It's Too Troublesome to be Hokage

Outside the third training ground, Namikaze Minato's shadow clone wore an apologetic expression.

"Sorry, Shikadan. Kushina's straightforward character sometimes causes trouble—I hope you don't mind her behavior just now."

Although the words sounded sincere, it was just a clone speaking. The ninja clone technique truly was a useful ability, no matter how you looked at it.

"I used the [Shadow Binding Technique] first, and she reacted afterward," Nara Shikadan explained seriously to Minato's clone. "Besides, I didn't know today was your date with Miss Uzumaki Kushina and delayed it. If possible, please apologize to her for me."

Minato's clone smiled gently, relaxing.

"I will. By the way, Shikadan, from now on, just call me Brother Minato. 'Namikaze Jonin' sounds too formal. I was planning to introduce you to my three subordinates—they're all about your age, and you'd probably get along well. But I guess we'll have to wait until next time."

Minato's three subordinates? Nara Shikadan's eyes shifted slightly, picturing the three figures in his mind.

Unfortunately, no chance now.

"By the way, there's one more thing." Minato's expression turned serious.

"After today, some ninjas might take the initiative to contact you. If you encounter any trouble in the future, you can come to me."

Nara Shikadan nodded, still a bit confused.

With that, Minato's clone bid farewell and exploded into a cloud of smoke.

Watching the now empty third training ground, Nara Shikadan adjusted his sunglasses and muttered, "Some ninjas, huh?"

After leaving the training ground, Shikadan returned home. He washed his hands, burned incense, took a bath, and changed clothes—washing away the bad luck from the day.

Entering his training room, he sat cross-legged and summoned his panel.

His heart brightened as he gazed upon two A-level [Ninja Secret Scrolls] on the screen.

"Yondaime is really capable! Even if this isn't the real Yondaime—the one who opened 'little golden man mode' during the Fourth World War—this A-level scroll must be Flying Thunder God!"

He clenched his fist and used his mind to open the A-level [Ninja Secret Scroll] on the panel.

[Opening...]

[Contents of this A-level Ninja Secret Scroll: Techniques]

[A-level Technique: Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique]

[Description: Use chakra to multiply shurikens, forming a sword formation like a dragnet]

[Effect: Duplicate one shuriken into tens of thousands. Each shuriken shadow clone is a physical entity with lethal power]

[Evaluation: Namo Shuriken Gatling Bodhisattva]

Shikadan blinked, puzzled.

"Ah, this… although it's also a shuriken attack, it's not the style I wanted!"

To be honest, the [Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique] was a very good A-level ninjutsu—the massive saturation attack could work in most cases. Even though it consumed more chakra, with his [Chakra Crystal], Shikadan need not worry much about the cost.

But it was really far from what he had hoped.

He wanted to enhance combat mobility through Yondaime's scroll, but instead it reinforced his role as a "standing ninja."

"Well… isn't it good?" Shikadan comforted himself.

"It expands my abilities, and it may have upgrade potential."

He learned the [Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique].

[After learning the A-level technique [Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique], your [Ninjutsu] and [Wise Knowledge] attributes have improved somewhat!]

Shikadan ignored the message and washed his hands again.

"Minato's A-level scroll collapsed, but his wife's won't, right?"

He looked at the A-level [Ninja Secret Scroll] of Uzumaki Kushina on the panel.

"If Minato Namikaze can also transform into a turret ninja in abnormal situations, then Kushina's skill tree must be all sealing techniques.

"The sealing technique strikes at the root of the world. Even the legendary Rabbit Goddess couldn't resist it. So…"

Shikadan eagerly opened the last A-level [Ninja Secret Scroll].

[Opening...]

[A-level Sealing Technique: Four Symbols Seal]

[Description: Use the cycle of the four symbols to seal evil sealing techniques]

[Effect: By applying four different chakra properties, leave chakra seals on target's body or objects to strictly restrict chakra flow and use. Unless the bloodline network power is borrowed or seals released, the [Four Symbols Seal] cannot be removed manually. Two [Four Symbols Seals] combined form the Eight Trigrams Sealing Technique.]

[Evaluation: What have you sealed!?]

"It's a sealing technique!" Shikadan's eyes lit up.

Compared to Kushina's sealing technique, what a rotten shrimp the [Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique] seemed.

Shikadan had a deep impression of the [Four Symbols Seal], especially the final note about the Eight Trigrams Sealing Technique.

Simply put, the sealing technique used to contain the Yang Nine-Tails in Uzumaki Naruto will be the Eight Trigrams Sealing Technique.

Combined use of two [Four Symbols Seals] can even hold the Nine-Tails in check.

What a powerful force!

Shikadan knew stronger sealing techniques existed, but the [Four Symbols Seal] was enough for a long time.

The panel mentioned that the [Four Symbols Seal] requires four chakra properties to complete the cycle.

Shikadan touched his chin.

"I have three B-level elemental escape techniques: [Fire Style: Hard Work], [Wind Style: Suppression], and [Earth Style: Earth Spear], but I lack a water escape technique.

"I need to find a good water-style ninjutsu from Nekobaa.

"I won't bother with the water dragon bullet technique with forty-four seals—if I don't learn the [Four Symbols Seal], I won't bother with that B-level water ninjutsu either.

"Let's find a water technique with special effects…"

Shikadan roughly finalized his plan for learning the [Four Symbols Seal] and tapped the panel for more info.

[After learning the A-level sealing technique [Four Symbols Seal], your [Ninjutsu] and [Wise] attributes have improved! Overall evaluation increased!]

[Knowledge: B+ → A-]

[Overall Rating: B → B+ (Elite Jonin)]

"[Knowledge], symbolizing spiritual energy, has broken through A-level — Kage level!"

Shikadan closed his eyes, sensing the increased Yin-dun Chakra he could now control.

"This also boosts the power and endurance of [Shadow Secret Technique]. No wonder the overall evaluation improved."

His mind shifted, and one after another, [Shadow Clones] emerged from the shadows beneath him, forming a row.

"Go practice and study ninjutsu! You know what to do."

Shikadan's [Shadow Clones] instantly transformed into ruthless training machines.

Not far away, in the Hokage building.

Shimura Danzo arrived unimpeded in the Hokage's office.

Sarutobi Hiruzen lifted his eyelids upon hearing the noise.

"Danzo? Any movement from Sunagakure?"

"No information yet. I came for something else," Danzo said gloomily.

"Hiruzen, Uzumaki Kushina nearly got into big trouble just now!"

Hiruzen, used to hearing such warnings, remained calm.

He already knew the conversation would go like this:

Danzo: Nine-Tails, danger, Jinchūriki, Root.

Hiruzen: Uzumaki clan, sealing technique, Namikaze Minato.

Danzo: Hiruzen, you'll regret this.

"I am the Hokage," Hiruzen knocked the table impatiently. "If there's nothing else, please leave."

Danzo wanted to slam the door, but had one more thing.

"Just now, Namikaze Minato fought a young Nara clan ninja."

Danzo's cold voice cut through the room.

"The Namikaze Minato you praise couldn't handle the kid, even summoning the big toad Bunta! Hiruzen, you stopped Root from protecting the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, but you won't stop Root from recruiting new blood, right?"

-End Chapter-

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