It's Too Troublesome to be Hokage

S-level technique [Shadow Transformation Technique]?!

Nara Shikadan raised his eyebrows slightly as he carefully studied the technique's effects on the panel.

"The [Shadow Creature] can switch between physical and an intangible shadow form—immune to physical attacks—and a solid form with greatly enhanced attack power."

Shikadan translated effect 1 in his mind and felt deeply satisfied.

"The strongest [Shadow Secret Technique] I currently have is the A-level [Shadow Slap Technique] inherited from my family."

"So the physical strength of the [Shadow Creature] in its solid form can reach the level of the [Shadow Slap Technique]!"

Shikadan checked his [Technique Ability] and recalled the A-level secret technique he had learned but never had a chance to use.

[A-level Secret Technique: Shadow Slap Technique]

Technique Description: A ray of shadow that hardens into a steel cable—immensely powerful!

Effect: The caster injects chakra into their shadow, materializing and strengthening it into a steel cable-like structure, capable of exerting tremendous force.

Evaluation: High strength!

"The clan's secret [Shadow Slap Technique] condenses Yin Dun chakra with physical properties comparable to steel cables."

Shikadan recalled controlling the "Shadow Gundam" with this in mind.

"It might not rival a complete Susanoo, but compared to other semi-finished Susanoo forms, it shouldn't be far behind!"

His eyes moved to effect 2 of the [Shadow Transformation Technique], and his excitement grew.

"Effect 2—this must be the 'Black Shadow Corps' I've been imagining!"

Initially, Shikadan had hoped to form the Black Shadow Corps through [Shadow Clone Technique].

But the true nature of his [Shadow Clones] remained unclear.

The Black Shadow Corps was half-formed—and collapsed.

Now it seemed its true establishment depended on the S-level [Shadow Transformation Technique]!

The old patriarch was still deep in thought.

Shikadan couldn't test the technique's power directly, so he examined the last effect.

"Effect 3—similar to [Shadow Clone Technique], carrying the caster's spiritual consciousness..."

Shikadan didn't pay it much heed at first.

Another thought struck him.

"When I first obtained [Shadow Clone Technique], I had similar doubts."

"If the S-level [Shadow Clone Technique] is the clan's secret technique, with its power and effects, it must have more to it…"

"Now that I've unlocked [Shadow Transformation Technique], it answers those doubts."

"If [Shadow Clone Technique] is developed from [Shadow Secret Technique] and [Clone Technique], then the clan still has room to improve it."

"Then [Shadow Transformation Technique], built on [Super Beast Fake Painting], must be a newly created technique!"

"Secret scrolls from special S-level tasks might contain newly created techniques tailored to the user's abilities!"

"I should think carefully about the direction of future S-level tasks..."

Shikadan had planned to share the basic version of [Shadow Binding Bullet] with the clan to thank them for their cultivation.

But plans changed.

He couldn't hand over the [Shadow Binding Bullet], instead delivering a modified version of [Super Beast Fake Painting] first.

"Next time, can I get another S-level task with [Shadow Binding Bullet]? Seems difficult..."

He pondered how to request the next family S-level task.

The old clan leader, now recovered, had put down the [Shadow Beast Fake Painting] scroll.

"Shikadan, is this [Shadow Beast Fake Painting] a new ninjutsu you created independently?"

"No, it's not."

Shikadan's answer slightly relieved the old patriarch, but his next words nearly stole his breath.

"Actually, the prototype of [Shadow Beast Fake Painting] is [Super Beast Fake Painting], a Yang release secret technique.

"I modified its properties, and that's how [Shadow Beast Fake Painting] came to be."

Changing the properties, reversing yin and yang?

"You're just a child!"

Nara Shikano felt ashamed enough to want to bang his head on the chessboard.

"By the way, clan leader," Shikadan reminded,

"[Super Beast Fake Painting] was given to me by Yakushi Nono. So she deserves part of the reward for this S-level task."

He didn't mention the big fat sheep at this moment.

After learning that the [Super Beast Fake Painting] scroll Tsunade gave him was actually sold by Yakushi Nono to Root for the orphanage's funding, Shikadan felt strange about Tsunade.

