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"It worked."
Shigenari Shuuzawa silently observed his body's condition, especially sensing the newfound power that had completely fused into one, becoming inseparable.
A deep sense of pride filled his heart. Who needed an inherited bloodline? With the right knowledge and means, even the impossible can be achieved.
"You… you…" Kabuto finally dared to approach after ensuring everything around them had calmed down.
He glanced at the towering tree, then at Shuuzawa, his mind momentarily blank. Without thinking, he blurted out, "Are you from the Senju Clan?"
"I have no idea." Shuuzawa wanted to retort.
Of course not! But he knew better than to reveal too much. Deception and misdirection were necessary to obtain the information he needed.
"You don't know?" Kabuto couldn't believe it.
He looked at the massive tree again, then at Shuuzawa, who was still absorbing the Ryūmyaku's chakra.
Adjusting his glasses, he muttered, "You awakened a freaking Wood Release… and you don't know?"
I created it myself! Shuuzawa glanced at Kabuto, then continued absorbing the remnants of the Ryūmyaku while testing out his new Wood Release.
His technique was unique, not the "furniture ninjutsu" that Yamato used.
After all, his fusion was based on the formula he had obtained from Obito. However, it was still far from Hashirama Senju's level.
That was expected—Hashirama's Wood Release could go toe-to-toe with Madara Uchiha's Susanoo.
When enhanced with Sage Mode, he even beat both Susanoo and the Nine-Tails into submission!
But Shuuzawa's own Wood Release was still impressive—perhaps even with greater potential for improvement.
[New Ability Acquired: Wood Release]
[Formed from Earth Release, Water Release, and Yang Release. Due to its combination of three chakra natures, upgrading this ability will simultaneously enhance all three attributes.]
[Current Wood Release Level: LV6]
Shuuzawa was momentarily stunned as he read the notification. Then, he nodded.
This was logical. Since he had raised all three chakra attributes to LV6, unlocking Wood Release at this level was a natural outcome.
Upgrading Wood Release would, in turn, improve all three chakra natures together!
"This makes things easier… but it'll also be much more chakra-intensive."
He pressed his lips together. Three abilities levelling up simultaneously meant exponentially greater energy consumption.
Just as he was contemplating this, another message appeared.
[Due to the fusion of Wood Release, your bloodline has undergone a slight mutation. Please monitor the changes.]
Bloodline mutation? Shuuzawa paused at this new notification and quickly accepted it.
Kekkei Genkai was typically passed down through genetic inheritance, if he recalled correctly.
The Mist Village, for example, had an abundance of bloodline limits.
Only three clans had Kekkei Genkai in their memories, which wasn't the result of chakra fusion—two from Konoha and one from Kirigakure.
The Hyūga and Uchiha clans of Konoha and the now-extinct Taketori Clan of the Mist. Their mutations were purely physical.
It was natural for bloodlines to be passed down in those cases. But how did clans form from chakra fusion, and continue their Kekkei Genkai?
Shuuzawa understood that the fusion of chakra itself could alter a shinobi's bloodline!
"After all, the ultimate path of chakra fusion is Kekkei Tōta and beyond…"
He muttered while assessing his physical changes, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Chakra fusion can modify bloodlines, but like the Uchiha and Senju, not everyone may be able to awaken the ability."
For example, Kimimaro had only fully awakened Shikotsumyaku. Whether others in the Kaguya Clan could inherit it remained unknown, as they were all wiped out before further research could be done.
Shuuzawa was more familiar with the Uchiha. Many among them could not awaken the Sharingan, making each pair of Sharingan incredibly precious.
Similarly, other Kekkei Genkai clans likely had members who couldn't activate their inherited abilities.
For instance, among the Rock Village's Dust Release users, Kurotsuchi and Kitsuchi inherited it, though not everyone did.
Some, like Mei Terumī, even awakened two bloodline limits—was that inheritance or fusion?
Speaking of Ōnoki, the old man likely experienced bloodline mutations, given how absurdly powerful he remained in his old age.
Compared to someone like Hiruzen Sarutobi, his endurance and combat prowess in the Fourth Great Ninja War were completely different.
[Shigenari Shuuzawa]
[Physical Attributes: LV9]
[Chakra: LV9]
[Abilities: Wood Release LV6 (Water LV6, Earth LV6, Yang LV6), Flying Thunder God LV6]
[Available Points: 0]
Opening his status panel, Shuuzawa carefully examined his stats. The moment he saw them, he froze in shock.
His physical abilities and chakra reserves had grown together—and by such a significant amount?!
