Chapter 217: Konoha's Informatization Process, Madara's Setup for Danzo and Obito

Konoha.

Hokage Building.

Before Hiruzen Sarutobi lay stacks of documents. Their format was similar to the briefings A-Huo prepared for Madara Uchiha, requiring only simple approvals.

Most were just "Approved" or "Denied".

Only a minority of exploratory proposals required him to think for a moment and provide specific instructions.

However, ever since Hiruzen Sarutobi became the Grand General of two nations, and the nobles of the Land of Wind rapidly embraced the supernatural medical treatment of the "Holy Land Pills" following Sunagakure's defeat...

Nobles and bureaucrats were constantly pestering him...

'Have you eaten? I sent you some crabs from the Land of Water...'

'It's raining in the Land of Rain, Lord Hokage, please take care of your health!'

'Big Brother, what do you think of my recent performance? I've raised tax revenue a bit more, I miss you very much!'

It was all empty pleasantries like this.

Although under Hiruzen Sarutobi's instructions, the Administration Department had helped reply to most of the letters, there were some nobles and bureaucrats who not only contributed too much money but also worked incredibly hard...

So much so that Hiruzen Sarutobi occasionally had to reply with a sentence or two of his own "authentic calligraphy."

For instance.

'My dear brother, I miss you very much in Konoha as well, come visit when you have time!'

'Understood,' or 'Hmm.'

Or he would simply draw a circle or a vertical line to indicate he had read it.

But even so, the nobles and bureaucrats treated these replies as priceless treasures and were highly satisfied.

In a sense, Hiruzen Sarutobi was using his calligraphy to sell for money and exchange for labor...

"The method of information transmission is still too primitive..."

"Relying on this kind of mail system, the administrative costs are no different from a hundred years ago, and it cannot properly match Konoha's increasingly expanding territory..."

The timeliness of information transmission often dictates the radius and stability of a governed territory.

In the past.

Konoha was only the Land of Fire and one hidden village, but now it occupied half of the shinobi world, along with exclaves like the Land of Water... It wasn't that Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't trust the Land of Water, which he had established single-handedly...

But relying solely on his prestige to maintain the status quo would eventually lead to problems over time; he had to resolve internal friction at its root.

Although Hiruzen Sarutobi believed in the inherent goodness of human nature.

The underlying logic of management does not shift according to human will.

"Informatization is the grand trend of the future..."

"Reducing administrative costs, and increasing the cohesion of the major regions..."

If Konoha possessed a complete informatization network system now, even if their current territory expanded threefold, they could still achieve effective governance with their current administrative population.

Because extremely efficient transmission could completely resolve the issue of information asymmetry...

This was also the biggest flaw of the loose-rein system used in the Han and Tang dynasties.

Local vassal forces would deceive their superiors and hide the truth from their subordinates, creating an information gap.

Without big data checks and under the physical constraints of sluggish information flow, as generation after generation grew up, they would eventually be able to incite a portion of the population.

But informatization could compensate for this flaw, allowing citizens and shinobi from top to bottom to interface directly with Konoha's information and systems.

Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered.

Although the technology tree here was warped, its developmental trajectory was somewhat similar to his memories.

Due to years of constant warfare, military applications consumed the absolute lion's share, leaving the civilian sector to survive on the scraps of resources.

Yet even so, after the establishment of the one-village-one-nation system and the departure from the Warring States period, technologies familiar to Hiruzen Sarutobi were developing rapidly—such as computers and medical analyzers being widely used in the civilian sector...

Having reached this stage, and possessing the omnipotent tool that is chakra, there should be products akin to the internet and smartphones.

And today, the initiation and conclusion of wars were already under Konoha's control. They could free up their hands to integrate the technological resources of the shinobi world, developing informatization to meet the new demands of the Hokage and the village...

Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled a puff of smoke.

He thought of even more...

"For propagating Konoha and the Will of Fire, an informatization platform would be a decisive weapon and kinjutsu..."

"Against Iwagakure and Kumogakure, it could subdue the enemy without fighting in the future..."

"It would also serve as an excellent catalyst internally."

In the past, propagating the Will of Fire was actually a relatively difficult task because of the intelligence barriers between the various hidden villages.

Whether Konoha was truly good or not couldn't be accurately perceived by other hidden villages.

Every Kage would intervene, and the outdated thinking of shinobi leading to their own mental gymnastics often resulted in bizarre analyses.

The Third Mizukage was a prime example.

