Chapter 76: [Shadow Manipulation Technique] Darkness That Blocks Out the Sun!
The members of the other clans thought Shikaku Nara had lost his mind!
Not only did he hand over his clan's secret technique, but he did so with a look of joy on his face. What else could this be but madness?
Even the members of the other two clans in the Ino-Shika-Cho formation were somewhat shocked. But Shikaku remained silent. No matter how strong the bond between the three clans was, when it came to something as foundational as clan secrets, he could not interfere.
Ishihara, however, didn't care about what they thought. After receiving the scroll, he walked into the courtyard.
"Members of the Nara clan may enter; the rest will wait outside!"
Hearing his words, the Third Hokage and the others could only wait outside.
In the courtyard, Ishihara sat back down, casually took out a tea set, and handed it to Shikaku.
"Help yourself."
"Alright," Shikaku quickly took it, secretly observing Ishihara. He was curious—what kind of confidence allowed Ishihara to remain so calm in the face of anyone?
Shikaku knew his strength wasn't significant. However, the Nara, Yamanaka, and Aburame clans, along with others, all had ninjutsu that focused on control.
Even against the strongest individuals, these techniques could control them, even if only for a moment. In the heart of Konoha, once Ishihara was restrained, it would mean defeat.
But he also knew that with Ishihara's intelligence, he couldn't have overlooked this. So, he was eager to understand the source of Ishihara's confidence.
At this moment, Ishihara had already opened the scroll and was browsing its contents.
"Combining Yin Release chakra with one's own shadow, the shadow is then materialized and manipulated..."
As he read the Nara clan's secret technique, Ishihara's eyes lit up.
Just as he had speculated, this technique utilized the unique ability of Yin Release to create forms from the formless. It sounded simple, but no one in the shinobi world could truly accomplish it!
Many understood the power of Yin Release, but no one could use it to create physical forms. Even Ishihara couldn't do it yet! Only someone at the level of the Sage of Six Paths might be capable of such feats.
That's why he needed to research more secret techniques to understand the principles behind them. Once he did, his immortal technique could advance further!
As Ishihara continued reading, he couldn't help but be impressed. A secret technique passed down for hundreds of years had developed a comprehensive system. It not only included control-based ninjutsu like the Shadow Imitation Technique but also offensive techniques like the Shadow Strangulation Jutsu.
The only thing lacking was a solid defensive ninjutsu.
"Let's see if I can quickly master these techniques!"
Ishihara began attempting to learn. His research method involved observing and analyzing the process of ninjutsu and secret techniques to uncover their essence.
But observing others perform these techniques wasn't as convenient as performing them himself, allowing for a deeper understanding.
Watching Ishihara form hand signs—ones he was very familiar with—Shikaku Nara's expression grew complicated.
He had just handed over his clan's secret technique. Although his emotions were conflicted and heavy, Shikaku quickly pulled himself together, forcing himself to remain calm and focused on watching Ishihara.
He didn't know if Ishihara could quickly grasp the Nara clan's techniques, nor would he predict the outcome. What he needed now was to observe carefully and analyze.
[You have read the secret technique Shadow Imitation Technique. You have mastered Shadow Imitation Technique.]
[You have read the secret technique Shadow Strangulation Jutsu. You have mastered Shadow Strangulation Jutsu.]
[You have read the secret technique Shadow Stitching. You have mastered Shadow Stitching.]
[You have read…]
After absorbing all the information, Ishihara remained calm. Although he was a bit surprised at how quickly he had mastered these techniques, after so many years of learning at such a pace, he was used to it.
Then, he began forming hand signs and softly called out:
"Shadow Imitation Technique!"
Swish!
Instantly, Ishihara could feel his own shadow and easily manipulate it.
"In that moment, the Yin Release chakra indeed underwent a change, flowing directly into the shadow and giving it physical form!"
"The process of forming the hand signs feels like a guiding procedure, directing the Yin Release chakra to alter the shadow…"
"Let's try this a few more times. I need to understand the transformation of Yin Release chakra!"
Watching Ishihara repeatedly perform the Shadow Imitation Technique and smoothly control the shadow, Shikaku was stunned.
"He mastered our clan's secret technique after just watching it once. His talent is indeed monstrous!"
"I suspect Ishihara hasn't only mastered the five basic chakra natures; he might even have mastered Yin-Yang Release!"
Shikaku was deeply shaken. Yin-Yang Release, a power from legends, had been mastered by someone.
"I wonder what the future of the shinobi world will look like!"
He was well aware that mastering Yin-Yang Release would make the future vastly different. Especially considering Ishihara's terrifying learning ability!
For a moment, Shikaku even had a feeling that the entire shinobi world might one day submit to Ishihara!
At the same time, he felt incredibly fortunate that he had made the right decision! Otherwise, he would have missed out on the chance to ally with Ishihara.
Ishihara, unaware of Shikaku's thoughts, continued to rapidly analyze the Shadow Imitation Technique.
"First, the concept of the Shadow Imitation Technique forms in the mind, then Yin Release chakra is activated. Following that, the chakra enters the shadow to mimic the technique, finally materializing the shadow!"
"For the materialized shadow, when it links with other shadows, it becomes like the chakra from the time of the Sage of Six Paths, able to completely control them."
"This is likely the complete activation mechanism of the Shadow Imitation Technique!"
As he looked at his shadow continuously shifting forms behind him, Ishihara's expression changed slightly. "Let me test the limits of the Shadow Imitation Technique!"
Buzz—
Suddenly, terrifying chakra erupted from Ishihara, amplifying the power of the Shadow Imitation Technique.
"What is he trying to do? Could it be…"
Shikaku's expression shifted, and he quickly realized what was happening, looking over in shock.
There, a massive shadow rose like a tidal wave, with strands of shadow extending in all directions, linking to countless other shadows.
Shikaku's shadow, the shade of the trees, the shadows of the buildings, even the shadows on the streets outside, and the forest shadows further away…
Countless shadows converged at Ishihara's feet!
A vast black mass of shadow gathered beneath him, and then, like a volcanic eruption, it shot into the sky.
Then, it exploded in the air!
Like a black curtain unfurling in the sky!
It was as if a massive, ominous cloud had appeared above Konoha.
Blocking out the sun!
"This…"
Shikaku stared in horror, covered in goosebumps, completely dazed.
So this was the true power of the Shadow Imitation Technique!