Though he and Uchiha Tenjo were father and son in name, Fugaku still felt a barrier between them.
That would probably not change much until his two biological sons were born a few years later.
A figure flashed into view. Orochimaru appeared beside him, catching Fugaku by surprise. Orochimaru had only just obtained the White Zetsu Cells.
Why had he come here instead of hurrying back to study them?
"What brings you here, senior?"
"What do you make of what happened in the Land of Rivers, Fugaku?" Orochimaru asked. "Can Danzo really develop a powerful Wood Release?"
It seemed Orochimaru still had doubts and had come looking for someone to confirm them.
"A single use of the Cutting Technique proves nothing. Even if Danzo develops Wood Release, that doesn't mean he'll dominate the Shinobi World.
"Developing true Wood Release doesn't mean he can reach Hashirama Senju's level.
"Much of what's known about the First Hokage is no secret to the Konoha leadership. Wounds on his body healed rapidly on their own.
"His Chakra was as boundless as a Tailed Beast's, and he could enter Sage Mode in an instant.
"As I see it, Wood Release didn't make the First Hokage great. The First Hokage made Wood Release great. His body alone put him at the pinnacle of the Shinobi World.
"Wood Release merely brought out his abilities. If Danzo studies nothing but Wood Release without the First Hokage's body, I doubt he'll manage more than one Cutting Technique."
Orochimaru nodded. "You see it clearly, Fugaku. People are so obsessed with Wood Release that many overlook what made the First Hokage exceptional."
Orochimaru turned and left the building. He wanted to study the White Zetsu Cells in his possession, and Fugaku's words had given him something to think about.
Orochimaru had