Immortality begins with the ninjas of Konoha.

Chapter 98 A ninja must be fully prepared!

In mid-April of Konoha Year 49, the battle at Kikyo Mountain was nearing its end, with Sunagakure's "suicide plan" inflicting considerable casualties on Konoha ninjas.

The Sand Village ninja faced death without resupply, thinking only of exchanging one for one. Their follow-up forces dispersed into smaller groups at Kikyo Mountain and launched a series of raids during this period.

This was the most devastating loss since the start of the war; not only was the ancient city destroyed, but the consensus that Konoha ninjas were the "strongest" was also shattered.

The battle between the Land of Rain and the Land of Grass also broke out, and the Konoha ninja were besieged by the Sand Village and the Stone Village, and their casualties gradually increased.

The war on the front lines was a good thing for Madara Uchiha, who was hiding on the Iron Country peninsula. He needed experimental subjects, and the war could help him solve that problem.

Above the Gedo Statue, the exceptionally cheerful White Zetsu jumped down from the giant arm. Thinking of the news his companion had just sent, he chuckled and reported, "Lord Madara, the Executor failed to awaken his Sharingan during the war. That idiot is still shedding tears on the battlefield."

"This guy really doesn't have much ninja talent, but that boy named Furukawa Osamu is definitely a genius!"

"It's said that he wiped out 1000 members of the Sand Village army by himself. I should have stayed by his side. He's a very powerful human."

"I wonder if there's anything special about his poop..."

Madara Uchiha's aged body became even more shriveled, and he remained silent for a long time with his head down.

It wasn't until White Zetsu started clamoring to install an excretory system on him that Madara Uchiha raised his head slightly, muttering with some disappointment, "The thrill of life and death didn't even open his eyes."

"The deeper the love, the greater the power gained after opening one's eyes. Is it because the emotions haven't accumulated enough?"

"Have the White Zetsu protect Nagato. If the Proxy Plan doesn't work, you must guide Nagato."

"

Madara Uchiha did not abandon Obito, but he needed double insurance.

If Obito were just an incompetent Uchiha, the plan would have to focus on Nagato.

"Lord Madara, shall we contact Uchiha Shisui? He is a true genius."

"The Sharingan with two tomoe possesses powerful ocular power. Based on the information obtained from observation, Uchiha Shisui was also a ninja who advocated peace."

Another White Zetsu suddenly appeared in front of Madara Uchiha and whispered a report: Obito is far inferior to Shisui, and the more carefully you observe, the more you can see this.

"No, eye power is not the problem. Uchiha who use external forces are not qualified to inherit my will."

"I will give him more opportunities. For his growth, we need to make some more plans."

"I haven't forgotten the energy that disappeared; you must always be vigilant."

After saying this, Madara Uchiha began to breathe heavily again. The Rinnegan needed to be awakened, and Nagato was the most crucial part of the plan.

The substitute is just a supplement. If the recent test subjects show someone who can control Hashirama's cells, then Obito Uchiha doesn't need to pay too much attention to it.

"Lord Madara, should we refocus our attention on Osamu Furukawa?"

"The traces left behind at Kikyo Castle indicate that the ninjutsu used by the opponent was far more powerful than that of ordinary ninjas."

White Zetsu went with Obito to check outside the city and was shocked to find the ground sunken and cracked. He couldn't figure out what kind of ninjutsu Furukawa Osamu had used.

"Without the bloodline of the Uchiha and Senju clans, no matter how powerful the ninjutsu is, it is nothing more than some illusory power."

"Go gather information about that girl. If I can sever this love, my Sharingan will definitely awaken."

After saying this, Madara Uchiha suddenly recalled the time he spent training with Hashirama when he was a child, and then the scene of being stabbed by Hashirama flashed through his mind: "Be prepared. If the plan goes smoothly, you might be able to gain a pair of Mangekyou Sharingan."

"With such a force supervising and guiding Nagato, the plan will surely proceed more smoothly."

White Zetsu didn't understand why Madara Uchiha still favored Obito, but the Creator's words had to be resolutely carried out, so for a moment the White Zetsu could only respond loudly.

Deep within the base, Furukawa Osamu's spirit was manipulating the White Zetsu's body to leave behind the Flying Thunder God Technique seal in a corner.

The map has been 90% explored, with only the area around the Outer Path Golem remaining inaccessible.

Furukawa Osamu wasn't sure if Uchiha Madara could still command the Gedo Mazo in battle. If the energy he [harvested] couldn't affect the opponent, these techniques would allow for a faster retreat.

"Lord Xiu, the acid mist ninjutsu you sent was quite interesting!"

"Should I be able to copy and use this? Is this the human girl's bloodline limit ability?"

The live slug, now free from resonance, appeared on my shoulder and asked in a cheerful tone.

This was the first time she had tried this entirely new way of using energy.

Furukawa Osamu breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing that it could be used. Although he was still unsure whether the acid mist enhanced by Sage Mode could melt Uchiha Madara's Susanoo, it was necessary to prepare more methods: "It's her ability. She possesses two bloodline limits, which is why she is hated by some people in the village."

"In a state of resonance, I will use hand seals to help you mobilize the energy in your body."

