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

Chapter 164 The Invisible Shadow!

"Simply utilize the natural energy that fills the earth?"

Nara Rankei quickly scanned the effects of the [False Planting Technique] and immediately focused on the key points.

"This B-rank technique, [False Planting Technique], is the same type of Sage Art as the previous [Sky Blade]!?"

Thinking of this, Nara Rinka was filled with joy.

He had originally thought he could unlock a Wood Release ninjutsu from the White Zetsu's [Ninja Scroll].

After all, the Great Pillar is a genius, and he has mastered the art of Wood Release to an extreme degree.

Building houses, binding, imprisoning, propagation, paralysis, splitting, greening...

Its main selling point is that it has a wide variety of styles and methods.

Among the various Wood Release techniques, the most difficult ones can directly reach SSS rank. (【God: Advent of the Tree World】, belonging to the Bloodline Limits)

Easier techniques include "wood clone", "wood transformation", and "wood substitute".

Nara Rinka never expected that he would be able to unlock a Sage Art formula from the White Zetsu's B-rank [Ninja Scroll]!

"Compared to the [Sky Blade], the [Planting Technique] is significantly more effective!"

Nara Rinkachi's mind flashed with the effects of the [Sky Blade] technique.

"The former can only be used to manipulate ninja tools, while the latter can directly cover the body with natural energy to conceal one's aura."

Nara Rangsuke is not without methods to conceal one's aura.

For example, he created an advanced Yin-style technique based on the "Shadow Secret Technique" and "Camouflage Concealment"—the "Shadow Invisibility Technique".

But just like [camouflage concealment].

【Shadow Invisibility】While it can conceal one's aura and make one's figure transparent, it cannot completely erase one's movement traces.

At the same time, ninjas with keen senses can also use their powerful sensory abilities to sense the Yin Release chakra that Nara Rinko uses to maintain the Shadow Concealment Technique.

Overall, the Shadow Invisibility Technique has a wide range of applications, but it also has certain limitations.

However, the [Art of Implantation] is different.

This technique utilizes natural energy to completely conceal one's aura while also blocking chakra perception.

Even just looking at its effects, you can feel its power!

"Transparent invisibility, complete concealment of breath, shielding chakra perception..."

Suddenly, the image of the Second Tsuchikage of Iwagakure flashed through Nara Rinka's mind.

"If I first use the [Shadow Invisibility Technique] to make my body transparent, and then use the [False Plant Technique] to completely conceal my aura..."

"This terrifying effect is just as bad as the Second Tsuchikage's!"

The White Zetsu, now with a new cartridge, asked, "What was revealed inside the scroll?"

"Rank B technique: Artificial Implantation Technique"

Nara Rinkasa muttered to himself.

"It's not a Wood Release bloodline limit ability, so there's no need for White Zetsu to participate in the experiment."

"It seems we'll have to wait until next time to use White Zetsu to close the distance with Wood Release."

Bai Jue shrugged. "If there's nothing else, I'll lie down now."

Nara Rinka waved his hand, indicating that the other party should go ahead.

Because White Zetsu's abilities are so unique—they can absorb chakra and burrow underground—they can easily escape if one is not careful.

Nara Rangsei is still reluctant to part with this "living research subject".

It's really hard to find a prisoner who can regularly provide B-grade [Ninja Scrolls] and also has great research value!

Nara Rinka can only use the Shadow Manipulation Technique to seal away the White Zetsu's consciousness and prevent any accidents from happening.

As for the specific handling of the White Zetsu, we can only discuss that after we return to the village...

Bai Jue acted immediately upon hearing the words and lay down.

Nara Rinkachi, meanwhile, was busy testing the effects of the "Art of Imitation Planting".

The [Shadow Clone] that had been used to house the consciousness of the main body disappeared silently, and Nara Rinka's main body released the [Hirakage Technique] and rose from the ground.

"I've been lying here for a long time..."

Stretching lazily, Nara Ranka stretched his limbs and then focused intently on browsing the scroll of "The Art of Imitation Plants".

Sensing the existence of natural energy is not difficult for Nara Rangkei now.

He quickly condensed a ball of natural energy from the earth and, following the instructions of the [False Plant Technique], evenly enveloped his body with the natural energy, completely concealing his chakra fluctuations.

"It's very convenient to use and there's no difficulty in using it."

Nara Ranka silently experienced the [False Planting Technique] firsthand.

"Furthermore, because it is a technique that utilizes natural energy, it consumes very little of one's own chakra."

After gathering a general overview of the user experience with the [False Planting Technique], Nara Rinka ended its maintenance effect and began the second round of experiments.

"First up is the [Shadow Invisibility Technique]!"

Nara Rinka first used his Yin Release chakra to make himself transparent, and then gathered a ball of natural energy to cover his entire body and conceal the fluctuations of Yin Release chakra.

"Secondly, there's the [Art of Implantation]!"

Having confirmed that both ninjutsu techniques had been used, Nara Rinka slowly spoke.

"White Zetsu!"

Upon hearing the sound, White Zetsu, who had been lying flat, painfully sat up.

"What a nuisance! Didn't you say it had nothing to do with me—Where are you, Main Body?"

