Traveling through three generations: Making Konoha great again!

Chapter 133 Visiting Mito Uzumaki, Hashirama Senju's Armor

Leaf.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, carrying large and small bags, walked towards the Senju family home with Tsunade beside him.

You can't go to visit Mito Uzumaki empty-handed—

They may not actually use it, but it's never wrong to give a gift; it's a token of goodwill, no matter how small.

"Teacher, you're taking so much stuff, isn't that too much of a formality?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and said, "Why are you being so formal? I'm usually busy with work and haven't had the chance to visit Lord Mito. I can only offer this small gift to express my respect."

Tsunade scratched her head: "What is all this?!"

"Nutritional supplements for Yamato, and a few books recording anecdotes about Lord Hashirama—"

A sense of curiosity also welled up in Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart.

He had recently heard from Biwako that Mito Uzumaki was getting better and better, and that she no longer looked like an old woman on her deathbed, and that she moved with great agility.

Is this the foundation of the older generation of strong individuals?

"By the way, teacher, Orochimaru has been talking to me about your bloodline limit a lot lately—"

"He complained to me, saying that you must have kept something from us when you taught us, how could you not teach him such a technique—" Tsunade laughed heartily.

The trace of sorrow that used to linger in her eyes was no longer visible; she had clearly moved on from the loss of her loved ones.

Today, Tsunade is pursuing her beloved medical career, and she has made initial progress in the sustained-release technology of medical scrolls.

This visit to Mito Uzumaki was also to have this master of sealing techniques give me some feedback.

"He wants to learn? I'll teach him. If he can't learn, then he's just too stupid—"

"I have to take back his title of genius," Hiruzen Sarutobi joked.

"Absolutely! Your performance lately has been putting a lot of pressure on Orochimaru—"

"He always says he can't let the old man fall behind, even though your current state has nothing to do with him, but he just likes to call you that in private—"

"Jiraiya saying he's going to train in Sage Mode has made Orochimaru a little nervous!"

"Hiruko is quite envious of this title, and he always secretly asks me if it would be too presumptuous of him to propose taking Asuma as his disciple—"

Tsunade chattered away to Hiruzen Sarutobi.

She, Hiruko, and Orochimaru all worked in the research department and interacted quite a lot on a regular basis.

These everyday, relatable moments are also key factors in healing Tsunade.

It made her feel that her friends and family were still by her side, existing so vividly.

Hiruzen Sarutobi had a sudden thought.

Listening to Tsunade recount these gossips, you can actually glean a lot of interesting information—

Looks like I'll have to chat with her from time to time in the future.

Tsunade inadvertently revealed some of Hiruko's and Orochimaru's thoughts and ideas.

Orochimaru is under a lot of pressure and needs some comforting.

Hiruko wanted to get even closer to him—

"Does Hiruko want to take Asma as his disciple? I agree. Go back and ask that kid."

Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head: "This kid is clever, but his talent ceiling is limited, so he'll have little chance of achieving great things in the future."

"Sending you to take him on as a disciple would be taking up your spots. You and Orochimaru aren't the Jiraiya of the past, all you think about is taking on more disciples—"

"Now look what's happened, this 'prophet' has appeared, insisting I'm an ancient ape!"

For Orochimaru and Tsunade, their disciples represented the legacy, the ticket to the Hokage lineage.

Taking in Asuma, the son of the Hokage, not only wasted the opportunity for the Hokage lineage to absorb outstanding talents, but also made them incompatible with their ninja way.

Hiruko was willing to take Asuma as his disciple, and Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't mind doing him a favor.

In that case, Hiruko could be considered to have become the number one in the Hokage lineage in reverse—

The saying "a master's status rises because of his student" applies here.

Tsunade burst into a hearty laugh, saying with unbridled glee, "He's never acting like a normal person! And he thinks he can even pursue me? I think he's hundreds of years too early—"

"Teacher, please don't pressure me to get married, like Grandma Mito!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand: "I don't do forced pairings—overall, my goal is to increase the village's population, but individuals are free."

"Young people like you all have your own ideas, and doing this will offend people—"

Tsunade smiled sweetly: "Teacher, you're the best! So understanding and perceptive, you would never misunderstand others." "No need, just call me old man, it sounds weird—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi gave Tsunade a strange look: "Is there something you want to tell me?"

