Chapter 100: The Beginner's Shadow Clone Technique
"Alright, Sasuke, don't be so harsh. Naruto didn't transform into you with bad intentions. You should be more generous—you really don't act like an older brother at all."
Mikoto then turned to Naruto. "And Naruto, you shouldn't casually transform into others for mischief. That kind of behavior can cause trouble."
Naruto nodded quickly, though it wasn't clear if he truly understood.
"Okay," Mikoto continued, "the last of the Three Basic Ninjutsu is the Substitution Technique."
Her tone turned instructive. "The Substitution Technique requires the most hand seals out of the Three: Ram → Boar → Ox → Dog → Tiger. Essentially, it's the same as the Clone Technique, but instead of the middle Snake seal, you replace it with Boar, Ox, and Dog. Now, repeat after me: Ram, Boar, Ox, Dog, Tiger."
Naruto shouted loudly, "Ram, Boar, Ox, Dog, Tiger!"
"Good, say it a few more times until you've memorized it."
Mikoto carefully explained the key points, while Naruto repeated the sequence several times. Once he had it down, he eagerly attempted the technique.
His hand seals were correct, and his memory flawless. Following Mikoto's guidance, he focused on a nearby branch. His chakra flared, and with a loud bang, Naruto suddenly vanished from his spot and reappeared a few meters away.
Where he had been standing, a dead branch now lay on the ground.
Naruto's eyes widened in awe. "Whoa! This is amazing!" He ran back to Mikoto, grinning from ear to ear. "Auntie, this Substitution Technique is so much fun! Way better than the Transformation or Clone Technique!"
Mikoto chuckled, ruffling his hair affectionately. "Well done, Naruto. You really are a quick learner."
As she watched his excitement, Mikoto couldn't help but think: Could Naruto have inherited Minato's space–time ninjutsu talent?
The Substitution Technique was only a small-scale spatial displacement, not true teleportation, but still—Naruto's talent was undeniable. If he had inherited Minato's gift, perhaps one day he could even master the Flying Thunder God Technique.
Of course, the prerequisites were immense: natural talent for space–time ninjutsu, vast chakra reserves, and in the past, official approval from the Hokage's office to even attempt such a forbidden technique. But Naruto's reserves—bolstered by the Uzumaki bloodline and the Nine-Tails sealed within him—were already staggering.
It's too early for that, Mikoto reminded herself. For now, the Shadow Clone Technique will do.
Naruto's eager voice snapped her from her thoughts. "Auntie, can I learn the Shadow Clone Technique now?"
He had mastered all three of the basics and was practically bouncing with anticipation.
Mikoto smiled softly. "Alright, alright. Auntie will keep her promise. I'll teach you the Shadow Clone Technique."
Sasuke, standing off to the side with his arms crossed, scowled. The Shadow Clone was a B-rank ninjutsu. There was no way Naruto—of all people—would learn it so easily.
He hadn't even fully mastered his own C-rank Great Fireball Technique yet, despite days of effort. And Naruto, who was still struggling with simple chakra control exercises just yesterday, was suddenly performing flawlessly today?
Something's not right… Sasuke narrowed his eyes.
Still, he said nothing and watched intently as Naruto began forming hand seals.
"Ox → Dog → Dragon → Rat → Dog → Boar → Snake → Tiger," Mikoto instructed carefully. "There are eight seals in total, and they need to be completed in under four seconds. Speed and precision are critical."
Naruto stumbled through the sequence, clumsy and slow—it took him more than ten seconds.
Sasuke smirked to himself. As expected. There's no way he'll pull this off on the first try.
But before he could gloat further, Mikoto added with a gentle smile, "Don't worry, Naruto. Once you've practiced enough, you won't even need all eight seals. The technique can actually be condensed into a single hand seal—like this."
She demonstrated by crossing her fingers into the familiar shadow clone seal.
Naruto's eyes lit up with amazement. "Really, Auntie?!"
"Of course," Mikoto replied. "When have I ever lied to you?"
Realizing how eagerly he had spoken, Naruto scratched the back of his head and said sheepishly, "I didn't mean it like that. I was just surprised, that's all. Sorry, Auntie…"
Mikoto's heart ached at his apologetic tone. She gently patted his head. "There's no need to apologize, Naruto. You're doing just fine. Just keep practicing."
"Okay!" Naruto replied with determination, his blue eyes shining.
And so, under Mikoto's patient guidance, Naruto began practicing the seals of the Shadow Clone Technique, step by step.
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