At the end of November, Konoha Ninja returned with the "sincerity" of the Land of Hot Water Minato Namikaze and the Land of Frost, and the Konoha ninjas celebrated wildly in the village.
Both Sunagakure and Kumogakure have begun to "retreat," and the war situation seems to have become very clear.
In the barbecue restaurant, Shikaku Nara saw several couples across from him encouraging each other, and he sighed repeatedly, even giving up on eating the barbecue.
"What's wrong, Captain Shikaku? The mission was a complete success, and the Lord Hokage praised you highly."
Shu Furukawa, dressed in Chunin blue outfit, poured Shikaku a drink and then asked him a question out of curiosity. Across from him, Akimichi Choza, who was eating meat with gusto, laughed upon hearing the question.
" Shikaku; it's probably pre-wedding jitters."
"Shu, thank you so much for this mission. Jinchuriki was incredibly dangerous."
When Akimichi Doto returned to the village, he praised Shu Furukawa as the reincarnation of the First Hokage. After narrowly escaping death, this senior seemed to be letting loose.
Shikaku Nara, still sighing despite his friend's teasing, took a sip of his drink and said listlessly:
"Women are such a hassle. After marriage, I'll be living that kind of life of being controlled."
Yamanaka Inoichi a year older than the two and got married last year. Hearing Shikaku start complaining again, he reluctantly changed the subject.
"The New Year is just a month away, don't let your guard down, the war is not over."
"Although we don't know why Kumogakure left the Land of Frost, they certainly didn't withdraw their troops from the Land of Earth."
Shikaku Nara, having finally regained his spirits upon hearing about the war, then began to discuss the situation on the front lines in the Land of Grass:
" The Iwagakure Ninja are very troublesome. Their wide-range combined ninjutsu is well-suited for head-on combat. Coupled with some black market ninjas, we haven't been able to advance the battle line."
" Kakashi performed very well in the mission; his Lightning Release Ninjutsu was a perfect counter to the enemy's Earth Release."
"However, there are some minor issues. The high casualty rate while leading the team has caused many complaints."
Shu Furukawa hadn't been paying attention to the situation on the front lines in the Land of Grass, but he secretly noted down the "casualty rate" he heard.
The celebration was filled with joy. This was the first time Konoha had successfully defeated Small Nations since the start of the war, and everyone who participated in the mission felt extremely proud. At this moment, most ninjas believed that the new year would be even better.
--
After each mission, Shu Furukawa's expression was not good. The information contained in the [ Collection ] energy was too complex, and it would take some time to digest it.
In Tsunade's eyes, Shu Furukawa was simply overworking his body's cells, but after a careful examination, the situation turned out to be completely different from what she had expected.
In the intensive care unit of Konoha Hospital, Tsunade carefully examined the patient before falling into deep thought. Seemingly feeling embarrassed, she glanced sideways and muttered:
"It seems you have indeed made great progress in your cultivation of Senjutsu."
"I admit I misunderstood you, but you still need my permission to learn forbidden techniques."
As a reward for this mission, the Third Hokage directly opened up the Flying Thunder God to Shu Furukawa. After tasting the "benefits" brought by Minato Namikaze, the higher-ups wanted to replicate this "powerful weapon"!
Forbidden techniques have never been a problem for genius ninjas; it's just that Tsunade has never liked Shu Furukawa fighting on the front lines.
In addition, the initial version of the Flying Thunder God was imperfect, and Tsunade had a huge psychological trauma from charging into enemy territory, which led to some disagreements.
Lying in his hospital bed, Shu Furukawa grasped Tsunade's right hand and brought up the topic of ninjutsu again:
"Teacher, we can work together to perfect this technique. After all, it was created by the Second Hokage, and its perfected form must not be inferior to Minato's."
"During this time, I can also help the teacher rebuild the Strength of a Hundred Technique; body activation and modification can be left to me."
Tsunade nodded after a moment's thought. After a thorough examination, she found that the cells in Shu Furukawa's body possessed unusually vigorous vitality, and she began to believe the rumors circulating in the village:
"How do you introduce Natural Energy into your cells? It's a bit like my grandfather's constitution."
"It's too dangerous for Teacher Sarutobi to teach forbidden techniques to a ninja your age. It seems he's been blinded by victory."
Shu Furukawa's body is currently passively absorbing Natural Energy, and his spirit is using the Strength of a Hundred Seal technique to stably synthesize Senjutsu Chakra, which is then fed back to the cells in his body.
Using the energy Collection as the energy source for the spirit is the only way to achieve the current perfect model.
