I Just Wanted to Slack Off, But I Was Forced to Become Hokage

Chapter 43: The Prototype of the Black Shadow Army!

'A-rank Miscellaneous Item: [Nature Mask Forging Method]?'

Looking at the new content that refreshed on the panel, Nara Keisuke was slightly stunned. If he remembered correctly, this was the first time the [Shinobi Secret Scroll] had produced a non-technique reward. He had always thought the [Shinobi Secret Scroll] was purely a "Ninjutsu Secret Scroll" and couldn't produce anything else...

But after Browse the item effects of the [Nature Mask Forging Method], Keisuke's heart surged with passion. 'What [Nature Mask]? Isn't this just the "Ninja Mask of the Black Shadow Army"?!'

When he obtained the B-rank secret technique [Super Beast Scroll], Keisuke had once dreamed of a "Black Shadow Army" that he would command and lead. (Chapter 18) But he had never expected that before he could transform "Ink Beasts" into "Shadow Beasts," the "Ninja Masks" that could command the "Black Shadow Army" would be obtained from a [Shinobi Secret Scroll] one step ahead.

Of course, in his ideal vision, each "Ninja Mask" would correspond to a leader of the Black Shadow Army, each commanding a different division with distinct functions and responsibilities. The [Nature Mask], which currently only existed as content in a scroll, could at best be considered a prototype for the Black Shadow Army.

Nara Keisuke focused his attention and began to browse the content of the [Nature Mask Forging Method] scroll. According to its description, regardless of grade or level, a forged [Nature Mask] could only store chakra of a single nature. Additionally, the [Nature Mask] could not replenish its chakra energy on its own. It could only be replenished through manual infusion, and the chakra used for replenishment had to be of the same nature.

At the very end of the scroll, the best material choices for forging the [Nature Mask] were mentioned.

'The first choice is a ninja's heart, especially a heart that has just molded and stored a large amount of transformed nature chakra.'

Nara Keisuke's brow furrowed slightly, and he subconsciously ruled out this option. He was not the seasoned and cold-blooded Kakuzu; he was still very averse to a cruel act like "digging out a heart for one's own use."

'Next are biological tissues such as bones, blood, hair, and nails...'

'Failing that, there is the wood from a special tree that gains sustenance by absorbing chakra...'

The content recorded in the [Nature Mask Forging Method] scroll made Keisuke's brow lock tightly. It seemed he only had the last option to search for—

'Wait! Another material is mentioned at the very end.'

Nara Keisuke looked at the line of small text recorded at the end of the scroll. 'Through calculation, a Chakra Crystal may be the best material for forging a [Nature Mask]... but it is too difficult to obtain and too expensive. It's not something one can afford to buy or use. It's not as simple as digging out a human heart. Abandoning this option.'

'Uh, Old Man Kakuzu is quite the realist...'

Keisuke's fingertip rested on the cold [Chakra Crystal] ring. He did possess an A-rank [Chakra Crystal]. But to use this crystal to forge a [Nature Mask]... Keisuke was also reluctant. In his eyes, the value of a [Nature Mask] couldn't compare to the [Chakra Crystal]! The latter could at least recharge automatically!

'Perhaps I can take a middle path.' Keisuke's thoughts were flexible. 'First, create a [Nature Mask], leave a gap that can accommodate the [Chakra Crystal], then embed the crystal into it and use its energy... Is this some kind of ultimate lifeform's Stone Mask?!'

Although he was mocking himself, Keisuke still felt this method was very feasible. But the most stable method was still to purchase Chakra Crystals from the outside...

'But [Chakra Crystals] are really expensive! Even Old Man Kakuzu couldn't afford them, let alone me!'

For a moment, Nara Keisuke felt very helpless. His family's assets could be considered wealthy. But according to the clan head's description, a single [Chakra Crystal] could buy at least three mountains! Even if Keisuke bankrupted his family, he couldn't buy many of such precious treasures.

What's more, unless he really had no other choice, Keisuke was absolutely unwilling to inherit the family fortune. In comparison, he still preferred to earn his own money and spend it himself. Money earned that way could be held and spent with peace of mind. For example, the one million ryo monthly research grant he had "earned" from the clan head before. Even if Keisuke spent it all at once, he wouldn't have any psychological burden.

'As expected, the money-making plan must be put on the agenda. It's time to go discuss the plan with Sister Nono'o...'

'But for now, one [Chakra Crystal] is enough to splurge with.'

'Instead of considering a higher-quality [Nature Mask], I should think about how to use the ability resources I have on hand to create a suitable one...'

Nara Keisuke silently contemplated his many abilities. With his four balanced natures of water, earth, wind, and fire, combined with his family's inherited Yin Release secret techniques, he could at least create five masks: "Yin," "Water," "Earth," "Wind," and "Fire"... Later, he could find an opportunity to test his talent for medical ninjutsu, and perhaps add a "Yang" nature mask... Besides that, fusing two different chakra natures also seemed to be a novel path for mask creation...

While Keisuke was thinking about the different [Nature Masks], the Ino-Shika-Chō team finally arrived and regrouped with them. When he saw that the Chunin, especially Keisuke, were completely unharmed, the old clan head let out a long sigh of relief. To be honest, he had been quite worried that Kakuzu had only pretended to give up on them, while secretly choosing to attack the other, weaker young ninja from Konoha. Fortunately, it was just a false alarm...

At this time, Keisuke and the others were also observing the condition of the off-generation Ino-Shika-Chō team. Yamanaka Inoichi and Nara Shikano were relatively fine. But Akimichi Chōza, who had been responsible for the main assault, looked extremely battered. None of them knew medical ninjutsu and couldn't heal Chōza's injuries, only able to provide some clean bandages as best they could.

