Naruto: The King of Despair

Chapter 2: Shikato Nara

After the realization of the truth, Shikato began to understand the system, especially since there was a good opening.

[+1000 points from Danzo]

Indeed, it was unexpected. It seemed that his hand in keeping the Fourth Hokage alive had led him to gain recognition from Danzo. However, Shikato himself was unaware of the action that had piqued Danzo's interest. Only after hearing the details about the incident from a medic was he able to draw a rough sketch of what had transpired.

Wasting no time, he began comprehending his new skills, which the system had provided. After all, his partner was Monokuma—he needed to expect the unexpected.

Bloodline Ability: Zetsubougan

Eyes of Absolute Despair, these eyes are bestowed only upon those chosen by the devil himself. Their abilities are as follows:

Spirit Eye: The ability to witness the souls of the dead and manipulate them at will.

Life Absorption: The user can siphon life energy from those consumed by despair, using their hopelessness as fuel for their strength, healing, and chakra.

Reality Shatter: Breaks the realm between dream and reality, enabling the user to inflict physical harm through illusions.

Grave Keeper (Locked)

Despair Chain (Locked)

Abyssal Collapse (Locked)

Special Body: No Chakra Body

This body cannot hold regular chakra. Only chakra associated with pure Yin can be absorbed. It also allows its holder to use the Aura of Despair.

Shikato was amused. Though he had lost the Tenseigan and Sage's body, these abilities were good replacements. Moreover, he belonged to the Nara Clan, which specialized in Yin techniques. The conditions were favorable. If he practiced hard enough, he might reach the super-Kage level.

He pulled up another panel titled System Shop and browsed through the list:

Yin Nature Jutsu D Rank – 500 points

Yin Nature Jutsu C Rank – 1500 points

Yin Nature Jutsu B Rank – 3000 points

Yin Nature Jutsu A Rank – 5000 points

Yin Nature Jutsu S Rank – 10000 points

Chakra Recovery Medicine (Low) – 50 points

Chakra Recovery Medicine (Medium) – 100 points

Chakra Recovery Medicine (High) – 200 points

The list continued with various items. After rummaging through it for an hour, Shikato sorted out some choices:

Yin Nature Growth Type Technique – 1000 points

Chakra Ascension Technique – 4000 points

Though unfamiliar with these techniques, they seemed undoubtedly useful. Unfortunately, he didn't have enough points to buy both together. He could only hope Danzo would get annoyed one more time.

Due to his recent outburst, Shikato wasn't allowed any visitors and had to spend a week in the hospital. An ANBU operative kept an eye on him constantly, preventing him from trying Zetsubougan. He felt the weight of their surveillance as a distraction.

"Hey, you're being rude!" Monokuma's voice startled him. The black-and-white bear was sunbathing two arms' length away. Shikato wondered where Monokuma sourced the props for his antics.

"I'm a bear of simple tastes—murder, betrayal, and despair are all I need to be happy!" Monokuma grinned, his tone brimming with glee.

Shikato rolled his eyes, mocking Monokuma silently in his mind. After some observation, he discovered that Monokuma could hear his thoughts, though he had no intention of confirming it.

It also seemed that no one else could see Monokuma.

Shikato looked out the hospital window, pondering his next move. Finally, he decided to practice chakra manipulation. His body had been capable of using chakra before, but after the No Chakra Body transformation, all his chakra had been replaced by a cold, murky energy he called Yin Chakra. It was calm and precise, yet controlling it took an immense toll on him.

As he struggled, Monokuma appeared in front of him.

"You're taking the wrong approach," said Monokuma, his grin as mischievous as ever.

Shikato turned away, skeptical of whatever trick the bear had up his sleeve.

"You're too serious," Monokuma added, assuming a yoga posture. "Yin Chakra isn't like regular chakra that flows through standard pathways. Only when you activate Zetsubougan will you be able to use it properly."

Shikato stared at him with disbelief. Trusting Monokuma was never an option, yet his words held a ring of truth.

"Unequal games aren't fun. Don't worry, I won't do anything to you… yet." Monokuma's cryptic words lingered as Shikato sighed, turning his attention elsewhere.

Instead of attempting Zetsubougan, Shikato began sifting through the memories of the real Nara Shikato. The Nara Clan's intelligence was renowned, and if they grew suspicious of him, his plans would crumble.

From the memories, Shikato learned that his parents were alive but currently on a mission outside the village. They were expected to return tomorrow. Other close relatives included his uncles and members of his father's Ino-Shika-Cho trio. Today was supposed to be his first day at the academy, yet here he lay, confined to a hospital bed.

Even in this situation, a message of hope appeared:

[+1000 points from Danzo]

This was the fifth message. It seemed Danzo was deeply troubled by the Fourth Hokage's survival. Shikato couldn't help but smirk. Causing trouble had its own unique charm.

"Upupu, it seems you're no different from me," Monokuma's sudden voice startled Shikato. The bear appeared behind him, his words heavy with implication.

Shikato almost fell from his chair, but the weight of Monokuma's statement lingered in his mind. Was he really like Monokuma?