Rise in Strength, [Special Jonin]! (Please Keep Reading, Please Vote)

"The first S-Rank Jutsu I've acquired: [Shadow Clone Technique]!"

Nara Kaikei stared at the panel, delight and satisfaction flashing through his heart.

But before he could finish reviewing the Jutsu Effects of [Shadow Clone Technique], several more messages refreshed on the panel.

[You have learned the S-Rank Jutsu [Shadow Clone Technique]. Your [Ninjutsu] and [Wisdom] attributes have been enhanced! Overall Evaluation increased!]

[Ninjutsu: B+ → A-]

[Wisdom: B → B+]

[Overall Evaluation: C+ → B- (Special Jonin)]

"An S-Rank Yin Release ninjutsu developed from the clan's secret techniques... it's boosted my strength tremendously!"

Feeling the surging Mental Energy within himself, Nara Kaikei beamed with joy.

"It's just that my Physical Energy can't keep up. Otherwise, my Overall Evaluation could rise even further right now."

He looked at his [Ninjutsu], whose value had already surpassed ten thousand.

Then he glanced at [Precision], which was still hovering in the double digits.

Nara Kaikei silently pulled out a Soldier Pill from his ninja pouch and popped it into his mouth.

[Precision +10]

"Not to mention [Taijutsu], [Strength], and [Speed], which are still stuck at E-..."

"Right now, my [Ninjutsu] and [Wisdom] are high enough, and I've found a clear way to improve [Precision]. I can devote some of my attention to improving the other three attributes."

"I'm not aiming for some taijutsu ceiling where one kick ends the story, but at the very least, I can't let them become glaring weaknesses in my strength."

Nara Kaikei's attribute panel now resembled a mutated "compass warrior," or perhaps a "clock warrior."

[Ninjutsu] and [Wisdom] stood out dramatically, like the second hand and minute hand of a clock.

[Precision] was average and progressed slowly, like the shortest hour hand.

Meanwhile, [Taijutsu], [Strength], and [Speed] were nearly at zero.

"The only problem is that I haven't figured out any targeted methods to raise these three attributes."

Nara Kaikei took the shortcomings of his "Strength, Speed, and Taijutsu" attributes seriously, but he was not desperate enough to feel as though his hair were on fire.

After all, his current combat style focused on battlefield control, allowing him to avoid exposing his weaknesses to the greatest extent possible.

"Let's take a look at the effects of [Shadow Clone Technique] first!"

Nara Kaikei carefully examined the effects of his first S-Rank ninjutsu and came to a conclusion.

"Hand-sign-free ninjutsu, Yin Release clone, conversion between reality and illusion, vessel for consciousness."

Every one of those effects was incredibly powerful!

The first thing that caught Nara Kaikei's attention was the "conversion between reality and illusion" effect of [Shadow Clone Technique].

There happened to be a famous Space-Time Ninjutsu in the ninja world with an effect similar to this one.

The unique Dojutsu of Uchiha Obito's Mangekyō Sharingan, eyes that transcended causality and horizons, eyes from a divine realm—Kamui!

"According to the Jutsu Description for [Shadow Clone Technique], if I place my spiritual consciousness within a [Shadow Clone], does that mean I can also enter an intangible state that ignores attacks?"

Nara Kaikei knew very well that the "conversion between reality and illusion" of [Shadow Clone] was fundamentally different from, and far inferior to, Kamui, an advanced Space-Time Ninjutsu.

But to other ninja, both "shadows" and "space" were targets they could barely touch in the first place. Was there really that much difference between the two?

Nara Kaikei was deeply pleased by this discovery.

Who didn't know how ridiculously overpowered Kamui was?

And if it were merely "clone intangibility," Nara Kaikei would not have been this excited.

The key was that he possessed the exceptional operational ability to immediately turn this combat concept into reality!

Nara Kaikei opened his [Jutsu Abilities], flipped forward a few pages, and found another C-Rank secret technique he had just learned.

[C-Rank Secret Jutsu: Flat Shadow Technique]

[Jutsu Description: At the user's command, turns the body as thin as paper]

[Jutsu Effect: The user injects Chakra into their own shadow, making their body extremely thin and merging it with their own shadow. It possesses extremely strong concealment and stealth effects.]

[Jutsu Evaluation: I will always love 2D people.JPG]

The C-Rank Jutsu [Flat Shadow Technique] was a very "un-Nara-like" Nara secret technique.

Judging from its effects, [Flat Shadow Technique] was better suited for lone ninja who specialized in infiltration and assassination.

Yet most ninja of the Nara Clan now operated in squads.

Nara Kaikei did not know which ancestor in the Nara Clan's history had developed [Flat Shadow Technique].

But this C-Rank ninjutsu could undoubtedly be paired with [Shadow Clone Technique] to produce an excellent combination.

Nara Kaikei's mind raced, and he instantly devised a combat strategy that was devious to the fullest.

"First, use [Shadow Clone Technique] to create an empty-shell [Shadow Clone].

"Then use [Flat Shadow Technique] to hide my real body within the [Shadow Clone]'s shadow.

"Finally, use the consciousness vessel effect of [Shadow Clone Technique] to place my spiritual consciousness inside the [Shadow Clone].

