As Kitsuchi led a group of Iwagakure shinobi into the forest, they were met with the disheveled and dazed figure of Ōnoki.
"Third Tsuchikage!"
"Lord Tsuchikage!"
The group exclaimed in shock, hastening their steps.
Kitsuchi reached his father first, helping him to his feet.
Ōnoki came back to his senses and asked, "Did you send someone to check on Han's situation?"
Kitsuchi's expression shifted. "Father..."
Ōnoki sighed heavily. "Forget it. That bastard has already succeeded."
The group froze in disbelief.
Ōnoki explained with a resigned tone, "The one you saw earlier was only his Wood Clone."
The Iwagakure shinobi were stunned silent.
Just a Wood Clone…
Dongseki swallowed hard. "Lord Tsuchikage, could this guy actually rival the God of Shinobi of old era, Senju Hashirama?"
The most powerful figure in shinobi history, the God of Shinobi, Senju Hashirama!
Ōnoki scowled. "That bastard sealed me. Hurry and undo it."
As the group scrambled to remove the seal, Ōnoki continued with irritation, "Among the Five Great Shinobi Villages, three Kages have already been defeated. Add to that such a powerful Wood Release—Hashirama himself wasn't much different in his time."
Most infuriating of all was that Shūichi, that brat, was only a teenager!
Once freed, Ōnoki stretched his limbs and gave an order. "Recall the forces from the Land of Grass."
There was no way they could compete with Konoha now.
Ōnoki glanced at Kitsuchi and silently shook his head.
This one is done for—there's no way he'll surpass that brat Shūichi.
"...Kurotsuchi..."
Ōnoki made up his mind. He would focus all his efforts on training his granddaughter.
Not just her—he needed to take on more disciples as well.
Kurotsuchi was over ten years younger than Shūichi. There was still hope for the future!
---
Meanwhile, Shūichi smiled as he received the memories from his Wood Clone.
Ōnoki must have been utterly shocked to discover his opponent was just a clone, right?
Tsk, tsk. Treating an old man like this—isn't it a bit too cruel and merciless?
Shūichi pondered for a moment and then said to White Zetsu (Tobi), "Tobi, spread the word that I defeated the Third Tsuchikage. The more people know, the better."
White Zetsu eagerly complied. "As you wish, Lord Shūichi!"
"I'll make sure the entire ninja world knows of your glorious deeds."
With that, White Zetsu disappeared underground.
Shisui asked, "Shūichi, are you doing this to intimidate the other villages?"
Shūichi nodded. "This way, the ninja world might stay peaceful for a while."
"Let's go home."
With that, they vanished from the spot.
---
White Zetsu worked quickly. Within three days, the news that Konoha's Blue Flash had defeated the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, using the legendary Wood Release of the God of Shinobi, Senju Hashirama, spread throughout the major nations and ninja villages.
More importantly, the news was easily verified.
The massive forest that had suddenly appeared outside Iwagakure served as undeniable proof.
Shinobi from various villages arrived to witness it firsthand.
In the Tsuchikage's office, Ōnoki was so furious his back ached.
He considered ordering the massive forest burned to the ground but held back through gritted teeth.
What a waste!
At least it could be used for firewood!
Or perhaps they could expand the village to include the forest and use it as a testing ground for Chūnin Exams.
---
Kirigakure.
In the cave designated for villagers to take shelter during emergencies, White Zetsu emerged from the ground. He addressed Uchiha Obito and Black Zetsu.
"It seems the rumors were entirely true. That old Third Tsuchikage was genuinely defeated by Shūichi using Wood Release."
"Moreover, Shūichi's Wood Release doesn't seem any weaker than Hashirama's!"
Black Zetsu remarked, "It appears Konoha's research into Hashirama's cells has progressed deeply—enough to replicate most of his power."
White Zetsu grinned. "That Orochimaru fellow is quite remarkable. He was the one who uncovered the secrets of Hashirama's cells and the Sharingan."
"I think he'd be a perfect fit for Akatsuki!"
Uchiha Obito was skeptical. "Orochimaru is one of the Sannin. He wouldn't betray Konoha, would he?"
Black Zetsu's tone turned sinister. "Not necessarily."
"Don't forget, Danzo once supported Orochimaru to become the Fourth Hokage."
White Zetsu added, "And Orochimaru spares no means for his experiments. Knowing the secrets of Hashirama's cells and the Sharingan, he might not resist the Sharingan's allure."
Obito quickly understood. This was a plan to manipulate Orochimaru, forcing him out of Konoha and drawing him into Akatsuki.
Black Zetsu glanced at Obito and chuckled. "All we need to do is expose Orochimaru's activities in Konoha, and he won't be able to stay there any longer."