Even without the kinjutsu "World of the Madara Gate," the Third Mizukage's first reaction to Hiruzen Sarutobi's series of reforms in Konoha was that something had gone wrong at the grassroots level.

"Like infiltrating Kirigakure; the original method was too strenuous. We had to send Kimimaro and the others as exchange students—the cycle was long, and the results were unstable..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes lit up.

Building identity and executing a cultural paradigm shift was the absolute soft power advantage Konoha currently held over other hidden villages and shinobi.

Using advanced concepts and lifestyles to influence everyone.

Informatization could broadcast Konoha's advantages "around the clock, at near-zero cost, pervasively" across the shinobi world, subtly rooting the Will of Fire in the minds of every shinobi.

The "Kimimaro of Kirigakure" would no longer be an isolated case.

And internally, informatization would also serve as a hotbed for the explosion of creativity and inspiration.

The collision of ideas between people would become much simpler, and the iteration speed of jutsu should theoretically increase drastically.

"Let me organize my thoughts a bit more..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't rush to find Orochimaru. Instead, a dust-white cube materialized in his palm. His hands instinctively rotated it while he continued to think.

This was his new pastime over the past year.

Using this method to practice Particle Style, enhancing his proficiency with the Kekkei Tota, and also exercising his chakra control.

The Particle Style Rubik's Cube tumbled in Hiruzen Sarutobi's hands. Logically, it should have emitted alarming chakra fluctuations, but in the Hokage's hands, it was extraordinarily docile, with absolutely no chakra leaking out...

A moment later.

As if sharing a telepathic link with Hiruzen Sarutobi, before the Hokage even called him over.

The head of Konoha's Scientific Research Department, Orochimaru, smilingly knocked on the office door, leisurely carrying a stack of documents.

"I was just about to look for you, kid..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled, tilting his chin to gesture for Orochimaru to sit.

"Heave-ho..."

Orochimaru placed the documents on the desk, skillfully picked up the Hokage's teapot, and poured a cup for himself and his teacher.

He looked with slight astonishment at the dust-white cube in Hiruzen Sarutobi's hands, which emitted zero chakra fluctuations: "Why are you playing with a Rubik's Cube? This model is quite novel..."

This was currently a popular educational toy among the children in the village...

Orochimaru didn't think much of it and smiled, saying:

"Teacher, the two major projects in the Research Department have finally borne fruit. One is the universal application and development of Lord Hashirama's cells, and the other is the further enhancement of the curse marks."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded in approval and praised: "Excellent! Thank you for your hard work, Orochimaru..."

Over the past few years, these two projects had been the top priority for the village.

Finally, through the continuous efforts of Orochimaru, Hiruko, Tsunade, Tobirama, Tomie, Shio, and Mito—seven individuals in total.

Combined with the integration of various resources such as the "Sage's Village," "Tobirama's Afterglow," "Mount Myoboku's Support," and "Mangekyo's Guidance," they had succeeded.

It could be said that it wasn't easy at all.

"What do you think our next step should be? The Research Department can't sit idle..."

"Although we all have our own individual projects on hand, without your guidance, it always feels like we lack direction..." Orochimaru spoke from the bottom of his heart while sipping his tea.

Tomie's unreasonable Mangekyo ability had earned the recognition of all the shinobi in the Research Department, capable of conjuring ideas out of thin air to make technology viable.

But Hiruzen Sarutobi's grasp of direction was trusted and relied upon by all Konoha shinobi, even more powerful than Tomie's Mangekyo...

Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled; Orochimaru's words were very pleasing to hear.

Who doesn't like to be praised?

And when it came to praising their teacher, Orochimaru considered himself different from Hiruko and Hizashi.

Although he never skimped on flattering words every time he saw his teacher, praising him harder than anyone else...

His foundation was always rational analysis based on facts!

Those two belonged to the type who would agree with whatever the teacher did...

It wasn't the same!

"By the way, Teacher, I have mastered Sage Mode..."

"Mount Myoboku's approach helped me a lot. Their system is much more mature, and I also borrowed a bit from Shikkotsu Forest's methods. In short, Ryuchi Cave's method is simply too crude!"

Seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi deep in thought, Orochimaru smiled slightly and shared his recent progress with his teacher.

In Konoha, the Three Great Sage Regions were now the village's most loyal allies.

As the head of the Research Department, Orochimaru could mobilize resources from all sides and had gained access to a massive amount of first-hand information regarding Sage Mode and Natural Energy.

Furthermore, after throwing a highly resistant Jiraiya onto the analysis table, Orochimaru analyzed his physical data during the process of gathering Natural Energy, quantifying the flaws he previously had...

