Immortality begins with the ninjas of Konoha.

In early August of Konoha Year 47, in the waiting room of the Hokage Building, the summoned Jonin and some Chunin looked straight ahead at the Third Hokage, quietly awaiting instructions.

Hiruzen Sarutobi seemed to sense the tension in everyone's hearts and said in a gentle voice:

"We have just received intelligence that Kumogakure has suddenly raided Sunagakure, and a fierce conflict has broken out between the two sides."

"I hope everyone will be more vigilant, especially those in the barrier class. Once you sense anything unusual, take immediate action."

"yes!"

The group responded in unison upon receiving the instructions. Many Jonin looked surprised, as the Cloud Village and Sand Village were quite far apart, making the conflict seem rather inexplicable.

Those Jonin who knew more about the inside story thought of the Cloud Village's style; the other side always liked to plunder secret techniques and bloodline limits.

Although there is no evidence, the origins of the Cloud Village's Magnet Release and Lava Release are questionable, and their choice to plunder during the Sand Village's internal strife is consistent with the behavior of "savage ninjas".

As a Chunin, Osamu Furukawa stood at the very back of the crowd due to his physique, next to Might Guy, who had just been promoted to Chunin.

As the Third Hokage quickly assigned tasks and the "adults" gradually left, Hiruzen Sarutobi completely relaxed and said with a smile:

"Don't be nervous, Guy! Shikaku, Choza, and Inoichi all recommended you; your strength is more than enough to make you a Chunin."

"After Kakashi finishes his mission, the three of you can team up again. Take a break in the meantime!"

"Yes, Hokage-sama!"

Somewhat nervous, Might Guy responded loudly, and Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded slightly, then smiled and asked:

"Xiu, how have you been feeling lately?"

For half a month, although I still had nightmares every day, the benefits of [gathering] outweighed the side effects.

Furukawa Osamu's perception increased dramatically, and the spirit body created by his Spirit Transformation Technique could even briefly leave his body.

"It's all settled now. Having gone through this experience, I'm ready to follow your orders at any time."

Seeing Furukawa Osamu's solemn response, Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled with satisfaction, picked up his pipe, and said happily:

"No need to be so formal, you're all my family!"

"..."

The Hokage struck up a casual conversation, even inquiring about his daily meals, which moved Might Guy so much that he almost shed tears of youthful passion.

At the opportune moment, Osamu Furukawa showed a look of emotion. Noticing the reactions of the two boys, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt even more pleased. The Will of Fire had to be instilled from childhood.

As the two left the room, Danzo slowly emerged from the corner. Seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi leisurely puffing on his cigarette, he expressionlessly reminded him:

"Kumakuya is probably targeting Jinchūriki, as they have the ability to seal Tailed Beasts."

"The supervision of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki must be strengthened. I agree with your opinion. The village needs the Uzumaki clan's bloodline, but only after the war ends."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's good mood was ruined on the spot. Danzo described Minato Namikaze and Kushina's union as a utilitarian act. Although he had this consideration, he shouldn't have said it out loud.

Not every child inherits their parents' talents.

"Continue to monitor the movements of Sunagakure. They won't retaliate against Kumogakure, but they might target us again."

It's impossible for them to launch a cross-continental attack on Kumogakure. The Chiyo siblings will only shift the conflict to Konoha. Danzo is well aware of this, and he responded with narrowed eyes:

"In the last war, we should have dealt a heavy blow to Sunagakure and Iwagakure in one fell swoop. Hiruzen's weakness gave the enemy another chance to invade us."

"Ninjas are tools, and tools naturally wear out. I will bear this part of the darkness for you."

"In the root assessment, Osamu Furukawa's performance can hardly be described as merciful."

"This kind of ambitious genius ninja must be constantly assessed. We don't want to see him be seduced by the Uchiha clan."

Ten years old is no longer considered a child in the ninja world. Osamu Furukawa has already begun to show his influence. In a few more years, he will be promoted to Jonin and may even be able to influence the decisions of the Jonin team.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was well aware of these things, but he trusted Tsunade, and upon hearing his old friend's words, he calmly replied:

"With Tsunade's guidance, there's no need to doubt his Will of Fire!"

"Geniuses don't need interference in their development; just do your job well."

"..."

Danzo didn't argue and simply turned and left, which surprised Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was surprised that his old friend didn't object to him.

The door closed, and Danzo, who had come to the corridor, narrowed his eyes. Hiruzen Sarutobi's weakness was within his expectations, but fortunately he was prepared!

Back in the dimly lit room deep within the Root organization at noon, Danzo looked at the six-year-old child kneeling on the ground and slowly spoke:

"From this day forward, you are a Root ninja named 'Kou'!"

"I am very satisfied with your efforts over this period of time."

He officially became a genin at the age of 6. Having survived the experiment, Kou has already mastered several Wood Release ninjutsu, and his talent is clearly visible.

"Yes, Lord Danzo."

A raised its head and stared intently at its "master" in front of it. Danzo couldn't help but smile as he thought about how quickly his tool would grow in a few years.

"You have no idea of ​​my strength!"

"Even if the Wood Release technique used to quell the chaos is incomplete, it is still enough to suppress the Tailed Beasts and the Uchiha clan."

Danzo grew increasingly fond of the armor before him, convinced that the Wood Release that had grown up was stronger than that of a genius like Furukawa Osamu. This was the power of the Bloodline Limit!

-

Osamu Furukawa and Might Guy, who were having lunch at Ichiraku Ramen, were chatting with Teuji, who had welcomed his daughter a few months ago and had been giving them gifts for the past six months.

"This guy's already a Chunin! That's amazing!"

I was deeply impressed by Might Guy. Only the father and son in the village had that green bodysuit. Now, wearing a green vest, he looks much cooler.

"I've only just caught up with the geniuses!"

"Shu and Kakashi are already able to lead a team independently, but I still need to keep working hard."

"Another serving of tonkotsu chashu ramen, please!"

Matt Kai had a hearty appetite, and as he spoke, he flashed a bright white smile, making everyone laugh heartily.

"Does the new drug put an extra burden on your body? I feel like you're doing something reckless."

Furukawa Osamu turned to the overconfident Might Guy and asked him a question. The latter immediately shook his head and gave him a thumbs-up, saying:

"No pressure at all, Xiu! I've almost mastered the Injury Gate! This was specially prepared for you!"

"Riri Renka! It will absolutely surprise you."

"Let's leave it to Kakashi! That guy has also made progress in physical activation; I wonder what stage he's reached in his training recently."

Might Guy hesitated after hearing what Furukawa Osamu said, then scratched his head and whispered:

"Shu, I feel like Kakashi has changed recently. Before accepting the mission, he seemed to have reverted to his old ways."

When Furukawa Osamu recalled that Danzo seemed to have met Kakashi when he returned to the village, he could only offer words of comfort, while secretly pondering:

"As expected, ninjas all have psychological issues; that tedious darkness must be eradicated if given the chance!"

"..."