White Zetsu nodded. "According to prior intel, Danzo was quite ruthless in his experiments with Wood Release."
Obito nodded in agreement. "In that case, let's proceed."
"But what about Shūichi? With Hashirama's power, not even Nagato might stand a chance against him."
White Zetsu chuckled softly. "Obito, don't underestimate Nagato and the Rinnegan's power."
"If Nagato, who also has Hashirama's cells, masters Wood Release, he might be even stronger than Shūichi."
Obito was taken aback but said, "Still, Konoha's strength is growing. Capturing the Nine-Tails will be impossible, even if Nagato masters Wood Release."
"And if we revive Madara, Nagato might not be so cooperative."
Not to mention Shūichi himself. From what they already knew, Uchiha Shisui had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan and likely transplanted Hashirama's cells. Kakashi had also mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique.
Adding a Fourth Hokage into the mix...
Capturing the Nine-Tails?
From Nagato's current mastery of the Rinnegan, even if he gave it his all, Obito doubted it would be possible to subdue the Nine-Tails.
"You've thought this through quite well, Obito," Black Zetsu said darkly. "If it comes to that, we'll have to resort to our contingency plan."
"As for Orochimaru, I'll personally handle recruiting him."
---
Tensai Village, Office.
Shūichi, engrossed in the documents prepared by Pakura, noticed the activity of his Tag Tree. A glance brought a smile to his face.
The tag [God of Shinobi] was now available for activation.
"Turns out, a little publicity does the trick."
"If I'd waited for the news to spread on its own, who knows how long it would've taken."
Shūichi had instructed White Zetsu (Tobi) to use active propaganda, knowing the battle with Ōnoki had taken place outside Iwagakure and that the information might not circulate quickly otherwise.
And now, just four days later, the title God of Shinobi had descended upon him like a thunderclap.
Thinking back, if he'd used similar methods to boost the [Famous] tag, it wouldn't have taken so much time to activate it.
"I need to learn from this experience," Shūichi reflected seriously for a few seconds before activating the God of Shinobi tag.
> Luck increased by 100%, Senju Hashirama's Sage Body unlocked.
While the increase in luck went unnoticed, the Sage Body of Hashirama was a game-changer.
The Sage Body represented the powerful physique inherited from the Sage of Six Paths, granting Hashirama unparalleled Yang Release abilities and chakra reserves even greater than the Nine-Tails.
Shūichi had enhanced his physique multiple times, gaining strength comparable to tailed beasts, yet his chakra reserves had never surpassed Hashirama's. This alone underscored Hashirama's greatness.
Even though Shūichi's chakra quality and Yang Release mastery already exceeded Hashirama's, this new boost propelled his chakra reserves to levels surpassing the complete Nine-Tails.
"One step closer to the Six Paths level!"
The surge of power left Shūichi exhilarated.
Sheer strength and vast chakra reserves form the foundation of power.
This improvement alone meant that his Eight Gates technique was now on a completely different level.
Previously, opening the Seventh Gate would multiply his strength. But now? He could do so with no side effects and sustain it as a regular state.
As for the Eighth Gate, while its risks remained, its power would rival even Six Paths Mode Naruto.
Shūichi's chakra now matched Hashirama's, but his overall physique had surpassed the first Hokage's.
"Still, training must continue," Shūichi mused.
"Kekkei Tōta, Kekkei Mōra, Truth-Seeking Orbs, and Sage Transformation—these all require further R&D."
Calming his excitement, Shūichi reflected on his recent battle with Ōnoki.
The experience reinforced the importance of being an all-rounded warrior.
When you're a jack of all trades, you can counter others, and they can't counter you.
Ōnoki's Dust Release was undeniably powerful, yet Shūichi had neutralized it with ease.
The core reason was Ōnoki's lack of versatility. Even if he had lost, it shouldn't have been so effortless.
As he pondered, Pakura entered the office.
"The latest funding from the Daimyō has arrived," she said. "However, the Daimyō wants to increase the number of ninja trainees."
Shūichi shook his head immediately. "Reject the Daimyō's request."
"Expanding too quickly without sufficient teaching resources will lead to chaos. The next recruitment expansion must wait until the first batch of graduates has matured. They can mentor the newcomers. Otherwise, should we ask Konoha to send people to help?"
Pakura nodded. "Understood. But will the Daimyō have the patience for that?"
"The first batch of students will take at least six more years to grow."
Shūichi smiled. "If the Daimyō wants a force of his own, he'll need to be patient."
"If he's in a hurry, he can only recruit rogue ninjas."
"Don't worry. Once the first batch matures, he'll understand."
Currently, the Fire Country was reaping massive benefits from the Grass Country. Even if the Daimyō felt dissatisfied, he would have to endure it.
