Konoha's lexicon of ninjas

Chapter 242 Sage Transformation and Wood Release! (Please subscribe and vote with monthly tickets)

"Is this the cell you were talking about that can turn you into a superhuman?"

"It's definitely very different!"

Tsunade looked solemnly at the proliferating cells before her: "This level of proliferation is... no, it surpasses the proliferation of my grandfather's cells."

Looking at the gray, swollen mass that had devoured some of the White Zetsu cells, Hoshino Shuichi chuckled, "Of course, the First Hokage's power-absorbing and multiplying from ordinary ninjas is definitely not as good as Jugo's Sage Mode."

"Jugo's cells absorbed not only the power of the White Zetsu cells, but also the Sage Chakra I injected, resulting in their autonomous Sage Transformation."

"However, this immortal transformation and proliferation actually has an upper limit. Unlike cultivating the immortal mode, it will not be assimilated once it absorbs too much natural energy."

Tsunade said, "So you traded this to Orochimaru to research this Sage Transformation and make it controllable?"

Xingxia Xiu nodded: "The direct absorption of natural energy by cells is what I have been pursuing."

"I absorbed the power of the tailed beasts, but I did not gain this ability."

"You have to understand that the human body has great limitations. Those with chakra comparable to that of a tailed beast are extremely rare in the ninja world."

"And after the Sage of Six Paths, probably only the First Hokage could surpass the Tailed Beasts."

As Hoshino Shuichi spoke, he couldn't help but sigh, "Compared to the power contained in nature, the human body is simply too insignificant."

"The immortals of the three holy lands are all beings who have lived for thousands of years, especially the toad immortal of Mount Myōboku. As far as I know, he was the one who taught the Sage of Six Paths the Sage Mode."

When Tsunade heard this for the first time, she was surprised: "So that's how it is!"

Hoshino nodded: "Although relying on the cursed seal allows one to nurture cells in Sage Mode for an extended period, gradually transforming them into Sages, it's too slow."

Tsunade frowned upon hearing this: "Although it's slow, it's very reliable."

"At your age, you should be able to wait."

Hoshino Hideaki shook his head: "My current strength has reached a bottleneck."

"Although there have been continuous gains, it hasn't been enough to break through the bottleneck."

"The Eight Gates Formation is powerful, allowing my power to surge to a level dozens or even hundreds of times greater than that of the Five Kage. It would be enough to easily kill Nagato, defeat the former Madara Uchiha, and the First Hokage, who possessed power at the level of the Sage of Six Paths."

"But that was just a flash in the pan."

"With my current medical ninjutsu, plus the Star Curse Seal, even after fully opening the Eight Gates, I can only save my life. It will be difficult for me to regain my fighting ability in a short period of time."

Tsunade scoffed, "This world doesn't belong to you alone. You don't need to bear so much."

"You haven't become the Fifth Hokage yet, so don't worry about so much."

Hoshita Shuichi chuckled upon hearing this: "Tsunade, haven't you ever heard the saying?"

"If the sky falls, the tall ones will hold it up!"

"Although I may be a bit arrogant, I am now the tallest person in the ninja world."

As he spoke, Hoshino Shizuka's smile vanished, and he turned to look at Tsunade seriously: "If someone wants to destroy Konoha, am I supposed to run away and let you all get killed?"

Feeling direct gaze from her, Tsunade looked away, a strange irritation rising within her: "What kind of enemy are you worried about?"

"You said there's someone hidden behind Project Moon's Eye, but that's just speculation; there's no evidence yet, right?"

Hoshita Hideichi shook his head: "The stone tablet of the Uchiha clan is enough proof."

Looking into Tsunade's eyes, Hoshino Shuichi said seriously, "For me, this is not an unhappy thing."

"On the contrary, I really enjoy this feeling of elevation and I really enjoy being able to protect you."

Tsunade instinctively turned her head away from that aggressive gaze, then pouted and said, "Don't be so narcissistic. I don't need anyone's protection."

Hoshita Hideichi chuckled, "Of course, you're Konoha's number one female ninja!"

"Alright, let's get back to the main topic."

"The first step is to study this immortal transformation, that is, controllable immortal transformation."

"The second step is to allow the cells to absorb natural energy to replenish their strength. Achieving this step means having a recovery ability comparable to that of a tailed beast."

He guessed that the Sage of Six Paths hadn't reached the level of the immortals of the three holy lands, otherwise he wouldn't have died.

As for dying from the extraction of the tailed beast's power, Hoshino Shuichi felt that was even less likely.

However, one thing he was certain of was that although the Sage of Six Paths had not reached the level of the three great holy lands' sages, he had already been able to absorb natural energy with his soul to create chakra.

Otherwise, where would the power come from to give Naruto and Sasuke Uchiha cheat codes?

The research continued, and he worked tirelessly, neglecting sleep and meals.

For Shuichi Hoshino, having more bloodline limits only enriches his abilities, but doesn't actually raise his combat power ceiling.

October arrived in the blink of an eye.

