Naruto: Shadow Master of Nara Clan

"The medicine? What medicine?"

"Quit the nonsense! I'm talking about the secret medicine you prepared! Forget it, we'll just use the one I had set aside for Shikasen first!"

In a hurry, Elder Shikayuu unfastened the pouch from his waist. Under Shikaku's astonished gaze, the elder—who had always been skeptical of Koshino—urgently beckoned him over.

As Koshino approached, Shikaku, still in shock, watched as Elder Shikayuu spoke kindly to him.

"Koshino, this was originally meant for Shikasen, but I'm giving it to you instead. Remember, you must take it only while training your chakra, and never more than one at a time. Understood? If you experience any side effects, you must report to Shikaku immediately!"

"Thank you, Elder Shikayuu. I understand!"

"Hm? Koshino, why so formal? From now on, just like Shikasen, you should call me Grandpa!"

"Uh—yes! Grandpa!"

There was no doubt—Shikayuu's sudden change in attitude completely stunned Shikaku.

Koshino, on the other hand, had expected this shift all along.

What was the benefit of being part of the Nara clan's branch family?

As long as you demonstrated enough potential, you would be fully accepted by the entire clan!

In the original work, what did it matter that Hyūga Hizashi and Hyūga Neji, as branch family members of the Hyūga clan, had incredible talent?

It didn't change the fact that they were discriminated against by the main family, their very fate controlled by them.

But Koshino?

All it took was showing his potential in front of the clan head, the elders, and the younger generation. Even Elder Shikayuu, who had never liked him, completely reversed his stance. Not to mention the Nara clan's younger members he had just defeated—

At this moment, Shikasen, Koshimei, and all those who once looked down on Koshino now viewed him as an idol, their eyes filled with admiration.

Even after Koshino received the secret medicine from Elder Shikayuu, none of them felt the slightest resentment.

Jealousy? Not even close!

In fact, they felt that rewarding Koshino with just one secret medicine wasn't nearly enough!

After all, Koshino was a genius who could skillfully use Shadow Sewing Jutsu at just four years old!

And Koshino, seeing the unity within the Nara clan—especially the way his peers, like Shikasen, harbored no jealousy toward him—felt an even stronger sense of belonging to the clan.

Then, as Shikaku snapped back to reality, he gave the two elders a deep look before shifting his gaze to Koshino.

From the traces of chakra usage, he confirmed that Koshino had indeed used Shadow Sewing Jutsu. Clearing his throat slightly, he said,

"Elder Shikayuu, Elder Shikao, I'll leave the rest of the matches to you. Koshino and I have some things to discuss, so we'll take our leave."

"Go on, go on! Leave the small matters here to me!"

"Koshino, train even harder from now on! If you run into any difficulties in training, come find us!"

"Mm! Got it!"

Nodding, Koshino followed Shikaku. He bid farewell to the clan elders, then to his fellow young clan members, without a hint of arrogance—none of the usual pride that came with being a genius.

Seeing this, Shikaku nodded in approval.

As they walked toward Shikaku's home, he sighed and ruffled Koshino's hair with a smile.

"Koshino, you were gone for just one day and already mastered Shadow Sewing Jutsu? Not bad!"

"Hehe, it's all thanks to Uncle Shikaku's great teaching!"

"Hah, so you've learned how to flatter now? You little rascal!"

With a playful smack to Koshino's head, Shikaku's expression gradually turned serious.

"Koshino, do you know the real purpose of this clan test?"

"It's about redistributing clan resources, right?"

Discussing sensitive topics required caution in front of outsiders—but not with Shikaku, his own uncle.

Besides, the Nara clan was known for their intelligence and emotional awareness, so Koshino had no reservations.

But even though he answered so straightforwardly—he was still wrong.

"That's only part of it," Shikaku said. "One reason is indeed to gain the elders' approval for resource distribution. But the other—"

"—is for that plan."

As he spoke, Shikaku stopped walking, gazing into the distance before saying,

"Our Nara clan, along with the Akimichi and Yamanaka clans, have always been as close as brothers. Almost every generation has inherited the name of the 'Ino-Shika-Chō' formation. Unfortunately, the village's situation has been tense recently, and within our three clans, we are facing a generational gap. That's why selecting the next successors of 'Ino-Shika-Chō' has become our top priority."

"In other words, Koshino, you now have the qualifications to inherit the 'Shika' title. Do you understand?"

"Huh?"

Hearing Shikaku's words, Koshino's eyes widened in shock.

Clearly, things had developed beyond his expectations.

However, inheriting the 'Ino-Shika-Chō' title was an honor—there was no way Koshino would reject it. Besides, every great warrior needed strong allies. Without reliable teammates, not only would he lack support on the battlefield, but he wouldn't even be able to participate in the Chūnin Exams. Having the elite members of the Akimichi and Yamanaka clans as allies? Koshino was secretly looking forward to it.

"Uncle Shikaku, who have the Akimichi and Yamanaka clans chosen?"

"That's the problem—they haven't decided yet. Otherwise, do you think your Uncle Chōza would still be worrying about it?"

With a smile, Shikaku patted Koshino's head again. While he was laughing, he also felt an immense sense of pride—for Koshino, and for the Nara clan having someone like him.

After that, as they strolled through the courtyard, they chatted about the three clans—Nara, Akimichi, and Yamanaka. While gathering more information, Koshino gradually pieced together a realization: their three clans were about to face a serious challenge, and the cause of it was tied to the Fourth Hokage.

Unfortunately, Shikaku remained cryptic, making it impossible for Koshino to figure out exactly what kind of trouble the Fourth Hokage had stirred up.

Just as Koshino was pressing Shikaku for answers, finally getting him to loosen up—

Of course, someone had to come and interrupt.

That someone was none other than Akimichi Chōza!

"Shikaku, I've been looking for you everywhere! Oh? Koshino is here too!"

"Uncle Chōza, hello!"

At that moment, Koshino had the overwhelming urge to strangle Chōza, but the big man was completely oblivious. Ignoring Koshino entirely, he turned straight to Shikaku and said,

"Shikaku, did you forget what day it is? Hizashi has been getting impatient—he sent me to hurry you up! And here you are, just chatting away with Koshino. I don't even know what to say about you!"

"Ah, my bad, my bad! So much has been happening today, I almost forgot."

Apologizing quickly to Chōza, Shikaku then turned to Koshino and said,

"Koshino, the Hyūga clan is holding an event today. Come with me."

"Uncle Shikaku, what kind of event?"

Hearing the name "Hyūga" in their conversation, Koshino couldn't help but feel excited—he was eager to meet some of the legendary figures from the Hyūga clan.

What he didn't realize at the time was that he wouldn't just be meeting one legendary figure—

But two!

"It's nothing big," Shikaku said casually. "Hizashi's family just had a baby boy, and we're going to his one-month celebration."

"Oh, right!"

"I think that little guy's name is... Neji, isn't it?"