Only after Tsunade had left did Shiro Akira return to the living room. With excitement, he picked up the two scrolls on the table and read through them one by one.
"Heh… I've wanted the Shadow Clone Technique for so long and was wondering how to get it. Never thought I'd obtain it like this. Nice!"
Shiro Akira couldn't help but feel delighted.
Although Water Release: Water Wave was also a solid technique, compared to it, he valued the Shadow Clone Technique far more.
With this, he could essentially "cheat" when training.
His growth speed would increase even further.
"Still… my chakra is a bit low. I should focus on improving that first."
With that in mind, Shiro Akira immediately began learning the Shadow Clone Technique. Thanks to his enhanced mental strength, his learning ability had improved significantly.
In just over ten minutes, he successfully mastered it.
Feeling the connection between himself and the clone, Shiro Akira's expression turned strange. "This feeling… is really weird."
The clone rolled its eyes. "You think it's weird? I haven't even started talking yet."
Shiro Akira: "…"
What kind of attitude is that from a shadow clone?
"From now on, you'll stay here and study medical ninjutsu or something. It'll be useful in the future and help improve my chakra control."
Shiro Akira gave the instruction.
"Seriously, boss?"
The clone spread its hands helplessly. "Don't you know every clone is a fresh start? Once I disperse, my life ends. Save that speech for the next one. Farewell!"
With that, it slapped its own forehead—
"Poof!"
—and vanished into a cloud of smoke.
"Hiss!"
A stream of information flooded back into Shiro Akira's body, causing a sharp pain in his head. He sucked in a breath. "Damn it! Was that really necessary?"
It actually committed suicide.
This shadow clone had way too much personality.
…
The night passed quickly.
The next morning, after finishing his usual training and breakfast, Shiro Akira arrived at the classroom and sat beside Kurenai Yuhi.
She immediately asked curiously, "Shiro Akira, why did you go home with Kakashi yesterday? Since when are you two so close?"
She knew Kakashi well enough—handsome, yes, but cold and aloof, rarely interacting with classmates.
It was hard to imagine how Shiro Akira suddenly became close to him.
Rin Nohara also turned around, looking at Shiro Akira with curiosity.
"Oh, that?"
Shiro Akira smiled slightly. "I've already taken the White Fang as my master. I'm currently learning swordsmanship from him, so going back together is normal."
"Eh?!"
Kurenai, Rin, and even Obito Uchiha and Asuma Sarutobi—who had been secretly listening—were all shocked.
Their faces were full of disbelief.
No way.
"The White Fang actually took you as a disciple?"
Obito looked at Shiro Akira with envy. "You're so lucky! Your strength isn't even better than mine—what did he see in you?"
Was it his face?
Glancing at Shiro Akira's excessively handsome appearance, Obito couldn't help but feel a hint of jealousy.
Asuma, on the other hand, knew Shiro Akira wasn't that simple. Clenching his fists, he thought, Damn it… he actually became the White Fang's disciple. That means he'll grow even faster. I need to test his true strength—and get stronger myself.
For Kurenai, he wouldn't lose.
…
Soon, it was afternoon.
Their instructor, Oki Fujiwara, entered the classroom and waved. "This period will be a combat assessment. Everyone, head to the training grounds."
With that, he walked out first.
The students quickly followed.
"Yahoo! Finally, sparring again! Kakashi, I'm definitely beating you this time!"
Obito shouted excitedly.
"Idiot."
Kakashi Hatake replied with a deadpan look.
"No!"
At that moment, Might Guy clenched his fists, eyes blazing as he stared at Kakashi. "Kakashi's opponent is me! We are destined rivals! Let us have a youthful battle!"
Kakashi: "…"
He suddenly felt like something strange—and dangerous—had locked onto him.
"Shiro Akira, dare to fight me?"
At that moment, Asuma stepped forward and challenged Shiro Akira.
As he spoke, he sneakily glanced at Kurenai, thinking, Just watch, Kurenai. I'll defeat Shiro Akira and beat him thoroughly. When you see how pathetic he looks, you'll definitely lose interest in him and start seeing me differently!
The thought made his heart surge with excitement.
"Kakashi vs. Might Guy!"
Soon, the matches began.
The first battle was Kakashi versus Might Guy.
The two quickly stepped onto the field.
"Konoha Whirlwind!"
"Hatake Sword Technique—Slash!"
Might Guy's taijutsu was already impressive, but Kakashi clearly held the advantage in both skill and talent.
After several minutes of intense combat, Might Guy was knocked down, Kakashi's short blade pressed against his neck.
"As expected of my eternal rival! I lost today—but I won't give up! We'll fight again next time!"
Despite losing, Might Guy showed no frustration. He got up, flashed a brilliant grin, and gave a thumbs-up.
Kakashi: "…"
"Do whatever you want."
He was completely helpless when it came to Guy.
This wasn't their first fight—every time Guy lost, he said the same thing.
But unlike Obito, Guy wasn't just talk.
He was genuinely working incredibly hard to improve.
Kakashi could clearly feel his growth every time they fought.
At this point, relying on taijutsu alone, dealing with Guy was becoming increasingly difficult.
"Looks like I need to step up my training… Guy, and Shiro Akira too."
Their rapid progress was putting real pressure on him.