Naruto: The Age of Ninja Swords Begins in Kumogakure

Chapter 376 The First Necklace

"The Light-Heavy Rock Technique and the Super-Light-Heavy Rock Technique of Iwagakure will allow you, Tsunade-sensei, to increase your speed by reducing your weight, and even gain the ability to fly. Your strength will definitely increase greatly. Next time you face that demigod from Amegakure, you can defeat him by yourself, and then turn around and bestow the title of demigod upon him."

Tamura Hao decisively used the chips he had acquired earlier. This time, they obtained many Iwagakure ninjutsu from Huang Tu's brain. Although he didn't have the Dust Release Fusion Technique that he wanted the most, he had all the others.

"How do you know the secret techniques of Iwagakure?"

Tsunade was surprised. She was familiar with these two secret techniques; she had seen them during the last Shinobi World War when they fought against Iwagakure.

"We were lucky enough to capture the son of the Tsuchikage in this mission, which Brother Hai found from his memories."

Tamura Hiroshi didn't try to hide it, and he couldn't hide it anyway, since so many people were watching.

"That's not enough, add that Super Heavy Rock Technique as well."

Tsunade wasn't too surprised and immediately raised the price.

She was quite envious of the Earth Release ninjutsu that manipulated gravity, especially the Super Light Heavy Rock Technique that allowed her to fly. Once she learned it, it would make escaping debts much easier.

"make a deal!"

Tamura Hao pretended to hesitate for a moment, but finally agreed.

This is a win-win situation for him. Not only does it allow him to have Fat Sheep Teacher research and perfect the Peacock Technique, but it also helps him improve his strength, making him more competitive for the position of Fourth Hokage.

So what if Minato Namikaze has the Flying Thunder God Technique? He can only deal with ninjas below the Kage level. He doesn't have much of an advantage against Kage-level ninjas.

If Killer Bee could fight him to a draw, then against someone like the Third Raikage, he'd probably be lucky to even get a scratch.

"What should we do with the little girl?"

Looking at the Star Ninja girl again, Tsunade could treat her, so it wasn't a big problem, as long as she didn't absorb that abnormal energy again.

"She has already mastered that secret technique and has been corrupted herself. She is an excellent experimental subject. We can use her for experiments. Anyway, she is not one of our Konoha people, so there is no loss if she is sacrificed."

Tamura Hao suggested, but was met with a glare from a certain fat sheep.

Xia Rixing, who was already grieving that she wouldn't live much longer, was even more furious, clenching her little fists and glaring hatefully at that big bad guy.

"Don't worry, once we develop a cure for this disease from your case, we will send some to your Star Ninja Village. This will save your fellow practitioners who are dying from the same secret technique you've been practicing."

Wouldn't you be willing to make a small sacrifice to save your comrades?

You can't be so selfish.

Do you really want to watch your companions suffer from illness and die a miserable death...?

Tamura Hao earnestly tried to fool her, leaving Xia Rixing speechless and her eyes welling up with tears.

Even Vanilla Whirlpool gave him a strange look, never expecting this person to have such an evil side.

"Stop scaring that little girl."

Tsunade couldn't stand it any longer and punched the wicked disciple on the head, suppressing him.

"Don't listen to him. Your condition is not difficult to resolve. Although it's a bit difficult to solve with medication alone, it will only take a little time with my medical skills."

This kind of problem is actually not difficult. As long as the foreign energy in the body is expelled, the remaining damage can be gradually repaired by the body's own recovery ability.

"I can cooperate with your research. I would appreciate it if you could develop a cure for my condition and send it back to our ninja village."

After glaring angrily at someone, Xia Rixing looked pleadingly at the older sister.

Although that villain was a terrible person, there was some truth to what he said. If they could find a medicine to counteract the corrosive effects of the star energy, it would definitely benefit their Star Ninja Village, at least enough to save Firefly and the others.

"That's quite conscientious!"

Tsunade felt a growing fondness for the little girl and readily agreed.

"Okay, take the medicine back with you after you finish the research."

This wasn't a big deal for her; she could handle it in a little time. But Tamura Hiroshi wasn't willing to do it.

"Tsunade-sensei, I think it's better to let her sacrifice herself in the research. She already knows that we stole the treasure of Hoshigakure, and if she goes back and tells us, it will affect the reputation of our Akimichi family."

"Our Akimichi family has always acted with integrity and has never done anything shady. We cannot allow a little girl to smear our reputation."