Tsunade scratched her head: "You noticed that?"

"Hiruko and Orochimaru, the two of them developed a prototype of a ninjutsu, which could be considered a forbidden technique."

"I misspoke earlier and mentioned Orochimaru and Hiruko. If I connect that to this matter, I'm afraid you might overthink it—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi raised an eyebrow: "What technique?"

"Hiruko named it the Demon Sprout Technique."

Tsunade slowly said, "It's about setting up a formation to combine the alien organization with a person through a special method, in order to obtain the abilities within."

"It's a byproduct of research on grandfather cells. Orochimaru and Hiruko used a large number of animals for experiments to test the fusion properties of grandfather cells—"

"We haven't found a way to reduce the activity of grandfather cells yet, but we've unexpectedly come up with the Oni-Garra Technique, a method that can fuse bloodline limits and alien bodies."

"After learning about this, Hizashi became very interested in it."

Under the experiment of Orochimaru and Hiruko.

None of the rabbits that had been infused with Hashirama cells survived due to their vigorous and uncontrolled vitality.

However, during Oni-Garara's ritual, several rabbits unconsciously used Wood Release when they were on the verge of death.

Orochimaru and Hiruko used this as a starting point to conduct their research.

They believed that other ninjas' cells did not possess the terrifying vitality of Hashirama's cells, so by transplanting them in this way, it was possible to obtain their bloodline limit.

Organic bloodline limits are most likely not possible; they can only be integrated with chakra-based bloodlines.

But the problem is—

Orochimaru has a criminal record.

Hiruzen Sarutobi has recently demonstrated two more bloodline limits.

In addition, Tsunade mentioned that Hiruko wanted to take Asuma as her disciple—

In addition, Hizashi, the Hokage's most trusted lieutenant, also got involved.

Put together, it sounds like a study of the Naruto family, which inevitably makes people think too much.

"Let me guess, Hiruko sent you to sound him out, right? Orochimaru wouldn't distrust me."

Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head and chuckled: "It's a good thing that the researchers gained unexpected insights along the way, and that's beyond their control."

"Essentially, it's also about diligently researching the cells of the First Generation Master."

"I know about this. His old problem of being insecure and sensitive has resurfaced. I'll talk to him about it—"

"As for the Hizashi—" Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed.

Sometimes, excessive loyalty can be difficult to manage.

Hizashi always felt that his current strength was insufficient, but he couldn't find a direction to move forward. Recently, he has been training more and more frantically, to the point that even Hatake Sakumo reported it to him.

But there was nothing he could do. Whenever someone tried to persuade him, Hizashi would reply, "As the Hokage's eyes and a trusted member of the Konoha committee, if I stop here, I would be letting down the Hokage's patronage."

They've left everyone else helpless. This is all for the sake of loyalty to the Hokage, so what else can be said?

"If similar situations arise in the future, please communicate with me more often, Tsunade."

"You're doing a great job. Sometimes I'm quite busy and can't take everyone's thoughts into account. You're popular and thoughtful, so please help me organize things—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi said seriously.

Tsunade laughed from the bottom of her heart: "I knew it, Sensei, you wouldn't misunderstand! I'm going to tease Hiruko about this for a whole year!"

"Leave this to me; I really enjoy listening to gossip—"

The two chatted and laughed as they knocked on the door of the Senju ancestral home, only to witness a surprising scene.

Famous Hokage's assistant, the root of Konoha, the dark side of ninja—

He was actually holding a hoe, sweating profusely, diligently loosening the soil and digging the ground for the Mito family's nursery.

"Hiruzen, what brings you here?" Danzo was taken aback, his expression somewhat unnatural.

"What are you doing—" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked with a playful expression, "What are you doing?"

"I came to see Lady Mito, didn't I? I knew you were usually too busy, but I happened to have some free time today—"

"After all, I am also a Konoha ninja recognized by Lord Mito." Danzo always kept the jade pendant that Hiruzen Sarutobi had given him close to his body.

"I told Danzo to just focus on his work; I have Lake Biwa to keep me company on weekdays—"

"He's had a tough time."

Mito Uzumaki's voice came, and the Empress Dowager of Konoha slowly walked out.

To Hiruzen Sarutobi's surprise...

Today, Mito Uzumaki is no longer the old woman with a face full of wrinkles like ravines.

