Naruto: The New Beginning

28. Shadow Clone Jutsu

"When the Shadow Clone Jutsu is cancelled, it indeed returns both memory and experience to the user," Minato explained solemnly to Naruto. "While it can double the effects of certain exercises, it also brings back the feeling of exhaustion. It must not be used indiscriminately!"

"And the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu is a forbidden jutsu," Kushina added. "It consumes a tremendous amount of chakra. If you use it recklessly, you could seriously harm yourself."

Despite these warnings, Naruto eagerly received the training method for the Shadow Clone Jutsu.

Minato and Kushina emphasized the side effects and cautioned him against its indiscriminate use.

Naruto, though aware of these dangers, remained captivated by the Shadow Clone Jutsu.

As a child, he dreamt of creating clones like the older Naruto, and now, inspired by the stories of the ninja world, he yearned to master this jutsu.

The idea of having one clone play games while another did homework seemed perfect to him.

Excitedly, Naruto studied the instructions and attempted the jutsu in front of his family.

"Shadow Clone Jutsu!" he declared, forming the hand seals.

However, nothing happened. Scratching his head in confusion, Naruto tried again, focusing his chakra more intently.

"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

With a puff of smoke, an identical copy of Naruto appeared beside him. The clone turned to face him and saluted.

"Reporting for duty, Uzumaki Naruto 001!"

Naruto stared in surprise.

Kushina and Minato exchanged amused glances. Minato chuckled, "Well, the name is fitting. A shadow clone is indeed a one-off. It's impressive that you were successful in creating a clone on just your second attempt."

Naruto curiously circled the clone, feeling a mix of excitement and wonder, akin to his first visit to the zoo.

He reached out to poke the clone, finding the touch indistinguishable from his own body.

The clone, sharing Naruto's curiosity, mirrored his actions, poking and prodding as if confirming its existence.

When Naruto's prodding became excessive, the clone snapped, "Hey, that's enough! Is it that fun to poke yourself? It's indecent!"

Naruto froze, embarrassed. With so many eyes on him, he quickly dispelled the clone.

Instantly, the memories returned to him, and he felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him. Experiencing the events from the clone's perspective was disorienting, but Naruto knew he needed more practice to adapt to the dual viewpoints.

Later that night, Naruto had a bold idea. Creating another clone, he faced it and tried to communicate with the entity sealed within him.

"Big fox!" they called in unison.

Kurama, the Nine-Tailed Fox, raised an eyebrow. "What are you up to now?"

"I want to see if you can control this clone," Naruto proposed.

"Why would I do that?"

Naruto grinned mischievously. "Just for fun. You can come out for a bit."

The clone transformed into a miniature version of Kurama, standing only half of Naruto's height.

Naruto patted the tiny fox's head. "Want to come out for a walk? You can use this clone."

Kurama, intrigued by the offer, decided to try. He manipulated the clone through the gap in the seal left by Minato.

An aura of power emanated from the tiny fox, imbuing it with Kurama's majesty.

As Kurama flicked his tail, Kushina burst through the wall from the adjacent room, red hair blazing and exuding the aura of a fierce ninja.

"Kurama, what are you doing!?" she shouted.

Naruto tried to intervene, but Kushina's chakra chains shot towards the miniature fox, instantly dispelling it.

Naruto clutched his stomach, feeling the clone's pain in his memories, though his body remained unharmed. The mental sensation was disconcerting.

Minato entered the room, assessing the situation. Kimimaro followed, looking puzzled at the broken wall.

After calming down, Naruto explained everything to his parents. Kushina had sensed Kurama's chakra and feared the worst, leading to her dramatic entrance. Despite the misunderstanding, she simply hugged Naruto and began cleaning up the debris.

Minato ruffled Naruto's hair. "It's okay, Naruto. Your mother was just worried about you. You were a bit reckless this time."

Naruto nodded, realizing he should have warned them.

"Are you and Kurama... friends?" Minato asked.

In the sealed space, Kurama's ears twitched.

Naruto thought for a moment. "I think so."

Kurama remained silent, but Naruto interpreted his silence as agreement.

"Can he borrow my clone again?" Naruto asked.

Minato considered it. "Yes, but tell him not to harm anyone, stay in human form, and avoid causing trouble. Also, don't maintain the clone for too long."

Naruto agreed eagerly, confident Kurama would understand.

With the family back to normal, Naruto went to bed, bidding Kurama goodnight. As Naruto's consciousness faded, Kurama whispered, "That's it..."

****

Thank you for reading