It's Too Troublesome to be Hokage

Such powerful energy...

Nara Shikadan held the [Chakra Crystal] in his hand, feeling as though he were cradling a vast ocean.

The sheer chakra within the gem dwarfed his own reserves—his freshly upgraded [Accuracy], now at C-rank, felt like a trickling stream beside a raging sea.

The chakra deficiency that's plagued me all this time... it's really been solved.

Shikadan could hardly contain his excitement.

I thought I'd have to chug tonics for a month just to reach B-rank Accuracy. And now? One crystal, and boom—A-rank reserves!

He re-evaluated his current toolkit. With his chakra pool expanded, techniques like [Camouflage Concealment] and [Super Beast Imitation Drawing] could finally be deployed as reliable combat options—not just desperate gambles.

The leap in combat potential from this small indigo crystal was staggering.

"Looks like you're very satisfied with your 'second special reward,'" Nara Shikano chuckled, stroking his beard.

"More than satisfied, Clan Leader!"

Shikadan beamed, unable to hide his joy.

With his [Shadow Clone Technique]—an S-rank jutsu—and the support of the B+ level [Wise Knowledge] attribute, Shikadan could already reach combat strength approaching that of elite jōnin.

But that power had always been deceptive—achieved through clones.

His actual body was still the same frail, glass-cannon "clockwork ninja."

Shikadan had always understood his role clearly: "A support-type specialist built entirely on secret techniques."

But now, with persistent grinding and a little help from the [Lazy Ghost System], that unbalanced build was finally stabilizing.

He didn't aspire to be a taijutsu monster like Might Guy—fist-fighting was never the goal.

But at the very least, he wanted to be able to dodge the enemy's punches.

With his new chakra supply, Shikadan could start aiming for a dream long buried:

A true hexagonal warrior. A ninja without weak points.

"Patriarch," Shikadan asked, a little too eagerly, "are there any other chakra crystals in the family stash?"

"What do you think chakra crystals are, explosion tags you can pick up at the corner store?"

Nara Shikano gave him a look, half-amused and half-exasperated.

"This thing is priceless."

Shikadan grinned. "I still have that one million ryō you gave me, remember?"

Trying to buy clan treasures with clan money?

The old patriarch nearly burst out laughing.

The sound of that mental abacus clicking was probably audible all the way in Konoha!

"One million? With just this piece of crystal, you could buy three mountains!

And that's with tight usage restrictions!

If this thing could be used freely, the price would skyrocket beyond reason!"

Shikadan paused, staring down at the indigo gem in his hand.

It sat in his palm, resonating with his chakra, a cool, steady pulse beneath his fingers.

The crystal's hazy glow reminded him of twilight on a far-off green mountain—distant, serene, untouchable.

He'd thought the patriarch had already given generously.

Clearly, he'd underestimated him.

"Patriarch," Shikadan said slowly, "I just completed an S-rank mission, and you've already given me this much.

What are you planning to reward me with… when I complete the next S-rank mission?"

"'Next' S-rank mission?"

Nara Shikano snorted.

"Do you think S-rank family missions are like D-ranks from the village?

Only those who make truly exceptional contributions get S-rank designations."

"But what if I do?" Shikadan's tone was dead serious.

"Say I develop another high-level technique, something on par with [Lacquer Eye]?"

Nara Shikano opened his mouth to object—but seeing Shikadan's expression, his words died in his throat.

"...If you really do invent another advanced technique, I won't be stingy with rewards."

Very good!

Shikadan nodded, determination gleaming in his eyes.

He'd found a direction to trigger the next S-rank mission reward:

Invent another technique of clan-wide significance.

Nara Shikano, meanwhile, was starting to feel uneasy.

Why does this kid look like he's taking me completely seriously...?

To be fair, the previous S-rank mission—[Eye of Shadow]—had already maxed out the clan's reward pool.

Secret techniques. Rare books. Cold, hard cash. High-value treasure.

There wasn't much left to give!

What if he really does invent something new? Then what?

Shikano felt a headache coming on.

No use worrying now... I'll deal with it when the time comes.

Just as he reassured himself, Shikadan spoke again.

"So… if that happens, can I get another [Chakra Crystal]?"

"Ahem! Absolutely not!"

Shikano choked on his own breath.

"Don't even think about it. The clan doesn't have any more crystals of that level.

If you really want another one, you'll have to find it yourself.

And as far as I know, the only other person in Konoha with one is Tsunade-sama."

Shikadan winced.

Yeah, no thanks. That cursed necklace is off the table.

He thought for a moment.

"Patriarch, what about the Fire Temple? Do you think they have other chakra crystals?"

"How would I know that?"

"Just wondering." Shikadan shrugged.

Then a new question came to mind.

"By the way, why did the clan store such a precious item in the Fire Temple, anyway?"

"Because within the Fire Temple, chakra crystals can be replenished more effectively."

Shikano answered automatically.

Shikadan's eyes lit up.

"More effective replenishment..."

Natural energy?

It matched what the [Lazy Ghost System] had told him—one of the crystal's effects was the ability to recharge using natural energy.

He looked at Shikano.

"So that means—"

"That's a secret," the old man interrupted, face suddenly serious.

"When your chakra reserves can fully match the energy contained in the crystal, come ask me again."

Shikadan nodded.

So it really is related to natural energy...

He knew the higher-tier power structures in the ninja world.

Bloodlines like the Rinnegan or the Samsara Eye were beyond his reach.

But there was still one hope for a non-bloodline ninja like himself:

Sage Mode.

A powerful state created by blending natural energy with one's own chakra—amplifying all ninjutsu, genjutsu, and taijutsu to absurd levels.

But mastering it came with strict prerequisites.

Danger, yes—but more importantly: an enormous internal chakra pool.

Right now, thanks to the [Chakra Crystal], Shikadan could simulate that requirement.

But on his own, his [Accuracy] stat was only C-rank.

He still wasn't ready for Sage Mode.

No point dreaming about it yet... Better to focus on using this Chakra Crystal to its fullest potential.

He tightened his grip around the gem.

With this A-rank tool, I'm basically a miniature Jinchūriki now…

"Shikadan," Shikano reminded him, "how are you planning to wear the chakra crystal?"

The crystal was too large to just carry loosely in battle.

Shikadan considered his options.

Necklace. Ring. Earring.

Maybe a headband or a hair accessory.

More… eccentric placements included chokers, anklets, even belly rings.

Before his mind wandered too far, Shikano added helpfully:

"If you're leaning toward a necklace or ring, check the scroll I gave you earlier."

Shikadan quickly retrieved the sealed scroll containing chakra metal, opened it, and unsealed a silver-gray ring.

At its center was a hexagonal socket—a perfect fit for the crystal.

He embedded the indigo gem, twisted it until it clicked into place, then slid the ring onto his right index finger.

"Ahh, what a relief."

Shikano stretched with a groan, his age showing for a moment.

"Shikadan, I'm going to get some rest.

If you're curious to see what that crystal can really do in combat—go explore the temple grounds a bit.

You might find something interesting."

Shikadan nodded.

"Understood, Clan Leader."

As he looked down at the gem gleaming on his finger, a quiet confidence swelled in his chest.

This was just the beginning.