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"Did I just hit the jackpot?" Looking at his interface, the first thought that popped into Shuuzawa's mind was exactly that!
Setting aside the massive amount of free points, he had always dreamed of obtaining just the Wood Release experience and insights alone.
However, one question still lingered in his mind—what type of Wood Release was this exactly?
He had a clear understanding of his capabilities.
Though he was determined to walk the path of Asura, he still had a certain grasp of Asura's power.
To some extent, Wood Release's power was a mutation derived from the God Tree's fruit.
That was beyond his reach. Even if alternative methods existed, everything still required careful thought and experimentation.
"But since I have something this valuable, it'll help me integrate Wood Release more quickly. No matter the effect, as long as it works, that's all that matters!"
After thinking it over, Shuuzawa decided not to dwell on it too much. The meeting wasn't over yet, and he didn't have the time to contemplate further.
Everything could wait until he dealt with the current issues at hand. "A Mangekyō Sharingan..."
As Shuuzawa reviewed his recent gains, Uchiha Fugaku felt a buzzing in his mind.
Staring at Kakashi's eye, those spinning, shuriken-like patterns filled his heart with conflicting emotions.
He was even beginning to regret not reclaiming that eye back then!
It wasn't out of greed—though he had his thoughts about the eye, he already possessed a pair of Mangekyō.
What worried him more was the storm this eye would bring! Right now, the Uchiha clan was anything but stable.
"Mangekyō..." Danzo also stared intently at Kakashi's eye, his fist clenched tight.
Back then, he had sent Kinoe to seize Kakashi's eye, but he hadn't expected Kinoe to let Kakashi go and develop a will of his own.
In the end, his old friend had pressured him into handing over Kinoe, causing a severe loss—after all, that had been a Wood Release user.
Now, looking at the situation, he realized he hadn't just lost Wood Release; he had also lost a Mangekyō Sharingan!
"Damn it... damn it!" Danzo was so furious he nearly beat his chest in frustration.
The Third Hokage, meanwhile, remained silent, and the others in the room found themselves at a loss for words.
Many couldn't help but glance at Shuuzawa, who had unknowingly set off a chain reaction yet remained standing there, looking as if nothing had happened.
Was this kid unbelievably unlucky or incredibly fortunate?
All because of one "small matter," through mere analysis and deduction, he had managed to uncover something this huge!
"Now, we can confirm who was behind the Nine-Tails incident that attacked Konoha and led to the death of the Fourth Hokage."
After a long pause, the Third Hokage finally made the declaration.
However, considering Kakashi's feelings, he added, "But whether he is truly Uchiha Obito remains uncertain. He may have merely acquired Obito's eye."
"Hokage-sama, I had always addressed him that way, and in the end, he tacitly accepted it."
Shuuzawa suddenly spoke up from the side before turning to Uchiha Itachi.
"Right, kid?" His words left both Uchiha Itachi and Hiruzen Sarutobi momentarily speechless.
Itachi thought, "You're not much older than me!" while Sarutobi was baffled by Shuuzawa's persistent fixation on Obito.
"Yes, senpai." In the end, Itachi nodded honestly.
Hearing Shuuzawa recount how he had tricked the masked man into revealing himself, his grim plan to destroy all traces left even Itachi deeply unsettled.
He genuinely believed that Shuuzawa would have carried out that plan without hesitation if the masked man hadn't shown up.
"Without solid evidence, we shouldn't jump to conclusions too easily. After all, Obito was also a hero of Konoha."
Sarutobi sighed, wondering why Shuuzawa couldn't be more considerate of Kakashi.
In truth, he, too, had come to the same conclusion—Mangekyō Sharingan did not awaken easily.
More often than not, only the original wielder could achieve it.
"However, this line of thinking is worth pursuing. Shuuzawa, you're the only one who has encountered and successfully confronted him. This responsibility may fall on you."
"I have no objections." Shuuzawa nodded. He wouldn't pass up an opportunity for justified vengeance.
"However, I'll need a team and some intel. My understanding of him is limited."
"That won't be an issue." Sarutobi didn't hesitate to agree. He was furious himself.
This individual had repeatedly provoked Konoha and even caused the Fourth Hokage's death—such a crime couldn't go unpunished!
"As for personnel, whether from the Anbu or elsewhere, you can submit your requests. As for information... it may be a bit tricky, but I will do everything I can to provide it, even requesting cooperation from the Uchiha clan."
"We Uchiha will fully cooperate!" Uchiha Fugaku immediately declared.
