"It's a bit awkward using his own technique."
But this was a comprehensive decision.
Other techniques wouldn't benefit Orochimaru much right now. It'd be better to remind him first about completing techniques suitable for himself.
Under the disguise of Transformation Jutsu, Akaba returned to the village.
His clone seemed to still be at the barbecue joint. He decided against checking in.
In an instant, Akaba made a U-turn and headed straight home.
With his current chakra reserves, the Shadow Clones would hold out until the barbecue dinner was over.
On his way, he casually opened his status panel for a quick look.
Akaba's Points had increased by over a hundred—he was just short of being able to upgrade his Chakra Enhancement.
"Tomorrow after I wake up, I should be able to do it."
Akaba closed the panel.
Once his chakra received another boost from Enhancement, Shadow Clones could last half a day—or even a full day—as long as he managed fatigue properly.
A brief burst of fatigue—and then he could loaf around all day.
A wonderful life was about to begin!
The mere thought sent him into a state of bliss.
Meanwhile, back at the barbecue restaurant...
"Can we really borrow your manga, Akaba?"
"Of course! But please understand, the rental price for the latest chapters will be slightly higher," Akaba said with an exaggeratedly polite smile while promoting his "manga rental convenience" plan to the crowd.
Below, everyone looked shocked. Was this really the same Akaba who was always too lazy to move?
"That guy must be a clone."
Sakumo sighed helplessly.
"It looks like he is."
Shishio nodded slightly while resting his chin in his hand.
Even if the real Akaba had such ideas, he'd probably never bother implementing them himself—maybe just ask Mr. Sakuma Yunlang to post a notice.
Hyuga Kazuhiko, who didn't know Akaba well yet, felt completely confused. Though appearing mature and smooth in his methods, Akaba was still just a kid. Facing Akaba stealing the spotlight, Hyuga Kazuhiko momentarily didn't know how to regain control of the atmosphere.
"Look at that guy!!"
Tsunade gritted her teeth.
Unlike Jiraiya, who had stopped having diarrhea and focused entirely on eating meat.
She noticed something off about Akaba and realized both Orochimaru and the Akaba on stage were Shadow Clones.
"They didn't even call me along?! Dammit, I'll beat them up tomorrow!"
Clang, clang, clang!
The plates on the table rattled from her trembling fists. Jiraiya grumbled as he pulled the meat plate closer, saying, "Tsunade, don't cause trouble. I'm not done eating yet."
"Eat, eat, eat! That's all you ever think about. Here, take all of these too."
Tsunade pushed her own plate over as well.
Hyuga Kazuhiko was already full of rage!
Noticing this scene, the Shadow Clone's eyes crinkled happily as he cheerfully continued explaining his new policy.
Compared to this, Orochimaru remained remarkably calm.
Even after being exposed as a clone, he stayed composed and relaxed.
Later on, even Hyuga Kazuhiko felt overwhelmed.
Originally, he had planned to build some rapport, eat something casual, then let the party end.
Then later, he'd invite a group of strong people to hang out together at the bathhouse.
However...
Now, Akaba dominated the entire conversation, leaving absolutely no room for Hyuga Kazuhiko to get a word in edgewise.
What was supposed to be a friendly gathering had clearly turned into a full-on manga exchange, with everyone getting caught up in heated discussions about the plots.
With such enthusiasm surrounding him, he had no way to stop them and ended up watching the entire plot unfold before his eyes.
WTF was that!
He regretted it deeply. If he'd known, he wouldn't have invited Sakuma Akaba.
After Akaba finished speaking, the whole group had already finished eating their fill.
Most people weren't scheming—they didn't want to stay inside the shop for long after eating, preferring instead to go play outside or head home for a nap.
Thus, what was supposed to be a gathering ended abruptly.
Stepping out of the shop,
Tsunade cheerfully grabbed Orochimaru's and Akaba's hands, dragging them excitedly into an alleyway.
"Tsunade, what are you doing?"
Jiraiya followed behind, confused but concerned.
The next second, he heard a bloodcurdling scream.
When he rushed over, there was no sign of Akaba or Orochimaru in the alley.
Inside the laboratory, Orochimaru was testing the [Hidden Shadow Snake Hands] usage method when suddenly his entire body was struck by intense pain.
"Hehe, Tsunade really has impressive control."
Gasping for breath, he took a long time to recover.
That punch of hers was perfectly calibrated—each blow landed exactly where it hurt the most.
The main body's reaction? Absolute bliss.
While Orochimaru recovered from the lingering pain, confusion settled in—he was a clone too. So why did Akaba's copy act so erratically?
If it just stayed put, nobody would've gotten hurt. Why stir up trouble like this?
Compared to Orochimaru, Akaba remained far calmer.
If you wanna use shadow clones, you gotta accept getting burned now and then.
Even if you woke up in agony—in your own damn bed!
Early the next morning,
Akaba got up and immediately opened the system panel.
1058 points!
Exchange command confirmed: [Semi - Sage Body Constitution - Chakra Enhancement].
The Uzumaki clan's chakra reserves were simply way beyond those of ordinary people.
As soon as Akaba completed the exchange, his body surged violently with chakra.
Speaking of chakra, he hadn't been lacking before—but after the enhancement, his chakra was like gates opening one after another—the Healing Gate, then the Opening Gate—as if it had multiplied by one to two times.
Seconds later,
Panting heavily, sweat poured from his body.
This sudden increase in chakra wasn't pleasant—it actually hurt quite a bit.
After getting up, Akaba took a shower.
Then, he made a Shadow Clone at home to handle urgent tasks.
He had promised to submit everything tomorrow; he couldn't afford to delay any further.
