Naruto Shadow Mage

Ding!

"Research complete!"

"Player, do you wish to begin training the 'New' Shadow Hand technique?"

After waiting for so long, the APP notification finally echoed in Yoshiya's mind.

Hearing the long-awaited voice of the APP, Yoshiya felt a surge of emotion, almost to the point of tears. He had been waiting for over two months for the new secret technique to be completed.

If Yoshiya had known that combining the Shadow Hand and Shadow Imitation techniques would take more than two months to develop, he would never have combined them in the first place.

However, given the long development time, Yoshiya couldn't help but look forward to the effects of the "New" Shadow Hand.

To be honest, the techniques developed by the APP had never disappointed Yoshiya. Whether it was the Shadow Shuriken or the Shadow Hand, they had become some of his most powerful moves!

The Shadow Shuriken, combined with the unexpected effects of the Shadow Hand, had helped Yoshiya defeat the three Anbu sent by the Fourth Hokage. Without the Shadow Shuriken and Shadow Hand, Yoshiya would have struggled to defeat a single Anbu, let alone three.

After all, the Nara Clan's secret techniques were well known throughout Konoha.

So, most of the time, Yoshiya relied on the newly developed techniques to challenge stronger opponents.

Now, with the addition of the "New" Shadow Hand, Yoshiya completely ignored the Fourth Hokage's instructions and Shikaku's concerns. He didn't hear a word of the Fourth Hokage's advice or Shikaku's worries. After bidding farewell to Shikaku, he quickly returned to his room.

Almost as soon as he locked the door, Yoshiya began testing the effects of the "New" Shadow Hand.

"I've waited over two months, APP. Don't let me down!"

"Secret Technique 'New' Shadow Hand training, modify progress, target 100/100!"

Ding!

"Player, 'New' Shadow Hand training progress 100/100. Congratulations, player, for completing the training of 'New' Shadow Hand."

"Player, do you wish to name the 'New' Shadow Hand?"

"Absolutely! Let's name it now!"

Using his mind to communicate with the app, Yoshiya realized that the "New" Shadow Hand was an incredible technique!

Even before mastering the "New" Shadow Hand, the APP-developed Shadow Hand, combining the Shadow Imitation and Shadow Bind techniques, was already extraordinary!

It shattered the traditional concept of the Nara Clan's secret techniques by solidifying intangible shadows into tangible forms.

In the current world, where Shikamaru hadn't been born yet, Yoshiya's Shadow Hand had practically created a new chapter in the history of the Nara Clan's secret techniques!

If the Shadow Hand was just the beginning of a new chapter, a fledgling creation, then the "New" Shadow Hand was its maturation!

No longer just turning a portion of the shadow into a tangible hand, the terrifying effect of the "New" Shadow Hand allowed Yoshiya to turn his entire shadow into a solid form for combat!

If one Yoshiya couldn't defeat an enemy, then two certainly could, right?

The essence of the technique was using the "New" Shadow Hand to create a shadow clone identical in strength!

"What Shadow Clone? What Multi-Shadow Clone? They're weak!"

"My 'New' Shadow Hand is the true shadow clone technique!"

"APP, the 'New' Shadow Hand will be named Shadow Clone Technique!"

Ding!

Due to the incredible effects of the Shadow Clone Technique, Yoshiya was excited for a long time.

After the APP confirmed the name change from "New" Shadow Hand to Shadow Clone Technique, Yoshiya turned his attention to the empty research list and thought, "It seems the longer the research time, the stronger the technique. Unfortunately, I'm about to join the Fourth Hokage on the battlefield. I need to master more techniques to ensure my survival!"

"So, I need something that can be developed quickly!"

"Hmm?"

"Shadow Imitation + Range, 100% success rate. It doesn't seem too difficult to research!"

"Let's go with this!"

Deciding quickly, Yoshiya added Shadow Imitation + Range to the research list.

However, his hope for quick results was dashed the next morning when he found that the new technique's research progress hadn't even reached 1%. His face filled with frustration.

"Not again!"

"Who would've thought even a simple Shadow Imitation + Range would take so long! APP, you're screwing me over!"

"Oh well, if it takes longer, it might be more powerful. I should head to the Fourth Hokage's training ground now. If I miss my first training session, that would be a disaster!"

Quickly getting up to wash and dress in the Anbu gear the Fourth Hokage had given him the previous day, Yoshiya admired his reflection.

Wearing a black bodysuit with silver armour and carrying a specially made short sword, he felt he looked even more impressive. After indulging in his reflection for a bit, he rushed to the designated training ground.

To his surprise, an old acquaintance was already there.

It was none other than the arrogant and aloof Kakashi!

In the original story, Kakashi was notoriously late, always having an excuse. As Yoshiya delved deeper into the storyline, he learned that Kakashi was tardy because he was mourning the supposedly deceased Obito Uchiha.

However, since Kakashi didn't know Obito was alive, he remained punctual, much to Yoshiya's surprise.

Kakashi, seeing Yoshiya in Anbu attire, merely snorted.

Just as Yoshiya was about to ask when the Fourth Hokage would arrive, Kakashi arrogantly beckoned him over and said, "Sensei said he doesn't have time to train you personally, and if you ever want his guidance, you need to pass my test first."

"So now, let me test your skills to see if you're worthy of Sensei's teaching!"