Naruto Shadow Mage

"Koshino, are you joking?"

"Wait! This... this is the Shadow Imitation Technique?"

Hearing Koshino's jubilant voice, Shikaku was about to express his disbelief, but the sudden appearance of a black shadow at his feet made him fall silent. It was the unmistakable sign of being caught by the Shadow Imitation Technique!

When Shikaku's shadow connected with Koshino's, even Choza was stunned, unable to comprehend how Koshino had managed to bind Shikaku with the Shadow Imitation Technique.

Shikaku closed his eyes briefly to sense the situation, opened them, and directed his gaze toward the shuriken lying on the ground. With a bitter smile, he explained to Choza, "Choza, you see, Koshino had this all planned out. His Shadow Imitation Technique had three stages, and your shadow was just one part of his strategy!"

"Really that impressive?"

Listening to Shikaku's explanation, Choza felt like he was dreaming, staring at Koshino in disbelief.

Koshino, wanting to maintain a humble image in front of his elders, smiled and explained to Choza, "Uncle Choza, my first use of the Shadow Imitation Technique was to force Uncle Shikaku closer to you. The range of the Shadow Imitation Technique is limited, but if I connect your shadow first, then connect to Uncle Shikaku's shadow, I can force him to jump towards those shuriken."

Pointing to the shuriken behind Shikaku, Koshino's explanation made Choza nod in realization.

Those shurikens, thrown by Koshino at the beginning, posed no threat to a Jonin like Shikaku.

But who would have thought that Koshino had calculated everything so precisely, even the falling positions of the shuriken and Shikaku's movements to avoid them?

Understanding the reason behind Shikaku's defeat, Choza's view of Koshino changed, seeing him in the same light as Shikaku did—a "genius."

"Shikaku, your Nara clan is on the rise!"

With a mix of envy and admiration, Choza sighed, wishing his Akimichi clan had a genius like Koshino.

Shikaku, proud and smiling, took out a scroll from his pouch and handed it to Koshino with a look of approval. "Here, Koshino, consider this your prize for winning. Remember to train hard, okay?"

"Mm!"

Receiving the scroll, Koshino's eyes shone with joy as he quickly placed it in his ninja tool pouch.

But just as Koshino was about to leave and start training with the Nara clan's secret techniques, Shikaku's stern voice echoed in his ears.

"However, Koshino, remember, this time you were lucky to win. You must train diligently. And while the Shadow Imitation Technique is powerful, if you're careless after binding someone... hmm hmm! You'll be the one to lose!"

With a cold snort, Shikaku suddenly snapped his fingers, causing Koshino's Shadow Imitation Technique to break, sending a chill down Koshino's spine.

From that moment, Koshino understood why Shikaku spoke those words after his victory.

As Shikaku said, while the Shadow Imitation Technique is powerful, one must never underestimate the many strong ninjas in the world.

In the original storyline, how many times did Shikamaru nearly face death because he over-relied on the Shadow Imitation Technique?

Thus, Shikaku's stern warning served as a wake-up call for Koshino. Instead of feeling reproached, Koshino felt grateful for Shikaku's guidance.

"Uncle Shikaku, thank you for your guidance!"

"I'll definitely train harder and strive to become a ninja like you!"

Everyone likes hearing praise, and Shikaku was no exception.

As expected, Koshino's words brought a smile to Shikaku's face. He walked over, patted Koshino's shoulder, and said, "Alright, Koshino, you've trained long enough. Go home and rest."

"Mm, Uncle Shikaku!"

Flexing his sore wrist, Koshino silently acknowledged the strength of a Jonin and his current weakness.

Even without Shikaku's warning to not become complacent, Koshino had already decided to train diligently once he returned home, aiming to gain the strength to stand confidently before a Jonin quickly. Sparring with Shikaku had made Koshino acutely aware of his shortcomings and the formidable power of a Jonin.

Originally, the Jonin in the storyline were often depicted as mere side characters, and Koshino inevitably developed a sense of underestimation. However, seeing Shikaku, known for his intelligence, easily overpower him using just taijutsu and without chakra ignited Koshino's competitive spirit, making it his short-term goal to become a Jonin.

As Koshino bid farewell to Shikaku and Choza and prepared to head home, Choza's voice stopped him.

"Uncle Choza, do you need something?"

"Nothing much, just have a little something for you."

Hearing Koshino's question, Choza smiled and tossed a scroll to him. "Uncle doesn't have anything special, but our Akimichi clan specializes in family secret techniques, so consider this scroll a gift. Make sure to follow Shikaku's advice and train in your clan's secret techniques first before using this scroll, okay?"

"Mm!"

Nodding eagerly, Koshino hadn't expected this pleasant surprise.

Opening the scroll and glancing at it, Koshino discovered it contained the training method for the Shadow Clone Technique. Excitedly thanking Choza, Koshino hurried home to start mastering the so-called "cheat" technique.

As Koshino disappeared from view, Shikaku sighed, "Choza, are you preparing for that plan?"

"Yeah, our Akimichi clan doesn't have a genius like Koshino, so we need to plan ahead!"

With a sigh, Choza reflected on Koshino's performance and smiled, then spoke in a tone that was both teasing and cautionary, "Shikaku, make sure to train Koshino well! We owe a lot to the Nara family, and with Koshino's outstanding talent, if the Nara clan doesn't nurture him, don't blame us if the Akimichi clan steps in!"

"Hahaha, no way!"

"Starting tomorrow, the Nara clan's resources will be focused on Koshino!"

"Choza, you'd better think about finding a genius in your Akimichi clan!"

As Shikaku finished speaking, Choza's face turned crestfallen, making Shikaku chuckle.

Meanwhile, back at his home, as the heads of the Nara and Akimichi clans discussed him, Koshino quietly opened the two hard-earned scrolls.