“Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu?”
“This is an A-rank forbidden jutsu!”
On the stands, although most people were puzzled by the sheer number of clones, many exclaimed in surprise. Their eyes widened as they stared at Naruto Uzumaki on the platform, realizing why he dared to challenge Sasuke—he had learned a forbidden technique.
“What kind of jutsu is that?” Ino suddenly leaned close, her fragrant breath tickling Yukigetsu’s ear as she whispered her question.
Yukigetsu admired the technique and explained, “This is an A-rank jutsu, classified as a forbidden technique by the Second Hokage. It’s an enhanced version of the B-rank Shadow Clone Jutsu.”
Ino was surprised. “So powerful? Can you do it?”
Yukigetsu’s mouth twitched as he covered his forehead in exasperation. “Whether I can do it or not, this jutsu is currently the least practical for me.”
Seeing Ino’s puzzled expression, he flicked her smooth ponytail and smiled. “Do you know why this jutsu is forbidden? It’s because it requires a massive amount of chakra. If not managed properly, it can harm the user. This Jutsu is best suited for someone like Naruto, who has a naturally vast chakra reserve.”
“Hmph, no wonder he dared to challenge me. He learned a new jutsu.”
Sasuke, surrounded by countless shadow clones, initially looked slightly surprised on the platform. But then, a disdainful smile appeared on his face. He casually extended his hand and said, “Come on, don’t say I didn’t give you a chance.”
Seeing Sasuke’s arrogant demeanor, Naruto put his hands on his hips and shouted, “Sasuke, I’ll show you how powerful this move is! Everyone, attack!”
“Ahhhh…”
With Naruto’s command, the shadow clones swarmed Sasuke, surrounding him and launching various punches and kicks.
The audience exchanged glances. Could the Uchiha genius really be beaten by a flurry of punches?
Bang.
All the Naruto clones looked at each other in confusion. Where did Sasuke go?
Choji, standing nearby, was stunned. “Did Sasuke transform into Naruto?”
Shikamaru and Yukigetsu exchanged glances and shook their heads.
Sure enough, on the platform, Naruto realized something and pointed at one of the clones in the center, shouting, “You’re Sasuke! You used the Transformation Jutsu to look like me!”
“No, you’re the one!”
“No! It’s you!”
“I’m definitely not!”
“The smell is just like Sasuke’s!”
“Stop kidding!”
The audience looked at each other, and Yukigetsu’s mouth twitched. He was speechless. Naruto, can’t you use your brain a little?
Finally, to Yukigetsu’s expectation, the beaten and bruised Narutos started to think.
“Stop! Everyone, stop! Let’s undo the jutsu first! The two left standing will reveal the truth!”
“You should have said that earlier, you idiot!” another Naruto panted.
The original Naruto was unhappy. “We’re the same person, big idiot!”
Bang!
In the center, only Naruto stood alone, a tear of sadness rolling down his face in the wind…
Yukigetsu shook his head helplessly and said, “It was actually a Substitution Jutsu.”
Shikamaru nodded in agreement. Ino was confused. “Not Transformation Jutsu, but Substitution Jutsu?”
Yukigetsu nodded and explained, “The Substitution Jutsu allows the user to switch places with an object or animal, making the enemy think they’ve hit the target, setting up for a counterattack. Just now, Sasuke swapped places with one of Naruto’s clones, tricking him and using his attack against him.”
Bang.
On the platform, poor Naruto was suddenly kicked far away by Sasuke, who appeared out of nowhere.
But Naruto, resilient as ever, quickly got up, fueled by anger.
“Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu!”
Once again, countless shadow clones rushed at Sasuke. However, Sasuke easily handled them with simple taijutsu and kunai, barely using any chakra, efficiently dispelling the clones.
“Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu!”
“Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu!”
…
“Naruto is doing well, almost on par with Sasuke!” someone exclaimed, watching the fierce battle.
Yukigetsu and Shikamaru exchanged a glance and simultaneously muttered, “Idiot!”
“What are you saying?” Ino asked, confused.
Shikamaru rolled his eyes. “If I were Naruto, I’d first create two or three shadow clones, pretending to use the clone jutsu. Then I’d use the Transformation Jutsu to turn other shadow clones into shuriken and kunai, combining tactics to catch Sasuke off guard. No need for so much effort.”
Yukigetsu added with a wry smile, “Naruto is wasting chakra. If it were me, I’d turn many shadow clones into leaves or dust, covering the entire platform…”
Imagining the scene, Ino shuddered. These two were either highly tactical or incredibly devious…
“So if we compare combat awareness and strategy, Sasuke is clearly ahead. This won’t last much longer,” Ino sighed in disappointment, hoping Naruto would win and bring Sasuke down a notch.
As they spoke, the battle intensified. Naruto was still laughing, thinking he could outlast Sasuke.
Whoosh!
At that moment, Sasuke’s eyes flashed, and he charged forward, breaking through the swarm of shadow clones and heading straight for one Naruto. The clones followed, but Sasuke ignored them, seemingly certain the one in front was the real Naruto.
Naruto frowned as Sasuke approached, throwing a full-force punch. But as he swung, he caught sight of Sasuke’s smirk. Realizing something was wrong, his punch passed through Sasuke’s figure.
A clone!
Sasuke appeared beside Naruto in the next instant, delivering a powerful kick that sent him flying. When Naruto regained his senses, he found Sasuke pinning him down, one hand on his chest, the other fist raised.
Wow.
The sudden turn of events drew gasps from the audience. Even an A-rank jutsu couldn’t defeat Sasuke Uchiha. Who could surpass him this year…
Naruto wiped the blood from his mouth, biting his lip in frustration. Sasuke’s attack had been too fast for him to react.
Sasuke’s expression remained indifferent, as if defeating Naruto brought him no joy. He extended his right hand, forming the Seal of Reconciliation. Naruto, however, turned his head away.
“Hmph,” Sasuke snorted. “If you don’t form the seal, do you still want to fight? Admit defeat, dead last!”
Stubborn as ever, Naruto refused to give Sasuke any satisfaction.
“Not forming the Seal of Reconciliation in this position is too humiliating,” Ino said angrily, clearly siding against Sasuke.
The audience murmured among themselves, disapproving of Sasuke’s lack of sportsmanship.
Hearing the discussions, Sasuke’s eyes darkened. He clenched his fist and swung at Naruto.
If he won’t surrender, I’ll knock him out!
Bang!
But Naruto wasn’t hit. A figure in a windbreaker suddenly appeared, catching Sasuke’s fierce punch.
“Yukigetsu?”
Naruto looked at the familiar yet distant figure, stunned. He hadn’t expected Yukigetsu to step in for him.
“Are you okay, Naruto?” Yukigetsu asked, glancing at him.
Naruto shook his head, still glaring at Sasuke with hatred.
“You just learned the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu and managed this well against him. You’re already strong. With better tactics, you’ll catch up to him,” Yukigetsu smiled, offering encouragement.
Knowing Naruto craved recognition, he didn’t mention Sasuke’s superior strength but acknowledged Naruto’s efforts.
“Th-thanks.”
Surprised by Yukigetsu’s words, Naruto awkwardly thanked him and quickly left the platform.
With Naruto gone, Yukigetsu turned to the dark-faced Sasuke and said calmly, “Now, let me be your opponent.”
Sasuke glared at Yukigetsu, his eyes sharp.
“You’ll lose badly!”
On the platform, the tension between the two was palpable. Nearly all villagers and students focused their attention, knowing these were the academy’s top students.
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