Research on Hashirama's Cells!
Inside, there are very detailed research materials on cells, as well as a conjecture from Orochimaru—
The Senju lineage might be able to fuse with Hashirama's cells, granting partial access to his abilities.
The research on Hashirama's cells did not originally begin with Orochimaru.
Long ago, Konoha had this project, and it was unanimously approved by the village's higher-ups through a vote.
Many ninjas voluntarily participated in the experiments.
Orochimaru's data partly comes from those experiments, and another part is clearly his own tinkering.
Tsunade's fury stemmed from discovering his clandestine work.
As for the source of the test subjects...
War never lacks enemy prisoners, and with the help of Root, it was even easier.
Yet she couldn't deny the scroll's value. Seal-less Healing—one of Hashirama's innate traits—might finally be within reach.
Previously, most of her data came from her own knowledge and the memories of Katsuyu.
But now.
With this data, she can see many things more clearly.
However.
Before Tsunade could delve deeper into her research, shocking news arrived—
Koharu Utatane requested to resign from her position as an advisor.
The Sandaime approved it.
Tsunade could only imagine Koharu's expression.
The former advisor now headed Konoha Hospital's Medical Training Division—a lofty title masking impotence.
Koharu's rage was palpable.
After initial shock and glee, Tsunade's mood soured.
She knew the reason.
The Sandaime was clearing her path to Hokage!
Not only Koharu Utatane, but the other advisor would likely step down as well—it was only a matter of time.
She relayed the news to Kyōichi.
He too was stunned.
He'd expected the Sandaime to act, but not this swiftly. War hadn't even begun, yet one advisor had already fallen.
Good. When will Homura join her?
And drag Danzo down with the Sandaime's retirement.
The Uchiha Police Force's arrival shifted dynamics at Nagano Mountain. Previously unified under Kyōichi, the camp now simmered with Uchiha dissent.
So, at dawn the next day…
Inside the command tent:
"Kyōichi-jōnin."
"It was late yesterday, and you were tired from the journey, so we didn't have a detailed discussion."
Kyōichi unfurled a map of the eastern coast near the Land of Water.
Two points were marked on it.
Uchiha Yashiro frowned. "This map…?"
"This mark is the enemy base location from interrogations."
"Yesterday, our four-man squad eliminated an elite unit, sank two ships, and traced their new stronghold."
Kyōichi spoke casually.
However.
Uchiha Yashiro's eyelids twitched.
Four?
Four people dared to wander into the Kirigakure's lair and killed four elite squads?
I can't believe it.
Preposterous.
He suspected Kyōichi of bluffing to intimidate the Uchiha.
However.
The room's solemnity contradicted him.
Yashiro gradually became serious and asked, "Is this true?"
"It is."
Inoichi nodded.
Yashiro exchanged a glance with Inabi, momentarily at a loss for words.
Four shinobi annihilating four jōnin squads and escaping Kirigakure's base?
This level of strength...
They were well aware of the abilities of Yamanaka Inoichi and Gekko Kazahana. Although they were less familiar with Shirakumo Hayama, they doubted he had such terrifying strength.
After some thought, it seemed that Kyōichi's role in this was likely very significant.
Inabi's mind raced, recalling Shisui's words.
He quickly stepped forward and said,"Kyōichi-sama, we're newly arrived and unfamiliar with the situation. Command us as you see fit."
"The Police Force is at your disposal," Yashiro added swiftly.
Since Kyōichi was powerful and the village's designated battle commander, there was no point in opposing him.
Resisting Kyōichi—Konoha's appointed commander—was futile.
The Uchiha's tensions with the village weren't irreparable, and Yashiro himself had no intention of directly opposing Kyōichi—he just wanted to maintain some dignity.
Given the changing situation, it was better to go along with it.
"Today, we won't be conducting elite squad raids. Instead, we'll form fast-moving squads with sensory ninjas to hunt down enemy squads."
"But this escalates to open war."
"The goal is to end things quickly."
At this point, Kyōichi glanced at Yashiro and Inabi. Seeing that they had no further objections, he continued.
Today's strategy was simple.
Yesterday, they carefully selected four of the fastest and strongest jōnin. Today, they lowered the threshold, allowing anyone skilled in speed to participate.
Without the Uchiha, Kyōichi estimated they could form about four squads.
But now.
They should have five.
After a brief explanation, he sent Yashiro and Inabi back.
As Yashiro and Inabi left the tent and walked toward Uchiha quarters their moods were complicated.
"It seems Shisui's information was correct. The Yondaime Hokage might indeed be Tsunade-hime. This strategic deployment is entirely in her style."
Yashiro's expression was serious.
Yesterday, when Inabi relayed the information, he was still skeptical, thinking that Shisui might be too young and had fallen for Kyōichi's lies.
But now, it all seemed true.
