The Uchiha's Path to the Top, Starting from Konoha

Chapter 118 Seed of Blood (7K)

Konoha, the forest behind the Hokage Rock of past generations.

The once lush and verdant forest has been largely leveled by ninja techniques, making way for a cluster of modern, technologically advanced buildings nestled in nature.

These buildings are characterized by their large areas of glass and metal exteriors, covered with a special film that absorbs the surrounding natural light.

This makes the entire Academy of Sciences seem to blend into the sky and nature, showcasing a harmonious aesthetic.

A light mist drifted among the cliffs, like a thin veil gently enveloping the buildings of the Academy of Sciences.

Bathed in the morning light, the glass wall reflected a faint blue glow, like a jewel shimmering in the dawn.

Occasionally, a few birds would fly across the sky, their long calls echoing in the tranquil air.

Uchiha Takeoshi, who had arranged for a shadow clone to come and inspect the research progress, entered the building together, accompanied by an Uchiha who was in charge of the Academy of Sciences and had advanced to the Kage level through Fire Release.

The Konoha Academy of Sciences is divided into two large areas, one above ground and one underground, each with different functions and tasks.

The buildings on the surface are mainly used for daily education and training. Those who graduate from the elementary ninja academy, do not intend to develop in the field of combat, or do not have combat talent, but want to continue to study life ninjas, will choose to come here to learn.

Tuition fees are not high. As long as genin who graduate from the elementary school are diligent, they can work part-time to support themselves under the welfare policies of the Academy of Sciences.

The layout and content of the surface area are similar to those of the university in my previous life. The system uses a credit system as the graduation standard. During the three-year study period, students need to pass two rigorous assessments each year that cover knowledge, skills and practical operations.

If a student fails three out of six times, they will face expulsion or have to pay exorbitant tuition fees that even a Jonin would find painful to pay, and continue studying at the Academy of Sciences for a few more years to earn enough credits to graduate.

Those with exceptional talent can graduate early if they are recognized by their mentors or other faculty members and pass the relevant assessments and recommendations, thus gaining the qualification to enter the underground space.

A true academy of sciences, hollowed out from the Hokage Cliff, with a more futuristic and sci-fi feel than the surface, gathering outstanding researchers from Konoha and even the entire ninja world, as well as various cutting-edge instruments!

The Academy of Sciences was developed by Uchiha Takeo and Uzumaki Minako. It possesses the spatial characteristics of the "Heavenly Constant Monarch" and is protected by a large-scale barrier technique that can act as a spatial barrier.

Aside from the specific technique set up by Uchiha Muan, which is essentially a backdoor code, the only way to get around the Academy of Sciences is to use one's own two legs.

The Academy of Sciences has a complex underground structure. The hard rock of the mountain was precisely cut and excavated to form a modern research facility embedded in the mountain, consisting of multiple levels and zones.

"Your Excellency, please follow me."

After unlocking the elevator using both chakra and fingerprint verification, Uchiha Wuan and Uchiha Muneki stepped into the elevator and slowly descended to the underground basement level, which is dedicated to researching the power of tailed beasts.

As the elevator doors slowly opened, Uchiha Muneki, young, energetic, and quick-witted, wearing the family's standard black robe, stepped out of the elevator first, leading Wu An through the metallic passageway.

The corridors and passageways follow the texture of the mountain, and the chakra lighting system installed on the walls provides a soft and stable light source. The ground is kept smooth and clean by puppets controlled by apprentices, and signs are hung on the walls.

The researchers and apprentices in white lab coats in the corridor glanced quickly at Uchiha Muneki upon seeing the two arrive—in their view, although the dean was quick-witted, he was essentially a combat ninja who preferred fighting and killing.

He was able to become the dean because of his great strength and the fan-shaped family emblem behind him.

Then, when their gaze fell upon Uchiha Takeoshi, who had vigorously supported the development of chakra technology and brought benefits to millions of people in the ninja world, a sense of respect arose spontaneously, and they bowed respectfully to this great leader.

This made Uchiha Takeo quite proud.

Uchiha Muneki didn't bother with the attitudes of these stubborn people.

For him, as long as he could complete the research task and proudly report the results at the meetings of Konoha's high-ranking officials, nothing else mattered.

Before long, the two entered a room with a plaque that read "Four-Tailed Research Lab." The room was extremely spacious and divided into two sections.

The entrance area is filled with sophisticated instruments, and numerous researchers are busy at work. The other end of the room is separated by thick glass.

Uchiha Muan glanced at his surroundings—the ceiling above him was covered with chakra energy cables as thick as an adult man's fist.

