I, who just wanted to be lazy, was forced to become the Hokage.

Chapter 123 Nara's Traditional Win-Win Principle! (3rd update, 10,000 words, please vote!)

"A brand new S-rank technique, [Shadow Manipulation]!?"

Looking at the spell information on the panel, Nara Ranke's eyes lit up instantly.

"Just as I predicted!"

"The S-rank [Ninja Scroll] obtained from the clan's S-rank mission allows you to create a completely new S-rank ultimate ninjutsu based on your own abilities!"

Nara Rinka intently watched the effects of the [Shadow Manipulation Technique].

The effect 1 of [Shadow Manipulation] is basically the same as [Shadow Clone] and [Shadow Transformation].

However, the first two S-rank [Shadow Secret Techniques] have the effect of switching between reality and illusion, which applies to clones and living beings, while the effect of [Shadow Manipulation Technique] applies to [Shadow Threads].

"Compared to the Shadow Clone Technique and Shadow Transformation Technique, which cannot be directly used for offense, the Shadow Manipulation Technique can barely be regarded as an offensive secret ninjutsu."

Nara Rinka stroked his chin, lost in thought.

"Considering the way the Shadow Threads work and the effect of switching between reality and illusion, this may be an S-rank attack ninjutsu that is 'unsolvable'."

"If you dare to take it head-on, you'll be knocked out on the spot!"

The first effect of the Shadow Manipulation Technique already greatly satisfied Nara Rinka.

The effect 2 of [Shadow Manipulation] is basically the same as [Shadow Body Manipulation], so there's nothing particularly noteworthy about it.

What Nara Rankei was really interested in was the third effect of the [Shadow Manipulation Technique]!

"This Shadow Manipulation Technique's control range extends beyond just the opponent's body; it also includes their chakra, ninjutsu, and even their bloodline limit?!"

A glint of light suddenly flashed in Nara Rinka's eyes.

He considered the method of using this S-rank ninjutsu almost immediately—

"Yakura, I'm here!"

……

Just as Nara was rushing to find Yekura, who was researching a new type of bloodline limit, Nara was busy with his mission.

The ancestral home of the Nara clan.

The old patriarch had already gathered most of the family elders and convened a brand new family meeting.

The spacious and bright Japanese-style meeting room.

The old patriarch sat at the head of the table, flanked by elderly men with pineapple-shaped haircuts, each with a bored and troubled expression on their face.

"Honestly, the clan chief has already retired, yet he still summoned us here."

"I still need to feed the deer! It's such a hassle to call me over like this all of a sudden."

"Chief, could you send a Shadow Deer to take me home later? You know, my legs aren't very nimble."

"Me too!"

The meeting room was filled with a cacophony of mocking remarks.

Almost every elder of the Nara clan expressed dissatisfaction with this unexpected meeting.

"This is a new A-rank ninjutsu that the Hokage just sent to our clan."

Nara Kano manipulated the Gathering Shadow Technique, raised a ninjutsu scroll beside him, and displayed it to the surroundings.

"Last time it was the [Darkness Travel Technique], and this time it's the [Shadow Clone Technique]. You should all have heard of these two super-advanced ninjutsu, right?"

"Of course I've heard of it."

An elder of the Nara clan, seated in the middle on the left, spoke up.

"Compared to that useless 'Dark Travel Technique,' this 'Hand Sword Shadow Clone Technique' is much more sincere."

"However, that one from Root has attacked our Nara clan again?"

"No, this is the real reward the Third Hokage gave to our clan after the last incident."

Nara Kano manipulated the shadow tentacles and put down the scroll of the [Shadow Clone Technique].

"That copy of the [Dark Travel Technique] must have been secretly switched..."

"Chief, these are all our own people, there's no need for riddles."

An elder on the right front said lazily.

"Just say it's Shimura Danzo! He's the only one in the village who has the ability and the guts to do this."

"I really don't understand why the Third Hokage would deliberately tolerate the existence of such a 'Dark Ninja'."

"Even if his talent cannot compare to that of the Second Generation Lord, he is not so incapable of bearing the slightest bit of darkness."

It was clear that the elder's words were about to throw the discussion in the meeting room off track.

"Ahem!"

Nara Kano coughed heavily twice.

"This [Handed Sword Shadow Clone Technique] is not the focus of the clan meeting!"

"Lan Gui just sent me another one—no, three ninjutsu scrolls."

Nara takes the laurel.

A person's name, a tree's shadow.

The moment the name of this super genius was uttered by Nara Kano.

The conference room, which was noisy just a moment ago, suddenly became so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

"That child from Shusuke's family..."

One of the elders quietly swallowed.

"What amazing ninjutsu have you developed this time?"

The impact of the two secret techniques, 【Lacquer Eyes】 and 【Shadow Beast Imitation Painting】, on the elders of the Nara clan was unimaginable.

Indeed.

The Nara clan are intelligent, lazy, averse to trouble, and lack initiative.

