26-30

**Chapter 26: Shadow Attack Under the Nightlights!**

“Are you saying that, apart from our Leaf Village ninjas, there are two more ninjas in the caravan?”

Nara Shikano woke from his short nap, his brows slightly furrowed.

“And one of them is even the leader of a small caravan?”

“Yes, clan leader,” Nara Raku reported seriously.

“From my observation, the mental energy within that leader’s mind is incredibly strong, rivaling that of Haiichi.”

As the next in line to lead the Yamanaka clan, Yamanaka Haiichi had trained their family’s secret mental techniques for years. His mental energy was vast, making him one of the elites, even among high-ranking ninjas.

If this caravan leader only showed traces of chakra flow in his body, Nara Raku wouldn’t have paid much attention. After all, in these chaotic times, it’s reasonable for a merchant leader to learn a bit of ninjutsu for self-defense.

But for a seemingly unknown caravan leader to possess mental energy on par with the Yamanaka clan’s top members?

It’s true that there are some powerful figures in the ninja world who exist outside the traditional ninja village system, but it’s rare for elite ninja-level individuals to pop up out of nowhere!

Upon realizing this, Nara Raku immediately interrupted his training to report to the clan leader.

As for rushing forward to confront the leader directly... Nara Raku wasn’t that reckless.

“This is indeed very suspicious,” Nara Shikano said, frowning deeper, a few wrinkles appearing on his forehead.

His thoughts mirrored Nara Raku’s.

If the caravan leader were just a regular person who had learned a bit of ninjutsu, Nara Shikano would have pretended not to notice. The mission this time was only to escort some small caravans to the capital. No need to complicate things.

But the problem was that the leader’s power seemed too high—unusually high.

Mental energy comparable to elite jonin...

Combined with the information they had about the bounty hunters who attacked the caravan earlier, it wasn’t hard for Nara Shikano to connect the caravan leader, "Oyashiro Flame," with the infamous “Clan Slayer of the Blood Pool.”

This speculation might not be entirely accurate, but it wasn't far-fetched!

Without the "Clan Slayer" connection, Nara Shikano would have quietly strengthened security around Oyashiro Flame. But the reputation of the "Clan Slayer" was too dangerous to ignore.

“This is a big deal. We can't act rashly.”

“Raku, how did you discover that he was a ninja?” Nara Shikano stroked his beard and asked cautiously.

“Haiichi's sensory chakra scanned the caravan many times and found nothing.”

Shikano’s doubts were reasonable. Though he valued Nara Raku as a promising young ninja, he was still a genin on his first mission outside the village. In contrast, Yamanaka Haiichi was an expert in mental perception.

“Perhaps the caravan leader used some method to block Haiichi's sensory abilities,” Nara Raku suggested. He removed his sunglasses, revealing his eyes.

“As for how I found out... My ‘Pitch Black Eyes’ can observe the flow of mental energy.”

Ninjutsu techniques are usually highly classified, but since Nara Raku had already planned to share the scroll for his technique with the family, he didn’t hide the details.

“‘Pitch Black Eyes’ can see mental energy too?”

Hearing this, Nara Shikano almost yanked out his beard in surprise.

“These eyes... They might become the Nara clan's equivalent of the Sharingan!”

“Raku, I’m starting to regret not taking the scroll from you earlier,” Shikano said with a complex expression. “These eyes are stronger than I thought.”

“My stance remains the same,” Nara Raku replied firmly. “The clan leader can take the scroll anytime. In fact, with war looming, if our clan learns the ‘Pitch Black Eyes,’ it will definitely enhance our survival on the battlefield.”

As an A-rank ninjutsu, learning the Pitch Black Eyes wasn’t easy. But Nara Raku believed that the Nara clan’s intellect would help them grasp it quickly, especially when paired with enthusiasm for a no-hand-seal technique like this.

“Of course, I understand,” Shikano said, stroking his beard again.

As a clan leader, he had to consider many things. While the Pitch Black Eyes were powerful, their influence extended beyond the clan, affecting relations with other families in the village.

Currently, the Nara clan held a comfortable position in the Leaf Village—not too high, not too low. But introducing something like the Pitch Black Eyes could shift that balance, bringing attention from other clans or even the Hokage.

To maintain their comfort and avoid undue pressure, they needed to be cautious.

After a moment of contemplation, Nara Shikano made a decision. “After this mission, hand over the scroll. I will spread it within the clan, but only to a select few, with strict confidentiality.”

Nara Raku nodded in agreement but sighed inwardly. "Clan leader... please don’t jinx it."

“Raku,” Shikano’s sharp eyes met his, the weight of expectation increasing. "Do you have the confidence to face Oyashiro Flame?"

Nara Raku froze. “Huh?”

...

Nara Raku left the tent and slowly approached Oyashiro Flame, the caravan leader.

Though he hadn’t expected the clan leader to send him against a potential elite jonin, he wasn’t without confidence.