Moreover, the Daimyō's eagerness to expand likely stemmed from being inspired by Shūichi's title as the God of Shinobi.
While the Daimyō talked about increasing the number of students, his underlying message was about accelerating the unification process—and perhaps even absorbing Kusagakure entirely.
After all, with Iwagakure retreating, the Grass Country was practically under the Fire Country's control.
But there was no way Shūichi would hand Kusagakure over to the Daimyō.
The ninja of Kusagakure wouldn't pledge loyalty to the Daimyō when Konoha was a better and safer option.
---
With the serious matters settled, Shūichi beckoned Pakura over.
Her face flushed, but she obediently sat on his lap.
With one hand idly toying with a jade balloon, and the other reviewing documents, Shūichi enjoyed a moment of leisure.
...
Kusagakure: Leadership Conference
In Kusagakure, Leader Mugen and the upper echelons had convened.
"Lord Mugen, are we really going to join Konoha?" a middle-aged man asked. "Now that the threat from Iwagakure has been neutralized, we could simply return to the way things were."
Mugen shook his head. "Things are no longer the same. In the past, our existence was tolerated because Konoha and Iwagakure needed a buffer zone. That's why they allowed us to maintain friendly relations with all the major ninja villages."
"But now, a new God of Shinobi has emerged, alongside an Uchiha as fearsome as the Madara in his prime."
"Most importantly, this new God of Shinobi is nothing like Senju Hashirama of old."
"Konoha's intentions are crystal clear."
Mugen swept his gaze across everyone. "We now have two choices: become Konoha ninja... or head to Hozuki Castle and serve as its wardens."
The room fell silent. After a moment, the middle-aged man broke the stillness. "Lord Mugen, what will you choose?"
"I will go to Hozuki Castle and serve as its warden," Mugen replied. "However, my son Mukou will remain here and join Konoha."
"I'll follow Lord Mugen to Hozuki Castle!"
"So will I!"
One by one, the high-ranking members of Kusagakure expressed their decision.
Going to Hozuki Castle meant answering only to Mugen. In contrast, becoming Konoha ninja likely meant being relegated to chunin or ordinary jonin status—a stark drop in rank and influence, which was hard to accept.
Mugen was unsurprised by their choice. "Very well, prepare yourselves. Those willing to go to Hozuki Castle can come along, but no one is to be forced.
"Konoha will assign personnel to monitor this transition."
---
While Mugen's meeting was underway, Konoha shinobi, under orders from Hiruzen Sarutobi, had already begun registering the preferences of Kusagakure's ninja: join Konoha or go to Hozuki Castle.
As night fell, Yamashiro Aoba returned with the roster. "Third Hokage, all of Kusagakure's shinobi have made their decisions. Here's the preliminary list."
Hiruzen accepted the roster as Yamashiro Aoba explained, "Currently, over 80% of Kusagakure's ninja have chosen to stay and become Konoha ninja."
Scanning the list, Hiruzen nodded. "And what about Leader Mugen's situation?"
"Mugen and his leadership have decided to go to Hozuki Castle, though Mugen's son, Mukou, will remain here," Aoba said, adjusting his glasses. "Additionally, Mugen wishes to discuss something with you personally—it seems he has other matters to address."
Hiruzen's expression turned thoughtful. He could already guess Mugen's intentions. Nodding, he instructed, "Send the list back to Konoha for Minato to review and begin planning. The names on this list should be organized into batches for specialized training in Konoha."
"Understood!" Aoba replied.
With that settled, Hiruzen headed out, flanked by two ANBU operatives for protection.
As he walked, he contemplated the integration of Kusagakure's forces into Konoha.
Sending the former Kusagakure ninja to Konoha for rotational training is only the first step.
Would it also be necessary to relocate their families to Konoha? Perhaps even transform Kusagakure into an ordinary village over time?
"Dismantling Kusagakure entirely doesn't seem appropriate for now. But if it remains, we must consider the risk of future division."
"Training alone won't be enough..."
Lost in thought, Hiruzen found himself at the Kusagakure leader's office.
Mugen was already waiting at the entrance to greet him.
Inside the office, Mugen made his request. "Third Hokage, I hope to take the Box of Ultimate Bliss, an heirloom of Kusagakure, to Hozuki Castle."
As expected!
Hiruzen's expression remained neutral as he deliberated for a moment. "The Box of Ultimate Bliss is an extremely dangerous Six Paths tool. Storing it at Hozuki Castle would indeed be appropriate."
"However, this matter will need the Fourth Hokage's approval."
Mugen's face lit up with joy. "Thank you for your consideration, Third Hokage!"
He understood that Hiruzen's words were essentially an agreement.
(End of Chapter)
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