While Chōza was bandaging his wounds, Nara Shikano lightly bit his index finger, formed a hand seal, and pressed his hand to the ground, shouting softly, "Summoning Technique!"

With a puff of smoke, a tall white ape wearing a ninja uniform and a Konoha forehead protector appeared before everyone.

"Enma?" Sarutobi Asuma was stunned, immediately recognizing the white ape's identity. Isn't that my old man's summoning animal? How can the Nara clan's old head summon him too?

"Shikano?" Enma clearly recognized the old clan head and thus was not surprised by the summoning, just a little curious. "Why did you suddenly summon me today? Is there some urgent matter?"

"We encountered a powerful bounty hunter on our way back to the village after completing a mission," Nara Shikano briefly explained the day's events. "I believe this intelligence needs to be relayed back to the village as soon as possible. At the same time, we also need the village to dispatch some forces to rendezvous with us."

"A powerful bounty hunter comparable to the Sannin? I understand!" Enma nodded, formed a hand seal, and disappeared from the spot. "I will inform Hiruzen at top speed!"

After Enma disappeared, Nara Shikano visibly relaxed. He leaned back against the deer cart, steadily calming his breathing. A certain tactless young man spoke up at this time. "Jonin Nara, how did you summon Enma? Isn't that my old man's summoning animal?"

Nara Shikano sighed softly, looked at Sarutobi Asuma who had initiated the conversation, but still mustered the energy to explain. "I am the leader of the Jonin squad. Due to my position, I often need to communicate directly with Lord Hokage. Using Lord Hokage's summoning animal to relay messages is the most efficient method of communication."

Sarutobi Asuma nodded blankly. He had no interest in things like politics. He didn't even know what the "leader of the Jonin squad" did, even though he was the Hokage's son.

With just a glance, Nara Shikano knew that this "Hokage's son" didn't understand his meaning at all, but he couldn't be bothered to explain too much right now. The old clan head was about to close his eyes and rest, but he suddenly sensed another gaze and opened his eyes. "What? Are you interested in the Summoning Technique, Keisuke?"

"I am indeed interested!" Keisuke nodded. He had initially wondered why he had gotten the [Summoning Technique] from the clan head's [Shinobi Secret Scroll]. It turned out to be because of his official position... But that didn't stop Keisuke from maintaining a high degree of curiosity and desire to explore the [Summoning Technique]. When all was said and done, this was a space-time ninjutsu!

"Mm, speaking of summoning animals... sorry, wait a moment." Nara Shikano reached out and covered the large deer's ears. "Some words might hurt its pride if a deer were to hear them."

Nara Keisuke nodded, not finding this strange at all. But Asuma and the others next to him looked at the deer-loving duo strangely. Are they obsessed with deer?

"The Summoning Technique is not a high-difficulty ninjutsu, and learning it is not difficult. The difficult part is finding a suitable summoning animal," Nara Shikano explained generously, not minding that others were listening in. "The Nara clan's deer are not ninja animals; they do not possess chakra. If you want to learn the Summoning Technique, Keisuke, there are two directions you can try within Konoha Village: the ninken of the Inuzuka clan, and the crows of the Yamashiro clan. Of course, I'm not referring to the ninja dogs and crows that the Inuzuka and Yamashiro clans raise themselves, but the ones these two families specifically provide to the village—"

Before Nara Shikano could finish his explanation, a puff of smoke instantly enveloped him, and his figure vanished from the spot.

Reverse Summoning Technique!

(Author's Notes:)

Let's talk about the [Summoning Animals] mentioned in this chapter.

In the manga, many summoning animals appear, the most famous probably being the toads of Mount Myōboku. There are also the snakes and slugs from the other two great sage regions, Ryūchi Cave and Shikkotsu Forest.

However, in the manga, summoning animals that [wear ninja forehead protectors] are very rare. Coincidentally, Hatake Kakashi's eight ninken are [ninja dogs that wear Konoha forehead protectors]. Also, Might Guy's turtle is a [turtle that wears a Konoha forehead protector]. Another example is Sarutobi Hiruzen's summon, Enma, who also wears a Konoha forehead protector. In contrast... Shimura Danzō's Baku... has no forehead protector... uh...

The reason for mentioning the above special cases is just to make one point: in Konoha Village, there are special summoning animals that specifically serve Konoha and also hold ninja rank!

---

The Yamashiro clan's crows are just the author's secondary creation based on the manga. In the "Sha no Sho" (Book of People), it's stated that Yamashiro Aoba can control a flock of crows, but it doesn't say it's a summoning technique. I (Ah Xin) have set it as "the Yamashiro clan can summon flocks of crows."

---

Also, another example can support the idea that "ninja villages have their own dedicated summoning animals." In [Manga, Volume 54, Chapter 512], Motoi from Kumogakure summons an owl. According to the "Jin no Sho" (Book of Formations), that owl, named "Shīemon," is mainly responsible for transmitting intelligence for Kumogakure. So, there are indeed summoning animals that specifically serve ninja villages.

(End of Chapter)

☆☆☆

-> SUPPORT ME WITH POWER STONE

-> FOR EVERY 200 PS = BOUNS CHAPTER

☆☆☆

-> 20 Advanced chapters Now Available on Patreon!!

-> https://www.pat-reon.co-m/c/Inkshaper

(Just remove the hyphen (-) to access patreon normally)

If you like this novel please consider leaving a review that's help the story a lot Thank you