Start with a Zanpakuto and build the strongest Mist Village.

That's impossible! In the experiment just now, Nagato's body had already fused even more closely with the First Hokage's cells, achieving a complete fusion of their origins.

How could Wood Release go berserk under such circumstances?

But the current situation did not allow Hiruko to think it over. These wriggling buds were undoubtedly caused by the Yang attribute chakra contained in the First Hokage's cells, resulting in mutations in the cells within Nagato's body.

If not dealt with quickly, these tree buds will continue to devour the cells inside the tree trunk until they all become nutrients for the tree!

The final result was that Nagato was reduced to a towering tree!

"What are you hesitating for? Hurry up and do it!"

Xiao Nan called out anxiously, her expression extremely tense and uneasy.

If she had known more about medical ninjutsu, she probably would have had to do it herself by now.

"Something's wrong, something's very wrong!"

Hiruko ignored Konan's urging and instead squinted, carefully examining Nagato's condition.

Given the perfect balance of the cells, and even the complete fusion with the origin, it would be impossible for the cells to go berserk. However, Nagato has not only gone berserk, but the situation is also extremely serious.

It's important to understand that even when Nagato first fused with Hashirama Senju's cells, he didn't go to this extent. Back then, relying solely on the power of his Uzumaki clan and the power of the Rinnegan, Nagato was already able to easily suppress and fuse with Hashirama Senju's cells.

But now...

"Woooooooo..."

At this moment, Nagato, who was on the operating table, was making a series of incomprehensible sounds.

Saliva was spilling from the corners of his mouth, his gaze was somewhat unfocused, and his body was twitching uncontrollably, as if he was about to collapse at any moment.

His pair of pale purple Rinnegan eyes were even more dim and lifeless, as if covered by a layer of gray mist, which made Hiruko's expression extremely solemn.

This appearance is a clear sign that the Wood Release power is about to go out of control!

"No, absolutely not!"

Hiruko quickly walked to the instruments on the side and connected various devices to Nagato's body to monitor Nagato's physical condition.

The data was transformed, and in a short while, Nagato's current situation was fully displayed on the screen.

"Blood pressure, heart rate, and cell activity are all abnormal..."

"Cell activity is still increasing... This is impossible. They've already fused, how can it still be increasing..."

"Wait, what is this energy indicator...?"

The readings on the instrument made Hiruko frown, but when he saw something unusual on a screen, his pupils suddenly contracted.

"Could it be..."

Hiruko had a guess in his mind, and he stopped what he was doing and stood silently to the side.

This action made Konan even more uneasy, and countless paper blades appeared in her hand: "Hiruko, what exactly do you mean by this?"

She was well aware of the concept that concern can lead to confusion, and since she knew nothing about medical ninjutsu or human anatomy, she should not interfere too much at this time.

But Xiao Nan really couldn't help herself.

All she has left is Nagato!

"Calm down, angel."

Hiruko looked at Konan with a solemn expression: "The leader's situation is very special; there is nothing wrong with his body."

"What?" Konan frowned deeply. "Impossible. If there's no problem, how could Nagato..."

"That's because the leader is using the power of the First Hokage's cells to devour the natural power of heaven and earth!"

Hiruko turned to look at Nagato, whose body was covered in saplings and fleshy sprouts, and said solemnly, "Although I don't know the legendary Sage Mode, I have a deep understanding of the power of nature. Upon closer inspection, I can see that the leader's body is currently filled with natural energy!"

Hiruko actually conducted research on Sage Mode and natural energy for a long time.

Back when he was still in Konoha, his fellow Sannin became the successors of the three great sacred lands. After becoming a ninja, Hiruko had contact with Danzo and, through exploring Konoha's forbidden secrets, began his research into natural energy and Sage Mode.

Even his Ghost Sprout Technique contains a great deal of technological crystallization of natural energy.

"Under normal circumstances, by absorbing a certain amount of natural energy to create 'Sage Chakra,' one can enter the legendary 'Sage Mode.'"

"In that mode, the user can use natural energy to enhance their attack and defense, and at the same time, they can use natural energy to increase the range of their taijutsu attacks and their perception. By combining natural energy with their own chakra to create 'Sage Chakra,' the power of their ninjutsu, taijutsu, and genjutsu can be dramatically enhanced."

Hiruko explained the characteristics of 'Sage Mode', saying in a deep voice, "However, the process of absorbing natural energy is extremely difficult. First, the cultivator must possess a large amount of chakra; otherwise, they will be devoured by the power of nature. Second, one must learn how to absorb natural energy."