"Can't you see me now?"

"They can hear sounds and can identify directions and locations by sound."

The pained expression on Bai Jue's face disappeared, replaced by a look of amusement.

"However, it cannot be seen with the eyes alone..."

"I'll call another clone over."

Soon, another [Shadow Clone] was pulled over by White Zetsu.

"First, use your senses to see if there are any other people around."

Bai Jue explained to this [shadow clone].

"Wow, even clones can be superior, huh?"

The Shadow Clone unleashed its sensory abilities while cursing and swearing.

There's nothing there! Are you kidding me?!

"No, this is a legitimate experiment."

Bai Jue gestured to the other party again.

"Use [Lacquer Eyes] again to sense the surrounding spiritual energy."

[Shadow Clone] glanced at White Zetsu with some skepticism, but still silently activated the [Lacquer Eye] technique.

"Still nothing!"

"That's fantastic!"

Nara Rinka's voice echoed through the air, and her figure was revealed.

The Shadow Clone looked in surprise at the direction from which the sound came.

He turned around and activated his perception abilities again.

"Unless you enter a transparent state, you can't detect anyone's presence at all unless you observe them directly with your eyes! It's as if their existence has been erased."

The Shadow Clone quickly turned around and stared at the original body.

"Hey, what interesting stuff did you find this time?"

You'll find out next time.

Nara Rinka waved to the Shadow Clone and White Zetsu.

"You guys go ahead with your work, I'll play by myself."

[Shadow Clone] and White Zetsu exchanged a glance and sighed simultaneously.

"This invisibility effect is amazing!"

Nara sat cross-legged with cassia in his arms and began to study it on his own.

"However, this kind of combined ninjutsu is still too troublesome to use at present."

"Why can the [False Plant Technique] only use the natural energy of the earth? It needs to be changed!"

"Using the omnipresent natural energy to make oneself completely transparent and sever all chakra sensing methods... If I really advance the [Shadow Concealment Technique] to this level, could it become my first self-developed S-rank technique?"

Nara Rinkazu immediately got to work, throwing himself and his clones into a heated intellectual endeavor.

The "energy usage" requirement for the "False Planting Technique" was quickly and successfully modified.

White Zetsu relies on the natural energy of the earth to use the [Planting Technique], because it possesses the special ability to move at high speed within the earth.

However, Nara's scavenging did not require a long period of underground hiding.

Based on the effects of the [Sky Blade] technique, Nara Rinka quickly improved the energy source used in the [False Plant Technique] from the initial "natural energy in the earth" to "natural energy in the earth and atmosphere".

"Next, we'll incorporate the ability to control natural energy into the [Shadow Concealment Technique]!"

Nara Rinka is completely absorbed in mentally demanding activities.

Time passes little by little.

As the sun sets, twilight envelops the earth.

The shadow clones left behind at the Konoha camp suddenly dissipated, and a memory was transmitted from afar into this remote forest.

"The frontline troops of Konoha, and Minato Namikaze, have all returned!"

Upon receiving this memory, Nara Rinka snapped out of her research and dismissed the other clones present.

With the Five-Tails Jinchuriki and White Zetsu, Nara Rinka rode the Shadow Creatures back to the Konoha camp.

A resounding victory naturally calls for a series of celebratory events.

At this moment, the Konoha camp was bustling with noise and excitement.

Before landing, Nara Rinka did not rush to dispel the [Shadow Creature]. Instead, she allowed it to continue using the [Shadow Invisibility Technique] and the successfully modified [False Plant Technique].

Above the Konoha camp, an imperceptible "Sky Shadow Cage" was created by Nara Rinka.

As Nara gracefully left the back of the shadow creature, he landed among the Konoha ninja below, unsurprisingly receiving a great deal of cheers and congratulations.

"Nara-sama!"

"The Dark Shadow of Konoha!"

They crushed and annihilated the frontline troops of Iwagakure, completely turning the tide of the war in the Land of Grass.

Within the Konoha camp here, Nara Ranka's reputation was at its zenith.

If a vote were held at the Konoha camp right now, to see who everyone would support as the Fourth Hokage.

It is estimated that even if Orochimaru and Minato Namikaze were combined at this point, they would not be able to defeat Nara Rinka, who single-handedly ended the war in the Land of Grass!

"The Shadow of Darkness? What a ridiculous nickname!"

Nara Rinka put on a formulaic, fake smile as he dealt with the enthusiastic and cheerful Konoha ninja.

"Whatever... as long as I'm not called Black Beast, I'll accept even being called Shadow-kun!"

Nara Rinka quickly found his own small group.

Uchiha Shisui, Hyuga Rei, and Shizune greeted him simultaneously, "Captain!"

"Relax, it seems everyone's subsequent actions went smoothly!"

Nara Rinkei waved to the three team members.

His gaze fell on the distance, where the four members of the Water Gate team were gathered together, creating a warm and harmonious scene.

"Minato-senpai's Body Flicker Technique is incredibly powerful!"

Uchiha Shisui gave a thumbs-up, praising him from the bottom of his heart.

"My teleportation technique is still far from being as good as his."

"So his name is Yellow Flash, and yours is Shisui the Instantaneous."