As he walked, his shadow flowed like waves, and soon a perfect clone of himself appeared in front of him. 

**[S-Rank Technique: Shadow Clone Jutsu]**

The clone stood still, while Nara Raku’s real body merged into its shadow. 

**[C-Rank Technique: Shadow Melding Jutsu]**

‘This is my clone form?’ Nara Raku thought as he examined the clone's body, feeling light and free.

Approaching Oyashiro Flame, who was feeding horses by the fire, Nara Raku’s shadow stretched long in the lamplight.

“Oyashiro-san,” he called out suddenly, causing Oyashiro to jump in surprise, accidentally cutting his hand.

“Ouch... What is it, young man?” Oyashiro said, turning with a pained expression. His outlandish diamond-shaped sunglasses glinted in the light.

Nara Raku's eyes narrowed, his shadow already intertwining with Oyashiro's. 

"Have you heard of... the Shadow Possession Jutsu?"

**Chapter 27: Shichigan vs. Blood Dragon Eyes! (Please Follow, Please Vote)**

"Shadow, Binding Jutsu?"

Yuya sharply caught the keyword "shadow."

He instinctively wanted to look down to check his own shadow.

But at that moment, Yuya realized that what was usually a simple action—lowering his head—had become extremely difficult.

He could only roll his eyes down, barely managing to see the two shadows overlapping at the start.

‘Not good! I've already fallen for this kid’s ninjutsu!’

Yuya inwardly shouted in alarm.

He wanted to activate the Blood Dragon Eyes unique to the Blood Pond Clan.

However, recalling certain actions he'd taken recently, he suppressed the urge forcefully.

‘I can’t! The Ino-Shika-Cho trio from the Leaf Village is nearby. I can't afford to make a scene...’

Yuya ruled out the possibility of Ino-Shika-Cho discovering his true identity.

Because if they had, there wouldn't be just this kid here facing him now!

“Hey, kid.”

Yuya forced an ugly smile. Blood continued to flow from the wound on his left hand, yet strangely, it didn’t leave his palm.

"I haven’t heard of anything like a shadow-binding technique. Can you let me go?

"I'm just an ordinary merchant group leader. If you have any demands, feel free to ask."

"You're no regular merchant..."

Nara Raku took advantage of the opponent initiating conversation to decisively use another family secret technique.

**[C-Rank Secret Technique: Shadow Strangle Jutsu]**

**[Technique Description: On command, the shadow transforms into a hand]**

**[Technique Effect: Turns the user’s shadow into a large, powerful hand, extending it to the opponent’s neck to strangle or incapacitate]**

**[Technique Evaluation: Squeeze your neck, lock your throat]**

After some discussion with the old clan chief, Nara Raku deduced that Yuya was very likely the ninja who had escaped from the Land of Hot Water.

But unless the other party exposed solid proof of his identity—specifically those Blood Dragon Eyes that symbolize the Blood Pond Clan—

Raku's "conclusion" could only remain a "conclusion."

Yuya was not a "renegade ninja from the Land of Hot Water" but rather the "client of a Leaf Village B-Rank mission."

Thus, Nara Raku's combat strategy was not aimed at "killing the target" but rather capturing him first!

In his **Shichigan** state, Raku effortlessly cast the **Shadow Strangle Jutsu** without needing any hand seals.

The shadow lying flat on the ground suddenly formed a skinny, dark hand, which climbed along Yuya's immobilized legs, aiming to lock onto his neck.

Seeing the shadow hand approaching in his peripheral vision, Yuya broke into a cold sweat.

‘Kid... No choice! I have to reveal some of my abilities!’

Throughout their conversation, Yuya rapidly assessed his situation.

He found that the so-called "shadow-binding technique" only restricted his physical movement without affecting the flow of blood or chakra internally.

This discovery was a huge relief for Yuya.

‘For ordinary ninjas, restricting their movement would be enough!’

‘But for me, with my kekkei genkai, that alone is far from enough!’

Yuya's eyes sharpened, and he unleashed a portion of the special kekkei genkai ability of the Blood Pond Clan.

The blood originally seeping out of his left palm surged back into his body, accelerating his blood flow.

Clearly, the injury on his left hand was no accident—it was intentional!

The shadow hand was about to reach Joen's neck when his face flushed a bright, almost garish red, and his chest pounded like a drum.

Boom!

At this critical moment—

With a muffled sound, Joen's originally thin and weak body inflated like a balloon, nearly doubling in width.

‘This is like a special version of the Akimichi Clan's Multi-Size Technique!’

Feeling the explosive resistance transmitted through the shadow tendril, Nara Raku's pupils shrank slightly.

‘The clan chief’s information on the Blood Pond Clan mentioned their genjutsu and blood control abilities but didn’t mention they could do something like this!’

In that instant, Raku realized—

The Blood Pond Clan had been out of the public eye for far too long.

So long, in fact, that all the Nara Clan's intelligence on them had become outdated.

