Chapter 12: The Shadow Clone Revelation
In the northern sector of Konoha, Aizen stood motionless before his assigned residence, not immediately crossing the threshold.
After taking his leave from Iruka, he had returned here. His gaze swept over the spacious house, a flicker of profound disdain hidden deep within his pupils. The petty trick of surveillance was as ridiculous as a clown's performance in his eyes. Yet, constrained by his current weakness, he had no choice but to endure it, to hide his true nature in the shadows.
But Aizen, whose ambition soared higher than the heavens, would never resign himself to being another's pawn. The moment Iruka had entrusted him with the scroll, Aizen's resolve had crystallized. He would betray Konoha, just as he had once betrayed the Soul Society after centuries of patient infiltration. He had risen to rule Hueco Mundo from the dome of Las Noches then, and he would carve out his own dominion here, in this new world.
He was confident. His supreme talent and centuries of accumulated experience would allow him to reclaim his peak power. His current state was merely a depletion of energy; his knowledge of Hadō and Bakudō remained intact, limited only by his shallow spiritual reserves which confined him to the first fifteen levels of Kidō.
Wary of the surveillance, Aizen had no intention of conducting his experiments inside. Unless he was meditating to refine his spiritual power—an activity that appeared perfectly normal—he would remain outdoors.
"Clone Technique," he murmured, recalling Iruka's description. "A ninjutsu that creates intangible illusions to disrupt an opponent's vision and achieve tactical advantages."
He unsealed the scroll. The hand seals for the Clone Technique were detailed within. Aizen studied them with intense focus, committing the sequence to memory.
"It has a deceptive function. Somewhat useful," he conceded.
He raised his hands, and with fluid, practiced ease, formed the three necessary seals.
Ram, Snake, Tiger.
"Clone Technique!"
Poof!
A cloud of white smoke billowed, and two figures materialized beside him. They were perfect replicas, lifelike in every detail.
"So this is the Clone Technique. The deceptive effect is adequate," Aizen assessed. Yet, he found it lacking. These were mere phantoms, possessing no substance or offensive capability. For one who commanded the absolute sensory deception of Kyōka Suigetsu, such a basic illusion was almost trivial. What he truly needed was the far more potent Shadow Clone Technique—a B-rank jutsu that created solid, chakra-infused duplicates capable of attack and even executing other ninjutsu. But in his current official standing, he had no access to it.
A new thought sparked in his mind. What would happen if I fueled the Clone Technique with my hybrid energy—the fusion of chakra and spiritual power?
Intrigued, he focused. The chakra within him stirred, and a faint blue light—the visual manifestation of his spiritual energy—welled up from his core. He carefully guided the two forces to intertwine.
"Clone Technique!"
This time, he performed the seals with absolute confidence. The new, combined energy surged, merging with the fabric of the ninjutsu.
The tell-tale poof of smoke appeared once more, but this time, it was accompanied by a cold, familiar chime in his mind.
Condition triggered: Clone Technique & Kyōka Suigetsu synergy. Unlocking hidden reward: Shadow Clone Technique.
The system had delivered an unexpected boon. He never imagined that using his unique spiritual-chakra fusion to execute a basic jutsu would accidentally meet a hidden requirement, granting him the very technique he coveted.
A crucial ninjutsu, he thought, elation surging within him. If I master this, the disorienting power of Kyōka Suigetsu will become truly seamless.
A rush of information flooded his consciousness—the complete hand seals, the chakra distribution, the very essence of the Shadow Clone Technique.
"Then, let us test your power."
Aizen's hands moved again, a blur of motion as he flawlessly executed the more complex sequence for the Shadow Clone Technique.
BOOM!
A much denser cloud of smoke erupted. This time, when it cleared, two solid figures stood beside him. They were fundamentally different from the simple clones; he could feel the distinct flow of chakra within them, a tangible connection to his own energy.
"Shadow Clone Technique... successful."
With a mental command, the two clones shot forward, each throwing a powerful punch into the air. The force of their movements created a sharp, whipping sound.
"Excellent. To possess such power on the first attempt... If my chakra reserves were greater, I could create many more."
Thoroughly satisfied, Aizen immersed himself completely in practicing the new technique. Throughout the night, the sounds of his training continued. By the time the first light of dawn touched the horizon, he had pushed his limits, successfully creating a full five solid shadow clones.