Chapter 99: Sasuke – Impossible, Absolutely Impossible
Mikoto's expression turned a little odd. Who in the world told Naruto all this nonsense?
She cleared her throat gently and corrected him. "Naruto, the clones from the Clone Technique don't actually have any combat power. They can only be used to confuse enemies or divert attacks."
"Huh?"
Naruto looked stunned. "But Auntie, that's not what you just said."
Seeing his silly, bewildered face, Mikoto couldn't help but smile. "What I said earlier was correct, but you misunderstood me. Clone Technique clones can help you in battle—but only indirectly. They're fragile illusions, unable to withstand real damage."
"Ohhh… I see." Naruto deflated, disappointment written across his face. For a moment, he had thought mastering the Clone Technique meant he would never lose again.
Noticing his mood, Mikoto hesitated, then said softly, "But Naruto, there is an advanced form of the Clone Technique. It's called the Shadow Clone Technique. Unlike ordinary clones, Shadow Clones are solid—they can fight alongside you."
Naruto's eyes instantly lit up. "Really?! Auntie, I want to learn it!"
The Shadow Clone Technique was a B-rank jutsu, one not taught at the Academy. This was where powerful clans truly showed their advantage: they could pass down advanced ninjutsu accumulated over generations.
Mikoto gave a small smile. "I can teach you the Shadow Clone Technique… but only on one condition."
Naruto leaned forward eagerly. "What condition?"
"You must first master all three of the Academy's basic techniques—the Three Body Technique. Once you've done that, Auntie will teach you the Shadow Clone Technique."
Naruto's disappointment was instantly replaced with fiery determination. "Then let's start right now! I'm ready!"
On the side, Sasuke's eyes narrowed. Shadow Clone Technique?
His chest tightened. Kasan had never even mentioned teaching him that. Why Naruto? Why not me?
For an instant, a wild thought crossed his mind: Could Naruto be my half-brother?
Sasuke quickly shook his head furiously. No, no… impossible.
Still, he couldn't hold back. "Kasan! I want to learn the Shadow Clone Technique too!"
Mikoto looked at him, troubled. She hadn't planned on teaching Sasuke yet. Naruto's chakra was immense, practically overflowing—perfect for this jutsu. But Sasuke… his reserves were still too small. Forcing it would be dangerous.
Sasuke grew restless at her silence. "Why aren't you saying anything? Can Naruto learn it but I can't?"
Mikoto sighed gently. "Sasuke, it's not that Mama doesn't want to teach you. Your chakra simply isn't enough yet. Using the Shadow Clone Technique without sufficient chakra could put your life at risk."
Sasuke froze. Not enough chakra?
His gaze darted toward Naruto in disbelief. That dobe has more chakra than me? Impossible!
Seeing Sasuke's doubt, Mikoto explained patiently, "Naruto inherited the Uzumaki clan's bloodline from his mother, Kushina. The Uzumaki have enormous chakra reserves. And… as you both know, Naruto is also the jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails. His chakra is like an endless ocean."
She thought quietly of the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu, a forbidden technique locked away in the Scroll of Seals. Even the Uchiha didn't have access to it. Perhaps when Fugaku returns with the scroll… Naruto might even be able to handle that.
Sasuke clenched his fists, struggling to accept it.
"Alright then," Mikoto said at last, "let's continue with the Three Body Technique. Naruto, next is the Transformation Technique. This one is the simplest—it only requires one hand seal: Ram."
She demonstrated smoothly. With a soft poof, she transformed into a graceful white cat.
Naruto's eyes sparkled. "So cool! I can even turn into animals?"
A dangerous thought flitted through his mind. Wait… can I transform into anything? Like one of those pretty girls from those books…
He shivered at once, dismissing the idea. If Auntie ever caught him pulling something like that, she'd kick him out for sure. He didn't want to lose this home.
"Naruto?" Mikoto tilted her head. "Do you understand? Should I show you again?"
Naruto shook his head quickly. "No need, Auntie! I got it!"
He pressed his hands together, forming the Ram seal carefully. Chakra surged through him as he pictured a form in his mind.
Poof!
The smoke cleared—and there stood… Sasuke.
The clone grinned sheepishly, hands on his hips. "Hehehe… Auntie, did I do it right?"
Sasuke's face turned red. "Idiot! Why would you transform into me?! Change back right now!"
Mikoto smiled, looking between the real and fake Sasuke. The resemblance was flawless. "Very good, Naruto. You succeeded. A perfect Transformation." She even gave him a proud thumbs-up.
The fake Sasuke scratched his head proudly. "See, Sasuke? Even Auntie said I nailed it!"
"Like hell you did!" Sasuke barked, crossing his arms. "Do that again without my permission and you'll regret it."
"Aw, don't be mad," Naruto pouted. "I was just thinking of what to transform into, and your face popped into my head. It just… happened."
"Hmph." Sasuke turned his head, sulking. "This is a one-time thing. Don't let it happen again."
Naruto grinned, entirely unfazed.
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