Immortality begins with the ninjas of Konoha.

In mid-August of Konoha Year 48, Shikkotsu Forest remained a peaceful scene.

Live slugs of varying sizes appear from time to time in the woods, and whenever Furukawa Osamu walks by, these clones greet him in soft, sweet voices:

"Master Xiu!"

Furukawa Osamu spent more than half a month cultivating here, focusing not only on perfecting his immortal techniques but also on adjusting his body's "cellular structure".

This requires the cooperation of the living slug itself, as well as the injection of some energy generated from the roots of the mutated divine tree.

Fortunately, Furukawa Osamu successfully completed the initial "unity of spirit and body" through the "gathering" technique, and this physical transformation proceeded very smoothly.

Around noon, Furukawa Osamu arrived at the huge cave where the live slug's true form was located. Looking up at the white Zetsu hanging above, he smiled and praised it:

"I never expected this body could be reused, Slug. It's all thanks to your ability to manipulate the power of these tree roots."

The slug's main body merely wiggled its tentacles, generating a gust of air. Left with no other option, it created another clone, which quickly wriggled to Furukawa's side and responded regretfully:

"I'm so sorry, Master Xiu!"

"After re-energizing this body, the original Wood Release technique can no longer be used."

"The roots of the divine tree here have been assimilated by me, and their energy is very different from the original energy. They are closer to Sage Chakra."

"Even if the repairs are completed, this body will be of no use in battle."

After Furukawa Osamu [collected] White Zetsu, the opponent's body lost all energy and became shriveled. Now, after being adjusted by the live slug, White Zetsu's body has regained its vitality.

"Combat? I've never even dared to dream of that."

"It's enough that this body can replicate chakra and contain spirits. I hope it can help me create some 'alibs'."

"After all, the most important thing is to prepare to search for Indra and Ashura's chakra next."

As Osamu Furukawa spoke of the plan, the slug's spirits rose. Witnessing the evolution of her kind these past few days had made her increasingly happy.

"With Lord Xiu's current strength, his subsequent actions will surely yield results!"

"As long as he continues to evolve, Master Xiu can extend his lifespan once again."

Through the resonance with the live slug, Osamu Furukawa successfully achieved "unity of body and soul".

Tsunade's Creation Rebirth ninjutsu was also incorporated into Furukawa Osamu's body. Under the control of the spirit of the Hundred Healings Seal, Creation Rebirth has become a "passive skill" of his body.

Currently, the cells of Furukawa Shuu's body contain his own consciousness, automatically absorbing natural energy. The spirit within the Hundred Healings Seal governs his entire body through techniques, constantly transforming Sage Chakra.

Although the conversion efficiency of spirits is not high, it is stable and does not require too much mental effort.

Once the seal is broken, efficiency will increase exponentially, and creation and regeneration will be activated.

Furukawa Osamu was very satisfied with this combination of Sage Arts. The downside was that he would be greatly depleted after being injured in battle, but the Living Slug could help him "recharge," so this drawback could be ignored.

"Live Slug, you've had a tough time these past few days. Every time I use Shadow Clone Technique to practice my immortal arts, the fatigue is transferred to you after the resonance..."

A slug the size of a palm wriggled on Furukawa Osamu's shoulder, seemingly not quite understanding what he was saying, and interrupted him:

"Lord Xiu, what is fatigue?"

"We had a lot of fun practicing Sage Mode together. The Rasenshuriken is a really powerful technique!"

"..."

Furukawa Osamu suddenly fell silent, subconsciously glancing at the enormous form of the slug. His eye twitched slightly; he had underestimated this immortal. Finally, he sighed helplessly.

"A long life is truly something to yearn for!"

-

On the Iron Country Peninsula, in a region called the Graveyard of Mountains, sounds have been frequently heard recently.

After the strange situation was noticed by ordinary people, rumors of "haunting" began to circulate in the area.

With the Gedo Mazo successfully moved deeper into the mountain and the barrier spells set up within it, Madara Uchiha was finally at ease.

For a full two weeks, the White Zetsu worked diligently, but still failed to detect any changes in energy at the remaining roots of the Divine Tree.

Madara Uchiha became increasingly cautious. Although he believed that he could still defeat a Kage-level powerhouse with his aged body, he did not want to make any unnecessary mistakes for the sake of his grand plan.

Fortunately, half a month has passed, and no "punishment force" or "Uchiha or Senju clan schemers" have appeared. No one in the ninja world has discovered his existence.

"Lord Madara, through possession, we have confirmed that no Mangekyou Sharingan has been born within the Uchiha clan."

"Within the clan association of Naka Shrine, Fugaku Uchiha simply keeps sending clansmen to the battlefield for training. In recent months, the number of young people who have awakened the Sharingan has been slowly increasing."

The newly awakened ancient White Zetsu is stronger and more intelligent than its inferior companions, and can report its work in a reasoned and well-founded manner.

Madara Uchiha lowered his head, a thoughtful expression on his wrinkled face, and muttered to himself:

"Without the Mangekyou Sharingan, how could one detect a White Zetsu?"

"Since no successors discovered the Uchiha and Senju's secret and it wasn't absorbed, where did the Divine Tree's energy go?"

"Could there be someone in the ninja world who can use the energy of the Divine Tree?"

The surrounding White Zetsu remained silent until Madara Uchiha stopped speaking, at which point one of the White Zetsu reminded him in a comical tone:

"Lord Madara, it might be Osamu Furukawa. We only have two missions, and the missing energy might be related to him."

Madara Uchiha looked up at the group of "idiots" and replied in a mocking tone:

"How could an ordinary genius ninja master this true power?"

The White Zetsu remained silent, and Madara Uchiha didn't expect these tools to provide him with advice. After a moment of contemplation, he solemnly instructed:

"There is a hidden genius in the Uchiha clan; he should have already awakened the Mangekyou Sharingan."

"Be careful, he might have already noticed we're being watched."

"Continue to observe carefully, or you can extend an invitation to him, for he possesses this talent and is qualified to inherit my will."

"Yes, Lord Madara!"

Madara Uchiha was still pondering after hearing the response. He suddenly remembered the medicine the White Zetsu had mentioned earlier, and muttered to himself again:

"Could it be that the medication that aided in awakening the Sharingan allowed the three-tomoe Sharingan to evolve?"

"Having read the inscription on the stone tablet, my descendant, what choice will you make?"

-

At the end of August, when Osamu Furukawa returned to the village, the Chunin Exams had reached their final round of individual battles.

Currently, only the front line of the Land of Hot Springs is frequently harassed by the Hidden Cloud Village; the other two battlefields are experiencing fewer and fewer conflicts.

During this period, Might Guy mainly carried out missions with his father. The Third Hokage took good care of him, which allowed him to receive some suitable missions.

In the dumpling shop on Mingcha Street, Matt Kai, while devouring three-colored dumplings, mumbled with wide eyes:

"Xiu, you've changed so much!"

As Furukawa Osamu sat near the street, not only did his fellow students at the dango shop look at him with curiosity, but even passersby cast curious glances his way:

"It's only a tiny bit of progress."