98 Come, Contribute Your Chakra

Research into Hashirama Cells!

The documents contained detailed cellular research data and a hypothesis by Orochimaru—

The Senju Bloodline might be able to merge with Hashirama Cells, thereby obtaining some of Hashirama Senju's abilities.

The study of Hashirama Cells didn't start with Orochimaru.

Long before, such a project was already in place in Konoha, unanimously approved by the village's higher-ups, with many ninjas volunteering for the experiments.

Orochimaru's data, partly derived from those experiments, was also evidently tinkered with by him.

Tsunade realized he had been conducting secret research, which greatly angered her.

As for the sources of the test subjects...

War never lacked enemy captives, especially with the help of the ANBU Root Division.

However, she had to admit, this data was incredibly useful for her research in non-branded healing, a trait Hashirama Senju inherently possessed.

Previously, her data mostly came from her own and Slug's memories.

But now.

With this data, she could see many things more clearly.

However.

Before Tsunade could delve deeper into her research, a shocking news came—

Koharu Utatane requested to step down from her advisory role.

The Third Hokage agreed.

Tsunade could only guess what Koharu's expression was at that time. Now, her position was as the head of the Medical Department at Konoha Hospital, a title with much clout but of little practical use.

One could imagine, Koharu must be very upset.

After overcoming her initial shock and joy, Tsunade felt a mix of emotions.

She knew the reason.

The Third Hokage was paving the way for her ascent!

Not only Koharu, but the other advisor would likely step down too, sooner or later.

She relayed the news to Kyōichi.

Kyōichi was also surprised.

He had guessed the Third might resolve some issues, but didn't expect it to be this swift. The war hadn't even started, and one advisor had already stepped down.

Which was good.

When would Homura Mitokado be taken away too?

By the way.

Before the Third steps down, Danzo should be taken care of, as well.

The arrival of the Uchiha brought subtle changes to the situation in Nagano Mountain. Originally, the camp revolved around Kyōichi as the core leader, but now...

The Uchiha had their own ideas.

So, the next morning.

In the tent.

"Jōnin Kyōichi."

"It was late yesterday, and you were tired from the journey, so we didn't have a detailed discussion."

Kyōichi brought out a map of the Eastern Territories to the Land of Water.

It marked two points.

Uchiha Yashiro paused for a moment, then asked, "What is this map?"

"This point is the location of the Kirigakure base we found out through interrogation."

"Yesterday, the four of us wiped out an elite four-man squad on the road, sank two ships, and traced the route to their new base."

Kyōichi spoke casually.

But.

Uchiha Yashiro's eyelids twitched.

Four?

Four people dared to venture into Kirigakure's lair, killing an elite squad!

He couldn't believe it.

He thought Kyōichi was bragging, trying to intimidate the Uchiha.

However.

Looking around, he saw no signs of jest.

Yashiro gradually became serious and asked, "Is this true?"

"It is."

Inoichi nodded.

Yashiro and Inabi exchanged glances, at a loss for words.

Four people had killed four Jōnin squads and even escaped from Kirigakure's lair.

Such strength...

They were well aware of the abilities of Inoichi and Hayate Gekko, while Hayama Shirakumo was somewhat unfamiliar, but he couldn't possibly be this powerful. After much thought, Kyōichi's role in this seemed substantial.

Inabi's thoughts raced, recalling Shisui's words.

He quickly stood up and said, "Lord Kyōichi, we of the Police Division are new here and unfamiliar with the situation. Should you have any commands, we will fully cooperate."

"Yes, our Police Division is here to assist and is under your command."

Yashiro responded quickly too.

Since Kyōichi was powerful and designated by the village as the battle commander, there was no point in them opposing him.

The Uchiha's conflict with Konoha wasn't so severe as to be unmanageable, and Yashiro himself had no direct intention of opposing Kyōichi; he just wanted to maintain his stance.

With the situation changing, it was better to go with the flow.

"Today, we are not going for elite squad raids. Instead, we will form multiple fast teams in coordination with sensory ninjas to hunt down enemy ninja squads."

"But, doesn't this mean we are directly engaging the enemy?"

"We need a swift resolution."

Kyōichi said this, glanced at Yashiro and Inabi, and seeing no further objections, continued.

Today's strategy was simple.

Yesterday, they handpicked four of the fastest and strongest Jōnin, while today the criteria were broader, anyone skilled in speed could participate.

Without the Uchiha, Kyōichi estimated they could form about four squads.

But now.

"There should be five of them."

After a brief explanation, he let Yadamaru and Inabi go.

Yadamaru and Inabi left, heading towards the guard station, their emotions complex.

"It seems Shisui's information was correct. The Fourth Hokage might really be Tsunade, and this tactical deployment is all her style," Yadamaru said, his expression grave.

Yesterday, when Inabi relayed this to him, he was somewhat incredulous, thinking Shisui was still young and might have believed the fanciful tales of Kyōichi Kanda.

