Naruto: My Clones Can Evolve

Before Genzuki could return to his room, a chorus of agonized groans erupted behind him.

Even though a shadow clone would disappear with just one hit, it wasn't something the three of them could handle at their current level.

With mastery over the Eight Gates, the clone moved at speeds beyond their ability to perceive—even Sasuke's Sharingan was useless.

"I knew this would happen..."

Kakashi sighed as he looked at the three collapsed students.

He clapped his hands and said, "Forget about trying to beat Genzuki. Let's focus on tree-walking training instead."

At this stage, none of them had even learned how to walk on trees properly—they were still complete rookies.

While this might have been a small blow to their confidence, Genzuki wasn't concerned in the slightest.

In the original story, they were the protagonists—but not this time.

Now, the protagonist was him.

After resting in his room for a while, Genzuki let Chino use her Ketsuryūgan techniques to replenish some of his chakra.

The multi-target Tsukuyomi from earlier had drained him quite a bit.

However, Chino was still in low spirits after learning the truth about her clan's massacre.

Genzuki gently patted her head and said, "Don't worry. Gato... won't be in this world for much longer."

Chino nodded. Her Ketsuryūgan now had three white markings across the pupils.

In the original story, every Ketsuryūgan Genzuki had seen only had a single marking.

Now, it was clear—her eyes had evolved due to the immense emotional trauma she had suffered.

Just like the Sharingan evolving from a single tomoe to three tomoe, the Ketsuryūgan could also undergo transformations. The original series never explored this possibility.

Right now, Chino's Ketsuryūgan was at least on par with a standard Mangekyō Sharingan.

If it could evolve further, wouldn't it surpass even the highest limits of the Uchiha clan?

Thinking about this, Genzuki looked at Chino and said, "You're the last one left who carries the Ketsuryūgan… Take good care of those eyes."

Chino pouted and said, "But... I want to fight too."

Genzuki chuckled. "The more you use your dojutsu, the more strain it puts on your eyes. If it's not necessary, leave the fighting to me."

Chino smiled faintly and nodded in agreement.

Soon, the time came for Tazuna's bridge construction to continue.

Kakashi led Team 7 to personally guard him, while Genzuki followed in the shadows.

Yagura was stationed at Tazuna's house to prevent any of Gato's men from targeting his family.

On the unfinished bridge, a thick mist rolled across the water.

Even without using Hidden Mist Jutsu, the natural visibility was already poor.

Still, Tazuna's team was highly professional. Despite the bad weather, they continued their work.

Everything seemed peaceful—until movement stirred from the broken section of the bridge.

Kakashi's expression turned serious. "Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura—don't leave Tazuna's side for even a second."

The three nodded and formed a protective circle around the old man.

Meanwhile, Kakashi disappeared into the mist.

Having learned the enemy's identity from Genzuki, he wasn't about to take any chances.

The moment he entered the fog, his Sharingan activated, scanning the surroundings.

Suddenly, there was a splash!

Something had emerged from the water.

His Sharingan immediately caught the movement—it wasn't just an object.

It was a ninjutsu attack!

"Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet Jutsu?"

Kakashi quickly leaped back and, without forming seals, raised a defensive Water Wall!

The massive water dragon collided with the barrier, barely being deflected.

It was a sudden, calculated ambush.

Kakashi immediately went on high alert.

A cold voice echoed from the mist.

"Impressive, Copy Ninja Kakashi."

"We even took extra precautions with that ambush... but you still managed to block it."

Two figures landed at the bridge's entrance, clad in black robes with red clouds.

One had a stoic expression, his gaze cold and indifferent.

The other carried a massive, bandage-wrapped sword on his back.

Kakashi's eyes widened.

"Uchiha Itachi… and Hoshigaki Kisame?"

He never imagined that Gato's hired help would be these two.

Uchiha Itachi, a former Konoha ninja—his own former comrade. Kakashi never thought they'd meet under these circumstances.

"It's been a while, Kakashi," Itachi said indifferently.

—

Meanwhile, Genzuki remained hidden near the shore, observing the situation.

Then, he sensed an enormous surge of chakra approaching from the side.

Activating his Sharingan, he scanned the area.

It wasn't an enemy.

It was Kakuzu—the man he had sent ahead to investigate Gato.

"Genzuki-sama!"

Kakuzu appeared in a battered state. Three of the hearts he had recently absorbed were now gone.

No wonder—those hearts didn't have any unique abilities, so his overall strength had been significantly reduced.

"Any news?" Genzuki asked calmly.

"The ones Gato hired are—"

Before Kakuzu could finish, another attack suddenly pierced through his remaining heart!

"Gahh!" Kakuzu let out a pained cry and collapsed to the ground.

More attacks followed, but Genzuki swiftly kicked Kakuzu onto the bridge, sending him flying out of harm's way.

"Come out," Genzuki said coldly. "If you want to play, then play with me."

From the depths of the forest, two towering figures emerged.

Even Genzuki was slightly surprised by their appearance.

Twin brothers—one with white hair, the other with golden locks. Their eyes were pitch-black.

The sinister, blood-red chakra swirling around them caused the water to ripple violently.

A familiar system notification appeared in his mind.

『 Ding! System auto-generates mission: Defeat the Edo Tensei resurrected Kinkaku and Ginkaku.』

『Rewards: Fire Clone, 1000 experience books, 150,000 reputation points!』

A Fire Clone? Now that was interesting.

After collecting so many elemental jutsu, he was finally getting a fire-related ability.

"Kinkaku, Ginkaku… you both died in the Second Shinobi War," Genzuki said coolly. "Who summoned you?"

Behind their heads, a kunai embedded with sealing tags was attached—evidence that they were under someone's control.

Although reanimated bodies lost some of their original power, their tailed beast chakra was still a force to be reckoned with.

These two were swallowed by the Nine-Tails in the past, only to survive by eating its flesh, gaining its chakra in the process.

Armed with powerful ninja tools, they were undoubtedly Super Kage-Level threats.

Then, from behind them, a sinister voice echoed.

"I heard the infamous Phantom Demon was in the area, so I decided to drop by and say hello."

"I must admit… I'm quite surprised."

"You're much younger than I expected."

A tall, snake-like figure emerged, his complexion pale, his thin lips curled into a wicked smile.

Wearing a straw hat, the man's golden, slitted eyes locked onto Genzuki.

Orochimaru.

The most notorious scientist in the shinobi world.

"Well now," Genzuki smirked, his eyes gleaming.

"Looks like today's gathering is quite the star-studded event."