He came to a conclusion!

The reason he hadn't succeeded in cultivating Sage Mode before wasn't because he lacked talent, but because Ryuchi Cave was garbage!

Mount Myoboku's methods were highly systematic...

From sensing, to fusion, to sparring partners, everything was built step-by-step to lay a foundation and then improve.

But over at Ryuchi Cave, their methods were truly wild and unrefined.

One bite: if you succeed, you succeed; if you fail, you die. It had absolutely nothing to do with teaching...

It was purely a gamble on the raw hardware talent of the physical body!

And the former Orochimaru was that unique individual who was bitten by the White Snake Sage, failed to learn Sage Mode, yet wasn't killed.

He was the first in the history of Ryuchi Cave...

The sheer prestige of the Legendary Unkillable King.

"Oh, you've mastered Sage Mode?"

"What a truly enviable talent you have, Orochimaru..."

Hearing of his disciple's growth, Hiruzen Sarutobi laughed from the bottom of his heart and said with emotion:

"For someone my age, accepting new things is very difficult."

"I can only spin my wheels in the comfort zone of ordinary ninjutsu. Natural Energy remains difficult to sense, and the 'Ten Thousand Seals Body Integration' makes it inconvenient to introduce external aids, like the curse mark."

"You guys practice hard!"

"It's best if you all learn Sage jutsu; this is the true manifestation of Konoha growing stronger generation after generation..."

Orochimaru nodded thoughtfully.

If this were any other village's Kage, seeing his subordinate shinobi all master such a powerful Sage Mode while he couldn't, it would inevitably stir up some awkward feelings in his heart.

But his teacher's vision was truly grand!

He completely disregarded these matters, and as Hokage, eliminated meaningless internal friction at its source.

On one hand, this was indeed because Hiruzen Sarutobi possessed such vision.

But on the other hand, just as Ashina Uzumaki had analyzed, he simply didn't have the time to divide his attention to cultivate Sage Mode.

The advanced construction of the Sage Monument and the Ten Thousand Seals Body Integration consumed a massive amount of his energy.

However, Hiruzen Sarutobi always liked to keep a card hidden up his sleeve.

Compared to his previous perception, which was practically insulated from Natural Energy.

Hiruzen Sarutobi could now occasionally and spontaneously sense Natural Energy—this power system permeating heaven and earth, distinct from chakra...

He just didn't know if it was because Konoha shinobi were learning more and more of it, leading him to learn it as well.

Or if the palace-like chakra network already built within his body had altered his physique during its gradual strengthening process.

But the Lord Hokage didn't care...

All he needed to know was that, given the current trajectory, he would eventually be able to master Natural Energy one day.

After all, since it was Natural Energy, it had to be mastered naturally...

A flash of cyan-white light appeared in Hiruzen Sarutobi's hand. He casually closed his fist, obliterating the Particle Style Rubik's Cube in his palm.

Only then did a ripple of chakra fluctuate.

Orochimaru was startled. He sensed the astonishing density of chakra within that cube...

"Teacher, this is?" Orochimaru asked probingly.

"Traditional ninjutsu, nothing worth mentioning..." Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand. "Just Particle Style."

Orochimaru's face stiffened.

Wait...

Orochimaru reasonably suspected that his teacher's silence moments ago was revenge for him showing off his Sage Mode!

He wanted to retract his praise for his teacher!

"Are you saying that not only have you mastered Particle Style, but the kind without chakra fluctuations, and you can even dispel it with your bare hand?!"

Orochimaru felt a headache coming on. Why did his teacher always love cultivating in secret?!

Does the Hokage have the right to not report things?

Oh, he actually does.

Never mind then...

Orochimaru had actually heard about it.

When Hiruzen Sarutobi fought Gengetsu Hozuki and Mu in Kirigakure, he seemed to display a certain understanding of Particle Style, but over the past year or so, he hadn't heard of his teacher using it...

He thought it had just been shelved!

It turns out he was sitting in his office every day, twisting Particle Style around like a Rubik's Cube...

And the kind without chakra fluctuations at that...

"Yes."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded very naturally:

"You know my situation. I've recently gained some new insights into cultivating the Ten Thousand Seals Body Integration. For me, sealing is no longer a jutsu that requires conscious release, so mere contact is enough to restrain chakra fluctuations."

"As for dispelling Particle Style, it's actually the effect of my Spirit Release combined with sealing."