Thirty free stat points were essentially granted just from unlocking Wood Release?
Seeing this, Shuuzawa couldn't help but grin. The benefits of gaining Wood Release had exceeded his expectations!
"Looks like this is the path I should keep following."
He made a firm decision. Although future fusions might not grant him such exaggerated growth, any improvement was still valuable.
"I won't hold back. I'll seal all of this within myself."
Shuuzawa had no intention of leaving the Ryūmyaku behind for the Land of Wind. If nature had gifted him this power, he saw no reason not to claim it completely.
Previously, he might have hesitated. But now, with his enhanced physique, he could handle it effortlessly!
"Especially after being sealed away for so long, losing so much energy, and after I've absorbed so much—sealing the rest won't be difficult."
Without hesitation, Shuuzawa fully unsealed the remaining energy. Once again, a surge of chakra erupted.
But this time, it wasn't as wild as before—it carried a sense of exhaustion.
"Four Symbols Seal!"
As soon as he finished absorbing the last of the Ryūmyaku's chakra, Shuuzawa swiftly replicated the seal left behind by Minato Namikaze, applying it to himself.
At that moment, the entire tower finally fell into silence.
"It's over?"
Seeing the once-raging chakra vanish, Kabuto turned his gaze toward the massive tree. After a brief pause, he couldn't help but ask.
"If you don't want me to remind you of our Root training days, I'd suggest you stop talking nonsense."
Shuuzawa shot him a glare. However, he also heard the commotion outside the tower. He knew they couldn't stay here any longer.
"Let's go. We've done what we needed. It's time to move on to the next phase."
Shuuzawa was in a great mood. He had successfully obtained Wood Release, and the subsequent level-ups had exceeded all expectations.
The only thing left was to complete Danzo's mission, earn more free points, and push his growth even further.
Kabuto nodded, giving Shuuzawa a serious look. As he observed him, an undeniable sense of excitement surged within.
"Wood Release…"
Seeing this legendary ability in action, Kabuto couldn't help but feel immense hope for the future.
.....
"You again, brat?"
The next day, at an oasis on the border between the Land of Wind and the Land of Rivers, Ebizō's expression darkened when he saw Shuuzawa.
This brat had left quite an impression on him, to the point that he even ignored the masked man standing beside Shuuzawa.
"Lord Ebizō, I didn't expect to see you again this time," Shuuzawa greeted with a broad smile.
It wasn't a forced or insincere smile but one that seemed genuinely heartfelt. He glanced around and quickly spotted a familiar figure behind Ebizō.
He waved with a smile. "Lady Pakura, long time no see. Since our last parting, I've missed your presence."
Pakura raised an eyebrow but remained silent, while Yakushi Kabuto, who had been overlooked, couldn't help but lower his head slightly.
He was beginning to understand what Shuuzawa meant by 'inclusivity.'
"Enough idle talk. I have important matters to attend to," Ebizō waved his hand dismissively, leaving only Pakura behind.
The other Anbu immediately moved to the edge of the oasis to stand guard.
Since the last incident, Pakura had been following Ebizō, and he had begun to confide in her about certain village matters.
Truthfully, if he had a choice, Ebizō wouldn't have revealed anything, but he knew that if he didn't, Pakura might flee in the night.
Sunagakure could never compare to Konoha, not even to Iwagakure. The barren geography and struggling economy restricted its growth.
Trading Pakura for benefits was a bitter pill, but perhaps acceptable.
However, if the plan were exposed, they would gain nothing. Winning Pakura's trust was key, and honesty was the only way to do that.
Ebizō knew that only honesty could salvage something. Moreover, he truly did have other matters to handle.
According to Sand Anbu's report, a terrifying incident had occurred in Rōran in the southern Land of Wind the previous night—an eruption of the Dragon Vein's chakra.
Alongside the eruption, a giant tree had seemingly formed. This immediately made him think of Konoha.
However, he quickly dismissed the thought. While Konoha could do such a thing, the likelihood wasn't high.
The Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato, had never shown any greed for the Dragon Vein's power.
Still, Konoha remained the most suspicious party, though a thorough investigation was necessary.
Especially at this stage, Sunagakure still had to rely on Konoha.
"Alright, let's get straight to the point," Shuuzawa smiled.
"I can see that you have made the right choice. Rest assured, we will fully support you."
Like hell, he would willingly cooperate with Danzō if he had any other option.
Ebizō scoffed internally but remained silent, his expression cold as he watched Shuuzawa.
"Of course, cooperation comes at a cost, and Lord Danzō understands that," Shuuzawa smiled.
