Naruto: Wood-Wood Fruit

Evening.

The day's training was finally over.

The new generation of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio went back to their respective homes, while Kiyoshi had already set out to the Forest of Death to meet up with Kurenai, Anko, and the others.

A thoroughly exhausted Shikamaru sprawled out on his family's porch, leaning lazily against the wooden wall. He recounted the events of the afternoon to his father.

"Kiyoshi, he really said all that?" Shikaku asked, surprised.

He hadn't expected that Kiyoshi, who had only recently begun learning their family's shadow techniques, would not only create the Shadow Personification Technique but would also bring such innovative ideas to the Nara clan's shadow arts. 

His bold ideas felt almost visionary, shedding new light on their ancient techniques.

"Yeah." Shikamaru nodded. "Dad, do you think it's possible?"

"It's definitely doable." Shikaku replied with a smile.

"But there's no need to rush it. I'll gather all the strategists in our Nara clan to explore the development of this kind of shadow technique together."

He sighed, "If only Kiyoshi were part of the Nara clan."

In truth, for generations, the Nara family had been dedicated to deepening and refining their shadow techniques. 

But not everyone possessed Kiyoshi's unique genius—someone who defied logic and brought such a fresh perspective to their skills. 

This kind of development took time. Yet the direction and insight Kiyoshi offered were inspiring and worth exploring. 

His Shadow Personification Technique alone had already sparked new ideas among Shikaku and several of the Nara elders. 

"If it's Kiyoshi, I believe he could turn these wild ideas into reality."

Shikamaru nodded in agreement, acknowledging Kiyoshi's frightening talent, which they had all witnessed firsthand. 

In mere days, he had not only mastered the Nara clan's techniques but had also created entirely new forms of shadow manipulation.

It was impossible not to feel a bit defeated in comparison, yet the gap was so wide that even jealousy was out of reach. 

Kiyoshi was destined to be extraordinary—no words like "genius" could fully describe him. 

He was bound to stand at the peak of the shinobi world, much like the First Hokage or Madara Uchiha.

"Kiyoshi's transformation has been enormous." Shikamaru marveled. "It's no wonder you insisted on giving him our family's secret techniques."

He was filled with admiration for his father's foresight. Even though Kiyoshi was learning their techniques, the benefits for the Nara clan were just as great.

"This was partly accidental, really," Shikaku said, patting Shikamaru on the shoulder. 

"Only with genuine sincerity can you receive it in return. Over the years, the Ino-Shika-Cho alliance and the Ishikawa clan have maintained good relations. 

You three grew up with him, after all. If our clans hadn't been so closely connected, Kiyoshi might not have even accepted our offer."

"After all, he has the Senju bloodline within him. With Wood Release, the same as the First Hokage, and the strong support of Lady Tsunade, standing at the peak of the shinobi world is only a matter of time for him."

Shikaku understood well just how terrifying Kiyoshi's potential was. 

Not only was he Lady Tsunade's disciple, but he also wielded the First Hokage's Wood Release. 

During his fight at the Third Training Ground, he had effortlessly overwhelmed an entire squad of Anbu led by Kakashi without even injuring them, winning decisively. 

Even the Third Hokage at his peak couldn't have done that.

Right now, Kiyoshi already possessed strength equal to, or even surpassing, that of a Kage. 

In such circumstances, Shikaku wasn't worried about Kiyoshi learning their clan's techniques, as long as he didn't spread them. 

In fact, Kiyoshi had already mastered S-rank techniques, like the Spirit Transformation Jutsu. 

Shikaku doubted if the Ino-Shika-Cho techniques even held much appeal for him. 

After all, Lady Tsunade likely had access to the numerous forbidden and advanced Jutsus developed by the Second Hokage.

Particularly noteworthy were the impressive improvements seen in Ino and the tremendous growth of everyone around Kiyoshi since his return.

If he were willing to teach future generations of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, it would be a rare and priceless opportunity. 

Over the past few days, both Shikamaru and Choji had shown considerable progress, proving this point.

From the founding of Konoha, the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, had meticulously cataloged the secret techniques of each clan, including those of the Ino-Shika-Cho. 

While the techniques weren't exactly secret to Konoha's leadership, the Second Hokage had reached an agreement with the clans, no one outside the Ino-Shika-Cho lineage could learn them, except the Hokage.

As someone whose bloodline was aligned with the Hokage lineage, Kiyoshi's potential was unimaginable. 

Even if he never became Hokage, his achievements would be exceptional. And his relationship with Ino was obvious to everyone. 

Most likely, he would become the son-in-law of the Yamanaka clan. Even Ino's father, Inoichi, couldn't hide his joy, hoping that day would come sooner rather than later.

With the deep bonds between the Ino-Shika-Cho clans, building a good relationship with someone of Kiyoshi's future prowess was highly beneficial. 

Given all this, Shikaku wasn't about to hide any secrets.

Of course, they didn't realize Kiyoshi had already acquired the Ino-Shika-Cho techniques from Danzo. 

What he had said was just a polite gesture, a formality to reassure the Ino-Shika-Cho clans. 

But even Kiyoshi was surprised at the level of trust Shikaku and the others were showing by sharing their secrets so freely.

"Oh, right, Dad." Shikamaru scratched his head as he remembered the Shadow Personification Technique, which he still hadn't fully mastered. 

"Did you manage to learn that shadow clone technique?"

"Of course."

At that moment, Shikaku's hands flashed in a series of seals, and a dark shadow rose from the ground beneath his feet, swelling like a balloon.

In the blink of an eye, the shadow transformed from a flat, paper-thin form into a fully three-dimensional shadow clone.

"Shadow Stitching Jutsu."

With a low shout from Shikaku, black shadowy threads shot from the clone's hands, piercing several of the large trees in the courtyard like needles, leaving a chilling impression.

"Kiyoshi's Shadow Personification Technique is truly a useful jutsu." Shikaku marveled. 

"The key is that it doesn't just turn shadows into physical forms. 

It can act like a puppet, controlled by the user, or it can operate independently with some intelligence and ability, like a real clone, assisting in combat and even performing other shadow techniques."

Even more impressive was its durability. Though it had physical form, it wasn't truly bound to it. 

Physical attacks couldn't kill a shadow clone. Even if it was cut to pieces, it could quickly reform. 

Unless the user was killed or the chakra sustaining it was fully depleted, the shadow clone wouldn't disappear. It could only be trapped or sealed.

This single technique, gifted by Kiyoshi, was invaluable to the Nara clan. 

While others might not know, as the clan head, Shikaku was well aware that the Nara had been trying to develop a similar shadow clone technique for years, without much success.

Yet in just a few short days, Kiyoshi had accomplished it.

---------------

Guys do leave some power stones and reviews.

🤞patreon.com/plotplanner🤞

If you guys enjoy this story, you can support me on Patreon and get access to Advance Chapters, it really helps me to work on new chapters.