Yamanaka Secret Jutsu

The unexpected declaration was like a bombshell.

Ino choked on her tea, her cheeks turning instantly red. "Papa! What are you talking about?!"

Suzune, ever calm, raised her eyebrows slightly, surprised but not alarmed. She gave her husband a discreet look, seeking to understand his intentions.

As for Shikai, he slowly put down his chopsticks, an amused but reserved smile on his lips. "Inoichi-san, we've already had this conversation, remember?"

Inoichi shrugged nonchalantly. "Yes, yes, but I can't help but regret that it's impossible. However," he paused dramatically, "I suppose there's no harm in hoping that you won't refuse my second proposal."

Shikai, intrigued, crossed his arms. "If you put it that way, it would be hard to say no. So, tell me."

Inoichi nodded and leaned forward on the table, his expression suddenly serious. "It's been a few minutes since I've been trying to read your mind."

The room seemed to freeze. Suzune stopped pouring tea, Ino's eyes widened, and Shikai furrowed his eyebrows slightly. His hands instinctively gripped his knees.

"I must admit," Inoichi continued with a tranquil smile, "that your jutsu, fuinjutsu I assume, is remarkably well-designed. It has its flaws, especially against a genjutsu, but it's still fascinating."

[Inoichi Yamanaka: Level 38]

Shikai loosened his fists slightly, regaining his calm. "And so? Where are you going with this, Inoichi-san?"

Inoichi remained impassive. "What I mean is that you truly have the makings of a great master. And that's why I want you to take Ino as your disciple."

Surprise painted Shikai's face. "Your daughter?" he asked, visibly perplexed.

"Yes," Inoichi replied simply.

Shikai gave Ino a glance, who seemed ready to collapse under the table. She avoided his gaze, her cheeks as red as cherries.

"But... how could she learn anything from me?" Shikai continued, seeking to understand. "Apart from a few Suiton techniques, most of my skills are based on my own research or Nara-specific jutsus."

A mysterious smile spread across Inoichi's lips. "That wouldn't be a problem, as long as you learn our secret Yamanaka techniques."

Shikai's eyes widened, both surprised and intrigued. "Learn your techniques? You're serious?"

Inoichi nodded, his eyes sparkling. "I know you're always eager to discover unique jutsus. I doubt you could refuse this opportunity. Don't you, *DarkRai*?"

The nickname had the effect of a thunderclap. Shikai fixed Inoichi with a wary look.

"You know...?" he murmured.

Inoichi let out a small amused laugh. "Why do you seem surprised? I'm the head of Konoha's Intelligence Agency. Nothing escapes me."

Shikai shook his head slightly, regaining his composure. "Very well, Inoichi-san. But why not teach your techniques to your daughter yourself? You're much more qualified than me."

A sigh escaped Inoichi's lips. "Because I know you have a particular talent for reinventing and perfecting the techniques you learn. I've seen it with the Nara jutsus, and even with the proposal you made to Chôza recently. I want my daughter to become more than just a simple sensory type like me. She has the potential to be a true fighter, and I believe you're the best person to help her achieve that goal."

Shikai observed Inoichi in silence, weighing his words. His eyes briefly drifted to Ino, who seemed even more nervous than at the beginning of the meal.

Finally, he sighed, a light smile stretching his lips. "You really have a talent for convincing me, Inoichi-san. Very well, I accept."

Inside, however, he was jubilant. The idea of learning the secrets of the Yamanaka techniques was a prospect he found simply fascinating.

Inoichi relaxed, satisfied, and stood up to shake Shikai's hand. "Perfect. I knew you wouldn't let me down."

...

Shikai stood in front of the grand Yamanaka clan residence, a simple yet elegant building surrounded by meticulously maintained flower beds. Ino stood before him, slightly nervous, holding a set of carefully tied scrolls in her hands.

She attempted an awkward smile, trying to hide her apprehension. "Sensei," she began, her voice slightly hesitant, "I'm sorry for everything last time... I didn't mean to seem..."

Before she could finish her sentence, Shikai swiftly grabbed the scrolls, slid them under his arm, and took a step back.

"Become a genin, then come see me," he said, his voice firm but devoid of reproach.

Then, without waiting for a response, he executed a graceful jump and disappeared in a cloud of smoke, his words still echoing in the air.

Ino stood there, speechless.

"What?! But I... I just wanted to apologize!" she mumbled to herself, clenching her fists.

She sighed deeply, her gaze lost in the direction where Shikai had disappeared. "He's already mad at me, huh? Great... My sensei probably hates me."

However, the truth was quite different. Shikai had neither anger nor resentment towards her. In reality, he was simply too excited about the prospect of studying the secret Yamanaka techniques to linger.

In his apartment, Shikai placed the scrolls on his desk with an unusual delicacy. He lit a lamp and slid a kunai to carefully cut the strings. A smile spread across his lips as he opened the first scroll.

"The famous Yamanaka mental techniques," he murmured, his eyes shining with interest.