded as trash.
Even if he found out, would he really care?
In his mind, talent was the foundation of everything.
But how could Shiki, who grasped the truth of this world so thoroughly, possibly be ordinary?
Snowflakes danced in the air again, but this time they seemed especially peaceful.
Throughout Konoha, in this quiet atmosphere, the New Year approached, and even the air felt lighter.
P.S.: Though I've faced harsh criticism, a plea for recommendations still stands. I'll keep learning and improving my skills.
Chapter 55: The Chunin Battle
Shiki awoke to find it was already evening.
The last glow of sunlight bathed his face, giving him a moment of peace he rarely got.
Beside the bed, Sena Hoshino was arranging flowers sent by everyone.
Actually, it was already difficult to find flowers at this season. These few precious blossoms had been specially brought from Sakura's home.
They carried everyone's warmest wishes.
Shiki, who had never paid much attention to flowers, naturally didn't recognize the type of white flower, but its light fragrance improved his mood quite a bit.
"Shiki, you're awake!" A hint of joy appeared on Sena Hoshino's face.
"Yeah, Onee-chan," Shiki nodded gently. Suddenly remembering something, he asked, "Onee-chan, let's go home for dinner? Didn't we agree with Tenten and Lee?"
Sena Hoshino hesitated slightly before asking, "Shiki, are you okay with your injuries?"
"Yeah, my body has extremely strong recovery abilities."
Impishly, Shiki gave his chest a proud pat.
However, a sharp pain shot through him, and he gritted his teeth to suppress a cry.
Looks like he still needed time to adjust, he thought inwardly.
Actually, regarding his injuries, Shiki hadn't lied. The things that could heal had already healed—after all, he'd received professional treatment, and possessed an exceptional physical regeneration ability.
But what couldn't recover, ultimately couldn't. For instance, his meridians.
And that's where the real pain came from.
Seeing that Shiki Uzumaki truly looked fine, Sena Hoshino's red hair brushed across her face. She looked more determined and composed than most others her age.
"Well then, just this once since you were sick, I'll allow this indulgence."
Having said that, Sena Hoshino began packing things up.
Then quietly handed Shiki a medical cane.
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