Knowing that Kakashi-sensei would take quite a while to come and gather Team 7, Sasuke decided to use the time productively. The unexpected encounter with Naruto had given him a new tool, and he couldn't let such an opportunity slip by. After copying the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu, the Shadow Clone Technique, Sasuke felt the urge to test it out. After all, each technique he mastered brought him closer to his true objective.
Sasuke left the academy grounds and headed to a secluded area, a hidden clearing among the trees where he knew he wouldn't be disturbed. The sound of the leaves in the wind and the singing of birds created a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for what he needed to do. Breathing deeply, he focused. Chakra began flowing through his body as he activated his Sharingan to ensure that every detail of the technique was repeated with precision.
Naruto had used the technique with ease, but Sasuke knew that executing it was more complex than it appeared. Kage Bunshin no Jutsu required more advanced chakra control than the basic Clone Jutsu, a skill not to be underestimated. However, for someone like Sasuke, whose abilities went far beyond those of other genin, it was just another hurdle to overcome.
He made the hand signs, channeling chakra through his body and focusing it:
"Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!"
In an instant, several clones of Sasuke appeared around him. They were effective, solid, perfect. Each clone was an identical copy of himself, from his stance to the cold, calculating expression on his face. Sasuke looked at them, evaluating the technique with a critical eye. This was different from the Basic Clone Jutsu, which created only illusionary images. These clones were real, tangible, and, more importantly, capable of fighting and performing jutsu.
Sasuke observed his own clones closely, feeling their presence connected to his mind. There was no confusion. He could control them effortlessly, sensing the chakra flow that kept each clone active. It was impressive how useful this technique could be, both in combat and in other situations like training or reconnaissance.
"Interesting…" Sasuke murmured to himself, as his clones echoed his words. Each one moved independently, yet all remained connected to him.
Now, he wanted to test something else. The information-sharing aspect of the technique made it powerful, but that wasn't enough for him. He needed to go beyond what Naruto had shown. Determined to explore the clones' potential, Sasuke directed some of them to engage in combat exercises.
"Attack!" he commanded.
Two of the clones immediately lunged at Sasuke, attacking him with quick strikes. He easily evaded the first punch, sidestepping with agility, and blocked the second blow with his forearm. One of the clones backed away, seizing the moment of distraction to try a side kick, but Sasuke anticipated the move. Spinning swiftly, he grabbed the clone's leg and hurled it against a nearby tree, making it vanish in a puff of smoke.
The other clones joined the assault, now more aggressive. Sasuke, however, remained unfazed. Every strike, every movement was meticulously calculated, and he didn't miss a single opportunity to counter. His mind was sharp, his body agile. Even against multiple adversaries, he maintained absolute control over the situation.
As he fought, he noticed something curious: each time he destroyed a clone, he absorbed that clone's memories. It was like reliving the battle from a new perspective, which made him realize how useful this technique would be in actual combat. The Kage Bunshin no Jutsu wasn't just a distraction tactic; it was a tool for learning and analysis.
"This… could be extremely useful," he thought, his hands moving to block the last remaining clone. He dissipated it with a precise strike, and the clearing returned to silence. Sasuke stood in the center, analyzing what he had learned.
He could still feel the chakra flowing in his body, but he knew that this technique consumed a significant amount of it. Naruto, creating so many clones, obviously had an enormous chakra reserve that allowed for extensive use of the technique. For Sasuke, chakra wasn't an unlimited resource. He would have to be strategic in his use of clones, which wouldn't be an issue for someone with his military and calculating mindset.
Even so, the potential of the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu was vast. Not only in direct combat but also as a way to acquire knowledge more quickly. With several clones, he could train in multiple techniques simultaneously, learning new skills at a much faster pace. This would give him an advantage over any of his peers, and the idea pleased him.
However, his moment of reflection was interrupted by a noise in the distance. Sasuke turned quickly, his senses alert. He knew Kakashi-sensei would still take time to find them, so any interruption was, at the very least, suspicious. Moving swiftly, he hid in the shadows of the trees, watching closely to locate the source of the sound.
Suddenly, he saw a familiar figure: Naruto. The blond was running through the forest, panting and seeming lost in his own thoughts. Sasuke relaxed, realizing there was no real threat. However, he wasn't willing to waste more time on Naruto's antics, so he decided to ignore him.
Naruto, though, seemed determined to find Sasuke, calling out his name as he ran through the forest.
"Sasuke! Where are you?!" Naruto's voice echoed through the trees.
Sasuke remained silent, observing from afar. As much as Naruto's determination was something notable, Sasuke had little interest in interacting with him at that moment. He had a lot to think about and even more to learn about his new power.
"I can't waste time on this," he thought, preparing to leave.
However, before he could depart, Naruto ended up tripping on a root and falling face-first on the ground, just a few meters from where Sasuke was hidden. Sasuke couldn't help but allow a slight smile at the pathetic scene but decided to approach.
"Naruto," he said, his voice cutting through the silence of the forest.
Naruto lifted his head quickly, surprised, rubbing his nose as he looked up at him.
"Sasuke! I knew you were around here!" Naruto exclaimed, getting up again.
"What do you want?" Sasuke asked, keeping his voice calm and controlled.
Naruto gave a wide grin, as always, not noticing Sasuke's indifference.
"I came looking for you! We're going to be the best team!" Naruto declared confidently.
Sasuke crossed his arms, looking at Naruto skeptically.
"You still think you can beat me?"
Naruto let out a short laugh.
"Next time, for sure! I just need to train a bit more!"
Sasuke remained silent for a moment, his eyes analyzing Naruto. His determination was something that Sasuke didn't see as a real threat, but, at the same time, it was something he couldn't ignore. Even if Naruto wasn't a threat now, underestimating this type of persistent attitude could be dangerous in the future.
"Hmph. Don't waste your time, Naruto," Sasuke said, turning to leave.
But before he left, he cast one last look over his shoulder.
"Maybe you'll learn something useful… if you pay attention."
And with that, Sasuke disappeared into the forest, leaving Naruto alone, confused but as determined as ever.