Ninjutsu × King

Moreover, improvements in Taijutsu and physical constitution could also expand a ninja's limits in other fields, because the body was still the foundation of a ninja.

Chakra was energy extracted from the body. With a stronger constitution, the quality and quantity of one's Chakra would naturally increase exponentially.

That was how the Uzumaki and Senju's Sage Bodies worked.

Who wouldn't want to become a Chakra-Ton, a Ninjutsu Gatling?

If the technique's claims were true, it could improve everyone's training efficiency by allowing them to absorb energy more effectively and restore their bodies' potential.

Then the resources could be used to mass-produce Taijutsu Jonin.

Those were Jonin, after all.

Everyone knew that when a village's Kage wasn't around, Jonin were unquestionably a major force—and even a decision-making one.

Every Jonin was an exceptionally precious resource to their village, and not every ninja could become one.

If Kage were one in ten thousand, Jonin were one in a thousand.

They were all strong survivors who had endured countless battles on the battlefield.

It was fair to say that if every Jonin wrote a book about their experiences, it would make for a fascinating autobiography.

If a hidden village had enough Jonin, unifying the Ninja World would be more than just talk.

Even against an unreasonable force like a Kage, an ordinary cannon-fodder squad might be useless, and sheer numbers meant little to a Kage.

But if they were Jonin, a tactical unit of just a hundred could hold off—or even assassinate—a Kage-level ninja.

"Even if resources aren't that plentiful..."

The Nara Clan Head had a clear understanding of strategic matters. He slowly explained the terrifying implications of the Immortal-Eating Technique.

"Using it to pass down our clan's legacy would still greatly increase the number of Jonin in our ranks—and perhaps even the number of Kage."

Nara Shikaku nodded too, getting straight to the heart of the Immortal-Eating Technique.

"The most frightening thing is that anyone can learn and use this technique."

"It's too easy to spread, and the entry requirements are too low!"

Shikaku's smile turned bitter.

I should've known better than to test Brother Dan. From another angle, this had become a hot potato.

"If other clans find out, we'll become a target for everyone."

The Nara Clan Head shook his head. Nothing in the world came without risk.

There was no point trying to put the excrement back once it had been pulled out. Besides, wasn't this the very opportunity he had longed for—a chance to break free of the clan's limitations?

The Nara Clan had always been constrained by its constitution. As the saying went, Yin alone could not give birth, and Yang alone could not thrive. The Nara Clan excelled in Yin Release and had a natural gift for the spiritual realm.

But, accordingly, their achievements in physical constitution and Taijutsu were dismal. That was why the utterly opposite oddity, Nara Dan, had been so astonishing.

Once the Nara Clan made up for this weakness, they could undoubtedly rise another step and reach the level of great clans like the Senju and Uchiha.

"I really wonder what level Dan has reached now..."

The Nara Clan Head sighed. As they said, those in high places saw far, and the smallest clue could reveal the whole picture.

The Immortal-Eating Technique alone showed that Nara Dan's understanding of Taijutsu had reached an unprecedented level. He deserved to be called a grandmaster of his age.

"No, it's more accurate to say that his understanding of the human body has reached an unprecedented level."

Nara Dan's mastery had gone beyond Taijutsu. It concerned the human body and the very essence of life.

"If Dan had been born in the age of the Samurai, it really might not have been clear whether ninja or Samurai would have come out on top."

"And then there's the final section on Senjutsu..."

The Nara Clan Head fell into thought. Of course he knew Senjutsu existed; the Nara House wasn't some upstart clan.

But knowing it existed wasn't the same as understanding it. He could glean some of the profound meaning behind Nara Dan's work.

"Senjutsu, huh..."

After a moment of silence, the Nara Clan Head straightened his expression and issued his orders.

"Shikaku, from now on, you'll be responsible for the clan's Taijutsu training. You'll serve as an assistant instructor."

"Break down the Immortal-Eating Technique and teach it to the clan."

"Then select those with sound character and good aptitude, form a Secret Squad, and teach them the complete Immortal-Eating Technique."

"The clan will provide all the resources. You can proceed as you see fit."

"Then secretly relocate every clan member who studies the Immortal-Eating Secret Technique, along with their families."

"And..."

The clan head paused.

"Find the clan's Teaching Elder."

"Place a mental seal on every clan member who has studied the Immortal-Eating Technique. The seal must be stronger than the Shadow Secret Technique!"

"That includes you!"

Shikaku was startled, but he quickly understood. The clan was about to make a major move.

He was excited and stirred, too. He might be lazy by nature, but Nara men never backed down when it mattered.

"Yes, Clan Head!"

This time, he didn't call him Father, making his stance clear.

The Nara Clan Head nodded and spoke again.

"Report this to Dan. If he has any objections, we'll follow his wishes."

"Also, increase Dan's share in the clan a little more, and let him control the clan's precious medicinal herbs."

Shikaku was a little surprised. If Brother Dan's share increased again, it would surpass the clan head's. The implications were clear.

But he nodded all the same, showing that he understood.

Might made right. That was a universal truth in the Ninja World.

The two then discussed the Secret Squad's details and added to the plan.

The Nara Clan Head waved Nara Shikaku off to carry out his duties.

Left alone, the Nara Clan Head took a deep breath to calm his excitement. Worry and ambition flickered in his eyes.

He knew that he had sent Nara Shikaku to sound out Nara Dan's thoughts about the clan, Konoha, and the Hokage Position.

Although Nara Dan hadn't answered directly, he had given them a secret technique like the Immortal-Eating Technique. The answer was obvious.

It meant he wouldn't abandon the clan. He and the clan were in this together; the clan had raised him for years, and he understood that he should give back.

It also meant that the clan needed to grow stronger and make preparations. If Konoha's leadership ever changed, the clan would need to be ready.

The clan head looked in the direction of Nara Dan's home, worried about what the future might bring.

"Dan..."

"From now on, you'll be at the helm of the Nara ship."

"I hope you'll be the 'King' who leads the clan to greatness."

The Nara Clan Head knew one thing very well: in a clan, the clan head wasn't important, nor were the so-called clan elders.

What mattered most was the "King."

And Nara Dan was now the "King" of the clan.

No matter how the outside world reacted to Nara Dan's affair, or how they coveted his power, none of it could disturb his state of mind.

Ever since he set out on the path of Taijutsu, rumors and slander had never stopped.

To Nara Dan, politics and schemes were temporary. Only absolute power was eternal.

It was a truth he had understood in his previous life. It was just that power had been less tangible then, taking the form of knowledge or influence.

Sorry for the trouble, please keep reading!