Tsunade couldn't do that, Shu Furukawa planned to emulate the Katsuyu's resonance:
"As long as the teacher agrees, we'll know the answer soon."
" The Third Hokage was probably preparing for the upcoming war; I think it's more like he was making worst-case scenario plans."
Tsunade sighed again after hearing Shu Furukawa's explanation. She couldn't explain the higher-ups' thoughts; the mindset of ninjas as mere tools was deeply ingrained, and anyone could be sacrificed for the sake of a necessary victory.
"Think what you want, but you'll stay in the village until the New Year."
"That Uchiha brat just happens to be here too. He's been looking for you several times since he came back from the Land of Grass."
" Shisui?"
Shu Furukawa looked curious and asked a question.
Tsunade nodded, straightening his shirt as she did so. Looking at the disciple who was slightly taller than her, she teased him:
"You're very popular within the Uchiha clan, probably because we went through the battle of the Land of Rain together!"
"It's rare to see these guys so full of praise for a ninja. Looks like you made a deep impression on them on the battlefield."
Tsunade was very curious about what Shu Furukawa had done on the battlefield. She had only read the battle reports and had never witnessed it herself. The " Shu Furukawa " legend circulating in Sunagakure was even more unimaginable.
Although Shu Furukawa noticed the probing look on Tsunade's face, he didn't explain in detail, responding with a cryptic smile:
"Teacher, if you become Hokage in the future, you'll understand!"
Don't try to show off in front of me!
Tsunade grumbled and wanted to flick her forehead twice as a form of discipline, just like she always did, but Shu Furukawa was a bit taller than her, so she ended up having her fingers held instead.
The nurses in the hospital could clearly sense that Tsunade's mood had improved. Tsunade paused slightly, startled by the whispers behind her. Just as she was about to think, she heard Shu Furukawa's voice again:
"Teacher, you're slacking off again! There are so many files piled up!"
Hurriedly walking to her office seat, Tsunade stopped thinking about it, piled up the files, and said with a smug look on her face:
"Remember, serving your teacher is something you should do!"
--
In early December, the Iwagakure Ninja on the front lines of the Land of Grass withdrew to the rear. After the news reached the village, the overconfident Konoha Ninja began to celebrate their victory in the war!
More optimistic ninjas even began calculating "war reparations." Konoha hadn't gained much from the last war, so this time they had to carve "flesh" out of the enemy.
The Uchiha Clan Compound was also affected by the village's atmosphere, and many shops followed suit by launching promotional activities. As the reputation improved, more and more people came to spend money there.
As Shu Furukawa passed a dorayaki shop, he noticed that Shisui Uchiha beside him paused, and then simply walked towards the shop.
"Master Xiu, you're too kind. You should visit this area more often!"
The young shopkeeper, with slightly dark skin, warmly welcomed them and, upon seeing Shisui, repeatedly praised the genius of his clan.
"Even ninjas sometimes need to confront their own desires."
"They're just some snacks, there's no need to be so hard on yourself."
After serving Shisui a cup of hot tea, Shu Furukawa sat down by the window. Shisui, who was taking small Shisui of a dorayaki, immediately bowed his head in thanks, then hesitated for a moment before asking:
"Senior, do you think the Uchiha Clan needs to change?"
"My father told me that the village now accepts us more, but what I see is more lives being lost."
"When the clan leader mobilized everyone, he said that the Uchiha were a clan full of love, but now I can't feel that at all. Everyone is just thirsting for power, giving their all for these eyes."
Fugaku Uchiha sent all the young men of his clan to the battlefield for baptism, and with the help of the Three-Color Pills, almost all of them were able to awaken the Sharingan.
The power of role models is boundless. Now, without any mobilization, those who consider themselves ninja-like have volunteered to go to the front lines.
"The First Police Force should be reinforced! You've already made the changes."
"As for 'love,' Shisui, you should have felt it. From another perspective, the Sharingan was awakened because of 'love.'"
"The emotions amplified by the Madness Pill are indeed easy to become addicted to, and you seem to have been affected as well."
Shu Furukawa responded calmly. Shisui opened his mouth but didn't speak. After gripping his teacup tightly, he suddenly let out a long sigh:
"I'm so sorry, senior, I was completely unaware that my emotions were being affected by the medication."
"The greater the emotional fluctuations, the more deeply the cells are utilized. Eye power is also a manifestation of Chakra, and it's more advanced, breaking free from the limitations of some acupoints and meridians."
Shu Furukawa explained the principle of the Madness Pill again, looking at Shisui who was bowing his head and remaining silent, and said softly:
"You should already have two Tomoe) by now. Using the Three-Color Pills multiple times while on the front lines is an inevitable result."
