บท 51: 51. Naruko
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After the Fourth Hokage left, Tazuna didn't immediately start constructing the bridge.
Instead, he and the workers spread the news that all of Gato's men had been killed by the rebels.
The residents of the Land of Waves rejoiced. Hundreds of people armed themselves with whatever weapons they could find—farm tools, sticks, anything—and rushed together toward Gato's residence.
Naruto didn't know what happened to Gato, but he noticed that Tazuna returned with more workers than before.
While the residents of the Land of Waves were organizing, Naruto sat with his teammates, debriefing the recent battle.
Their encounters with Zabuza had exposed some weaknesses.
Naruto started, "First, our team's sensory abilities are too weak. We were practically blind when Zabuza used the Hidden Mist Technique. It forced us to stop him from using Ninjutsu at all costs in the second battle."
Kakashi-sensei could summon ninja hounds, but they were mostly used for tracking, not combat. He was the only one who could use Earth Release.
"I'll handle this," Naruto continued. "I'm practising sensory ninjutsu. If it works, I'll gain a powerful new ability."
With that, Naruto formed a hand sign, created thirty shadow clones, and sent them off to practice.
The clones dashed into the woods, full of energy. After finding a suitable spot, one of them pulled out a small round card, stuck it on his chest, and it read "Number 001."
Number 001 announced, "I cleared *Elden Ring* with only three lives, but this time we've got 30! If we can't manage to learn sensory ninjutsu with this many, we'll have no face to show to the original! Brothers, let's start training!"
Number 001 and the other twenty-eight clones began practising.
Meanwhile, one clone muttered, "We're all shadow clones, so why are you the only one being dramatic?"
That clone then transformed into a blonde, twin-tailed Naruko and began practising with a smile.
Number 001 glanced at Naruko, adjusted the sign on his chest, and went back to training.
Naruto had no idea what his clones were doing, so he continued the meeting.
Sakura raised her hand and said, "Explosive tags are really useful, but they're expensive. Isn't it a bit wasteful to use so many?"
Inner Sakura shouted excitedly, "Explosions are awesome! It's pure art!" Then she calmed down. "But yeah, they're too costly!"
Naruto reassured her, "We're just rookies fresh out of the Academy. It's worth it if a few dozen explosive tags can hold down a Jonin for that long."
Kakashi wanted to protest—how could Naruto still call himself a rookie after that? But he held back.
Sasuke nodded in agreement and added, "My chakra and stamina need improvement. The tactics we use today are too exhausting; I can't use them often, right?"
"Facing someone like Zabuza isn't common," Naruto replied. "For regular shinobi, the strategies we used against Kakashi-sensei during training should be enough. But you should still work on your endurance. Lasting only ten minutes is too weak."
Sasuke glared at Naruto but didn't argue. Not everyone is as overpowered as you, he thought.
He continued, "The way Zabuza transformed into you and blended in with your clones was pretty clever. When outnumbered, we could consider using a similar tactic to directly target the enemy leader."
Naruto wanted to point out that they're rarely outnumbered because of his ability to make so many clones.
But he took Sasuke's suggestion. "It was risky when Zabuza threw that smoke bomb. We should've countered by blowing up my clone along with him. We'll do that next time if we're in a similar situation."
Sakura asked hesitantly, "Doesn't it bother you? Shadow clones send their memories back to the original when they disperse. Won't it be uncomfortable?"
"It's just a few clones," Naruto said with a grin. "Better they take the hit than us. Anyway, when my clones die, they're usually pretty happy about it."
Kakashi couldn't help but interject, "Speaking of which, I've been wondering. Normally, shadow clones share the same memory and thought process as the original. But your clones act like they have their personalities. Maybe you should visit the Yamanaka Clan for a check-up?"
The Yamanaka Clan? Isn't that Konoha's psychiatry? Naruto stared at Kakashi, thinking, I treat you like a brother, and you call me crazy?
If the Yamanaka Clan saw what was in my head, they'd go mad before I did!
Deciding to let it slide, Naruto explained, "I'm perfectly sane. If I hadn't, my mom would've taken me to Yamanaka ages ago. It's probably just because my mind is so full of thoughts because of that when I make clones, some of them come out with exaggerated personalities."
His teammates didn't ask about the clone that liked to transform into Naruko.
They just sighed in relief, knowing Naruto wasn't sick, and continued to discuss battle strategies before starting their training.
Naruto focused on his sensory ninjutsu training, aiming to master Kagura's Mind Eye quickly.
Sasuke intensified his physical and chakra control training to boost his stamina.
Sakura continued studying her medical scrolls and added survival training, learning to dodge various attacks from Naruto and Sasuke.
After all, according to the rules of the medical ninja, those who can't protect themselves are of no use to the team.
Kakashi, as usual, leaned against a tree, took out his favourite book, and flipped through a couple of pages before closing it.
"My students are working so hard. As their sensei, I should do the same," Kakashi mused.
In reality, Kakashi was a bit dissatisfied with his performance today. It shouldn't have taken him so long to deal with a single enemy, causing his beloved students to face such danger.
It seemed he needed to step up his training. Maybe he should spar with Gai…
"Youth!!!"
Kakashi shook his head violently. What a terrifying thought!
Later, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura occasionally noticed flashes of lightning in Kakashi's direction.
This lazy sensei wants to train seriously? The three exchanged glances and smiled, pushing themselves even harder.
Three days later, the bridge in the Land of Waves was officially completed, and the workers cheered and celebrated.
With Gato gone and the bridge finished, the Land of Waves finally had hope.
Tazuna bid farewell to Kakashi, mentioning that he would visit Konoha soon to finalize the mission details and pay the appropriate compensation.
And so, the four of them set out on their journey back to Konoha.
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