Nara Ryoma and Nara Shikaku walked quietly on their way home.
After Ryoma spoke that classic phrase about the Will of Fire and saw the Third Hokage's reaction, the same two words popped into both Ryoma and Shikaku's minds simultaneously.
It's secure!
The Third Hokage inquired a bit more about Nara Ryoma's daily life and silently made the decision to focus on nurturing this "inheritor of the Will of Fire."
Additionally, through Shikaku's introduction of the clan's secret techniques, techniques like the Nara clan's Shadow Imitation Technique and its advanced variations such as the Shadow Neck Binding Technique and Shadow Sewing Technique were discussed.
Ultimately, these are all further manipulations and transformations of shadows. This shared a remarkable similarity with the abilities Ryoma described.
The only difference was that what Ryoma shaped were humanoid figures, and the personal cost was less than one might imagine.
Shikaku also stated that, according to the principles of shadow secret techniques, achieving such effects was possible when developed to the extreme.
However, it was a level that ordinary clan members probably could not reach in their entire lifetime.
After hearing Shikaku's explanation, the Third Hokage just wanted to say, this is way too much like a Kekkei Genkai!
As for why Ryoma's ghost shadows could run around everywhere, completely unaffected by the range limitations of the Shadow Imitation Technique, Ryoma just wanted to say that if it couldn't even do that, it wouldn't deserve to be called a Kekkei Genkai.
It might as well be called an advanced version of shadow secret techniques.
Thanks to Ryoma's "heartfelt" passionate performance and Shikaku's perfect assistance, this meeting with the Hokage passed without major incident, albeit with some tension.
At the very least, the village side had now acknowledged Nara Ryoma's identity as a Kekkei Genkai ninja. At the same time, the Third Hokage repeatedly instructed Shikaku to protect Ryoma and help him grow as quickly as possible.
Shikaku understood clearly in his heart that this was extremely beneficial for both the Hokage faction and the village's combat strength.
What Ryoma did not know was that not long after they left, "the Shadow of Blame," Danzo, hurriedly jogged all the way to the Hokage's office.
After confirming that Nara Ryoma was indeed a Kekkei Genkai ninja, Danzo simply could not sit still anymore.
And so, a familial drama of "I offer, you refuse" ultimately unfolded in the Hokage's office.
Danzo: "Give him to me!"
Hiruzen: "No!"
Danzo: "You'll regret this!"
Hiruzen: "I am the Hokage!"
Door: "Slam!"
...
After returning to the Nara clan compound, Nara Shikaku inquired in detail about Ryoma's Kekkei Genkai.
Upon learning that, aside from extreme weakness from overuse, Ryoma's Kekkei Genkai currently showed no other side effects, a tear of envy (or perhaps drool) shamefully escaped from the corner of Nara Shikaku's mouth.
It really is infuriating how some people are just born with more advantages than others.
However, Shikaku still instructed Ryoma to try not to use this ability excessively.
After all, some damage from Kekkei Genkai might not be discovered in just a day or two, not to mention the existence of things like Kekkei Genkai illnesses.
Ryoma naturally knew Shikaku was worried about his health and quickly nodded his head vigorously in agreement like pounding garlic.
After talking for a while, Shikaku looked at Ryoma seriously and said, "Ryoma, you need to understand that a Kekkei Genkai represents greater power, but it also represents greater danger. What do you think would happen if, on the battlefield, you revealed yourself to be a Kekkei Genkai ninja?"
Ryoma scratched his head and answered uncertainly, "It would make the enemy fear my abilities?"
Shikaku shook his head and said slowly, "That's only the thinking of ordinary ninja. The enemy's high-level ninja won't think that way."
Nara Shikaku raised his head and looked directly at Ryoma.
"They will study you, analyze you, send ninja squads stronger than you to ambush you, even try to capture you alive! Even if capturing you alive is impossible, they will definitely try every possible method to eliminate you. Because no ninja village will allow an exceptionally talented ninja to grow up unhindered. That would be a disaster for them!"
Listening to Shikaku's teachings, Ryoma couldn't help but nod repeatedly.
Indeed, as a transmigrator, he knew the Third Great Ninja War was about to begin.
But as a native, Nara Shikaku had already detected some clues from the smallest traces and was beginning to impart battlefield mindset to Ryoma.
Shikaku was very worried that after gaining his "Kekkei Genkai" ability, Ryoma would become arrogant and look down on everyone.
