Upgrade to [Shadow Clone Technique]!

That A-Rank Mission I freeloaded off before is complete!

Looking at the message that had popped up on the panel, Nara Kaikei did not open the scroll immediately.

He washed his hands, burned incense, bathed, and changed clothes.

Once all the preparations were complete, Nara Kaikei entered the training room, sat cross-legged, and calmed his mind.

"Opening a scroll brings benefits!"

[Opening...]

[Contents recorded in this A-Rank Ninja Scroll: Jutsu]

[A-Rank Jutsu: Multiple Shadow Clone Technique]

[Jutsu Description: Uses a massive Chakra amount to increase the number of Shadow Clones]

[Jutsu Effect: Repeatedly divides the caster's Chakra evenly to create multiple Shadow Clones with physical substance. They can act and fight like the caster, but the consumption is extremely intense]

[Jutsu Evaluation: There are so many of me running around everywhere]

"An A-Rank Forbidden Jutsu, the [Multiple Shadow Clone Technique], recorded in the Scroll of Seals from Naruto?"

Nara Kaikei's eyes lit up slightly.

He had not held much hope for this A-Rank [Ninja Scroll] he had obtained for free.

Yet it had actually produced an A-Rank Ninjutsu of considerable quality.

The [Multiple Shadow Clone Technique], the signature ninjutsu—or rather, cheat ability—of the future Child of Prophecy, Uzumaki Naruto!

"Getting the [Multiple Shadow Clone Technique] from the scroll saves me quite a bit of effort."

Nara Kaikei had originally planned to develop the [Multiple Shadow Clone Technique] himself.

After all, he had already mastered the [Shadow Clone Technique] in advance.

The gap between the B-Rank [Shadow Clone] and the A-Rank [Multiple Shadow Clone] was not that great. The only differences were how many portions the Chakra was divided into and the level of consumption.

But at the time, Nara Kaikei's [Precision] attribute had only been D-.

Even if he had the desire to develop [Multiple Shadow Clone], he did not have the life to use [Multiple Shadow Clone].

For ninjas with insufficient Chakra, [Multiple Shadow Clone] was an absolute Forbidden Jutsu!

Thus, that plan could only be shelved for the time being.

It was not until he obtained the [Chakra Crystal] at the Temple of Fire that Nara Kaikei once again considered developing [Multiple Shadow Clone].

At first, he had intended to begin developing this A-Rank Ninjutsu after returning to the village—along with the [Rasengan].

What he had not expected was to draw this cheat-like jutsu directly from the [Ninja Scroll]!

"With the [Chakra Crystal], activating [Multiple Shadow Clone] can consume only the Chakra contained within the [Chakra Crystal], without draining my own reserves."

Nara Kaikei rose to his feet, took a blank scroll from a nearby bookshelf, and wrote a series of symbols and figures onto it.

"But just as I expected before.

"Now that I have the [Multiple Shadow Clone Technique], how could I not integrate it into the [Shadow Clone Technique]?"

Time passed bit by bit.

Based on the critical details recorded in the [Multiple Shadow Clone Technique] scroll, Nara Kaikei precisely worked out the key technique for "creating multiple clones" and directly incorporated it into the S-Rank Jutsu [Shadow Clone Technique].

Several more messages popped up on the panel.

[S-Rank Jutsu: Shadow Clone Technique]

[Jutsu Description: An ultimate clone ninjutsu created based on [Shadow Secret Technique], [Clone Technique], [Shadow Clone Technique], and [Multiple Shadow Clone Technique]. Requires no hand seals and can be cast instantly with a thought]

[Jutsu Effect: 1. Uses the user's Yin Release Chakra to create multiple [Shadow Clones] capable of switching between "shadow" and "physical form";

2. Omitted;

3. Omitted]

[Jutsu Evaluation: Shadow Secret Art! Clone!]

"Although the ninjutsu's rank has not changed, after incorporating the technique of 'multiple clones,' the effects of the [Shadow Clone Technique] have improved by far more than a little!"

Nara Kaikei wore an incomparably delighted smile.

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

With a thought, he continuously poured his Yin Release Chakra into the shadow beneath his feet. One figure after another emerged from the shadow, densely packing the training room.

"Why did you call me out? What a hassle."

"It's so cramped! I'd rather be sleeping."

"I'm lying down first. Good night, everyone."

Chattering voices came from one [Shadow Clone] after another.

Nara Kaikei's formerly smiling expression instantly froze.

What kind of Shadow Soldier Corps was this?!

They were simply a bunch of lazybones!

A shade of black entered Nara Kaikei's eyes. Shadowy tentacles sprang out from beneath him, precisely linking to every [Shadow Clone] in the training room, transforming them into shadows, and absorbing them back into his body.

One figure after another vanished. In the end, only Nara Kaikei and one other [Shadow Clone] remained in the room.

"Go buy dinner."

Nara Kaikei looked at the [Shadow Clone] and spoke expressionlessly.

