บท 21: Chapter 21: I agree
Haruko nearly choked on her tea, eyes widening. "Rather bold, asking for a B-rank technique."
Raijin knew full well why the Shadow Clone Jutsu was classified as B-rank – not because the jutsu was complex or deadly but because it consumed half of the user's chakra to create a single clone. For most shinobi, having half of the chakra would leave them dangerously depleted and is outright suicidal.
This was why the Shadow Clone Jutsu was typically used by Jōnin. Their high chakra reserves allowed them to create clones while retaining enough chakra for combat. For anyone below Jōnin, attempting the jutsu was a gamble with their own life.
"You don't have enough chakra for that technique, kid," Haruko replied annoyedly, her arms crossing defensively.
Unless one has high chakra similar to kid Naruto's, Raijin didn't dare to voice his thoughts.
"True," Sohei agreed, his voice calm but firm. "You need to be at least Jōnin to perform the Shadow Clone Jutsu effectively. Even Chūnin using it during a mission often find themselves barely to withhold, let alone fighting."
"I was thinking maybe I could use it to practice and potentially learn Kenjutsu," Raijin ventured one last time, his voice steady but with a hint of earnestness. Despite already sensing their likely answer, he wasn't ready to give up just yet.
Elder Sohei frowned, the weight of his experience evident in his expression. "Dispersing the clone at will would indeed return its remaining chakra to the user," he acknowledged. "That's precisely what makes the jutsu viable for training. But in combat, things rarely go as planned. If an enemy manages to land a solid hit on the clone, it will disperse, and that chakra will be lost forever."
"A single well-placed kunai could effectively halve a shinobi's power instantly."
Raijin with his determination undeterred, "I wouldn't use this technique in combat until I'm capable enough," he pressed. "I just want to train more efficiently. Even a single clone would allow me to double my training time within the same hour. And I promise, if I learn the Shadow Clone Jutsu, I'll only create one clone at a time."
Haruko's lips curved into a slight smirk, a glint of mischief dancing in her eyes. She leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms. "Raijin," she said, her tone laced with playful sarcasm, "I'll teach you the Shadow Clone Jutsu—if you enroll in the Academy in the upcoming year."
Her challenge hung in the air, and for a moment, she expected Raijin to sulk or protest, given his earlier stubbornness.
Instead, Raijin's face broke into a bright grin, catching both elders off guard. "Really? Then I agree to your terms," he chirped, his enthusiasm as infectious as unexpected.
Haruko blinked, momentarily stunned by his quick acceptance. Elder Sohei chuckled softly, shaking his head. "You really are a bold one, Raijin," he remarked with a faintest hint of approval.
Haruko exchanged startled glances with Sohei, visibly thrown off balance by Raijin's sudden shift in demeanor. 'Th-This kid'. Her composed façade cracked slightly as she stammered, "Come again!?"
"I said," Raijin replied, his tone dripping with innocent sincerity, "I will enroll in the Academy, as you Elders have so kindly insisted. I must respect your wisdom, as you've thought this through for my betterment." He paused glancing at both the elders, "And, I also agree that the time for my Academy days has arrived, which is why I wholeheartedly support your decision, Honored Clan Elders..."
"...If you teach me Shadow Clone technique." He added with another pause.
Raijin felt confident in his pitch. More so after Haruko proposed a deal, even if it was sarcastically, it was a deal.
"So, let me confirm," Elder Sohei replied, his tone measured. "You'll agree to enroll in the Academy next year in exchange for learning a B-ranked jutsu?"
"Yes," Raijin responded enthusiastically, his face lighting up with convincing earnestness. Internally, he thought, I had already planned to enroll next year. This seals the deal while getting me the Shadow Clone Jutsu - a win-win.
Raijin planned to enroll in the academy the following year. At six years old, it would be the perfect time for him to begin his formal education there. If he found that the academy offered little value, he could always choose to graduate early. He assumed the Clone Jutsu would be part of the graduation requirements, as it was a fundamental technique every ninja needed to master.
Haruko stared at Raijin, her expressions caught between disbelief and begrudging admiration. The room fell into an almost comical silence as Haruko processed the bewildering turn of events.
"So…" Raijin broke the silence with an eager grin, leaning forward slightly. "When can I start learning the Shadow Clone Jutsu?"
Sohei let out a hearty chuckle, shaking his head in amusement.
Haruko sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "First, let me see 'Electric wave' of yours," Haruko replied, her tone sharp.
Raijin nodded, leading both elders toward his training ground. Elder Sohei followed quietly, his hands clasped behind his back as he observed Raijin keenly.
Positioning himself in the center of the field, Raijin's expression shifted to intense focus. He raised his palm, and sparks of lightning chakra danced across his fingertips. The air around him seemed to hum, charged with an electric tension as he gathered the chakra, the crackling bolts growing in intensity.
After a moment of buildup, Raijin fluidly unleashed the accumulated energy toward the specified target. Lightning bolts cascaded from his hands, while others shot forward in a devastating barrage.
The target was caught in a cage of electricity, bolts striking from multiple angles in an overwhelming assault.
The display was both precise and destructive, covering a wide area with a coordinated series of strikes. The power and range were undeniable, leaving scorch marks across the ground as the electric cage dissipated.
