NOVEL NEXT Chapter 26: Chapter 26
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Returning home, Ikeno eagerly summoned the system to complete his sign-in.
[Ding! Congratulations to the Host for completing the mission. You have been rewarded with the Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique]
"WOC! A ninjutsu developed by the Third Hokage himself!"
Suddenly, Jiraiya's voice seemed to echo in his mind:
"I think it's more awesome to throw all my shurikens out. Wanna try it?"
[Ding! You have also been rewarded with Lightning Style: Thunder]
"Thunder?" Ikeno was intrigued. "It releases a sharp thunderbolt from the mouth, shooting lightning from near to far! This sounds like a technique unique to the Third Hokage in the Hokage mobile game!"
But then he remembered—he had already created his own ninjutsu, so it wasn't too surprising that he received this as a reward. Today, all his rewards seemed to be linked to the Third Hokage. The time had come to put them to use.
Unable to contain his excitement, Ikeno entered the omnipotent space. After half a day, he had upgraded both the Shuriken Shadow Clone and Thunderbolt techniques to god level. What thrilled him most, however, was mastering the lightning attack.
"Ta-da-da, ta-da-da! It's like firing a Gatling gun with blue flames!" he marveled.
At that moment, the system's holographic panel appeared before him.
[Host: Toshi Ikeno]
[Age: 12 years old]
[Chakra attributes: Wind, Thunder, Fire, Water, Earth, Yin, Yang]
[Ninjutsu mastered: Three Body Technique, Great Fireball, Raikiri, Thunder, Dandan Ball, Earthflow Wall, Multiple Shadow Clone, Shuriken Shadow Clone (all god-level), Intermediate—Healing Jutsu, Basic Corpse Fusion Technique, Skeleton Resurrection]
[Mastered Taijutsu: Karamatsu Dance, Tsubaki Dance, Wei Li, Body Flicker Technique]
[Mastered Genjutsu: None]
[Special Skills: Cooking, Tailoring]
[Summoning Beast: Black Cat Demon]
[Special Weapon: Kusanagi Sword]
[Special Physique: Dead Bone Pulse]
[Bloodline Limit: Dead Bone Pulse]
[Chakra Reserves:]
Looking at his stats, Ikeno mused, "I've mastered thunder, fire, and earth ninjutsu. When will I be able to handle wind and water?"
After leaving the space, he lay on his bed, staring at his empty room with a thoughtful expression.
"Even though I have a villa in Konoha, I still feel lonely," he admitted to himself. Getting up, he pulled out a notebook and began writing down his newest goals:
1. Establish the Ikeno clan.
2. Develop it into a major Konoha family.
"But there's no money…" he sighed. The imagination was rich, but reality was harsh.
Since the villagers avoided him, the items he'd created inspired by Doraemon had stopped selling. He was left to survive on a meager pension.
"How can I make big money?"
Suddenly, he thought of someone: Kado, the sleazy shipping magnate from the Land of Waves with the annoying anus-shaped haircut and sunglasses. He was one of the few wealthy individuals in the world of Naruto.
Ikeno remembered how much he wanted to punch Kado while watching the anime. "He's so sleazy. Haha, when the time comes, I'll blackmail him and take his wealth for myself. Not only will I build a mansion, but I'll also build a commercial district or something!" He laughed out loud at the thought.
"But those are long-term goals. For now, I still need some spending money and to help Naruto and Sasuke…" He sighed, thinking of Naruto drinking expired milk and getting diarrhea. "But where did he even get the money to buy paint?"
Still, even if he had money in the future, Ikeno decided he wouldn't just give it to Naruto outright. That would be too generous. However, earning money with his buddies was a different matter.
Soon, an idea came to him.
"That's right! In addition to making money, the priority is to learn from the Third Hokage, so I can use Shuriken Shadow Clone and Thunder without raising suspicion."
The next day at the Hokage building, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, coughed lightly. "Ahem, as your teacher, it's time I taught you more ninjutsu. Let's start with Earth Style: Earth Wall—"
Ikeno interrupted him, "Grandpa Hokage, do you have the technique where you throw countless shurikens? It's so flashy!"
"Ah, yes, yes. The Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique."
"And what about that thunder gun thing? It's so awesome!"
"Yes, yes. Lightning Style: Thunder."
"Okay, let's start with those two then."
Ikeno knew that these were the most advanced techniques the Third Hokage would teach him for now. There was no chance of him learning more forbidden skills like the Reaper Death Seal anytime soon.
After an hour of practice, Ikeno was "proficient" in both techniques. The Third Hokage even praised his quick understanding.
..
The clear autumn night stretched out over Konoha as Ikeno and Naruto sat side by side on Hokage Rock, looking down at the bustling village below. Despite their recent success in becoming Genin, the weight of the villagers' disdain still lingered, especially for Naruto, who was often treated with contempt due to the Nine-Tails sealed within him.
Ikeno, thoughtful and determined, broke the silence between them. "Naruto, what makes a person truly strong isn't just their power, but a heart stronger than steel. If we can't gain recognition from others now, then we need to rise to a height they can't even reach."
Naruto smiled at him, but the pain in his eyes remained. "It's my birthday the day after tomorrow, you know. October 10th. No one's ever given me anything for it before. What gift will you give me?" he asked, trying to keep his tone light but clearly holding some hope.
Ikeno, feeling his heart ache for his friend, thought for a moment. He knew Naruto's life had been filled with loneliness, and he wanted to give him something meaningful. But Naruto interrupted his thoughts with a request that hit him hard.
"I want... just a carton of milk that won't give me diarrhea." Naruto looked off into the distance, still smiling, but his words carried a sense of resignation.[A/N: This just increased my hatred for Hiruzen and elder's more, everytime man]
Ikeno's chest tightened. He couldn't believe how low Naruto's expectations had fallen — he only wanted something as simple as milk that wouldn't make him sick.
"Don't worry, Naruto," Ikeno said, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "I'll give you something much better than milk."
Naruto's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Better than milk? What is it?"
Ikeno smirked, trying to lighten the mood. "Hey, it's a secret. You'll find out soon enough!"
Naruto's face brightened with anticipation, and for the first time in a while, he looked genuinely excited about something.
As they sat there, the cool breeze of the night passing by, Ikeno made a silent vow. He would give Naruto more than just a gift—he would give him hope, companionship, and the support he had always deserved. Even if it started with something simple, it would be the beginning of something bigger for both of them.
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