Nara Raku instinctively tried to strengthen the **Shadow Binding Jutsu**.

But there was no way Yuya would let go of this hard-earned chance to escape!

He grasped his left hand, manipulating the remaining blood in his palm with his mental energy, molding it into a crimson blood shuriken.

Using his enlarged body and enhanced strength, Joen fiercely flung the blood shuriken toward Nara Raku.

Whoosh—

The spinning blood shuriken tore through the air with power comparable to a regular iron shuriken.

Raku frowned slightly.

The Ino-Shika-Cho team was watching from the shadows; he wasn’t ready to expose the **Shadow Clone Jutsu**'s "Shadow Elementalization" just yet.

‘I'll handle that blood shuriken a different way then!’

Raku infused his will into the shadow, which responded to its master's call, morphing violently.

The thick shadow emerged from Raku’s body, forming a petite, jet-black shield in front of him.

**[B-Rank Secret Technique: Shadow Shield Jutsu]**

**[Technique Description: On command, the shadow transforms into a shield]**

**[Technique Effect: Infuses shadow with Yin Chakra, solidifying it into a sturdy shadow shield for protection]**

**[Technique Evaluation: Defense incoming!]**

Crack!

The blood shuriken shattered against the shadow shield, failing to make a dent. Instead, it disintegrated, scattering into countless droplets of blood that burst like fireworks in midair.

**[B-Rank Ninja Battle Task Triggered!]**

**[B-Rank Task: The Last of the Blood Pond Clan]**

**[Task Objective: Defeat/Eliminate Yuya]**

**[Task Reward: One B-Rank Ninja Scroll]**

The long-awaited mission notification appeared.

Raku glanced at it briefly.

It confirmed what he had already sensed—

Joen was not only a jonin but also the culprit behind the slaughter of the Blood Pond Clan!

However, with his bizarre surge of power, Joen had broken free from the **Shadow Binding Jutsu** and was now staying as far away as possible from Raku's shadow.

Huff—

Under Raku's watchful eyes, Joen’s swollen form began deflating, shrinking back to his original thin shape.

"Hey, kid!"

Yuya looked pale, but he managed to force an angry expression.

With the Ino-Shika-Cho trio still watching—

Joen knew he couldn’t take on the famous Leaf Village trio alone, especially when he wasn't alone...

So even now, he intended to keep his true identity hidden.

"I don’t know what that was just now, but are Leaf Village ninjas really planning on going back on their word and ambushing a mission client?"

Shadows flowed beneath Raku, covering his further actions.

"Still hiding your true self, Mr. Yuya?"

Raku spoke slowly, almost tauntingly.

"Even what you’ve already shown isn't something a regular merchant could do."

“I admit I’ve kept some things hidden.”

Joen unexpectedly responded calmly, raising his right hand, which emitted a green glow.

"But as a traveling merchant, learning some medical ninjutsu for self-defense, to minimize injury—surely that’s reasonable."

"Including what you did earlier—growing in size and manipulating blood?"

Yuya adjusted his glasses, trying to keep his tone even.

"Well, as a medical ninja... Blood Dragon Eyes!"

Mid-sentence—

Joen suddenly pushed his rectangular glasses up to his forehead and activated his kekkei genkai.

If he let this brat continue, the Ino-Shika-Cho trio would come to check!

He couldn't stall anymore!

Joen's eyes quickly transformed.

The sclera turned crimson, the iris black, and the pupil morphed into a light purple slit.

Two lines of blood trickled from his eyes, leaving bright trails on his cheeks.

This was the kekkei genkai of the Blood Pond Clan—the Blood Dragon Eyes.

“Kid, witness the hypnotic power of the Blood Dragon Eyes!”

Joen locked his eyes on Raku, trying to drag him into the illusionary world of his eye technique.

But—

Boom!

The Raku standing before him burst into smoke.

Another Raku rose from the shadows behind Joen.

**[C-Rank Technique: Earth Style - Earth Dragon Concealment]**

Standing behind Joen, Raku didn’t hold back his mental energy, using **Shadow Binding Jutsu** to secure him in place.

“Gotcha! Blood Pond Clan ninja!”

**[Shadow Shield], a skill seen in the movie *The Will of Fire*. It's one of Shikamaru Nara's abilities, used to wrap himself in shadows for defense.**

---
end

**Chapter 28 [Class B Ninja Scroll: Blood Bullet]! 

‘The one I was just fighting was only a clone?’

Oyayashiro Homura looked at the shadow clone that burst into smoke and disappeared, feeling a tremendous shock.

His sinister, ghostly blood-dragon eyes became momentarily vacant due to this bewilderment.

But Homura was a skilled jōnin. Ignoring his surprise, he instantly started gathering chakra as soon as he realized his visual genjutsu had failed, trying to leave the area quickly.

However, the familiar feeling of restriction from his body made him realize that he had once again been trapped by the boy’s "shadow."

