"Lightning Release: Shadow Clone?"
Kai raised an eyebrow. Shadow clones came in many forms and attributes. The shadow clone technique created by the Second Hokage was attributeless, compatible with any attack type, reducing chakra conversion and consumption, making it easier to create more clones with longer duration.
However, these improvements led to misuse, resulting in its banishment to the Forbidden Scroll. A Lightning Release clone, while advantageous for lightning jutsu, significantly hampered other jutsu and slowed chakra conversion for other attributes.
It had significant drawbacks compared to the Second Hokage's shadow clone.
"I… I apologize. I was out of line," Tozai stammered, suddenly sobered by Kai's identity.
"Don't worry, I said I don't like men," Kai said warmly. "I know Lightning Release: Shadow Clone, but I rarely use it. A demonstration might help."
Tozai was stunned. Kai's calmness completely contradicted the rumors he'd heard. But his eyes widened as Kai's hands moved with blinding speed, forming complex hand seals in a single breath—eight times faster than Tozai had ever witnessed.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
A series of low sonic booms echoed as numerous lightning-wreathed clones materialized out of thin air. Tozai's eyes bulged at the sight of hundreds of clones surrounding them. He finally understood the true meaning of the word "gap."
"That's Lightning Release: Shadow Clone. With your physique, you should easily master it," Kai said, dispersing the clones with a smile.
Tozai was taken aback. "Kai, you're overestimating me."
"But you identified my physique on our first meeting. The Blood Asura lives up to his name," he added.
Kai paid no mind to the compliment. He looked at the large circular arena, resembling a Roman coliseum—the venue for ceremonies, Chunin Exams, and Hokage elections in Konoha. Two figures burst from within, landing before them.
"Jiraiya-sama, Lady Tsunade!" Tozai exclaimed, visibly nervous.
"Tozai, you survived the battlefield," Tsunade said flatly. "Don't die too soon, or our clan will be leaderless."
Tozai, accustomed to her bluntness, chuckled wryly. "Lady Tsunade, I was careful, but many elders didn't make it back." A shadow of sadness crossed his face.
Tsunade's expression hardened. "Hmph, those stubborn fools will be the death of our clan with their 'Hokage spirit' and 'Konoha will.' They charged into battle, knowing the enemy targeted the Senju, refusing to retreat for the sake of 'honor.' They deserved it."
The atmosphere shifted. Kai raised an eyebrow. The Senju clan was barely mentioned in the original story, except for Tsunade. He'd wondered if it was a plot hole, but Tsunade had just explained it.
As descendants of Hashirama and Tobirama Senju, the two legendary Hokage, their power had once overshadowed the four great nations. Hashirama, a god-like shinobi who treated the tailed beasts as toys, had kept them in line. Their deaths had allowed the other villages to finally rise. The other villages would never let that happen again; therefore, there was an unspoken agreement among the four great nations to eliminate any Senju encountered on the battlefield.
The Senju, burdened by their clan's honor, charged into battle despite knowing the risks, believing that one-for-one or even one-for-two exchanges were worthwhile. This led to their near extinction. Tsunade, after the deaths of Dan and Nawaki, scoffed at this. She constantly mocked the surviving clan members.
"Tsunade, stop. You'll anger the elders," Jiraiya interjected, changing the subject. "Kai's return means the Hokage election issue will finally be resolved."
"Tozai, show us the way. Rest if you're tired."
Jiraiya patted Kai's shoulder. "You caused quite a stir at Mount Myōboku. I wouldn't have believed it if Minato hadn't told me."
Kai didn't intend to hide anything about Mount Myōboku. "Let's talk later. I heard the Uchiha clan initiated the early Hokage election. Was it my uncle's idea?"
Kai's knowledge of Fugaku Uchiha was limited to the original story. He had incredible power yet acted cowardly, ultimately dying at his son's hands. If Fugaku had acted, even Obito and Itachi would have paid a heavy price.
"I thought you knew," Jiraiya said, raising an eyebrow. "The Uchiha clan leader is now Uchiha Ishi. Fugaku has been confined to his heavily guarded mansion. We avoided conflict, so we didn't approach him. But according to the Uchiha elders, you're representing the Uchiha clan in the Hokage election."
Their gazes fell on Kai, seeking to gauge his reaction.
"Heh, I've been away for a while, and they've already put me on the stage. This is getting interesting," Kai chuckled, touching his nose.
"This Hokage election won't be easy," he added.
Jiraiya shook his head, a wry smile on his face. "We had a terrible time while you were gone. Now that you're back, everyone wants answers. But I hope you'll be restrained. We'll handle everything else, even the Hokage election!"
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