The Yondaime Hokage...
Tsunade.
Aligning with Kyōichi might benefit the Uchiha—especially with Shisui embedded in Tsunade and Kyōichi's faction.
"Shisui serves Tsunade's circle. Obito trains under Jiraiya-sama. Rebuilding ties with Konoha is possible!"
"Indeed," Yashiro smirked cryptically, striding ahead.
...
Offshore Island, Kirigakure Base
Yagura personally oversaw the transportation of equipment, using as many sealing scrolls as possible.
Only what couldn't be carried away was transported by ships.
At the same time.
He dispersed most of the Kiri forces, stationing them on various islands along the way.
As for ambushes...
Yagura wasn't considering that for now.
His current plan was simple: wait for Kumo and Iwa to make the first move, and then Kiri would decide whether to act.
Engaging Konoha now was definitely not part of his plan.
But.
Who would have thought that Konoha would go crazy and cross the border to hunt them down?
Is Konoha still under the Sandaime's rule?
He had sent people to investigate this, and they should bring back information soon.
However.
Before Yagura could receive the intelligence from his ANBU, he first received news from the frontlines.
Konoha had made another move!
"Was it the same squad as before?"
"No, this time they have five squads, simultaneously launching raids on five of our islands. Most of our people followed your orders and retreated upon encounter, but a few..."
"Engaged them?"
Yagura's expression darkened.
He didn't need to think about the outcome—they definitely lost.
Konoha's eastern front commander was cunning and incredibly strong. Engaging recklessly would only lead to losses.
The ninja nodded.
"They engaged, and we lost a few people, but Konoha's forces didn't pursue deeply. By the time our reinforcements arrived, they had already left."
"..."
Yagura frowned.
He had expected some losses, but not this kind of situation from Konoha.
Hit and run?
Very strange!
"Yagura-sama, is it possible that Konoha doesn't actually have that many forces on the eastern front? Are they proactively attacking to intimidate us, making us think they're stronger than they are and deterring us from attacking?"
Suikazan Fuguki pondered for a moment before speaking.
His speculation quickly gained the agreement of many Kiri ninjas.
After two consecutive provocations, they were thoroughly disgusted and eager to fight Konoha.
Yagura thought for a long time before saying, "That's not impossible, but regardless, engaging Konoha now is not in our best interest. It would only benefit Kumo and Iwa."
"Understood."
Fuguki bowed and didn't press further.
However.
Not every member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen was as laid-back as Fuguki.
When Yagura ordered the retreat, Hozuki Mangetsu was the first to feel displeased.
Regardless of his relationship with Hōzuki Chikage, having someone captured by Konoha could lead to the leakage of critical intelligence.
At this moment, he was eager to fight Konoha.
...
On a ship.
Kyōichi released his hand seals and suppressed his chakra.
"Sensei, how did it go?"
Asuma swallowed hard.
He never expected that today Kyōichi would bring them to the frontlines, less than three kilometers from the Kiri ninjas.
The dense fog and faint explosions from the distant island created an overwhelming sense of pressure.
This was real war!
"Of course, no problem."
Kyōichi smiled.
He was confident in bringing genin here because he had no intention of engaging the enemy head-on.
Moreover, he believed Yagura also had no such intention—especially after finding no Kiri ninjas on the islands near the Land of Fire.
"Sensei, have all the Kiri ninjas left?"
Might Guy, however, was disappointed.
He thought they would get to fight, but it turned out to be just observation and idle time.
"They've retreated. You won't be needed for the rest. Come on, contribute some chakra."
Kyōichi beckoned.
The kids were stunned.
So you brought us here not just to observe but also to serve as chakra batteries?
Kurenai was the most obedient.
As soon as Kyōichi finished speaking, she ran over.
Soon.
Most of the energy in her body was drained.
Then, Shisui, Asuma, and the others were also drained, including Shirakumo Hayama, who was piloting the ship.
Everyone's chakra was taken.
Kyōichi's reserves were replenished significantly.
"Sensei, where are you going?"
"I'm going to find their new stronghold. This time, I'll go alone. You all head back."
With that, Kyōichi was already far away.
His speed was incredible!
"Don't sigh. Even I was left behind. Did you kids really think you'd get to fight?"
Hayama only had his shadow clone participate in the earlier battle. His real body didn't join, and half his chakra was drained again.
Absolutely ridiculous!
But.
He could understand.
In yesterday's battle, they played a role, but Kyōichi did most of the heavy lifting.
"Kyōichi… truly a genius!"
Hayama sighed.
Before, he thought Kyōichi's strength was due to his Senju lineage.
But the more he interacted with him, the more he realized that Kyōichi's power wasn't solely due to his lineage or physique—it was his mind.
He excelled in everything, and every field he touched, he mastered.
That definitely wasn't just due to his lineage.