Having just returned from Daimyo Prefecture, Hoshino Shuichi was about to enter the experimental base when his clone's memories returned.

"It's finally done!"

Hoshino Shuichi smiled.

Wood Release!

I thought I could have solved it last year, but it's clear that my luck last year was used up on Yang Escape.

Now, Wood Release has finally been analyzed and mastered.

"But... there's nowhere to use it now!"

Hideichi Hoshino sighed.

"Should we go find Nagato and fight him?"

Hoshino Shuichi felt that only Nagato in the ninja world could currently rival him.

Yes, there's also a giant Tenseigan on the moon.

Thinking of Hoshino Shizuka, another person came to mind.

That's the Otsutsuki who came to Earth with Kaguya Otsutsuki.

"I remember his name was Jigen, or rather, his true form was Otsutsuki Isshiki."

"If this guy unlocks his abilities, I can't beat him..."

Hoshino Hideaki was speechless: "Still too weak!"

He shook his head inwardly and immediately focused his attention on the word tree.

Scorching Release, Lava Release, Melting Release, Magnet Release, and Wood Release—a total of five bloodline limits. The "Bloodline Expert" entry can now be activated.

Physical fitness increased by 100%, mental strength increased by 100%, physical compatibility increased by 100%, and chakra nature transformation talent increased by 100%. Nature transformation fusion is no longer a secret to you. The only things that can stop you from going any further are your body, your spirit, and your wisdom.

After the entry took effect, Xingxia Xiu's body trembled slightly.

Then, with a loud bang, chakra erupted from his body, forming a terrifying gust of wind that threw the entire study into chaos.

This is because it is a result of a triple boost: 100% improvement in physical fitness, 100% improvement in mental strength, and 100% improvement in physical compatibility.

As he had predicted, his physical compatibility improved once again, and he absorbed the power of the Nine-Tails.

Not only that, they also obtained the Fire Release technique of the Two-Tails, which they had not obtained before.

Clearly, the digestion of the other tailed beasts' power was not thorough, and there was an element of luck involved.

In addition, his physical condition and mental strength doubled, which led to this amazing burst of power.

Meanwhile, within the seal, the Nine-Tails and other tailed beasts also sensed the changes in Hoshino Shigeaki and were all shocked.

"How did this guy suddenly improve again?"

Shukaku couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

Two-Tails said, "I sensed the power of Fire Release!"

Nine-Tails' expression turned grave: "This guy... he can't even..."

The Eight-Tails said, "This guy's power now seems to be no less than mine, no, it should be the Nine-Tails', right?"

The Six-Tails carefully sensed it and said, "Its quality is completely comparable to the Nine-Tails', but its chakra level is still a little lacking."

"But isn't this even more powerful than Hashirama Senju back then?"

While its chakra quantity is somewhat inferior, its quality is comparable to that of the Nine-Tails, and the Six-Tails believes it has surpassed Hashirama Senju.

Shukaku and the others nodded in agreement; they had all witnessed Hashirama Senju's power.

Then, all the tailed beasts looked at the Nine-Tails, and the Four-Tails said, "Nine-Tails, do you still think he's not worth cooperating with?"

Nine-Tailed Fox sneered: "I'm not as easily trusting of humans as you are."

"With his strength, even if he breaks his promise in the future, there's nothing you can do about it."

"Furthermore, the Ten-Tails isn't so easy to revive."

Looking at the stubborn Nine-Tails, Shukaku sneered, "You're just too proud to admit it, aren't you?"

"To become part of the Ten-Tails, or to fight for a chance to survive, is a very simple choice."

"But it doesn't matter anyway, you can stay in the cage if you like!"

Currently, only Kurama (the Nine-Tails) is still imprisoned in the iron cage within this seal; Shukaku and the others are not.

……

Ignoring the communication between the tailed beasts inside his stomach, Hoshino Shuichi restrained his surging power.

"The upper limit must have increased quite a bit..."

Hideichi Hoshino was overjoyed.

Feeling the chakra within him that was in no way inferior to the Nine-Tails' quality, he suddenly had a lot of thoughts.

He had previously considered using Wood Release to connect with other bloodline limits, and it was indeed possible.

However, Wood Release is too cumbersome and not mobile enough.

With chakra quality comparable to that of the Nine-Tails, it would be possible to develop a chakra mode similar to the Nine-Tails' chakra mode.

Or rather, Hoshino Shuichi was somewhat confident that he had developed an ability similar to Susanoo.

My enthusiasm has suddenly increased!

Just as I was about to pack up and go outside to try planting trees with Wood Release, another shadow clone sent back a memory, which turned out to be from the Root organization.

"The matter of the Land of Grass..."

Hoshino Hideaki raised an eyebrow, immediately leaving behind a shadow clone while his main body arrived at the Hokage Building.

"Shuichi, the Fourth Hokage and the others are already in the conference room."

Genma Shiranui had been waiting, and immediately spoke upon seeing Shuichi Hoshita appear.

Xingxia Xiu nodded, and then his figure disappeared.

When he arrived at the conference room, there were already quite a few people there.

