"But based on the data so far, Qingguang has already made it through the hardest part. Teacher Sarutobi, let's witness the return of a miracle together."
Orochimaru turned and walked over to the electronic display, his gaze fixed on Qingguang. He didn't want to miss a single moment; he wanted to witness the results of his own replication with his own eyes.
He released the Golden Cudgel. The giant staff transformed into a two-meter-tall white-furred great ape.
"Danzō, we still got here too late."
With a long sigh, Hiruzen Sarutobi turned his back to Danzo, his voice frighteningly steady. "Danzo, from this moment on, I'm stripping you of your position as Hokage Assistant."
"You'd better pray that Qingguang is safe and sound."
He had been Qingguang's nominal guardian ever since the boy was little, making time to visit him every month. And Qingguang had lived up to expectations, displaying extraordinary talent.
In both strength and intellect, he was sure to become a Hokage candidate someday, someone who could stand alongside his three students.
He was even the only chain holding the Uchiha to Konoha.
Hiruzen had thought Danzo would at least show some regard for Kagami's sake. He had hoped Danzo would let Qingguang learn about Konoha's darker side and temper his character.
But he never expected Danzo to dare manipulate Qingguang, tell him about the Wood Release experiment, and even trick him into becoming a test subject!
He had indulged Danzo far too much all these years.
Unfortunately, he had only just realized how serious this was—and it was already too late...
Hiruzen Sarutobi's order made Danzo grind his teeth in fury. "I have a clear conscience. Everything I've done has been for Konoha!"
"From the moment we began trying to recreate Wood Release, there was no turning back. I've lost count of how many descendants of Lord Hashirama and Teacher Tobirama have died. If we give up, what will their sacrifices have meant?"
"You're the Hokage, and you don't have the courage to shoulder this responsibility, so I'll take it on myself! You don't dare do it—is that any reason to stop the young from daring? You sent Qingguang to me, didn't you? Wasn't it so he could develop a broader perspective?"
With those three remarks, Danzo left Hiruzen Sarutobi speechless.
Yet all he got in response was silence.
On the operating table, Qingguang still had his eyes shut as he inspected the system panel in his mind.
[New Kekkei Genkai: Wood Release] Wood Release: 1145/10000 [1145 discretionary points added] [You have received Kekkei Genkai points for the first time. They can be freely assigned or converted.]
Just as Qingguang had expected!
Without a moment's hesitation, he got to work.
Wood Release? Sorry, I'm not familiar with this stuff. As an Uchiha, I still prefer the Sharingan.
[Sharingan: 1001+1144/10000]
A single injection of Hashirama Cells had wiped out the gains Qingguang had made from practicing the Great Fireball for ten years.
Only now did Qingguang truly understand how to use the system.
As his Wood Release points were drained, leaving just one, the discomfort in his body vanished. But he could feel that his physical strength had improved slightly.
Qingguang raised his head. "Orochimaru-senior, could you undo these restraints first?"
"Lord Hokage, what brings you here?"
Qingguang had survived!?
"Quickly, Orochimaru! Get him out of those restraints." Hiruzen Sarutobi hurried forward. After Orochimaru undid the metal bands, he stepped back and stood to the side.
His long, snake-like tongue slid over the corner of his mouth. "Qingguang-kun, do you feel any new power within you?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi watched Qingguang anxiously, hoping to hear a definite answer from him, too.
Qingguang pressed his palms together, fingers interlocked, and circulated his Chakra.
He held his right palm flat, and a small sapling sprouted from its center.
"Is this Wood Release?"
Danzo blurted out the question, disappointment plain in his voice.
Back in the day, Lord Hashirama could clap his hands and summon whatever he wanted. But all Qingguang had managed was a little sapling?
How was he supposed to make Qingguang tame the Nine-Tails someday?
Hiruzen Sarutobi felt the same, naturally, but he was already satisfied that Qingguang had survived.
"I've always said it wasn't Wood Release that was powerful, but the First Hokage. Still, none of that matters."
"Qingguang, I'm just glad you're all right."
Hiruzen patted Qingguang on the shoulder, trying to comfort him as he saw the disappointment on his face.
But at that moment, Orochimaru stared at the sapling, the corners of his mouth curling upward. "Teacher Sarutobi, this surgery only used the smallest possible dose of Wood Release Cells. The fact that Qingguang can use Wood Release means his body can withstand that power."
"Whether through further injections or training, he'll be able to improve in this area."
"But whether to continue with further injections will depend on what you and Qingguang decide, Teacher Sarutobi."
At those words, Danzo's heart, which had just settled, began to stir again.
There was still hope!
Hiruzen Sarutobi fell silent. If Orochimaru said so, then it must indeed be feasible to some extent.
But even with the smallest possible dose, this surgery had nearly cost Qingguang his life. The risk was simply too high.
Seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi's hesitation, Qingguang looked up, his gaze resolute. "Lord Hokage, since I made it through the first time, I'll be able to do it again. The hardest part is getting started. For the village, I won't fail."
Looking at Qingguang, Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes grew unfocused. For a moment, he thought he saw the shadow of someone he had once known.
"All right. You've grown up, and since you're determined, I won't try to talk you out of it."
"However..."
"From now on, you must report to me before any surgery. Understood, Orochimaru?"
"No problem, Teacher Sarutobi."
Orochimaru nodded slightly, without the slightest objection.
It didn't matter to him. What mattered was that his theory had been confirmed. Putting theory into practice—that was what mattered most.
Afterward, Hiruzen Sarutobi took Qingguang and left Root.
Watching them leave, Danzo's resentment deepened, and his desire for the Hokage's seat burned ever hotter. He turned to Orochimaru.
"Your theory has been proven. Are you confident you can help me master Wood Release, too?"
Qingguang was a promising youth Danzo had chosen, but he was also one of his most important pawns.
But a pawn was still just a pawn.
Perhaps once he became Hokage, he could leave Root in Qingguang's hands.
Orochimaru glanced at Danzo's bandage-wrapped right eye, a mocking smile curling his lips. "If Qingguang-kun knew that the Sharingan hidden beneath the seal in your right eye belonged to one of his clansmen, would he still be as loyal to you as he is now?"
"Don't think you can threaten me with that. Do you really think I don't have anything on you?"
"Don't think I'm unaware of your secret Forbidden Jutsu research."
"A pleasure doing business with you, Lord Danzo." Orochimaru immediately changed his attitude, offering a sincere, earnest smile.
You don't think I only know that it's a Sharingan, do you?
If Qingguang-kun knew it was his father Kagami's Sharingan, would he still be loyal to you?
Before you continue