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Chapter 144 : Enhanced Wood Release
🕑 Added 2023-10-11 13:10:23 +0000 UTCIn the deserted dunes at night, only the icy wind raged under the dark sky. It was the opposite of daytime, with the temperature now dropping significantly.
Amidst the gravel, a hint of new green emerged, resembling a young sapling. Infused with a mysterious energy, its life seemed to fast-forward millions of times. It grew thick and covered a vast expanse of sand.
The green energy continued to surge, causing the plants to flourish and transform into stronger and more robust vines, spreading in all directions.
These vines were adorned with tiny thorns, effortlessly climbing rocky crevices, greedily absorbing the meager nutrients. Their roots gradually shifted from green to purple, and eventually, the rocks crumbled, turning into powder.
With a final surge of green energy, numerous leaves sprouted from the vines, instantly turning the barren sandy land into a lush green sea.
*Clap clap clap.*
Startled, the weary Nightingale turned around hastily, only to find Takeshi standing atop a tall rock, looking down at her, applauding.
"Indeed, it seems my assumption was correct."
Observing the vines that now covered an area of several hundred meters, Takeshi expressed satisfaction. Although it still lagged behind Yamato's abilities, it had finally gained some value.
Previously, Nightingale could only produce leaves, unable to be considered a complete life form due to the limitations of Wood Release. But now, she could produce full-fledged vines. Though it was still somewhat strained, it marked significant progress and addressed the inherent flaw in Wood Release!
This progress meant that if Nightingale could continue growing stronger by absorbing more chakra sources from the art of Senjutsu, it could potentially unlock the path to awakening Wood Release. The reason the Senju clan failed to awaken it was due to the degeneration of the Sage body caused by the lack of this energy. If Nightingale could keep advancing, this avenue could prove successful!
The principle of 'more energy, greater strength' held true, and with sufficient dedication, it might be possible to surpass Yamato's power. Simultaneously, this progress also paved the way for Takeshi's own Wood Release awakening!
"I truly didn't anticipate that someone outside the Senju Clan like you could offer me such significant assistance. It appears you harbour many secrets. I've underestimated you," Nightingale said with a furrowed brow, her tone serious. Practicing Wood Release here demanded vigilance, yet Takeshi had arrived unnoticed, blending seamlessly into the night. She wouldn't have detected him had he not applauded.
"That's not your concern. I'm here to seek your help," Takeshi descended silently from the rock.
"Since you possess Wood Release, you likely possess numerous Wood Release jutsu of the Senju Clan, right? After all, you might be the only one capable of using them now."
"...I still struggle with them."
Nightingale hesitated, yet enticed by Takeshi's proposition, she relented, "When I return, I will share all I know about the First Hokage's Wood Release techniques!"
As if firm in her decision, Nightingale revealed her clan's secret.
What if she handed over Wood Release jutsu, an art that had eluded everyone's grasp?
When her Wood Release skills advanced by leaps and bounds, and her strength reached the level of a Kage, would she still harbour reservations?
"Very well, your Wood Release will become even more potent," Takeshi said casually, almost as if making a promise.
It's unfortunate that you're not the sole possessor of Wood Release. With your potential, you could at least access the Forest of Death. After all, Yamato managed to attain numerous Wood Release jutsu.
However, this also confirmed a different hypothesis of mine – that blood-related descendants possess unique abilities. Each person's capability can differ despite sharing the same lineage," Takeshi mused in silence.
Just as the world never houses identical Sharingan, the exclusive trait of the Mangekyō Sharingan, the same goes for the Rinnegan. Likewise, Terumi Mei and Onoki possessed distinct Lava Release.
The Wood Release of the First Hokage manifested as a forest, while Yamato and those infused with his cells lacked such vitality and often produced wooden stakes and planks.
Hashirama's Wood Release was relatively pure. His body resembled a tree, his cell also bearing vines and rhizomes which caused those transplanted with his cells to turn into tree.
Nightingale's Wood Release initially comprised only leaves, yet now it took on the form of vines.
It seemed that the variations in Wood Release were due to differences in plant generation.
However, every plant carried its own attributes. I wonder how Takeshi's Wood Release would manifest?
The following day arrived, and the anticipated showdown between the Sand Shinobi and Konoha proceeded as scheduled. This time, Takeshi abstained from engaging to snatch Sand Shinobi's "cannon fodder." The gains were rather meager. Instead, he sought out Tsunade.
"Hey, what brings you here now? To aid me in treating the wounded? Have you finally grasped the significance of medical ninjutsu?" Tsunade jested as two medics in white coats busied themselves tending to more than a dozen injured soldiers.
"No, I've never abandoned my medical research. I'm simply engrossed in it to the point of entrapment!" Takeshi vaguely collected his thoughts and delivered a sly smile.
"Oh, is that so?" Tsunade, holding a sharp scalpel, ran it over a metal utensil, her tone nonchalant, though carrying a touch of suspicion that made Takeshi a bit uncertain.
"But you know that Nightingale very well?"
"She's my subordinate, so I naturally understand her a bit," Takeshi responded casually.
"Really…" Tsunade tore off a piece of gauze, her voice dropping, "She possesses many thoughts."
Takeshi smiled, then added, "In truth, I believe you could be a warrior. There might not be a need to linger here and waste time."
"Waste time? Hmph!"
Tsunade clenched her fist, her tone laced with challenge, "Are you asking for a beating, Orochimaru?"
"If... Never mind, it's all right."
Takeshi shook his head. These matters were premature. She was still "young," and he needed ample experimental data and a secure plan for success.
"Report the battle losses from today, reorganize the troops, and prepare supplies for tomorrow."
Inside Konoha's headquarters, Senju Fumio issued deployment orders as his subordinates delivered their reports.
"Lord Tsushima, we've successfully gathered intelligence on the Sand Ninja's disposition," a refined sensory-type ninja from the Aburame clan stated.
"Oh? Present it immediately!"
A black beetle emerged from the sleeve of the sensory-type ninja, its tail emitting a faint purple glow. As soon as the beetle materialized, countless smaller bugs flocked around it, resembling attendants encircling a queen.
"These are the parasites I affixed to Sand Ninja during our skirmish. They infiltrated their camp to extract information. I've just managed to recall them."
The sensory-type ninja's tone was even, yet a trace of pride couldn't be masked.
Konoha did indeed possess diverse talents. While the two nations' shinobi remained unaware of each other's abilities, Sand utilized poison to confound Konoha, who responded with their own methods.
The sensory-type ninja unfurled a sizable sheet of white paper and issued a command, prompting the bugs to commence their "sketch" on the paper.
"Very well."
After about half an hour, the sensory-type ninja wiped away his sweat. The previously blank paper now bore a somewhat hazy map, outlining the Sand Ninja's military camp and command post, even its interior!
"Excellent job. Konoha requires talents like you!" Homura's voice sounded suddenly, "Tsushima, tomorrow will be a test of your abilities. Don't disappoint Hokage-sama."
"...Understood!"
Tsushima's determination overcame his exasperation with Homura, although the weight of the mission kept him focused.
Sand Ninja's main base was shielded by an army, with an intricate network of defensive tunnels. They clearly prioritized defense.
The headquarters was expansive, resembling a fortified bunker, a sight that invoked a sense of urgency in Tsushima.
"Chiyo has devised a vile poison. You must give your all, Tsushima," Koharu spoke as she turned in for the night, her own fatigue apparent.
"I'll ensure the mission's success!"
Tsushima regarded the members of his two teams and nodded in determination.
Tomorrow night, the operation to subdue Sand Ninja would commence!
