It's Too Troublesome to be Hokage

Kikyo Orphanage.

Nara Shikadan stared at the [Sky Sword] technique on the panel, momentarily distracted.

He had hoped Orochimaru's B-level [Secret Ninja Scroll] would reveal some of his personal signature techniques—perhaps the ultimate snake-skin nesting doll ninjutsu: "I spit snakes," "Snake spits swords," "Snake spits me," or "I spit me."

The actual content surprised him.

A B-level scroll contained a senjutsu move that manipulated natural energy!

If Orochimaru truly mastered senjutsu, then this inheritance surely came from Ryuchi Cave, one of the three holy places!

Instantly, memories of Ryuchi Cave flooded his mind.

Compared to Myoboku Mountain, little was known about Ryuchi Cave—but it was still more than the "Wet Bone Forest."

Ryuchi Cave, White Snake Immortal, Immortal Technique: White Excitation, Inorganic Reincarnation, Legend of Distant Shadow, plus all kinds of curses…

Shikadan considered the effect of [Sky Sword]. It seemed similar to the "Sword of the Sky · Inorganic Reincarnation."

However, the [Sky Sword] had stricter conditions for use.

Let's set aside Ryuchi Cave's immortal techniques for now, he thought, refocusing on the panel.

"The sky, earth, and ocean are all rich in natural energy. Although [Sky Sword] doesn't channel natural energy into the body, it still is a rare and precious technique!"

He frowned at the technique's requirement: "But it needs 'inorganic substances rich in your own chakra'?"

The A-level ninja tool—the Kusanagi Sword—that Nekobaa was forging would take time to complete.

Once the forging finishes, I can test [Sky Sword]'s power for real.

Only one problem remained.

How do I sense natural energy?

Shikadan closed his eyes and reread the scroll in his mind. It explained how to use natural energy simply—but gave no guidance on how to perceive it.

How can I use natural energy if I can't sense it?

He felt trapped in a frustrating loop.

In desperation, he turned to another "superficial fairy technique" he'd mastered: the [Fairy Guiding Technique].

The chance to sense natural energy should come with higher mastery of [Fairy Guiding Technique].

Shikadan sighed.

Perhaps the "hang-up practice" method he used just suited [Fairy Guiding Technique].

His progress had been good—even if he hadn't clearly sensed natural energy yet.

He could feel his perception sharpening daily.

His senses had expanded: subtle sounds within five meters before, now within ten meters.

Still…

I can't sense natural energy yet.

Chengfeng Yujian's [Aerial Sword] is a great technique—but I can't use it now.

Though disappointed, Shikadan cheered himself on.

With this B-level technique, I won't have to make so many trips to the Fire Temple anymore!

As a not-so-pure Gundam fan, Shikadan had never given up on piloting a Gundam in the ninja world.

Originally, his target was the "Senjutsu" of the Fire Temple—though he couldn't pilot it himself, "Senjutsu" was still a small Gundam, right?

But plans changed.

With the [Shadow Transformation Technique], he no longer coveted the Fire Temple's small Gundam.

What he lacked was the means to sense and manipulate natural energy!

The [Sky Sword] from Orochimaru's scroll perfectly fit this need.

His only regret?

That I can't perceive natural energy on my own.

Toad oil or other aids? Forget it.

After all, the natural energy perceived by ninja beasts and by ninjas differs significantly.

Better to keep practicing [Fairy Guiding Technique] honestly!

Maybe I can create more [Shadow Clones] to help with practice…

Just then, Yakushi Nono returned.

"Sister Nono—"

Shikadan stood to greet her but paused when he saw the child in her arms.

Where did this child come from? I don't remember any young kids here…

"This… the nun brought her back to the orphanage," Nono said softly, settling gently on the bed's edge.

"I checked. The nun who left Kikyo Orphanage quietly was caught in a mental illusion."

"Illusion?"

Shikadan stepped closer, studying the delicate baby.

Too young to tell her gender, but her soft light golden hair caught his eye immediately.

Blond hair? Baby? Illusion? Blood Dragon Eye? Oyashiro En?

Spiritual thoughts collided inside Shikadan's mind as he looked at the child in Nono's arms, unbelieving.

"Sister Nono, does the child have a name?"

"Chino."

Nono spoke the name softly, her expression gentle—like a statue of the Virgin Mary.

If I doubted her identity before… now I can be almost certain.

"Sister Nono, I think this child is probably Oyashiro En's daughter."

Shikadan recalled Oyashiro En's odd attitude earlier, and a slight smile tugged at his lips.

If I remember right, Oyashiro En's daughter is named Chino.

"Shikadan, are you sure?"

Nono looked up, surprised.

"Why would Oyashiro En leave his child at Kikyo Orphanage?"

"Maybe because his own situation is dangerous—he can't take her along."

"Or maybe he doesn't want to pass down the Chinoike Clan's hatred to her."

"Or maybe it's just too troublesome for a grown man to care for a child."

Shikadan offered his guesses.

"In any case, once we find Oyashiro En, all doubts will be cleared."

Ninjas are skilled in intelligence gathering.

Kikyo City is small; a distinctive leader of a foreign village caravan won't be hard to find.

But before Shikadan and Nono could begin their search, another powerful ninja arrived at Kikyo Orphanage.

"Nono, and Nara—"

A magnetic, majestic voice echoed from the window.

Golden light shimmered.

The "fat sheep" appeared, radiant and imposing.

"Uh…"

Tsunade stepped inside, about to speak.

But upon seeing the scene—the blonde nun sitting on the bed, the black-haired boy beside her, the blonde baby sleeping quietly nearby, and the warm atmosphere—she fell silent.

The big, fat sheep couldn't find words.

"Sorry! I didn't mean to disturb you!"

Shikadan's eyes flickered with confusion.

I feel like I've seen this scene before…

"Tsunade-sama?"

Yakushi Nono stood, holding the baby, and bowed slightly.

"Tsunade-sama."

Shikadan also nodded immediately.

Tsunade glanced at Shikadan, resisting the urge to correct his formal address.

"I am the one who disturbed you."

She lowered her voice and bowed to Yakushi Nono.

"I didn't know there was a child here… Is this your child, Nono? So cute."

Tsunade's praise made Nono feel a little awkward.

She parted her lips to explain Chino's origin, hoping to prevent misunderstandings.

But considering the complicated backgrounds of "Kikyo City Flame" and the "Chinoike Clan" involved with Chino,

Nono held back some details.

After all, Tsunade was one of the Sannin.

Konoha allowed Kikyo Orphanage to exist, but all children living there were civilians.

If Konoha's high-level officials learned a suspected "Chinoike Clan baby" was here, Nono didn't dare imagine the consequences.

She sighed inwardly and said simply, "Her name is Chino."

"So a girl? She's beautiful."

Tsunade responded politely, then turned her gaze to Shikadan.

"Nara, come with me."

-End Chapter-

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