"If I were to touch it purely with my physical body, I would still be decomposed..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi teased Orochimaru:

"Look at you, looking at me like I'm some kind of monster, when you're clearly the real monster here! Didn't you cultivate the Eight Branches Technique or something?"

The corner of Orochimaru's mouth twitched.

He suddenly felt a deep empathy for the person he found most annoying in the village...

Danzo Shimura, who was currently on the frontlines!

Danzo, who had spent his entire life aiming for their teacher, Orochimaru suddenly felt that he truly had it rough.

The fact that he hadn't gone crazy yet was a testament to his strong psychological resilience...

If it were anyone else, they would have either given up long ago or gone completely mad...

Only Danzo could simultaneously comfort himself with the thought that he still had a chance to win, while continuously working hard and picking fights with their teacher...

The Shinobi of Darkness was truly built differently!

"Let's put aside the matter of Particle Style for now..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand:

"Speaking of scientific research, I actually have a new idea. However, I need you to evaluate whether it's feasible based on our current authentic research capabilities."

Hiruzen Sarutobi roughly outlined the concepts of informatization and the internet.

In this regard, Orochimaru and Hiruko understood far more than he did. Therefore, Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn't dictating how Orochimaru should do it, but rather explaining the desired outcome.

Both men were not only well-versed in biological sciences but also highly capable in the industrial sector.

Even if there were deficiencies, they still had Tomie, who could forcibly "create something from nothing"...

As long as there was a direction, they could advance!

Konoha's research team was truly far too luxurious...

"An excellent idea, Teacher! Interesting, incredibly interesting!" The more Orochimaru listened, the more fascinating he found it.

He felt the new winds of the era blowing once again.

This was a disruptive concept!

"In terms of the geopolitical situation, we hold the initiative."

"Militarily, we have a comprehensive advantage, and economically, it's even more pronounced. After Iwagakure and Kumogakure are defeated, I will demand they fully open up commercial ties between their nobles and Konoha..."

"Konoha's product advantage maintains a generational gap over other regions in both civilian and military sectors."

"If we build a platform, any hidden village—be it Iwagakure, Kumogakure, or Sunagakure—whose economy doesn't want to fall behind the main current of the shinobi world, must follow our path."

"This is a binding force exponentially stronger than any treaty written on paper, and the same applies to the other regions we currently control." Hiruzen Sarutobi lit a cigarette and spoke.

Doing business is, of course, highly profitable...

But building the platform is the absolute best business in the shinobi world, bar none!

"I believe this is achievable..."

Orochimaru pondered:

"In reality, the telepathic communication system can be considered an alternative evolution of this, and our chakra metal reserves are sufficient. The ore veins in the Land of Water can achieve the desired effect with preliminary processing."

"For the platform's components, we can use the Dragon Vein or Tailed Beast chakra. The Box of Ultimate Bliss, once handled by Ao, is also an excellent option."

"As for the jutsu embedded within it, a combination of genjutsu and sealing jutsu can make it a reality."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded.

Chakra was simply too omnipotent.

The jutsu derived from this supernatural power were like modeling clay; they could be molded into countless forms according to need.

"I understand, Teacher. This will be the top priority for the Research Department moving forward."

Orochimaru said seriously:

"With Ao, Tomie, and the Kurama Clan's true genjutsu, we can achieve great things. I will also seek out Lady Mito to research the structural issues, and the Uchiha Clan can help as well."

"Regarding the security of information transmission, I will have Minato, Shio, and Kushina all participate."

"We'll also ask Tomie to put in some extra effort, using her Mangekyo to reverse-engineer problems within the platform to increase the safety factor."

Hiruzen Sarutobi cast an approving look at Orochimaru and praised:

"Excellent! Saying others have a Hokage mindset might just be polite talk, but you, kid, truly have it..."

For a researcher like Orochimaru, whose research style had always been relatively radical, being able to stop and consider the accompanying issues of security and stability before developing something new was a massive leap forward.

Preservation and innovation are two fundamental qualities every Hokage must possess; neither can be lacking.

"Do you want to be an Advisor? I think having dual Advisors would be quite nice..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and exhaled a puff of smoke. "Don't worry about Danzo; I'll talk to him."

But to Hiruzen Sarutobi's surprise, Orochimaru quickly waved his hand:

"No need, Teacher. Why would I want to be an Advisor? I'll just become Hokage later. There's no rush, no rush at all."

Hiruzen Sarutobi was taken aback and said with some confusion:

"Being an Advisor doesn't conflict with becoming Hokage, right? Your situation isn't the same as Danzo's..."

