"Teacher Sarutobi, the changes in the Police Department have certainly been well received."
"But two months have passed now. It's time for Qingguang to undergo the next stage of surgery."
Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn't surprised by Orochimaru's suggestion.
He knew what his disciple sought in this area. The pursuit of ninjutsu was his greatest interest and goal.
That made him both happy and worried, afraid that Orochimaru might stray down the wrong path.
Just like Teacher Tobirama once had.
And he himself was the best cage for keeping Orochimaru in check, allowing him to conduct his research while restricting him to certain boundaries.
Just as the First Hokage had once kept Teacher Tobirama in check.
"Has it really been two months? I didn't realize time had passed so quickly."
"We can slow the process down a little. Just make sure Qingguang's life is safe."
"Don't worry, Teacher Sarutobi. Qingguang is the only successful case so far. Of course I'll treasure his life."
Though he said that, Orochimaru was already growing impatient.
According to his original plan, Qingguang could have undergone the next stage of surgery a month ago.
But the procedure kept getting delayed by Hiruzen Sarutobi's indecisiveness.
This delay wouldn't do Qingguang any good. It might even further reduce the activity of the Wood Release Cells in his body, leaving him with only a crippled version of Wood Release.
It seemed he'd have to find a way to become Hokage as soon as possible and break free of these damn restrictions.
The next day, Qingguang was summoned to the Hokage Office.
Directly below it was the hidden chamber where Tobirama had conducted various forbidden experiments after becoming Hokage.
"Qingguang, show us the power of your Wood Release as it stands now," Hiruzen Sarutobi ordered.
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
Qingguang walked up to the ironwood post and formed Hand Seals.
"Wood Release: Thorn Strangulation."
Several wrist-thick wooden vines covered in sharp barbs shot through the ironwood in an instant, wrapped around the post, and tightened.
The ironwood, which even a Ninja Blade could barely cut, crumbled like rotten wood under the vines' crushing force.
[Wood Release: 500/10000]
[Sharingan: 4399/10000]
Another month passed. Qingguang had become quite proficient at the initial stage of Wood Release training, and his proficiency was increasing faster than before.
To prepare for Orochimaru's assessment, he had deliberately kept his Wood Release proficiency at 500 points.
"Not bad. That kind of power is already within the range of a B-rank jutsu." Hiruzen Sarutobi was very pleased with the Wood Release Qingguang had demonstrated.
Orochimaru, however, didn't share his opinion. If Qingguang had undergone surgery according to his plan, he could already be using Wood Release jutsu with A-rank power.
"Qingguang-kun, your body can now handle the power of Wood Release. I'll increase the dosage a little, as appropriate."
Qingguang had no objections. In fact, a hint of anticipation appeared on his face. "I trust your judgment, Orochimaru-senpai."
Orochimaru's sudden announcement made Hiruzen Sarutobi frown.
Orochimaru hadn't told him about this beforehand. This child...
Sigh... Since Qingguang himself had agreed, there wasn't much he could say now.
Although he wanted Qingguang to master the power of Wood Release as soon as possible, Qingguang's continued life among the Uchiha Clan was even more important to him.
It seemed he'd have to keep a closer watch on Orochimaru!
The surgery went extremely smoothly, without the pain Qingguang had felt during his first experience.
Once the liquid entered his body, it instead made him feel warm all over, even a little comfortable.
[Wood Release: 500+1500/10000]
Without hesitation, Qingguang put a thousand of those points toward his Sharingan.
[Wood Release: 1000/10000]
[Sharingan: 5399/10000]
As his ocular power grew, the Three Tomoe Sharingan appeared in his eyes.
Orochimaru noticed every bit of it.
It was exactly as he'd expected.
A little over ten minutes later, Qingguang pretended to wake up.
Orochimaru released him from the restraints and eagerly asked, "Qingguang-kun, how do you feel?"
In Orochimaru's pale yellow, serpentine eyes, his almond-shaped pupils reflected Qingguang's figure.
"I feel like I have more Chakra than I know what to do with. It's almost overflowing."
Qingguang clapped his hands together.
"Wood Release: Thorn Dance."
He thrust both hands forward. He didn't even need to form Hand Seals.
More than a dozen arm-thick vines, as thick as pythons, shot from his palms.
In an instant, they engulfed the six remaining ironwood posts and crushed them all.
All that remained was a bramble thicket spanning more than a dozen square meters. Its dark green vines and hooked thorns looked incredibly tough.
"Excellent! Excellent!" Hiruzen Sarutobi was overjoyed at the sight.
Qingguang had just undergone surgery and hadn't even had a chance to practice, yet he could already perform a jutsu with such power.
He couldn't even imagine what Qingguang would be capable of two months from now!
By the time the surgery ended, it was already past midnight. On his way home, Qingguang faintly sensed Chakra following close behind him.
When he reached his front door, Qingguang stopped.
"Orochimaru-senpai, it's so late. Did you come over to visit?"
"Qingguang-kun, I didn't expect your sensory abilities to be good enough to detect me."
"It seems Wood Release has improved them quite a bit, too."
Beneath the moonlight, Orochimaru's sinister figure emerged from the woods. His already deathly pale skin looked even more frightening.
"Orochimaru-senpai, is something the matter?"
"Or did you just come over for tea?"
Qingguang still wore a kindly smile.
Ordinary shinobi would feel offended if they found out someone had followed them, even if that person was a friend.
But Qingguang remained calm, his smile never wavering.
That was what Orochimaru admired most about him.
At the same time, though, he wanted to see whether this genius, this kind soul, could keep the same expression after learning certain truths.
"Qingguang-kun, there's no need to be on guard. I just have a few personal theories, and I'd like you to help me find the answers."
Qingguang nodded in agreement, as if he didn't feel offended at all.
"According to my theory, Wood Release Cells contain a vast amount of Yang Release Chakra. To some extent, they should be able to boost the Sharingan's ocular power, balancing Yin and Yang."
"Have you noticed any progress in your Sharingan's ocular power lately, Qingguang-kun?"
A hint of astonishment appeared on Qingguang's face as he thought it over.
"I thought my own strength had improved. So the Wood Release Cells might be responsible, too?"
"Thank you for clearing that up for me, Orochimaru-senpai. My ocular power really has increased a little lately."
"If you don't have anything else to ask, I'll go inside and get some rest."
Just as Qingguang was about to go inside, Orochimaru's next words made him stop in his tracks.
"Qingguang-kun, aren't you curious how I know Wood Release and the Sharingan can affect each other?"
Qingguang turned back, his brows drawing together and his fists tightening slightly, as if he'd just thought of something unpleasant.
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