Chapter 28: Practical Training Lesson (1)
With Chinatsu's actions, although Konohagakure had initially been placed in a diplomatically disadvantaged position due to Kumogakure's accusations, the situation was completely overturned. Backed by undeniable testimony extracted through Sharingan-based genjutsu and witnessed directly in the Hokage's office, Konoha seized absolute initiative.
Under Sarutobi Hiruzen's experienced and calculated negotiations befitting the "Professor" who had mastered countless jutsu a series of agreements heavily favoring Konoha were ultimately established. This outcome closely mirrored the delicate political handling seen in the aftermath of the Hyuga Affair in the original manga, but this time, Konoha did not need to sacrifice one of its own.
After personally seeing off the pale-faced, shaken Kumogakure envoys who no longer had the arrogance they carried upon arrival Hiruzen returned to his seat, exhaling slowly through his pipe.
After a brief moment of contemplation, he decided to grant Chinatsu a symbolic reward.
"Hm… Chinatsu," Hiruzen said, looking at her with a thoughtful gaze. "What reward do you want? Speak. As long as it is within reason, I will grant it."
Chinatsu maintained her usual gentle, almost overly polite smile.
"It's alright, Hokage-sama. I don't need a reward."
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow slightly.
"Even ANBU operatives receive compensation for high-level missions."
Chinatsu shook her head lightly.
"I'm already satisfied being able to contribute to Konoha. There's no need."
Hiruzen: "..."
Chinatsu (still smiling): "Really, no need."
Hiruzen: "..."
Chinatsu: "I insist."
A faint vein twitched on Hiruzen's forehead.
This girl…
Even though this was partially a formality something expected after such a significant contribution she refused repeatedly without giving him any face at all.
Is she doing this on purpose?
Hiruzen narrowed his eyes slightly.
"No," he said firmly. "There must be a reward. You clearly lack neither housing nor money… so let us speak of ninjutsu."
He leaned forward slightly.
"What technique do you want to learn?"
Hiruzen sighed internally. Even if he personally didn't mind downplaying credit, the elders especially people like Shimura Danzō would undoubtedly use this matter to stir trouble if it appeared he failed to properly reward merit.
"Since Hokage-sama insists…" Chinatsu paused briefly, as if thinking.
"Then I would like to learn the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique. Is that acceptable?"
Hiruzen's expression shifted slightly.
"The Tajū Kage Bunshin no Jutsu, hm?"
He tapped his pipe lightly against the desk.
"That is not an issue… however, you should understand something clearly."
His tone became more serious.
"This technique is classified as a forbidden jutsu for a reason. It consumes chakra at an extreme rate. Improper use can result in severe chakra exhaustion or worse."
The Multiple Shadow Clone Technique was far beyond the standard Shadow Clone Technique (Kage Bunshin no Jutsu) taught at the Academy. While normal shadow clones already divided the user's chakra evenly among each clone, this advanced version multiplied that division on a massive scale.
Without enormous chakra reserves like those possessed by Uzumaki Naruto due to the Nine-Tails (Kurama) using it recklessly could be fatal.
Chinatsu nodded obediently.
"I understand."
In truth, her thoughts were elsewhere.
The Flying Thunder God Technique…
The legendary space-time ninjutsu used by the Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato, was far more attractive.
However
That technique was not only classified at the highest level, but also tied to Konoha's strategic military power. Even someone like Kakashi had not mastered it.
Asking for it now would not only fail
It would raise suspicion.
Too dangerous.
Step by step…
Besides… with the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique…
A faint smile appeared in her eyes.
Training efficiency will increase exponentially.
Hiruzen, observing her carefully, felt a strange sense of dissonance.
That smile
Too perfect.
Too controlled.
For a brief moment, he felt as though he was not speaking to a child… but to someone who was constantly calculating.
"…Very well," he said finally, waving his hand.
A scroll was brought forward and handed to her.
"Take it. Practice carefully."
Chinatsu accepted the scroll respectfully.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama."
She turned and left not as an ANBU operative, but as Chinatsu herself.
After she left
Knock. Knock.
"Enter."
The door opened, and Hatake Kakashi stepped inside.
"Hokage-sama."
"You were with Chinatsu throughout the mission," Hiruzen said, leaning back slightly. "Tell me what do you think of her?"
Kakashi fell silent.
His visible eye lowered slightly.
After a moment
He spoke.
"…She's difficult to define."
Hiruzen raised a brow.
"In what way?"
"Sometimes… she behaves like a normal child," Kakashi said slowly.
"And other times…"
He paused.
"…like someone far more dangerous than most jōnin."
This was not an exaggeration.
From interrogation methods to psychological pressure, Chinatsu displayed a level of adaptability and emotional detachment that reminded Kakashi of elite operatives and, at times, even of Uchiha Itachi, whose calm precision masked overwhelming capability.
Yet
She was not the same.
"I can't fully understand her," Kakashi admitted.
Hiruzen was quiet for a moment.
Then
He asked the question that mattered most.
"Do you think she could become a threat to Konoha?"
Kakashi didn't answer immediately.
Because the truth was
He didn't know.
"…I don't have enough information to make that judgment," he said honestly.
Silence filled the Hokage's office.
Hiruzen closed his eyes briefly, then exhaled.
"…We will observe."
Meanwhile
Chinatsu stepped out of the Hokage Tower, holding the scroll containing the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique.
A meaningful gain.
Not only had she analyzed and copied aspects of Kumogakure's Lightning Release (Raiton) chakra flow using her Sharingan, but she had also obtained one of the most powerful training-enhancement techniques in existence.
Shadow clones share experience when dispelled…
That means…
Her lips curved slightly.
Efficiency beyond normal limits.
This changes everything.
As she walked through the streets of Konoha, her mood was noticeably lighter.
The villagers, who had watched her grow up, couldn't help but whisper among themselves.
"Look at Chinatsu, she's in such a good mood today."
"Did something good happen?"
"Hah, maybe she's found someone she likes."
"Unlikely. That girl? She's always been focused on becoming a strong kunoichi."
Their chatter continued casually.
Chinatsu ignored it completely.
The next day, around noon
There were still a few hours before Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke would finish their classes at the Ninja Academy.
Chinatsu had initially planned to go home and rest
But suddenly
She remembered.
Today… is practical combat training.
Ninja Academy – Training Ground
"Alright, everyone!"
Umino Iruka clapped his hands, gathering the students' attention.
"Today will be a sparring session. Remember this is practice. Do not go too far, but do not hold back excessively either."
His gaze sharpened slightly.
"I will intervene if necessary."
The matches were arranged through random selection.
Given that these were still Academy students, most fights were short and straightforward often ending in quick exchanges of basic taijutsu or poorly executed techniques.
Still
For the students
This was exciting.
Naruto clenched his fists, eyes burning with determination.
This is my chance! I'll show everyone I'm not dead last!
Beside him, Sasuke stood calmly, but his gaze was sharp.
A good opportunity…
Let me see how far I've progressed.
If I face Naruto…
A faint competitive glint flashed in his eyes.
Even better.
One after another, students stepped forward to draw lots.
Naruto and Sasuke did the same, opening their slips simultaneously
Blank.
Iruka collected all the results, organizing them quickly.
Then, after a brief glance
He began to announce.
"First match "
"Uzumaki Naruto versus Inuzuka Kiba!"
Naruto grinned instantly.
"Perfect!"
"And next "
"Uchiha Sasuke versus Nara Shikamaru!"
Sasuke's eyes narrowed slightly.
Shikamaru, on the other hand
"…Troublesome."