Orochimaru said earnestly:

"Teacher, I really don't need to! You don't need to worry about me. If you promote me to Advisor, Danzo will definitely be dissatisfied. That would just create pointless internal friction for the village..."

"We can just go all the way in one step later. I don't mind waiting another ten or eight years. What do you say?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi was genuinely surprised this time.

Orochimaru was actually taking Danzo into consideration? Was this still the beloved disciple he knew...

Those two used to fight incredibly fiercely in Konoha!

Both were full of energy, tripping each other up while managing their respective duties, yet never affecting the big picture. Both belonged to the highly energetic demographic.

"Well, alright then..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi thought for a moment: "Then I'll have to trouble you, Orochimaru."

"Work hard, and we father and son don't need to say any more unnecessary words. I'll find a way to teach you all the jutsu I know in the future, whether it's Particle Style or the Ten Thousand Seals Body Integration..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi said with an exceptionally serious tone: "I won't let any Konoha shinobi who does the work suffer a loss, especially you, Orochimaru."

He was his true successor.

Orochimaru, having cultivated the Living Corpse Reincarnation, the Eight Branches Technique, and cloning technology, was perhaps the only person in Konoha who could fully inherit his legacy.

Because he had enough time to slowly digest Hiruzen Sarutobi's various insights.

No one else could, not Jiraiya, Tsunade, nor Asuma...

In a sense, Hiruzen Sarutobi had also been somewhat assimilated by the shinobi world.

He highly valued the inheritor of his ninja way.

But on this point, there was an information gap between Hiruzen Sarutobi and Orochimaru.

Become an Advisor?

Wouldn't that mean getting closer and closer to the position of Hokage?!

Orochimaru naturally understood he was different from Danzo. Advisor was the ceiling for the Shinobi of Darkness, not for him.

But if that happened, what if his teacher got tired one day and didn't want to do it anymore? Wouldn't he have to take over?

He wanted to work in the Research Department for another ten years first. Anyway, it was a sure thing; there was no need to rush...

He'd just find an opportunity to be Hokage for a few years later as a formality.

Then he'd generously pass the position to the next successor, and that would be that...

It would even showcase his noble character!

"I know all of this, Teacher. You don't need to say it; it's all in my heart..."

Orochimaru felt a warmth in his heart: "Between master and disciple, there's no need for these words!"

His teacher was always so considerate of him...

Sigh!

This was also why, watching the other shinobi in the village rapidly grow stronger in combat, he still devoted the majority of his energy to scientific research.

With Hiruzen Sarutobi's promise and safety net, Orochimaru wasn't in a hurry.

In the past, he would have inevitably had to divide his attention, because to be Hokage, being strong in combat was mandatory.

"The creation of the informatization platform and the corresponding ninja tools, genjutsu, and sealing jutsu modules won't affect the development of the Dragon Vein..."

Orochimaru pondered:

"In fact, Teacher, we still haven't achieved diversified utilization of the Dragon Vein. Although sealing jutsu can effectively restrict it, and Tomie has proposed some methods, it seems to involve space-time."

"The Dragon Vein is also showing signs of revival. Currently, we can convert its chakra, but further development still requires research."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded.

It didn't make sense for everything to go so smoothly...

Besides, being able to use it as an energy reserve was already excellent; the nature of space-time was the most complex.

Hiruzen Sarutobi caught a glimpse of the Uchiha Sage Monument out of the corner of his eye, and his heart stirred.

"By the way..."

"Let me give you an idea regarding this ancient energy source, the Dragon Vein. You can ask around the village if any shinobi or civilians have related ancient texts passed down in their families. It might provide some inspiration."

Orochimaru looked bewildered: "Teacher, will that really work?"

He had always been dismissive of civilian scientists.

But then Orochimaru reconsidered. If someone actually had genuine ancient texts passed down through their family, it might just offer a spark of inspiration.

Might as well give it a try, whether it yields results or not...

"The revival of the two former Kage, Gengetsu Hozuki and Mu, and the mysterious Warring States powerhouse... Although many people believe it's my teacher, Tobirama, I know for a fact it definitely isn't."

Hiruzen Sarutobi said slowly:

"His attitude towards Konoha is very complex; you understand that."

Orochimaru gave an "oh," his eyes flickering.

Is Teacher still unwilling to admit it's Lord Tobirama?

But Orochimaru didn't say anything. This was just a manifestation of the old man's sentimentality.

If he ever made a mistake one day, his teacher would speak up for him like this too...