"Currently, in the ninja world, only the three great holy lands, and the recently rising 'Fourth Holy Land - Shadow Island,' possess the complete methods and techniques for absorbing natural energy, so, leader..."

Konan stared wide-eyed at Nagato, whose face was contorted in pain and whose body was covered in saplings and fleshy buds, and for a moment she didn’t know what to say.

"What should I do?" Konan looked at Hiruko with a pleading expression, hoping she could help in some way. The proud angel lowered her head for the sake of her beloved.

But Hiruko silently shook his head.

"Ninjutsu chakra requires a balance between mental and physical energy. On top of that, natural energy must be added to achieve another balance. This is the most difficult training."

"If you lack natural energy, you can't learn Sage Chakra. If you have too much natural energy, you will be devoured and eroded by it. So you have to combine the natural energy you absorb with your own physical energy and spiritual energy, and balance the three energies in a 1:1:1 ratio to condense Sage Chakra and master Sage Mode."

"The leader has now entered a critical state, namely the balance between the physical and mental energy within his body and the natural energy. I am not a sage from a sacred land, and all I can do now is rely on the leader himself."

"As long as the leader can balance the chakra within his body, he can not only recover to his original state, but may even master the legendary Sage Chakra, which only sages can master."

"But if we can't..."

Hiruko didn't say anything more, but Konan knew what was going to happen next.

That is, your whole body will be completely eroded by trees, and you will become a towering tree!

"Perhaps Your Excellency could inquire with Mr. Madara and Genbu," Hiruko seemed to recall something and reminded him, "They both possess an extremely strong aura of Hashirama Senju, so they should have some understanding of this and be able to deal with it."

"...They are not in Amegakure at the moment."

Xiao Nan's expression changed slightly.

When Nagato was teleported back, he was in the hands of Obito and Zetsu.

For Nagato's safety and to prevent those two from plotting against him, Konan, after confirming that Nagato's condition had basically stabilized, took Nagato back from Obito and Zetsu and had Hiruzen continue to treat him.

Who would have thought that Nagato would suddenly absorb natural energy and become like this?

Neither Zetsu nor Obito are currently in Amegakure, which means...

"Then we can only rely on the leader himself."

Hiruko sighed softly, glanced at Nagato, who was drooling and looking dazed, with a complicated expression, and then walked out of the operating room.

Xiao Nan clenched her fists tightly, and could only pray in her heart...

……

Yoru was unaware of everything that had happened to Nagato. He had just parted ways with Jigen and returned to his residence.

Seeing that Yoru was alright, Mei Terumi and the others, who had been on high alert, finally breathed a sigh of relief. However, their journey had to end prematurely.

The fact that the celestial beings, whom Night considered a formidable enemy, were already in the ninja world shattered the sense of security in Mei Terumi and Yoruichi's hearts!

"There's no need to be so nervous. Although that guy is strong, he's quite badly injured. Plus, that old guy in the Yellow Springs Pure Land is watching us like a hawk. He won't fight us unless absolutely necessary."

Seeing the tense expressions on Terumi Mei's face, Yoru chuckled and said, "Let's just continue as usual, there's no need to be so nervous."

"How could I not be nervous? That's...that's a member of the same clan as the Sage of Six Paths!"

Ever since learning about the terror of the Otsutsuki clan from Yoru, Mei Terumi and the others have harbored a certain fear of the Otsutsuki clan. However, during this period, the Otsutsuki had not yet reached Earth, and the strength of Kirigakure and Yoru Minazuki had increased particularly rapidly, causing Mei Terumi to subconsciously ignore the threat and fear posed by the Otsutsuki.

But when the Otsutsuki actually appeared, the fear and sense of crisis surged forth like a floodgate being opened!

The Otsutsuki clan, relatives of the Sage of Six Paths, beings from the heavens, chakra masters who devour the life force of planets—these titles alone have already led to the Otsutsuki clan being described as 'deified' and 'legendary'!

Faced with such an existence, how could Mei Terumi, who had been deeply influenced by the ninja culture since childhood, not be nervous and how could she not be afraid?

Until night's hand landed on her beautiful hair.

"No need to be nervous, I'll take care of everything." Yoru gently stroked Mei Terumi's delicate skin, looking at the worried Yekura and the bewildered Hikari, his expression calm and his tone indifferent: "Whether you are the Sage of Six Paths or a celestial being, you just need to act as usual."

