"It looks like I can save a lot on immersive experiences..." After confirming that the shadow clone technique was indeed feasible, Raymond felt that this was a win.
He had previously tried having several sub-personalities guide him in his training, but the results were unimpressive, far from being as effective as actually experiencing it.
Some guidance isn't enough with just words, and there's also the benefit of time delay with Immersive Mode.
For example, learning the shadow clone technique this time, Raymond actually spent several months in the simulation before mastering it.
In the real world, even with the Itachi sub-personality providing close guidance, the time wouldn't be much shorter.
Just saving so much time with the cost of 100 universal points seemed like a great deal.
But no matter how he looked at it, from now on, he would definitely save on unnecessary time-related expenses.
"Too bad the multi-shadow clone technique requires so much energy. With my current Ki, I can't support the consumption needed for it..." Raymond pondered.
In the Naruto world, the multi-shadow clone technique is an upgraded version of the shadow clone technique. It's only one level higher, classified as A-rank ninjutsu, but it's not an overly extreme technique.
However, not many ninjas can use it, and the second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, even classified it as a forbidden technique, sealing it away.
This is because it requires too much chakra.
Except for a few, others who might be able to use it would avoid doing so because using it with insufficient chakra not only fails to improve combat abilities but also puts the user in danger, making it not worth the risk.
The potency level of "Ki" is far higher than chakra, but even so, with Raymond's current Ki, it would only be slightly more than the chakra of a typical chunin.
To use the multi-shadow clone technique, his Ki would need to be higher than the chakra of the Itachi sub-personality because even Itachi's chakra isn't enough to freely use the technique.
Of course, the amount of energy doesn't directly relate to strength. For example, Naruto, when he was a low-level ninja, could use the multi-shadow clone technique, but he was no match for Itachi back then.
"If I have enough universal points, I could consider entering the immersive experiences with the Tao Pai Pai sub-personality a few more times to increase my Ki and reach the level where I can use the multi-shadow clone technique sooner..." Raymond thought.
It's worth mentioning that the Itachi sub-personality cannot use the multi-shadow clone technique, nor can the Orochimaru sub-personality.
However, the Orochimaru sub-personality, as an expert in forbidden techniques, does have the multi-shadow clone technique in his collection.
As long as Raymond's energy is sufficient, he can learn it at any time, so there's no need to worry about that.
Having made up his mind, Raymond suddenly formed a hand seal:
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
A shadow clone appeared right in front of him.
As soon as he thought about it, the John Constantine sub-personality appeared in the shadow clone.
"Oh, a new trick?" John Constantine immediately joked in his raspy voice.
Raymond glanced at the time and said, "Two hours of free time. You keep track of it, and when the time's up, take care of it yourself..."
"Thanks!" John Constantine grinned and got up, heading toward the door.
He didn't want to waste the only two hours he had.
This was also the condition he had agreed to with Raymond for helping with the Shadow King problem.
Once John Constantine left, Raymond also stepped out of the office.
"Hey? Boss, weren't you just..." Beth and the others looked at Raymond with confused expressions.
Just a minute ago, they saw 'Raymond' leaving the office and leaving the agency. How was he suddenly back?
"Just a new trick I learned, nothing to worry about."
Raymond smiled and didn't explain much. Instead, he said to Beth, "Contact Miss Pepper and ask when Mr. Stark will be here. Set up a specific time."
"Got it." Beth made an "OK" gesture.
Over an hour later, Tony arrived at the agency dressed in formal attire.
After looking around, Tony gave Raymond a strange look: "Are you sure you don't want to move to a better place?"
Clearly, this place seemed too humble in his eyes.
For someone like him, who owned a skyscraper in North America's busiest area, this office building felt outdated, not to mention just one small unit in it.
"Are you planning to sponsor me?" Raymond gestured for him to sit.
"Sure." Tony immediately agreed.
Raymond had only been joking, but now he realized that the person sitting in front of him was an undeniable billionaire.
"Just kidding, it's just a detective agency. This place is fine," Raymond waved his hand.
"I'm not joking. If you ever want to move, just contact me. My company also has properties in Washington, pick any location you want..." Tony shrugged.
"Alright, I get it, Mr. Billionaire," Raymond smiled and quickly moved on. "Let's talk business… Have you started working on the 'A.I.M. Group' matter?"
"We're already on it. With the cooperation of those spineless people, we've collected enough evidence. Now it's just about how to divide up the 'A.I.M. Group' empire."
"Any obstacles?" Raymond asked.
"None so far… Why, is there something else going on behind the scenes?" Tony immediately sensed something unusual in Raymond's question and pressed further.
"There is indeed a problem, and that's why I brought you here," Raymond nodded.
He then explained the connection between the 'A.I.M. Group' and Hydra.
"Wait, hold on," Tony interrupted halfway through. "Wasn't Hydra already wiped out? I remember this well..."
Tony knew a lot about Hydra.
It had been destroyed by his father and the founding members of S.H.I.E.L.D.
When he was a kid, his father even used to tell him bedtime stories about Hydra, so he wasn't unfamiliar with it.
But that was the past, so why was Raymond bringing it up now?
"No, Hydra is still around, and I suspect the 'A.I.M. Group' has ties to them."
Raymond shook his head. "The reason I called you here is to see if we can use this opportunity to bring this hidden threat to the surface..."
"Are you sure Hydra still exists?" Tony's expression grew serious, clearly now taking Raymond's words seriously.
Anything related to his father, Howard, was a big deal for him, and he didn't take it lightly.