Naruto: The Shadow Lord of the Nara Clan

The second phase of the Chunin Exams—the battle for the number plates—has concluded as scheduled.

However, the number of qualified candidates this time was much lower than expected.

The main reason is that an exceptional candidate emerged among the test takers—Nara Shikakage.

Although some people guessed that Nara Shikakage was very strong based on the written test results.

However, his actual performance still shocked many of the Konoha examiners.

This is no longer a question of whether or not to become a Chunin.

The potential shown by Nara Shikakage suggests that he could very well be the next Uchiha Itachi!

However, compared to their concerns about Itachi Uchiha's excessive power, they were more excited and expectant.

After all, the Nara clan is not the Uchiha clan.

The former was highly regarded in the village, while the latter was almost infamous.

If he grows up in the future, Nara Shikakage might just become another Minato Namikaze!

As for Nara Shikakage killing a fellow villager during the exam, they didn't take it to heart.

Because this is the Chunin Exams, death is everywhere.

It is not surprising who will die, when they will die, where they will die, or at whose hands they will die.

While the Konoha ninjas were overjoyed and excited, the ninjas from other villages didn't look so happy.

The Jonin leading the group from Amegakure, in particular, had an extremely grim and unpleasant expression.

The ninjas from Takigakure and Kusagakure seemed indifferent to this, their expressions unchanging.

Although the Sand Village's Jonin leader remained calm, a hint of worry and apprehension could be seen in his eyes.

But perhaps she had thought of something, because her tightly furrowed brows relaxed, her red lips moved slightly, and she murmured to herself.

"Nara Shikakage, you're almost thirteen years old now..."

……

On the other side, at the exam site.

After the second phase of testing, the qualified candidates gathered in the lounge, waiting for the next test.

Because he acted too coldly in the Forest of Death, Shikakage was not surrounded by Konoha ninjas as before.

Even Inuzuka Hana was quietly crouching in the corner, her head down so her expression couldn't be seen.

As for Hinata Natsumi, unfortunately, she didn't get enough points because Shikakage unintentionally killed her prey.

Lu Ying has no regrets about everything she has done.

All he wanted to know was when the Chunin Exams would end.

After a long wait, the examiners for the third and final exam arrived.

He glanced expressionlessly at the candidates before him and calmly explained the exam rules.

"The third exam is now beginning."

"The rules are simple: a draw."

"Two teams compete against each other until a final winner emerges."

"Finally, your rankings will be used to determine whether you are qualified to become Chunin."

As soon as he finished speaking, the examination room fell into a deathly silence.

Everyone except Lu Ying showed a fearful expression.

Because they knew very well that they were no match for Nara Shikakage.

They are doomed to defeat if they encounter him!

If it were just failing an exam, that would be one thing.

The key issue is that Nara Shikakage doesn't know his own strength when he attacks.

Once others have secured their prey's identity card in the battle for the number plate, that's about it.

Nara Shikakage simply killed the person!

What if Nara Shikakage goes all out during the fight?

Thinking about this, 90% of the test takers turned pale and broke out in a cold sweat.

As a result, the third exam produced an extremely bizarre scene.

Any candidate who is chosen to duel with Lu Ying will raise their hands in surrender the moment the examiner gives the order to begin the exam.

Without exception!

In less than five minutes, the first place winner of the third exam was announced.

Lu Ying didn't have much of an opinion on this; it's always good to be able to relax a bit.

He yawned as he walked into the audience, surrounded by a group of excited children.

Sometimes, when he got into the mood, he would explain the details of the examinees' ninjutsu to Naruto and the others.

Second, third...

Soon, all the rankings appeared.

As soon as Lu Ying returned to the lounge, he noticed that the examinees were all staring at him with strange looks.

—What does that mean?

He blinked and turned his gaze to the somewhat embarrassed examiner beside him.

He was actually quite surprised when he received the news.

But since it was the Third Hokage's order, the examiner cleared his throat and explained:

"In the third exam, there will only be one eliminated."

"That's the candidate who ranked first."

Upon hearing this, Lu Ying tilted her head first, then spread her hands to indicate that she understood.

"Okay, I'm leaving then."

The other candidates were initially excited, but seeing Lu Ying turn and leave without a care, they suddenly felt that life had no meaning.

Not only were the test takers surprised, but the result also struck everyone who was following the Chunin Exams as absurd.

The strongest candidate became the only one to be eliminated.

This outrageous thing is unprecedented in history!

Regardless of the outside world's discussions, Lu Ying herself is indeed indifferent.

He arrived at the Hokage Building, explained the situation to the guards, and then waited idly in the corridor.

A few minutes later, the door to the Hokage's office slowly opened.

A long leg, encased in tight combat shorts, slowly emerged. The fabric clung to the leg, outlining a smooth, almost sharp, thigh line that ran from the knee upwards.

The moment the toes touched the ground, the heel struck the stone slab with a crisp sound.

Immediately afterwards, the other leg stepped out, and the moment the legs crossed, a beautiful curve was squeezed out from the buttocks.

Upon noticing someone, she didn't rush to leave, but simply turned slightly to the side.

With his long legs casually shifted half a step apart, his weight resting on his hind leg, his posture was indescribably dashing, yet also carried an aloofness that kept strangers at bay.

"Nara... Shikage?"

Lu Ying withdrew her gaze from the winding hips and waist, a smile playing on her lips as she raised her eyebrows and eyes, her gaze sweeping over the full peak:

"Jonin Yekura, I've long admired your name."

"You know me?"

Ye Cang raised an eyebrow slightly, his tone becoming gentler.

"Heroes of the Sand Village"

Hearing this, a smile didn't appear in her eyes, for this was Ye Cang's most prized title. A slight curve appeared at the corner of her lips, and her voice was slightly hoarse:

"Thank you for your help to Masaki."

"I will keep this in mind. If you ever need anything in Sunagakure, you can come find me."

Shikamaru nodded, his attitude neither humble nor arrogant.

"OK."

The two didn't interact much, so their conversation ended quickly.

Before turning around, Ye Cang glanced at Lu Ying's handsome face one last time, her eyes revealing a growing sense of appreciation and emotion.

The only pity is that Shikakage is not from Sunagakure.

Lu Ying blinked and glanced at Ye Cang's back, which was clad in openwork clothing. The spinal groove was deep and neat, and the erector spinae muscles on both sides were like sculpted ridges. The whole body was smooth as flowing water, soft yet firm.

No wonder she has the most beautiful back in Naruto.

Lu Ying nodded and smiled, then gently knocked on the office door.

After receiving the reply, he pushed open the door and entered, respectfully bowing to Hiruzen Sarutobi:

"Lord Hokage, I have completed the Anbu assessment mission."

Hiruzen Sarutobi shook the pipe in his hand, his expression softening, the wrinkles of his age smoothing out with pleasure.

"You did a great job, Lu Ying."

"It's even better than I imagined!"