Although Shinsei is a time traveler, he became the top student in the Ninja Academy exams thanks to his adult knowledge.
But in reality, Shikamaru is the true genius, the brains of the group. It's amazing that he can consistently score around 60 points on every exam.
He simply didn't like to be in the limelight, and he also thought that getting first place would cause him a lot of trouble.
From the Shinsei came to visit until the end of the meal, Shikamaru was certain that Shinsei had something on his mind.
Otherwise, so many ninja clans wanted to invite him to their homes, but Shinsei rejected them all.
"Since you've figured it out, I'll just say it directly. Actually, I'm a little embarrassed to say it." Shinsei looked at Shikamaru, who seemed lazy, but his ears perked up.
"You know I've always enjoyed developing various Ninjutsu. Now I've hit a bottleneck and want to learn more about Yin-Yang Release."
Your Nara Clan is quite skilled in Yin Release, so I'd like to see if there's an opportunity to learn more about it.
Let me state upfront that I'm not interested in your family's secret techniques; I simply want to learn about this area. I'll exchange that knowledge for something in return.
"As expected," Shikamaru sat up straight, "This is a real problem. I can't make this decision myself. I need to consult my father."
After saying that, Shikamaru Nara walked out of the room.
Ino shook Shinsei's arm. " Shinsei, our family also has some knowledge of Yin Release. I can tell you about our family's Ninjutsu, as long as you don't tell anyone else."
"No, no!" Shinsei hurriedly refused, "You should ask your father first."
Choji said somewhat embarrassedly, "I'm sorry, Shinsei. I can't make that decision either. I'll go home and ask my father. I... I'll help you."
"Thank you, Choji!"
Choji, then continued, "But you have to buy me potato chips!"
"I still remember about the potato chips," Shinsei said with a smile to Choji. "No problem!"
A short while later, Shikaku Nara walked in.
"I'm so sorry to have kept you waiting."
"No, that's not true. What's your decision, Shikaku? I have a method for cultivating spiritual power that would be quite suitable for your family."
Shikaku Nara shook his head slightly. "No need for an exchange. I promise to let you watch our clan's Ninjutsu, as long as you promise not to pass it on."
" Shikaku, I understand. It absolutely will not be told."
Shikaku was quite inclined to believe this. Given the boy's strength, he would never stole his own clan's Ninjutsu. Moreover, he knew that many of Shinsei's Ninjutsu originated from his own development. Such a talented ninja needed to be able to apply knowledge across different fields, which was an important reason why he was willing to let Shinsei Ninjutsu.
The secret techniques of the ninja clan are the foundation of their survival. Otherwise, with such an unreasonable demand, Shinsei would have been kicked out long ago.
" Shinsei, please come with me." Shikaku Nara stood up and gestured for him to come.
Shinsei followed him into a room.
Shikaku took out several scrolls from the iron safe.
"Our Nara Clan isn't a large family. All our secret techniques are here, including some knowledge of Yin Release. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me."
Shinsei repeatedly expressed his gratitude.
Unfolding the Ninjutsu scroll, the first one is Shikamaru's commonly used Ninjutsu — Shadow Imitation Technique.
The scroll detailed how to transform Chakra into shadows. This was the knowledge Shinsei wanted to acquire. He wanted to know why the shadows formed possessed such high strength that they could snap a person's neck.
Yin Release can create something from nothing, giving form to Chakra. Materializing Chakra and forming a fixed shape is essentially also a form of Yin Release.
Yang Release is the foundation of many Ninjutsu; ordinary Ninjutsu already contain knowledge of Yin-Yang Release. However, to truly master Yin-Yang Release, such as granting power to the shadows of the Nara Clan, more advanced knowledge is required.
Shinsei wanted to learn about this so that his Chakra form could "come alive" and thus have greater strength and flexibility.
Shikaku Nara didn't keep anyone in suspense and directly explained this part of the knowledge.
As Shikaku Nara explained, Shinsei tried to control his shadow with Chakra.
Chakra Hand Seals, channeling abundant spiritual energy into his shadow. Shinsei stood up straight, Fudo, and his shadow, under the lamplight, Fudo, just like his body. Recalling what Shikaku Nara explained, he continued to adjust his shadow.
After several trials, Shikaku Nara was surprised to find that the shadow beneath Shinsei's feet was constantly trembling. Finally, the shadow's arm "came to life" as if it had a physical form.
Even though he knew the boy before him was a rare genius in Konoha, he was still filled with surprise at how quickly the boy had grasped the essentials of the Shadow Imitation Technique. He couldn't help but think of his son, Shikamaru Nara.
Despite possessing exceptionally high intelligence, he always appears lazy and listless. Even if he put in half the effort of Shinsei, his strength would be far greater than it is now.
"Congratulations, Shinsei, you've mastered the basics of Shadow Imitation Technique."
"Thank you so much, Shikaku! Without your explanation, I would never have known how to utilize my shadow."
Shinsei carefully put away the remaining scrolls, no longer looking at those he hadn't yet read. He had already obtained the knowledge he most desired; the rest held little significance for him.
" Shinsei, aren't you going to watch it anymore?"
"No need, Shikaku. I also have a secret technique here that suits you."
Shikaku's mind raced. Shinsei's information was no secret among Konoha's higher-ups, especially given his unparalleled mental strength.
If there's any secret technique that's particularly suitable for him, it's Shinsei's method of cultivating mental power.
"Wait, Shinsei." Shikaku no longer rejected Shinsei's suggestion, but asked, "Can I specify someone?"
Shinsei smiled and said, "Of course, I can teach you. You can decide for yourself who to teach it to."
Shikaku Nara shook his head. "I can't take advantage of you. I originally promised not to exchange anything. Now that your secret technique has tempted me, I've already gone back on my word. I can't be greedy for more."
"Alright." Shinsei nodded, his opinion of Shikaku Nara rising even higher. "Who do you want me to teach him?"
"My son, Shikamaru."
Shinsei thought to himself, "As expected." Only he could change Shikaku's mind that he was not going to accept Shinsei's secret technique.
"No problem, I'll send it to him right away."
Shinsei wants to teach the Visualization Method. This method of cultivating spiritual power has already been passed on to many people, and he doesn't care about one more.
This method is indeed suitable for the Nara Clan, who primarily rely on shadows.