Chương 62

Daiken stood in front of the blackboard. He scanned the class with that same flat expression he always wore before introducing something he knew half of us were going to mess up.

"As I mentioned yesterday, today we're starting with the Clone Jutsu." A few kids perked up. Most had heard the name before. It was one of the three basic techniques every Academy student had to learn right alongside Transformation and Substitution.

"This jutsu is simple in theory," Daiken said, picking up a piece of chalk.

"But that doesn't mean it's easy." He wrote Clone Jutsu on the board and underlined it once.

"This technique creates one or more illusionary copies of your body. These clones can't move on their own. They don't have chakra. They don't talk. They just stand there and look like you, if you do it right." He set the chalk down and turned to face us.

"If you do it wrong, they'll look like melting wax dolls. Or worse." Kaen looked away like he already knew exactly what Daiken was talking about, which was intriguing.

"The purpose of the Clone Jutsu is to confuse the enemy. If someone attacks, your clone might make them swing at the wrong target. Or give you a second to dodge. It's distraction, not combat. No one's winning a fight with this jutsu alone." Daiken raised one hand and tapped the side of his head.

"But to make the clone look real, you have to focus. You need to control your chakra evenly and keep the image stable. That should come easier now since you already know the Transformation Jutsu. A flickering clone breaks the illusion. And if it doesn't match you, it'll give you away instantly." He glanced around the room.

"You've all been practicing your chakra shaping. Now you'll apply it." He formed the Tiger seal slowly and held it up for everyone to see.

"This is the only hand seal you need. The Tiger seal. But that doesn't mean this is a free pass. You still have to mold your chakra, split it off, shape it into your image, and project it outward. All while keeping it from falling apart." He let out a short breath.

"Your clone doesn't make a sound. It doesn't cast a shadow. It won't block attacks. If you try to use it for anything other than tricking someone's eyes, you're using it wrong." He walked down the rows between the desks, hands behind his back.

"This jutsu is a graduation requirement. You don't pass this, you don't move on. It's that simple. And no, I don't care how strong your taijutsu is or how many shuriken you can land on target. If your clone looks like a puddle, you fail." This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. A few kids swallowed hard.

"Today, you'll start by practicing the seal and shaping your chakra to activate it. In one month, I'll test your jutsu to make sure your clone is stable. No need for two. No need for three. Just one. Focus on control and image projection. If I see you rushing or showing off, I'll stop you myself." He balled his fist, and a few students recoiled. At this point, most of us had a little PTSD. Including Kaen, who had a habit of annoying Daiken and suffering the consequences.

Daiken returned to the front of the class, still holding his fist like he was advertising it.

"Form the Tiger seal. Focus. Don't just imagine yourself. Feel the shape of your chakra as it molds into a second body. Match it to your size, posture, and position. Get it wrong, and it'll twist, flicker, or pop. Take your time and make sure you perform it perfectly. I won't give a second chance like I did with the Transformation or Substitution Jutsu. This is a critical technique that can actually save your life. Now let's talk details" A few hours of clarification and demonstration later, class finally ended.

As Shizuru, Sena, and I headed to the training grounds for our usual physical session, Genta walked over. He knew about our training, but never asked to join. I figured he had better methods and a better teacher over at the Senju compound. I was still wondering why he was approaching when he answered the question without me asking.

"Hey Noa. How about we go out to eat? I've got some rare free time. Might as well spend it enjoying some good food." My eyes lit up. Then I remembered my pockets were drier than the Empty Quarter desert. Genta saw my expression immediately.

"It's my treat," he added.

"To thank you for helping with the Transformation Jutsu. And as advance payment for helping me with Clone Jutsu." He smiled sheepishly at the last part. I chuckled.

"Alright then. I'd never refuse a generous offer. Let's go." Inside my head, I was already laughing like a cartoon villain. I'm going to destroy his savings. Time to eat enough for the next week. I turned and moved toward the Academy gate when something tugged on my shirt. I looked back. Genta looked surprised, like he hadn't expected me to ditch that fast. Sena and Shizuru were both staring at me too, their expressions frozen somewhere between disbelief and betrayal. Shizuru spoke first.

"Did you really just forget about our training session because someone mentioned free food?" I laughed and scratched the back of my head.

"Of course not. I was just about to tell Genta." They didn't buy it. Mostly because I was already halfway out the door. I turned to Genta.

"I've got a session with Sena and Shizuru. Can we reschedule?" He smiled.

"Yeah, I was going to say let's meet in two hours, but then you just started walking. I was actually planning to ask if I could observe your training routine. I'm curious about your exercises, So I figured I might as well see it for myself, if that's okay with all of you." No one objected, so we all headed to the training ground together. By the time the session ended, Shizuru and Sena looked like they had barely survived. I, on the other hand, was grinning in anticipation of the feast.

Genta said, "Let's meet at Yunohana Smokehouse in two hours, after you've had time to freshen up." Now that got my attention. Yunohana was one of the few restaurants tucked in the Second Ring District that was known for both civilian and shinobi clientele. It sat just past the old armory market, near the eastern plaza. You could always tell you were close by the smell of grilled meat and miso charcoal glaze in the air. Expensive, cozy, and always crowded. Genta looked at Shizuru and Sena next.

"You two should come. I promised the food at this place is heavenly." Shizuru nodded.

"Yeah, I've heard about it. Would be nice to try it after all the good things people say. I'll join." Sena smiled.

"It would be great to eat there again. It really is incredible. I'm in." Genta nodded, satisfied.

"The more company, the better the time. Let's all meet at the entrance. It's across from the paper lantern vendor. You can't miss it." We each headed home to clean up and prepare for the legendary meal ahead.