Naruto: The Shadow Lord of the Nara Clan

New weapons have arrived.

Combat capabilities have been significantly enhanced.

G-coins are plentiful again.

We have no shortage of the small red and blue bottles for now, giving us a strong foundation for a protracted battle.

Although the level only increased by two levels, it reached level 18.

However, all five dimensions exceeded 50, with the highest intelligence attribute reaching 65.8.

If we only look at the attributes, Shikakage already has the strength of a full-fledged Jonin.

In terms of skills, Shadow Arts has remained largely unchanged, stuck at its original level progress bar, and requires further practice.

However, his ninjutsu other than the Shadow Technique, such as the Three Body Technique, have all been upgraded to level 4 (Mastery).

Furthermore, the most noteworthy skill is the level 3 Instantaneous Movement.

These days, this ninjutsu is the one that Shikakage practices most diligently.

Although he doesn't reach the level of Shisui's Phantom Body Flicker Technique, compared to ordinary people, Lu Ying is enough to be called a master of the Body Flicker Technique.

The Shadow Legion was equally formidable, following in the footsteps of the Deer Shadow and constantly growing stronger.

Even the weakest Shadow Soldier can now fight a full-fledged Chunin on his own.

Everything has been adjusted to its optimal state, which is the source of Lu Ying's confidence.

As long as no force breaks the rules, he is invincible in the Chunin Exams.

Because he himself is already a rule-breaker.

Stepping out of his house and breathing in the fresh air of Konoha, Shikakage headed towards the Chunin Exams venue, or rather, the Ninja Academy.

There, the first stage of the Chunin Exams—the written exam—will be held.

……

Sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the playground.

As the starting point for this Chunin Exam, this training ground, which is usually used for the basic training of ninja academy students, has now been temporarily cleared out into distinct areas.

The flag for the Chunin Exams stood in the center of the open field, fluttering gently in the wind.

Ninety percent of the training ground was marked out with white lime lines to indicate the waiting area for the examinees, where hundreds of genin had already gathered to take the exam.

They stood in twos and threes in the waiting area, dressed in different clothes and headbands according to their respective ninja villages, forming different groups of varying sizes.

Some people whispered among themselves, occasionally glancing at the ninjas around them.

Some people remained silent, closing their eyes and adjusting their chakra.

Some people had shifty eyes and were furtively observing the Konoha complex.

The atmosphere was oppressive, heavy, and tense, making it hard to breathe.

The sixteen-year-old boy pushed up his round-framed glasses, his gaze subtly sweeping across the crowd.

—Konoha has the most ninjas, with a total of 48.

—Secondly, Sunagakure, with 24 references.

—The Hidden Grass Village, Hidden Waterfall Village, and Hidden Rain Village... each sent 15, 9, and 12 people respectively...

—This person is…

—That person is…

The detailed data, including the number of people, their identities, and their faces, were meticulously organized by the pharmacist and then clearly memorized into his brain.

It would be almost impossible for anyone else to complete a large amount of data processing work in a short period of time using only their brain.

However, for Kabuto, although it was difficult, he was able to manage it because he had already had one or two experiences.

Kabuto didn't like or hate his job; he simply wanted to dedicate himself to that person.

Thinking about the purpose of his trip, Kabuto Yakushi focused his scattered attention on the several ninjas who were surrounded by him.

They are all talented individuals, worthy of Orochimaru's attention.

"Wade of wood".

Kabuto looked at the small group of nine people, among whom was a boy of about thirteen or fourteen.

He had delicate features, a bright expression, and an excited smile on his face, as if he was discussing with the people around him something like "I must shine brightly."

"The son of the leader of Takigakure Village."

Kabuto Yakushi whispered in a voice only he could hear:

"Gentinri level, skilled in Water Release and Takigakure style ninjutsu."

"She has a cheerful and lively personality, and possesses lofty aspirations and firm beliefs."

"But they have never seen blood, have been well protected, and are relatively immature."

In truth, Kabuto didn't quite understand why such talent would attract Orochimaru's attention.

He vaguely guessed that it might be Shibuki's background—his identity as the son of the leader of Takigakure Village—which would be of some value to Orochimaru.

He didn't want to delve into the specific details, nor was he willing to do so.

He only needs to strictly follow Orochimaru's orders.

Compared to Shibuki, the other person they are focusing on is much more talented.

A noisy commotion came from nearby. Yakushi Kabuto looked in the direction of the sound and his gaze shifted slightly.

He is a ninja from Sunagakure.

Unlike other ninja villages, they formed two distinct groups.

Moreover, the atmosphere between the two groups was extremely disharmonious; they had only been together for less than ten minutes when they started arguing over trivial matters.

The loud noise made many people look quite unhappy.

However, due to Sunagakure's status as a major village, they could only suppress their discomfort and forcibly distract themselves.

Only the people of Konoha showed their dislike without any fear.

Sensing the hostile gazes around her, a girl from one of the Sunagakure groups, wearing a headscarf and with two purple "T" shaped marks on her face, frowned and reprimanded:

"Quiet!"

"This is Konoha. Please be aware of our identity!"

"Don't let the other ninja villages laugh at Sunagakure!"

It seemed that this girl had a higher level of prestige among the group, so after she spoke, the leader of another group snorted coldly, and then everyone fell silent.

However, their gazes were filled with hostility, as if the person in front of them was not a fellow villager, but an enemy.

The girl's behavior attracted a lot of attention.

There was hostility, caution, mockery, and respect.

For example, Shibuki stared admiringly at the girl's earnest and clear almond-shaped eyes, completely mesmerized.

The girl's rationality, calmness, seriousness, and dignity were precisely the qualities he desperately wanted to pursue.

Kabuto Yakushi witnessed the entire process. He adjusted his glasses again and said softly:

"Sunagakure, Shinju."

"The apprentice of Yotaka, the hero of Sunagakure."

"Skilled in sealing techniques and physical combat."

"He has a serious and meticulous personality and is meticulous in his work."

"He is a top contender in this Chunin Exams."

His gaze shifted to the other side, to the sand village boy with the buzz cut:

"Sunagakure Village, Daimaru."

"He calls himself the Red Sandstorm and is skilled in Earth Release techniques."

"Arrogant and conceited, only caring about himself."

"His relationship with Masaki was extremely bad."

"..."

Just as Kabuto was about to continue his analysis, he suddenly heard a commotion behind him.

The noise was particularly "ear-catching" on the quiet playground.

He turned around and looked at the person who had come in. His eyes flickered slightly after he saw who it was.

—The person the adults specifically instructed has appeared.

His lips moved, and Kabuto softly recited:

"Konoha, the eldest son of the Nara clan."

"Nara Shikage."