‘When did that kid manage to sneak behind me?’

Homura gritted his teeth, and blood flowed from his eyes like tears.

Hearing the young voice behind him, he knew his true identity had been exposed.

At this point, Homura didn’t bother trying to hide the commotion anymore.

‘Escape! I need to escape Konoha’s sensory range with Chino as quickly as possible!’

As Homura tried to unleash all his power to break free from the shadow’s bind…

The Chōji-Ino-Shika team, which had been hiding in the shadows for a long time, finally made their move.

Yamanaka Haichi sat cross-legged on the ground, raising both hands—his right palm facing forward, his left palm facing backward. His thumbs and index fingers formed a peculiar gesture similar to a camera frame.

Generally, ninjas use twelve hand signs named after the twelve earthly branches.

But those are just basic signs.

In the ninja world, there are some special secret techniques that require unique gestures for assistance.

The gesture Haichi formed, resembling a "camera frame," was designed specifically for the Yamanaka clan’s advanced mental techniques.

The target framed by this "camera" was Oyayashiro Homura, who was being held by Nara Raku’s shadow bind.

“Ninja Art: Mind Chaos Technique!”

Haichi’s accumulated mental energy surged out, rapidly crossing space and entering Homura’s brain.

This advanced Yamanaka clan yin release shattered Homura's mental energy.

Though his mind was still conscious, Homura could no longer control his body properly, let alone use ninjutsu or advanced kekkei genkai techniques.

‘More ninjas have intervened.’

Feeling his body completely out of control, Homura's hope sank.

‘This is a technique that disrupts the link between mind and body… it must be from the Yamanaka clan, right? The Chōji-Ino-Shika trio is here…’

Raku stood in Homura’s shadow.

Sensing the resistance disappear almost instantly, he immediately understood—the clan head had made his move!

Raku peeked out, just in time to see Nara Shikano appear with a flash.

The old clan head approached and pried open Homura's jaw, inserting a dark medicinal pill inside.

“That’s enough, Raku.”

Shikano said, gesturing to the back.

“I’ve given him a chakra-suppressing pill; he won't be able to use or gather chakra for now.”

As Raku nodded and released the shadow bind…

Haichi and Akimichi Chōza also stepped out of the shadows and arrived.

Ignoring Homura, who looked dejected and disheveled, both members of the current Chōji-Ino-Shika were surprised as they looked at Raku.

Before the fight, neither Haichi nor Chōza had high hopes for Raku.

In a sense, ninja battles can indeed be described as "intelligence battles."

If one side’s combat abilities are exposed…

The other side can devise specific battle plans in advance, targeting the opponent’s weaknesses.

For a ninja, having prior knowledge of an enemy’s abilities is almost like holding the key to victory.

But this only applies if the ninjas are somewhat evenly matched.

To have a genin face an elite jōnin?
It’s practically sending him to his death.
That’s what Haichi and Chōza thought.

The power gap between a genin and an elite jōnin can’t simply be bridged by leaking some intelligence.

And the information they had on the Blood Pond clan’s abilities was decades old.

Yet, despite Homura displaying powers beyond their information, such as some kind of expansion technique in this battle…

Raku still delivered a perfect result.

“Well done, Raku.”

“As expected of a Nara clan genius!”

As fellow members of the Chōji-Ino-Shika formation, Haichi and Chōza weren’t stingy with their praise.

“Good job, Raku.”

Shikano also complimented, his weathered face full of gratification.

Although he was the one who personally ordered Raku to face Homura alone…

He didn’t have much confidence deep down.

Though hiding in the shadows, the old clan head was ready to assist at any moment.

He just didn’t expect Raku would actually “take down” Homura!

Even Shikano believed that Raku’s performance in this battle was nearly flawless.

Though Haichi eventually delivered the final blow…

If Raku had used "Shadow Stitching" instead of "Shadow Bind" when sneaking up behind Homura, the fight could have ended right there!

What satisfied Shikano the most, though, was Raku’s flexible use of the family’s inherited “shadow techniques.”

Raku nodded in gratitude to his elders, then quietly stepped aside and called up the panel.

Just as the old clan head had drugged Homura…

A notification popped up on his virtual panel.

[You have defeated the Class B ninja in your battle mission!]

[You have received a Class B [Ninja Scroll]!]

‘Looks like the [Lazy System] doesn’t care about the process, only the result…’

Raku observed the virtual panel, his thoughts racing.

‘Once I trigger a battle mission, as long as my opponent loses in front of me, regardless of others intervening, it’s counted as a mission complete…’

‘So, not only can I piggyback on commissioned missions, but battle missions too?’

Raku felt like he had discovered a “highlight” of the [Lazy System].

Yet, at the same time, he couldn’t shake an odd feeling.

‘Why call this a [Lazy System]?’

‘Aside from eating and taking meds to boost attributes, it’s practically a mission system now…’

He mentally complained.

Complaints aside, though, he still needed to open the [Ninja Scroll].