But today, it all turned out to be true.

The Fourth Hokage...

Tsunade.

If this was the case, aligning with Kyōichi might not be a bad thing; at least—through Kyōichi, Shisui might obtain more information.

"Yes, now that Shisui has joined Tsunade's faction and Obito is with Jiraiya, we are slowly reconnecting with the village. As long as we persist, we will surely succeed!"

"Heh, yes, yes!"

Yashiro narrowed his eyes, his smile peculiar as he walked ahead.

...

On an island at sea.

Yagura personally oversaw the command of equipment transportation, prioritizing sealing scrolls, and resorting to ships only when necessary.

At the same time.

He dispersed most of the Kirigakure forces to various islands along the route.

As for ambushes.

Yagura set that aside for now, his thoughts simple: wait for Kumogakure and Iwagakure to make their move first, then decide whether to act based on the situation.

Engaging with Konoha now was definitely not in his plans.

But.

Who would have thought that Konoha, in a frenzy, would cross the boundary to hunt them down.

Was it still the Third Hokage ruling over Konoha?

He had sent people to investigate this, and expected to receive reports soon.

However.

Before Yagura could receive information from the Anbu, he first got news from the frontlines.

Konoha had mobilized again!

"Is it the same team?"

"No, this time they sent five teams, launching simultaneous assaults on our five islands. Most of our men retreated as instructed, but still a few..."

"Engaged in battle with them?"

Yagura's expression turned grim.

He didn't need to think about the outcome; they would surely lose. Konoha's eastern command was cunning and powerful, and rash engagement would mean definite loss.

The ninja nodded.

"They fought, losing a few men, but Konoha didn't pursue deeply. Once our reinforcements arrived, they withdrew."

"..."

Yagura frowned.

He expected to be at a disadvantage, but not like this.

Hit and run?

Strange!

"Lord Yagura, could it be possible that Konoha doesn't have that many forces in the east, and their aggressive stance is just a deterrent, their goal is making us too intimidated to strike?"

Suggested Suikazan Fuguki after pondering.

His speculation quickly gained approval from many Kirigakure ninjas, irked by the consecutive provocations and eager for a showdown with Konoha.

Yagura pondered for a long time, then said, "It's possible, but regardless, engaging with Konoha now isn't favorable for us. It would only benefit Kumogakure and Iwagakure."

"Yes."

Fuguki bowed, dropping the subject.

However.

Not every member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist was as passive as Fuguki.

Yagura's order to retreat didn't sit well with Hōzuki Mangetsu. After all, regardless of his relationship with Hōzuki Senkei, being captured by Konoha could lead to the leakage of sensitive information.

At the moment, he was keen to battle Konoha.

...

On a ship.

Kyōichi released his hand signs and contained his chakra.

"Sensei, how is it?"

Asuma swallowed.

He never expected Kyōichi to bring them to the frontlines today, and they were less than three kilometers away from the Kirigakure ninjas.

The dense fog on the distant islands and the faint sounds of explosions brought immense pressure.

This was real war!

"Of course, there's no problem."

Kyōichi smiled.

Confident in bringing Genin here, he never intended to engage directly with the enemy, especially after finding no Kirigakure ninjas on the islands close to the Land of Fire.

"Sensei Kyōichi, have the Kirigakure ninjas all left?"

Might Guy sounded disappointed.

He had hoped for a fight, but it turned out to be mere observation.

"They've retreated. You're not needed for the follow-up. Come, contribute your chakra."

Kyōichi beckoned.

The group of kids were momentarily stunned.

So, they were brought here not just to observe, but also to serve as chakra reserves?

Kurenai was the most obedient.

As soon as Kyōichi finished speaking, she stepped forward.

Soon after.

A large portion of her energy was drained.

Then, one by one, Shisui, Asuma, and others were drained of their chakra, not even sparing Hayama Shirakumo, who was steering the boat.

Kyōichi replenished much of his energy.

"Sensei, where are you going?"

"I'm going to scout their new base. I'll go alone this time; you all head back."

Saying this, Kyōichi had already moved far away.

His speed was astounding!

"Don't sigh, guys. Even I've been left behind. What chance did you young ones have to participate in the battle?"

Hayama Shirakumo, whose shadow clone participated in the earlier battle while his real body didn't, and who had half his chakra drained, was dumbfounded.

But.

He could understand.

In yesterday's battle, they played a not insignificant role, but it was mostly Kyōichi's effort.

"Kamida Kyōichi, was truly a genius!"

Hayama Shirakumo marveled.

Initially, he thought Kyōichi's strength was due to the Senju bloodline, but the more he interacted, the clearer it became that Kyōichi's power wasn't solely because of his bloodline or physique, but more importantly, his intellect.

He excelled in everything, strong in every field.

This was not just a boon of bloodline.