No matter his thoughts, at this moment, he had no choice but to make his stance clear.
"Good!" Sarutobi nodded, scanning the room before speaking solemnly.
"Until we have conclusive results, I do not want any disturbances in Konoha regarding this matter. Its impact is too significant. I trust you all understand. Please handle this carefully."
"Yes, Hokage-sama!" Everyone in the room immediately nodded. The matter was far too delicate, involving the Nine-Tails and the Fourth Hokage.
If they acted rashly without proof, no one could predict how things might spiral out of control or what public opinion would become.
Everyone present understood the importance of maintaining confidentiality.
"Hokage-sama, I will compile the necessary information later, but I already have a team in mind. May I submit my personnel requests now?"
As the meeting was wrapping up, Shuuzawa spoke up again, and Sarutobi nodded.
"Go ahead. Who do you need? I would suggest Kakashi—he has another Sharingan." "Kakashi-senpai is, of course, someone I need."
Shuuzawa didn't refuse. If he was going to mess with Obito, he might as well go all the way.
"Besides him, I'd like to request the Anbu members Shisui and Yuugao. They're my teammates. In addition to them..."
"I want Tenzo."
"A Mangekyō Sharingan..." Later that night, in the depths of the Root headquarters, Danzo sat silently, his mind fixated on Kakashi's eye.
His fury had not subsided over time—if anything, it had only grown stronger. To him, that eye rightfully belonged.
Yet, because of Kinoe's betrayal, everything had slipped through his fingers! He could not accept it, nor could he forgive it.
"Lord Danzo." Just as his anger reached its peak, Aburame Ryouma entered from outside.
"Speak." Danzo forced himself to suppress his seething rage.
"The investigation into Sunagakure has confirmed that Shigenari Shuuzawa's report was accurate." Ryouma kept his voice low, knowing his leader's foul mood.
"Ebizō appears to be making some sort of preparations, and Pakura has aligned herself with Ebizō and Chiyo."
"Additionally, according to our undercover agents, Ebizō has contacted us, requesting certain resources and confirmation on a few matters. However, we still need to verify further, as—"
"I understand." This news finally eased the anger on Danzo's face.
While he believed he had leverage over Shuuzawa, his inherently distrustful nature prevented him from putting full faith in anyone.
Of course, he would conduct his investigation. But for now, it seemed things were moving in the right direction.
Shigenari Shuuzawa... perhaps, for now, he was still worth trusting.
"It's finally over." Late at night, Shuuzawa finally finished all his tasks and was finally back home.
That bastard Obito had suddenly appeared out of nowhere, catching Shuuzawa completely off guard.
Not only that, but the bastard had even schemed against him.
If it weren't for the Flying Thunder God Technique, Shuuzawa would have been in serious trouble.
After all, under these circumstances, anyone else would have found it impossible to clear their name!
When Shuuzawa first acquired the title of "Ninja World's Scholar," he briefly considered learning Wood Release directly.
If the theory was correct, perhaps he could break free from the constraints of bloodlines and Kekkei Genkai! But after careful consideration, he abandoned the idea.
The necessary research materials were out of his reach, and even if he risked everything—giving up his place in Konoha to obtain them—he might only discover that he could learn the techniques but not use them due to a lack of the necessary bloodline.
That would be a complete waste. Thus, when he mastered the Flying Thunder God, he followed the principle of "if I can't win, I'll at least have an escape plan" and put it into immediate use.
"I never expected that it would end up saving me in such a big way." Shuuzawa took a deep breath, his mind filled with thoughts of Uchiha Obito.
After carefully analyzing the situation, he had a hunch about why that lunatic had come after him.
"I was probably right—it's Uchiha Shisui." Think about it.
A Konoha ANBU operative assassinated a member of the Uchiha clan, and the true perpetrators were from the Root division.
No matter how one looked at it, this incident highlighted Konoha's distrust toward the Uchiha.
Considering the internal tensions already brewing within the clan, Shisui, after experiencing such a shock, might be on the verge of doing something drastic.
"If he hasn't awakened his Mangekyō, this could trigger it. If he already has, he might start contemplating defection."
Shuuzawa pursed his lips. He began to suspect that Obito wasn't against him killing Uchiha Itachi.
Rather, Obito likely preferred that he do it in front of Shisui. That way, at the crucial moment, Obito could intervene and "save" him.
"If that's the case, don't blame me for turning the tables on you, Uchiha Obito!"
Shuuzawa didn't hold petty grudges, but he wasn't the forgiving type.
