The Black Phantom Conan

This black phantom was an appendage born from his Ajin constitution, and Shinichi Hyuga had whimsically named it Conan.

After mutating, it took on the exact appearance of Shinichi Hyuga, though it differed in that its entire body was wrapped in black bandages, and it was even capable of cultivating on its own.

Inheriting Shinichi Hyuga's emotions, it doted on Reiko Hyuga even more than Shinichi Hyuga himself did.

Its intelligence was no different from the original body, making it equivalent to a Shadow Clone that could exist permanently.

Upon seeing Shinichi Hyuga, Conan nodded slightly and continued to rock the cradle for Reiko Hyuga, his eyes seemingly showing disdain for the noise he had just made.

"Lord Shinichi, you've returned!"

A clear, pleasant voice rang out. It was the ninja caregiver hired by Shinichi Hyuga, Feihua Inuzuka, a Chunin from the Inuzuka Clan, who was accompanied by a black-and-white puppy named Xiaohua.

In truth, its most important role was to keep Reiko Hyuga company while she played.

Woof woof~~

Xiaohua let out a bark.

Reiko Hyuga was startled awake by the dog's barking.

The black phantom Conan turned his head and glared at Xiaohua. As if targeted by a predator, Xiaohua shrank back, huddled against Feihua Inuzuka, and let out a series of whimpering chirps.

"Daddy, you're back!"

Reiko Hyuga rubbed her sleepy eyes and caught sight of Shinichi Hyuga.

She jumped down from the cradle, ran to his side, and reached out her arms to be held.

Shinichi Hyuga wore a smile unlike any he had shown before, the negative emotions within him washed away. He stepped forward, crouched down, and embraced Reiko Hyuga.

This moment was his happiest of all.

"Reiko! Have you been a good girl this afternoon?"

Shinichi Hyuga held his soft daughter, his voice turning even gentler.

"Daddy, today Big Sister Feihua brought me tonkotsu ramen and four-colored dango; they were so delicious! But Xiaohua seems to be sick; it fell down several times today when I was riding it."

Reiko Hyuga replied in a milky voice, finally struggling out of Shinichi Hyuga's arms to reach Xiaohua's side, where she stroked its head.

Shinichi Hyuga looked at the black phantom Conan and immediately understood the reason. Conan had been trying to cultivate chakra lately but couldn't grasp the method, and had recently been attempting to cultivate natural energy, which was what caused Xiaohua's agitation.

A vivid expression appeared on the black phantom's face—an expression that could only be described as jealousy.

And a hint of resentment!

His greatest wish was to be able to accompany Reiko Hyuga; his feelings for her were no less than those of Shinichi Hyuga.

However, due to his unique form, he could not manifest physically and could only accompany her in silence.

Eventually, he came up with a solution: practicing ninjutsu.

Combining the Clone Technique with the Transformation Technique was the reason why the black phantom Conan was training so frantically. Unfortunately, while the black phantom had extraordinary talent for taijutsu, his talent for ninjutsu was a complete disaster.

He could only generate chakra with the assistance of Shinichi Hyuga, which likely had to do with his form.

When Shinichi Hyuga wasn't assisting him, the only solution was to cultivate senjutsu directly, as the original body would not be eroded by it.

"Then Daddy will keep you company tomorrow! Let's go for a picnic tomorrow," Shinichi Hyuga said softly.

He had been rushing about quite a bit lately and had rarely spent time with Reiko.

"Really? I love you the most, Daddy!"

Little Reiko turned around and threw herself at Shinichi Hyuga again, her eyes full of longing, and planted a kiss on her father's face.

"Feihua, you don't need to come starting tomorrow. This is payment for Xiaohua."

Shinichi Hyuga set his daughter down, walked up to Feihua Inuzuka, and pulled out a black bag. It was originally meant to be a wedding gift for Minato Namikaze.

But Minato Namikaze, as Hokage, had refused monetary gifts.

So, he would give it to Xiaohua; his daughter and the black phantom Conan had surely put the poor dog through enough trouble to leave it traumatized.

"Lord Shinichi, there's no need. I receive my mission pay for taking on this task, and I can even accumulate merit; how could I take your money?"

Feihua Inuzuka waved her hands repeatedly.

Such an easy task, and so close to home—it was a rare, high-quality mission, and she was only getting it because of Xiaohua.

"This is for Xiaohua, not for you. Take it quickly. It's getting late, hurry home!"

Shinichi Hyuga forcefully shoved it into Feihua Inuzuka's hands, looking exactly like a relative forcing a red envelope on someone during the New Year.

It left Feihua Inuzuka bewildered, and she left the place where Shinichi Hyuga lived with Xiaohua tugging at her pant leg.

This was its payment for being a beast of burden, so why wouldn't she accept it? It could buy high-grade dog food again.

This was also the reason why it liked playing with Reiko; Shinichi Hyuga simply paid too well.

Xiaohua's intelligence was not low either; the ninja dogs of the Inuzuka Clan were the most numerous ninja beasts in Konoha and also the most cost-effective.

Relying on the profits from selling ninja dogs, the Inuzuka Clan had become one of the prominent families in Konoha.

Only the father, his daughter, and the black phantom Conan remained in the courtyard. Perhaps because Reiko had just rested, she began rummaging through the yard to play with ants.

"The gift money wasn't delivered. Did something go wrong with Minato Namikaze?" the black phantom asked.

"He's the Hokage now; he didn't accept money at the wedding. Some unexpected events occurred as well. Do you want to link our minds and see for yourself?" Shinichi Hyuga sounded somewhat weary, yet he still offered an explanation.

"I don't think so. He must have accepted the money from Jiraiya and the Third Hokage, right? Their bond has faded!"

The black phantom mocked him. He simply wanted to see Shinichi Hyuga make a fool of himself; though the two shared the same memories, they possessed two different personalities.

As he spoke, he reached out a hand, and black particles connected to Shinichi Hyuga's head, beginning to merge their memories.

The connection was brief, and their memories fused.

"Those guys are truly damned. You spent the whole afternoon just flirting with Orochimaru?" The black phantom digested the memories in his mind, feeling somewhat baffled.

His tone grew even more mocking. "Did you have no other plans regarding Minato Namikaze? At least send him something; the man is a Kage, after all!"

"I sent him a grand blessing! You handle the competitors, and I'll take care of everything else," Shinichi Hyuga retorted irritably.

The black phantom's original plan had been to slaughter the competitors, leaving Reiko as the only option.

Shinichi Hyuga's plan was to ascend to the Hidden Branch Main House with an absolute advantage, as the black phantom's approach carried too many hidden dangers.

After vetoing the black phantom's plan, he felt victory was within his grasp.

"Should have done that sooner. Once the list is confirmed, I'll take action before the clan meeting. Now, assist me in chakra training." The bandages on the black phantom Conan drifted away as if he were discussing a trivial matter, and he began his training impatiently.

"Reiko, it's time to prepare the tools for tomorrow's picnic. Do you want to come along?"

Shinichi Hyuga called out to Reiko, who was digging at an anthill nearby.

"Daddy, I'm coming."

Reiko trotted over on her short legs, shaking the dirt from her hands as she reached her father.