Hand of Shadow

Raising his chakra level to the level of a genin in a single session was quite the feat. This single training session was equivalent to months of grueling practice for Koshino.

The reason Koshino's chakra level was previously limited was straightforward: he lacked physical energy.

As a transmigrator, Koshino had an inherent advantage in mental energy, which far surpassed that of an average person. If his physical energy were abundant, his innate advantages in chakra training would be evident. At the same stage, even Naruto Uzumaki might not have as much chakra as Koshino.

However, the Nara clan generally had average physical strength.

Thus, his physical energy limitations became a significant obstacle in Koshino's training. Before gaining the APP's assistance, Koshino couldn't showcase his extraordinary talent, primarily due to his physical limitations.

Who would have thought that a single Nara clan secret medicine would eliminate Koshino's physical energy shortfall?

With chakra now comparable to a genin's, Koshino's strength had suddenly soared to a new level.

Of course, Koshino didn't believe the Nara clan's secret medicine alone was miraculous.

If it were, it would be known as the Nara clan's divine medicine, not just a secret one!

The ability to cultivate chakra comparable to a genin in one session was primarily due to the APP's buff, which provided accelerated training.

Feeling the ample chakra within him, Koshino was now more confident in his upcoming duel with Itachi Uchiha.

At that moment, Koshino couldn't help but think:

"If only there were more Nara secret medicine!"

"With the APP and the Nara secret medicine's support, I might achieve chakra levels comparable to a Jonin after a few more sessions!"

"Yes, after this, I must ask Shikaku-san for more of the Nara secret medicine!"

Koshino's thoughts were spot on.

Even if Koshino didn't defeat Itachi, his previous performance had already led Shikaku to decide to provide him with unlimited access to the Nara secret medicine for his training.

Moreover, Koshino's use of the Shadow Shuriken also earned him more training resources.

The Shadow Shuriken technique significantly improved the Nara clan's long-range combat abilities.

By making this contribution alone, Koshino could cement his position as the top new-generation talent of the Nara clan.

After familiarising himself with his newfound chakra, Koshino devised several detailed battle plans based on his current strength. This showed that Koshino was always cautious. Even if he felt his strength surpassed Itachi's, he still approached the upcoming duel with careful consideration.

However, Koshino did not anticipate that the combined effects of the Nara secret medicine and the APP's buffs were still in play.

Just as Koshino stepped out of the room, ready to face Itachi, the APP's voice echoed in his mind again!

*Ding!*

"Accelerated research successful!"

"Player, do you wish to begin training the 'New' Shadow Imitation Technique?"

Accelerated research?

What does that mean?

Momentarily stunned, Koshino quickly asked the APP what accelerated research meant.

In the APP's response, Koshino was delighted to learn that the accelerated training buff from the Nara secret medicine applied not only to chakra training but also to the research function!

If the research function were to be relied solely on, combining the shadow imitation technique and the shadow neck binding technique would take several days to complete.

Under the accelerated training buff, the research function brought Koshino another surprise in an incredibly short time!

That surprise was the "New" Shadow Imitation Technique!

"Train it!"

"And modify the training progress of the 'New' Shadow Imitation Technique!"

*Ding!*

"Player, the training progress of the 'New' Shadow Imitation Technique is 100/100. Congratulations, player, you have completed the training of the 'New' Shadow Imitation Technique."

"Player, do you wish to name the 'New' Shadow Imitation Technique?"

"Great!"

As he meditated on the new Shadow Imitation Technique in his mind, Koshino realized that its effect was similar to the Shadow Strangle Technique modified by Shikamaru Nara in the original series!

He decided to name it "Hand of Shadow."

The Shadow Strangle Technique, as modified by Shikamaru, turned the intangible shadow into tangible tentacles that could physically attack.

Koshino's new Shadow Imitation Technique was similar to Shikamaru's Shadow Strangle Technique, but he wanted to name it based on his ideas.

"Hand of Shadow!"

"APP, the name of the new technique is this!"

"Alright, I've delayed long enough! Itachi, I hope you won't disappoint me!"

With his chakra levels soaring and a new technique at his disposal, Koshino was filled with confidence in his upcoming duel with Itachi.

However, as Koshino stepped out of the room, ready to accept Itachi's challenge, Fugaku Uchiha's voice suddenly reached his ears.

"Shikaku, does it take that long to recover chakra? If your Nara clan is afraid, just admit defeat. I'm quite busy!"

As Fugaku's words fell, the Uchiha clan members who had accompanied him began to jeer. Only Itachi remained silent, but the mocking laughter from the Uchiha clan made Shikaku and the others' faces turn red with embarrassment.

Especially Shikaku, Koshino's uncle, frowned deeply and was about to retort.

However, before Shikaku could respond, Koshino appeared before everyone, smiling as he said, "Fugaku-san, sorry to keep you waiting."

"Oh? Koshino, you're back? Are you ready?"

"I thought you had run away! Hahaha!"

The jeers of the Uchiha clan followed another taunt.

The more the Uchiha clan mocked him, the calmer Koshino felt inside.

Gesturing to Shikaku and the others not to worry, Koshino took a deep breath and focused his gaze on Itachi, signaling with a gesture of "please."

"Itachi Uchiha, let's begin!"

"Alright!"

Hearing Koshino's voice, Itachi nodded.

Soon, the crowd cleared a space for Koshino and Itachi to duel.

As everyone moved aside, Koshino and Itachi faced each other. When Koshino saw Itachi's right hand reach for his ninja pouch, he knew!

Their duel had officially begun!