Chapter 137 – Naruto's Shadow Clone Technique!
"The others probably aren't suited for this task."
"Alright then, let's inform the rest of the clan."
Uchiha Mikoto spoke softly, her tone finally carrying some ease.
With Orochimaru gone, the immediate crisis had passed. There would still be concerns, of course, but it was unlikely that he would dare to return to the village so soon. By that time, her husband should already be back from the frontlines.
"Oh, that reminds me… Jiraiya wouldn't harm our Uchiha Clan, would he?"
Mikoto suddenly froze mid-step, remembering the tension between Jiraiya and her husband. Her expression turned worried as she quickly asked the question.
Uchiha Dongren glanced at Kakashi, then answered, "The Hokage's advisor believes Jiraiya won't make a move… but perhaps Kakashi should explain this better."
Kakashi stepped forward, his voice calm but respectful.
"Mikoto-sama, I've already spoken directly with Jiraiya-sama. He made it clear he will not target the Uchiha Clan. Whatever grudge exists, it is only between him and the Fifth Hokage, who defeated the Third."
Mikoto paused in surprise. The way Kakashi addressed Jiraiya—"Jiraiya-sama"—momentarily confused her, but she quickly recalled. Kakashi was Minato Namikaze's student… and Minato himself had been Jiraiya's disciple. That connection explained everything.
Her expression softened. Smiling faintly, she nodded.
"Alright then, I can be at ease."
Since Kakashi had spoken with Jiraiya personally, there was no reason for Jiraiya to deceive his own student's student.
"Itachi," Mikoto turned to her eldest son, "I'll trouble you. Use the Shadow Clone Technique to help inform the clan members in the safe rooms. Tell them it's safe to return to their homes."
She had originally considered doing this herself, but then decided against it. During the difficult years under the Third Hokage, Itachi had been ordered to serve as his spy, rarely appearing before the Uchiha. And after Fugaku became Hokage, Itachi was again assigned to frequent missions, keeping him away from the clan.
Mikoto thought this was unhealthy. The bond between Itachi and the clan had weakened. This would be a good chance for him to reconnect with his people.
Itachi understood and agreed without hesitation.
"Understood, Kaa-san. Leave it to me."
Forming hand seals with practiced precision, he whispered, "Shadow Clone Technique."
Bang! Bang! Bang!
White smoke erupted in the corridor, and when it cleared, five identical Uchiha Itachis stood before them.
At that moment, a small figure rushed out. Naruto, who had been pretending to sleep, burst into the room, his eyes widening in awe.
"Itachi-aniki! What's this game? I wanna play too!"
He clung to Itachi's leg, looking up eagerly.
Itachi chuckled softly, patting the boy's messy blonde hair.
"This isn't a game, Naruto. Big brother has something important to do."
Naruto's eyes sparkled even brighter.
"Then I can help! Watch this!"
He pressed his hands together in the cross seal.
"Shadow Clone Technique!"
Bang! Bang! Bang!
White smoke billowed again. This time, seven Narutos appeared, grinning proudly—two more than Itachi's clones.
Everyone froze for a moment.
Even though Itachi already knew from experience that Naruto had this ability, seeing it firsthand was still shocking. A boy so young… creating seven fully solid Shadow Clones was no ordinary feat.
Kisame Hoshigaki, who had been standing nearby, nearly dropped his jaw.
'What in the world? This brat's just a kid! He's already mastered a B-rank ninjutsu… and can produce seven clones at once? His chakra reserves are insane!'
Kisame had fought countless shinobi, but this was the first time he had seen such raw potential in someone so young.
Naruto, meanwhile, was beaming.
"Itachi-aniki, see? I can do it too!"
But Itachi shook his head gently.
"Naruto, that's too many. Three are enough. Dismiss the rest."
"Eh? Why?" Naruto asked, frowning in confusion. "Wouldn't more people make it faster?"
Patient as ever, Itachi explained,
"The Shadow Clone Technique has a cost. When a clone disappears, its experiences and memories flow back to you. Your body has to bear that strain. You're still young—too many clones will overwhelm you. Three is enough for now. Later, as you grow stronger, you can increase the number."
Naruto's eyes widened in realization.
"Ohhh! I get it now!"
Obediently, he dispelled four clones, leaving only three.
At the same time, Itachi's five clones began to assign tasks to Naruto's three, pairing off and dispersing through the clan compound to inform the hidden Uchiha members.
"Heh-heh!" Naruto laughed, chest puffed out. "Itachi-aniki, I feel fine! I bet I could still make more, y'know!"
Itachi smiled. "Naruto is truly amazing. You've only just learned this technique, and you're already using it so naturally."
Just then, another small figure stumbled out of the safe room, rubbing his eyes.
"Ni-san!"
It was Sasuke, still half-asleep.
Mikoto immediately swept him into her arms, pulling a lavender handkerchief from her sleeve to wipe away the drowsiness from his eyes.
"Don't rush, sweetie. Mama will help you. And make sure your clothes are neat, or you'll catch a cold."
Naruto laughed cheekily, running over.
"Sasuke, you're too slow! While you were napping, I already helped Itachi-aniki with important missions using my Shadow Clones!"
Sasuke's drowsiness evaporated in an instant. His eyes narrowed in irritation.
'Tch! That dobe dared to show off in front of Ni-san while I was asleep!'
The two boys immediately began bickering.
Itachi only watched, a small smile tugging at his lips. He didn't step in to stop them. He had long realized that their quarrels, silly as they seemed, were actually strengthening the bond between them. Every time they clashed, they somehow drew a little closer.
Kisame, still wide-eyed, leaned over to Itachi and asked curiously,
"Mr. Itachi, is that one also your younger brother?"
"Yes," Itachi replied warmly. "The one with black hair is Uchiha Sasuke. The one with blonde hair is Uzumaki Naruto."
Kisame blinked, then gave a toothy grin.
"They're both adorable. Hah… I'll have to meet them properly later. I'm sure they'll find me very interesting."
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