One end of the cable runs neatly and densely through the ceiling, along the mountainside, continuously transmitting chakra energy to all parts of Konoha.

At the other end, it passes through the ceiling, over the middle glass partition, and is inserted into the base of a huge glass vessel.

"You all go about your business. Dean Zongshu is here to keep me company."

Uchiha Takehiro waved for the researchers who had come to greet him to return to their posts, and then he walked toward the glass partition.

Through the glass, one could see a huge space, hundreds of meters in length and width, in the center of which was a glass vessel filled with liquid. Inside the vessel lay a giant ape-tailed beast, forty or fifty meters long, with four tails and a body entirely red.

In the northeast corner compartment of the vessel's base, two Uchiha with three tomoe were sparring in ninjutsu, while several researchers observed and recorded data.

"Your Majesty, the application of the Four-Tails has now moved beyond the initial stage of energy transfer. Through the essence of its power, we have developed a Lava Release Kekkei Genkai that can be widely disseminated."

In Uchiha Muneki's narration, the Uchiha ninja on the lower left released the power of Fire Release, which was formed by fusing Fire Release chakra with Yin Release chakra.

The Uchiha ninja on the right exhaled Lava Release power formed by Fire Release chakra and Earth Release chakra.

The two ninjas' powers collided in mid-air, the convergence of Fire Release and Lava Release instantly unleashing a dazzling light. The scorching flames and the molten lava intertwined fiercely in the air, sending countless burning sparks flying.

Uchiha Takehiko asked, "How's the power?"

"It's on par with Fire Release and stronger than the basic Five Elements Ninjutsu."

Uchiha Muneki took out a fiery red bullet, resembling a soldier's ration pill, from his pocket and handed it to Uchiha Takeoshi, explaining as he did so.

"Your Majesty, this is the [Lava Release: Bloodline Seed] formed by transforming the Four-Tails' chakra. As long as a Jonin who has mastered the transformation of Fire Release and Earth Release chakra natures takes it, he can be guided by the seed to form the Lava Release bloodline limit."

At this point, Uchiha Muneki's voice carried a hint of emotion and confusion—the bloodline limit that was once extremely rare could now be mass-produced, causing this powerful Uchiha who valued bloodline limits to be greatly shaken.

If Lava Release can be mass-produced, then will the Sharingan, which I am so proud of, be able to do the same someday?

Thinking of this, Uchiha Muneki suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.

"Dean Zongshu, what are you worried about?"

Uchiha Muan opened his Eternal Eye, and the intricate and mysterious Mangekyou Sharingan calmed Uchiha Muneki somewhat. He glanced at the researchers around him, and a troubled look appeared on his face.

Uchiha Muan could immediately understand what he was worried about, and said calmly.

"Dean Muneki, you don't need to worry about anything unnecessary in the future. The ninja world is undergoing changes, and we ninjas are constantly becoming stronger."

Uchiha Wu'an looked at the perfectly sealed [Lava Release: Blood Seed] in his hand and swallowed it without hesitation.

"Today it could be Lava Release that spreads, tomorrow it could be Ice Release. In the future, the bloodline limit of these two ninjutsu fusions will be a slightly more powerful special attribute ninjutsu in the ninja world."

"They are no longer the foundation upon which a few ninja clans stand, but rather the cornerstone of the entire ninja world's strength!"

As he felt the Blood Seed melting in his abdomen, releasing wisps of molten energy, he spoke with great passion.

"Even if the Sharingan of my clan appears in the body of an outsider in the future, I will not be surprised or afraid."

Amidst the admiring gazes of numerous researchers, Uchiha Takeoshi's Eternal Eyes shone with a profound light.

"My only fear is that, with so many resources at my disposal, I won't focus on how to make myself stronger, but instead will suppress those who are less advanced and enterprising, thus putting the cart before the horse!"

In an instant, the [Lava Release: Blood Seed] within his body was refined by magical power. Uchiha Wu'an felt his source of power, like a vine, take another inch deeper into the soil, and the power of his magic became even stronger.

His gaze was like a sharp sword, aimed directly at Uchiha Muneki, while the smile on his lips was as warm as a spring breeze.

"Dean Muneki, you already possess the power of Fire Release and Lava Release within you, plus the Sharingan, what do you have to worry about or be afraid of?"

"Are you afraid of rising stars within the clan, or others replacing you, or of the Uchiha clan's position in Konoha, or even my position?"

"We've been leading the way, so let's not stop and look back!"

