When Hanabi returned home holding a strange-looking branch, Hiashi couldn't help but grow curious.
"Hanabi, what's that in your hand?"
She proudly held up the odd piece of wood. "Oh, this? There was a big brother fighting just now, and I waited till they were done to sneak over and pick it up!"
Hiashi: …
Of course—it could only be Hanabi. Mischievous and clever as ever.
And it wasn't just the Hyūga clan. The appearance of Wood Release had sent shockwaves through all of Konoha. Every major and minor clan had heard something, and they were now instructing their younger generation to pay close attention to Nagi.
Nara Clan.
Shikaku and Shikamaru sat cross-legged on the floor playing shogi, quietly discussing the day's events between moves.
"Father, do you really think we should strengthen ties with Nagi?" Shikamaru asked, trying to understand his father's perspective. "Is it worth risking the Nara clan on a gamble like this?"
"The Third Hokage is getting on in years. We of the Ino–Shika–Chō trio need to start thinking about the future," Shikaku said calmly. He knew full well their actions today were a calculated risk.
Of course he knew who had really ordered the attack on Nagi. But he couldn't say it aloud. Doing so would only embarrass the Third Hokage.
And if the Hokage truly wanted to rein in Danzo… today wouldn't have happened.
"But is it really worth investing in Nagi? From what I've seen, his personality is… strong."
As a classmate, Shikamaru knew Nagi well. He wasn't exactly the easiest person to get close to.
"That's not a concern. We've looked into Nagi already," Shikaku replied. "And besides, our decision to support him isn't just about his personality."
He was well aware Nagi had a powerful sense of independence. Otherwise, he'd already be Inoichi's son-in-law by now.
"In any case, try to talk to him more in class."
Shikamaru gave a slight nod. That much he understood.
"Although with the class split coming soon, it might be a bit late to worry about it."
Shikaku had already come to terms with it. The real decision had likely already been made by the Hokage long ago.
For the next week, Nagi took a break from class and stayed home to study the system.
As for his excuse? Simple.
The previous attack had "traumatized" him, and he was "currently unable to attend school."
At home...
"System, sign in again!"
Ding! Congratulations, host has obtained: Steel Release – Hardening!
Nagi stared at the reward, expressionless.
Maybe he'd burned through all his luck on those back-to-back top-tier entries. Lately, everything he got was either a second-rate jutsu or some random kekkei genkai with no real value to him.
Sure, for normal ninja, these would be unattainable treasures. But for someone who already had the ultimate Wood Release, they were nothing but scraps.
"System, how many low-tier entries do I have now?"
Ding! Host currently has seven low-tier entries. Would you like to synthesize a high-tier entry?
"Synthesize them all!"
No point holding onto low-tier scraps. Better to combine them and see if something worthwhile came out of it.
He had more jutsu than he knew what to do with already—losing a few wouldn't matter.
Ding! Congratulations, host has obtained a Unique Entry: Avatar Technique!
"Avatar Technique?"
The moment he saw it was unique, Nagi knew he'd hit the jackpot.
"System, explain the function of this Avatar Technique."
Ding! The Avatar Technique is a new class of ninjutsu. Shadow clones created using this technique can train independently, absorb chakra naturally, and remain active for extended periods without disappearing.
With the system's explanation, Nagi quickly understood. This was a superior version of the Shadow Clone Technique.
But honestly? It didn't do much for him.
Not when you had Wood Release.
Wood Release could destroy and heal. If an enemy showed up, you just dropped a giant Wood Release Jutsu and it was game over.
Way more effective than a bunch of clones.
Knock knock knock!
Just as Nagi was about to dive into the Senju clan's Wood Release manual that he'd swindled from the Third Hokage, someone knocked on his door.
"Sakura, why are you following me to Nagi's house?"
"I'm not following you! I came because Nagi hasn't been in class for a while, and I'm worried!"
Welp. Nagi already knew who it was even before opening the door.
"If you two don't want the neighbors tossing you into the street, you might want to quiet down," he said dryly after opening the door.
"Nagi-kun!"
"Nagi-kun!"
Sakura and Ino both lit up when they saw him.
"Alright, what's so important you had to come barging in this late?"
He led them into his room, though he couldn't help but frown a little. Did their parents really not care they were out so late?
What he didn't know was that Inoichi was secretly hoping something would happen—then he could become a grandfather early.
"Well," Sakura said softly, "since you've missed so many classes, I summarized the recent lessons for you."
She handed him a thick bundle of notes. Nagi skimmed them quickly and had to admit—Sakura was truly a top student. The notes were densely packed with information.
He gave up after three seconds.
"Ino, don't tell me you brought study notes too?"
There was no way he believed Ino had the same work ethic as Sakura.
"Nope," Ino said, hands behind her back, shyly. "I just came because I was worried."
Nagi let out a long sigh. He hadn't expected his throwaway excuse for skipping class to actually make them worry.
"Oh right—there's something else important you need to know," Ino added, suddenly remembering, "Tomorrow is the graduation exam!"
[End of Chapter]