"Nawaki Took Control of Wood Style?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen was shocked upon hearing Tsunade's report and witnessing Nawaki use Wood Style right before his eyes. He had not expected the Extremis virus serum to be so potent.
If he remembered correctly, Tsunade had initially described it as merely a strong resilience that could restore Nawaki's ninja abilities, but she had never mentioned anything about Wood Style.
"Damn it!" Sarutobi Hiruzen regretted his decisions profoundly. If he had known that the so-called Extremis virus serum could allow control over the Wood Style bloodline, he would have never let Tsunade conduct the research alone.
At the very least, he should have assigned a few more people to gather all the experimental data.
"Tsunade, Orochimaru, is there any serum left?" he asked, his concern palpable.
"No more, Sarutobi-sensei," came Orochimaru's response, his tone uncharacteristically playful.
"The key to controlling Wood Style lies within the Extremis virus serum. Without this serum, Nawaki would never have been able to inherit the power of the First Hokage. Unfortunately, we have run out."
"Is there truly nothing left?" Sarutobi pressed, hoping for some scrap of good news.
"The supplier of the Extremis virus serum is meticulous about dosage during experiments. There was nothing left over by the end; all we have now is data," Orochimaru explained with conviction, thinking, "As for my own serum, I plan to use it on myself. It's my reward for this venture."
"In the end, only Nawaki and Kain received the new serum," he continued. "Tsunade wanted to use Wood Style ninjutsu to entice him to join Konoha, but he was resolute and rejected her outright. To him, even such a rare bloodline is inconsequential."
Tsunade shot Orochimaru an irritated look, but she knew it wasn't her fault. The older generation had turned allies into adversaries, while she had done everything she could for Konoha. One more ninja with the Wood Style bloodline wouldn't change the situation significantly.
"Is that so? I understand..." Sarutobi said, his expression darkening. His only hope now rested on Danzo's success. If the Root brought Kain back, he would promptly dispatch Anbu to retrieve him.
As Hokage, he possessed the strongest control over the village. Danzo's Root was intended to manage inconvenient matters for Konoha, yet they couldn't match Anbu in strength.
"Then Nawaki..." Sarutobi began.
"Leave Nawaki to me, Mr. Sarutobi. I will handle his training and proficiency tasks. The practice of Wood Style will fall to Tsunade," Orochimaru interjected.
Regardless of Nawaki's identity or potential, Orochimaru felt compelled to take him under his wing, something previously discussed with Tsunade. Furthermore, Nawaki's character required refinement.
His last reckless act—triggering a detonator trap out of excitement—highlighted his unpreparedness as a ninja. If not for Nawaki's Wood Style bloodline, Tsunade would not have wanted him on the battlefield at all.
Afterward, Tsunade and Orochimaru filled Sarutobi in on other matters, such as Orochimaru taking over the laboratory and requesting that Anbu not interfere with his operations. Once they were finished, they dispersed.
During this time, Sarutobi also considered having Nawaki team up with Kushina. After Minato's failure, he needed to forge a new bond for Kushina to keep her connected to the village; otherwise, a rift could form between her and Konoha.
Nawaki was an excellent candidate for this. He lived with Kushina, knew Wood Style, and embodied the Will of Fire—a pure spirit that could positively influence Kushina's perception of Konoha.
However, Tsunade quickly shot down this idea, and Orochimaru, not wanting to complicate matters, backed her up. Although he didn't know Kushina well, her surname alone suggested a legacy that wouldn't be easy to navigate.
Tsunade's objections hinted at deeper insights, prompting Orochimaru to agree with her stance.
Once Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Nawaki departed, Sarutobi Hiruzen tapped his pipe against the table. Instantly, Anbu operatives appeared in the room.
"If any Root ninjas return, have Danzo come to see me immediately," he instructed.
"Yes," the Anbu responded, then used Body Flicker Technique to vanish from Hokage's office.
"Mr. Orochimaru, when are we going to carry out our mission?" Nawaki asked, excitement bubbling in his voice at the prospect of making a name for himself in the ninja world.
However, before Orochimaru could respond, Tsunade punched Nawaki on the head, exclaiming angrily, "What mission? You just learned one of the simplest Wood Style ninjutsu! You need to go back and practice for a while. Orochimaru's recent missions are not for you."
Orochimaru felt a twitch at the corner of his mouth. He had intended to take on some B- or C-level tasks, but based on Tsunade's tone, it seemed he was expected to handle only A-level or higher missions. It was clear that Tsunade was not someone to be provoked.
He felt like he was being dragged down by this naïve disciple, who could have approached him about missions privately rather than in front of Tsunade.
"Yes, Nawaki, I'm preparing to undertake some A- or S-level missions soon. You should focus on mastering Wood Style at home for now," Orochimaru said, attempting to steer the conversation back on track.
Unwillingly, Nawaki replied, "Fine, Mr. Orochimaru. Just remember to come back early."
As they continued on their way, the trio unexpectedly encountered an acquaintance.
"Tsunade, Orochimaru, long time no see! You've both been quite busy lately. Is this your younger brother, Tsunade?" Kato Dan greeted them with a warm smile.
"Yes, Kato. He is my younger brother Nawaki, who has just recovered from his injuries," Tsunade replied, recalling his name after a moment's thought. She had been preoccupied with researching the Extremis virus serum, reforming the medical system, and assisting Orochimaru with various quests.
Kato Dan smiled kindly. "I've heard the cultivation of medical ninjas has been very successful lately. There are now many novice medical ninjas at Konoha Hospital, all thanks to you, Tsunade. Would you like to come to see it?"
Tsunade shook her head firmly. "Sorry, Kato. I'm really tired and want to head back to rest."
With that, she pulled Nawaki along, heading toward the Senju clan's compound. Orochimaru offered a polite nod to Kato Dan before parting ways, leaving Kato standing there, slightly embarrassed.
After they had walked some distance, Nawaki asked, "Sister, was that guy your suitor just now?"
Boom! Tsunade replied immediately and without hesitation hit him, "He's just a colleague from the village."
"I feel the same way. Compared to Mr. Kain, that Kato Jonin isn't suitable for you at all, sister," Nawaki said, reflecting for a moment.
He remembered how Mr. Kain could easily make Tsunade clench her fists in anger with just a few words, and yet she seemed utterly powerless against him.
….
patreon.com/Vks_sh