Tamura Hiroshi put on a righteous and indignant demeanor at the end, but in return, he received three pairs of disdainful looks.

After a moment of silence, Akimichi Choza, who had brought over a plate of delicious food from outside, turned and left decisively, not wanting to get involved with that person.

How come I never realized that kid was so shameless before?

"That's your problem, I'm only responsible for saving lives."

Tsunade couldn't be bothered with such trivial matters, and she could tell that the brat was just talking nonsense to scare the little girl.

"Then I'll go ask Brother Haiyi to see if we can completely erase her memories."

Tamura Hao had no choice but to change direction and turn around to go out and ask Brother Hai.

The three races of pig, deer, and butterfly cannot tolerate the slightest stain, especially on themselves.

As the man destined to become the Fifth Hokage, Akimichi Hiten cannot have the slightest blemish; he must be utterly virtuous and upright.

"You big bad guy!"

Xia Rixing cursed angrily, "That guy is a real piece of work."

The group rested there for a few days before boarding a carriage to return to Konoha. However, Nara Shikaku and his two companions did not travel with them and had already set off to return earlier.

Their injuries weren't serious, but they had been quite exhausted, especially from overworking their bodies, so they would need to recuperate slowly.

Tamura Hao had already consciously had Vanilla Uzumaki cover up her beautiful red hair, so outsiders were unaware of her Uzumaki clan identity; at least some people in the village had not yet received the news.

Upon arriving at the village, Tsunade summoned Uzumaki Kyuuhou. After all, they were from the same clan, and since she would no longer be in the village, Kyuuhou would have to take care of Xiangcao.

Uzumaki Kyuujin was very happy to see this clansman who suddenly appeared, and felt great sympathy for his plight. At the same time, he was extremely angry at Kusagakure, wishing he could send a Tailed Beast Ball over and flatten it.

At this point, Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others naturally learned of the existence of Uzumaki Kaoru, and they were all shocked.

"What does Tsunade want to do? What does she want to do?"

In the Hokage's office, Koharu Utatane, who had come to discuss the matter, was furious, but even more so, anxious.

The Whirlpool Clan is extraordinary. They could control a single Rank 9 Whirlpool before, but now that there is another one, there will inevitably be more variables.

Especially since it was brought back by Tsunade, coupled with Tsunade's many strange actions during this period, made her increasingly uneasy.

Mitokado Yan didn't say anything, but silently wiped his glasses, a habit stemming from his inner anxiety.

Hiruzen Sarutobi silently smoked, waiting for his old friend to arrive.

Not long after, heavy footsteps were heard, followed by a knock on the door.

"Please come in!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi put down his pipe and looked towards the office door. A burly, stout figure pushed the door open and entered; it was Akimichi Torifu.

"What's wrong? I could hear your voice from outside the door, Xiaochun. Women who get angry often tend to look older."

Akimichi Torifu sat down on the sofa with a cheerful smile, taking up two seats by himself.

"It's all your doing."

Xiaochun, who was turning over to the dorm, glared at us. We were all about to explode with anxiety, but you were all smiles.

"She's just a little girl from the Uzumaki clan, is it really that big of a deal for you?"

The first and second generation of teachers, when they were in power, didn't have this kind of spineless attitude. They can't sit still at the slightest thing.

You are the leaders of the village; you must always remain calm and composed.

Akimichi Torifu seemed very casual, and even couldn't help but make a sarcastic remark towards the end.

"Now that you're no longer in charge, of course you can talk so easily."

Xiaochun, who's switching dorms, is full of resentment. Are you just making sarcastic remarks?

"Tell me about that girl; it's a serious matter."

Mitokado Homura glanced at the still silent Hiruzen Sarutobi and changed the subject to the whirlpool girl.

"You guys are really getting more and more backward as you get older."

Akimichi Torifu sighed and said, "That girl is called Uzumaki Kasugano. She was captured by the Grass Ninja Village when she was young. Because she awakened her talent for physical healing, the Grass Ninja Village used her as a blood bag, constantly draining her life force to heal her injuries. Now her body is severely depleted, and it is estimated that she will not live past the age of thirty. She will not be able to become a ninja and will not be able to bear the Nine-Tails."

"If you don't believe me, I'll persuade Tsunade to take her to the hospital for a checkup. Koharu, you can examine her yourself. However, you'll have to pay for the medication to help her recover; it'll cost quite a bit."

After saying that, Akimichi Torifu stood up and looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen, who had remained silent.

