Naruto: My Clones Can Evolve

Genzuki's gaze sharpened when he noticed Chino still had a hidden pouch of ninja tools on her.

It was her means of self-defense, but she had forgotten to reveal it during the inspection.

"You're ninjas?" one of the men in black asked arrogantly. "Hand over all your weapons immediately!"

A group of thugs in black suits surrounded them, each carrying a katana at their waist.

Though none of them seemed to possess chakra, their sheer numbers would be enough to make even experienced shinobi wary.

"We don't have any weapons," Genzuki said calmly, casting a brief glance at the tool pouch. "That's just a kid's toy—nothing to be afraid of, right?"

Despite the growing tension, Genzuki's expression remained calm, completely unbothered.

"You... better show some respect! We're with Gato Company!" The man in black shoved Genzuki forcefully.

But the moment his hand touched Genzuki, he realized something was very wrong.

No matter how hard he pushed, Genzuki didn't budge an inch—his breathing steady, his body unmoving.

What?!

No amount of force made a difference. Genzuki stood there, his serene smile giving him an air of impenetrable strength.

"There's something wrong with this kid!" the man in black shouted, signaling the surrounding thugs to move in.

The men drew their swords, encircling Genzuki, Chino, and Yagura. The air grew heavy with tension as bystanders hurried to flee the dock.

"You'd better tell us who you are, or don't blame us for what happens next!"

Genzuki chuckled, his red Sharingan spinning ominously. "Just you lot?"

"Attack! Kill him!" the thugs roared, charging at him with their blades raised.

But in an instant, their bodies began to sink into a blood-red swamp beneath their feet.

"Aghhh! What is this?!"

"Help! I'm sinking!"

The dock filled with the sounds of terrified screams.

In mere moments, the entire group of thugs was either unconscious or thrashing helplessly in the illusionary swamp.

Genzuki had activated his Sharingan, trapping them in a powerful genjutsu.

None of them were dead; they had merely been placed in a deep sleep. There was no need for Genzuki to kill them—after all, they were nothing more than pawns.

"Let's go." Genzuki took Chino's hand and walked off the dock with Yagura.

When the thugs awoke, they wouldn't remember anything that had just happened.

Though Genzuki could have easily slaughtered his way through all of Gato's lackeys, it would've been far too messy. He preferred a more subtle approach.

He knew where to find Gato—at the famous Naruto Bridge currently under construction by Tazuna.

Gato's men would likely be causing trouble there, which would lead Genzuki straight to him.

Grrr…

Chino's stomach growled loudly. She hadn't eaten anything since morning.

While Genzuki and Yagura could go without food for days, Chino was still a growing girl with a normal human constitution.

Embarrassed, she covered her stomach with her hands, her cheeks turning red.

Genzuki smiled gently. "Let's get something to eat first."

The Land of Waves, surrounded by the sea, was known for its seafood cuisine.

It didn't take long for the group to find a small restaurant near the dock.

In this war-torn era, restaurants were rare, and those with a decent reputation were even rarer. This one was among the best Genzuki had seen so far.

"Welcome, honored guests. We have plenty of seating inside," the waitress said, bowing politely in her kimono.

But just as they were about to enter, a man in a black suit stepped out, blocking their way.

"This place has been reserved by Gato Company. Go somewhere else!" he barked, shoving Genzuki back.

Genzuki frowned but didn't respond immediately. Instead, he glanced at the waitress.

The waitress gave him an apologetic look, clearly intimidated by Gato's men.

"Gato again," Yagura muttered in annoyance.

If Yagura revealed his identity as the Fourth Mizukage, Gato's men would likely scatter. But doing so would only complicate matters further.

"I'm eating here today, whether you like it or not," Genzuki said coldly. "The waitress said there are seats available."

The man in black blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting Genzuki to defy him.

Taking a step forward, he leaned in threateningly. "You want to die, kid?"

Genzuki smirked. His Sharingan activated in an instant.

"Ugh!"

The man froze, his eyes going blank before collapsing onto the ground, unconscious.

Genzuki was beyond fed up with Gato's constant interference. Though he spared the man's life, he ensured that the next few months of his existence would be filled with nightmares.

Pushing the door open, Genzuki stepped inside the restaurant's main hall.

Laughter and conversation filled the air as a group of warriors surrounded a large table.

At the center of the group sat a fat middle-aged man with an arrogant grin.

"Lord Kazu, with your connection to Gato, could you put in a good word for us?" one of the warriors asked, bowing respectfully.

"We samurai from the Land of Iron possess the strength Gato desires. No ninja could stand against us if we were his guards!"

The fat man—Kazu—was none other than Gato's younger brother. He held a high-ranking position within the company.

More importantly, he had the authority to recommend candidates for Gato's personal guard.

Securing such a position meant a hefty paycheck, which was why the samurai were so eager to please him.

Kazu chuckled, savoring their desperation.

"Unfortunately, Lord Gato has already hired S-rank rogue ninjas. He no longer needs your services," Kazu said with a sneer.

The samurai fell silent, stunned by the news.

They had humbled themselves, showering Kazu with flattery, only to be met with rejection.

Kazu watched their reactions with amusement.

"However," he added, "I might be able to get you a position as perimeter guards—if you can prove your strength."

The samurai leader, Natsu, brightened at the offer. "Lord Kazu, if you can make that happen, we'll do anything for you!"

Kazu smiled and snapped his fingers.

Several men dragged three beaten and bloodied ninja onto the floor.

The unconscious ninja wore headbands from the Hidden Cloud Village.

"These three are skilled jōnin from the Hidden Cloud," Kazu said, gesturing toward them. "They dared trespass on Lord Gato's territory, and this is the result."

The samurai stared in shock.

"Now, I'll give you a chance to prove yourselves," Kazu continued. "If you can walk out of here alive, no one will come after you again!"