"Don't be arrogant, don't be impatient, don't be afraid. No matter what happens, as long as you stand with me through thick and thin..."

"We have no opponent ahead of us!"

"night……"

Mei Terumi stared blankly at the night, her nervousness dissipating completely with those incredibly confident, even domineering, words.

Also.

So what if you're the master of chakra? Night is still the master of souls!

She breathed a sigh of relief, held Mizuki Yoru's wrist, and snorted, "I know you're powerful, but we can't let our guard down. Let's get back to the village as soon as possible."

"Hey? But you're the one who dragged me to this temple to worship Buddha."

"night!"

Amidst laughter and banter, the pressure from the Otsutsuki clan vanished. However, Yoruichi and his party did not linger at the Fire Temple. The next day, after obtaining several incense sachets, they left the Fire Temple.

However, no sooner had Yoru and his party left the Temple of Fire than ripples appeared in a space outside the temple, and a figure with a gloomy expression stared in the direction where Yoru and his party had gone.

"That kid's Nine-Tails chakra couldn't possibly be hidden from Mizuki Yoru."

Black Zetsu said in a low voice, "It seems your plan has failed."

"No, he didn't leave any backup plan on Sora." Obito shook his head and sneered, "Arrogance is the weakness of all strong people, even Mizuki Yoru is no exception. The power of the Nine-Tails will ultimately belong to us!"

"It's only a small portion of the Nine-Tails' chakra, far from enough to help you complete the ritual."

“Of course I know that, I have a better plan.”

Obito's eyes were cold and sinister, and his body was contorted.

As dusk fell and darkness enveloped the world, the blood moon shone brightly.

Inside the room, Kong, who had just been thoroughly scolded by Di Lu, sat on the floor with a frustrated expression.

He also wanted to become a qualified ninja monk and a member of the Fire Temple, but the disordered chakra within his body made it impossible for him to complete his daily ninja monk training.

The disdainful looks from his companions, and the stern words that Di Lu often uttered, "If you don't train properly, I'll kick you out of the temple."

And my own disappointment in myself...

A mix of emotions welled up inside him, making it impossible for him to fall asleep. He could only hug himself tightly, trying to give himself some warmth.

Suddenly, the moonlight overhead was blocked by shadows, and the bewildered boy, tormented by his troubles, subconsciously looked up.

What came into view was a blood-red three-tomoe jade!

"Go berserk, Nine-Tails!"

The deep voice was like the murmur of a demon from hell. The seal within Sora's body was broken in an instant, and an extremely terrifying surge of chakra erupted, engulfing Sora's body and mind.

That was an ominous power, darker than darkness and redder than blood!

"Roar!!!"

His jet-black eyes transformed into the vertical pupils of a demon fox, and crimson chakra covered his entire body. A low growl, like that of a monster, shattered the peaceful night at the Fire Temple, and a whirlwind of chakra filled with a bloody aura extinguished countless burning incense sticks!

The howls of wild beasts roused countless ninja monks from their slumber.

"The Fire Temple has a strong reserve of power, and its gate is known as the 'Iron Wall that has never been breached.' Its power alone is not enough to destroy the entire Fire Temple."

Black Zetsu still couldn't quite understand Obito's actions and could only offer him appropriate reminders.

"I never intended to completely destroy the Temple of Fire." Obito clasped his hands together, and a special dark purple gourd appeared in his hands.

A look of surprise flashed in Black Zetsu's eyes: "This is..."

"The darkness and fear in people's hearts will become the source of my power to transcend the mortal realm and become an immortal!"

Obito formed a hand seal with his right hand, and the gourd in his hand suddenly burst forth with endless suction power, devouring and absorbing all the dark chakra that was overflowing in the air and filled with fear and darkness in people's hearts!

Chapter 235 Naruto! Sasuke! Hinata Hyuga!

Time flies, and two years have passed in the blink of an eye since the Gold Mine Rebellion.

Even though that incident happened a long time ago, and most ninja villages, including Iwagakure, severely condemned Sunagakure, Sunagakure was still able to recover from that pressure thanks to Mizuki Yoru's assurance.

The ninja world returned to peace, but the surface calm could not conceal the undercurrents beneath. Silently, some things were changing.

The most terrifying of all is the 'Calamity of the Demon Fox'!

Two years ago, one night, the nine-tailed fox transformed into a human and wreaked havoc on the Fire Temple, even breaking through the Iron Wall, the gate that had never been breached since the temple's founding.