Konoha: Unable to learn ninjutsu, they had to develop their own.

Such a team, plus Yagyu Chiba.

take an exam?

Perhaps they're testing themselves!

Yamato's inner monologue.

"Chiba and the others?"

“I can gather them myself, no need to trouble you, and they might not even be available.”

"it is good."

……

Chiba really doesn't have much free time.

Research on medical parasites requires close monitoring in the early stages, and also—

The opening ceremony is in two days.

He hadn't been involved in the preparations at all, but the opening ceremony was still indispensable.

after all.

He was also afraid that Orochimaru would sneak in.

That guy has none of the integrity and self-awareness expected of one of the "Three Ninjas". He bullies juniors without hesitation as long as there is profit or interest involved.

If Yamato wants to do some kind of "team training," Chiba really won't hold back in order to save time.

During this period, no one should get involved in trivial matters.

Yamato told Tenten.

I greeted Chiba and Kazusa every day.

Finally, the four of them discussed and decided to regroup and start taking on missions after the opening ceremony.

The matter has been settled.

Chiba returned to his research lab.

The sage-transformed version of the medical insects has been successfully created and is currently still in its growth stage. Chiba still has to feed them sage chakra from time to time.

Fortunately, his shadow clones were quite effective.

Most people simply couldn't withstand such a drain.

but.

While evolving, Chiba borrowed Aburame Muta's help to test the effects of enhanced mental control.

The first is a simple mental attack.

The simplest attack is to simply manipulate mental energy to strike head-on. It is not very powerful; it only makes the opponent feel disoriented for a moment and has a headache for a few seconds.

It depends on the opponent's strength.

If someone has strong mental strength, it's unlikely they'd even be in a daze for a few seconds.

but.

This is indeed a good use case, and it might come in handy at crucial moments.

Chiba jotted it down in his notebook, waiting for further development. If any inspiration came to him, he might be able to refine it further.

Second is...

Mental synergy.

He couldn't do it before because Chiba didn't understand the secret techniques of invading and attacking with mental energy, but now he can do it just by controlling his abilities.

of course.

The biggest gain wasn't just mental strength, but also the Sage Mode.

Previously, his limit was a little over half a minute, but now it has doubled, and he can maintain it for a full minute.

This is the difference.

not to mention.

There are many other aspects of growth that Chiba has not yet realized.

To be honest, Chiba was very satisfied.

The first transformation of Bodhi seeds allows one's constitution to become more aligned with natural energy.

The second aspect is the spiritual boost.

Each change is the biggest enhancement; it's just unknown what kind of enhancement effect Flying Thunder God will bring when it's widely adopted.

Chiba was still researching when Nara Shikaku arrived.

It was mainly for the opening ceremony.

The head of the research institute is Chiba, and he will be going up to talk about the institute's direction and future. Also...

"Chiba, there's someone you might need to meet."

"Who? Could it be that person?"

Chiba pointed to the ground, not explicitly saying so, but referring to Danzo.

He thought that Shikaku had come for Danzo.

but.

Shikaku shook his head and said, "You've made contact with most of the major clans in Konoha, but there seems to be one you've missed, right?"

"Oh, you mean the Inuzuka family?"

Chiba realized who he was referring to.

"Do you have any grudges with the Inuzuka family? If there is any discord, I can mediate or find a reason to refuse, so as not to put you in a difficult position."

"That's not it."

Chiba shook his head and chuckled, "I'm just a commoner. What grudge do I have against the Inuzuka family? It's just that their family situation is special, and I don't have any particular fondness for ninja dogs, so I haven't had any special contact with the Inuzuka family."

"..."

Shikaku also thought about it for a while.

For example, there were concerns that the woman's family might have reservations or other worries, but to everyone's surprise, the reason was so simple and direct—

There is no demand.

Thinking about it carefully, it seems to make sense.

Chiba always has his own requirements when choosing people, from the Ino-Shika-Cho trio to Aburame, Hinata, and Gekko.

Only the Inuzuka family...

If you don't keep a ninja dog, it seems like there's really no particular need for one.

He also did not use the beast-mimicking ninjutsu.

Shikaku suppressed a laugh and said, "Inuzuka Tsuru is worried that someone in their family might offend you, which is why you've never sought cooperation with the Inuzuka family. Hmm, what are your thoughts on that?"

"Is she free? If so, we can come and talk, and discuss what we each need."

After a moment of contemplation, Chiba finally voiced her thoughts, "But the conditions can't be the same as with the previous family. After all, it was always me who had the needs before, and I hope she can understand."

"Okay, I'll pass on the message."

Lu Jiu nodded.

If things are discussed openly, even if the Inuzuka clan is not satisfied with the outcome, they will ultimately have no way to say anything.

"Let's choose the afternoon, the opening ceremony is the day after tomorrow."

"Row."

Chiba did not refuse.

The Inuzuka family, in terms of size, is certainly worth hosting.

By the afternoon, he had finished reading a book about the Four Symbols Seal, stretched, and then…

"Chiba-kun, the head of the Inuzuka family, Inuzuka Tsurugi, has come to pay a visit."

"okay, I get it."

Chiba walked out of the laboratory.

Then he saw a female ninja who was much taller than him, and next to her stood a ninja dog wearing an eye patch, which looked very rugged and fierce.

Inuzuka Claw.

He bowed slightly: "Greetings, Inuzuka-senpai."

"We are all exceptional Jonin, so please excuse the formalities of 'senior'. We've come to you today to discuss a collaboration."

Inuzuka Tsuru got straight to the point, not wanting to waste any time.

After saying that, she laughed and said self-deprecatingly, "Haha, to be honest, I've been wondering when you would come to my Inuzuka family, but I never expected reality to be so cruel."

"Your techniques are very powerful, but I personally don't need them."

Chiba still needs to explain again.

Reputation must not be harmed!

"Haha, I understand, it was just a joke, so..."

"Inside please."

Chiba led her and Kuromaru inside.

Only he, Inuzuka Tsurugi, and Kuromaru were in the laboratory. Chiba glanced around and pulled a piece of paper from the table.

“I don’t really need the Inuzuka family’s techniques, but since you want to cooperate, I still need to offer something. This is a technique I just modified; take a look.”

"???"

Inuzuka Tsurugi took the paper, bewildered, and looked up, equally bewildered...