Chapter 8

"Research function?"

"Does this mean the app can not only accelerate training but also create new jutsu or secret techniques?"

The sudden notification echoing in his mind made Koshino pause in surprise.

Then, snapping back to reality, he quickly analyzed the literal meaning of "research function" and couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation in his eyes.

Ding!

"Player, the research function has been successfully activated. Under the right conditions, you can use this feature to independently create skills. Would you like to use it now?"

"Just as I thought! The research function is for creating new jutsu and secret techniques!"

"Use it! App, activate it now!"

As the app's interface for the research function appeared, Koshino eagerly explored its features. Reflecting on the app's various capabilities, he couldn't help but think:

"Back when I played that Naruto mobile game in first-person mode, didn't the mod I downloaded mention it could modify character levels, skill levels, and even combine skills?

"If the app I've bound to myself originates from that same mod, then skill acceleration is just the equivalent of modifying skill levels, and this research feature is the equivalent of skill combination!"

"If I eventually meet the conditions, does that mean I'll unlock the ability to modify my character's basic attributes? Could it go as far as absorbing bloodlines? If I could absorb the Uchiha bloodline, wouldn't that give me the chance to awaken the Sharingan? And what about the Hyuga Clan's Byakugan or the Kaguya Clan's Shikotsumyaku? Could I possibly obtain them too?"

"This mod download was absolutely worth it!"

With the arrival of the research function, Koshino began to imagine the potential of the app he was bound to and the possibilities it could bring.

His ultimate hope was clear: to absorb the many kekkei genkai from the Naruto world and transform into an ultimate existence with one eye wielding the Rinnegan and the other wielding the Tenseigan.

However, Koshino also understood that it was unwise to place all his expectations on the app alone. The app, in essence, was just a tool—like the Uchiha Clan's Sharingan. How effectively a tool could be used depended on the skill and ability of its wielder.

Sure, Koshino had leveraged the app to accelerate his training and quickly master the Nara Clan's secret techniques, but so what?

Mastering advanced jutsu didn't automatically equate to having proportional strength.

After all, Naruto mastered the Rasengan as a genin, but did that make him stronger than the Fourth Hokage?

Sasuke mastered the Chidori early on, but could he claim to be stronger than Kakashi at that time?

With a mature mindset, Koshino had already formed a clear understanding of the app's role. Even with its training acceleration feature, he still needed to hone his skills and surpass one goal after another to eventually stand at the pinnacle of the ninja world.

Returning to the research interface, Koshino carefully examined its functionality and discovered something intriguing.

The interface presented two blank options.

Opening the first option, he saw a list of the Nara Clan's secret techniques he had already mastered—Shadow Imitation, Shadow Strangle, and Shadow Stitching.

Opening the second option, he found it to be a vast collection of possibilities.

It included not only other Nara Clan techniques but also weapons like kunai and shuriken, and even physical tools like fists, feet, and other body parts.

Following the app's instructions, Koshino combined his earlier idea with the research feature. He selected Shadow Stitching from the first option and shuriken from the second.

As expected, a 100% success rate appeared at the bottom of the research interface, indicating the guaranteed creation of a new secret technique by combining the two.

"Interesting," Koshino murmured, a hint of excitement flashing in his eyes.

"So the research function doesn't create jutsu or secret techniques out of thin air; instead, it combines the techniques I already know to develop something new!"

"Hmm, the success rate for combining Shadow Stitching and shuriken into a new secret technique is 100%. Let's create it!"

Koshino silently selected "Yes" through his mental connection with the app.

Soon, a progress bar reading 0/100 appeared at the bottom of the research interface. Once the bar filled, the new secret technique would be complete.

As his first-ever custom technique, Koshino was brimming with anticipation. Unfortunately, after waiting for what felt like forever, the progress bar didn't budge. With a slight shake of his head, he sighed to himself:

"Looks like creating a new secret technique is no easy task. Even the app needs this much time—let alone if I were to try developing one on my own. Also, the research function can only work on one technique at a time, which is definitely a downside."

"Still, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Not everyone has the privilege of creating new jutsu or secret techniques. Since the research is already underway, I should focus on mastering the Shadow Clone Jutsu from the scroll Uncle Chouza gave me—that's the real game-changer here!"

Koshino, though ambitious, understood the importance of measured greed. The difference between a smart person and a fool was knowing when to indulge that greed and when to restrain it.

With that mindset, he casually opened the scroll from Chouza. A brief glance at its contents was enough to spark delight—it detailed the training methods for the Shadow Clone Jutsu!

As he delved deeper into the scroll's content, Koshino began to realize the deeper intentions behind Chouza's gift.

The scroll didn't just contain the Shadow Clone Jutsu. It also included the Three Basic Techniques (Clone Jutsu, Substitution Jutsu, and Transformation Jutsu) as well as the Body Flicker Jutsu—all considered fundamental in the ninja world.

While the scroll might not seem particularly valuable at first glance, its true worth, when placed in Koshino's hands, was immeasurable.

In the Hidden Leaf Village, the Nara, Akimichi, and Yamanaka clans all had a clear distinction between the main and branch families. On the surface, there seemed to be no conflict between the two, but with so many clan members, it was impossible for everyone to remain selfless.

The clan leader naturally represented the interests of the main family. Even though Koshino, as a branch family member, had shown some talent in front of Shikaku (the clan leader), the pressure from the main family meant Shikaku faced a difficult choice: support the many average talents of the main family or risk everything to favor a promising branch family member like Koshino.

Originally, Shikaku had been hesitant, planning to test Koshino's potential further.

But Chouza's decision to give Koshino the scroll made everything clear to the perceptive Shikaku. His friend had made his choice—he was willing to fully back Koshino, even if it meant forcing Shikaku into conflict with the stubborn factions within the Nara Clan.

Moreover, Koshino understood that Chouza's kindness was also partly motivated by considerations for the Akimichi Clan. By forming a good relationship with him, the Akimichi Clan stood to benefit in the future.

As Koshino carefully read the contents of the scroll, committing the training methods for the Three Basic Techniques, Body Flicker Jutsu, and Shadow Clone Jutsu to memory, he recalled Chouza's round, kind face and silently vowed:

"Uncle Chouza, don't worry. Once I make a name for myself, I'll make sure to take good care of the Akimichi Clan!"

Then, turning his attention back to the app, Koshino commanded:

"App, set the Shadow Clone Jutsu's training progress to 100/100!"

Ding!