"Stop by Manten Hall as well. The Soldier Pills I bought before are nearly gone.

"Remember to buy some balloons and rubber balls too. You know what they're for."

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

The [Shadow Clone] stood where he was and muttered.

"One more thing."

Nara Kaikei added.

"When you go to Manten Hall, remember to ask the owner what raw materials they use to make Chakra Paper."

"Got it. You're so annoying."

The [Shadow Clone] sighed. Knowing he could not resist, he still moved quickly in the end.

Anything that had to be done was done with maximum simplicity.

Even a [Shadow Clone] practiced this ninja way.

In the training room.

Nara Kaikei looked at the [Shadow Clone Technique] on the panel and felt that its effects differed greatly from what he had envisioned.

"The [Shadow Clone Technique] creates clones of myself, and their personalities remain consistent with my own."

"The hopes for the Shadow Soldier Corps cannot rest on this bunch of lazybones..."

"As expected, I still need [Super Beast Imitation Painting]!"

While waiting for the [Shadow Clone] to return, Nara Kaikei quickly sorted out his short-term plans for the future.

"From the perspective of my identity as a ninja, my primary role at present is as Tsunade's subordinate."

Nara Kaikei raised his right hand, and a constantly spinning spiral sphere of energy appeared in his palm.

"Most of my actions need to follow Tsunade's orders and command.

"But without any special instructions from Tsunade, I am relatively free."

In theory, Nara Kaikei could also seek out Big Fat Sheep and have her assign him missions.

Even without a way to contact Tsunade.

If he truly wanted to find her, Nara Kaikei could go through the clan head.

But actively seeking out his superior to take on work?

Even a donkey turning a millstone would not whip itself twice for walking too slowly.

What normal person would complain about having too little work?

Nara Kaikei made up his mind. Unless Princess Tsunade personally gave him an order, he would remain on standby.

"So for me, the most important things right now are still researching those few ninjutsu..."

The Shadow Spiral in Nara Kaikei's hand dissipated, then quickly condensed again.

"And forging [Nature Masks] and [Chakra Metal].

"For the latter, I need to visit Lady Cat.

"As for the former... I'll see what answer the [Shadow Clone] brings back."

Nara Kaikei continued practicing the [Rasengan] for a while.

The [Shadow Clone] soon brought back the few items he needed.

While eating dinner, Nara Kaikei dumped the balloons the [Shadow Clone] had just bought, along with the [Rasengan] training task, onto him.

"I knew I wouldn't escape it..."

The [Shadow Clone] looked numb.

"If I could make clones, I'd do the same thing."

"Stop complaining. You're wasting energy for nothing."

Nara Kaikei turned to glance at him.

"What did the owner of Manten Hall say?"

The [Shadow Clone] looked at the original body, about to say something.

But his eyes suddenly shifted. He put down the water ball in his hand, walked over to Nara Kaikei, sank into his shadow, and actually dispelled himself.

Everything the [Shadow Clone] had experienced surged into Nara Kaikei's mind.

Including his conversation with the owner of Manten Hall.

The materials used to make Chakra Paper?

It's a special kind of wood that draws in Chakra for nourishment.

...Since when did the Aburame Clan care about Chakra natures? (barely audible)

"This kind of wood!"

Nara Kaikei's eyes lit up.

"Isn't this exactly the wood used to make [Nature Masks]?!"

The [Nature Mask Forging Method] scroll provided by Kakuzu had mentioned a wide variety of forging materials.

One of them was a certain special wood capable of absorbing Chakra.

After Nara Kaikei's analysis, since Kakuzu could use that special wood to make [Nature Masks], it should have two characteristics: it was relatively easy to find and inexpensive.

The [Nature Mask Forging Method] scroll had mentioned that this wood reacted to special Chakra natures.

Nara Kaikei felt that this characteristic was somewhat similar to Chakra Paper, which was why he had sent the [Shadow Clone] to ask at Manten Hall.

He had not expected to hit the mark by accident!

"Looks like I need to move up my plan to make [Nature Masks]!"

Nara Kaikei simply split off another [Shadow Clone] and sent him to Manten Hall to purchase some of this special wood material.

After another period of waiting.

It was not until Nara Kaikei finished dinner that the [Shadow Clone] returned with a log.

The log before him was roughly thirty centimeters tall and twenty centimeters wide, its bark exceedingly rough.

"So this is that special wood?"

Nara Kaikei gently placed his hand on the log, preparing to cut off a small piece of wood.

But at that moment, a message suddenly popped up on the panel.

[Detected SSS-Rank Miscellaneous Item: Divine Tree Branch!]

[SSS-Rank Miscellaneous Item: Divine Tree Branch]

[Item Description: The source that gives rise to all things, an aberration that heralds the coming of the end]

[Item Effect: 1. Draws in Natural Energy; 2. Absorbs Chakra]

[Item Evaluation: The source of all evil]