"Shadow Clone Technique…"
Shin held the scroll containing the Shadow Clone Technique's formula, detailed chakra control methods, and usage instructions, letting out a long breath of relief.
He got it!
And more importantly…
He had gambled correctly.
Although the Third Hokage hadn't openly given Naruto any special treatment, he was clearly offering quiet support behind the scenes.
In the Hokage's eyes, Shin's actions were a form of positive discipline and guidance—not the bullying Naruto believed it to be.
That played no small part in why he was granted access to the Shadow Clone Technique.
Shin studied the scroll carefully.
Tree climbing and water-walking training—he had already practiced those on his own. His chakra control was solid.
The technique itself wasn't particularly difficult. The real challenge lay in the large amount of chakra required during execution, as well as adapting to the strain and risks involved.
"Shadow Clone Technique…"
"From another perspective, it's essentially an advanced version of the Clone Technique—injecting more chakra to create a physical body."
"So…"
Shin's thoughts aligned. With his mastery-level experience in the Clone Technique, it didn't take long—
Ram Seal!
Chakra surged…
He felt both his physical and mental energy draining rapidly, fatigue washing over him.
The next second, an identical clone appeared beside him.
Success!
Shin exhaled.
B-rank difficulty… didn't seem that hard after all.
However, he knew the true difficulty of the Shadow Clone Technique lay in the aftermath—the burden when the clone dispelled.
Not everyone was Uzumaki Naruto.
With a thought, Shin had the clone handle some simple paperwork while his original body continued drafting the lesson plan for the afternoon.
A few minutes later, he dispelled the clone.
A wave of fatigue hit him, along with the flood of memories from the clone. His vision blurred as dizziness overwhelmed him, taking a full second before he regained clarity.
Once he recovered, he fell silent.
Just a few minutes…
And he hadn't even assigned the clone any heavy tasks.
After a few seconds, Shin sighed deeply, speechless.
"No comparison, no damage…"
"Even if I just learned it and haven't adapted yet… the gap between me and Naruto is still massive."
"To get stronger… to survive… I need to increase the intensity of Naruto's 'treatment'!"
A few minutes later, Shin set down his pen.
On the paper were three key points: "Taijutsu Mindset," "Movement Simplification," and "Practical Combat Guidance."
At the academy level, taijutsu classes mostly covered fundamentals. These three aspects alone would be enough for him to teach for several years.
Rubbing his temples, Shin summoned the panel.
"Activate Basic Training!"
…
At noon, the bell rang.
After hurriedly finishing his meal, Naruto rolled his eyes, preparing to sneak away and hide.
But the moment he stepped out of the cafeteria—
A figure stood waiting nearby, a toothpick from the cafeteria hanging from his mouth.
"Fifty laps."
"Damn it!"
Naruto gritted his teeth and turned to run.
After a few steps, he looked up—
Another Kanzaki Shin?!
Naruto spun around. Behind him, the real Shin was walking forward leisurely.
Then Naruto charged.
One punch!
Naruto was sent flying.
"Want to add more laps?"
"I'll run! I'll run, okay?!"
Naruto was on the verge of tears.
This guy was a demon!
Shin dispelled the clone and followed behind at a relaxed pace.
He didn't actually intend to force Naruto to complete all fifty laps. The main goal was to drain his energy so he wouldn't have time to cause trouble.
And, of course, to secure more screen time.
Why not?
After about ten laps, Shin slowed down. As he turned into the forest, his figure briefly obscured by trees—
The shadow clone shifted and hid among the bushes!
A few seconds later, Sasuke passed silently through the forest.
Moments after that, a figure clad in black with a cat-faced mask appeared briefly, glancing toward where Shin's clone had disappeared.
Shin tilted his head slightly, catching both Sasuke and the ANBU's positions in his peripheral vision, pretending not to notice as he continued forward.
An hour later, Naruto staggered back toward the academy like a dead dog.
If Shin hadn't forbidden it, he would've collapsed on the ground long ago.
Following behind, Shin's thoughts grew complicated.
The Uzumaki bloodline combined with being the Nine-Tails' jinchuriki… truly extraordinary.
Even without increasing the number of laps, Naruto's speed, rhythm, and recovery had all improved slightly.
Fortunately…
Shin had the system.
…
Afternoon, taijutsu class.
"Everyone, start with laps. After that, stretching and basic exercises…"
The students quickly began running.
Before long, Naruto surged ahead!
Sasuke increased his pace, overtaking him swiftly.
Yet Naruto stayed right behind him, refusing to fall behind. Kiba and the others were left trailing, exchanging bewildered looks.
"What's up with Naruto today?"
"Who knows? He's been acting weird these past couple of days."
Choji sounded exhausted.
He hated monotonous running training.
Glancing sideways, he whispered, "Shikamaru, wanna ditch class?"
Shikamaru sighed. "Naruto was taken out at noon and ran a lot of laps. If you don't want extra training, you'd better drop that idea."
Choji's expression changed instantly. He didn't dare bring up skipping class again.
Beside them, Ino suddenly leaned in.
"Shin-sensei took Naruto out at noon?"
"Yeah, right from the cafeteria entrance. A teacher that responsible is a real hassle…"
Shikamaru sighed again.
Then he paused, thoughtful.
"But if Naruto ran that many laps at noon and can still run this fast… his recovery is insane."
Everyone looked ahead.
Naruto was still slightly behind Sasuke, but his face was twisted with effort, determination burning in his eyes. The gap between them wasn't large.
When he got serious, Naruto actually had a certain captivating presence.
"Hard to believe…"
Ino muttered, "Even a troublemaker and dead last like Naruto can turn things around. As expected of Shin-sensei."
Shikamaru glanced at her, speechless.
What a lovestruck idiot…
Forget it.
He quietly followed, mentally complaining about the trouble.
At that moment—
"Third lap. Friendly reminder—anyone not giving their all will get extra training later. Especially you, pineapple head. Stop slacking!"
Pineapple…
head?
Shikamaru's face stiffened. He turned to confirm—it was definitely him.
Laughter burst out ahead—
"Pff—HAHAHAHA!"
"Pineapple head!"
"That's hilarious, Shikamaru!"
Naruto laughed so hard he lost his breath, instantly falling far behind Sasuke.
The next second, he roared and accelerated, pushing himself even harder than before.
Sasuke was drenched in sweat.
Before today, he had never imagined competing with Naruto—the dead last.
But…
Thirty-plus laps…
He couldn't keep going, yet Naruto could!
That realization hit him hard. Despite excelling in everything at school, there were still areas outside of exams where he fell short.
Sasuke pushed himself to the limit, completing the fifth lap before finally stopping.
Turning back—
Naruto was shouting wildly and waving at others, completely unfocused.
Even so, the distance between them was only about two hundred meters.
"I'm actually inferior to someone like him…"
His heart filled with frustration—and anger at himself.