Starts In Konoha: Unlocking Shadow Clone

"Whoa, cancel that!"

Naruto quickly dispelled most of his shadow clones.

It wasn't because he couldn't control the number, or because he was worried about exhausting his Chakra, or even because he feared the Kyubi might take advantage of the situation. He simply didn't want to reveal this technique just yet.

Although the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique is only an A-Rank Ninjutsu, it is listed as a Forbidden Technique and could only be learned from the Scroll of Seals.

If he uses it now, he'd definitely draw the attention of the Root and the Anbu, and that would bring endless trouble.

Fortunately, when this technique is used, a large amount of white smoke special effects will appear, which helped conceal his actions.

As the smoke cleared, only three clones and his main body remained, a total of four Naruto.

"Naruto, when did you learn the Shadow Clone Technique?" Iruka's eyes were full of shock.

Naruto chuckled, "It's a little special treatment from Hokage-sama. After learning how to use it, I secretly practiced a few times. How's that? Not bad, right?"

Naruto felt that throwing the blame to Sandaime was a convenient excuse, especially since Iruka already knew how much special attention the Hokage gave him.

"Being able to make three clones is pretty good." Iruka said, smiling with satisfaction, "I was honestly worried about your graduation exam, but you've really surprised me. This shows that with hard work, you're capable of anything."

The Shadow Clone Technique is only a B-Rank Ninjutsu. Many Shinobi in Konoha can use it, so there is no need to worry about being suspected.

With the help of the three clones, Naruto's cleaning speed increased several times over, and soon he had wiped away all the dry powder.

By the time the two of them got down the mountain, it was gradually getting dark.

The streets were bright with lights, bustling with people coming and going, but most were Shinobi in green flak jackets.

Following Iruka, they soon arrived at a small wooden shop with three walls. The front was open, with five square yellow curtains, each bearing a large red Japanese's character that together spelled out 'Ichiraku Ramen'.

Moreover, there is also a big lantern with 'Ichiraku' written on it.

When the curtain was lifted, there was a long row of tables with a few stools below, resembling a bar counter.

Seeing the real-life Ichiraku Ramen, countless memories of Naruto eating noodles in the first episode suddenly came to his mind.

For his first order, Naruto decided to get the same ramen as Iruka.

Before long, the ramen was placed on the counter.

The rich aroma was incredibly mouth-watering, far superior to any instant ramen he'd ever had.

Without a word, Naruto, who was already starving, picked up his bowl and started eating with gusto.

Halfway through his meal, though, Iruka began questioning him angrily.

"Naruto, why did you scribble all over that area? You should know how important the Hokage is to this village, right?" Iruka asked.

Naruto coughed. He couldn't say that he did that on purpose just to get a free meal, right?

Thinking quickly, he replied, "Of course I know. Simply put, anyone who holds the title of Hokage is the village's strongest Shinobi, right? Especially the Yondaime Hokage, who was a hero that saved the village from the Demon Fox."

Iruka was momentarily stunned and asked in confusion, "Then why you do so?"

'Why? I just wanted to get a free meal. Besides, Yondaime is my deadbeat father in this life. He died right after making an appearance, and Sandaime, that senile old man, had never told everyone of my identity. That's why I, as a hero, became a Jinchuriki at the cost of my own happiness, but was still regarded as a Demon Fox and despised by everyone. Honestly, vandalizing the Hokage Rock is the least of it. Next time, I might just knock it down.'

Naruto couldn't help but complain in his heart, but he said with a sunny face, "Because one day, I'm going to inherit the Hokage title myself. Not only that, I'll surpass all the previous Hokages. So, I need the people in the village to acknowledge my strength. By the way, sensei, I have a request."

"Another bowl?" Iruka asked.

"No." Naruto waved his hand dismissively.

Iruka thought for a moment, then said, "Since you're taking off your goggles, you're not asking me to give you a Konoha's forehead protector, are you? That's a no-go. The headband is a sign of graduating from the Academy and being recognized as a Shinobi who can stand on their own. You'll have to wait until tomorrow."

Naruto shook his hand, held up five fingers and said, "Iruka-sensei, I meant one bowl isn't enough. I want five more!"

"Huuh???"

Iruka's jaw dropped, a look of instant regret spreading across his face.

"No backing out now. You promised me ramen, and as a teacher, you have to set an example. A teacher should never go back on their word." Naruto said sincerely.

After all, he'd worked hard all day, so if he didn't eat enough to make up for it, he'd feel shortchanged.

Besides, Ichiraku Ramen is quite popular. If he stayed here long enough, there might even be a reward waiting for him.

And so, he ate slowly, savoring each bite while waiting for the notification signaling a successful 'Sign-in'.

As time passed, an hour quietly slipped by.

[Ding! It is detected that the host has stayed in Ichiraku Ramen for one hour. Sign-in successful. Reward: Gragas's Body Slam!]

'Hmm? Gragas's Body Slam?'

'Isn't Gragas from League of Legend?'

Naruto originally thought that he could only get rewards for Ninjutsu, but now, he didn't expect that he could also get rewards from other worlds.

[Gragas's Body Slam. When used, you charge forward, colliding with the first enemy you hit. This deals area damage to surrounding enemies, knocking them back and stunning them for one second.]

As the system introduced the skill, a warm current surged through Naruto's body, gathering intensely around his stomach as if he'd developed a blazing furnace there.

At the same time, an image flashed through his mind: a hefty man, clutching a barrel, charging forward. That round belly was both imposing and oddly amusing.

The vision faded quickly, along with the warm sensation.

However, an even more amusing idea had struck him.

'If I used the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique first before activating Body Slam, the scene would be even more chaotic than ten Gragas clones in a League of Legends game.'

'It seems that I'd have to find time to try this trick out later.'

Snapping back to the present, Naruto looked at Iruka's glum face and consoled him, "C'mon, Iruka-sensei, don't look so down. Think about it, I only asked for four extra bowls, so technically, I'm short one bowl. That means you actually got off easy. You only had one bowl, and when you look at it that way, it's like you're getting a free meal."

As the saying goes, 'slow and steady wins the race'. If he scared Iruka off with a single massive meal, he'd lose his future chances. So, even though he asked for five bowls, he ultimately just ordered four more.

It definitely wasn't because he couldn't eat more.

Iruka mulled it over and nodded. After paying, he said goodbye to Naruto.

Yet Iruka couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Only after Naruto had walked far away did it finally hit him. He turned around, then shouted: "You little punk, Naruto… you're the idiot here!"