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Hiruzen Sarutobi seated in the centre of his office, a vial of green liquid glinting in his hand. He uncorked the vial, the pungent aroma wafting through the air, and poured the contents down his throat.
A surge of warmth blossomed in his chest, spreading through his limbs like wildfire. His mind buzzed with exhilaration, the world sharpening into focus as if a veil had been lifted.
It was as if he had just awakened a dormant power, one that promised to elevate him beyond his previous limits.
"System, does this potion only enhance talent in specific areas to reach SS rank, or can it apply to anything I learn, like kenjutsu?" he asked, curiosity igniting his thoughts.
"Yes, host. This potion increases your overall talent to the maximum SS rank. Even your creation skill talent will reach SS rank. However, you cannot create life or bloodline limits, such as the Sage Body or Sharingan—only elemental bloodline limits and non-living things like weapons and techniques can be created by comprehending them."
"I see," Hiruzen muttered, his mind racing with possibilities. "So, can I create a Sage Art to give myself a Sage Body by using natural chakra, and perhaps create a chakra body like the tailed beasts?"
"Yes, host. But only through comprehension will you be able to create chakra and Sage arts."
"Great!"
With a determined smile, Hiruzen crafted a shadow clone to handle the mountains of paperwork awaiting him, then strode purposefully towards the Hokage Mountain training ground, memories of his predecessor guiding his path.
This exclusive training ground, nestled beneath Hokage Rock, had been established by the First Hokage and the nine-tailed jinchuriki, Mito Uzumaki.
It was fortified with intricate seals, each designed to contain any form of destructive power—a sanctuary for growth and mastery.
As he approached the vast expanse, Hiruzen's excitement swelled.
The sheer size of the training field was unlike anything he had encountered before in his previous world.
After a few moments familiarizing himself with the facilities, he summoned eight shadow clones, each a reflection of his will, to practice and hone his newfound strength.
"Aaagh!" A frustrated groan slipped from his lips as he felt the toll of chakra drain.
"Damn! The Shadow Clone Jutsu is effective, but the chakra consumption is unbearable. I've only made nine clones, and my chakra is almost gone!"
He clenched his fists, determination igniting within him. "I need to fully understand this technique, improve its mechanics, and create a new version of the Shadow Clone Jutsu."
Hours slipped by as the sun dipped toward the horizon, casting golden hues across the training ground.
Hiruzen's main body delved into the intricacies of the seals surrounding him while his clones diligently worked to enhance their version of the Shadow Clone Jutsu.
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**Fuinjutsu: Level 2 (Mastery of basic seals, easily handle one-lined seals)**
**Chakra Control: 91%**
**Shadow Clone Jutsu: Max level (undetectable, even with Rinnegan)**
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"My fuinjutsu and chakra control have improved, and the shadow clone jutsu is maxed out. There's no pain or headache, thanks to the assimilation skill," he said, a grin breaking across his face.
"Now, let's create a new shadow clone jutsu. It will function like the original but allow me to assign a specific amount of chakra to each clone.
They can refill chakra, transfer the training process after a set duration, and maintain permanent communication with each other, making memory assimilation seamless for any other ninja."
With a flicker of his chakra, he began crafting the new shadow clone jutsu, the creation skill smoothing out any deficiencies. His comprehension skills guided him, and within an hour, he had perfected it.
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**Shadow Clone Jutsu: S rank (detectable only by Rinne-Sharingan)**
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Satisfied with the results, he declared, "Let's start the training!"
Hiruzen created a single clone and sent it to the office to handle administrative work, using only 1% of his chakra.
Next, he summoned 50 clones, each with 0.5% chakra, to practice physical skills and relearn his techniques.
Another 40 clones dedicated themselves to chakra control exercises, focusing on channeling chakra through his tenketsu points, wrapping it around his fingers in a delicate dance.
Fifty more clones were tasked with studying the seals written by the Second Hokage in the Scroll of Seals. Meanwhile, his main body focused intently on physical training, sealing chakra into every movement.
