Chapter 67: Chapter 67: A Permanent Little Home for You
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On a wooden sailboat, Kyosuke leisurely savored grilled fish.
Beside him, two shadow clones were hard at work—one fishing, the other grilling—each diligently fulfilling their roles.
This division of labor made it evident why Kyosuke's Shadow Clone Technique had advanced so quickly in just a year.
"Idiot, watch out for fishbones choking you," grumbled the fishing clone.
As a clone, he couldn't enjoy the grilled fish. By the time the jutsu was dispelled and the memories returned to the original, the fish would already be gone. Anyone would complain in his shoes.
"Don't be so mean."
Spitting out a fishbone, Kyosuke chuckled. "If someone saw me arguing with my clones, they'd think I was crazy."
"Hah," sneered the grilling clone.
"Stop joking around. If you've got guts, let's switch. You grill, I eat."
"What's the difference?"
"Hmph, it's like watching adult content versus... experiencing it firsthand. The memories might be similar, but the experience is completely different!"
"Why is a shadow clone being so chatty? Just do your work or I'll make you pull overtime later."
At this, the grilling clone snapped. "Kid, do you think I can't handle you?!"
He stood by the fire and made a move as if to sit on the hot grill.
"The pain of a clone transfers to the original, you know. I'm ready to roast my rear if it means roasting you along with me!"
"Wait, wait!"
Kyosuke quickly surrendered. He couldn't guarantee that the clone wouldn't follow through with the threat.
Even if he dispelled the jutsu, the painful memory would pass on to the next clone. There would be no escape.
Left with no choice, Kyosuke had to compromise. The three of them took turns eating grilled fish.
"Getting threatened by my own clone... What is my life even?" Kyosuke sighed while holding his fishing rod.
"Ugh."
Spitting out another fishbone, Clone Two sneered. "Instead of complaining, why not think about how to finish the mission?"
"What about it?"
"Are you stupid?" Clone Two crossed his legs and impatiently explained. "We already gathered intel. The child was kidnapped by a group of hunters who supply gladiators for wealthy clients."
"Uh, and then?"
"You don't even bother thinking anymore, do you?" Clone Two sighed.
"Remember Sasuke's Shinden: The Book of Sunrise? That finale with the amazing animation?"
"Ah, little Chino! Of course, I remember. So cute!"
"Idiot. We're heading to a place like that underground arena."
As Clone Two explained, Clone Three, who still hadn't tasted the grilled fish, chimed in, "Wait, does that mean we'll meet Chino?"
"Shut up, you moron," Clone Two snapped. "It's the Warring States era. There is no Chino!"
"Aw, what a shame."
While the two clones bickered, Kyosuke managed to reel in another fish.
Why bother thinking when he had clones? Clone Two would figure it out, and Kyosuke would inherit the solution.
Come to think of it, Clone Two was exceptional—proactive and smart.
Rubbing his chin, Kyosuke had an idea. What if he preserved Clone Two?
Not permanently, but by creating a system where this particular personality could always be summoned when he performed the Shadow Clone Technique.
This way, they could share the same memories and abilities, but Clone Two could handle all the intellectual labor while Kyosuke reaped the results.
What a brilliant plan.
It would save effort, improve the technique, and pave the way for mastering the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu.
"What are you doing?" Clone Two glared at Kyosuke, realizing for the first time how annoying his original self could be.
Handsome, yes, but infuriatingly so.
"Giving you a permanent little home," Kyosuke replied, dispelling the quieter Clone Three.
"What's going on?" Clone Three asked before vanishing with a puff of smoke. Moments later, he reappeared in the same spot.
Clone Two widened his eyes, circling the revived Clone Three.
"Huh. That's... clever."
Then it hit him. Turning to Kyosuke, Clone Two growled, "You jerk! You're trying to make me work forever, aren't you?"
"Bingo! No prize, though."
"Stop with those ancient jokes already!"
"Uh, is it my turn for grilled fish now?" Clone Three asked meekly.
"Shut up!"
After sending Clone Three off to eat, Kyosuke and Clone Two sat down to discuss their next steps.
"From now on, this will be our way of brainstorming."
"We're the same person, but once split, small differences in thought emerge. That makes it perfect for tackling problems from different angles."
Clone Two's efficient, sharp demeanor resembled that of a corporate secretary to a tyrannical CEO.
"Amazing, amazing! Clap, clap, clap!" Kyosuke applauded.
"Awesome!"
Clone Three joined in, fish still in his mouth.
Ignoring their antics, Clone Two continued, "The situation there is complex. It's likely tied to a massive web of interests."
"For now, I suggest avoiding direct confrontation. Using the Flying Thunder God Technique would draw too much attention."
Clone Two's point was clear. One wrong move could bring unnecessary trouble to the Uchiha clan, which was already stretched thin against the Senju.
"Plus, we might profit from this," Clone Two added, recalling the arena's rules: winners could claim complete control over the losers.
Who knows? They might even acquire some rare Kekkei Genkai users.
And as for money? Even the Akatsuki, who aimed to destroy the world, needed funds.
Kyosuke would need wealth to support future plans like moving to the moon and building a settlement.
Robbing the arena outright wasn't an option.
"Look out, Uchiha Kyousuke is here to snatch all the supplies—run for your lives!"
Just imagining it made Kyosuke cringe.
With that, their first three-way brainstorming session concluded.
Soon, their little boat reached the shore.
Ignoring the boatman's odd look, Kyosuke leisurely strolled toward the island.
On the surface, the island appeared to be a tourist paradise, but in reality, it was one of the largest underground trading hubs in the ninja world.
Ninja gladiatorial fights were just a small part.
Human trafficking and smuggling of contraband were the real business.
[Chapter End's]
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