Elder Sohei observed silently, his sharp gaze assessing every detail. What caught his attention most wasn't just the technique's raw power but Raijin's efficient chakra control. The boy had used a surprisingly small amount of chakra to create such a formidable jutsu.
After a moment of contemplation, Elder Sohei finally spoke. "Impressive," he said, his voice steady but carrying an undertone of genuine admiration. "Your control and efficiency are remarkable for someone your age. However…" He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing, "…the downside is that this technique could potentially endanger your allies if not used precisely."
Raijin can increase or decrease the range of electric waves as he desires, but the only disadvantage is that he could potentially attack his allies or friends. He also knew it. The devastating assault was still uncontrollable to exclude some targets. But, it was dangerous and possibly a very powerful attack.
"Ah yes, this jutsu still needs further refinement," Raijin replied with a smile.
"How many times do you think you can perform it?" Haruko asked, addressing the most crucial aspect of the technique. A jutsu like this became truly formidable when a ninja could execute it multiple times.
A single use would be effective only once. Enemies who knew about it could defend against it. However, multiple uses would force enemies to reconsider their strategy in future battles. And if they survive, they will search for new ways to counter it.
"It's a D-rank technique and...," Raijin paused. "I haven't pushed it to exhaustion, but I estimate I could perform it ten times, more or less."
"That's good, it is very useful when combating multiple enemies on your own. It also has a destructive nature making it effective as a wide-range attack." Elder Sohei nodded approvingly.
"You've improved both on your chakra control and lightning release these past eight months," Haruko added studying his chakra. 'I can't believe this is the same kid who barely had any chakra when I first met him. It had now grown to a substantial amount.'
The last eight months have been tough for Elder Haruko due to clan work and the recent missing ninja from Konoha. The missing-nin was none other than one of the Legendary Sanin: Orochimaru, also the student of Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
This had kept her away from Raijin's training, occupied with clan duties and the crisis surrounding Orochimaru's defection. Yet at that time, this child had developed at an enormous rate that defied her expectations.
"Well then," Raijin said, seizing the silent moment, "shall we discuss the Shadow Clone technique?"
Haruko's expression hardened. "Listen well, Raijin. I don't mind if you choose not to enroll at the academy – a B-rank jutsu is another matter altogether. I won't teach you the Shadow Clone technique until I determine whether you have sufficient chakra." She glanced at Elder Sohei for support.
Elder Sohei cleared his throat with a few coughs. "I agree with Elder Haruko. However," he added, noting Raijin's disappointment, "if you show promise when you start at the academy – and have sufficient chakra, Elder Haruko will teach it to you. How does that sound?"
Raijin's eyes narrowed. "I might get cheated if you enroll me in the academy without holding up your end of the deal: the Shadow Clone Technique."
Elder Sohei chuckled, hinting at Raijin's earlier swift change in words. "Do you think we're little children who turn back on their words?"
"For your peace of mind, I, as Clan Elder, promise you will learn the Shadow Clone Technique." Sohei paused, meeting Raijin's gaze. "How about that?"
"That'll work," Raijin replied enthusiastically, glancing at Haruko for her input.
After a moment's silence and a long stare, Elder Haruko smirked. "If Elder Sohei has agreed over this matter, I can't very well refuse."
"By the way," Raijin said respectfully, noticing her smirk, "What made both elders assume I wouldn't want to enroll at the academy?"
Haruko fell silent while Elder Sohei was intrigued by where Raijin was leading with this question.
Haruko narrowed her eyes as she replied, "You had mentioned it before when I asked you about academy enrollment."
Raijin's smirk widened as he met Haruko's gaze, a playful glint in his eyes. "Hmm... that must have been about two years ago," he said, smirking back at her.
But something about his expression unsettled Haruko. While she recalled Raijin's words from two years ago, she realized he had never explicitly denied enrolling in the academy.
Today, he had waited patiently to grasp the whole situation in hand as the elders rushed to keep their word. Yet she kept her suspicions to herself. 'Was I wrong to assume he didn't want to enroll...?'
Just then, Raijin broke her train of thought, "Anyway, Elder, how come you haven't shown up these past eight months?"
"I was caught up in clan works and haven't had a chance to send a clone over her" Haruko's tone ranged from annoyance to neutral. "Did you get monthly allowances?"
"Yes, always by the end of the month."
The allowance was deposited in Raijin's minor account at Konoha's bank. Despite their digital technology, the banks operated without digital computers, relying on physical records and vaults stored within the Hokage's office building.
'That Hokage's office building must have an underground basement for storing money and valuable stuff.' Raijin's thought wandered into robbing Konoha's bank. But he quickly dismissed any notion of robbery because the risk to his life wasn't worth contemplating.
"I'll arrange for someone to register you for academy enrollment. Classes should start in about six months." Haruko said, exchanging a nod with Elder Sohei.
Elder Sohei smiled warmly at Raijin, "The will of fire burns bright within you. Take care of yourself and thank you for the meal. It was nice to meet you Raijin."
"Likewise, Elder. I enjoyed having both of you here. Please revisit my humble home." Raijin offered a small bow.
Haruko said softly, "Then, that'll be all for today."
After seeing both elders off, Raijin headed to the kitchen to wash the dishes, setting aside the leftover food for dinner.
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