Although he still looks like an old man.

However, the wrinkles have faded considerably, the eyes are clear and bright, the posture is much more upright and energetic than before, and even the color of the red hair seems to have deepened.

"Lady Mito, seeing you like this puts my mind at ease!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi quickly stepped forward: "I brought a small gift for Yamato, and for you, a few diaries from the Senju clan in the Land of Fire, which record many interesting anecdotes about Hashirama, Tobirama, and you back then."

"That's thoughtful of you, monkey!"

Mito Uzumaki patted Hiruzen Sarutobi on the shoulder with a smile: "You've made Konoha thrive, and it makes me very happy. With you in such good spirits, I might be able to get some of the Nine-Tails' chakra to inject into the Yin Seal—"

"The Ninja Academy is really well done. If Hashirama saw this, he would definitely praise you highly!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head sheepishly: "Not at all, Lady Mito—I was merely following Lord Hashirama's ideas and relying on your care to barely make the village a little better—"

"You're being modest again, aren't you?"

Mito Uzumaki smiled politely, glancing at Tsunade: "You see, Hiruzen comes and takes things, but you always come empty-handed, eat, and run away—"

Tsunade chuckled, "Then next time I'll follow your example and bring you something!"

Danzo, who was hoeing the ground, felt a pang of sadness as he watched this scene.

He's come two or three times already, why hasn't Lady Mito praised him like this before?

Could it be that Hiruzen is truly the successor to Lord Hashirama's will?

"Lord Mito, I have other matters to attend to in the Anbu, so I'll be leaving now—" Danzo said sullenly. "Also, Hiruzen, that brat Uchiha named Aozumi is dangerous. Be careful and don't get too close to the Uchiha clan!"

"I understand—" Hiruzen Sarutobi hesitated, then coughed lightly: "Danzo, if you are able, you should make some compensation for the things that happened to Root in the past."

Danzo's brows furrowed instantly.

Roots?

That's what he considers his greatest political achievement!

"Don't worry about it, Hiruzen—" Danzo replied curtly and strode away.

"Danzo, he's always trying to compare himself to you. He's not exactly a bad kid, but he's also—" Mito Uzumaki shook her head and didn't continue.

Too utilitarian—

He's supposed to be a ninja with some skill, yet he's sweating while hoeing the ground?

Even when acting, they can't get the details right!

Just then, a little boy ran over and said in a childish voice, "Hello, Hokage-sama!"

"Hello, Tsunade-neechan!"

It is Yamato.

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and patted his head, feeling a mix of emotions.

The development of a ninja is quite mysterious.

At the age of two or three, they can walk briskly and their language skills develop extremely quickly.

By the time they reached the age of twelve or thirteen, or even fifteen or sixteen, some ninjas already had the physique and appearance of adults.

Minato Namikaze is a prime example of this today.

In just over two years, his face has lost its childishness, and his figure can be described as having a broad back and a narrow waist.

"Lord Hokage, my grandmother taught me some really powerful ninjutsu!"

Yamato raised his hand, and his arm transformed into a branch—it was Wood Release!

"Yamato is really amazing. You should learn from Grandma Mito and be obedient—" Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile.

A genius has already emerged from Konoha's young generation.

Although Yamato had successfully received a transplant of Hashirama's cells, no one knew whether he had awakened Wood Release—

Seeing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi was relieved.

Even if his Wood Release is not comparable to Hashirama Senju's, once Yamato grows up a bit more and his bloodline limit stabilizes, we can extract some of his cells to study why he was able to successfully fuse with Hashirama's cells.

"Go play, Yamato. I need to talk to the Hokage and your Tsunade-neechan sister—"

Yamato nodded obediently.

As they chatted, Mito Uzumaki spoke highly of Lake Biwa, even joking that in a few days, Lake Biwa would be able to master the most basic Yin Seal, at least enough to regain her youth.

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and shook his head.

He remembered Asuma's recent outrageous rant.

He felt he was born too early; if Hiruzen Sarutobi had been born a few years later, he might have also had two bloodlines!

"Grandma, could you please take a look at this technique for me?" Tsunade coughed lightly.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's mind also stirred.

This is exactly what Tsunade told him: to further expand the Yin Seal, the so-called Hundred Healings Technique!

Mito squinted.

After a moment, he nodded.

