Shadow

On February 21, Kuro completed his training plan to master all chakra natures.

By April 13 of the same year, he had learned to imbue wind and lightning elements into weapons, successfully achieving chakra shape transformation.

However, he decided not to work with water and earth natures in weapons, as they were unsuitable for effective shape changes in that context.

After a brief rest, Kuro officially began training with various ninjutsu on May 1.

By May 18, he had learned all Earth Styles available in Konoha below Grade A.

On May 21, he "accidentally" obtained a strand of Ino's hair, triggering a system message to forge a special accessory.

Excited, he started collecting strands of hair from other classmates like Chōji and Shikamaru, hoping to forge more special accessories. However, the system remained silent, probably because neither of them had mastered their clan's secret techniques.

On May 28, he obtained a strand of Kiba's hair, which activated the option to forge a new special item in the system.

On June 20, he confirmed that Konoha had all existing Wind Styles below Grade A.

The next day, he obtained another strand of Chōji's hair, allowing him to forge a Giant Bracelet. He then fused this bracelet with another Giant Bracelet he had previously created using Chōza's hair.

At the same time, he sighed, noticing that Shikamaru, due to his laziness, still hadn't learned his clan's secret technique.

On July 12, he completed his training in all Water Styles available in Konoha below Grade A.

On July 13, Hiruzen visited Training Ground No. 39 to observe his progress. During the visit, he taught him an A-rank ninjutsu: the Shadow Shuriken Clone Jutsu.

By July 29, Kuro had finished training in all Lightning Styles available in Konoha below Grade A.

Of course, this didn't include the Chidori, both because of the difficulty of explaining its source and the complexity of learning S-rank ninjutsu.

At this point, Kuro could proudly claim mastery over more than a thousand types of ninjutsu.

Although most of them weren't useful in daily life, his knowledge gave him a considerable advantage.

During this period, Hiruzen visited him several times, offering to teach him some "powerful" ninjutsu—something that could serve as his ultimate technique.

Intrigued, Kuro directly asked about the summoning technique for the Demon King Enma.

Hiruzen simply smiled and left without saying a word.

Kuro felt deeply disappointed.

That's the strongest summoning beast apart from the Bijū!

Although he didn't expect full access, he at least wanted to summon Enma to pluck some hairs and forge something special.

But there was good news that day—about Shikamaru.

He had finally mastered his clan's secret technique.

August 2.

Kuro picked up a hair from Shikamaru's desk, and at the same time, a sound echoed in his mind.

[Special Material "Shadow Hair" detected.

This material allows the forging of the special item "Shadow Guardian."

Do you wish to proceed with forging?]

"No."

Kuro glanced sideways at his classmates in the classroom and decided not to forge it at that moment. It was better to wait until he got home.

When he finally carried out the forging at home, a black flame appeared. It was so dark that it seemed to absorb all light around it, but strangely emitted no heat.

[Special Item "Shadow Guardian" detected.

Effect: Allows the user to merge with shadows and sublimate them, creating a guardian with a certain degree of wisdom and strength under the bearer's control.

The guardian can freely switch between virtual and real states.

Note: The Shadow Guardian cannot move more than five meters away from the bearer's body.]

A certain degree of wisdom and strength?

Kuro pondered.

What does "a certain degree" mean?

If the guardian's strength and wisdom were equivalent to or greater than a Jōnin's, it would be truly useful. But if it didn't reach that level, it would be too weak.

Just as he was evaluating the item, the system sounded again.

[Special Materials "Gemini" and "Shadow Guardian" detected.

These materials allow the forging of the special accessory "Shadow Warrior."

Do you wish to proceed with forging?]

Kuro was momentarily stunned and began analyzing the new information.

It was the first time the system allowed him to use two completely different accessories as materials to create a new one. Until now, he had only upgraded accessories of the same type.

"Gemini" had been previously forged from Sakura's hair. It was a pink crystal the size of a fist with a very peculiar effect: it could grant a new personality while retaining the original.

In summary, it was an accessory capable of granting dual personalities.

Now, it seemed possible to combine materials with completely different properties to create something new.

"Why didn't Gemini show forging potential before?"

[A single "Gemini" or "Shadow Guardian" is not enough to activate forging.]

"Tch… Why didn't you tell me earlier?"

The system, though extremely powerful, could sometimes be incredibly stupid.

[The system does not contain predefined forging blueprints.

It cannot determine which items have forging potential or what materials can become special accessories.

It is necessary to personally test, understand the nature of the items, and perform calculations and deductions to confirm and proceed with forging.]

"Can't you scan the whole world for materials?"

The system remained silent for a few seconds before responding.

[…The system only has the authority to scan items belonging to the Host.

The system cannot scan materials or items from the external world.

Only objects under the Host's direct ownership can be analyzed for forging potential.]

"Well, not only are you stupid, but also limited."

Kuro let out a sigh of resignation.

Although the system's existence had allowed him to survive in this world and eventually reach the top, he couldn't help but feel a certain dissatisfaction.

The human heart is insatiable.

________

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