Naruto: The Shadow Lord of the Nara Clan

Under the pale moonlight, amidst a pool of scarlet blood.

The deer-like figure indifferently surveyed its surroundings.

More than forty shadows knelt respectfully before him.

Like soldiers being inspected.

To be precise, they are indeed soldiers.

Based on their attributes, Lu Ying added twenty high-attribute shadow soldiers to the legion space.

The extra shadow soldiers had no choice but to be released.

With the disappearance of the monarch's power.

Some of the weaker shadow soldiers turned into pools of black liquid, merging into the cold earth without leaving a trace.

Touching the horrifying wound on her chest, Lu Ying felt there was no need for further treatment.

So, he silently recited it in his heart.

The shadow clone also vanished into chakra with the wind.

……

the other side.

The deer, which was moving quickly, suddenly paused.

Zelin thought he had discovered something and asked nervously:

"What's wrong?"

"It's nothing."

Shikakage waved his hand and continued to escort the two from Takigakure.

His eyes, however, were more profound than before.

—The shadow clone is injured.

— Wuwei (non-action) is still quite skillful.

—It seems we still can't underestimate the masters of the ninja world.

—That can be considered as gaining combat experience.

After summarizing the details of the entire battle with the shadow clones, Lu Ying began to examine the gains of this trip.

The increase in attributes from leveling up is not significant enough to achieve a qualitative breakthrough.

The Shadow Legion's strength has indeed increased significantly, mainly due to the addition of new usable combat forces.

The only thing that surprised Lu Ying was that Wuwei had given him a treasure.

[Item: Chest of Elysium Key]

【Type: Disposable item】

[Introduction: Just as you think, just as you wish]

—How could something like this actually drop?

After pondering for a moment, Lu Ying put the key to the Box of Bliss into the system warehouse.

He didn't intend to open the Chest of Ecstasy right now.

Not to mention that the Hidden Grass Village values ​​that thing more than their own lives, the very idea of ​​snatching the Chest of Bliss from them is quite troublesome.

Not to mention that opening the Chest of Bliss won't give you any top-tier weapons or items; it only contains a powerful "Enlightenment".

He wasn't going to get involved in this mess until he figured out how to use "enlightenment".

However, the word "key" reminded him.

According to his memories from his previous life, there are hidden rewards in the [Daily Quests].

Training sessions exceeding the daily target will not disappear; they will be recorded.

Once the accumulated amount reaches a certain limit, a hidden reward—a key to unlock a hidden dungeon—can be triggered.

He tried it after obtaining the system, but it didn't seem to be at the level of one or two times the training volume.

He didn't have much free time before, and clearing the hidden dungeon required a certain level of strength.

So it was put on hold for a long time.

Now perhaps we can give it a try.

Lu Ying thought to herself.

……

After dealing with the Kusagakure ninja who ambushed them halfway through the journey, the subsequent escort work went exceptionally smoothly.

They encountered almost no obstacles along the way and successfully returned to the village safely.

Standing before a waterfall and lake, Zelin turned to look at the deer's shadow and said with a hint of embarrassment:

Thank you for your help.

"We'll stop here. We can handle the rest of the journey ourselves."

Lu Ying felt no resentment towards Ze Lin's tactful "expulsion".

He knew very well that the reason why Takigakure had been able to survive to this day was not because of the powerful ninjas in the village or the close alliances.

Instead, it's a winding and complex terrain!

If the method of entering the village is exposed, it will be a huge disaster for Takigakure.

So he nodded and relayed Hiruzen Sarutobi's words to Zelin:

"Mr. Zelin, if Takigakure encounters any trouble later, you can seek help from Konoha."

"OK."

Zelin nodded heavily.

Wasn't the reason he cooperated with Hiruzen Sarutobi to set a trap for Danzo just for this one promise?

Because of Shikakage's identity as an Anbu ninja, the two did not continue their conversation.

After expressing his gratitude once again, Zelin turned and left with Shemu.

After passing through the waterfall, swimming into the underground lake, and continuing along the passageway, one finally enters the hidden ninja village.

The moment Zelin set foot on his hometown soil, his heart finally settled down.

The thought of hookah made Zelin's expression turn somewhat gloomy.

He still doesn't understand why Shuiyan betrayed him.

As the head of Takigakure Village, his betrayal was not only a desecration of Zelin's feelings, but also a serious blow to the village's safety.

However, as the leader of the ninja village, Zelin quickly composed himself.

Upon returning to the residence of the Takigakure leader, he summoned the most precious treasure in Takigakure—the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki, Fu.

"Fu, how's your cultivation going these days?"

A girl with medium-length dark green hair and dark skin danced lively with her hands:

"My lord, I can now control the butterfly wings to fly!"

Upon hearing this, Zelin's eyes finally revealed a hint of relief.

The water of heroes is dead, while the lotus is alive.

Relying on the Hero's Water, Takigakure Village will inevitably perish sooner or later.

The latter is the hope for the future of Takigakure!

"Thanks a lot."

Upon receiving the leader's praise, Fu laughed heartily and innocently:

"Chief, what happened to Shibuki? Hasn't Mizuki-sama returned?"

Two questions immediately extinguished the small joy in Zelin's heart. He leaned back wearily in his chair, not answering Fu's question, but changing the subject instead:

"Has Tao not returned yet?"

Tao is currently one of the three strongest people in Takigakure Village, the other two being Zelin and Shuiyan.

Shuiyan is Shemu's master, while Tao is Fu's master.

Before Zelin set off, he had sent Tao to the Land of Rain to carry out an investigation mission.

Now that he has returned but Tao is nowhere to be seen, Zelin feels a little worried.

During the Chunin Exams in Konoha, the ninjas from Amegakure did not leave a good impression on him.

"no."

Fu shook her head, her lively smile turning somewhat gloomy.

Upon hearing this, Zelin frowned.

If Shuiyan betrays us and Tao also runs into trouble, then Takigakure Village will lose 80% of its ability to withstand risks!

This is the tragedy of a weak ninja village.

Even a Jonin is someone they cannot afford to lose.

……

Outside Takigaku Village.

After completing the escort mission, Lu Ying did not rush back immediately.

Instead, it created two shadow clones and transformed them into Zelin and Shemu.

That's right, he's also preparing to bait the spot and fish!

However, he didn't use real bait, but artificial bait.

Although Takigakure Village was not invaded by other forces due to its unique geographical environment.

But this does not mean that no forces are secretly eyeing the situation.

The Land of Waterfall is surrounded by four countries, and countless ninja villages, bandits, and armed groups want to take a bite out of it.

As long as news of Zelin's whereabouts spreads, Lu Ying doesn't believe that no one will refrain from coming to rob him.

Wasn't his purpose in joining the Dark Division simply to grind monsters and level up?

He wasn't about to let this rare opportunity to gain experience slip by.

Incidentally, during this time, he decided to complete the hidden conditions of the [Daily Missions] as well!