Qingguang, I Really Want to See You in a State of Panic and Rage

"Teacher Sarutobi, the changes in the Police Department are indeed welcome."

"But two months have passed now, and it's time for Qingguang to undergo the next stage of surgery."

Orochimaru's proposal didn't surprise Hiruzen Sarutobi at all.

He knew his disciple's pursuit in this area; the exploration of ninjutsu was his greatest interest and goal.

This made him both happy and worried, fearing he might go down the wrong path.

Just like Tobirama had once.

And he himself was the best cage to control Orochimaru, limiting him to a certain area and allowing his research.

Much like how the First Hokage had once restricted Tobirama.

"Has it really been two months? I didn't expect time to pass so quickly."

"The process can be slowed down appropriately. Remember to ensure Qingguang's safety."

"Don't worry, Teacher Sarutobi. Qingguang is the only successful case so far; I will naturally cherish his life immensely."

Although he said this, Orochimaru was actually growing impatient.

According to his original plan, Qingguang could have undergone the next stage of surgery a month ago.

But Hiruzen Sarutobi's indecisiveness always delayed the procedure.

This delay wouldn't benefit Qingguang; it might even cause the activity of the Wood Release cells within Qingguang's body to further decrease, resulting in a weakened version of Wood Release.

It seemed he needed to find a way to become Hokage as soon as possible and break free from these damn restrictions.

The next day, Qingguang was summoned to the Hokage's office.

Directly below this office was the secret chamber where Tobirama had conducted various forbidden research after becoming Hokage.

"Qingguang, show me the power of your Wood Release now," Hiruzen Sarutobi commanded.

"Yes, Lord Hokage."

Approaching the ironwood training post, Qingguang formed hand seals.

"Wood Release: Thorn Constriction."

Several wood vines, as thick as wrists and covered in sharp thorns, instantly pierced the ironwood and wrapped around the post, tightening their grip.

The ironwood, which even ninja swords struggled to cut, was crushed into powder by the vines as if it were rotten wood.

[Wood Release: 500/10000]

[Sharingan 4399/10000]

Another month passed. Qingguang had become sufficiently proficient in the initial stages of Wood Release, and the speed of his proficiency increase was much faster than before.

To prepare for Orochimaru's evaluation, he had specifically saved 500 proficiency points for Wood Release.

"Good. With this power, you've reached the B-rank ninjutsu category." Hiruzen Sarutobi was very satisfied with the Wood Release Qingguang displayed.

However, Orochimaru, standing nearby, didn't think so. If Qingguang had undergone surgery according to his plan, he could have unleashed A-rank Wood Release ninjutsu by now.

"Qingguang, your body can now adapt to the power of Wood Release. I will cautiously increase the dosage slightly."

Qingguang had no objections; instead, a hint of anticipation appeared on his face. "Senior Orochimaru, I trust your judgment."

Orochimaru's sudden, impromptu statement made Hiruzen Sarutobi frown.

Orochimaru hadn't informed him of this beforehand.

Sigh... Since Qingguang himself agreed, there wasn't much he could say now.

Although he also wanted Qingguang to master the power of Wood Release quickly, Qingguang's survival and role within the Uchiha Clan were even more important to him.

It seemed his supervision of Orochimaru needed to be even stricter!

The surgery proceeded extremely smoothly, without the pain he experienced the first time.

After the liquid was injected into his body, Qingguang felt a warm, even comfortable sensation.

[Wood Release: 500 + 1500/10000]

Without hesitation, Qingguang added one thousand points to his Sharingan.

[Wood Release: 1000/10000]

[Sharingan: 5399/10000]

With the growth of his pupil power, the Three Tomoe Sharingan in his eyes manifested.

All these scenes were observed by Orochimaru.

It was exactly as he had predicted.

After about ten minutes, Qingguang feigned waking up.

Orochimaru released the restraints on Qingguang and eagerly asked, "Qingguang, how do you feel?"

In his yellowish snake-like eyes, his almond-shaped pupils reflected Qingguang's body.

"I feel like I have endless chakra coursing through me, like it's about to overflow."

He clapped his hands together.

"Wood Release: Thorn Dance."

Qingguang thrust his hands forward, not even needing hand seals.

Over a dozen vines, as thick as arms and resembling pythons, shot from his palms.

In an instant, they engulfed the remaining six ironwood stakes, crushing them into fragments.

All that remained was a thicket of thorns about ten square meters in size, its dark green vines and thorns appearing incredibly tough.

"Good, good!" Hiruzen Sarutobi was overjoyed at the sight.

Qingguang had only just undergone the surgery and hadn't even practiced, yet he could already unleash such a powerful ninjutsu.

He couldn't even imagine what he'd be capable of in two months!

It was already past midnight when the surgery ended. On his way home, Qingguang could faintly sense a chakra following him.

Qingguang stopped as he reached his doorstep.

"Senior Orochimaru, it's so late, are you here to visit my humble abode?"

"Qingguang-kun, I didn't expect your sensory abilities to detect my presence."

"It seems Wood Release has also brought about considerable improvements in this area."

Under the moonlight, Orochimaru's sinister figure emerged from the woods, his already pale skin appearing even more ghastly.

"Senior Orochimaru, is there something you need?"

"Or perhaps, Senior is just here for a cup of tea?"

Qingguang maintained a kind expression on his face.

Most ninjas, upon realizing they were being followed, would feel offended, even by a friend.

Yet Qingguang still wore a calm, composed smile.

This was one of the things Orochimaru admired most about him.

But at the same time, he also wanted to see if this genius, this kind soul, could maintain his current demeanor after learning certain truths.

"Qingguang-kun, there's no need to be on guard. I merely have some personal theories I wish to confirm with you."

Qingguang nodded in agreement, seemingly unfazed.

"According to my hypothesis, Wood Release cells contain a vast amount of Yang-attribute chakra, which, to a certain extent, should be able to enhance the pupil power of the Sharingan, acting as a form of Yin-Yang complementation."

"Qingguang-kun, have you felt any progress in your Sharingan's pupil power recently?"

A hint of surprise flickered across Qingguang's face as he recalled.

"I thought it was just my own strength improving. So, this was also the influence of the Wood Release cells?"

"Thank you for clearing my doubts, Senior Orochimaru. My pupil power has indeed seen some improvement recently."

"If there's nothing else you need to ask, I'll be heading inside to rest."

Just as Qingguang was about to enter his house, Orochimaru's next words made him stop in his tracks.

"Qingguang-kun, aren't you curious as to how I know that Wood Release and the Sharingan can influence each other?"

Qingguang turned back, his brow furrowed, his fists clenched slightly, as if recalling something unpleasant.