Raku glanced at Homura, who was slumped on the ground, looking like a dejected, hopeless fish.

‘I wonder what this Class B [Ninja Scroll] will reward me with…’

For Raku, a visual genjutsu from the Blood Pond clan would be an excellent reward.

If he could integrate it into his [Pitch Black Eye], Raku could enjoy the thrill of "knocking someone out with a glare."

‘Could it be genjutsu?’

Raku opened the [Ninja Scroll].

[Opening…]

[Content of this Class B Ninja Scroll: Technique]

[Class B Technique: Blood Bullet]

[Technique Description: Advanced blood-control technique of the Blood Pond clan]

[Technique Effect: Infuses yin chakra into blood, compresses it to the limit, then fires it like a bullet at supersonic speed.]

[Technique Evaluation: I stood up, fired a shot, and that’s all there is to say.]

‘Huh?’

Raku looked at the Class B technique on the panel, his pupils dilating slightly.

‘Am I about to evolve from the era of cold weapons to the age of firearms?’

Though [Blood Bullet] was described as a unique blood-control technique of the Blood Pond clan…

Compared to his previous abilities like [Camouflage Concealment] and [Super Beast Imitating Drawing], [Blood Bullet] fit better into Raku’s ability framework.

Because it was a yin release!

In an instant, Raku formulated a combo plan in his mind, though…

It was a bit dirty.

‘The invisible [Camouflage Concealment] paired with the fast-attacking [Blood Bullet]…’

‘Sneak close, blast the face.’

‘Only the dirtiest ninjas could think of such a nasty combination!’

Raku was in a great mood.

At this moment…

Homura, who had been slumping in defeat, happened to look up.

“I’ve fallen into Konoha's hands…”

Having lost control of his chakra, Homura had reverted from his blood-dragon eye state, his pupils returning to their original light purple.

“But I don't understand. I was careful the whole way here. How did you discover me?”

Actually, we didn’t even know you were a ninja…

Shikano kept a straight face, showing no emotion.

“That’s a secret.”

The old clan head stared at Homura.

“As a Blood Pond clan ninja, what are you doing hiding in the Land of Fire?

“I suggest you tell the truth.

“Otherwise, we’ll have to search your mind ourselves.”

At those words, Haichi took a step forward to make his presence known.

As the vice-captain of Konoha’s Analysis Squad, Haichi was skilled in memory probing.

Homura glanced at Haichi, fear lingering in his eyes from the power of that mental technique.

“If I say that I only came to the Land of Fire to live anonymously, to do business and make money to support my family… would you believe me?”

"Special hand signs, similar to the cross sign of [Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu].

   The heart-shaped sign of [Mind Transfer Jutsu].

   And some others as well. Interested readers can explore them on their own."
---

**Chapter 29: The Truth of the Clan's Extermination! **

"Do you think we, the Konoha shinobi, will believe such nonsense?" Nara Shikano retorted.

"A villain who slaughtered his entire clan, and now claims it was just to earn a living."

"Alright, I admit it sounds pretty far-fetched." 

Oya Castle Flame paused for a moment, shrugged helplessly, and said, "But if you really search my memories, you'll know I haven't lied or hidden anything."

The elder of the clan gave a noncommittal "Hmm" and then raised his right hand.

Yamanaka Haichi, understanding the signal, stepped forward, lifting his palm to press against Oya Castle Flame's forehead, preparing to probe his memories.

"W-wait!" At the last moment, Oya Castle Flame finally showed a trace of panic. 

"I want to know what you plan to do with me after searching my memories."

Nara Shikano responded calmly, "That depends on your true intentions."

Normally, if someone like Oya Castle Flame—a dangerous jonin who defected from another country and concealed his identity—was discovered by Nara Shikano and his group, they wouldn't hesitate to kill him on the spot.

Now, the only reason Nara Shikano hadn't taken his life yet was because of his current role as a mission client.

"I already told you! I came to the Land of Fire with no ulterior motives!" Oya Castle Flame seemed agitated, but eventually, he suppressed his emotions.

"No matter what you decide to do with me—execute me, take my eyes—I just hope you'll spare my daughter, Chino. She's too young to understand anything. Please don't tell her about our clan or her origins... I beg you..."

Nara Shikano furrowed his brow but gave no reply.

Yamanaka Haichi moved forward silently and began to examine Oya Castle Flame's memories.

As he delved deeper, Haichi's expression gradually darkened. 

After a long moment, he retracted his hand and returned to Nara Shikano's side, his voice complex. 

"Uncle Shikano, what he said... it's true. He has no plans to harm the Land of Fire or threaten Konoha in any way."

Nara Shikano gave him a side glance. "Are you sure you didn't fall under a Blood Dragon Eye genjutsu—never mind, that was a stupid question."

Oya Castle Flame had already taken the chakra-suppressing medication developed by the Nara clan. At this point, he couldn't even gather chakra, let alone cast illusions, especially against Yamanaka Haichi, an expert in yin release and a skilled jonin.