"Since the underground environment is relatively enclosed, it might even amplify this force!"

The slug waved its tentacles repeatedly, seemingly very interested in fighting alongside them. Watching Furukawa Osamu diligently manipulate the marking spells with his clones, it couldn't help but sigh, "Lord Osamu is truly cautious. I wish I had more combat abilities."

"You only live once, you've already done amazing!"

Osamu Furukawa praised sincerely, saying that without the limitations of chakra points and meridians in the human body, the energy in the slug's body could be released freely.

The same technique is more powerful with the live slug, which is determined by its size and body structure.

The slug continued to wriggle, and Furukawa Osamu's praise put her in a great mood: "I should thank that girl next time; her ninjutsu was really interesting!"

Osamu Furukawa nodded. Mei Terumi said she wanted to kill him, but a few days later she complained to the spirit about her experiences and readily explained her ninjutsu.

Thinking about all the hard work he'd put in over the past few months, Furukawa Osamu muttered to himself, "Old man, all of this was prepared for you!"

"If we have the chance to meet again, I'll face you 'head-to-head' then."

The battle at Kikyo Mountain caused Konoha to split once again, the ancient castle was destroyed, and the Daimyo of the Land of Fire sent an envoy to inquire about the situation.

The defection of the Land of Rivers surprised most people, given that the country's ninja strength was extremely weak and had always been loyal to Konoha.

After a long period of silence, Danzo finally seized the opportunity to make his presence felt, and criticized his old friend at a high-level meeting.

The two advisors no longer opposed Danzo as they had in the past, and instead supported him with silence.

"This should have been the mission of the Root ninjas. We must keep a secret control over the surrounding small countries."

"Hiruzen, Root will not merge with the Anbu. We need more manpower. Kikyo Castle was a lesson learned!"

Danzo sat up straight and presented his views logically and persuasively, opening his eyes, which had been half-closed, as he needed to expand his power.

Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned after reading the battle damage report. If Osamu Furukawa hadn't wiped out nearly half of Sunagakure in one fell swoop, the losses in this battle would have been even greater.

Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado both looked at Tsunade, who remained silent for a while before replying, "I think this should be the work of the Anbu. Since you've joined this department, it means you're prepared."

"In the future, I will raise the assessment standards and re-evaluate the mental state of the personnel in the dark unit."

"The existing staffing will be maintained for the next few years."

As soon as Tsunade finished speaking, Hiruzen Sarutobi picked up his pipe, puffed on it, looked around at the others, and made a decision: "I agree with Tsunade's decision. Root will remain as it is for the time being."

Danzo narrowed his eyes, a slight smile playing on his lips. Maintaining the power in his hands was a victory in itself for him at this moment.

Both advisors also voiced their support, and some members of the Hokage's direct Anbu have already defected to Tsunade and Orochimaru.

The few remaining squads included some of Jiraiya's subordinates, and the two of them could only mobilize Hiruzen Sarutobi's men, desperately needing Root forces at their disposal.

As the three left, Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled, tapped his pipe, and looked at his disciple, offering a simple reassurance: "Tsunade, it seems you've learned how to handle these matters."

"It is the Hokage's responsibility to balance the power. The Root ninjas are also our family. As long as they are used in the right way, they can also contribute to the village."

Tsunade glanced at Hiruzen Sarutobi, intending to make a sarcastic remark, but then realized she couldn't act impulsively anymore. After calming herself down, she solemnly replied, "Old man, I won't give up."

"Even when evaluating ninjas, the Root method should not be used."

"However, this is not my task. Orochimaru will handle it after the war. He happens to have a good relationship with Danzo."

Hiruzen Sarutobi coughed a few times. Sending Orochimaru was still his original decision. Thinking about the possible future scenarios, he sighed helplessly: "As long as there is no unrest in the village, you can do whatever you want."

"I will bear the loss of Kikyo Castle this time. I'm getting old after all, and I underestimated Chiyo's determination."

Kikyo Mountain suffered the greatest losses since the start of the war. Some of the ninja who remained behind were killed because they were not prepared for the consequences. It was only in recent days that the Sand Village ninjas were gradually eliminated.

"Teacher, what are you planning to do?"

"For Chiyo's sake, Ebizo and Rasa should be willing to make compromises."

Tsunade spoke up to ask, but Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't answer. He just started puffing on his cigarette. Noticing the impatience on his disciple's face, he said helplessly, "Since Chiyo survived and Sunagakure is willing to sit down and talk, we don't need to refuse."

"After all, war is the worst way to solve problems."

Late at night, Tsunade returned to her apartment and stopped thinking about the problems that were giving her a headache. After completing her daily Hundred Healings Technique training, she opened her eyes and her gaze was somewhat evasive.

With a pale face, Furukawa Osamu glanced at the time, then looked at Tsunade with concern: "Sensei, your body has fully recovered. Is there anything that's bothering you?"

Wearing loose pajamas, Tsunade subconsciously crossed her arms, turned her head to avoid her disciple's gaze, and whispered, "I feel completely refreshed, and my power is constantly surging out."

Seeing Furukawa Osamu breathe a sigh of relief, Tsunade inwardly berated herself: "What on earth was I thinking?!"