Naruto: My Clones Can Evolve

"You said you'd end this battle in an instant? Don't make me laugh!"

Suigetsu sneered, thrusting his sword into the water as he began forming hand seals.

"Don't think learning a few Water Release jutsus makes you a big shot in front of the Hozuki Clan!"

"Water Release: Water Gun Technique!"

Suigetsu raised two fingers, launching high-pressure water bullets like rapid-fire gunshots.

Boom! Boom! Water erupted into thick mist as the attack struck Genzuki's body.

Seeing that his attack had landed, Suigetsu smirked and kept firing. His fingers moved like a machine gun, relentlessly firing water bullets at Genzuki.

He didn't stop until his chakra was nearly drained, gasping for breath.

"He's probably nothing but dust now… Don't blame me. You had no business mentioning my brother's name!"

As the mist cleared, Genzuki stood there completely unharmed, a calm smile on his face.

"What… how? Why aren't you hurt?" Suigetsu's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Water Release: Great Shark Bullet Technique."

A massive shark surged out of the water at Genzuki's command.

"This jutsu devours enemy techniques to strengthen itself. Thanks to your Water Gun, my shark has grown quite a bit."

The colossal shark, now towering over the battlefield, opened its jaws and lunged at Suigetsu.

"I already told you—Water Release doesn't work on me!"

Suigetsu was thrown back dozens of feet, but his Hydrification Technique kept him unharmed. He stood up with a grin.

"Not bad, Genzuki, but it looks like you've got nothing that can stop me!"

"As long as I stay in my hydrated state, your Water Release won't even touch me. Once your chakra runs out, victory will be mine!"

Genzuki chuckled softly.

"I can't stop you? We'll see about that."

Suigetsu's heart suddenly clenched with fear.

Genzuki began forming hand seals—this time, not for a Water Release.

"You thought Water Release was all I had? I've been using these jutsus to create the perfect battlefield."

"And now, it's time for the final move."

Genzuki leapt into the air, and the water-covered ground beneath them began to change.

"Earth Release: Swamp of the Underworld!"

The entire area, along with the water from previous jutsus, transformed into a pitch-black swamp in an instant.

Suigetsu immediately tried to use his Hydrification Technique, but it was useless.

The swamp ignored his water-based body, trapping him in place.

"This… this can't be… Your Water Release is already insane, and now you're using Earth Release at this level?"

"No problem… If I turn my entire body into water, I can still escape!"

Before he could finish speaking, countless kunai rained down from the sky, embedding themselves into the swamp. Each one was wrapped with explosive tags.

Genzuki appeared above him, smiling.

"Suigetsu, if you move even an inch, these thousands of explosive tags will blow you to pieces. Even with your Hydrification Technique, the heat will be enough to evaporate you."

Suigetsu froze in terror, his plan to struggle instantly abandoned.

He sighed and lowered his head. "I surrender…"

『Ding! Task complete—defeated Suigetsu Hozuki. Kage-level breakthrough achieved!』

『Reputation +30,000!』

『Water Clone has advanced to Kage-level!』

『Talent Link activated—host's main body, Earth Clone, and Shadow Clone have also advanced to Kage-level!』

A rush of chakra surged through Genzuki's body, making his strength skyrocket.

"Status Panel!"

[Name: Genzuki]

[Clones: Shadow Clone, Water Clone, Earth Clone]

[Level: Kage-level]

[Talent: Thousand Shadow Link]

[Inherited Talents: Taijutsu Master, Water Release Master, Earth Release Master]

Now at Kage-level, Genzuki's talents had reached the level of a true master.

Suddenly, new notifications echoed in his mind.

『Ding! Acquired new Taijutsu techniques: Daytime Tiger, Evening Elephant, Night Guy!』

『Ding! Acquired new Water Release techniques: Hydrification Technique, Water Gun Technique!』

『Ding! Acquired new Earth Release technique: Earth Rebirth Technique!』

The information flooded into Genzuki's brain.

The Hydrification Technique would allow Genzuki to liquefy his body, just like Suigetsu, making him nearly invincible.

The Earth Rebirth Technique could revive a corpse without needing a sacrifice.

This jutsu might come in handy in certain situations.

Now it was time to deal with Suigetsu.

"Suigetsu, do you admit defeat?" Genzuki crouched down with a playful smile.

"I… I admit it! But please, don't kill me. I still have something I need to do!" Suigetsu pleaded.

"Oh? You're looking for your brother, Mangetsu Hozuki?" Genzuki asked.

Suigetsu nodded silently.

Genzuki thought for a moment. In the Naruto timeline, Mangetsu's fate was unclear, and no one knew when or how he had died.

"Suigetsu, I have no personal grudge against you. I'm only here because of special circumstances."

"I… I don't know what I could possibly offer…" Suigetsu muttered, glancing at the younger boy.

He was shocked that someone so young could be this powerful—perhaps even stronger than his brother Mangetsu.

"You're a rogue ninja from Kirigakure, right? If I kill you, I can claim a nice bounty from the village," Genzuki said.

"Yes… you're right," Suigetsu replied quietly, lowering his head and preparing for the worst.

"But I'm not going to kill you."

Suigetsu's eyes snapped up in surprise.

"You… you're not?"

"Nope. As long as you're willing to follow me, you'll live," Genzuki smiled.

"I'm willing! Anything you want, just don't kill me!" Suigetsu immediately said.

But his expression darkened again.

"But aren't you afraid I'll escape or betray you when I get the chance?"

Genzuki chuckled coldly.

"Hydrification Technique. Water Gun Technique."

In front of Suigetsu, Genzuki casually demonstrated both of his signature jutsus.

Suigetsu's jaw dropped.

"Those… those are my techniques! How did you learn them?"

Genzuki smirked.

"Suigetsu, if you follow me, you won't have to wander anymore. I might even help you find your brother."

"But if you ever betray me, I'll kill you without hesitation."

Genzuki's eyes glowed with a terrifying aura, making Suigetsu shiver uncontrollably.

"Big bro Genzuki… I-I'm convinced! From now on, Suigetsu Hozuki is one of your men!"

Genzuki nodded and released the technique trapping him.

"Let's go. Follow me back for now."

"Once we're done, I'll help you reclaim the Executioner's Blade."