If war broke out, such a personality would cost his nephew his life! However, seeing Ryoma's humble and attentive attitude, Shikaku felt considerably more at ease.
He then said to Ryoma, "Only by growing your own strength as quickly as possible can you avoid such situations to the greatest extent. I have decided, starting tomorrow, to conduct a comprehensive special training unique to our Nara clan for you! To help you gain a certain level of self-preservation ability as soon as possible."
Looking at the serious Shikaku, Ryoma exclaimed, "Ama... Amazing!"
Special training unique to the Nara clan. It sounded incredibly awesome just hearing about it.
...
The next day, after school ended at the Ninja Academy, Nara Ryoma quickly ran back home. Today was the first day of special training.
Ryoma couldn't wait to see what the Nara clan's special training was really like.
Returning to the clan grounds, Ryoma went nonstop to see Nara Shikaku. Sitting across from Nara Shikaku was an older-looking member of the Nara clan.
He had the clan's signature small mustache and his eyes looked very resolute and decisive. He was playing shogi with Nara Shikaku.
Seeing Ryoma enter, Shikaku introduced him, "This is a Jonin of our Nara clan, Senior Nara Suzaku. He is extremely skilled in using the Shadow Imitation Technique. The precision of Senior Suzaku's Shadow Imitation Technique is among the top in our Nara clan. Moreover, Senior Suzaku is a Jonin. You can learn a lot from him."
Hearing Shikaku's introduction, Nara Suzaku smiled and waved his hand.
"Shikaku, no need to flatter me. You'll become a Jonin sooner or later, and you were much stronger than I was at your age."
He then turned and looked at Ryoma, a trace of gentleness rising in his eyes.
"Ryoma, is it? Seiryu's child has already grown so big. I never expected you, little guy, would awaken a Kekkei Genkai. I imagine Seiryu's spirit in heaven would probably find some comfort in this!"
Shikaku explained to Ryoma, "Senior Suzaku was on missions outside the village for the past few years and only just returned to the village a few days ago. So Ryoma, you must seize this opportunity and strive to learn all of Senior Suzaku's skills!"
Ryoma nodded with a firm expression. "I understand! Please teach me well, Senior Suzaku!"
Suzaku was quite satisfied with Ryoma's attitude. He said to Ryoma, "You can just call me Uncle from now on. Calling me Senior feels strange. Alright, take your ninja tool pouch and wait for me at the training ground. Let me see what level you're at now."
...
Some time later, Ryoma was panting heavily, collapsed on the ground, with various ninja tools scattered around him. This time, Ryoma had truly used every ability he currently could. And yet, he was still utterly crushed.
The summoned ghost shadow soldiers could initially cause some minor trouble for Suzaku due to the information gap.
But later, Suzaku quickly analyzed the general capabilities and strength range of Ryoma's ghost shadow soldiers. And then, it was one swipe per little friend.
Suzaku really didn't hold back. Several times in the middle of the spar, he kicked Ryoma flying outright.
If Ryoma hadn't had the sudden idea to use a ghost shadow soldier as a meat shield, that first kick probably would have knocked Ryoma's kidneys right out!
Soon, Ryoma could no longer withstand Suzaku's onslaught like pouring rain. He fell into a state of triple exhaustion of chakra, mental energy, and physical stamina, and was defeated. He couldn't even summon a single ghost shadow anymore.
Really, not a single drop left!
Suzaku looked at Ryoma kneeling on the ground gasping for breath and said plainly, "Your Kekkei Genkai ability is very good.
When the enemy lacks intel, it can easily deliver a fatal blow. Relying on this Kekkei Genkai, at your current level, as long as your methods are appropriate, killing a Chunin is not a problem. If a Jonin underestimates you, they might even suffer a major setback."
Then, Suzaku's tone shifted.
"However, your independent combat ability is too poor. Your combat awareness is average. Your use of strategy in battle is average. Your stamina is poor. Your mastery of secret techniques is average. One could say that once your opponent has information on you, your overall strength barely reaches the level of a Chunin. And that's only because the ghost shadows constructed by your Kekkei Genkai basically have stable Genin-level strength."
Ignoring Ryoma's innocent-looking face, Suzaku continued on his own, "You are far from adequate. It seems you won't be getting any relaxation during this period. I sometimes really wonder, with your current strength, how you can construct ghost shadows stronger than yourself. Is this what a Kekkei Genkai is..."
Ryoma felt a mouthful of stagnant blood almost choke him in his chest. The mouths of the Nara clan... is it hereditary? They're all so sharp-tongued...
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