In mid-June of Konoha Year 50, after the Fourth Hokage took office, Konoha burst forth with astonishing vitality.
Unlike the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi's era, which emphasized balance, the most significant change in the Fourth Hokage Tsunade over the past two weeks has been the increased speed of her decision-making.
Tsunade is exceptionally efficient at work; whether it's delivering documents or discussing matters in meetings, she prepares in the morning and executes the task by the afternoon.
Tsunade was also very familiar with the data from each department!
This efficiency is not a good thing for older ninjas, but in the eyes of younger ninjas, the Fourth Hokage is trying to make Konoha great again!
In just half a month, some of the older, less qualified people were "snatched up," and most of the young people who were promoted were around 28 years old.
These young people may not be strong ninjas, but they never compromise on the execution of orders.
Under the leadership of the Fourth Hokage, the young people found their own value, and Konoha suddenly entered an era of "involution".
Several new shops have been added to the commercial street. As long as Konoha Ninja are willing to put in the effort, they can always earn money through missions.
Under these circumstances, many ninjas are willing to spend money in advance, and for the past two weeks, the tavern has been packed every night.
They get together before a mission and celebrate afterward; in short, they have to spend the money they earn. Those with families can be more restrained, but single people are basically "mission-spent."
The victorious nation's status made Konoha Ninja extremely popular, and that's how their prestige was built. The village was completely free of its previous complaints.
Even if some ninjas want to coast along, they can easily cover their expenses by taking on a patrol or guard post mission.
Early in the morning, several Jonin teams to carry out missions at the gate. The young men who had just graduated from the Ninja Academy this year were also full of energy. Having escaped the D-rank mission, everyone wanted to make a big splash!
The Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, appeared discreetly near the gate, followed by Sarutobi Asuma, who remained silent.
The father and son have recently had another conflict. Sarutobi Hiruzen does not want his youngest son to leave the village and develop in the capital. Ninjas are not subordinate to the daimyo. Asuma does not seem to realize this yet.
"Be careful on your way to the capital of the Land of Fire. Although the war is over, there are still wandering ninjas."
"Many of the bounty hunters in the black market are tough guys. Be careful after being selected Twelve Guardian Ninja."
Asuma, I haven't been able to be by your side during these years of your growth...
Before Sarutobi Hiruzen speaking, Asuma interrupted him, head bowed, "Father, this has nothing to do with you. It was all my own choice."
"I don't have my older brother's strength, and my ninja skills aren't great either, which is why I want to choose a different path to realize my value."
Asuma has been in a state of confusion for the past few years. Although he participated in combat after graduation, most of his missions were guarding and patrolling.
Compared to the outstanding ninjas of his Peer, Asuma felt utterly insignificant.
If he weren't the son of the Third Hokage, he might have disappeared from everyone's sight long ago.
Sarutobi Hiruzen could naturally sense his son's feelings, but talent was something that couldn't be inherited. He sighed inwardly and finally took out a gift, "Since that's the case, then go and pursue your own path."
Keep these weapons for self-defense!
Asuma took the short blade. He knew it was made of Chakra Metal. He wanted to refuse, but seeing the expectant look on his father's face, he finally nodded and accepted it.
Seeing the father and son remain silent, the Anbu Ninja had accompanied them on their mission to the capital spoke up, assuring them, " Third Hokage, please rest assured, we will protect Asuma."
"Thank you all for your help!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen laughed heartily, patted Asuma on the shoulder, and gave him no more instructions. Watching the group leave, the old man sighed again in his heart; he had failed to properly educate his son.
Turning back towards the village, as he approached the Hokage Building, Sarutobi Hiruzen looked up at the newly constructed Kage Rock and his mood improved. He had finally lived up to the Second Hokage's trust. "Let's continue researching Sealing Jutsu. Perhaps one day we'll need this Old Man's help."
Tsunade was working on documents in her room, stretched and turned to Furukawa Kawao, asking in a low voice, "Did Teacher Sarutobi finally agree to send Asuma away?"
"Yes, at last night's gathering of Peer, Asuma decided to temporarily leave the village, and the Third Hokage was quite saddened."
Shu Furukawa gave a simple response, Tsunade. She couldn't interfere in her teacher's family affairs, and could only sigh, " The Old Man is really stubborn but soft-hearted. It wouldn't be hard for him to praise his son a little more."
" The Third Hokage has been researching Sealing Jutsu lately, it seems he wants to address the village's weaknesses."