Nara Shikano stared intently at Oya Castle Flame, who now held his head in his hands, appearing to be in severe pain. 

The mental techniques of the Yamanaka clan could indeed peek into someone's memories, but they also caused significant damage to the target's brain.

If used on the dead, of course, there would be no outward signs of pain. But for the living, having one's memories forcibly extracted was akin to experiencing excruciating torture.

Nara Shikano asked, "Is it true that the Clan of the Blood Pond was exterminated?"

"Yes," Yamanaka Haichi confirmed. "He indeed slaughtered the entire clan, leaving only his daughter Chino alive, as he just mentioned."

Nara Shikano's frown slightly relaxed.

As long as it was confirmed that the man was a cold-blooded mass murderer, killing him on the spot wouldn't bring any psychological or moral burden.

"However, there are some hidden reasons behind the massacre," Haichi said hesitantly. "He did it to avenge his wife."

Nara Shikano furrowed his brow again, listening quietly to Haichi's story.

The story itself was not complicated.

The Valley of Hell in the Land of Hot Water was a barren and treacherous area filled with miasma. After the clan of the Blood Pond was exiled there by order of the Daimyo of the Land of Lightning, their resources became severely limited.

Decades passed, and the already scarce resources of the Valley of Hell were almost depleted. In this desperate situation, the solution that the clan elders came up with was to reduce their numbers. 

The weak—children, the elderly, the ill—were the first to be abandoned by the clan's leadership.

Oya Castle Flame's wife had been one of those left to die under these circumstances.

Nara Shikano's previously relaxed brows furrowed once more.

Oya Castle Flame's situation was completely different from what he had imagined.

As the head of the Nara clan, Shikano naturally despised the act of wiping out one's own clan, an unforgivable crime. But the massacre of the Blood Pond clan by Oya Castle Flame wasn't driven by selfish motives or some grand, lofty ideology. It was simply for revenge—and perhaps even to protect.

Nara Shikano thought of Oya Castle Flame's daughter, and sweat seeped into the palm of his hand. 

If Oya Castle Flame hadn’t acted, the next victim of the Blood Pond clan's elders would likely have been his daughter.

Nara Raku watched Oya Castle Flame, who was now silent and looking down, feeling deeply affected.

The shinobi world, with its long history, had seen many clans vanish into the mists of time, often wiped out by external forces. But here was a case of a clan wiping itself out. 

Besides the Blood Pond, the only other clan Raku could think of that might experience something similar was the Uchiha in the future.

He had no intention of comparing "Uchiha Itachi exterminating the Uchiha clan" with "Oya Castle Flame exterminating the Blood Pond clan" to determine who was more heinous or who deserved more sympathy. All he felt at that moment was intense disgust.

'This time, it really is all the world's fault!'

"My deepest apologies, Oya Castle Flame," Nara Shikano took a deep breath. "I don’t know how to judge your actions, but... we will continue this escort mission until you are safely delivered to Kyoto."

"You're not going to do anything else to me?" Oya Castle Flame struggled to lift his head, his eyes bloodshot. This wasn't a sign of the Blood Dragon Eye, but rather a result of the excruciating pain he had just endured.

"The Blood Dragon Eye, the Blood Pond clan's kekkei genkai, is extremely valuable." In Oya Castle Flame's mind, the best-case scenario was for the Ino-Shika-Cho trio to recruit him into Konoha and have him work for them. 

The alternatives were to take his eyes, kill him on the spot, conduct experiments on his body, or use him for breeding.

But instead...

Nara Shikano put away his complicated emotions and answered indifferently, "Konoha has better options."

"How straightforward of you..." Oya Castle Flame relaxed completely, slumping to the ground, eyes shut tight, voice weak.

"Konoha’s shinobi are nothing like the ones I encountered from Kirigakure... It's really hard to imagine, how two shinobi villages could be so different... Maybe one day, we could even work together..."

Eventually, his words became so faint they could hardly be heard.

With the hidden threat neutralized, Nara Raku and his companions let down their guard and returned to their regular mission routine.

Yamanaka Haichi and Akimichi Choza continued their night watch duties, while Raku and the clan leader went to rest.

The night passed without further incident.

The next morning, the convoy was ready to depart, continuing toward the capital city of the Land of Fire.

Nara Raku's team's actions from the previous night hadn't caused much commotion.

In fact, during breakfast, Oya Castle Flame even approached Nara Shikano to greet him, though his complexion still looked unwell.

While Oya Castle Flame remembered what had happened the night before, he understood that Nara Shikano and his team's actions were entirely within the bounds of their duties.

Thinking from their perspective, if Oya Castle Flame were in their position, he wouldn't have ignored a person who had slaughtered his entire clan without doing something about it.

In response to his greeting, the elder's attitude was cold.

He could understand Oya Castle Flame’s quest for vengeance, but that didn’t mean he wished to get along with him peacefully.