Uchiha Takeo's words echoed in the room like the morning bell and evening drum. His voice was soft, yet it carried an undeniable power.

Everyone present stopped what they were doing, and the research room fell into silence, with only the sound of the instruments operating quietly.

In this solemn atmosphere, Uchiha Muneki's voice was firm and clear.

"No one can surpass the Leader. The Leader is the strongest ninja in the ninja world, past, present, and future!"

Uchiha Muneki suddenly bent down, then slowly raised his head, his three-tomoe Sharingan eyes blazing with intense determination and conviction.

"I fully understand His Majesty's will." Uchiha Muneki's voice was deep and powerful.

"From now on, I will dedicate myself to researching the fusion technique of Fire Release and Lava Release, so that I and the Uchiha clan can become even stronger!"

"very good!"

"Fire Release is a power that we Uchiha developed ourselves. Naturally, we can choose to pass it on or not. That is our advantage."

A relieved smile appeared on Uchiha Takeo's face. He gently patted Uchiha Muneki's shoulder, his tone light and cheerful, "With so many advantages, there's nothing to worry about for the Uchiha!"

"However, we must also consider this carefully; the power of the Blood Seed cannot be bestowed upon others indiscriminately." Uchiha Takeo pondered, his voice clear and powerful, like a spring in the deep mountains.

Things that are easily obtained are often not valued. Letting them earn this power through merit might better reflect its worth.

Uchiha Muan set the tone for the spread of [Lava Release: Seed of Blood], and his gaze turned to Uchiha Muneki.

"Regarding the specifics of the exchange, you need to discuss it in detail with the Military Affairs Department. The amount of merit required for the exchange cannot be too high, so that it will deter even the Jonin; nor can it be too low, so that the Chunin can obtain it easily."

"Your Excellency, I understand."

"Then let's go take a look at Zero Tail's research lab."

The two left the Four-Tails Research Lab and went to the adjacent Zero-Tails Research Lab. The two labs were similar, but the atmospheres were completely different.

(As expected of Zero-Tail, which grows by absorbing the dark side of people's hearts; with all five heads combined, I don't even have any lewd desires anymore.)

Like a wise man after the event, Uchiha Takeoshi used his clear eyes to examine the five most conspicuous behemoths in the research room.

The bodies of the Zero-Tails are stored in five vessels, each half the size of the Four-Tails. It is a masked, snake-like monster, as large as a double-decker bus. The mask is engraved with the number "five" according to the order in which it was made.

"Your Majesty, the chakra of the five Zero-Tails is currently sufficient to meet the needs of the Shinobi World Teleportation Array and Konoha. However, to maintain the continent-level teleportation array, a new chakra teleportation array is needed, requiring the addition of four more Zero-Tails to maintain its daily operation."

Before Uchiha Muneki could speak, the person in charge of the Zero-Tails research walked over, adjusted his glasses, and spoke methodically.

Unlike the Four-Tails, which uses chakra cables to power the entire Leaf Village, the spatial teleportation arrays rely on the base with spatial array patterns inscribed on the Zero-Tails to continuously transmit chakra to various spatial teleportation arrays.

"I understand. You can submit a report to Dean Zong Shu later, and members from the space technology department will come to handle this matter."

The Space Technology Department is a new department established in Konoha in the last three years. It specializes in researching the Flying Thunder God Technique, and its main member is Uzumaki Ashina.

The dimensional teleportation array was useless to Ashina, but he did gain some experience with the standardized space teleportation array that followed the same pattern.

Drawing the space teleportation array for the Zero-Tails' base is still within the limits of my abilities. Even if I make a mistake, it won't cause any major problems, saving Uchiha Takeo a lot of trouble.

"The number of Zero-Tails can also be increased. There will be no shortage of teleportation arrays later on, and the training locations can be moved to various villages. One reason is to reduce chakra loss during spatial teleportation, and the other is to make Zero-Tails grow faster."

The Zero Tail representative nodded and said respectfully, "I understand, Your Majesty."

After scanning the five Zero-Tails, Uchiha Muan asked the person in charge of the Zero-Tails, "How are the demons I sent over doing?"

"It is acting as a power supply device for zero tail."

The Zero-Tails manager led the two to a different angle, pointing to the middle of the five culture dishes. There was a smaller culture dish there, connected to the five Zero-Tails by five transparent chakra cables.

"Wangliang are intelligent demons, not only an aggregate of the dark side of people's hearts, but also possessing the power to bewitch people's hearts."

The Zero-Tail leader smiled and continued, "However, it can't make a ripple in front of the five Zero-Tails that are constantly absorbing its power."