Shu Furukawa spoke up to remind her, Tsunade responded that she understood. She didn't have many requirements for Jinchuriki, and looked at her disciple, saying softly, "Try to persuade our teacher when you have time. He should rest; there's no need for him to force himself."
"You also need to rest. Your training has stabilized at this stage, and I will take good care of myself."
By constantly absorbing Senjutsu Chakra from Furukawa Kawashu, Tsunade's body gradually adapted. Although she still had to suppress the cravings of her cells, she no longer fell asleep, and her energy became exceptionally abundant.
Shu Furukawa chuckled in response. He knew Tsunade's body inside and out, and the evolution of his technique was a way for him to repay her.
Late at night, in the dense forest on the east side of the village, the original Root Laboratory had been transformed into Orochimaru's base.
Since his life was unexpectedly taken over by someone else, Orochimaru secretly entrusted the work of the Anbu to Shu Furukawa. In order to avoid leaking too much information, he spent most of his time doing his own research.
How to get rid of the Cursed Seal on his heart and tongue? Orochimaru thought of his unfinished technique; it was just a mere physical body that he could discard at any time.
However, the technique was still in its infancy, and Orochimaru didn't want to expose it, so he divided the development work into two parts, leaving the White Zetsu baffled and unable to grasp the key information.
The door was kicked open, and a huge snake head barely squeezed in. The Aoda happily reported, " Lord Orochimaru, Lord Shu will bring the experiment results over tonight!"
"With that special test subject, the problem of rejection has been completely solved."
Orochimaru forced a smile onto his increasingly pale face, interrupting Aoda's report, and instructed in a hoarse voice, "Very good, you're too big. We won't need to trouble you with the communications work anymore."
"I've disappointed Lord Orochimaru."
A hint of shame appeared on the Aoda snake's face, but she was being overly cautious. Orochimaru didn't care at all, casually instructing, "Protect the lab well, don't let anyone else near here."
When Furukawa arrived at the base, the enormous body of the Aoda wriggled joyfully. In just a few months, with the help of the spirit, she had made tremendous progress in her cultivation of Natural Energy: " Qingqing misses Master Xiu very much!"
"You rascal, the spirit is with you every day, you don't need to put on this act. The giant snake has to be more ferocious!"
Shu Furukawa pushed away the giant snake head. Seeing that the snake was still trying to get closer, he had no choice but to give it a couple of hits. After hearing the Aoda introduce Orochimaru's situation, he nodded slightly and entered the base.
" Orochimaru- sensei, I hope you can find these experimental results useful."
"As for your request for a suitable medium, give me some more time, and I will find some suitable herbs from the medical department."
Orochimaru nodded in satisfaction upon hearing the good news. The two shared a tacit understanding; although he didn't say he was being controlled, he knew that Shu Furukawa knew he was in trouble.
"If you have a suitable candidate, you can recommend a child who is skilled in Medical Ninjutsu."
I still need to conduct some basic experiments.
While confirming the experimental procedures on the computer, Furukawa Kawao nodded in agreement. After a brief moment of thought, he directly suggested a candidate. "Senior Yakushi Nonō has taken in an orphan from Kikyo Castle and has been helping out at the hospital for the past two years. That child has a great talent for Medical Ninjutsu."
"The village hasn't noticed him yet. If Orochimaru- sensei needs him, I can have him come here to help."
Orochimaru chuckled and immediately agreed. Soon the two began discussing the changes in the experimental data. The White Zetsu hidden inside him was completely confused and could only secretly memorize everything.
As Shu Furukawa left, Orochimaru looked at the contents of the scroll recorded in secret language, and the corners of his mouth curled up again. As expected of the disciple he had chosen, the progress of the experiment had exceeded his expectations.
Thinking of the Sharingan he encountered in the unknown space, Orochi stuck out his tongue and slurped. Far from feeling sorry for his current predicament, his heart burned even brighter. " The Mangekyō Sharingan has reappeared!"
"This is truly fascinating, Sage of Six Paths! I think I've found your power!"
In Konoha Hospital, Yakushi Nonō, along with Yakushi Kabuto, performed simple treatments on wounds. The fact that a 6-year-old child could master basic Medical Ninjutsu earned loud praise from every wounded soldier.
Yakushi Kabuto, wearing round-framed glasses, blushed slightly at the compliments, and seeing Yakushi Nonō's gentle smile, the boy became increasingly satisfied with his life.
As he left the room, Yakushi Kabuto saw Shu Furukawa appear ahead. He immediately ran over, tilted his head back, and greeted him loudly, "Good morning, Osamu-sama! I've been working hard lately!"