"Hiruzen, let's go out for a drink. It's been a long time since we sat together. Let's call Danzo over too."

"I'll go call Danzo over. See you at the usual place."

Hiruzen Sarutobi did not refuse and got up to leave the office.

Not long after, the three arrived at Hokage Cliff, where they looked out over the village and drank some wine.

Even Shimura Danzo, who never drinks, had a drink; one has to give face to an old friend.

"The situation in Sunagakure is quite serious. Using war to divert internal conflicts is the best approach. Only Konoha is capable of fighting back, and at least they will try to reclaim the mission percentage they ceded when the ceasefire agreement was signed."

After finishing a bowl of sake, Akimichi Torifu picked up a piece of meat and stuffed it into his mouth, talking about the war.

"After only a few years of peace, it's coming again."

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed. The Ino-Shika-Cho trio had already reported the intelligence they had gathered, and he judged that war was imminent.

Once Sunagakure goes to war with Konoha, Iwagakure and Kumogakure will inevitably follow suit, as will Kirigakure overseas.

While they might not join forces to besiege Konoha, they will inevitably be the primary target of the four great ninja villages' attacks, as was the case in the two previous Shinobi World Wars.

"I'm going to the battlefield this time, and this might be the last time we drink together."

Akimichi Torifu spoke with a complex expression, startling both Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura.

"It's not that far off yet; your body can't handle it."

Hiruzen Sarutobi tried to persuade him, explaining that he knew about Akimichi Torifu's physical condition. In his youth, Akimichi had taken many secret medicines to unleash his power and fight desperately, resulting in numerous injuries. In recent years, he had been recuperating at home.

If this were on the battlefield, it definitely wouldn't be able to hold out.

"The First Hokage fought Madara Uchiha four times to protect the village, sacrificing his life. The Second Hokage died in the Land of Lightning to cover our retreat. Kagami also died for me and Danzo. Now it's my turn."

"Where the leaves dance, the fire will continue to burn, its light illuminating the village and allowing new leaves to sprout."

My leaf is about to wither; rather than hanging on the tree and slowly rotting, I'd rather burn it.

"I'd rather die on the battlefield than lie in bed from illness; that way, I can face my teachers with dignity."

He raised his hand to catch a fallen leaf blown by the wind, and Akimichi Torifu's words revealed a resolute determination.

He deliberately said that this time to pave the way for the new generation of the family.

Moreover, it's just a battle, and there's no guarantee that they'll actually die, especially since Sunagakure doesn't have any strong ninjas right now.

For him, it's just a change of scenery for recuperation, and he can go out for exercise occasionally. It's not that easy to kill him, unless that so-called strongest Kazekage crawls out of his grave.

Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura were a little embarrassed by what they were being told. If the other person was so determined to take the wind, what could they say?

In the end, the two exchanged a glance and could only continue drinking in silence.

There was no way to respond to that; we couldn't very well send them both to the battlefield. But what I felt most saddened was the sadness in my heart.

They knew Akimichi Torifu's physical condition; he could stay at home and live for another ten years without any problem, but if he went to the battlefield...

This might really be the last time the three of them drink together; next time, they'll have to go to the cemetery with Danzo to drink with Tokifu.

Then it became Akimichi Torifu's turn to speak, talking about his youth. Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo couldn't help but look back on the past and sigh.

Leaving aside the three people drinking and chatting here, in the Senju clan's territory on the other side, Tsunade used the village's medicine to help Uzumaki Vanilla further regulate her body.

Under Tsunade's care, Uzumaki Vanilla's originally pale complexion regained a rosy hue.

Although it's impossible to make up for the losses accumulated over the years, it's still possible for them to live like ordinary people.

As long as people are alive, that's all that matters.

Tamura Hao had been watching, learning, and assisting from the sidelines, with Shizune also present. He had also been studying medical ninjutsu during this time.

For a taijutsu ninja like him who specializes in physical training and Yang Release, learning medical ninjutsu is essential. If he wants to break through his physical limitations in the future, medical ninjutsu will be the foundation, and it will also help him avoid damage during training.

"You lecherous brat, here you go!"

Looking at the girl who was recovering further, and then at that lecherous student, Tsunade took off the necklace that had been hanging around her neck and threw it over.

Tamura Hiroshi instinctively reached out to catch it, but upon seeing the necklace, he instantly felt terrible.

This is the strongest cursed artifact in the Naruto world, especially since it was personally given by Fat Sheep Teacher. He gave it to his younger brother, and his brother died. He gave it to his boyfriend, and his boyfriend died, and both of them died horribly.

