The Uzumaki Mito Clone
Setting aside the Four Kage's discussions, after Orochimaru had arranged the village's and the frontline's current manpower and resources, he began his own research. Using his position as Acting Hokage, he summoned Uzumaki Kuuhina for a talk.
"I can control Wood Release?"
Uzumaki Kuuhina was astonished. She knew her own abilities well: they were merely average, nowhere near as good as Grandma Mito's. She could only bear half of the Nine-Tails' seal, and now she could bear only a quarter.
She was also far behind Minato in developing the Nine-Tails' power. For now, she could only manage a simple Tailed Beast Transformation and release one tail. If she tried to release more, she would lose control.
"As a member of the Uzumaki clan, you have great potential. You're only missing the key to unlocking it.
"The Uzumaki clan is closely related to the Senju Clan, and your bloodlines share the same origin. You're just as compatible with the First Hokage's cells.
"Add the Sharingan and the Nine-Tails Chakra to keep things in check, and the fusion shouldn't be difficult."
Orochimaru explained gently, hoping to persuade Kuuhina to cooperate with his experiment.
As he continued developing this body and conducting other research, he had become increasingly convinced that the Uzumaki clan was the best vessel, primarily because of their chakra.
He had revised his future plans accordingly, but still needed to conduct some experiments to confirm them. For now, Kuuhina was the best choice.
Seeing the girl hesitate, Orochimaru calmly tried to persuade her. "You know the village's current situation and the state of the Great Ninja War. We need more elite fighters to win, and Minato will need greater support if he hopes to become Hokage.
"Jiraiya isn't reliable. His ties to the teacher are too