We have a double chapter drop today to celebrate us reaching 100+ chapters. Thank you everyone!!
"Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu!!"
With Naruto's loud shout, the surrounding forest was soon filled with the fluctuation of chakra.
As the white smoke dissipated, hundreds, even thousands of Narutos appeared in their field of vision. Iruka and Mizuki widened their eyes, staring in disbelief at the scene. Even though Natsuro had seen this moment in the anime, he was still shocked.
The idea that Naruto's chakra was more than just a lot, but rather something extraordinary, wasn't without merit. Every time, Naruto's chakra seemed overwhelmingly excessive, surpassing even those who were said to be of higher ranks.
Natsuro could only say that even among elite ninja, there were still differences!
Iruka stared at the countless Naruto clones filling his sight, dumbfounded. Is this really… Naruto?
"No… it's impossible!" Mizuki, surrounded by Naruto clones, felt despair. As a middle-rank ninja with average combat abilities, being surrounded by this number of clones left him with no hope.
Furthermore, Mizuki realized that all his ninja tools were orbiting around that annoying genius. He understood one thing… he had lost all hope.
His Book of Seals, his dreams…
"It's time!"
All the Naruto clones adjusted their forehead protectors and charged towards the now-defeated Mizuki.
"Bang!"
Natsuro observed as Mizuki drowned in the mobs of Narutos. He thought Naruto had gone a bit easy on him.
With Mizuki down, Naruto's clones all disappeared.
"Hehe~" Naruto, scratching his head and smiling proudly, looked at Natsuro and Iruka.
"Naruto, you've really grown a lot." Iruka said, unable to hide his pride.
"Yes." Natsuro put away the surrounding ninja tools, thinking that if he ever left the ninja profession, he could open a ninja tool store...
"By the way, Natsuro, did you really become a jonin?" Iruka asked with a hint of anticipation.
"Mm, just got promoted today, although it's only a Special Jonin promotion." Natsuro said.
"A Special Jonin is still a Jonin." Iruka smiled with pride, " and I truly trained such a talented student!"
"Hey, what's a Jonin?" Naruto, scratching his head, asked.
The air fell silent. Natsuro glanced at Iruka, who, ignoring his injuries, shouted with a forehead full of veins.
"Have you learnt nothing in the academy?!"
Natsuro watched with a smile as Naruto received another lecture from Iruka. He also looked at Mizuki lying on the ground. Although Naruto had held back, bloodshed was inevitable.
He carefully observed and felt that he could still control the situation. As long as he didn't intentionally think about killing the opponent, there wasn't a major issue. Worst case, he could knock them out and leave the rest to others.
This was normal. After all, he had decided to leave the Anbu immediately after encountering uncontrollable situations in the Void State, so the actual impact was limited. Too bad others didn't know about his Void State...
Iruka, concerned about Naruto's possible theft of the Book of Seals, planned to take Naruto to the Hokage to apologize and admit the mistake.
"That's not necessary." Natsuro sensed the surrounding Anbu and said, "The Hokage already knows about this matter. I'll just return the Book of Seals later."
With that, Natsuro made a hand sign, and an Anbu appeared from the shadows, nodding to him before taking Mizuki away.
"But… Naruto did learn forbidden jutsu from the Book of Seals…" Iruka looked shocked and hesitant. He was still a bit dazed, wondering if Naruto had really learned forbidden techniques.
"Seems like Naruto only learned the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu?" Natsuro asked, looking at Naruto.
"Yeah, I don't understand the others… just this one was the simplest!" Naruto scratched his head.
"Then it's fine. I had already obtained the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu for Naruto after he became a genin, as it really suits him." Natsuro said, taking out a scroll, "But it seems it's not needed now."
"Is that so?" Iruka finally relaxed, feeling relieved.
"Natsuro…" Naruto looked at the scroll in his hand, which was a gift prepared for him. Although his head still hurt a bit from earlier, he felt a pang of regret for misunderstanding him.
Naruto made a firm decision to never doubt Natsuro again!
"That scroll… can I have it?" Naruto asked, eyeing the scroll with eagerness. It was a gift meant for him.
"Sure, but Naruto, you must remember not to show it to anyone else. This jutsu is considered forbidden, and only you can bear its side effects. Even I can't." Natsuro handed the scroll to Naruto, speaking earnestly.
