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Chapter 24 - CHAPTER 24

c24: The Magical Effect of Shadow Clone

Those who had defected into the Akatsuki organization yes, even someone as overwhelmingly powerful as Uzumaki Nagato might find it nearly impossible to defeat a mirror version of themselves.

Nagato, wielder of the Rinnegan, stood as one of the most terrifying forces in the ninja world. His arsenal was vast ranging from mass destruction to soul extraction and his mastery of both offense and defense was almost absolute.

Boasting techniques like Chibaku Tensei and Shinra Tensei, Nagato could single-handedly level cities. Yet even with this fearsome might, he would struggle against someone like Minato Namikaze. Not because Minato was more powerful in raw strength, but because Nagato couldn't land a hit.

Only someone who possesses space-time capabilities can reliably challenge another who wields them much like Doctor Strange vs. Dormammu in Marvel, or Zatanna vs. Circe in DC. The battle becomes not one of power alone, but of dimensions and timing.

This thought struck Ryan Wong like lightning: "If I control two characters, can I have them act simultaneously?"

According to Ryan's scenario, Minato and Obito were destined to clash in front of an audience.

Even if it's essentially left hand vs. right hand, it has to appear real to the viewers.

This was like a high-level puppet theater. The system gave Ryan Wong two "glove puppets" Minato and Obito. It was his job to breathe life into them. One character was already introduced and received applause; now, it was time for the two-handed act to begin.

The stage had been selected, the one-man show was completed, and now came the real performance a synchronized battle of both roles, a diagonal dance of speed and mystery. This was like Moon Knight's fractured personalities each persona having a role, all under one master puppeteer.

Otherwise, the likes of S.H.I.E.L.D., who were now watching with suspicion and curiosity, might begin to question whether Ryan Wong's "Minato" was actually just smoke and mirrors.

So the critical question became: Does Ryan Wong have "two hands"?

These hands weren't literal but symbolic of the ability to act out two high-level identities at once.

If not through direct manipulation, perhaps illusion could serve?

He began to ponder the viability.

After all, Uchiha Obito's genjutsu prowess was formidable. He had previously used illusions to dominate figures like Yagura (the Fourth Mizukage), manipulate Danzo's Root agents, and deceive Konan an impressive resume.

Therefore, applying a large-scale illusion to the average human agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. shouldn't be too difficult. That would be like Mysterio from Marvel, casting elaborate illusions over Spider-Man and the public or Scarecrow from DC, using fear toxins to paint entire cities in illusion and paranoia.

But this raised another dilemma: the scene Ryan envisioned wasn't a small-scale event. It was a major city-wide performance, filled with spectators, agents, civilians, possibly even superhumans.

Could he really play the role of Obito and sustain a genjutsu over an entire city?

Even with Obito's prowess, this was no easy feat like trying to keep the entire X-Men or Justice League under mind control without slipping.

Ryan Wong weighed his options, fully aware that space-time tricks alone wouldn't be enough. Whether it meant splitting his consciousness, using clones, or crafting illusions worthy of Loki, the God of Mischief he had to find a way to control both puppets in one grand performance.

The stage was set. The world was watching.

Let alone whether it can be done with Obito's power in this hyperconnected information age genjutsu may fool humans, but it does nothing to machines.

Even if Ryan Wong took on Obito's persona and cast the most potent illusions, surveillance drones, satellites, and AI-driven sensors like those used by Stark Industries or Brother Eye would remain unaffected.

If something bizarre erupted in New York, civilians in other cities possibly even agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Checkmate, or the Daily Bugle would detect anomalies almost immediately and dispatch teams to investigate. At that point, the illusion would become useless.

Both figures must exist in the same space, simultaneouslyno shortcuts.

Not only that the Nine Tails must also be real. It cannot be an illusion!

What a headache.

Ryan Wong raised his hand and rubbed his forehead, looking visibly stressed.

But then, he suddenly recalled the moment he had just used the Shadow Clone Jutsu, and a spark lit up in his eyes.

The Shadow Clone technique creates a physical, sentient duplicate. Could he cast it on himself and use the clone to embody one of the personas?

Thinking quickly, Ryan began forming the seals.

Bang~!

A puff of white smoke erupted and Ryan Wong stood across from... himself. In his own room.

Identical hairstyle, voice, face, and build.

"So this is what the Shadow Clone feels like... weird, but cool!"

Earlier, he had briefly tested the technique, but he'd been too eager to extract new characters to fully explore its effects. That clone had been dismissed almost immediately.

But now taking the time to study it Ryan was hit with a strange sensation, like suddenly gaining a twin brother, minus the shared childhood trauma.

Due to current chakra limitations, Ryan could only summon one clone. But with further development of his chakra control, he could multiply them eventually even performing the Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu, much like Naruto did.

Minato Namikaze, too, had mastered the Shadow Clone Jutsu. While the advanced multi-clone variant wasn't difficult for him, he rarely used it due to his relatively limited chakra reserves compared to his son, and his preference for precise, calculated techniques like Flying Thunder God.

"Whew~" Ryan exhaled, then focused. Time to test whether the Shadow Clone could assume a playable character role.

He looked at the clone, gave a firm nod, and mentally commanded:

"System assign character: Minato Namikaze!"

Whoosh~!

For the first time, Ryan witnessed the entire transformation process.

A soft golden glow enveloped the clone's body like a gentle ripple across space almost reminiscent of Captain Marvel's energy aura or The Flash phasing into the Speed Force.

It lasted only a moment, and then Minato Namikaze, in full Hokage regalia with a white cloak embroidered in red flames, stood before him.

"Whoa! This is insane!!"

Ryan hurried up to his clone now Minato and poked his arm. It felt exactly like when he himself had played as Minato every muscle, every fiber authentic.

Just then, Minato turned to him and said with a frown, "Stop poking. You're not playing me right now."

"Huh?" Ryan blinked in surprise then smirked, realizing the clone had inherited both the form and his personality. He patted Minato's shoulder, chuckling.

"All right, bro you're Minato from now on. Hold the line."

"Oh?" The clone raised an eyebrow, then shrugged. "Just don't call me 'bro.' I am you. That sounds… weird."

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