91. Homeless

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With that, Tsunade disappeared from the rooftop. Sora dropped a smoke bomb, and when it cleared, he stood on the railing in a red t-shirt and shorts, his hospital gown caught by the shadow clone in the room below.

"Let's go," Sora said cheerfully, leading the way to Ichiraku Ramen.

During lunch, the group filled Kakashi in on their perspectives on the mission to find Tsunade. The mood was light, with Naruto's enthusiasm and Sora's witty comments keeping everyone entertained. Even Sasuke, typically reserved, found himself smiling at their antics.

As they finished their meal, Sora turned to Naruto and Sasuke. "Well, I don't really like goodbyes, so I probably won't come to see you off. Don't slack off, you two." Before anyone could respond, Sora formed hand seals and body flickered away.

Naruto grinned at Sasuke. "Heh, I won't slack off. Teme, you better try to keep up with me. My Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu is a cheat!"

Sasuke smirked back. "Dobe, don't let that get to your head. A thousand times zero is still zero. You better hope I don't defeat you in one move after the time skip."

With that playful exchange, the two rivals parted ways, each determined to grow stronger during their time apart.

Meanwhile, Sora had arrived at his usual training ground, Training Ground 96. He had acquired exclusive use of this area after some clever negotiation (and a bit of blackmail) with the Third Hokage following the Root incident. Since then, he had fortified the grounds with multiple seals to prevent any future unwanted intrusions.

Forming a cross seal, Sora created twenty shadow clones. "Damn, that's a new record for the number of shadow clones," he muttered, already anticipating the information overload that would come when they dispelled. "The headache won't be pretty."

Pushing aside his concerns, Sora and his clones set to work on a specific seal. They laboured tirelessly until midnight, perfecting every intricate detail. As the last stroke was placed, Sora called out to his clones, "Okay, guys, one by one-"

But before he could finish his sentence, all twenty clones dispelled simultaneously. The rush of information hit Sora like a tidal wave, overwhelming his senses. For the next hour, he lay on the ground, staring blankly at the stars, his mind struggling to process the influx of knowledge and experiences.

Finally, as the mental fog began to clear, Sora groaned. "I'm too lazy to go home..." Suddenly, his eyes widened as a realization struck him. "Wait! Now that I'm a Chunin, I won't be able to live in the apartment anymore. I have all my things on me, so it's probably occupied by someone else now. I'm officially homeless, as I don't have money."

Sora's face cycled through expressions of annoyance, and shock, and finally settled on a blank look. "Wait... why am I worrying about such things?"

With a series of hand seals, Sora placed his palm on the ground. In an instant, a bed materialized beneath him, lifting him off the cold earth. "So comfy," he sighed contentedly. "Fuinjutsu is so awesome. It can turn a normal bed into a deluxe one without much effort."

Not quite done with his impressive display of skills, Sora formed another hand seal. Lines of chakra emerged from his bracers, spreading across his body. In seconds, all traces of sweat and dirt vanished, leaving him feeling refreshed.

With one final burst of energy, Sora created a rock clone and handed it a book. "Guard me, okay? You're not a shadow clone, so you shouldn't feel tired like me. Also, solve that book for me in the regular format. I'll form a shadow clone in the morning to discuss it with you."

With his preparations complete, Sora allowed himself to drift off into a well-earned slumber under the starry sky.

The next morning, Sora awoke to the gentle warmth of the sun on his face. As he stretched and yawned, the events of the previous day came flooding back. The hospital, the rooftop conversation, the strange memories of his clone – it all swirled in his mind, a jumble of confusion and uncertainty.

Shaking off the lingering drowsiness, Sora dispelled the bed he had created and turned to his rock clone, which had dutifully kept watch through the night. "Report," he commanded, curious to see what progress had been made on the book he'd assigned.

As the shadow clone engaged in discussion with the rock clone, Sora finished his morning stretches and began to plan his day. The conversation between the clones provided a background hum of activity as he thought through his next steps.

"Alright," Sora muttered to himself, "I need to meet with Tsunade-sama about my medical ninjutsu training. But first, I should probably clean up and get some breakfast."

With a series of hand seals, Sora activated the cleaning seal in his bracers, feeling instantly refreshed as the chakra lines swept away him, replacing the need to take a bath- both physically and psychologically.

 He then rummaged through the storage seals in his bracers, pulling out a fresh set of clothes - a red t-shirt and black shorts.

As he dressed, Sora called out to his shadow clone, "Hey, what's the progress on that book?"

The shadow clone turned from its discussion with the rock clone. "We've made some interesting discoveries, boss. The theory behind the medical ninjutsu described in the book seems to align well with our shape-shifting jutsu. There might be some potential for integration how you wanted."

Sora nodded, his interest piqued. "Good work. Keep at it. I'll review your findings later." He formed a hand seal, creating another shadow clone. "You," he pointed at the new clone, "head to Ichiraku and get us some breakfast. The usual."

As the new clone's body flickered away, Sora turned his attention back to his original plans. He dispelled the bed he had created the night before and began packing up his makeshift camp. Just as he finished, his clone returned with a takeout bag from Ichiraku.

Sora sat cross-legged on the ground, eagerly digging into his ramen. Between bites, he addressed his clones, "Alright, here's the plan. I'll head to the Hokage's office after this to meet with Tsunade-sama. You two," he gestured to the shadow clone and rock clone, "continue your analysis. I'll dispel you," he nodded to the shadow clone, "once I'm done with Tsunade-sama so I can review your findings."

The clones nodded in agreement, and Sora finished his meal in comfortable silence. Once done, he stood up, stretching once more. "Well, time to face the music," he said with a grin. "Let's see what the Third Sannin has in store for me."

With a final nod to his clones, Sora formed a hand seal and his body flickered towards the Hokage's office.

Arriving at the Hokage Tower, Sora made his way up to Tsunade's office. He knocked on the door, waiting for permission to enter.

"Come in," Tsunade's voice called from inside.

Sora pushed open the door, stepping into the familiar office. Tsunade sat behind the desk, a stack of paperwork in front of her. She looked up as Sora entered, her expression a mix of exasperation (likely from the paperwork) and curiosity.

"Ah, Sora," she said, leaning back in her chair. "Right on time. How are you feeling?"

Sora grinned, giving a thumbs up. "Fit as a fiddle, Tsunade-sama! That nap in the hospital did wonders."

Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "Nap? You were out for three days, kid."

Sora's grin faltered for a moment before returning full force. "Well, I guess I needed the rest more than I thought!"

Tsunade shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Alright, let's get down to business. You're here to discuss your path in medical ninjutsu, correct?"

Sora nodded eagerly. "Yes, Tsunade-sama. I'm ready to start my training as your disciple!"

Tsunade's expression turned serious. "About that, Sora. I've given it some thought, and I don't think it would be suitable for me to take you on as a direct disciple."

***

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