Future Prospects

The underground base of Root, a place more bloody and dark than the Kirigakure of the Land of Water. The atmosphere here was filled with only oppressive silence. Even the occasional figures passing by seemed like puppets from Sunagakure, devoid of life.

In a secret room within a passageway, a small snake skillfully slithered through the gap in the door. Then, under a gaze filled with disgust, the snake's body rapidly expanded. Opening its mouth to a 180-degree angle, Orochimaru's wet figure crawled out. Seemingly aware of the other's aversion, he deliberately traced his cheek with his long, slender tongue.

"Orochimaru!"

Danzo could no longer stand the other's actions and rebuked him coldly.

Orochimaru paid him no mind, sitting back and landing precisely on the coiled snake's body. He gently placed his right hand on the slender snake's head and spoke in a hoarse voice, "Danzo, you truly are impatient. The allure of Wood Release seems to far exceed my imagination for you. Unfortunately, Tsunade saw through the information I gave her immediately, so your plan will likely be shelved."

"Is that so? Then let's talk again when you've achieved some results. After all, without sufficient experimental materials, the progress will be delayed. I imagine I won't be the one in the biggest hurry."

With that, Danzo slowly stood up, leaning on his cane, and disappeared into the darkness, leaving Orochimaru alone, sitting in silence with a murderous glint in his eyes.

"That greedy old fool. Even the strongest power ultimately turns to dust. Only by living, living..."

A voice, a mixture of disgust and fanaticism, echoed faintly in the empty secret room.

In the dark space, a blue campfire burned silently. Countless meridians spread out from beneath the campfire into the surrounding darkness, serving as the only source of light.

"Bang" "Bang" "Bang"

The sounds of fists and feet colliding rang out continuously. Two figures sparred rapidly around the Chakra Flame. No ninjutsu or secret techniques could be used in this space; only the most primitive taijutsu could be used to gain experience.

Senba threw his right fist first, with an unstoppable momentum, aiming for Mori no Senba's face. Although they were one, the other's posture truly annoyed Senba.

Mori no Senba, clad in crimson armor, let out a disdainful scoff, dodged the disfiguring blow by sidestepping, and then unleashed a lightning-fast kick, precisely striking Senba's waist with a dull thud.

"No defense at all, just charging forward recklessly. Do you think you're Might Guy? You're truly weak, Main Body, I can't even muster any interest."

Mori no Senba crossed his arms, looking down at his Main Body, who had been repelled by him, with a proud air that greatly annoyed Senba, who was clutching his waist.

"So much nonsense. If we weren't here, I would have used the Hardening Technique on my waist long ago. Stop complaining when you're already down. You'd be better off helping to increase the bloodline activation level instead of talking. If not for Infinite Chakra, at least give me some Chakraton."

Senba stretched his body and walked to the Chakra Flame, sitting down cross-legged. He reached into the flames. Although he felt nothing unusual, a sense of satisfaction made him squint his eyes. Extraordinary power was truly intoxicating.

"Are you perhaps mistaken, Main Body?" Mori no Senba walked to the campfire and looked at Senba, whose expression showed a strange sense of satisfaction, still with a mocking tone. "I am merely a fragment of your soul, at most a soul clone formed by integrating some memories from the Senju bloodline. If you let me control a Wood Release body, I could do wonders. But asking me to actively help you enhance your bloodline power is like hoping a slug will become Rayquaza."

Although Mori no Senba's words were disheartening, Senba knew they were true. If he were to block their shared memories, the other party would probably become like a vegetable, motionless.

However, Senba wouldn't do that because he was too lonely. The deepest secrets of his heart could only be expressed without restraint here. The Senba here, whether his thoughts were dark or beautiful, would be unconditionally accepted by the other self. And when he woke up, he would become the good partner, humble junior, and successor of the Will of Fire in others' eyes, but never his true self.

Senba, sitting on the ground, indulged in a moment of sentimentality before perking up and looking at Mori no Senba, who was still holding his head high. He couldn't help but sigh, "Mori no Senba, why are you putting on airs with me? If you're unwilling to lower your head, then sit down and look at me, okay? I don't like talking to people while looking up."

Sensing the subtle warning in his Main Body's tone, Mori no Senba pondered for a few seconds before finally relenting and sitting down. However, he still muttered things like "Thirty years east, thirty years west," making Senba want to punch him. Why was his mouth so chatty?

"You saw what happened to me today. Don't you have any thoughts?" Senba played with the Chakra Flame in his right hand, his eyes reflecting thoughtfulness as he looked at the person opposite him.

"You want to rely on Tsunade to get the Senju clan's support, right? After all, your appearance and Chakra affinity will likely be reported to Tsunade by the Slug."

Mori no Senba naturally understood his Main Body's intentions. If he wanted his strength to improve rapidly, he had to rely on a faction. Among the Konoha lineage, the best choice was naturally the Senju clan.

"However, Main Body, have you considered the Third Generation and Danzo? These two are both rivals and allies, and they are united against external threats. Experimental subjects for Wood Release are scarce. If they discover the problem with your Chakra affinity, you'll be in danger."

"I'm naturally aware of that," Senba said, propping his chin with his fingers and recalling the scene of Tsunade and Orochimaru's battle today. "That's why I took a small gamble. Currently, only Tsunade knows about my situation. If she truthfully reports my situation to the Third Generation, I'll accept my fate. Otherwise, I should be summoned by the main Senju family soon."

"In life, one must take a gamble at crucial moments. You know, Tsunade's word is worth more than a hundred others."

Senba had long wanted to appear in front of Senju Momoka through his grandfather's old friend, Senju Yunhua. But unfortunately, after all this time, there had been no progress.

Now that he had finally encountered Tsunade, Senba naturally wouldn't let go of this opportunity. At the very least, he might obtain a few rare ninjutsu, such as the "Flying Thunder God Technique," "Second Generation Water Release Compendium," "First Generation Wood Release Compendium," and so on.

Senba also enjoyed a fighting style that involved powerful blows that could shatter bricks. Thinking of this, he looked up at Mori no Senba, who was striking a pose.

"I say, Mori no Senba, do you remember the 'Spirit Transformation Technique'? I think it's very suitable for our current situation."

"Of course, Main Body. Not only that, but we also lack a Wood Release body. No, in the future, we might need more experimental subjects. This will likely require troubling Orochimaru and Danzo in the future. I don't think they'll refuse."

As they spoke, the two, with their minds connected, simultaneously showed a smile.

The future is promising.