"The dean told me that even in the Ninja Academy, I could get first place."
Shu Furukawa leaned down and ruffled Yakushi Kabuto's hair. Seeing the worry flash in Yakushi Nonō's eyes, he softly replied, "Don't worry, Senpai. I'll be taking Kabuto on some missions during this time."
" Orochimaru- sensei is different from Danzo; his funding will not be affected in any way. If you want to leave Root, I can destroy your file directly."
"After all, this organization will eventually disintegrate, and our predecessors won't need to carry out those missions anymore."
Yakushi Kabuto turned to look at the headmaster, unsure of their conversation. Yakushi Nonō's face showed gratitude, and she replied somewhat apologetically in a low voice, "I'm so sorry, Shu, for gathering information about you before..."
"It's alright. Before absolute power, those petty tricks are useless."
Shu Furukawa casually replied, then looked down at Yakushi Kabuto and asked with a smile, "Want to learn more advanced Medical Ninjutsu? That way you can take care of the headmaster too!"
"I believe in your talent; perhaps one day you'll surpass me in the field of Medical Ninjutsu."
Upon hearing Shu Furukawa's approval, Yakushi Kabuto's little face lit up with excitement.
From the day he was taken in, he knew that Shu Furukawa was the hero who saved Kikyo Castle.
Although I don't remember it very clearly, the dean has mentioned it more than once. When learning Medical Ninjutsu, Shu Furukawa's clone also participated in the teaching.
"Master Xiu, I'm willing to help. I hope the Dean and everyone else can live better lives!"
Yakushi Kabuto responded loudly with a look of reverence. Shu Furukawa smiled, patted Kabuto's head, and then prepared to get up and leave.
Yakushi Nonō quickly stepped forward and grabbed Shu Furukawa, her expression complex. She was worried about Yakushi Kabuto's future. "Osamu, that child..."
"Senior, I will take good care of him. His talents should be used for greater causes!"
Yakushi Kabuto watched Shu Furukawa's departing figure, he happily cheered beside the headmaster. The hero who saved Kikyo Castle recognized his talent, and this feeling of being needed filled the emptiness in his heart.
The night in Shikkotsu Forest remained peaceful and serene, with all the creatures, big and small, greeting each other in soft, sweet voices.
As he responded in a low voice, Shu Furukawa asked the Katsuyu on his shoulder, "Slug, do you still remember the Sage of Sage of Six Paths ' Six Paths Technique?"
"It seems it wasn't passed down. Only Hagoromo Otsutsuki possessed the Rinnegan back then. This Dōjutsu must have been influenced by the power of the God Tree."
Upon hearing Huo Shu's answer, Shu Furukawa nodded slightly. As his body adapted to the transformation of the two Chakra, some information automatically appeared in his mind.
The reappearance of the Six Paths Technique supplemented the information provided by Madara Uchiha, which was an explanation of the Rinnegan's abilities. Except for the lack of a unique Dōjutsu, all other abilities were explained in detail.
In addition, the experience regarding "seals" was also received by Furukawa Kawao's spirit, and Indra had a profound understanding of the mastery of magic.
"It seems that all this information evolved from the energy of the God Tree; what an incredible ability!"
The Katsuyu flicked its antennae, understanding Shu Furukawa's praise; that power had even altered her life form. "Let's begin, Osamu-sama!"
"Once all the remaining energy at the roots of the divine tree is absorbed, the eye technique should be able to appear."
Reminded by the warning, Shu Furukawa entered the Taiseki and immediately created a clone from his enormous body.
As Furukawa Kawashu was enveloped by the clone and merged into his main body, the slug's massive Sage Chakra merged into the [Gathering] ability. Under the combined effect of the two, it once again fiercely absorbed the remaining energy from the roots of the Divine Tree.
What would have taken years to complete was drastically shortened with the help of Huoyu.
As Furukawa's spirit focused on gathering energy, the blonde girl, a manifestation of Katsuyu, helped refine Senjutsu Chakra. Because it was her true form, the task was exceptionally easy, allowing her to even gossip. "If Master Shu is going to help Tsunade transform, he'll need to mate, right?"
"Otherwise, that frail human body simply wouldn't be able to control such a vast amount of Senjutsu Chakra."
"Cough.."
Such a blunt expression made Shu Furukawa cough helplessly. Unlike his clone, Katsuki, the real body was even more straightforward, and continued to gossip curiously, "After Lord Osamu evolves again, you will be different species. I wonder if you will still be able to produce offspring."
"The evolution of a race—that's the path Gamakichi followed back then."