Shisui Uchiha was speechless. Shu Furukawa, seemingly seeing through his thoughts, continued:
"There's no need to worry about these things, Shisui. It's just some power."
"Power itself is neither evil nor righteous; it depends only on how you use it."
"Changing the mind of one's people is extremely difficult; rather than trying to change others, it's better to focus on one's own strength."
"When you become the next chieftain, you will be able to lead the people better, and I believe that's what you should be doing."
"Clan... Clan Chief?"
Shisui Uchiha was so shocked by these words that he stammered. Shu Furukawa nodded and calmly took a sip of tea.
"Becoming the Hokage is also an option. The more resources you control, the less trouble you'll face."
"When you become the strongest Uchiha Clan, people will naturally follow your lead. This is far more useful than someone just letting their imagination run wild!"
Shisui Uchiha, filled with grievances and resentment, stared wide-eyed. He had never considered these things before. After careful thought, he asked in a low voice:
"Senior, what if there are still people who oppose my ideas by then?"
"I can't make everyone accept my ideas."
Shu Furukawa shook his head slightly as he thought about the Uchiha Clan's expanding power. He wasn't sure what effect taking too much Madness Pill would have on the special Chakra in the Uchiha brains.
Seeing Shisui's pleading expression, Shu Furukawa finally gave his answer:
"It's very simple. If you believe you are right, use your power to show them the consequences of resistance."
"If you can't persuade them, in the ninja world, you should know what to do."
Killing the opponents would naturally eliminate any objections. Shisui Uchiha had also considered this point. His face paled slightly, and after a long silence, he suddenly looked up and responded:
"I will start by changing myself."
"You're truly amazing, senior! Unlike me, I was actually affected by the drugs. Do you also want to become Hokage, senior?"
Once back to normal, Shisui Uchiha asked with a smile, and Shu Furukawa showed a look of "longing," followed by a regretful sigh:
"I just hope that Tsunade- sensei can fulfill her dream. At our age, Hokage is still too far away."
"Let's go, let me see the power of the Two Tomoe Sharingan."
Shisui Uchiha, his cheerful personality restored, laughed heartily, paid the bill, and sighed again as he left:
"I wish my father could be as considerate of my feelings as my elders."
"The adult world is too complicated. The more outstanding my ninja skills are, the stricter my father treats me."
"Sometimes I even feel that my father is jealous; it seems he treats me like a tool..."
"Ah, please forgive my presumption, senior. I'm probably under the influence of the medication; I've been having all sorts of wild thoughts lately."
Shu Furukawa's eye twitched slightly. Shisui might not be mistaken; if the Madness Pill was used as a pupil-enhancing drug, the Uchiha's "love" might become even more intense.
--
In mid-December, Shu Furukawa repeatedly "checked in" at the hospital, Tsunade's Apartment, the Uchiha Clan Compound's training grounds, and the shopping district.
Learning Sealing Jutsu, improving the Flying Thunder God, performing surgeries, and training alongside Tsunade, Shisui Uchiha, and others, Shu Furukawa's life became extremely regular, and his complexion improved day by day.
This routine lifestyle increasingly puzzled the White Zetsu responsible for monitoring them, and it seemed that Lord Madara's conjecture was flawed.
At the Land of Iron peninsula base, Madara Uchiha, having heard White Zetsu's report, stared at the other party with his scarlet left eye:
"No Senju Clan bloodline?"
"Just a secret technique created by Hashirama?"
"Yes, Lord Madara. For the past two weeks, Shu Furukawa has been with the Uchiha genius. From my observation, he simply possesses a massive amount of Chakra."
" Chakra approaching that of Tailed Beast is an astonishing power!"
Upon hearing their companion's report, the White Zetsu chattered excitedly, while the Ancient White Zetsu remained kneeling before Madara, quietly awaiting instructions.
Lost in his memories Madara Uchiha's aged face showed a look of disappointment. Hashirama hadn't been on guard; this wasn't the outcome he had hoped for.
There's no need to waste too much energy on an ordinary ninja.
"My time is running out. I need to find a target within the Uchiha clan as soon as possible. If no suitable candidate is found, I plan to 'awaken' Nagato's Rinnegan."
After completing his Sage Mode training every night, Shu Furukawa noticed that White Zetsu watching him from afar, and a smile immediately appeared on his face:
" Katsuyu, we can make use of that White Zetsu body now. We don't have much time left, let's start searching from the Kannabi Bridge."
"Is Lord Xiu's Flying Thunder God ready?"
The Katsuyu on his shoulder asked softly, Shu Furukawa casually cast a spell, giving a simple reply:
"It's fine for traveling."