Now they've given it to themselves again. Is this an attempt to clean house?

This woman doesn't look like a good person.

Tsunade had no idea what kind of chaotic thoughts were going through that rebellious disciple's mind, otherwise she would have definitely punched him to pieces.

"Wearing this necklace will be good for your idea."

She explained that she was quite grateful that the boy had discovered Vanilla's existence, and considering his thoughts on the power of the Tailed Beasts, she decided to give him the necklace.

It contains not only my great-grandfather's chakra, but also the sealing technique set up by my grandmother. It can not only assist in the training of Yang Release, but also suppress the chakra of the tailed beasts.

"Thank you, Tsunade-sensei!"

Hearing the kindness in Teacher Fei Yang's words, Tamura Hao was overjoyed and quickly thanked him.

Now that you mention it, it really is a great treasure.

It should be noted that this is not merely a crystallization of Wood Release chakra, but rather something that Hashirama Senju condensed during his lifetime. It should contain a trace of Ashura chakra, far surpassing the chakra evolved from the cells after his death.

Because after Hashirama Senju died, Ashura's chakra must have been separated. His cells contained Wood Release chakra, but Ashura's chakra was gone, and that was the core.

This is why the Wood Release techniques used by all those who received Hashirama's cells were far inferior to those used by Madara Uchiha.

This necklace is a rare treasure.

"Tsunade-sensei, this is chakra, right? Why is it solid?"

Looking at the emerald green crystals, Tamura Hao asked curiously.

"It can be done with sealing techniques."

Tsunade replied casually.

"Can I learn that sealing technique?"

"If you want to learn, then learn. Who's stopping you?"

Tsunade's response remained casual; she was working on studying the meteorite's energy, with Xia Rixing assisting her.

As for the star energy within Xia Rixing's body, it has been almost completely separated. Currently, research is underway to develop a corresponding drug. Once developed, all that is needed is to send the drug to Xingren Village.

Tamura Hao was very happy. If this chakra solidification sealing technique is used well, it can solve the problem of one's own chakra deficiency to a certain extent, and may even have other great uses.

Following Teacher Fei Yang's instructions, Tamura Hao found the corresponding sealing technique on the third floor of the wooden building.

This is not a sealing technique originating from the Uzumaki clan, but rather one created by Mito Uzumaki based on the characteristics of Wood Release chakra.

The technique is quite complex, but the main part involves activating Wood Release chakra to form a sealing power. The part that simply solidifies the chakra is relatively simple, which is exactly what Tamura Hao wanted.

While pondering the solidification sealing technique, he also studied the First Hokage's chakra crystal, and even took out a kunai to scrape it to see if he could scrape off some powder for further study.

He would never wear that thing around his neck; he didn't want to test his own fortune and then die from it.

"Bang!"

As if the sealing spell inside had been broken, the crystal suddenly shattered.

Fortunately, he was wearing a full set of armor, which blocked the debris.

However, those fragments quickly disintegrated completely, turning into Wood Release chakra that actively attached itself to Tamura Hao and began to erode him, even starting to devour his chakra.

This is a characteristic of Wood Release, which inherently possesses strong devouring and corrosive properties.

Tamura Hiroshi hadn't anticipated this, so he had to resort to his ultimate move.

"Tsunade-sensei, help me!"

With a shout, Tamura Hao quickly used the Butterfly Transformation Technique to enter Butterfly Transformation Mode, activating his Yang Release Chakra to resist and slow down the erosion of Wood Release Chakra.

Unfortunately, his chakra was far inferior to that of Hashirama Senju.

"What did you do?"

Tsunade rushed in through the window and was furious to see the traitor enveloped in Wood Release chakra.

What's this kid up to?

Although annoyed, he didn't hesitate and went to check, but found that there was no way to solve the problem.

The kid's body was completely enveloped by his great-grandfather's chakra, and his own chakra couldn't penetrate it at all, so he couldn't help even if he wanted to.

"Let Uncle Qufeng come and prepare for your funeral."

After several attempts, Tsunade became even angrier.

How could that lecherous brat be so reckless?

Needless to say, this situation definitely involved breaking the great-grandfather's necklace and releasing the Wood Release chakra within.

She didn't have any good solutions for Wood Release chakra, and the rate of erosion was too fast. By the time she came up with a solution, that lecherous brat would be long gone.

(End of this chapter)