Moreover, Hiruzen Sarutobi had indeed done so for him before.

Whether it was the authorship of the "Living Corpse Reincarnation" or the issue with the "Iburi and Tsuchigumo clans," his teacher had stood firm against Lady Mito without saying a single word!

The track record was clear...

Just a small obsession; it was understandable!

Hiruzen Sarutobi took a drag of his cigarette, exasperated. He knew Orochimaru had misunderstood again, but he didn't bother explaining.

He couldn't even explain this matter clearly himself anymore...

After all, he couldn't exactly go around saying Ao was Tobirama, could he?

That was truly a topic no one in Konoha could touch...

The reason he proposed soliciting ideas from Konoha's civilians and shinobi was because, a year ago, he had suddenly received an anonymous ancient text whose contents perfectly matched the Uchiha Sage Monument.

It spoke of ancient maxims, but upon careful examination, it contained the architecture for the chakra thread palace network...

Could this be a coincidence?

In Hiruzen Sarutobi's view, this clearly wasn't. It was likely Madara Uchiha's bizarre Warring States mindset acting up again, feeling Konoha had passed his trials or something...

And so he offered this so-called "reward."

Hiruzen Sarutobi activated the stone monument according to the methods within the text, and the content upon it also revealed new aspects.

This made him even more certain it was Madara Uchiha's handiwork...

After all, it was a stone monument passed down through their family!

But this time, Hiruzen Sarutobi was mistaken.

This was the work of the Uchiha ancestor's father, the Sage of Six Paths.

When it came to the "typical Warring States mindset," the Sage of Six Paths was the true source of the memetic infection...

However, this Sage refused to admit it; he always felt he was perfectly fair...

Indra wanted to ask him back then exactly what was fair about him!

But other than his eldest son, no one else dared to question him like that; they could only nod and agree...

It could only be said that the sky over the shinobi world occasionally turned dark.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's action was actually a hint to Madara Uchiha:

'Konoha is currently lacking knowledge regarding the Dragon Vein. If it's convenient for you, could you lend a hand again...'

However, the one receiving the hint this time wasn't Madara Uchiha, but the Sage of Six Paths.

"I understand what you mean, Teacher..."

"The Warring States mindset is truly hard to understand. It must have been hard on you, dealing with such an eccentric personality for so long and still keeping your emotions so stable. You truly had it rough back then."

Orochimaru, realizing Hiruzen Sarutobi's intentions, couldn't help but complain.

Although he immensely respected the founding father of the "Tobirama Faction" research...

If given the chance to be Tobirama's disciple, Orochimaru would respectfully decline.

He was far too convoluted!

For his teacher to endure it all truly made him the legendary King of Resilience!

Hiruzen Sarutobi shrugged. He had long since let similar misunderstandings go in one ear and out the other...

Anyway, Teacher Tobirama hadn't said anything himself.

He had no objections.

"Teacher, currently the vast majority of Konoha Committee Members have already transplanted Lord Hashirama's cells and been equipped with curse marks. It's just that everyone's physical adaptability varies, so the intensity differs."

Orochimaru spoke slowly:

"Take Committee Member Isshin, for example. His compatibility with Hashirama's cells is excellent, and the transplant quality was high. The resulting vitality even nourished his ruined Mangekyo, allowing him to swap his eyes back..."

"Minato, Fugaku, Jiraiya, and Tsunade all belong to the first tier in this regard."

"Tomie and Shio are doing alright, but slightly below Isshin's tier. Hizashi and Sakumo are roughly in this range as well, but it's sufficient for their needs."

"As for the ninja clans, some Jonin have also undergone transplants. The entire Kurama Clan tried it, and their physical kekkei genkai illness has been cured from the root. They are all very excited to go to the frontlines now; Committee Member Genma has mentioned it to me several times..."

"But I suppressed it. After all, Danzo has thrown fits multiple times saying it's his turn to go to the frontlines..."

"A situation similar to the Kurama Clan is quite common within the Uchiha Clan. For most Uchiha clansmen with the Sharingan, regardless of whether the intensity of the transplanted Hashirama cells is high or low, their visual prowess will increase."

"Following your instructions, we are currently further promoting the universal application of Lord Hashirama's cells, allowing all shinobi in the village to receive transplants regardless of the specific intensity, because everyone considers it an honor."

Orochimaru spread his hands.

For Konoha shinobi, a small Hashirama scar on the shoulder was simply too alluring.

A transplanted shinobi could point to their shoulder and say: "The blood of the First Lord flows within me!"