Walking downstairs, Akaba noticed that little Kyoyuki was staring at him rather oddly.
"Brother, you just—"
"Shh! Top secret info~"
Akaba smiled lightly. Naturally, the fluctuations and growth of his chakra wouldn't escape Kyoyuki's ultra-strong sensory ability.
"Un huh~"
Little Kyoyuki nodded quickly. The cat puppet on her shoulder gave a thumbs-up gesture.
Her puppet manipulation techniques were becoming increasingly refined!
With such talent, she's definitely going to become a ninja someday.
Akaba mused silently.
Breakfast arrived, and Sakuma Chiaki joined the table. Eating while talking, she asked, "Do you have anything planned today?"
"Not particularly—I can manage my schedule freely. Why?"
Akaba looked puzzled.
Sakuma Chiaki rarely interfered with his daily activities. This was the first time she had ever made such an inquiry.
"The Hyuga clan sent over an invitation early this morning."
Sakuma Chiaki explained.
"Huh?"
Akaba was momentarily stunned. Didn't Kazuhiko already send out an invitation yesterday?
He froze for a second, recalling how his clone had totally wrecked last night's gathering — there was no way it could be considered a success.
"If you don't want to go, I can have someone from the clan attend in your place."
"Have someone else do it. The Hyuga probably want to court our favor."
After replying, Akaba took a few bites of breakfast before carefully saying, "I feel like we shouldn't offend them, but also shouldn't get too close, so yesterday I deliberately ruined the party."
He didn't say it was a [Multiple Shadow Clone], willingly taking the blame himself.
"Mm, I'll explain everything clearly to the clan leader."
Sakuma Chiaki nodded understandingly — he naturally understood why the Hyuga wanted to curry favor with them.
In the wake of the Chunin Exams, word of the nine participants' performances had gradually spread throughout the village.
Three were directly promoted to chunin, while the others also performed impressively, forming an influential network behind them — no wonder they were drawing so much attention.
After finishing his meal, Akaba prepared to go out and cause a little trouble.
Thinking it over, he originally planned to pay Orochimaru a visit, but just as he stepped outside, Kyoyuki came chasing after him: "Brother, wait for me!"
"What's up?"
Akaba asked suspiciously, turning around.
"It's been a while since I played with everyone. I want to go to the Senju side."
She murmured softly.
"No problem. Konoha's pretty safe around here, though remember to come back early."
Akaba replied casually without much concern.
"Akaba, how could you act so irresponsibly? Kyoyuki just arrived — there's no way she knows her way around Konoha."
From inside the house, Sakuma Saiki angrily stepped out.
Akaba paused in surprise.
How could such a high-level sensor possibly get lost?
"Besides, Lady Mito has been taking such good care of you. Yesterday being busy was understandable, but today you should really go pay her a visit."
Sakuma Saiki continued scolding.
That was going to be a headache.
Akaba scratched his head. He hadn't planned on visiting the Senju clan specifically because he wanted to avoid Granny Tsunade for now.
But looks like he couldn't escape it.
"Brother…"
"No problem. Brother will take you along to familiarize you with the route. Then next time, you can go visit your playmates by yourself."
Akaba patted her head, then straightened up.
Kyoyuki quickly followed behind, the small puppet cat perched on her shoulder.
Ever since she got it, she rarely went more than ten steps without it by her side.
As they exited the Sakuma compound, her fiery red hair instantly drew eyes.
Many passersby kept glancing their way.
After quite some time, Akaba led her to the Senju clan grounds.
"This ahead is the Senju compound. Once you enter…"
Crouching down to guide her forward, Akaba hoped he could slip away right after.
Yesterday's beating may have been taken by a clone, but the transmitted pain and memories were vivid proof of Tsunade's rage and fury.
"Brother, are you hiding from Tsunade-nee?"
Kyoyuki stated perceptively.
Akaba's expression stiffened slightly before he immediately replied, "Of course not! My relationship with Tsunade is great."
"Oh, that makes sense then."
Kyoyuki gave him a meaningful look, seemingly implying something.
Akaba hesitated for a moment, then patted her hand in acknowledgment.
Looks like Granny Tsunade was already waiting in the shadows…
So sneaky!
He inwardly grumbled.
If he turned to leave right now, he'd definitely get caught on the spot — better not even think about what would happen after that.
"Hmph, you're wrong. My relationship with him is anything but good."
Tsunade snapped, "He ran off yesterday without even taking me with him, sneaking away with Orochimaru!"
"Erm... I still need to pay my respects to Lady Mito. Let's talk while we walk,"
Akaba shifted the topic, guiding Kyoyuki down the path.
"If you hadn't shown up today, grandma probably would've sent me out to drag you here,"
Tsunade remarked.
"Huh? Why?"
"It has something to do with your manga—I'm not exactly sure what though."
Even Tsunade, who knew Mito Uzumaki better than anyone, couldn't make sense of her thoughts.
Akaba hesitated briefly before deciding to leave it alone for now.
After all, sticking his neck out earned him a chop just the same as shrinking from it—might as well face it head-on and get it over with.
As he stepped into the courtyard, he found Mito Uzumaki lounging lazily in the yard, with seven manga volumes prominently placed right beside her.
She had brought out every single Manga volume.
What was going on?
"Didn't think you'd show up, brat?"
Mito Uzumaki spoke in a calm tone that barely concealed its unusual irritation.
"I was a bit busy yesterday, so—"
"Spent ages in the Land of Wind and still only managed one volume? You've been slacking again! And don't think I haven't noticed—you still haven't let me experience that fun illusion jutsu of yours!"
Mito Uzumaki suddenly sat upright, clearly upset.
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>