In mid-April of Konoha Year 49, the battle at Mount Kikyo was nearing its end, with Sunagakure's "suicide plan" inflicting considerable casualties on Konoha Ninja.
The Sunagakure Ninja faced death without resupply, hoping for a one-for-one exchange. Their follow-up forces dispersed into smaller groups at Mount Kikyo and launched a series of raids during this period.
This was the most devastating loss since the start of the war; not only was the ancient city destroyed, but the consensus that Konoha Ninja the "strongest" was also shattered.
The battle between the Land of Rain and the Land of Grass also broke out, and the Konoha Ninja were besieged by the Sunagakure and the Iwagakure, and their casualties gradually increased.
The war on the front lines was a good thing for Madara Uchiha, who was hiding on the Land of Iron peninsula. He needed experimental subjects, and the war could help him solve that problem.
Above the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, the exceptionally cheerful White Zetsu jumped down from the giant arm. Remembering the news his companion had just sent, he chuckled and reported, " Lord Madara, the Executor failed to awaken his Sharingan during the war. That idiot is still shedding tears on the battlefield."
"This guy really doesn't have much ninja talent, but that boy named Shu Furukawa is definitely a genius!"
"It's said that he wiped out 1,000 members of the Sunagakure army by himself. I should have stayed by his side. He's an incredibly powerful human."
"I wonder if there's anything special about his poop..."
Madara Uchiha body became even more withered, and he remained silent for a long time with his head down.
It wasn't until White Zetsu started clamoring for a bladder control system that Madara Uchiha finally raised his head slightly, muttering with some disappointment, "The shock of facing life and death didn't even open his eyes."
"The deeper the love, the greater the power gained after opening one's eyes. Is it because the emotions haven't accumulated enough?"
"Have the White Zetsu protect Nagato. If the Proxy Plan doesn't work, you must guide Nagato."
Madara Uchiha did not abandon Obito, but he needed double insurance.
If Obito were just an incompetent Uchiha, the plan would have to focus on Nagato.
" Lord Madara, shall we contact Shisui Uchiha? He's a true genius."
" The Two Tomoe Sharingan possesses powerful ocular abilities, and based on the information observed, Shisui Uchiha was also a ninja who advocated peace."
Another White Zetsu suddenly appeared before Madara Uchiha and whispered a report: Obito is far inferior to Shisui; the more carefully one observes, the more this becomes apparent.
"No, eye power is not the problem. Uchiha rely on external forces are not qualified to inherit my will."
"I will give him more opportunities. For his further development, we need to make some more plans."
"I haven't forgotten the vanished energy; you must remain vigilant at all times."
After saying this, Madara Uchiha began to breathe heavily again. The Rinnegan needed to be awakened, and Nagato was the most crucial part of the plan.
The substitute is just a supplement; if the recent experimental subjects show someone who can control Hashirama Cells, then Obito Uchiha won't need to pay too much attention.
" Lord Madara, should we refocus our attention on Shu Furukawa?"
"The traces left behind at Kikyo Castle indicate that the ninjutsu used by the opponent was far more powerful than that of ordinary ninjas."
White Zetsu went with Obito to check outside the city and was shocked to find the ground sunken and cracked. He couldn't figure out what kind of ninjutsu Shu Furukawa had used.
"Without the bloodline of the Uchiha and Senju Clan, no matter how powerful the ninjutsu is, it's nothing more than illusory power."
"Go gather information about that girl. If I can sever this love, my Sharingan will definitely awaken."
After saying this, Madara Uchiha suddenly recalled the time he spent training with Hashirama when he was a child, and then the scene of being stabbed by Hashirama flashed through his mind. "Be prepared. If the plan goes smoothly, you might be able to obtain a pair of Mangekyō Sharingan."
"With such a force supervising and guiding Nagato, the plan will surely proceed more smoothly."
The White Zetsu understand why Madara Uchiha still favored Obito, but since the Creator's words had to be resolutely carried out, the White Zetsu could only respond loudly for the time being.
Deep within the stronghold, Shu Furukawa's spirit was manipulating the White Zetsu's body to leave behind the Flying Thunder God Formula in a corner.
The map has been 90% explored, with only the area Demonic Statue of the Outer Path remaining inaccessible.
Shu Furukawa wasn't sure if Madara Uchiha could still command the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path in battle. If the energy he [ Collection ] couldn't affect the opponent, these techniques would allow for a faster retreat.
"Lord Xiu, the Mist Ninja you sent is very interesting!"
"Should I be able to copy and use this? Is this the human girl's Kekkei Genkai ability?"
The Katsuyu, now free from resonance, appeared on my shoulder and asked in a cheerful tone.
This was the first time she had tried this entirely new way of utilizing energy.
Shu Furukawa breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing that it could be used. Although he wasn't sure if the acid mist enhanced by Senjutsu Mode could melt Madara Uchiha's Susanoo, it was necessary to prepare more methods. "It's her ability; she possesses two Kekkei Genkai, which is why she is hated by some people in the village."
"In a state of resonance, I will use hand seals to help you mobilize your body's energy."
"Since the underground environment is relatively enclosed, it might even amplify this power!"