As the liaison, he and Kabuto reviewed the terms of the agreement. He also knew Danzō's bottom line.
It was his turn to act, and he emphasised Danzō's role. After all, he was just an employee.
"However, your requests are a bit excessive. According to Lord Danzō, we can provide a certain amount of food supplies to Sunagakure."
"But when supporting your negotiations with the Land of Earth, we must remain neutral. As a great ninja village, Konoha cannot interfere in the affairs of other nations and villages."
Hearing these words, Ebizō's eyes widened while Kabuto lowered his head even further.
One thought echoed in both their minds—how could this brat (Shuuzawa) say something so shameless with a straight face? Not interfering?
Then what was all that talk before? And what are you doing now?
"We are allies. Shouldn't you, as our ally, cooperate with our actions?" Ebizō could no longer hold back, his voice cold as he stared at Shuuzawa.
"That is Lord Danzō's decision, and I have no right to question it." Shuuzawa shook his head, his tone now serious.
"Furthermore, Lord Danzō anticipated that you would say this, so he has a question for you."
"While dealing with Kirigakure's harassment and simultaneously taking a hard stance against Iwagakure—potentially reigniting war—have you considered that Konoha and Sunagakure are allies? Your actions are irresponsible and pose a threat to Konoha."
Ebizō had no response. He was furious. If Konoha hadn't interfered, stolen Sunagakure's intelligence, and exposed Pakura's situation, would they be in such a passive state now?
"However, while we won't provide direct support, we will offer compensation elsewhere," Shuuzawa said casually.
"Lord Danzō has promised to allocate more missions from the Land of Rivers to you. And once he becomes Hokage, he will entrust all missions from the Land of Rivers' borders to you."
Damn it, another empty promise? Ebizō nearly laughed in anger. The Land of Rivers was already split between Konoha and Sunagakure.
The stronger side naturally got more mission commissions. 'Winner takes all' was an unchangeable rule, and Konoha's strength ensured they received more commissions.
Even when Sunagakure tried to compete with lower prices, they lost because clients trusted Konoha's quality more.
Now, Danzō's promise meant nothing. And when exactly would that old fox become Hokage?
"Is Konoha being too excessive?!" Ebizō held back his anger enough not to storm off, but his gaze toward Shuuzawa was filled with fury and killing intent.
"If this is your stance, then there's no need to continue negotiations. And I won't hide the fact that although Sunagakure is in a difficult position, if pushed too far, we can take drastic measures. Konoha may want to avoid war, but sometimes, war isn't decided by your wishes alone."
Ebizō's threat was direct. If Sunagakure was forced into a corner, they would fight Iwagakure head-on. In that case, as an ally, Konoha would inevitably be dragged in.
Whether Konoha intervened or not, Iwagakure would react accordingly. The same applied to Kumogakure and even Kirigakure. This threat was serious.
"Don't be hasty. We have two pieces of intelligence that will definitely interest you," Shuuzawa said, still smiling.
"Speak," Ebizō, with a grim expression, looked at Shuuzawa, his mood already foul.
"Reliable intelligence suggests that your village's Jōnin, Yura, may be compromised." Shuuzawa crossed his arms.
Both Ebizō and Pakura's faces darkened instantly. Even Kabuto was momentarily stunned before realizing that this was likely Danzō's bargaining chip.
"You're familiar with the Mind Puppet Switch Cursed Seal Technique, aren't you?"
"Impossible..." Ebizō's face darkened further. That technique was known only by top-tier puppet masters. Could it be...?
"As for the second piece of intelligence, it concerns Sasori of the Red Sand." Shuuzawa casually tapped his fingers, his smile unwavering.
"He is currently part of an organization filled with rogue ninjas. That organization is called Akatsuki, and it is most likely based in the Land of Rain."
"Akatsuki... the Land of Rain... Hanzō of the Salamander?" Ebizō's expression grew even grimmer.
They had been searching for Sasori for a long time but had found nothing.
Yet Danzō already had this information? What angered him more was the realization that Sasori was working with Hanzō.
"Lastly, Lord Danzō also understands that you may take extreme measures, so the compensation will not be lacking," Shuuzawa said, shaking his head.
"We will also provide a sum of financial aid. I believe this is what Sunagakure needs most right now."
"Money..." Ebizō's expression finally softened slightly. Sunagakure was too poor. Any economic support was crucial.
But the more he thought about it, the more suffocated he felt. It was as if Danzō was throwing them a bone out of pity.
At this moment, he truly couldn't hold back anymore. Danzō, you bastard!
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