"Got it. I definitely won't show it to others!" Naruto nodded seriously, his eyes lighting up as he accepted the scroll.
Iruka observed Naruto, pondering if there was something special about him. He couldn't help but smile, thinking that Naruto was indeed quite special.
"By the way, this jutsu has more capabilities than you've shown. I'll teach you how to use it properly later." Natsuro said, deciding to unlock Naruto's shadow clone learning abilities in advance.
"There are more abilities? Then it's settled. Natsuro, you have to teach me!" Naruto said happily, not only excited about receiving a jutsu but also about Natsuro's willingness to teach him.
"Hehe, since everyone is happy, let's go to Ichiraku Ramen to celebrate." Iruka said, scratching his head.
"Oh!!" Naruto's eyes lit up, and he immediately lunged at Iruka.
"Hey, hey!" Iruka, caught off guard, ended up falling to the ground with Naruto.
Natsuro also didn't refuse, smiling.
In reality, dealing with Naruto didn't require the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu. As long as you didn't dislike him from the start and gradually accepted him, it was enough.
However, Natsuro wouldn't mention this to the Third Hokage. After all, some things were important in the Hokage's somewhat stubborn view.
What mattered now was not to oppose him but to appear as compliant as possible.
Moreover, Natsuro had no intention of deceiving Naruto's feelings. He didn't have any obsessive desire for mental purity. As long as he wasn't planning to use Naruto, and it was beneficial to him, there was nothing to feel guilty about.
...
After Natsuro returned the Book of Seals and informed the Hokage, he went to Ichiraku Ramen to join Iruka and Naruto. Even though it was late, Ichiraku Ramen was still open, proving that its popularity was well-deserved.
Back at home, Natsuro thought about visiting the ninja academy the next day. He had promised Iruka to check on the final class assignments.
Originally, he didn't want to agree, thinking it was a waste of time, but a certain image popped into his mind, prompting him to agree and decide to buy a camera the next morning.
The next day, Ino, standing in front of the mirror, was getting ready for class assignments. Although she had no particular expectations, she wanted to dress up for this important moment in her life.
Ino knew Natsuro wouldn't be her teammate, so she didn't have high hopes. She just hoped to be in a team with Sakura and Hinata.
Ino understood it was unlikely but dressed up anyway and decided to head out.
"Mom, I'm off to school!"
As Ino stepped out the door, a flash of light and a click sound made her pause.
Soon, Ino saw Natsuro standing with a camera, capturing the moment, and felt pleasantly surprised.
Natsuro looked a bit dissatisfied with the camera in his hand. Although it wasn't one of those old cameras requiring a cloth to create a dark environment, it was still not very convenient. He couldn't see how the photos turned out yet and would have to wait until they were developed.
But, after searching the village, this was the only camera he could find, a leftover from the Snow Country, and a product that couldn't sell well.
"Good morning~" Natsuro greeted Ino, taking in her appearance.
Her light blonde hair was tied into a single ponytail, and her slightly round but not overweight face made Natsuro's hand itch to pinch it. Ino was wearing the familiar purple outfit and the bandage wrapped around her waist.
"Natsuro, what are you doing here?!" Ino's voice was filled with surprise.
"Well, I used to be part of the class, so Iruka invited me to come by. I thought I'd give you a surprise. Is that okay?" Natsuro smiled.
"Yes!" Ino agreed and, happily, took his hand, walking towards the school.
Mrs. Yamanaka, watching from the upstairs, was slightly surprised by the sight of her daughter walking with Natsuro, but then she smiled.
She knew that his promotion to Special Jonin was satisfying, but what mattered most was how the younger generation felt.
Seeing this scene, she felt quite content. Since Ino liked Natsuro, she would find a time to confirm their relationship.
However, Mrs. Yamanaka found the height difference between Natsuro and her daughter a bit odd. Walking together, they almost seemed like siblings. From what she knew, her daughter's development was normal, so... Natsuro had grown faster?
Well, these were small matters, and the younger generation would have their own fortunes. She wouldn't worry too much about it.
When a person is outstanding enough, it seems that everything in the world becomes a pillar of support for them.
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Currently on Chapters 155/156 - Wind Release: Rasenshuriken / Resolving Trouble, Promotion? ...