If Obito dared to make a move against him, then Shuuzawa would make sure to return the favour!
"The only issue is that my plans have been slightly disrupted." He sighed but quickly regained his composure.
"I should check out this Wood Release experience first and see if I can gain anything useful from it."
With that thought, he didn't immediately allocate his points but activated the system to experience Wood Release firsthand.
The moment he did, an overwhelming flood of information surged into his mind!
At that instant, he entered a unique state—memories churned within him, vivid sensations of the technique's usage intertwined with his consciousness.
It felt like he was truly experiencing the process of using Wood Release firsthand, transforming.
Before long, he opened his eyes, but his brows furrowed slightly. "As expected, it's Uchiha Obito's version of Wood Release. But this..."
Shuuzawa shook his head. When he had summoned reinforcements earlier, Tenzo had also been present.
To be honest, he would have preferred obtaining Tenzo's Wood Release.
Obito's version was strong, almost akin to the original, but the issue was that it relied heavily on instinct.
In other words, it functioned primarily due to Hashirama Senju's cells in Obito's body.
Whether it was the result of a genetic mutation or the influence of Asura's chakra, Shuuzawa simply didn't possess such a force within him.
"Still, it's not all bad news. At the very least, I've confirmed the importance of Yang Release..."
During his experience, Shuuzawa sensed that Yang Release played a dominant role throughout the fusion and execution of the technique!
Combined with the earth and water chakra natures, this force produced an extraordinary reaction.
It granted Wood Release its astonishing vitality, made it resilient against fire, and endowed it with unparalleled strength and flexibility.
In essence, it was the sheer power of Yang Release that had made Wood Release so formidable.
It allowed Hashirama Senju to become the most extraordinary Asura reincarnation, defeating the seemingly invincible Madara Uchiha without relying on a Tailed Beast or outside assistance.
"Such a potent Yang Release... it truly commands respect. Even if I max it out to Level 10, I doubt I could match him." Shuuzawa shook his head.
Even the mere presence of Hashirama's cells in Obito had been enough to shock him.
What would that even be like if he had to face the real Hashirama? Fortunately, Shuuzawa wasn't concerned—his growth had no limits!
[Shigenari Shuuzawa] [Overall Physical Ability: LV7] [Chakra: LV7] [Abilities: Flying Thunder God LV6, Yin Release LV3, Yang Release LV3] [Free Points: 14]
Opening his status screen, Shuuzawa stroked his chin. "I should prepare in advance. After all, I have the formula."
The fusion of Kekkei Genkai and Kekkei Tōta was similar to an equation, but knowing the exact chakra ratio was key.
Additionally, one needed sufficient chakra to support the entire process.
Shuuzawa already understood the ratio, but he still lacked chakra reserves.
That wasn't a major issue, though. The ninja world had plenty of useful resources.
[Yang Release has been upgraded. Current Level: LV6]
[Free Points: 2]
In an instant, he felt a significant change within his body. The hidden power within him surged, growing stronger by the second.
Under its nourishment and influence, he could also sense his overall physical resilience increasing!
"What an incredible feeling." Clenching his fist, he knew this was no illusion. He had truly gained greater control over this internal power.
"Though... the consumption rate is a bit high." Glancing at his remaining free points, he suddenly felt like he had returned to square one.
Still, he needed to raise his Water Release to Level 6 and find a sufficient chakra source—then he could properly test his theory.
The next morning, after washing up, Shuuzawa stretched lazily. He had long since adapted to waking up early.
Even if he hadn't, he wouldn't have had a choice. Working under Danzo meant rigorous training first thing in the morning.
Sleeping in wasn't an option—otherwise, he risked getting "trained" with Danzo's iron fists. Over time, he had no choice but to adapt.
There was a lot to do today. For instance, the personnel and resources he requested last night should arrive soon.
If he would turn the tables on Obito, he had to do it thoroughly—no room for errors. "Hmm?"
Just as he opened the door, he noticed Aburame Ryouma lurking in the shadows. "What are you doing here?"
"Lord Danzo has a new mission for you." Aburame Ryouma was a little surprised.
His stealth abilities were exceptional—otherwise, he wouldn't have been assigned many covert operations and intelligence-gathering tasks.
Yet Shuuzawa had detected him so easily. His perception was sharper than expected. Without commenting further, Ryouma took out a scroll and said,
"Lord Danzo has decided to allocate funds to the orphanage to reward your recent achievements. He also instructed me to tell you that if you perform well, greater rewards await you."
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