DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO (I WANT TO HAVE A LOT OF THINGS BUT WRITER'S BLOCK ISN'T ONE OF THOSE THINGS HAHA)

Ch.13B - Clones and Probabilities

- With Shikamaru, Sasuke, and Hinata -

As they pursued their target, leaping effortlessly from one tree branch to another, the man employed various tactics to evade them. He darted through the foliage, zigzagging and utilizing the cover of shrubbery. But all his efforts proved futile against Hinata's keen Byakugan vision. Sensing their target's desperation, the man decided to create a diversion. He swiftly threw a smoke bomb, enveloping the area in a thick cloud of smoke and obscuring their view.

As the smoke cleared, three identical copies of the man emerged, each heading in a different direction. Shikamaru and Hinata were faced with a dilemma.

"Crap... Hinata, which one is the real target?" Shikamaru asked, searching for guidance.

"I-I can't tell... All three of them possess an equal amount of chakra," Hinata replied, her Byakugan unable to discern any significant difference.

"Looks like we have no choice but to split up," Shikamaru concluded, sharing his plan with his teammates. With determined nods, they agreed and each set off in pursuit of one of the three copies, hoping to uncover the true target.

- With Sasuke -

Sasuke chased the man (33% chance of being a clone or the original) through the dense forest, determined to catch his target. With swift hand movements, Sasuke formed a series of seals: Rat, Tiger, Dog, Ox, Rabbit, Tiger. "Katon: Housenka no Jutsu! (Fire Release: Phoenix Flower Jutsu)," Sasuke exclaimed, unleashing a volley of small fireballs towards his opponent.

The initial fireballs missed their mark, but the final one struck its target, causing the man to lose balance and tumble to the ground. However, to Sasuke's surprise, the fallen figure dispersed into smoke, revealing it to be merely a clone—an illusion created to deceive him.

- With Shikamaru -

Shikamaru continued his pursuit of the man (50% chance of being a clone or the original), aware that he couldn't effectively use his jutsu while on the move. He pondered on how to either close the gap between them or manipulate the man's path to find more shadows for his shadow manipulation abilities.

As they reached a clearing devoid of shadows, Shikamaru realized that the man had likely figured out how his jutsu worked. Despite this setback, Shikamaru remained calm, knowing he still had other techniques at his disposal.

Seizing the opportunity, Shikamaru threw shurikens at the man, but his agile foe evaded them with skillful dodges. Undeterred, Shikamaru launched another shuriken, and this time, as the man performed a backflip to evade, he suddenly became paralyzed. "Hijutsu: Kagemane Shuriken no Jutsu (Hidden Technique: Shadow Imitation Shuriken Technique)," Shikamaru whispered. The kunai he threw earlier was infused with his chakra, allowing his shadow to extend and ensnare the man upon his landing.

Approaching the immobilized man, Shikamaru initiated another jutsu. "Hijutsu: Kage-Kubishibari no Jutsu (Hidden Technique: Shadow-Neck Binding)," he uttered. His shadow morphed into a hand-like form that slithered along the man's body and reached his neck. Shikamaru then performed a final hand seal, commanding the shadow to tighten its grip on the man's neck. But to his surprise, the man dissolved into smoke, revealing yet another clone.

"Then Hinata must be pursuing the original," Shikamaru deduced, his mind calculating the unfolding situation.

- With Hinata -

With her Byakugan (All Seeing White Eye) guiding her, Hinata utilized her ninja tools to create a plan to immobilize her target (99% chance that this one was the original, can't be too sure). Recognizing that her jutsu options were limited, she decided to combine a kunai with a paper bomb. Using her heightened vision, she predicted the man's possible path and strategically placed several kunais with attached paper bombs.

As the man continued to evade her shurikens, he suddenly heard a hissing sound. Looking down, he spotted a kunai embedded in a branch, armed with a paper bomb. Realizing his predicament too late, the explosion disrupted his balance, causing him to stumble and fall to the forest floor.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Hinata swiftly approached the fallen man. Before he could escape, she accurately struck his vital spot, swiftly ending his life. Hinata felt a sense of satisfaction in her progress with her Byakugan (All Seeing White Eye), noting that its range was gradually expanding. Moreover, she was relieved to find that the act of killing an enemy no longer affected her as deeply as it once had, indicating her growth as a shinobi.

Retrieving the scroll, Hinata regrouped with her team. Though one they were certain of after all of this was, they were going to take a break from mission for a while.

(A/N: Hello hahaha, this is Chapter 13.5 and yeah this is with the student's side. Also, I'm planning to give Hinata a weapon a few ninjas use, a hint is that it was only used once by a shinobi if I'm not mistaken. Message me your guess if you'd like, anyway Imma return to Team 10 for a while, and then it's Team 8's turn before the Chunin Exams. Also, this mini-arc took place when Naruto started practicing the Nebaiken so yeah. Thanks for the continuous support and interaction, I really appreciate all of it so yeah that's all cheers ^^)