Chapter 10: Shadow clone!

In the vicinity, Uchiha Natsu activated his Sharingan, meticulously scrutinizing the bodies of the four apparent "robbers."

These individuals were clearly ninjas, yet the absence of forehead protection obscured their identities. The audacity to masquerade as bandits and target Konoha ninjas suggested possible treachery.

Observing the chakra flow within the four, Uchiha Natsu felt a modicum of relief. Their chakra levels were meager, collectively less than one percent of his own. However, gauging real strength required more than chakra quantity; caution remained paramount.

"multiple shadow clones," Natsu murmured, forming seals with precision.

The shadow clone technique unfolded with a series of swish sounds, multiplying around Uchiha Natsu. To be on the side of caution, he retained half of his chakra, allowing the remaining half to divide infinitely.

Uchiha Natsu believed each shadow clone had a minimum chakra threshold for sustenance. By reaching this threshold and counting the total clones, he could estimate his chakra capacity. This method demanded ultra-precise chakra control, an accomplishment honed over three years of recovering corpses.

Yet, the final result bewildered Uchiha Natsu. The seemingly endless chakra in each shadow clone surpassed a thousand, defying any expected limits. The remaining chakra proved sufficient for normal shadow clone actions.

Ceasing the jutsu, Natsu's realization hit: Uzuki Yugao didn't lack chakra; instead, he possessed an excessive amount, rendering him capable of sustaining an unprecedented number of shadow clones.

To create a shadow clone, chakra not only maintained the body but also replicated clothing, decorations, and ninja tools—all fueled by chakra. The resulting consumption was substantial, and the dense assembly of shadow clones resembled a formidable ninja army.

The "robbers" surrounded by the shadow clones couldn't conceal their terror. Uzuki Yugao, near the first shadow clone, gazed around in bewilderment, attempting to communicate with her teacher, who, as it turned out, was also a shadow clone.

Amidst the confusion, Cloud Ninja, towering and robust, surveyed the countless Konoha ninjas mirroring his appearance, breaking into a cold sweat.

"Captain, this guy must be Konoha's elite Jōnin; that cursed businessman wants to kill us!" exclaimed a terrified Dorui, his hand gripping the long knife shakingly.

"Damn it, those two in the middle haven't formed seals; they must be shadow clones. Ignore them; break out in one direction with all your strength!" Cloud Ninja, discerning the situation, issued a decisive order.

However, Uchiha Natsu wouldn't grant them an opportunity. The first shadow clone seized Uzuki Yugao's arm, employing earth escape ninjutsu to swiftly submerge them underground, away from the central conflict.

The remaining shadow clones unsheathed chakra-infused samurai swords simultaneously. With Earth and Fire Ninjutsu risky due to the corpse they carried, Uchiha Natsu opted for swordsmanship.

The collective sound of thousands of blades emerging from their scabbards reverberated, creating an intimidating momentum.

The "robbers" convened, selected a direction, and initiated Thunder Escape Ninjutsu to forcefully break through the encirclement. Cloud Ninja, leading the charge, radiated thunder and lightning, declaring, "Thunder escape, thunder torture."

Yet, midway through his proclamation, Cloud Ninja experienced an overwhelming force beneath his feet. Before reacting, he found himself face-first on the ground, his thunder and lightning abruptly silenced.

The same fate befell the other three as they had close contact with the ground.

The source of this force was the shadow clone that had sneaked into the ground with the Heart Beheading Technique, ambushing halfway and grabbing their ankles during their escape attempt.

Cloud Ninja, renowned for his strength, found the grip of the shadow clone stronger than anticipated. A result of scattering a large amount of chakra, weakening the shadow clone's power.

If it were Uchiha Natsu's body, overcoming this technique would prove challenging.

With immense power, Cloud Ninja abruptly flipped over, grinning ferociously as he raised a lightning-filled hand knife.

Believing that killing the main body would destroy the shadow clones, Cloud Ninja aimed to capitalize on this opportune moment. However, the shadow clone holding his ankle suddenly raised its hand, blocking the incoming strike.

Undeterred, Cloud Ninja continued his ferocious assault, initiating a Thunderstorm Level attack.

The lightning crackled as Cloud Ninja's hand knife slashed across his thigh and then directly at the head of the shadow clone.

"Hahaha, go to hell!" he exclaimed, seemingly oblivious to the severe pain in his leg.

However, Cloud Ninja's triumphant smile froze abruptly. The "main body" that had grabbed his ankle dissipated into a puff of smoke and disappeared.

"Shadow... shadow clone... how is that possible?" Cloud Ninja appeared bewildered, trembling as if realizing they faced a formidable opponent—perhaps not a mere elite Jōnin.

The greater the number of shadow clones, the stronger the weakening effect. Even a shadow clone weakened thousands of times exhibited considerable power.

It seemed Konoha harbored a ninja of extraordinary caliber once again.

"Go to hell," an indifferent voice echoed, and with several crackling sounds, hundreds of shadow clones encircled the four adversaries.