"That's an idea. Your problem is easy to solve; you should start here—"

Tsunade nodded repeatedly.

Later, the sustained-release technology of medical chakra rolls was proposed.

This time, Mito Uzumaki's suggestion seemed to have shattered Tsunade's long-standing dilemma, giving her a new direction for her research.

Tsunade stood up excitedly: "Teacher, I'm confident I can break through the initial techniques in three months! At least our next industry, the Holy Land series of cosmetics, can be ready to launch. Wait for my good news!"

Tsunade turned and left in a hurry, seemingly unable to wait to do the experiment.

"This child—" Mito Uzumaki shook her head and chuckled.

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled as he watched Tsunade's retreating figure.

He could also cultivate the Hundred Healings Technique.

However, this time, he doesn't plan to develop his own original work; instead, he will simply copy Tsunade's finished product.

He still has two techniques to perfect; after all, a person's energy is limited.

"Lord Mito, seeing you in such a good state puts my mind at ease."

"You are the pillar of Konoha. With you here, I feel much more confident."

"The Nine-Tails is utterly incomparable to you!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi said this from the bottom of his heart.

Whether it's perfecting various techniques or developing new technologies, Mito Uzumaki is an extremely helpful assistant.

Moreover, given Mito Uzumaki's current attitude towards him, it can greatly assist Hiruzen Sarutobi's legal reasoning, and is practically helping him improve his talent.

No matter how powerful the Nine-Tails is—

Unstable forces are ultimately meaningless.

"Monkey, you're still so good at talking—"

Mito Uzumaki smiled broadly, clearly pleased with herself. Who doesn't like being praised by an outstanding junior?

"Kushina and Uzumaki Ushio are both very good children."

"I believe the Uzumaki clan will take root and flourish again in Konoha, and it won't be long."

"It's about Uzumaki Ushio, who has fallen for a boy from the Uchiha clan—Hiruzen. What are your thoughts on this?"

Mito Uzumaki asked seriously, as the Uchiha clan still didn't have a good reputation for older ninjas like her.

"This matter—"

"Let them get along on their own; it's best if we don't interfere."

Hiruzen Sarutobi coughed lightly.

As far as he knew, Tobirama Senju didn't know what he had done at the clan meeting, but now many Uchiha girls were very fond of him.

Interestingly, Tobirama Senju seemed particularly afraid of Uchiha women, never responding to them or displaying his personal charm; he was practically ready to use the Flying Thunder God Technique to teleport away.

Hiruzen Sarutobi can sometimes be seen in the crystal ball, and he always seems to be smiling happily.

"Too--"

Mito Uzumaki nodded in agreement: "Actually, I didn't want Shio to be with the Uchiha clan. You know Hiruzen, Tobirama always studied this clan before he died, and he told me some things about it—"

"To say they are an inherently evil race is a bit of an exaggeration, but there is some truth to it."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression was subtle: "Indeed, let Ushio think about it herself—"

It turns out that Tobirama-sensei and Mito Uzumaki haven't met yet—

Has he already been branded as an inherently evil Uchiha brat?

After chatting with Mito Uzumaki for a while, Hiruzen Sarutobi got up to take his leave.

He still needs to train, and after finishing reviewing official documents, he should take some time to check on Hiruko and Orochimaru.

When these two get together, their research efficiency seems to double.

"Monkey, wait a minute."

Mito Uzumaki gestured for Hiruzen Sarutobi to wait a moment, then went back into the house and retrieved a crimson suit of armor.

"You used to be a bit too thin, but now you're the right size."

"This was left by Hashirama. I think that if one day you need to fight, he would want you to wear his armor and protect Konoha as it is today—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi was taken aback, then solemnly accepted it with both hands.

Now he's truly the rightful heir to the first generation's will!

"Thank you for your trust, Lady Mito. I will certainly live up to your expectations!"

Mito Uzumaki nodded slightly.

And at this moment.

A strange idea suddenly popped into Hiruzen Sarutobi's mind.

If Tobirama-sensei saw him wearing this armor...

You'll probably be very confused, right?

"Monkey, why are you wearing Big Brother's armor for no reason?!"

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Dear readers, please read the author's note~

If you've already read the previous chapter, you don't need to read it again; it's the same. I'm just worried some readers might have skipped it and missed it. --0rz