HINATA IS BROKEN

[Shadow Clone Technique]

This technique uses chakra to create a physical avatar. The clone evenly distributes chakra from the user, has its own independent consciousness, and can sustain a certain amount of damage. Once released, the clone's memories and experiences transfer back to the original body.

When Sarutobi Hiruzen taught the Shadow Clone Technique to Uzumaki Naruto, he demonstrated it with great enthusiasm.

"How about it? Pretty cool, right?" Hiruzen had asked, his tone lighthearted.

Naruto, however, was less amused. Play with myself? That sounds... bizarre, he thought with a grimace.

Despite his initial skepticism, Naruto was intrigued by the idea that the Shadow Clone Technique could relay experiences back to the user. If I use this while training, I can get double the results for the same effort. This might actually be useful.

He glanced at the forest ahead, where his clones had practiced throwing shuriken. Many trees bore the marks of his attempts, evidence of his progress. Yet, Naruto felt dissatisfied.

"Why can't I replicate the insane power I had before?" Naruto muttered to himself.

He concluded it must be due to his lack of chakra control. I still have a long way to go, he thought, immediately deciding to meditate and refine his spiritual chakra.

---

Meanwhile, Uzuki Yugao, an ANBU operative assigned to monitor Naruto, sighed from her hiding spot. Watching Naruto remain motionless for hours was far from thrilling. She chastised herself, No, I'm an ANBU ninja of Konoha. I can't lose focus just because the mission seems dull.

Her gaze shifted back to Naruto, and she couldn't help but admire his determination. For someone so young, his dedication surpasses even some adults.

Over time, Yugao's opinion of Naruto shifted. While the village often ridiculed him, she began to see him in a new light. His relentless drive to improve was deserving of respect.

---

At the Chūnin Exam venue, current Naruto watched the scene in the viewing system and groaned in frustration.

"Why couldn't I have been like that back then?" he muttered, gripping his hair.

His teammates, Haruno Sakura and Yamanaka Ino, exchanged awkward glances.

"What's wrong with you now?" Sakura asked, exasperated.

Naruto stomped his foot. "It's just not fair! Look at him—everyone praises him. Even ANBU is impressed by how hardworking he is!"

"Maybe you should've focused less on pranks and more on training," Sakura shot back.

Naruto flinched. He knew she was right, but that only added to his frustration. The Naruto in the past seemed wiser, more composed, and focused on self-improvement instead of causing chaos.

To make matters worse, past Naruto appeared to be earning the approval of others, something current Naruto desperately craved.

Sakura sighed. "Honestly, you should stop comparing yourself to him. Just because he's doing well now doesn't mean you won't surpass him in the future."

Naruto perked up at the thought. She's right. If he keeps pushing people away, he'll end up alone. I just have to make sure I work harder and show everyone what I'm capable of.

---

Back in the past, Naruto's meditation stretched on. Hours passed as he refined his chakra, his focus unwavering. Then, something strange happened.

Naruto opened his eyes, but instead of the forest, he found himself in a dark, damp corridor. Water covered the ground, and the walls glistened as if they were soaked.

"What the—why am I in a sewer?" Naruto exclaimed, glancing around in confusion.

The scene puzzled the watching ninja audience. How could someone enter a sewer while meditating?

The Fourth Raikage frowned. "Could it be…"

Onoki, the Tsuchikage, nodded. "Yes, it seems he's entered his spiritual consciousness."

Terumi Mei, the Mizukage, raised an eyebrow. "But why does his spiritual consciousness look like a sewer? That's… unusual."

Even Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, remained silent, his expression unreadable.

Meanwhile, the Nine Tails inside Naruto stirred. The beast's eyes opened, its pupils narrowing dangerously. Damn it. Don't tell me I'm going to meet this brat already?

Unaware of the looming encounter, Naruto wandered the corridors, trying to make sense of his surroundings. He turned a corner and froze.

Behind a massive set of iron bars lay a creature unlike anything he had ever seen. Red, slit eyes stared back at him, and an enormous fox tail swayed menacingly.

The Nine Tails growled. So, you're finally here, huh?

Naruto gulped, feeling an overwhelming sense of dread. "W-Who are you?"

The fox's deep voice rumbled through the chamber. "I am the Nine Tails. The very beast sealed within your pathetic body."

Naruto's eyes widened in shock. This is the Nine Tails everyone's always talking about? It's inside me?!

---

In the present, Naruto grinned mischievously as he remembered his first encounter with the Nine Tails.

"Heh, that kid is going to freak out when he realizes what's inside him. I can't wait to see his face!"

---

Back in the past, Naruto took a cautious step forward. "So… you're the reason everyone in the village hates me?"

The Nine Tails sneered. "Hmph. That's your problem, not mine. You're just the unlucky fool chosen to bear my power."

Naruto clenched his fists. "If you're so powerful, why are you locked up in here?"

The fox's laughter echoed through the chamber. "Because those pathetic humans fear me. They sealed me away, thinking they could control me. But make no mistake, boy—I am far stronger than you can imagine."

Naruto frowned, his initial fear giving way to curiosity. "If you're so strong, then why don't you help me?"

The Nine Tails blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the question. "Help you? Why would I, the great Nine Tails, lower myself to assist a runt like you?"

Naruto crossed his arms. "Because if I get stronger, you benefit too, right? You're stuck in here with me, so we might as well work together."

The fox stared at Naruto, its expression unreadable. For a moment, the chamber was silent except for the sound of dripping water.

Finally, the Nine Tails let out a low growl. "Hmph. You're an interesting one, I'll give you that. Very well. I'll lend you a fraction of my power. But don't think for a second that I'm doing this out of kindness."

Naruto grinned. "Deal."

---

Watching the scene unfold, the ninja audience was stunned.

"Did he just… bargain with the Nine Tails?" Terumi Mei asked, incredulous.

The Fourth Raikage folded his arms. "That kid has guts, I'll give him that."

Even the current Naruto was impressed. "Heh, maybe I wasn't so dumb after all."

---

From that moment, Naruto's training took a dramatic turn. With the Nine Tails' power at his disposal, his chakra reserves grew exponentially. He continued to practice tirelessly, refining his techniques and improving his control.

Uzuki Yugao, still watching from the shadows, couldn't help but feel a twinge of admiration. Maybe this boy really is destined for greatness, she thought.

As days turned into weeks, Naruto's progress became undeniable. Though he still had a long way to go, he was no longer the outcast everyone underestimated.

Little did he know, this was only the beginning of his journey—a journey that would one day change the world.

---

End of Chapter 27.

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