Naruto Shadow Mage

"Koshino? Only four years old?"

"The child from the Nara family?"

Shikaku's revelation about Koshino's identity left Choza in astonishment.

Four years old, only four!

Reflecting on his past, Choza recalled that at the age of four, he had just started refining chakra, earning the title of genius within his clan. Compared to Koshino, Choza felt utterly inferior. At the same age, Koshino had completed tree climbing training and even mastered water walking within ten minutes right before his eyes—an extraordinary talent!

Unbeknownst to Choza, Shikaku's mind was also in turmoil.

Not long ago, Shikaku had heard about a genius from the Uchiha clan, Uchiha Itachi, who, at the same age of four, had already mastered basic Fire Release jutsu, earning pride and recognition as the next generation's leader within the Uchiha clan.

At that time, Shikaku had sighed in resignation, believing that the new generation of his clan would inevitably grow under the shadow of others. But Koshino's sudden emergence shattered Shikaku's preconceived notions. Comparing him to Itachi, Shikaku even felt that Koshino's talent was superior.

Because Shikaku, having closely observed Koshino, knew for certain that Koshino had only begun his training three months ago!

In just three short months, Koshino had achieved such remarkable progress. Surpassing the genius of the Uchiha clan was merely a matter of time!

After recovering from his shock, Shikaku composed himself and, tugging on Choza's sleeve, tentatively asked, "Choza, who do you think is more impressive, my Koshino or that Uchiha kid?"

"Of course, it's that Uchiha kid!"

"But…"

Hearing Choza's initial response, Shikaku felt a bit disheartened.

But then Choza's words took a turn, bringing a smile to Shikaku's face.

"But it seems like your Koshino hasn't been training for long, right? If you could allocate more resources to his training, he might surpass that Uchiha kid!"

"Hmm, I understand! Let's watch Koshino's training a bit more."

Smiling, Shikaku nodded, regaining his composure, and focused intently on Koshino's training from afar, looking at him with hope and anticipation for the future of the Nara clan.

Moreover, as time passed, Shikaku and Choza were increasingly astonished to see Koshino's water walking training becoming increasingly perfect.

Even Shikaku and Choza, both Jonin, had to admit that Koshino's displayed talent now exceeded that of Uchiha Itachi, potentially making him the brightest star of the new generation!

"Hmm? Is the time limit up?"

"But it's fine. The 60-minute limit was enough for me to perfect my water walking training. The APP's training cards are really useful, though there are too few of them!"

Having perfected his water walking training, Koshino felt that with his current chakra reserves, he could use the Shadow Imitation Technique at least five times, a significant qualitative leap.

Unfortunately, his future training pace might slow down.

The lack of sufficient chakra reserves had become a major bottleneck for Koshino's progress. Unless his physical constitution improved dramatically, or he could obtain his parents' scroll from Shikaku to accelerate his training of the Nara clan's secret techniques, Koshino's training might hit a standstill. He'd need chakra reserves comparable to a Genin's before making his next leap forward.

However, Koshino didn't mind.

Even if chakra accumulation was slow and he couldn't fully master the Nara clan's secret techniques, Koshino could still train in ninja tools and taijutsu!

After all, Koshino's future goal wasn't to be like his uncle Shikaku, a ninja limited to the Nara clan's secret techniques and single combat style. He aspired to be an all-around ninja-like Itachi or Madara from the original story.

After recovering a bit from the exertion of training, Koshino tidied up his clothes and prepared to have a good meal to reward himself.

But before Koshino could leave the pond, Shikaku and Choza, who had been observing him for a while, appeared.

"Uncle Shikaku, Uncle Choza, what brings you here?"

Having snuck out from a funeral, Koshino felt a bit awkward seeing Shikaku and Choza.

However, Shikaku and Choza didn't seem to mind. Shikaku closed his eyes, silently sensing Koshino's chakra, making Koshino nervous, thinking he might be scolded.

Choza, on the other hand, was more friendly. Holding a large bag of chips, he patted Koshino on the shoulder and smiled, "Koshino! Shikaku and I have been watching you train and didn't want to interrupt. Now that you're done, we just wanted to ask if you're facing any difficulties in your training?"

"Uh, yes, there are a few."

Choza's words put Koshino at ease.

Noticing Shikaku's smile, Koshino realized this was a good opportunity to ask for the scroll and gathered his courage: "Uncle Choza, the training issues aren't too big. As you know, our Nara clan focuses on secret techniques. I recently mastered the Shadow Imitation Technique, but I'm struggling because I don't have any advanced techniques to train with."

"What? You've mastered the Shadow Imitation Technique?"

As soon as Koshino finished speaking, both Choza and Shikaku looked at him in shock, their expressions incredulous.

Finally, Shikaku, regaining his composure, shrugged and said, "Well, you've mastered the Shadow Imitation Technique. I mastered it when I was six!"

"Come on! Show me your progress!"

With a smile growing on his face, Shikaku gestured for Koshino to demonstrate.

Choza, equally interested, even quickened his chip-eating pace, eagerly anticipating Koshino's performance.

However, the most excited person was Koshino!

This was a rare opportunity to spar with a Jonin!

It was a chance not to be missed!

Hearing Shikaku's request, Koshino quickly formed the Nara clan's secret hand seals and said with a smile, "Uncle Shikaku, then I won't hold back!"

"Be careful, don't get hurt!"

"You cheeky kid, are you underestimating your uncle? I'm a Jonin, you know!"

Hearing Koshino's words, Shikaku smiled and shook his head, encouraging him, "Didn't you say you wanted the Nara clan's secret technique scrolls? Fine, if you can manage to hurt me, I'll let you keep your father's scroll!"

"Deal!"

With the stakes raised, Koshino's excitement grew, and his eyes became serious.

Glancing at Choza's position, a perfect ambush plan formed in Koshino's mind.

"Uncle Shikaku, underestimating me will cost you!"