Naruto Shadow Mage

"Sure, no problem."

Being born into the prestigious Uchiha clan, Itachi Uchiha always maintained an air of calm and collected composure.

Despite Koshino's impressive display of skill in defeating four opponents at once and his development of a new technique using the APP, Itachi's gaze remained serene when he looked at Koshino. This calm demeanour caused Koshino to take him more seriously.

"Just as expected of Itachi!"

"In the original series, even the Third Hokage praised him for having the vision of a Hokage at such a young age. Truly impressive!"

"It looks like I'll have to show some real skills in the upcoming spar."

While Koshino felt cautious internally, he couldn't help but feel excited about the chance to spar with the renowned Itachi from the original series.

Honestly, individuals like Hyuga Minji, Uchiha Yuun, and Uchiha Jin were notable figures within the new generation of Konoha. However, compared to Itachi from the original series, they were completely outclassed.

Moreover, upon accepting Itachi's challenge, even Fugaku Uchiha seemed to approve of Itachi's request.

As the leader of the Uchiha clan, Koshino didn't consider Fugaku Uchiha to be a fool. He had been keeping an eye on Fugaku ever since the Uchiha clan attempted to disable Hyuga Minji.

So, as Koshino moved towards a corner to restore his chakra, he handed the scroll he had been holding to Shikaku.

"Here, Shikaku-san, take this."

"Koshino, that's your prize. Neither I nor the elders of the clan have any right to take it from you. Keep it."

Shikaku ruffled Koshino's hair, feeling genuinely proud of him.

However, when Shikaku's gaze shifted to Itachi, recalling the information he had on him, even Shikaku couldn't help but frown. He was clearly not optimistic about Koshino's chances.

"That boy should be Itachi Uchiha, Fugaku's son! Koshino, you need to be extra careful!"

"I've heard that Itachi is an exceptional genius within the Uchiha clan. Koshino, go restore your chakra quickly!"

At this moment, not only Shikaku but also Chouza, Inoichi, and other elders weren't confident about Koshino's chances. Despite his previous outstanding performance, Itachi's formidable reputation overshadowed it.

However, the more Shikaku and the others spoke highly of Itachi, the more determined Koshino became to challenge him.

But as the host of the banquet, Hizashi Hyuga didn't give Koshino the chance to refute. He quickly approached Shikaku and smiled apologetically.

"Shikaku, I'm sorry you had to see this. I didn't expect Fugaku to bring trouble today. Thanks to Koshino, our Hyuga clan's honor was preserved."

Turning to Koshino, Hizashi added, "Koshino, I'll find you a quiet room to restore your chakra. Don't worry, as long as I'm here, the Uchiha clan won't be able to cause you any trouble."

"Thank you, Hizashi-san!"

Even though Koshino had helped restore the Hyuga clan's honour, Hizashi only showed some warmth and had no intention of further gratitude.

Moreover, any gratitude would be a matter for Hizashi and Shikaku as elders.

Following a servant to a quiet room in the back courtyard, Koshino took a deep breath, calmed his nerves, and prepared to restore his chakra.

However, before starting his chakra restoration, Koshino remembered Shikaku's whispered advice before leaving.

"Koshino, don't rush. Remember to take the secret medicine I gave you this morning. It will increase your chances of winning."

"The secret medicine?"

Taking out the secret medicine from the Nara clan, Koshino looked at the black, pungent-smelling pill and reluctantly swallowed it, following Shikaku's advice.

Initially, Koshino didn't have high expectations for the secret medicine, even though he knew it was highly valuable and coveted by figures like Fugaku Uchiha.

However, after swallowing the pill and feeling a warm sensation spread through his body, Koshino's eyes lit up with excitement, and he immediately sat down to cultivate his chakra.

Unexpectedly, the effects of the Nara clan's secret medicine were far beyond Koshino's expectations!

As Koshino began cultivating, the APP's voice echoed in his mind!

*Ding!*

"Player, you have consumed a special item: Nara Secret Medicine, and gained a special buff. Please choose an effect."

"A: Continuous Chakra Recovery."

"B: Reduced Chakra Consumption."

"C: Accelerated Training."

What?!

Did the app recognise the Nara clan's secret medicine?

Moreover, it offered special buffs.

Listening to the voice in his mind, Koshino almost lost control of his chakra cultivation out of shock, nearly causing a serious mistake.

Fortunately, Koshino was well-practised in chakra cultivation. Quickly regaining control, he thought, "Options A and B are likely useful in combat, but right now, Option C suits my needs best."

"Insufficient chakra limits my growth."

"Alright then, I'll choose you! APP, I choose C: Accelerated Training!"

*Buzz!*

Communicating his choice to the APP, Koshino's command activated the Accelerated Training buff.

Under the buff's effect, Koshino felt both excited and impressed by the APP's capabilities.

Feeling the rapid restoration of his chakra, like a stream turning into a river, Koshino continued to cultivate, marvelling at the swift improvement.

By the time Koshino stood up again, his eyes were sparkling with energy.

Sensing the substantial increase in his chakra, Koshino was astonished by the breakthrough facilitated by the Accelerated Training buff.

"Just one dose of the Nara secret medicine, and my chakra level is comparable to that of a genin?"