Oya Castle Flame was brushed off but didn’t mind. As a merchant, he wasn’t one to dwell on pride. 

Besides, what Oya Castle Flame was interested in wasn't Nara Shikano himself, but the medical supplies that the Nara clan had.

It was better to use the conflict from the previous night to build a connection with the Nara clan.

The caravan rolled along slowly.

After half a day's journey and repelling another group of bounty hunters along with a small band of vagrants, they finally arrived at Kyoto.

At Kyoto’s gates, Might Guy's team, who had accepted the B-rank mission "Caravan Escort," left the caravan, while Asuma Sarutobi’s team, assigned the B-rank mission "Bounty Hunter," accompanied Nara Shikano and his group to the Daimyo's palace.

Daimyo's mansion, located in the central area of Kyoto, was far more magnificent and exquisite compared to the surroundings.

Led by Nara Shikano, Nara Raku and the others entered the mansion without any obstacles.

The daimyo had already received news of the arrival of the Konoha ninjas.

Not only that, but the daimyo was also aware of the reason why the Konoha ninjas had come to Kyoto.

In short—money!

Without any unnecessary fuss, the daimyo, upon receiving a report from the court officials, immediately summoned the Konoha ninjas.

After some formal negotiations, the Fire Country daimyo readily agreed to support Konoha’s request and had court maidens escort the ninjas out of the palace politely.

“The daimyo is much more reasonable than I expected!”

Akimichi Choza patted his stomach and laughed heartily.

“With the mission completed so quickly, it looks like we can have a good meal in Kyoto!”

Just as he finished speaking, a rude voice called out to them.

“You guys, are you the ninjas from Konoha?”

A group of people walked toward them aggressively, all of them with a triangular piece of cloth embroidered with the word "Fire" tied around their waists.

“So they really are a bunch of country bumpkins!”

In the original anime, the family background of Oyakata Castle Flame was only mentioned briefly: "Because his wife was forced to death by people of the same clan, he slaughtered the entire clan in revenge."

The reason for his wife being forced to death is an addition from the author.

This is what we call "secondary setting."

(End of chapter)

Chapter 30: Shadow Secret Techniques = Genjutsu? (Please subscribe and vote!)

"These people are..."

Nara Raku examined the newcomers.

The faces of these uninvited guests all bore an unmistakable air of arrogance.

Though they wore the attire of ninjas, none of them carried a forehead protector.

Only the dark cloth with a "Fire" insignia around their waists revealed their true identity—

"Are you ninjas of the Twelve Guardian Ninja?"

Akimichi Chōza had also noticed the dark cloth with the "Fire" symbol, and his brow furrowed in displeasure.

No one enjoys having their fun interrupted by a group of strangers lacking tact.

"It seems the Konoha ninjas aren't as ignorant as we thought!" 

The young ninja leading the group sneered coldly.

"I figured you mountain-dwelling beggars only knew how to ask the daimyō for money!"

At this, Nara Raku and the others kept their composure.

But Sarutobi Asuma, a proud “second-generation elite,” couldn’t stand it.

"What nonsense are you spewing?!"

Asuma glared at the intruders, pulling out a kunai from his waist pouch, gripping it tightly.

"Are you looking for a fight?"

"Sarutobi, stand down!" 

Nara Shikano barked sternly.

"If a monkey from your clan bit you, would you bite back?"

Asuma was caught off guard by this bizarre analogy.

"What...what does that even mean?"

The young "monkey" of the Sarutobi clan didn't understand.

But the Guardian Ninjas, who were insulted as "monkeys," understood perfectly.

"You—what did you say?!"

The leader of the Guardian Ninja took a step forward, ready to teach these Konoha "hillbillies" a lesson.

However, he soon realized his legs wouldn’t move.

Not only him, but the other Guardian Ninjas were also immobilized.

Shikano's shadow had spread beneath him like a blooming black lotus, with shadow tendrils radiating in all directions, effortlessly capturing each of the Guardian Ninjas.

**Shadow Imitation Technique!**

Before the Guardians could even react, Shikano had already bound them in place with his shadows.

Compared to the battle-hardened elder Shikano, these young Guardian Ninjas were like sheltered flowers, innocent and unprepared.

"No need to waste time on them."

Shikano’s voice remained calm as he stepped forward, the other Konoha ninjas following.

"We’ve received plenty of war supplies from the daimyō. Letting him express a bit of displeasure isn’t a big deal."

From beginning to end, Shikano never spoke directly to the Guardian Ninjas.

The greatest form of contempt is silence.

Not even a glance.

Humiliated and feeling their pride crushed, the young ninja flushed with anger, desperately wanting to speak up.

"You—mmph!"

**Shadow Neck Bind Technique!**

A shadowy hand whipped upwards, slapping the young ninja across the face with a sharp crack, while simultaneously muffling his mouth.

