Chapter 12: Pity He Is Not My Son

Chapter 12: A Pity He’s Not My Son

“Lord Shikaku, I am Yagyu Chiba. I apologize for intruding without a formal invitation,” Chiba said with a slight bow.

Shikaku waved his hand with a smile. “It’s nothing. I was actually planning to invite you over sometime, but you were still recuperating, and the hospital was busy; I didn’t want to trouble you. I’m glad you came.”

“Sorry for causing any inconvenience,” Chiba replied politely.

After some customary exchange, Chiba was led into the courtyard.

“Greetings, senior. I’m Nara Shikamaru,” came a weary greeting from Shikamaru, who looked as listless as ever. He acknowledged Chiba without any trace of anger toward a rival—given his intelligence and temperament, he had long since come to terms with such matters.

“Shikamaru, haha, you might not know, but recently a new submission on ninja tool manipulation was made. Now, this technique has been promoted among the Chunin ranks,” Shikaku began.

Shikamaru’s eyes flickered with surprise but soon brightened with understanding.

Of course.

That day’s chakra threads were controllable even by the three of them; a mere ninja tool would be trivial. Perhaps the ultimate goal wasn’t ninja tool manipulation, but puppetry techniques instead, Shikamaru mused.

“It’s nothing more than a C-rank ninjutsu,” Chiba said dismissively.

Shikaku shook his head gently. “Many have created advanced ninjutsu, but few have truly mastered them. For example, the Rasengan that the Fourth Hokage and you conceived together—how many have actually learned it?”

Shikamaru listened quietly, not intending to interrupt but watching Chiba with interest, curious about his response.

“That’s true, but chakra threads alone can’t do much. My own power is limited; it requires everyone’s collective wisdom to make Konoha stronger,” Chiba nodded earnestly.

Shikaku smiled in agreement, then chatted a little more before turning to ask, “I heard you’ve been studying muscles, the body, and pharmacology lately. Are you here to buy special medicinal herbs or books?”

“Uh, Lord Shikaku, I can’t hide it from you. I heard the foundational knowledge of pharmacology originated with the Nara clan, and I have an imperfect formula I hoped to consult you about,” Chiba explained, outlining his thoughts and current medicinal selections.

Shikaku narrowed his eyes before smiling. “This medicine will greatly benefit all ninja, especially the Akimichi clan. They possess a secret medicine related to stimulating the body.”

That meant...

Chiba’s heart stirred.

Clearly, Shikaku meant the Akimichi clan knew more about this area. Yet, while he still had some rapport with the Nara clan, there was no such relationship with the Akimichi. Seeking such secret knowledge from them was unrealistic.

Just as he was about to speak—

“Since you’ve trusted me enough to be honest, why not let me take the lead in contacting the Akimichi family? If they’re willing to participate, we can research together. If not, our two clans can collaborate,” Shikaku said, not avoiding Shikamaru’s gaze, looking intently at Chiba. “Though the benefits would be split, the advantages are considerable. Think it over.”

“That would be wonderful! Thank you very much for your help!” Chiba agreed immediately.

Shikaku worried he might overthink the benefits, but in truth, Chiba’s interests were not material; he sought only reputation.

Shikaku smiled and nodded, chatting a little more before Chiba, catching a faint fragrance, politely took his leave.

Watching Chiba’s retreating figure, Shikaku sighed softly.

“Father, are you lamenting that he can’t learn ninjutsu or genjutsu?” Shikamaru asked, noticing.

Shikaku glanced at him, then replied dryly, “He’s smart for his age—what would I regret about him? What I regret is that he’s not my son.”

Though not named, the insult was sharp.

Shikamaru seethed silently.

“Child, there are plenty of smart people in the world. Don’t wait to regret not working harder when you face difficulties. Let’s go, enough talk—time to eat.”

...

“The Akimichi clan—we almost forgot them. Their tri-colored secret medicine is indeed powerful. Even if we can’t learn it all, knowing part of it would help develop drugs that stimulate the body, stamina, and chakra.”

Stimulant medicines drain lifespan and essence, but without life, discussing lifespan or essence is meaningless.

Life is paramount, and these medicines can save it in critical moments.

“If I can establish a connection with the Akimichi, that would mean two kinds of medicines at once.”

One visit yielded unexpected gains.

Chiba quickened his pace, a smile spreading across his face. Suddenly, hurried footsteps sounded behind him; following closely was a familiar presence.

Lee Rock.

He slowed down.

“Chi... Chiba, wait for me.”

“Lee, class is over?”

“Yeah. Sigh, they’ve been studying hard every day lately. I just can’t keep up. After a few days of trying, I’ve gone back to training.”

Lee sighed, clearly troubled.

Chiba couldn’t help but smile, then earnestly advised, “Why compare yourself to them? I graduated early because I had a specific need. You left school but still train every day, right? You don’t balance work and rest; you might wear yourself out.”

“Is that so?”

“Did Teacher Guy hit you?”

“Uh, yes.”

Lee was honest.

He wasn’t clever. Often influenced by the atmosphere at school, hearing both Guy and Chiba’s words made him think they had a point, so he stopped worrying about it.

So...

“Ah! As expected, training with Chiba is the real deal! My youthful passion is rekindled! Chiba-kun, let’s duel—run five hundred laps, whoever gives out first loses, then a hundred laps handstand!”

“Heh.”

Chiba ignored him, picking up speed instead.

“Hey! Wait!”

“By the way, where’s Teacher Guy?”

Normally, Lee would be training with Might Guy.

Lee replied, “Probably on a mission.”

“That’s fine. Since I ran into you, I have a research project that needs help. Interested?”

“Me?”

Lee looked incredulous, eyebrows rising in excitement.

Chiba’s favorite was still Might Guy.

The stronger one’s taijutsu, the more they appreciate the benefits of properly utilizing muscle strength and can identify their own weaknesses. Lee was purely practical.

Ask him how to punch or kick, and he could perform perfectly.

Ask about the principles behind the power of a punch or how to integrate chakra to maximize it...

He wouldn’t understand.

As expected.

An hour later, Lee looked bewildered, increasingly confused.

“Forget it. Just follow my method and try to see if it’s stronger than before,” Chiba said, then demonstrated a punch.

One strike—

Crack!

A loud, harsh crack resounded from the thick tree trunk.

(End of chapter)