CH-98. Learn your clan's secret techniques

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Inuzuka Kiba crossed his arms and said, "Naruto, this is not funny."

"I'm serious," Naruto scratched his head and replied.

"You're outrageous," Sakura couldn't help but complain.

Sasuke subconsciously tightened his grip on his chopsticks. He thought he had been working very hard, but he didn't expect there were other experts out there.

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In a wooden house, Shiki glanced at the high jump pole, horizontal bar, and other facilities outside the courtyard. Now that Sasuke and Naruto no longer used the place, it seemed quite deserted.

He smiled and turned toward the grove not far away, where a flash of dazzling blonde hair caught his eye.

Ino, who had been hiding, was startled. Since she had been discovered, there was no reason to keep hiding. She stepped out from behind the tree trunk.

"When did you develop a hobby of stalking?" Shiki asked teasingly.

"That's not it!" Ino tilted her head, looking slightly embarrassed.

"What do you want from me?" Shiki asked, watching her intently.

"I want to improve," Ino replied, looking up with determination in her eyes. "Because I don't want to fall too far behind you."

Shiki nodded slightly, then turned to open the door. This could be an opportunity to help guide Ino's future development. Maybe even help her break through the limits she faced in the original path her clan's techniques had set.

As she followed Shiki into the courtyard, Ino's gaze fell on a beautiful orchid in bloom, and a look of amazement flashed in her eyes. No matter how many times she saw it, it was always breathtaking.

"You're from the Yamanaka clan; you should be learning your family's secret techniques now," Shiki said, glancing at her.

Ino was taken aback. To be honest, she'd considered it, but her clan's techniques were more supportive, not combative. Alone, they couldn't match up to abilities like those of the Hyuga clan.

"Do you feel like your family's techniques lack power?" Shiki noticed her expression, easily guessing her thoughts.

Ino nodded, her expression acknowledging the truth.

"Do you know about Yin Release?" Shiki asked, pouring her a glass of milk from the refrigerator.

"Yin Release?" Ino was a bit puzzled, hearing the term for the first time.

"Yin Release refers to the power that comes from spiritual energy," Shiki explained. "Your family's secret techniques fall under Yin Release Jutsu."

Notably, soul-related ninjutsu also falls under Yin Release, like the spirit transformation technique, which allows one's spirit to separate from the body, becoming a spirit form.

"I see," Ino said, taking a sip of milk. "Shiki, you really know a lot."

"The core of Yin Release is creating something from nothing," Shiki said, tapping his forehead. "In simple terms, it turns imagination into reality."

A name flashed in his mind—Kurama Yakumo. She had a bloodline ability that could make illusions real, a powerful gift.

"Could I learn to do that?" Ino asked, her eyes filled with hope and determination.

Shiki smiled. "Anything is possible. While you may not be able to achieve it right now, with practice, it could happen."

In reality, it was challenging—especially without a bloodline limit like the Sharingan. But, as someone familiar with the original story, Shiki had some ideas that could help her strengthen her spiritual energy.

"We'll work together," Shiki said, extending his hand.

Ino blinked, her heart racing as she placed her hand in his. He held it gently, the warmth of his hand causing her cheeks to flush red.

She took a deep breath and declared, "I'll do my best!"

Shiki found her enthusiasm infectious and subconsciously gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. Soft and small, her hand was warm in his grasp. If this had been Hinata, she might have fainted by now, but Ino was bolder, meeting his gaze head-on.

Realizing the moment, Shiki released her hand, but she held on for a moment longer, making his heart skip a beat.

Under his watchful gaze, Ino finally let go, tucking her hair behind her ear, her face as red as an apple.

"Um... I should get going!" She said, standing abruptly, "I'm going to find my dad and learn the family's secret techniques!"

With that, she turned and dashed away, her golden ponytail bouncing behind her.

Shiki chuckled as he watched her go, taking a final sip of milk before stepping outside into the grove. After scanning the area, he selected a thick tree as his target to test the power of his improved abilities.

He clenched his fist and swung it out with force. There was a loud crack as his punch landed, creating a deep indentation in the tree trunk. The impact sent leaves flying and scattered them across the ground.

Satisfied, Shiki observed the damage. If he punched it once more, the tree would likely snap in half. Such force would be devastating in a real battle, and he knew most ninjas wouldn't stand a chance against it.

Feeling pleased, Shiki returned to the house.

Inside the Senju residence, Tsunade lay sprawled on the sofa, looking utterly dejected. Her body slouched, and her top naturally shifted due to gravity, revealing the faint gleam of her necklace nestled within the deep creases between her curves.