Sasuke heard his name called but didn't show any expression. He simply walked to the center of the room and, with astonishing speed, performed a series of hand seals before announcing, "Clone Technique!"
With a puff of smoke, two nearly identical Sasukes appeared on the spot.
However, Shiki lifted his head. Through his Sensor ability, he detected that the real Sasuke was hiding on a large tree nearby—the two on the ground were just clones.
Suddenly, Shiki recalled having seen this scene somewhere before. Before he could react, Naruto, already shouting about seeing through Sasuke's disguise, rushed forward and threw punches at both of Sasuke's clones.
As Iruka praised and explained how impressive it was for Sasuke to create two perfect clones and hide his real body high up in the tree, Naruto's face once again fell into disappointment.
No matter how hard he tried, he still couldn't earn recognition. He still couldn't keep up with someone as naturally gifted as Sasuke.
"Next, Uzumaki Shiki!"
At the sound of the surname Uzumaki, Shiki knew it was definitely going to be him this time, since there were practically no other Uzumakis left in Konoha.
Seeing Naruto's dejected look, Shiki felt sorrow for this half-clan member of his.
Since you can't beat Sasuke Uchiha yet… leave the rest to me!
Chapter 27 – Clone Technique
Under everyone's watchful eyes, Shiki calmly walked into the center of the training ground.
Because class had just ended, many children had already gathered around to witness the performance of Iruka's homeroom students. Even several Chūnin instructors from the Ninja Academy had curiously come over to observe.
But the moment they saw the red-haired boy step forward, an even bigger crowd swarmed around.
Among the spectators, Shiki spotted Mizuki, still wearing his 'kind' smile, and Hyuga Ao, barely containing his fury.
Using his Sensor ability, Shiki caught snippets of whispering from the crowd.
"There's that cursed Shiki again. His strength has obviously declined so much, even his speed has dropped drastically. Yet he still wins the favor of the girls."
"That's right. I bet he couldn't even defeat Hyuga Ao anymore."
"As for talents in Iruka's class, we only recognize one—Sasuke Uchiha."
"Hmph! Don't even mention Hyuga Ao—I doubt that arrogant brat could beat me now!"
Some of the teachers stood together, commenting: "Iruka said that kid does nothing but sleep all day."
"Oh? Is that so? Another one squandering his talent, I guess."
"He'll come to regret it."
"To be honest, I think he's already starting to regret it."
Just as Shiki thought to himself that none of them believed in his strength, suddenly someone shouted loudly from the crowd:
"Shiki! Come on!!"
Following the voice, Shiki looked over and spotted a familiar green figure. It was undoubtedly Lee, that idiot.
Lee immediately gave Shiki a thumbs-up upon realizing Shiki had noticed him. He flashed a bright smile, his white teeth gleaming so brightly under the sun it was almost blinding.
"Shiki! On the path of youth, there's no turning back—keep pushing forward! When your sweat builds an unbreakable belief, you and I will laugh together beneath the sunset!"
This was so embarrassing. Even now, Shiki still couldn't face Lee's fiery gaze.
Sighing helplessly, Shiki tried to calm himself down, only to notice Naruto standing nearby, looking dejected.
So Shiki turned to Naruto and said, "Naruto, just because you think you're not a genius doesn't mean you haven't found your own path yet! Everyone is a genius, especially those with the bloodline of the Uzumaki clan! Just because Clone Jutsu isn't for you doesn't mean nothing else will be!"
Then Shiki straightened his posture, steeled his gaze, and continued, "Now, let me show you what true Uzumaki resolve looks like—our will can't be crushed!"
What a joke!
How ridiculous this was!
Uzumaki resolve?
What even was the Uzumaki clan?
Almost everyone present had never heard of the Uzumaki before. Naturally, they assumed it was just an empty phrase coming from Shiki.
"Tch! That brat! Can the Uzumaki clan possibly surpass the Uchiha?"
"The Hyuga are the strongest in Konoha!"
"Some unknown little clan dares to talk about 'resolve'?"
"Shiki Uzumaki...has this kid really become this arrogant?"
Doubts echoed from all directions, filling Shiki's ears.
But Shiki never intended to leave the Uzumaki buried in history.
Ever since he had felt his mother's deep love for him in this life, he had already embraced the Uzumaki as his true family.
As one of the last remaining members, how could he not carry the honor of the clan?
Shiki focused his chakra and formed the seals—Snake, Ram, and Tiger hand seals!
Three simple signs, completed in an instant. His fingers flew through them like second nature—faster, even, than Sasuke's own hand seals.
Let me show you the unyielding will of the Uzumaki clan that refuses to be buried by history!!!
[Clone Jutsu!!!]
Boom!!! The moment Shiki shouted, thick smoke erupted like a storm, engulfing everything. Everyone was startled by the sudden explosion.
What was that child trying to do?
Was this some kind of smokescreen to escape?
"You damn brat! After spouting off so much nonsense, are you just trying to run away?"
"Not taking responsibility at all! Are you scared because you feel powerless?"
"Damn it, so this is the will of the Uzumaki? How pathetic!"
The wind began to stir, swirling autumn leaves through the air—and also scattering the smoke that needed to clear.
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