Days flowed into weeks, and soon three months had passed.
Sitting in his chair within the Hokage office, Hiruzen rubbed the bridge of his nose, fatigue settling in.
After taking up the mantle of Hokage, he found the role demanding; the weight of administrative work consumed least of his time, after shadow clone does the work or he would have died due to exhaustion.
Since his appointment had received the Daimyo's approval, peace had reigned—nothing major had disrupted the village in the past three months.
Hiruzen contemplated reaching out to the Anbu for support, but his request had been declined by the commander, citing mission-related duties.
Just then, Danzo entered, a shadow crossing his face as he took a seat opposite Hiruzen.
"Hiruzen, the clans and the Anbu won't follow your lead. I propose forming an undercover force to keep them in check and help you take control of Konoha. This force will operate under the Anbu once you take command. What do you think?"
Hiruzen met Danzo's gaze, his expression resolute. "Are you suggesting I allow you to create a force under your command?"
"No," Danzo clarified quickly.
"It would be under your command, through me. You have a gentle personality; they might try to take advantage of that. I will keep them in line for you."
With a firm voice, Hiruzen replied, "No need! I will take control on my own. If anyone hinders me, I will deal with them."
Danzo's brow furrowed, but Hiruzen's conviction left little room for argument.
"Hiruzen, I'm doing this as your friend," Danzo urged, though the warmth had faded from his tone.
"You can go back," Hiruzen said evenly, dismissing him with a wave.
Danzo's shoulders slumped slightly as he left, knowing his plans had faltered.
Hiruzen watched him go, the shadows of the office feeling heavier in his wake.
Reforming Konoha would be a struggle—clans constantly hindered his efforts, weaving webs of politics that choked progress.
But in the shadows of his growing influence, he worked meticulously.
A month after the Anbu's cold response, he quietly purchased an orphanage with his own funds, a secret operation known only to a select few.
This was no ordinary orphanage; it transformed into a carefully guarded reservoir of talent, where the future of Konoha was being meticulously shaped.
He dispatched shadow clones, each empowered by his Eye of Insight, to scour the village's orphanages for children with hidden potential.
Their missions were covert, unnoticed amidst the bustling streets of Konoha as they identified young talents that others had overlooked.
One by one, these children were transferred to Hiruzen's orphanage, their lives quietly rewritten by his secret plans.
Over time, their numbers grew—50 chunin-level children (B-rank) and 20 jonin-level children (A-rank), all under his care.
These young shinobi-in-training were no longer merely orphans; they received the same privileges as members of medium-sized clans.
For them, the orphanage was not just a home—it was a sanctuary, a place where their abilities would be nurtured and their futures carefully crafted.
But this was only the beginning of Hiruzen's intricate web of power. Having secured the allegiance of these children, he turned his attention to the Uchiha clan.
Kagami, now his advisor and the newly appointed Jonin Commander, became his bridge to securing the clan's loyalty. The bond with the Uchiha was vital, and with Kagami by his side, their support was assured.
Hiruzen also spread his influence through Konoha's smaller clans, offering them benefits they couldn't refuse, slowly weaving their loyalty into his tapestry of power.
Yet his most precious assets remained the A-rank children—those he personally took under his wing.
They were not just recruits; they were handpicked prodigies, carefully scouted and trained to become the future pillars of Konoha.
His Eye of Insight revealed their unique strengths, allowing him to design training regimens that brought out their full potential.
A week ago, beneath the surface of his new residence, Hiruzen completed an underground training ground.
It was a hidden sanctuary, nestled between the Hokage Tower and Hokage Mountain.
Vast chambers carved out of stone awaited, designed to challenge and refine the children's skills.
As he watched them grow stronger, Hiruzen knew this was only part of their journey.
He was already preparing a secret library, a treasure trove of forbidden knowledge and advanced jutsu.
Here, these children would study the arts of war, strategy, and power, forging themselves into the most formidable force Konoha had ever seen.
This wasn't just training—it was the creation of an elite unit, hidden in the shadows, waiting for enemies.
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