Wood Release, I'm Sorry, I Still Love Sharingan More (Seeking Collection!)

"However, based on the current data, Qingguang has already weathered the toughest stage. Teacher Sarutobi, let us witness the miracle together."

Orochimaru turned and walked to the electronic screen, his gaze locked on Qingguang, unwilling to miss a single moment. He wanted to see the fruits of his replication with his own eyes.

Releasing the Golden Cudgel from his grip, the massive staff transformed into a two-meter-tall white-furred giant ape.

"Sun Slash, we've come too late."

Letting out a long sigh, Hiruzen Sarutobi stood with his back to Danzo, his tone eerily steady: "Danzo, effective immediately, I revoke your status as Hokage Assistant."

"You'd better pray that Qingguang comes through this safely."

From childhood to now, Hiruzen had always acted as Qingguang's nominal guardian, visiting him every month without fail. The boy had lived up to expectations, displaying extraordinary talent.

Whether in strength or intellect, he was at least a future candidate for Hokage, someone who could one day stand alongside Hiruzen's three disciples.

He was also the only chain binding the Uchiha to the Leaf.

Hiruzen had thought Danzo would show some regard for Kagami's old ties, hoping he'd let Qingguang gradually understand the Leaf's darker side to temper his character.

But he never expected Danzo to dare to deceive Qingguang, telling him about the Wood Release experiments, and even tricking him into becoming a test subject!

Over the years, he had been far too lenient with Danzo.

Unfortunately, he only realized the gravity of this now—it was already too late...

Hiruzen Sarutobi's order made Danzo gnash his teeth in fury: "I have a clear conscience. Everything I do is for the Leaf!"

"From the moment we began trying to recreate Wood Release, there was no turning back. I've lost count of how many descendants of the First Hokage and Teacher Tobirama have died. If we give up now, what was the meaning of their sacrifices?"

"As Hokage, if you lack the courage, then I'll shoulder this burden! You don't dare—does that mean you won't allow the young to dare either? You sent Qingguang to me, wasn't it to broaden his capacity?"

Three sentences, and Danzo left Hiruzen Sarutobi speechless.

Yet all he received in return was silence—no response at all.

On the operating table, Qingguang still had his eyes shut, examining the system panel in his mind.

[New Kekkei Genkai: Wood Release]
Wood Release: 1145/10000
[New Allocatable Points: 1145]
[First acquisition of Kekkei Genkai points. Can be freely allocated or converted.]

Just as Qingguang had imagined!

Without a moment's hesitation, he acted immediately.

Wood Release? Sorry, I'm not familiar with that. As an Uchiha, I still prefer the Sharingan.

[Sharingan: 1001 + 1144 / 10000]

A single injection of Hashirama Cells had directly offset ten years of Qingguang's Great Fireball training.

Now, Qingguang truly understood the correct way to use the system.

As the Wood Release points were drained to just one remaining, the earlier discomfort in his body vanished, though he could feel a faint increase in his physical strength.

Qingguang lifted his head: "Senior Orochimaru, could you undo these restraints first?"

"Lord Hokage, why are you here?"

Qingguang had survived!?

"Hurry, Orochimaru, release him." Hiruzen Sarutobi rushed forward. Orochimaru unfastened the metal rings, then stepped back two paces to stand aside.

His long, snake-like tongue flicked across the corner of his mouth: "Qingguang-kun, do you sense a new power within you?"

At this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart was also pounding as he watched Qingguang, waiting for a definitive answer.

Qingguang pressed his palms together, fingers interlocked, as Chakra flowed through his body.

He held his right palm flat, and a tiny sapling sprouted from the center.

"Is this Wood Release?"

Danzo blurted out coldly, his tone dripping with disappointment.

In the past, the First Hokage would just clap his hands and summon whatever he wanted. But with Qingguang, it was just a little sapling?

How was he supposed to use Qingguang to tame the Nine-Tails in the future?

Hiruzen Sarutobi felt the same, but Qingguang's survival alone was enough to satisfy him.

"I've said it before—it's not Wood Release that's strong, it's the First Hokage. But none of that matters now."

"As long as you're safe, Qingguang."

Patting Qingguang's shoulder, Hiruzen comforted him, seeing the disappointment on his face.

But at that moment, Orochimaru stared at the sapling, a faint smile curling at the corners of his mouth: "Teacher Sarutobi, this surgery only injected a minimal dose of Wood Release cells. The fact that Qingguang can use Wood Release means his body can withstand this power."

"From now on, whether through further injections or training, he can enhance this ability."

"However, whether to continue with more injections depends on you and Qingguang, Teacher Sarutobi."

These words made Danzo's heart, which had just settled, stir once more.

There was still hope!

Hiruzen Sarutobi fell silent. Since Orochimaru had said so, it meant there was indeed some feasibility.

But such a surgery, even at the minimum dosage, had nearly cost Qingguang his life. The risk was simply too high.

Seeing Hiruzen's hesitant expression, Qingguang lifted his head, his gaze firm. "Lord Hokage, since I survived the first time, I can definitely do so again. Everything is hard at the start. For the sake of the village, I won't fail."

Looking at Qingguang in that moment, Hiruzen's eyes grew distant, as if he saw the shadow of someone from the past.

"Very well. You've grown up. Since you have your own convictions, I won't say more."

"However."

"From now on, you must report to me before every surgery. Orochimaru, understood?"

"No problem, Teacher Sarutobi."

Orochimaru gave a slight nod, raising no objection.

Because to him, this was unimportant. What mattered was that his hypothesis had been confirmed, theory turned into practice—that was the key.

Then, Hiruzen Sarutobi led Qingguang out of Root.

Watching the two leave, Danzo felt a bitter unwillingness, his desire for the Hokage's seat burning even hotter. He turned back to look at Orochimaru.

"Your hypothesis has been confirmed. Are you now confident in granting me Wood Release as well?"

Qingguang was a promising junior in his eyes, but also one of the most important pawns.

But merely a pawn.

Perhaps after he became Hokage, Root would be handed over to Qingguang.

Orochimaru looked at the right eye wrapped in Danzo's bandages, a hint of mockery curling at the corner of his lips. "If Qingguang-kun knew that what's sealed beneath your right eye is the Sharingan of his clansmen, would he still be as loyal to you as he is now?"

"There's no need to threaten me with such words. Do you think I have no leverage over you?"

"Don't think I'm unaware of the Forbidden Jutsu research you've been conducting in secret."

"Pleasure doing business, Lord Danzo." Orochimaru immediately changed his tone, flashing a sincere and earnest smile.

You don't think I only know this is a Sharingan, do you?

If Qingguang-kun knew this was his father Kagami's Sharingan, would he still be loyal to you?