However, this does not mean that the Nara clan ninjas do not want their clan to prosper and flourish!

The research talent shown by Nara Rinka.

Every elder in the Nara clan present could see that the future prosperity of the Nara clan for the next century basically rested on the shoulders of this super genius!

It's no exaggeration to say that...

Back when Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha were still playing in Nara, at this age, neither their strength nor their talent was as outrageous as Madara's!

The elders of the Nara clan did not expect Nara Ranke to grow to the level of the First Hokage.

But the Second Mizukage of Konoha, the legendary "Master of Forbidden Techniques"...

Is it possible to have a small wish?

No matter what.

That little mustache from the neighboring Hidden Mist Village, the Second Mizukage who led the Hozuki clan to fame throughout the ninja world—at least we can hope for something like that, right?

"These are indeed three truly remarkable ninjutsu techniques."

Nara Kano transcribed the prepared materials and sent them to each of the elders present.

"To maintain secrecy, I did not use all of my ninjutsu, but only the one with the lowest difficulty."

"Rank C Secret Technique: Shadow Imitation Technique"

"Thank goodness, it's no longer some A-rank or B-rank ninjutsu."

One of the elders couldn't help but make a joke before quickly getting into reading the brief document in his hand.

"That super genius has finally considered the hardships faced by us mere mortals..."

A moment later.

The elders in the Japanese-style conference room had all read through and understood the general effects of the [Shadow Imitation Technique].

"A very powerful ninjutsu."

"This is a perfect upgrade to the [Shadow Binding Technique], truly worthy of being called the 'Lord of the Hill'!"

"But... why do I feel like I've heard this somewhere before?"

"Didn't that kid Shusuke say he wanted to research ninjutsu with this kind of effect back then?"

"After so many years of research, we still couldn't figure it out. It was his son who figured it out."

"I really want a good son so he can take over my job soon..."

The discussion was about to veer off course again.

Nara Kano could only cough twice more to steer the conversation back on track.

"Lan Gui's research is not just about a C-rank ninjutsu; there is also a B-rank, or even an A-rank, complementary ninjutsu to follow."

The old clan chief succinctly stated his point.

"His family has truly given him the best possible reward."

"I previously told him to serve as an elder of the family—"

Nara Kano hadn't finished speaking when he was interrupted by the enthusiastic discussion of the family elders.

"no problem!"

I wholeheartedly agree!

"Clan leader, now that Xiao Lan Gui has become an elder, may I step down?"

"You're talking nonsense!"

"I should be the one stepping down!"

Nara Kano closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and the shadow beneath his feet immediately transformed into an eagle poised to take flight.

The Shadow Eagle stood beside the old patriarch, constantly flapping its wings, creating a strong gust of wind in the meeting room.

This warning finally calmed down the Nara elders who were planning to slack off and retire.

"Let me finish speaking first."

Nara Kano said calmly.

"The position of elder seems sufficient for Lan Gui."

"But in the history of the Nara clan, there has never been an elder who has made such great contributions to the clan one after another."

"My plan is to make Lan Gui the clan leader directly!"

"...They wouldn't let us retire, so they wanted to retire themselves—wait a minute!"

An elder scratched his head.

"Luye, are you really that kind-hearted to let your son retire so soon?"

"I've discussed this issue with Lan Gui before."

Nara Kano ignored the revelations from his longtime friend.

Lan Gui said he only wanted to enjoy the rights and didn't want to bear the obligations.

"But what he didn't know was that his contributions surpassed those of all the previous Nara clan leaders!"

"That's certainly true."

Another elder spoke up.

"If we let our clansmen contribute to the family without any effort, it will be easy for mistakes to happen."

"But if this clansman is the clan leader... leading the clan to prosperity is the clan leader's greatest task!"

That's how I see it.

Nara Kano nodded slightly.

"If Lan Gui is unwilling to deal with those trivial matters, then he doesn't need to deal with them."

"Moreover, it would be a shameful waste to tie a genius like him to these mundane daily matters."

That makes sense.

"I agree."

"I only hope that before I die, Lan Gui can bring the Five-Tails of Iwagakure back to the clan."

Same as above!

"...Same as above!"

The old patriarch gave a somewhat strained reply, then spoke seriously.

"If the elders have no objections, then I will bring this up again when Lan Gui makes any more innovations in ninjutsu next time."

"At that time, our Nara clan will welcome its youngest clan leader in history!"

"Kano, what should we do with Shikaku?"

An elder couldn't help but ask.

"He is the current patriarch of the family."

"Since Shikaku is the clan leader, he should possess the magnanimity and foresight of a clan leader."

Nara Kano acted as if it were none of his business.

"Lan Gui enjoys the rights of the clan leader, while Lu Jiu assumes the obligations of the clan leader."

"This is a win-win situation for our family!"

Third update.

It's late, I'm sorry.

There will be a fourth update.

After midnight.

(End of this chapter)