JOURNEY OF AN ORDINARY NINJA

Chapter-13: Akira's Resolve

Akira lay in bed, every muscle in his body protesting as he attempted to move. The intense training from Lady Mochizuki had pushed him to his limits, leaving him sore and exhausted. But the academy awaited, and Lady Mochizuki had been very clear about the importance of attending.

Akira sighed, his mind racing as he strategized.

Akira's Thoughts

I need to learn the Shadow Clone Jutsu as soon as possible, Akira thought, his frustration mounting. Sensei said she wouldn't teach it to me until after my first year, but I already know I could master it easily on my own. The problem is...

He paused, frowning. If I use a Shadow Clone to attend the academy, I run the risk of being caught. Sensei said she'd personally check if I'm attending classes myself. If she finds out I sent a clone instead of going in person... the punishment would be brutal.

The thought of more intense training on top of his current regimen sent a chill down his spine. I'm already barely managing her insane schedule. If she adds more, I might actually die... Akira groaned, sinking deeper into his pillow.

Then, a sudden realization hit him. Wait a second... something doesn't add up.

Lady Mochizuki's lessons replayed in his mind. She always says a ninja must keep their secrets hidden, but she also emphasizes spotting deception. Could this be a test?

Akira sat up, the pieces of the puzzle coming together. She never explicitly said she'd punish me if I got caught. I assumed that on my own. Plus, she asked me to meet her in the evenings for training, but she didn't say I had to attend after the academy. She knows overtraining could hurt my progress.

His eyes narrowed as he reached a conclusion. This must be a test of my stealth and deception skills. Sensei is seeing if I can fool Tanaka-sensei and blend in without raising suspicion. And considering my chakra control is already at the level of a chunin, thanks to Sensei's two years of relentless training... I can do this. I have faith in myself.

Akira grinned, a spark of excitement lighting up his tired eyes. Screw it. I'll send a Shadow Clone to the academy. Time to prove myself.

Executing the Shadow Clone Jutsu

Without wasting any time, Akira sat up straight on his bed, forming the necessary seals with remarkable speed and precision. However, instead of using both hands, he performed the jutsu with just one.

"Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Akira whispered.

With a puff of smoke, an identical clone appeared in front of him, wearing the same determined expression.

The original Akira smirked. Perfect chakra distribution. Sensei's training is paying off.

He gave the clone a nod. "Blend in. Act like me. Don't draw any attention to yourself, and make sure Tanaka-sensei doesn't suspect anything."

The clone nodded. "Got it."

As the clone left for the academy, Akira walked to the small garden in his estate, sitting down in the middle of the serene space. He crossed his legs and began to meditate, focusing on replenishing his chakra reserves and easing his sore muscles.

The Shadow Clone at the Academy (Revised)

The clone arrived at the academy just in time, blending seamlessly with the rest of the students. The classroom was abuzz with chatter as students settled in. The two Uchiha boys were huddled together in a corner, exuding their usual air of superiority. Nearby, Kaede Senju was animatedly discussing her latest training session with a few other students.

The clone made his way to his seat, keeping a low profile as he interacted with a few friendly classmates. He made sure to act as the real Akira would—cheerful and approachable, but never too conspicuous.