Although when clone memories returned to the main body, Natsuhiko could know what they did that day, he still liked to hear their simple reports first. Life needed a bit of enjoyment, you know. And due to the slight differences in thinking between the three small ones and Natsuhiko, he could always gain inspiration from discussions that could not be achieved by directly absorbing memories.
As Natsuhiko talked about serious matters, the three little pigs... no, the three small ones finally became serious. They stood upright in a row on the opposite side of the main desk.
Standing on the far left, the little fellow dressed in red clothes stepped forward and bowed to Natsuhiko. "Report! Infant clone number one, responsible for organising and analysing library books, has organised a total of 32 books, discovered one unknown rune, and three known runes that could be optimised... had curry pork chop rice for lunch."
"..."
"Why did you need to tell me what you had for lunch? And obviously, you're a clone, why eat anything?" Natsuhiko's mouth twitched, making a sarcastic comment. However, he was used to the peculiar behaviour of the clones, so he didn't pay much attention.
At the same time, he was quite satisfied with the number one, so he praised him. "You did well in the serious matters, truly worthy of me."
"...Well, even though it sounded like praising myself." Number one: ╰(*°▽°*)╯ "Yay!"
Obviously, number one didn't mind that and was quite happy. Next, the little fellow in blue clothes in the middle stepped forward while avoiding being left behind and bowed.
"Report! Infant clone number two, responsible for rune transformation of Shadow Clone Jutsu, thanks to the recently acquired runes, the rune transformation progress of Shadow Clone Jutsu increased to 69%, a commendable achievement... had a large bowl of seafood ramen for lunch."
Ignoring the last sentence, Natsuhiko was pleasantly surprised by the achievements of number two. After all, the rune transformation progress of Shadow Clone Jutsu had been stuck at 66.6% for a long time, and now it had suddenly increased to 69%, which was a significant improvement.
As expected, becoming a sensei at the Academy was the right choice. Natsuhiko thought to himself and nodded with a smile to express his approval to number two.
Number two: (o) "Hehe!"
It seemed that number two was also quite happy. Finally, Natsuhiko looked towards the clone in green clothes on the right, and he also stepped forward and bowed.
"Report! Infant clone number three, responsible for optimising the rune technique formula of Chakra SmartBrain. Thanks to the newly acquired runes, watashi optimised the algorithms of the past, which could increase the efficiency of SmartBrain's operation by 0.7%. It is expected to be tested on the prototype machine tomorrow... had natto-covered rice for lunch."
After speaking, he looked at Natsuhiko with his round eyes expecting a compliment. However, Natsuhiko responded with, "I always thought there was a smell of socks in the room, and it turns out you were the culprit! Number three, please step back a few steps and don't get too close to me."
Saying this, Natsuhiko even pinched his nose. Number three: Σ(っ°Д°;)っ "Eh—!!"
"Why was that?" Number three asked in disbelief, "Wait a minute, our memories are the same, obviously, the main body is jealous and wants to taste natto!."
Natsuhiko was speechless, "I also had a vision of making a big sword in my past life, glad didn't I see you trying it out? Thankfully I made the clones into children; otherwise, they might have committed crimes."
"As for eating natto, it was just a curious idea, didn't mean I would really act up because of it. In my past life, I even impulsively bought a can of sardines, but I never dared to open it and then I transmigrated."
Natsuhiko, speaking to himself, touched his chin, "I wondered if the differences in the body would lead to deviating choices over the same concerns? If it was just a matter of eating natto, it was okay, but I am afraid these tiny deviations will eventually lead to a qualitative change..."
"Considering that clone memories return to the main body, it might even cause personality split."
"Indeed, Shadow Clone Jutsu is a Ninjutsu that can not be taken lightly."
"Fortunately, I release the clones' synchronised memories every day, so there is no need to worry too much."
"I was planning to send Shadow Clones out for long-term outings after solving the endurance problem, but it seems like I need to reconsider this plan."
"I don't want to suddenly find myself obsessed with fencing one day."
From the small abnormal acts of number three, Natsuhiko had analysed many problems and felt that he had gained a lot of insight. Having recovered, he announced the end of the report.
"Comrades, good job."
"For the villagers!"
Then Natsuhiko let the three small ones return to their positions to continue working, except for the third.
"Number three, please go outside to work, it is windy outside, so the smell won;t be so strong."
Numbers one and two also nodded in agreement with Natsuhiko's arrangement, while holding their noses, saying they had endured the smell of number three for a long time and were waiting for the main body to return to uphold justice.
Number three looked shocked and looked at his little partners in disbelief while thinking. Obviously, you two incited me to eat it!
Number one and number two, were you plotting against me?
With a deadpan expression, number three did not argue, staggered back a few steps, and turned around to walk towards the study door.
The baby was wronged but remained silent.
In the study, mournful music soon filled the air.
"Snowflakes flutter, the north wind whistles, heaven and earth are vast..."
"..."
After watching the drama performance of the three mischief-makers, Natsuhiko's mouth twitched, and in the end, he shook his head, deciding to ignore them. Then he opened the system interface, selected the books recorded in the library that day, and synchronised them with the prototype machine placed under the house, providing materials for the three small ones' research the next day.
Seeing the information being synchronised on the interface, Natsuhiko walked to the courtyard and started his daily Taijutsu training. Although Shadow Clone Jutsu was excellent for assisting in training, it had a drawback—it could only return memories and could not enhance physicality. Physical training still had to be done by Natsuhiko's main body.
Bang!
Bang!
Peng peng peng!
In the dilapidated courtyard, the sounds of Natsuhiko's punches and kicks continuously landed on the wooden pile at the centre of the courtyard, producing a dull impact sound.
On the recently replaced wooden pile, there were already several cracks, and numerous dents from fist strikes.
It was evident that Natsuhiko was dedicated to Taijutsu training. After all, even in the era of Boruto, Naruto, and others still relied on hand-to-hand combat against extraterrestrial beings. It showed that Taijutsu, unlike ordinary Ninjutsu and Genjutsu, didn't get phased out even in the version updates.
However, due to Natsuhiko's average innate talent in Taijutsu, he used to focus on Sealing Jutsu, leaving little time for Taijutsu. So, his physical combat skills were roughly at the level of a normal Chunin.
Fortunately, Natsuhiko's past battle methods didn't involve direct hand-to-hand combat with opponents. He usually set traps and waited for enemies to fall into them. If the fight became challenging, he relied on his Projection Jutsu for cover and used the Body Flicker Jutsu, which he had practised for many years, to escape.
Mastering the art of escape was a traditional skill for transmigrators.
As a result, Natsuhiko's battles didn't heavily depend on Taijutsu, and his average proficiency didn't hinder him significantly.
However, if he wanted to take his strength one step further, he knew he needed to address this shortcoming.
So, after returning this time, Natsuhiko started dedicating a lot of time to Taijutsu training. He even planned to merge his Rune Ninjutsu with Taijutsu, creating his unique Rune Nintaijutsu.
For example...
"Residual Image Fist!"
A dull sound was produced and an illusory shadow that was throwing punches was left behind in Natsuhiko's afterimage.
Meanwhile, he swiftly teleported to the back of the wooden pile...
Feet slightly bent, hands forming a tiger seal, he thrust upward with all his might!
Ka!
Wood chips scattered!
The lower part of the wooden pile was instantly stabbed into a deep pit, a sight that made one clench their buttocks.(???)
(End of this chapter)
T/N: Please support the new series I am working on as well titled "The King's World".
Advance chapters of Sealing Jutsu Sensei will be live on my Patreon starting next week. Support from the readers will be appreciated.