The Troubles of the Ninja Path and Hidden Killing Intent

In the dim cave, a writhing mass of flesh trembled slightly, like a hibernating behemoth slowly awakening.

This was a peculiar creation with infinite vitality, brought into being by Haotian, currently in a dormant state.

Suddenly, the surface of the flesh began to bulge violently, and a vague human silhouette gradually appeared. This was MadaraGrandma, a consciousness formed from the combination of MadaraUchiha's Chakra and White Zetsu cells.

She slowly opened her eyes, a flicker of confusion in her crimson irises, followed by bone-deep hatred.

However, before she could fully awaken, a cold hand pressed down on her head, forcing her back into the mass of flesh.

"Behave yourself and stop moving," a slightly childish voice sounded in her ear. MadaraGrandma struggled a few times but found the hand as unyielding as steel.

This was Haotian's shadow clone, assigned to look after the mass of flesh and, more importantly, to prevent the consciousness within from causing any trouble.

"Damn it, I'm being suppressed by a brat," MadaraGrandma cursed inwardly but dared not act rashly. She could feel the fragility of this body and understood that the shadow clone's strength far surpassed her imagination.

She tried to calculate the lifespan of her consciousness, eager to complete her plan and provoke the Uchiha descendant named Obito.

However, the shadow clone clung to her like a persistent fly, seemingly guarding against something, leaving her absolutely no chance to escape.

MadaraGrandma tried various methods but could not shake off the shadow clone. An indescribable sense of helplessness washed over her. Her plan seemed to have been disrupted by this brat who appeared out of nowhere.

Meanwhile, near the distant battlefield of the Kannabi Bridge, Madara's main body slowly opened his eyes, surrounded by dark Chakra, like a slumbering dragon.

He indifferently scanned the kneeling White Zetsu, his voice deep and commanding, "How is the task I gave you? Has that brat Haotian made any unusual moves?"

White Zetsu felt the oppressive aura emanating from Madara, trembling slightly, and quickly replied, "Lord Madara, that Haotian seems to possess a special Kekkei Genkai that can counter my abilities. I cannot get close to him. He has been conducting some strange experiments recently."

Upon hearing this, Madara's lips curled into a disdainful smile, his tone filled with contempt. "A mere mongrel without the bloodlines of the Senju or the Uchiha, daring to act presumptuously before me? He's nothing but a clown." He didn't take Haotian seriously at all. In his eyes, only those with the bloodlines of the Senju and the Uchiha were qualified to be his opponents, to be pawns on his chessboard.

In Konohagakure, within Haotian's laboratory, his main body was carefully observing the mass of flesh on the ground, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

He watched the shadow clone pinning down the flesh, a slight smile playing on his lips. He seemed to realize the power of the shadow clone technique. If the shadow clone possessed even greater strength, perhaps he could achieve even more.

Just then, a figure pushed open the laboratory door. It was Minato, looking slightly weary, having just returned from the front lines, his battle armor still carrying the scent of gunpowder.

Seeing Haotian, he smiled gently, " Haotian, what are you doing here?"

Haotian looked up and replied with a smile, "Teacher Minato, I'm conducting some experiments."

Before Minato could ask further, a vibrant voice came from outside the door, " Haotian, Kakashi wants to spar with you! Come with me quickly!" Guy grabbed Haotian's arm and dragged him out of the laboratory. Minato shook his head helplessly, having to suppress his questions for the moment.

On the training ground, Kakashi coldly eyed Haotian, who had been brought by Guy. His left eye was covered by his forehead protector, but his right eye still emitted a chilling light.

Lying on the ground was Genma, covered in wounds, seemingly having just emerged from a fierce battle.

Kakashi spoke slowly, his tone laced with a hint of provocation, " Haotian, I challenge you."

In the laboratory, HotaruHotaru's green light illuminated Haotian's focused face.

He stared at the mass of flesh before him, the shadow clone firmly controlling MadaraGrandma's consciousness. Not the slightest movement escaped his eyes.

A realization exploded in his mind, like lightning splitting the night sky.

Before, he had simply used the shadow clone as a tool for reconnaissance and harassment. Now, he finally understood that it wasn't just a simple clone, but an extension of power, a replication of consciousness!

If he could inject more Chakra into the shadow clones, granting them greater strength, wouldn't that mean...

Haotian clenched his fists, his heart pounding. He felt as if he had grasped the key to creating "cancerous clones," and infinite possibilities unfolded before his eyes, an unprecedented excitement surging through his entire body.