"The [Shadow Clone] can not only use all of my Yin Release Secret Techniques, but it also possesses the formidable effect of 'shadow intangibility.' Its overall combat power may even surpass my real body, and it is excellent for guarding against backstabs and surprise attacks.

"Based on A- [Ninjutsu] and B+ [Wisdom], the [Shadow Clone] can already be considered at the level of an Elite Jonin!

"More importantly... this is only the clone's offensive capability!"

Seeing that it was already late, Nara Kaikei prepared to leave.

Although Deer Cry Pavilion still contained a great deal of material for him to read.

There was no way he could absorb all of it in such a short time.

Nara Kaikei set down the ninjutsu scroll in his hand and reluctantly left the pavilion to return home.

This trip to Deer Cry Pavilion had truly been rewarding.

Back at home, with the family gathered around the dinner table.

"Kaikei, I heard from Pingzi about the Third Kazekage's disappearance. The clan head has also issued a signal to prepare for war during the clan meeting."

Nara Shusuke spoke.

"I'll finish up my current research as soon as possible, then move into the village with Pingzi. Konoha is safer than Kikyo Castle, after all."

Nara Kaikei nodded while shoveling a mouthful of rice into his mouth.

"Speaking of your research—I mean, the research into combining the clan's secret techniques with the nervous system."

Nara Kaikei brought up the matter he had not had time to mention that afternoon.

"I can help find an Elite medical ninja skilled enough to assist."

Nara Shusuke had previously said that his research had been forced to progress slowly due to a lack of guidance from a sufficiently skilled medical ninja.

And Nara Kaikei happened to know no fewer than two Elite medical ninja.

If Nara Shusuke was willing, Nara Kaikei could completely ask one of them to help.

"You mean Yakushi Nonō?"

Nara Shusuke sounded somewhat noncommittal.

"Kaikei, are you very close to Yakushi Nonō?"

Nara Kaikei replied frankly, "Very close."

After studying his son carefully for a while, Nara Shusuke shook his head. "You've misunderstood what I mean."

"What Shusuke means is..."

Nara Pingzi took over at that moment, her attitude even more forceful.

"Is your relationship with Nonō good enough that you can marry her into the family?"

"Cough, cough, cough!!"

Nara Kaikei broke into a violent coughing fit, his little face flushing bright red.

"Don't make such a fuss, Kaikei."

Nara Pingzi calmly handed him a cup of warm water.

"I'm only speaking honestly.

"Do you think you're the only one who knows Elite medical ninja? Do you think Shusuke doesn't know any?

"Why do you think he never invited a professional medical ninja to help with his research before? Have you considered that?

"Our clan has always relied entirely on secret techniques to establish itself, and we never allow our secret technique research records to leak outside.

"No matter how skilled outside medical ninja may be, they are not members of our clan.

"Shusuke would never allow an outside medical ninja to participate in his research."

"So, Kaikei, I have another suggestion."

Nara Shusuke looked seriously at his son.

"You should study medicine and then inherit the research institute."

Then you can retire completely and live happily ever after with your beloved wife, right?

Nara Kaikei gulped down a huge mouthful of water.

"Shusuke, it's not as if you don't know Kaikei's physical condition. You expect him to learn those Yang Release medical ninjutsu?"

Nara Pingzi shook her head.

"You'd be better off hoping he can really marry Nonō and bring her home.

"Princess Tsunade would work too!

"Kaikei, you know me. Your mother believes in free love and won't interfere with your personal preferences.

"Do your best!"

The next morning.

As agreed, Nara Kaikei went to find the clan head.

Compared with yesterday afternoon, Nara Shikano was now dressed in full battle gear, with an enormous scroll taller than a person strapped to his back. He was exceptionally eye-catching.

"Good morning, Clan Head."

Nara Kaikei greeted him politely, his manner warm and friendly.

He was still counting on receiving more S-Rank Missions from the clan head and earning more S-Rank [Ninja Scroll]s!

"Kaikei, these are the two rewards I mentioned yesterday."

Nara Shikano returned the greeting, then took two small scrolls from his pocket and handed them to Nara Kaikei.

"One million ryo in research funding, as well as a sufficient amount of Chakra Metal."

The early bird really did catch the worm.

Nara Kaikei accepted the two small scrolls with both hands, carefully put them into his ninja pouch, and thanked him earnestly.

"Thank you, Clan Head."

"And take this as well."

Nara Shikano took another small scroll from a different pocket and handed it to Nara Kaikei.

"When we arrive at the Hokage's Office later, give this mission scroll to the Third Lord."

A mission scroll?

But it was not for me—it was for the Third Hokage?

Nara Kaikei followed the clan head with some confusion.

"Clan Head, what are we doing today?"

"Do you remember what I said yesterday? Those two special rewards."

Nara Shikano turned around and replied calmly.

"Those two special rewards aren't in Konoha. They're in Kyoto, the capital of the Land of Fire."

Thank you very much to "Picked Up a Little Fox" for the 500 Qidian coin donation!!

--

[C-Rank Secret Jutsu: Flat Shadow Technique].

The inspiration came from a B-Rank ninjutsu possessed by Jiraiya: [Toad Flat Shadow Manipulation Technique].