Uchiha Muan saw that the demon in the petri dish had shrunk from its original arrogant form as the eight-headed serpent to the shape of an eight-headed snake, and nodded in satisfaction.

He turned to Uchiha Muneki, his tone carrying a hint of importance.

"Dean Muneki, build a Zero-Tails power station for Oni Village as soon as possible, and send Moryo there as well. After all, it is a shrine that worships my Uchiha clan, so we can't treat it badly."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Uchiha Muneki responded respectfully, but inwardly he was making his own guesses.

Rumors from Konoha Village surfaced in his mind—the shrine maiden of Oni Village might be the leader's lover.

(This is probably not entirely without basis.)

Uchiha Muneki planned to tell his relatives and friends when he got back, so as not to offend Uchiha Takeoshi. The shrine maiden of Oni-nin Village was someone he absolutely could not offend.

After completing his investigation of the first basement level, Uchiha Takeo entered the more secluded second basement level—an area specifically for research on bloodline limits.

The second basement level has detached from the mountainside of Hokage Cliff and extends deeper underground, requiring higher access levels.

The underground areas of the Academy of Sciences are all classified areas. In addition to signing confidentiality agreements, researchers on different floors are strictly prohibited from moving between each other.

Even with Uchiha Muneki's authority, he could only know that there was a special research department below, whose members were all shrouded in mystery, but he had no right to know the specifics of what it was.

The recent rumors made Uchiha Muneki unhappy, so he suppressed them—how could the leader of the ninja world conduct human experiments? That's a joke!

The general layout of the second basement level is similar to that of the first basement level.

Uchiha Muan entered a huge research room, which was two hundred meters long and two hundred meters wide, resembling a giant underground warehouse. As far as the eye could see, there were rows of nutrient tanks used to cultivate humans.

At this moment, each chamber is nurturing humans of different ages.

On the base of the nutrient tank, there were labels—Senju, Uchiha, Kaguya, Hagoromo, Moon Hyuga, Ninja World Hyuga, Uzumaki…

The air was filled with the smell of disinfectant, and the nutrient tanks gleamed coldly under the cold lights.

"Every time I come here, I always feel a little uncomfortable."

Uchiha Takeo's footsteps echoed on the cold metal floor, sounding exceptionally clear in the quiet space.

"Your Majesty the Führer."

Several researchers walking through the nutrient tanks spotted Uchiha Takeoshi, greeted him respectfully, and then went back to their work.

The number of researchers here is not as large as that on the basement level. Most of them come from the secret base established by Uchiha Madara in the Cloud Thunder Gorge. All of them have had their will and thoughts modified by Uchiha Takeo using the Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan.

He was also branded with the mark of "the root of all evil through the tongue".

The information here must not be leaked at this time!

Uchiha Takeo stepped into a room marked with the plaque "Stairway to Godhood." The pungent smell of blood hit him, causing him to frown.

His gaze swept over the various surgical instruments in the room, finally settling on the lifeless replica on the operating table.

Finally, Uchiha Wu'an's gaze settled on the man holding the blood-dripping scalpel to the side, and he calmly called out the man's code name, "Root, how's the research on the Otsutsuki bloodline progressing?"

The code name "Root" is a mischievous joke of Uchiha Takeo, but Root's abilities are actually quite good. The clones that can move freely in other continents are the work of Root.

"Your Majesty the Führer."

Upon hearing the sound, [Root] slowly withdrew its infatuated gaze from the pale-skinned, horned clone. Its skin, which had never seen the sun, was deathly white, except for its eyes, which were unusually bright.

Upon hearing Uchiha Takeo's question, Root slowly shook its head, its voice low and hoarse, yet filled with both distress and excitement in the face of a difficult problem.

"The fusion of the Otsutsuki bloodline is far more difficult than expected. Despite the use of one hundred clones, the experiment has made no progress."

Under Uchiha Takeo's slightly disappointed gaze, [Root] revealed a smile, "However, research on Wood Release has made a breakthrough."

"Please follow me, Your Excellency."

[Root] removed his blood-stained surgical gown, revealing his gaunt body wrapped in a white coat, and led Uchiha Takeo to a place used for experiments.

The experimental site was square and sparsely furnished. The surrounding metal walls were thick and sturdy enough to trap even a weaker Shadow-level fighter.

Uchiha Takeo and Root stood atop the experimental site, on a glass-enclosed viewing platform, overlooking the experimental area below.

A moment later, with the sound of a metal door opening, a simply dressed replica slowly entered the field of vision.