It was essentially an ultra-low-budget Tsunade...

Even though everyone teased her in private, who didn't envy Tsunade's old-school combat style?

To prevent this from becoming an issue, Orochimaru decided to gradually roll it out so that everyone would have Hashirama's cells, strictly limiting this phenomenon to Tsunade alone.

This also aligned with the Will of Fire...

"As for the curse marks, the compatibility isn't as high as with Lord Hashirama's cells. After all, Natural Energy isn't a living organism and is difficult to dilute in intensity. But we are still trying to get talented shinobi to accept the transplant as much as possible."

"Ultimately, it still depends on talent; universal application is unrealistic."

Orochimaru continued his report:

"Regarding the special Edo Tensei materials Lady Mito mentioned preparing for Lord Hashirama, I have also prepared them on my end."

"The various Tailed Beasts all contributed, the Three Great Sage Regions injected a substantial amount of Natural Energy, and we've concentrated the cloned Hashirama cells as much as possible while also filling in a portion of Dragon Vein chakra..."

"Overall, unleashing ninety percent of the First Lord's strength from when he was alive shouldn't be a problem. Coupled with Lady Mito's specially crafted sealing jutsu, his long-term existence in the shinobi world won't affect the First Lord's soul."

Hiruzen Sarutobi listened in stunned silence.

Although he understood this was an Edo Tensei Hashirama, the materials used had to be solid.

But there was an underlying aesthetic of "Mito has gone dark and wants peak Hashirama to brutally beat up Tobirama"...

Was it just his imagination?

Orochimaru coughed lightly: "Furthermore, Lady Mito has already performed the Edo Tensei on Lord Hashirama, though he remains sealed within the coffin. She said she will personally hand the specific jutsu over to you alone."

"You will be the one to control when Lord Hashirama returns to the shinobi world."

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed and nodded.

It wasn't just him who possessed the Will of Fire; didn't Mito possess it as well?

She was preventing certain actions of hers from unconsciously affecting Hiruzen Sarutobi's authority as Hokage.

Even though it actually wouldn't, as an elder, she had to constantly be mindful of this.

This was also why Hiruzen Sarutobi always maintained the utmost respect for Mito.

She was worthy of it.

"You've done very well, Orochimaru."

"The difficulty of universally applying curse marks and the uneven intensity of Lord Hashirama's cell transplants are objective facts. Just match them according to the shinobi's adaptability; there's no need to force it."

"The same goes for kekkei transplants; don't let other factors interfere in this area."

Hiruzen Sarutobi thought for a moment:

"We need to find a few advanced individuals in Amegakure and Kirigakure to transplant Lord Hashirama's cells as well, to set an example for the other shinobi."

"The post-war condolence work is also nearing its end, and it's all been done very well. We must earnestly and practically implement the benefits. Any instances of corruption must be dealt with swiftly and severely, and then publicly announced."

"The Uchiha Clan proposed using 'Obito' as a positive role model for propaganda. I took a look; I still remember that young man who took a photo with me..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi stood up:

"I think this is a good idea. Obito's story needs to be written into the textbooks. He sacrificed himself to protect his comrades, forcing Iwagakure's Explosion Style minefield to be exposed prematurely to the command center's vision..."

"For this term's Ninja Academy final exams, the essay topic will be Obito and the Will of Fire!"

"Come with me now..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi stood up:

"We're going to visit Obito's grandmother's house. Have the Anbu lead the way. Then we'll visit the families of other fallen shinobi to ask about their practical needs and thoughts..."

Orochimaru's expression turned serious: "Yes, Teacher!"

This was the substantive manifestation of the Will of Fire.

And bringing him along on this solemn and honorable occasion was a far stronger guarantee than making him an Advisor, and it wouldn't interfere with his scientific research.

After all, as long as he wasn't an Advisor, Danzo wouldn't be triggered.

But it was highly unlikely Danzo wouldn't be triggered if he became an Advisor...

Hiruzen Sarutobi walked ahead.

Comforting the families of the fallen was his necessary duty as Hokage.

And using Obito as an absolutely positive role model for propaganda served two purposes: first, the youth deserved it; second, the sealing jutsu on Kakashi and Rin were deeply intriguing.

Mito had unsealed them herself, and from that, deduced the identities of Ashina Uzumaki and Tobirama.

But Hiruzen Sarutobi knew it was Madara's handiwork.

If Kakashi and Rin didn't die, then Obito most likely didn't die either.

And what would a typical Warring States psychopath want with an Uchiha youth?