He'd thought the "big fat sheep" rewarded him sincerely.

Turns out, it was just a token of gratitude.

And the "flower" loaned was Yakushi Nono's.

Too rude!

"I know, I know. I've seen you and Yakushi… Forget it, I was almost the same back then."

Nara Shikano waved his hand.

He had already asked Shikaku to secretly strengthen security around Kikyo Orphanage.

But now it seemed that wasn't enough.

The power of modified [Shadow Beast Fake Painting] was tremendous.

The value of original [Super Beast Fake Painting] was even clearer.

It was no exaggeration to say that Yakushi Nono, with just the secret art of [Super Beast Fake Painting], could found a new secret arts family!

"Since we're talking about task rewards… Alas, why does this trouble always fall on me?"

Nara Shikano pulled his beard in pain but clung tightly to the [Shadow Beast Fake Painting] scroll.

"Obviously, the current clan leader is that bastard Nara Shikaku!"

"That's your son, clan leader," Shikadan calmly reminded.

"Sorry, I lost my composure a bit."

Nara Shikano sat up, bowed slightly, and apologized.

"But Shikadan, here's the truth:

"All the rewards the clan can offer were already given out during the last S-level mission.

"Now that you've produced [Shadow Beast Fake Painting], I really don't know how to reward you."

Shikadan didn't think this odd.

Though the Nara clan was large in Konoha, compared to top bloodline clans, its overall strength was still limited.

The generous reward last time was beyond his expectations.

Still, words or no words—

Task rewards can be reduced but never eliminated.

Shikano knew this well and tugged his beard hard.

"Otherwise..."

The old patriarch looked at Shikadan and asked tentatively,

"What do you want? Tell me and the clan will trade for it."

Instead of guessing rewards himself, better to ask the questioner directly.

Nara Shikano didn't know what reward to give—but did Shikadan know what he wanted?

"What I want?"

Shikadan was slightly stunned, surprised by the clan leader's words.

"Anything is fine?"

"Anything's fine—but don't get your hopes too high."

Shikano wanted to promise much, but reality defeated him.

"You know our clan isn't big.

"Some things are out of reach for ordinary ninjas like us."

Shikadan nodded.

"Then... a piece of chakra crystal?"

"Why are you still thinking about that…"

Shikano was a bit speechless.

"The clan has the funds to buy chakra crystals, but they aren't sold on the market!

"I'll send someone to investigate. Besides chakra crystals, what else?"

What else was there?

Shikadan blinked.

"When the two Root ninjas attacked me, I was impressed by the special trap the Yamanaka clan ninja set... So, what about the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques?"

"If you mean S- or A-level sealing techniques, the clan can't get those."

Shikano's tone was calm.

"But for low-level sealing techniques, the clan can still try."

"Anything else?"

"Yes?"

Shikadan asked, "If I want ninjutsu, is the highest level B?"

"Not necessarily."

Shikano shook his head.

"Ninjutsu value isn't always about rank.

"For example, A-level sealing techniques are Konoha's 'secret.'

"But if you want an A-level earth escape technique, the clan can get it from outside."

"No."

Shikadan shook his head, thought for a moment, then said,

"I need a water escape ninjutsu with binding and restriction effects."

"Advanced water escape ninjutsu?"

Shikano stroked his beard, relaxed.

"Since the Second Hokage, these techniques aren't rare in our village. They're not hard to acquire.

"Anything else?"

"I can't think of anything now."

Shikadan shook his head.

He wanted a lot, but basically none the clan could give.

"Then let's drop this topic for now."

Shikano created a [Shadow Clone] and asked it to fetch a scroll.

"Shikadan, regarding our conflict with Root, the Hokage's 'explanation' has been sent to the clan."

"The Hokage's 'explanation'?"

Shikadan noticed the oddity in the old patriarch's words and reached out to take the scroll.

Suddenly, the panel flashed a message:

[A-level technique [Darkness Walking Technique] detected. Do you want to learn it?]

-End Chapter-

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