Uchiha Muan's gaze was sharp, fixed on the clone's figure, a glint of expectation flashing in his eyes.

If the Wood Release experiment on the clone is successful, it will mean that he is one step closer to mastering the power of the Rinnegan.

A hint of excitement appeared on Root's face as he commanded in a deep voice, "Begin using Wood Release."

"Understood. Initiating Wood Release."

"Wood Release: Great Forest Technique".

The clone responded quickly, his hands forming hand seals rapidly. As chakra surged, multiple wooden vines extended from his arms and flew into the air.

"good!"

The moment Uchiha Wu'an uttered that word, the clone's body was pierced by countless tree branches in the next second, and the scene instantly became extremely bloody.

"There is still a slight lack of stability."

Ignoring the disapproving look from Uchiha Takeo, Root, lost in thought, murmured to himself.

"We've used a clone of the Uzumaki clan, a clone of the Senju clan, and finally, the Uchiha clone with the best adaptability. So, what's still lacking?"

"We still haven't done enough experiments, and the DNA samples needed for the experiments need to be expanded to find clones that can stably transplant the power of Hashirama Senju's Wood Release from different individual cases."

Seeing the muttering [Root], Uchiha Wu'an took out a spatial scroll and handed it to [Root], saying, "Inside are the remains of Uchiha Madara and five pairs of three-tomoe Sharingan."

"We could try equipping the clone with the Sharingan. Wood Release is the power of Yang Release, while the Sharingan is the power of Yin Release. The two might complement each other."

The results of Wood Release have been shown. Although they did not satisfy Uchiha Takeo, they have gained his initial approval, and he has provided the final piece of the Rinnegan puzzle.

However, Madara Uchiha's Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan is still in his possession.

Under the Root's gaze, filled with a mixture of surprise and delight, Uchiha Wu'an commanded, "The research on the fusion of the Otsutsuki bloodline can be temporarily shelved. Now, devote all your energy to the research on the transplantation of Wood Release. I need to see a perfect finished product!"

"Understood, Your Majesty!"

The excited [Root] rubbed his cheek against the spatial scroll, his morbidly obsessed expression causing Uchiha Takeo to look away. Then he spoke.

"I came to see you today not only to learn about the research progress on bloodline limits, but also to give you another task."

"Please give your instructions, Your Majesty." [Root] responded immediately.

"There are many powerful non-human beings in this other continent, among whom the most outstanding is the legendary True Dragon King."

"My clone on the other continent is too fragile; I need to strengthen it with dragon blood."

Uchiha Takeo smiled slightly as he looked at the now excited Root.

"However, it's difficult to get the True Dragon King right now, but the Ninja Legion hunts ordinary non-human creatures on the other continent and then sends them to the Academy of Sciences. You can use them to practice first."

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

"In addition, the number of researchers on the second basement level will be expanded. From now on, this place will be the Inner Second Basement Level."

The increase in tasks will inevitably slow down the progress of other research, and some things also need to be brought to the forefront, instead of allowing people to speculate wildly.

After pondering for a moment, Uchiha Takeoshi said.

"You should arrange for people to continue expanding the underground space and build a less bloody surface and subsurface level for research on non-human beings from other continents and general bloodline limits."

"The recruitment of personnel for the second basement level can be carried out at the Academy of Sciences on the ground. If there is a lack of equipment, just submit a report, and Dean Muneki and the Konoha Secretariat will cooperate with you."

[Root] nodded. Expanding the manpower would also benefit his work, and outstanding personnel could be gradually attracted to [Inner Level - Second Basement] to better serve Uchiha Takeo.

After a final discussion, Uchiha Muan's shadow clone dissipated into the air, and Root also immersed itself in its own experiment.

Having received the news, the original entity stood in the leader's office, gazing at the bustling, ever-changing Konoha, a look of satisfaction in its eyes.

Then, as he sipped the premium deer blood provided by the Nara clan, he glanced at the busy Minamoto Kaori and Uzumaki Minako.

Uchiha Rinne was also working at the Konoha Police Headquarters, preparing for the recruitment of personnel for the police departments of the three outer districts and the other continental kingdom of [Re-Estize].

The shrine maiden Momiji was too shy yesterday, so she decided not to bother her today.

The Ministry of Education also plans to expand the higher ninja academy and has summoned Uchiha Hikaru for a meeting.

(Thinking about it now, the [Ox and Horse] combination from another continent had more time.)

Uchiha Wu'an's eyes flickered, his mind already drifting across the sea.

(End of this chapter)