Hiruzen Sarutobi saw through it instantly...

It was a setup!

The classic Warring States Uchiha method: hardship education to catalyze the Mangekyo...

Although Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't see what made Obito's talent superior to Shisui's, who had already made a name for himself on the battlefield, he definitely didn't understand the Uchiha better than Madara did.

Since that was the case, he would go with the flow and show respect.

You have your old Uchiha methods, and I have my Will of Fire...

We'll each play our own cards...

Let's see whose influence on Obito is more profound!

Mountains' Graveyard.

A few days later.

Obito sat cross-legged on the ground with a blank stare, the blood-red light of the Sharingan flickering in his eyes.

This year of hellish, grueling training made Obito feel that if he could survive this, he would succeed in whatever he did in the future.

Guy was a youth burning with the ultimate passion...

But training must ultimately follow the body's basic laws, requiring a solid foundation from a young age and consistent perseverance to gradually increase intensity.

Obito, however, was subjected to a violent, force-feeding style of teaching. Six Kage, Madara, A-Huo, and recently an ordinary Edo Tensei body of the Second Kazekage Shamon, all pointing fingers and giving orders...

Sometimes Sasori would even drop by to offer a few lukewarm remarks. He was essentially fighting a ten-on-one battle!

Obito didn't even have time to eat, because the structure of Tobi's half-body theoretically allowed him to replenish energy through photosynthesis.

Usually, it was only when Madara wanted to capture a certain feeling that he would call Obito over to eat grilled meat and have a couple of drinks with him...

Obito didn't even know how strong he was now. He only knew that knowledge and combat experience were violently entering his brain and taking root in his muscle memory in a way he couldn't control.

A few days ago, Obito had proudly told A-Huo: "I feel like I can beat Kakashi now!"

That got a laugh out of even a steady White Zetsu like A-Huo.

All it could say was that Kakashi's status in Obito's heart was still too high...

But right now, Obito had no mind to think about Kakashi...

He kept recalling Lord Hokage visiting his grandmother, specifically mentioning his name and deeds during the latest fireside chat. That voice, heavy with sorrow yet filled with pride...

He felt an indescribable power surging in his eyes!

And those Ninja Academy students, reading his deeds aloud, writing essays about him...

Obito was homesick!

A-Huo watched Obito silently, feeling very emotional inwardly: "Is this a coincidence? Does Lord Hokage know Obito is here, or is this an extension of the Will of Fire?"

"Regardless, Lord Madara is probably going to lose this round very thoroughly."

"Oh well, losing is fine. This is a good thing..."

On the other side, Madara was also resting his eyes, recalling Obito's performance over the past year, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly.

He was a young man who could eat bitterness...

And was respectful enough toward him.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's actions had also excited Madara Uchiha once again. He felt as though the two were playing a game of chess from afar. This exhilarating feeling could no longer be simply described as success or failure!

But even if Madara was satisfied with Obito's performance, he still felt it wasn't enough.

An Uchiha without a Mangekyo Sharingan...

How could he be considered his successor?

Madara Uchiha was waiting for an opportunity. He was secretly pulling strings with Iwagakure and Kumogakure, presenting Danzo with a perceived flaw and an opportunity to achieve great merit.

Thereby causing a shift in the tide of the war.

"A-Huo, have Ashina Uzumaki gather all the White Zetsu, activate his sensory abilities, and mark all the Flying Raijin seals on the battlefield for me..."

"Tobirama's jutsu is nothing special. Always relying on this jutsu... let's give them a taste of hardship!"

"Danzo likes to use this to penetrate deep behind enemy lines? Then let's make sure he can't return!"

One month later.

On this day.

Danzo and Tobirama led an elite Konoha unit deep behind enemy lines.

This violated the concept of localized warfare, but after reporting it to Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Hokage believed that with Tobirama watching Danzo, nothing would go wrong, so he gave tacit approval.

Doing it occasionally was acceptable.

However, Tobirama was influencing Danzo, and Danzo was influencing Tobirama.

Or perhaps, this master and disciple were inherently aligned in certain aspects.

Both of them were incredibly ruthless in their methods...

Relying on the high mobility of the Flying Raijin jutsu, occasionally stepping out of bounds wasn't considered a problem.

But this time.

There was a problem!

"I can't sense the Flying Raijin marks..." Tobirama's face suddenly turned incredibly grim.

But Danzo was stunned: "What did you say?"

Tobirama repeated himself.

Danzo's eyes widened abruptly.

Holy crap...

This is amazing!

☆☆☆