"Shadow Clone Jutsu…"
Holding the scroll that detailed the hand seals, chakra control, and application of the technique, Masahiko finally let out a slow breath.
He'd gotten it.
And more than that—
His gamble had paid off.
Although the Third Hokage never showed Naruto open favoritism, he quietly supported him behind the scenes. From Hiruzen's perspective, Masahiko's methods were firm but constructive—not the bullying Naruto believed them to be.
That trust was exactly why Masahiko had been approved for the Shadow Clone technique.
He unrolled the scroll and studied it carefully.
Tree-climbing and water-walking were already second nature to him. His chakra control was solid. The Shadow Clone itself wasn't particularly complex—the real challenge lay in drawing out enough chakra and enduring the drain without collapsing.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu…"
"Viewed another way, it's just the Clone Technique—except you flood it with chakra until it becomes solid."
With his strong foundation in the basic Clone Jutsu, everything suddenly clicked.
Tiger seal!
Chakra surged out of him. His body felt hollowed out, fatigue crashing in all at once.
The next instant, an identical Masahiko appeared at his side.
Success.
He exhaled slowly.
B-rank difficulty… didn't seem as terrifying as advertised.
Still—
One reason Shadow Clone was ranked so highly was the backlash when the clone dispersed.
Not everyone was Uzumaki Naruto.
Masahiko had the clone handle some simple paperwork while he continued drafting lesson plans. About two minutes later, he released the jutsu.
A wave of exhaustion and unfamiliar memories slammed into his mind. His vision went black for a heartbeat before he steadied himself.
Only two minutes.
And the clone hadn't even done heavy labor.
Masahiko sat in silence for a moment.
"No comparison… no pain…"
"I've just learned it, so I'm not used to it—but the gap between me and Naruto is absurd."
"If I want to survive, I'll have to push that kid even harder."
A few minutes later, he set down his pen.
On the paper were written: Taijutsu fundamentals, movement simplification, practical combat guidance.
The Academy only taught surface-level taijutsu. Those three lesson blocks alone could sustain him for years.
Rubbing his temples, Masahiko summoned the system panel.
"Begin advanced basic training."
Lunchtime.
The bell rang.
Naruto devoured his food, eyes flicking around as he planned his escape.
The moment he stepped outside the cafeteria—
A figure leaned against the wall, toothpick between his lips.
"Fifty laps."
"Damn it!"
Naruto spun around and bolted.
After a few steps, he froze.
There were two Masahikos.
The real one strolled behind him leisurely.
Naruto charged.
One punch.
He went flying.
"Want extra laps?"
"I'll run! I'll run, okay?!"
Naruto was on the verge of tears.
This teacher was a demon.
Masahiko dismissed the clone and followed at an easy pace.
He didn't actually expect Naruto to finish fifty laps. The goal was simple: drain his energy so he'd have no strength left for pranks.
And of course—
It earned screen time.
Why not?
After a dozen laps, Masahiko slowed.
The moment they entered the forest and sightlines vanished, the Shadow Clone slipped silently into the brush.
Seconds later, Sasuke moved through the trees.
A few heartbeats after that, an ANBU in a cat-faced mask appeared, scanning the area.
Masahiko kept walking, pretending not to notice either of them.
An hour later, Naruto trudged toward the Academy like a corpse on legs.
If Masahiko hadn't forbidden it, he would've collapsed on the spot.
Behind him, Masahiko's thoughts were conflicted.
Uzumaki blood combined with a Nine-Tails jinchuriki's body truly was abnormal.
Even without extra punishment, Naruto's speed, pacing, and recovery had improved noticeably.
Fortunately—
Masahiko had a system too.
Afternoon. Taijutsu Class.
"Warm-up laps first. When you finish, stretch properly."
The class took off.
Naruto surged ahead immediately.
Sasuke accelerated and passed him.
But Naruto stayed right behind, refusing to fall back. Kiba and the others were left behind, staring in disbelief.
"What's with Naruto today?"
"He's been weird lately."
Choji wheezed. He hated running.
Out of breath, he whispered, "Shikamaru, wanna ditch?"
Shikamaru sighed. "Naruto ran laps all through lunch. If you want extra drills, go ahead."
Choji went pale and shut up.
Nearby, Ino leaned in. "Teacher Masahiko took Naruto out at lunch?"
"Yeah. Right outside the cafeteria. The supervisor was furious."
Shikamaru frowned. "If Naruto ran at lunch and still has this stamina… his recovery is insane."
Everyone looked ahead.
Naruto still trailed Sasuke, but the distance wasn't growing. His face was fierce, focused.
A serious Naruto had a presence people couldn't ignore.
"Hard to believe…" Ino murmured. "Even someone like Naruto can change. Masahiko-sensei is amazing."
Shikamaru glanced at her, speechless.
Troublesome.
Just then—
"Third lap. Anyone slacking gets solo drills—especially you, pineapple-head!"
Pineapple… head?
Shikamaru stiffened.
Laughter erupted.
"Pineapple head—!"
Naruto laughed so hard he nearly choked.
Sasuke shot ahead.
The next second, Naruto roared and accelerated even faster.
Sasuke was drenched in sweat.
Before today, he'd never imagined competing with the class dead-last.
After thirty-plus laps, his body screamed to stop—
But Naruto kept going.
That realization hit him hard.
Academics and exams meant nothing here.
In places tests didn't reach, he was still lacking.
Summoning his last strength, Sasuke finished the fifth lap and stopped.
He looked back.
Naruto was shouting and waving, completely unfocused.
Even so, he'd only fallen two hundred meters behind.
"…I'm worse than someone like that."
Self-loathing and frustration burned in Sasuke's chest.