Though the blow wasn’t physically damaging, the humiliation was overwhelming.

Smack!

Feeling the stinging numbness on his cheek, the young leader became enraged.

But no matter how much he struggled, he couldn’t break free from the shadow bind, only managing to let out pitiful muffled sounds.

The other Guardian Ninjas, seeing their leader's predicament, didn’t dare utter another word.

With calm expressions, Shikano and his team left the daimyo's residence.

"Let's part ways here," Shikano said, gesturing to the others while standing beside Nara Raku.

"We have additional tasks to complete. Haichi, Chōza, keep an eye on these kids, and don’t let them cause any trouble."

"We're not kids! We're already official genin!" Sarutobi Asuma protested, clearly annoyed.

"Know what should be done, and what shouldn’t," Shikano advised.

‘It’s you I’m most worried about,’ Shikano thought but didn’t say aloud.

He only nodded at Yamanaka Haichi and Akimichi Chōza.

‘If the Third Hokage's son causes trouble in Kyoto, it’ll be a real mess...’

Haichi, ever the responsible one, nodded firmly. "I understand, Uncle Shikano."

Chōza, the more easygoing of the group, stretched lazily. 

"Come on, kids! Let’s go grab a bite to eat!"

Once separated from the main group, Nara Raku followed Shikano as they headed deeper into Kyoto.

"Clan leader, were those really the 'Guardian Ninja'?"

Raku couldn’t help but ask.

Those nameless, lackluster ninjas had left him with an even worse impression of the Twelve Guardian Ninja.

"Yes, those cloths around their waists are their identification," Shikano confirmed. 

"Though the organization was originally founded by Konoha, the Land of Fire, and the Fire Temple, its purpose was to protect the daimyō. Nowadays, many of the Guardian Ninjas only serve the daimyō, not the Hokage."

"But not all of them are like that," Shikano added.

Still... that sounds pretty lame, Raku thought to himself.

The Twelve Guardian Ninja... just twelve ninjas, and they were divided into factions based on loyalty to the Hokage or the daimyō?

What a joke.

From what Raku knew, the group would later split into two opposing factions, even going so far as to attack Konoha with the aim of destroying it.

Destroy Konoha? 

Where did they get that kind of confidence?

"Disappointed in them?" Shikano glanced at Raku's expression and chuckled.

"There’s no such thing as a perfect organization in the ninja world. Any group that exists long enough will eventually have its internal conflicts."

"Including Konoha..." Shikano stopped himself, deciding not to delve into the topic.

To him, Raku’s priority should be to focus on improving his own strength. Issues of politics and internal conflicts could wait.

"Clan leader, I think the 'Twelve Guardian Ninja' is a dead-end group," Raku said openly, no longer hiding his thoughts.

"They're few in number, bogged down with petty issues, and full of internal strife. I don’t like them, and I certainly don’t want to join them."

"Are you sure about that?" Shikano looked at Raku.

"Yes." Raku nodded, feigning regret. "Seems like I’ll have to miss out on that special reward you mentioned."

"That’s no big deal," Shikano shrugged, leading Raku down a winding path out of Kyoto.

"Remember what I told you? The two special rewards prepared for the clan’s mission depend on your needs and fate."

"If you don’t want to become a Guardian Ninja, then don’t!"

The old clan leader’s tone was gentle.

"Now, how about I tell you what the second reward is?" 

Raku perked up. He had been curious about this mystery reward the entire journey.

Could there really be something amazing in the ninja world that he didn’t know about?

The two stepped into a lush, verdant forest.

If nothing else, the Land of Fire was abundant in towering trees.

"Before I reveal the second reward, I want to test your understanding of our clan's secret techniques," Shikano said, slowing his pace and stroking his beard.

"Raku, what do you think is the greatest advantage of our Nara clan’s shadow techniques?"

"The greatest advantage?" Raku pondered for a moment.

"I believe it’s the power in the mechanism of the technique itself."

"Others might think the strength of the shadow techniques lies in their versatility and stealth, but to me, the true power comes from their control."

Unlike typical elemental ninjutsu, whether it's an S-rank or D-rank technique, be it lightning, wind, water, fire, or earth-based, they all amount to offensive skills.

Shadow techniques, on the other hand, are control skills, or even battlefield control skills.

In a sense, the Nara clan’s shadow techniques could be considered a physical, chakra-based form of **genjutsu**!

Genjutsu’s core principle is to interfere with an opponent’s five senses, disrupt their chakra flow, and trap them in an illusion.

Most genjutsu works by confusing the enemy’s mind and causing them to lose control of their body.

Likewise, the Nara clan’s most basic D-rank technique, **Shadow Imitation**, restricts an enemy’s movement.

Raku explained all this in great detail, causing Shikano’s expression to shift in surprise.

It was as if the clan leader had asked a simple question like “What’s 1+1?” and Raku had responded with a full lecture on **why** 1+1 equals 2.

‘So we’re actually a genjutsu clan?’