It's Too Troublesome to be Hokage

"The A-level mission I got for free before has been completed!"

Seeing the notification flash on his panel, Nara Shikadan didn't immediately open the secret scroll.

Instead, he calmly washed his hands, burned incense, bathed, and changed into fresh clothes.

Once all was ready, Shikadan entered the training room, settled cross-legged, and held his breath.

"Opening the book is beneficial!"

[Opening...]

[Contents of this A-level ninja secret scroll: Techniques]

[A-level Technique: Multiple Shadow Clone Technique]

[Technique description: Uses an immense amount of chakra to multiply the number of shadow clones.]

[Technique effect: Divides the main body's chakra multiple times to create multiple shadow clones with physical substance. These clones can move and fight exactly like the caster, but chakra consumption is extremely high.]

[Technique evaluation: So many of me running around!]

Shikadan's eyes lit up slightly.

"The A-level forbidden technique [Multiple Shadow Clone Technique], included in the Hokage's 'Book of Seals'?"

He hadn't expected much from this free A-level secret ninja scroll—but to get a high-quality A-rank ninjutsu was a pleasant surprise.

[Multiple Shadow Clone Technique] was the signature external ninjutsu (some might say 'hack') of the future legend Uzumaki Naruto!

"Getting the [Multiple Shadow Clone Technique] from the secret scroll just saved me a ton of energy."

Shikadan had originally planned to develop [Multiple Shadow Clone] on his own—after all, he had already mastered the B-level [Shadow Clone Technique].

The difference between B-level and A-level was mostly the amount of chakra consumed and the scale of clones created.

However, when Shikadan first planned this, his [Stamina] attribute was only D-, meaning even if he wanted to develop [Multiple Shadow Clone], his body wasn't ready.

For ninjas with insufficient chakra, [Multiple Shadow Clone] was absolutely forbidden!

That plan had to be shelved.

Later, after obtaining the [Chakra Crystal] in the Fire Temple, Shikadan thought about developing [Multiple Shadow Clone] again.

He intended to wait until returning to the village before starting research on this A-level ninjutsu—along with the [Rasengan].

But unexpectedly, this technique had been directly unlocked from the [Ninja Secret Scroll]!

"With the [Chakra Crystal], I can activate [Multiple Shadow Clone] using only the chakra stored within it, without draining my own reserves."

Standing up, Shikadan took a blank scroll from his bookshelf and began inscribing data symbols onto it.

"As expected—since I already have the [Multiple Shadow Clone Technique], how could I not integrate it into my [Shadow Clone Technique]?"

Time passed bit by bit.

Using the details recorded in the scroll, Shikadan accurately deduced the core principle of "creating multiple clones" and directly merged it into his S-level [Shadow Clone Technique].

Once again, lines of information appeared on his panel:

[S-level Technique: Shadow Clone Technique]

[Technique description: An ultimate-level clone ninjutsu created by combining [Shadow Secret Technique], [Clone Technique], [Shadow Clone Technique], and [Multiple Shadow Clone Technique]. No hand seals required; it can be cast instantly by thought.]

[Technique effect: 1. Uses Yin Release Chakra to create multiple [Shadow Clones] able to switch between "shadow" and "entity"; 2. (omitted); 3. (omitted)]

[Technique evaluation: The ultimate shadow clone!]

"Though the ninjutsu's level hasn't changed, incorporating 'multiple clones' makes my [Shadow Clone Technique] significantly stronger!"

Shikadan smiled with joy.

"More importantly... the Black Shadow Corps!"

His mind shifted, and he poured Yin Release Chakra into the shadows beneath his feet.

One by one, figures emerged from the darkness, filling the training room densely.

"Why did you call me out? This is so troublesome."

"It's so crowded! I might as well sleep."

"I'll lie down first. Good night, everyone."

One shadow clone after another muttered complaints.

Shikadan's smile instantly froze.

"What kind of Black Shadow Army is this?"

"They're just a bunch of lazy bums!"

His eyes darkened.

Shadow tendrils sprang forth from beneath him, connecting to each clone.

With precise control, they transformed back into shadows and were absorbed one by one into his body.

Eventually, only Shikadan and a single clone remained.

