[Original Ninjutsu Creation:
Name: Shadow Domain
Rank: A
Effect: Using Yin Release, this technique activates shadows, causing them to expand and gain a three-dimensional form. The size of the shadow space depends on the amount of chakra consumed and the area of shadow it connects with.
By continuously supplying chakra, the shadow space remains active. It can store items or even allow someone to enter within.
Conclusion: When not under attack, this is an ideal hiding spot.
Approval Rating: 900/1000 (Higher approval grants more inspiration and rewards in similar techniques)
Rewards: +3 to physical attributes, +1000 chakra points
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This jutsu is somewhat like the Toad Flatness Shadow Manipulation Technique, allowing one to hide within another's shadow. Although it doesn't enable control over the host, it offers superior stealth.
As long as a target's shadow has briefly connected with the shadow of the Nekomata, Nekomata can silently merge into the target's shadow.
For the Nekomata, nightfall offers a perfect time to roam freely through shadows due to its Shadow Domain abilities.
However, the shadow hosting the Shadow Domain must remain unharmed and unbroken. If it's damaged, it could destabilize the Shadow Domain, potentially alerting sensory ninja to the disruption.
After checking the jutsu's stability, Kagetsu Nara released the Nekomata, then opened the door to another room in the Technology Development Department.
This was a storage room for technological achievements.
The room was dim, cleared of clutter, and felt a bit empty. On the wall hung a mask without a face; merely glancing at it gave a sense of power within.
The mask was inscribed with intricate sealing symbols.
---
[Kagetsu Nara's Creation: Curse Mark of Void
Quality: Purple (Growth Potential)
Traits: A "Soul Poison" crafted through special means, with mysterious, ever-changing properties.
Description: A ninja tool made using chakra and the power of nature, incorporating aspects of the Uchiha clan's Sharingan. It has the ability to use chakra as a bridge, corroding souls and inducing transformation.
Conclusion: "Wearing" it will let you experience the ugliness and emptiness of the soul.
Approval: 2010/10000, Physical Strength +20, Chakra +1500
"That mask is dangerous," Nekomata said, perched on Kagetsu's shoulder, its fur standing on end. Every time it saw that mask, it felt a strange discomfort.
"To you Tailed Beasts, who are pure chakra entities, it certainly is dangerous," Kagetsu admitted. "To chakra, it's like a virus—it can weaken you, distort you, and even lead to death."
Nekomata shot Kagetsu a peculiar look.
"Don't look at me like that. Right now, it doesn't truly threaten the Tailed Beasts' abilities." Kagetsu glanced away from the ominous mask marked with a curse seal and, after checking over the remaining items in the room, left with Nekomata.
...
The next day.
At the venue for the Chūnin Exams, the Konohagakure and Kumogakure diplomatic groups prepared for five pre-arranged matches. The spectator stands were packed, filled with Konoha villagers, visiting merchants, and shinobi—all seats were taken.
Under the watchful eyes of the Third Hokage and Ai, a Kumogakure Jōnin was swiftly defeated by a Jōnin from the Hyūga clan.
"It looks like we won the first match," the Third Hokage noted with a slight smile, his mood visibly lifting as he watched the two contestants leave the stage.
Beside him, Ai's expression darkened. For the taijutsu-specialist Kumogakure shinobi, the Hyūga clan, with its mastery of Gentle Fist, was practically a nightmare opponent.
With the Byakugan and Gentle Fist technique, the Hyūga could counteract Kumogakure's physical combat style almost effortlessly.
Ai could see how, once the Hyūga Jōnin activated his Byakugan, he precisely seized opportunities to strike with Gentle Fist, exploiting weaknesses and inflicting destructive damage on the Kumogakure Jōnin.
Under the piercing gaze of the Byakugan, the Kumogakure Jōnin's every attack was exposed, and eventually, he was struck in key points, unable to mold or use chakra anymore.
Even if he were to enter the fray himself, Ai could only rely on speed to try and suppress the Byakugan's abilities.
After all, even if the eyes could keep up, it was useless if the body couldn't react quickly enough.
"So, this is Konoha's Hyūga clan?" Ai made a mental note of it.
After both contestants left, the second match soon began. Perhaps because of the swift loss in the first round, the second Kumogakure Jōnin seemed hesitant, constantly avoiding direct engagement.
Thus, the battle unfolded with Konoha's Jōnin pressing forward aggressively, holding the advantage, while the Kumogakure shinobi struggled to keep up, facing one dangerous moment after another.
The Konoha villagers and shinobi in the audience were thrilled by this scene. For them, in light of past conflicts and even wars with Kumogakure, witnessing a Kumogakure Jōnin in such a difficult position was deeply satisfying!
This battle lasted for quite a long time and finally ended with Konoha's victory.
The third match was almost a direct replica of the second.
Afterward, the Third Hokage, who had initially been pleased, along with several sharp-minded Konoha ninjas, frowned slightly.
But before they could think too much, the fourth contestant from Kumo appeared and was already standing in the arena.
Standing at the center of the stage, wearing sunglasses, Killer B looked around at the packed audience, suddenly feeling the urge to perform like he was at a concert and wanted to sing.
But just as he raised his arms, he felt a sharp gaze from the stage and immediately lowered them in frustration.
"Is that the Eight-Tails?" Seeing Killer B standing in the arena, the Third Hokage's brief moment of doubt was instantly cleared.
Fortunately, he had anticipated the possibility of the Eight-Tails appearing and had already arranged for a suitable opponent for him.
"Uzumaki clan, huh?" As he saw the red-haired woman suddenly appear from Minato's side and teleport into the arena, Ai quickly guessed her identity.
After all, Kumo had been involved in the destruction of the Uzushiogakure during the Second Great Ninja War.
"Woman, I won't go easy on you," Killer B said as he pulled out his sword from his back and gripped it with both hands. He held his right hand up, pointing the blade at her, speaking quickly in a strange tone.
Uzumaki Kushina, who was making her debut in front of the people of Konoha, was also quite excited.
She had already received a message from the Third Hokage through Minato, telling her that if the Eight-Tails jinchuriki showed up, she would have to deal with him.
"Adamantine Sealing Chains!"
At the moment the match began, with a quick shout from Kushina, golden chakra chains shot out from her body, rushing toward Killer B at an incredible speed.
"Yo, yo, you're a dangerous woman," Killer B's body instantly became surrounded by a layer of Lightning Release chakra armor. Before the golden chains could touch him, his body vanished from his spot in a flash.
"Speed, huh? You're nowhere near as fast as Minato!" Kushina's keen eyes instantly caught the trace of Killer B's rapid movement.
The golden chains made a sharp turn in mid-air and, almost like a prediction, spread out in the place where Killer B would appear next.
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