Six Months Later – Ninja Academy Classroom
So hum, after six months of abusing shadow clones and so on, going to the Chūnin area to master Chūnin-level skills—
He had quite a few jutsu and had learned a lot. He could even graduate from the academy right now and would be stronger than all the Genin present. Yes, he had reached Chūnin-level strength, but he was hiding it, making himself seem like a high academy student.
He didn't show anything too big. Not like he couldn't beat their instructor—he could... quite easily, mind you.
Currently, he was inside.
He sat in his usual spot—second row, far left, next to the window. His posture was perfect, arms folded calmly, eyes half-lidded with restrained boredom. Another lecture on chakra circulation diagrams. Another set of scribbled notes he didn't need.
Across from him, Nawaki squirmed like a squirrel on hot stone.
The boy's face was a collage of guilt and anticipation, with a lopsided grin that said, "Please don't ask me what I just did."
Seijuro turned his head slightly.
"You've done something," he stated flatly.
Nawaki laughed nervously.
"I mean, technically, I learned something...? Kind of?"
One sharp eyebrow raised.
And thus they waited. Once class was over, Seijuro walked somewhere more private with his friend and then said:
Nawaki puffed out his chest, grinning as he formed a hand seal.
"My sister taught me a super cool technique. It's, like, top-tier—watch this!"
He slammed his hands together.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
A puff of smoke filled the space beside him. When it cleared, there were three... emaciated-looking clones swaying like seaweed in a thunderstorm.
One coughed. Another sneezed and fell over. The third exploded in a poof of smoke from pure embarrassment.
Seijuro's frown deepened.
"You used too much chakra."
"Shadow Clones divide your chakra evenly. You overloaded them. They became bloated and unstable."
Seijuro brought his hands together—Tiger, Boar, Ram—and with casual fluidity, performed the same jutsu. To be fair, he only needed Ram for it, but oh well.
A perfect Seijuro clone appeared beside him, identical down to the hair strand placement and the disapproving look.
Nawaki's jaw dropped.
"Wha—WHAT?! How?! You just—you just saw it and—!?"
Seijuro gave a modest shrug.
"I analyzed the chakra flow. The seals aren't complex once you understand the nature of division versus replication. You're brute-forcing it. You must channel with precision, not force."
That was BS. He simply knew the technique beforehand, but thanks to Nawaki showing it to him, he now had a solid excuse for why he had it.
The Kurama clan archive excuse could only go so far.
For the next hour, he coached Nawaki patiently—adjusting his hand signs, correcting his posture, and guiding his chakra output.
By the end of the day?
"I—I'm a clone machine! You're like, the best teacher ever! You gotta teach me more! Please! Pretty please! I'll pay you in mochi! Or... or something! I got a new frog coin too!"
He seemed to ponder something—something he would like.
He thought back to when Jiraiya was speaking to him.
"Come on, Nawaki-kun, tell your sister some good things about me, please... I beg of you."
"Heh, why would anyone want something from big sis? She is ann—" He felt death staring at him.
"She is not the nicest."
"Any man would be happy to have her attention. Come on, please."
And from that interaction, he learned—for some odd reason—his sister having a good opinion of someone was... good.
"I will tell my sister about you."
Seijuro's brow furrowed. Why did he need that for?
Seijuro stared at him.
"We're friends. I don't require payment."
Nawaki blinked. Then smiled.
"Aw man, you're the best! Seriously, you're like a cool older brother! But, like... my age! But smarter!"
Seijuro closed his eyes and exhaled slowly.
"For me to be your older brother, that would imply me marrying into your family. From your description of your sister, I do not wish to marry that."
Later That Week – Academy Classroom
Seijuro took his seat, flipping open his notebook. Mikoto Uchiha sat next to him today, elegant and calm as ever.
She gave him a small smile.
"How's your progress with your jutsu?"
She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Smooth so far. My chakra shaping's improving, though... still no Sharingan."
"It will come when the time is right."
"Midterms are coming. Are you ready?"
Seijuro gave a calm nod.
Nawaki, behind them, leaned over the desk with a grin.
"I was born ready!" He immediately dropped his pencil. "Wait, when is it again?"
Seijuro sighed. Once again.
As to when he befriended Mikoto—a few months ago. She came asking for help with a problem, since Seijuro was known to help anyone who did ask for his help. Check latest chapters at novel-fire.ɴet
He was very popular with the girls. Some boys did envy him, wishing both sides of his pillow were warm, and that he walked on a nail.
The usual stuff kids say nowadays. He didn't mind much. They were kids. It wasn't like they could do anything about it.
As for the mid-term? Unless a Jōnin were to enter it, he would be fine. And even if a Jōnin did enter, with his Illusion, he had a solid win-con.
As for where his chakra stood right now—he had no clue. It was higher than the teacher's but way... way... way... way lower than Nawaki's.