"Go buy dinner and come back."

Shikadan looked expressionlessly at the remaining clone.

"Stop by the weapon shop on the way. We're almost out of soldier pills we bought earlier."

"And get some more balloons and balls. You know what they're for."

"What a hassle. Can't you go yourself?"

The clone grumbled.

"One more thing," Shikadan added.

"When you're at Konoha Weapons, ask the boss what materials they use to make their chakra test paper."

"Got it. Really annoying."

The clone sighed, knowing there was no escape, and quickly left.

"If there's something to do, keep it simple."

Even the [Shadow Clone] practiced this ninja way.

Later, in the training room, Shikadan gazed at the [Shadow Clone Technique] panel.

He always felt its effect was different from what he had imagined.

"The [Shadow Clone Technique] creates clones with personalities consistent with mine."

"But I can't expect the Black Shadow Corps to be anything but this group of lazy bums..."

"Definitely, it has to be the [Super Beast Fake Painting]!"

While waiting for the clone's return, Shikadan quickly organized his short-term plans.

"Right now, my most important identity as a ninja is Tsunade's subordinate."

Shikadan raised his right hand, and a spiraling energy ball formed in his palm.

"Most of my actions must follow Tsunade's orders."

"But without her specific instructions, I'm fairly free."

In theory, Shikadan could also find Big Fat Sheep and ask her for assignments.

Even without Tsunade's contact info, he could go through the clan leader.

But actively looking for a superior to assign tasks?

Even a donkey wouldn't beat itself for moving too slowly.

Who complains about having too little work?

Shikadan resolved to remain on standby unless Princess Tsunade gave him an order personally.

"So for now, the most important things are ninjutsu research..."

The shadow Rasengan in his hand dissipated and soon reformed.

"...and forging the [Nature Mask] and [Chakra Metal]."

"For the latter, I need to visit Nekobaa."

"As for the former... let's see what the [Shadow Clone] brings back."

Shikadan practiced the [Rasengan] for a while.

Soon, the clone returned with the requested items.

While enjoying dinner, Shikadan tossed the balloons the clone had just bought and his [Rasengan] practice tasks to the other party.

"I knew I couldn't escape..."

The clone wore a numb expression.

"If I could clone myself, I'd do the same."

"Stop complaining—it's just wasted energy."

Shikadan glanced over.

"So, what did the boss say about the chakra test paper?"

The clone was about to answer when he rolled his eyes, put down the water balloon, and sidled close.

His figure melted into the shadow—and suddenly, he released his own clone.

Everything the clone had just experienced—down to the conversation with the Konoha Weapons Shop boss—poured into Shikadan's mind.

"What's the material for making chakra test paper?"

"It's a special kind of wood that absorbs chakra for nutrients."

"...When did the Aburame clan start caring about chakra properties? (Very quiet)"

Shikadan's eyes flashed.

"This wood!"

"Isn't it the same wood used to make the [Nature Mask]?!"

In Kakuzu's [Forging Method of Nature Mask] scroll, various forging materials were listed.

One was a special wood that absorbed chakra.

Shikadan analyzed the notes—Kakuzu must have used that wood to forge the [Nature Mask].

The wood must be relatively common and inexpensive.

The scroll said the wood reacted to special chakra properties.

Shikadan felt this was similar to chakra test paper and had the clone verify at Konoha Weapons Shop.

To his surprise, the guess was correct!

"Looks like the plan to make [Nature Mask] can be accelerated!"

Shikadan immediately dispatched another clone to buy the special wood raw materials.

Another period of waiting.

After finishing dinner, the clone returned with a wooden stake.

The stake was about thirty centimeters tall, twenty centimeters wide, and had a very rough surface.

"Is this the special wood?"

Shikadan gently laid a hand on the stake, preparing to cut a small piece.

Suddenly, a message popped up on his panel.

[SSS-level debris [Divine Tree Branch] detected!]

[SSS-level debris: Divine Tree Branch]

[Item description: The source of all things, informing the alien of the end]

[Item effect: 1. Draws natural energy; 2. Absorbs chakra]

[Item evaluation: The source of all evil]

-End Chapter-

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