Teacher: Minato Namikaze; Third Hokage: Hiruzen Sarutobi; Mitokado: Homura; Utatane: Koharu; Nara: Shikaku.

This is already the highest decision-making level in Konoha.

After Hoshino Shuichi sat down, Namikaze Minato immediately said, "Shikaku, could you please explain the situation to Shuichi?"

"yes!"

Nara Shikaku said to Hoshita Shuichi, "Shuichi, after a period of quiet, Iwagakure finally couldn't hold back and made their move."

"However, this time the target is not the daimyo of the Land of Grass, but the ministers and nobles who are cooperating between the Land of Grass and the Land of Fire."

"The assassination was on a large scale, and the Land of Grass is now suffering heavy losses."

Hoshino Hideichi nodded upon hearing this: "This is going to shake our foundation in the Land of Grass."

Nara Shikaku nodded and said, "According to our intelligence, the Daimyo of the Land of Earth and the Tsuchikage are in agreement on this matter."

"They have clearly sensed the danger."

Koharu, who was turning the bed, said, "Our actions were too obvious and too unusual. It's not surprising that we were noticed."

"The problem now is that this means all our previous efforts will have been wasted."

"If this continues, given the resolve of the Third Tsuchikage and the Daimyo of the Land of Earth, they will certainly not hesitate to wage war against us, and they will definitely not allow us to completely control the Land of Grass."

Hoshita Hideaki glanced at his teacher, Namikaze Minato, then looked at Koharu Utatane, who had spoken: "So, what does Koharu-senpai mean?"

Koharu Utatane glanced at Hiruzen Sarutobi and Homura Mitokado and said, "It's best to leave this matter here, otherwise war will inevitably break out in the end."

"The time is not ripe to annex the Grass Kingdom."

Hoshita Shuichi shook his head secretly.

This is a sign of giving up as soon as difficulties arise.

Moreover, this mindset was exactly what that old fox, Onoki, had figured out.

At this moment, Mitomon Homura also said, "We can't back down completely, otherwise all our previous investments will be wasted, and we won't be able to explain it to the daimyo."

"It would be best to maintain the current situation and not further escalate the conflict between the two sides."

Hoshita Hideaki looked at Nara Shikaku and asked, "What do you think, Shikaku-senpai?"

Nara Shikaku pondered, "Compared to the time of the Fourth Shinobi World War, our strength has undoubtedly increased, although our troop strength has not recovered."

"Furthermore, the situation in the ninja world is now much more complicated than before, due to the emergence of the Akatsuki organization."

"Whether to continue betting on the Grass Country, I think it depends on the cost and the return."

"If we continue to place our bets, will Iwagakure dare to wage war against us?"

"Will other ninja villages join in and attack us, just like last time?"

Hoshino nods in agreement.

That's what a smart person is like.

Minato Namikaze nodded as well.

Nara Shikaku noticed the expressions on their faces and continued, "We are now allies with Sunagakure and share common interests. If Iwagakure dares to start a war, we have at least a 70% chance of persuading Sunagakure to join us in besieging Iwagakure again."

"The attitude of the Hidden Cloud Village is the most difficult to judge."

"As for Kirigakure, I don't think they'll take advantage of this opportunity to make a move."

Koharu Utatane immediately retorted, "If the Akatsuki controls the Mizukage, then they probably hope to weaken us through war, right?"

"The Akatsuki organization can definitely seize the opportunity in the war."

Nara Shikaku said, "But what's more advantageous for the Akatsuki is watching us expend our strength, since Kirigakure is barely considered part of their forces."

"Moreover, we also have the ability to expose this matter, preventing Kirigakure from having the energy to participate in the war."

"In other words, the most likely scenario is two against two."

"With the full support of the daimyo, I think with our strength, it shouldn't be a problem."

clap clap clap!

Hoshita Hideichi clapped his hands and laughed, "As expected of Shikaku-senpai!"

Then he looked at Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado: "The idea that you two seniors want to protect Konoha is not wrong, but it is exactly what Onoki wants."

"He concluded that we would not dare to start another war, which is why he took such drastic action."

"After all, we were the ones who desperately wanted to end the war."

"However, the situation is constantly changing, and we cannot use the same perspective to view the current situation."

Koharu and Mitokado looked rather unwell.

Hoshino Shuichi laughed and said, "Of course, it's too early to talk about war now."

"Onoki might not have the guts to start another war."

"Teacher, I'll go to Iwagakure first!"

Minato Namikaze wasn't surprised. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Let's bring Shisui along!"

Hoshino nods in agreement.

Minato Namikaze then added, "Although war may not necessarily break out, we cannot give up the efforts made by the Land of Grass."

"And we must also be prepared for the outbreak of war."

Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had been silent all along, finally spoke: "I will personally go to Kusagakure!"

"If we want to conquer the Land of Grass, or even just control the Land of Grass, we must first take control of the Grass Village."

Minato Namikaze agreed without hesitation: "Then I'll have to trouble you, Third Hokage!"

(End of this chapter)