The Katsuyu kept waving its antennae, seemingly quite interested in fighting alongside them. Watching Shu Furukawa diligently manipulating his clones to mark the spells, it couldn't help but sigh, "Lord Osamu is truly cautious. I wish I had more combat abilities."
"You only live once, you've already done amazing!"
Shu Furukawa praised sincerely, noting that without the limitations of Chakra points and meridians in the human body, the energy in the Katsuyu's body could be released freely.
The same technique is more powerful with the Katsuyu, which is determined by its size and body structure.
The Katsuyu continued to wriggle, Shu Furukawa's praise put her in a great mood, "I should thank that girl next time; her ninjutsu is really interesting!"
Shu Furukawa nodded. Mei Terumi said she wanted to kill him, but a few days later she complained to the spirit about her experiences and readily explained her ninjutsu.
Thinking about all the hard work he'd put in over the past few months, Shu Furukawa muttered to himself, "Old man, all of this was prepared for you!"
"If we have the chance to meet again, I'll face you 'head-to-head' then."
The battle at Mount Kikyo caused Konoha to split once again, the ancient castle was destroyed, and the Daimyo of the Land of Fire sent an envoy to inquire about the situation.
The defection of the Land of Rivers surprised most people, given that the country's ninja strength was extremely weak and had always been loyal to Konoha.
After a long Danzo finally seized the opportunity to make his presence felt, and vehemently criticized his old friend at a high-level meeting.
The two advisors no longer opposed Danzo as they had in the past, and instead supported Danzo with silence.
"This should have been the mission of the Root ninjas; we must maintain covert control over the surrounding Small Nations."
" Hiruzen Sarutobi, Root will not merge with the Anbu. We need more manpower. Kikyo Castle was a lesson learned!"
Danzo straight and presented his views logically and persuasively, his squinting eyes opening mostly as he needed to expand his power.
Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned after reading the battle damage report. If Shu Furukawa hadn't wiped out nearly half of Sunagakure in one fell swoop, the losses in this battle would have been even greater.
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura both looked at Tsunade, who remained silent for a while before replying, "I believe this should be the work of the Anbu. Joining this department means you're prepared for the consequences."
"In the future, I will raise the evaluation standards and reassess the mental state of the personnel in the Anbu."
"The existing staffing will be maintained Root the next few years."
As soon as Tsunade finished speaking, Sarutobi Hiruzen picked up his pipe, puffed on it, and after looking around at the others, made his decision. "I agree with Tsunade's decision. Root will remain as it is for the time being."
Danzo his eyes, a slight smile playing on his lips. Maintaining the power in his hand was, for him, a victory in itself.
Both advisors also voiced their support, and some members of the Hokage's Direct Anbu have already defected to Tsunade and Orochimaru.
The few remaining squads included some of Jiraiya's subordinates, and the two of them could only mobilize Sarutobi Hiruzen's men; they desperately needed Root forces at their disposal.
As the three left, Sarutobi Hiruzen chuckled, tapped his pipe, and looked at his disciple, offering a simple reassurance. " Tsunade, it seems you've learned how to handle these matters."
"Balancing power is the Hokage's responsibility. The Root ninjas are also our family. As long as they are used appropriately, they can contribute to the village just as well."
Tsunade glanced sideways at Sarutobi Hiruzen, intending to make a sarcastic remark, but remembering she couldn't act impulsively, she composed herself and solemnly replied, " Old Man, I won't give up."
"Even when evaluating ninjas, the Root method shouldn't be used."
"However, this is not my task. Orochimaru will handle it after the war; he happens to have a good relationship with Danzo."
Sarutobi Hiruzen coughed a few times. Sending Orochimaru was a decision he had made back then. Thinking about the possible future scenarios, he sighed helplessly, "As long as the village doesn't fall into turmoil, you can do whatever you want."
"I will bear the loss of Kikyo Castle this time. I'm getting old after all, and I underestimated Chiyo's determination."
Mount Kikyo suffered the greatest losses since the start of the war. Some of the ninja who remained behind were killed because they were not prepared for the consequences. It was only in recent days that the Sunagakure Ninja were gradually eliminated.
"Teacher, what are you planning to do?"
"For Chiyo's sake, Ebizo and Rasa should be willing to compromise."
Tsunade spoke up to inquire, Sarutobi Hiruzen remained silent, only beginning to exhale smoke. Noticing the impatience on his disciple's face, he said helplessly, "Since Chiyo survived, Sunagakure is willing to sit down and talk, we have no reason to refuse."
"After all, war is the worst way to solve problems."
Late at night, Tsunade returned to her Apartment and stopped thinking about the problems that were giving her a headache. After completing her daily Strength of a Hundred Technique training, she opened her eyes and her gaze was somewhat evasive.
With a pale face, Shu Furukawa first glanced at the time, then looked at Tsunade with concern. "Sensei, your body has fully recovered. Is there anything that's bothering you?"
Wearing loose pajamas, Tsunade subconsciously crossed her arms, turned her head to avoid her disciple's gaze, and whispered, "I feel completely refreshed, and my power is constantly surging forth."
Seeing Tsunade Shu Furukawa breathe a sigh of relief, Tsunade inwardly berated herself. "What on earth was I thinking!"