Chapter 119: White Fang is Dead, But Konoha Still Has Us!

Night fell, and Kyohiko finally had a chance to sleep soundly. With their victory in this battle, Orochimaru had some breathing room, so Kyohiko didn’t need to handle logistics and arrangements today. However— The eastern and northern fronts were also brewing with tension, teetering on the edge of war. Together, Kyohiko and Minato could hold their own even against Kage-level opponents. With Sage Mode activated, they could rival them outright. Additionally, Kakashi’s Lightning Release: Rasengan, combined with Kurenai’s genjutsu support, formed a lethal assassination combo. In this war, the two of them had taken down three jōnin and countless chūnin. They were now Konoha’s most versatile and formidable rapid-response team, capable of turning the tide in any battle. There was no doubt they’d be crucial in the coming conflicts. Which meant—their rest wouldn’t last long. But. [As Hokage, strength is a key factor.] [Personally eliminated the powerful enemy "Third Kazekage," removing a major threat to Konoha and forcing Sunagakure to surrender.] [Reward: Wood Release proficiency increased.] With the boost, his Wood Release reached "Proficient" level. Kyohiko closed his eyes, absorbing the new insights. Since obtaining this kekkei genkai, he had been experimenting to unlock its full potential—at least to a usable degree. Previously, limited by his own skill, he could only create vines, shrubs, or lifeless trees. But now— With the new Wood Release knowledge and techniques, he felt he could achieve a level comparable to Yamato’s future abilities. In terms of pure Wood Release, it wasn’t overwhelmingly powerful. But Kyohiko’s advantage lay in his own foundation— His chakra reserves far surpassed Yamato’s. Not just slightly, but by a significant margin. Sage Mode. Yin Seal. Activating both at once would undoubtedly make his Wood Release stronger than Yamato’s. Kyohiko manipulated a sapling’s growth, then quietly withdrew his chakra. Wood Release had improved... But. No matter how powerful Wood Release had been in the past, that was due to Hashirama’s strength. For anyone else, even with Tobi’s control over Yamato, it was never the same. The outliers were Hashirama and Asura’s chakra, not the Wood Release kekkei genkai itself. The real challenge was integrating it into his own system—making it truly his. Stronger Wood Release meant more versatile and complex abilities. And the most practical technique, without a doubt, was— Wood Clone! Kyohiko formed hand seals, attempting to fuse Wood Release chakra with the Shadow Clone technique. Soon... A piece of wood emerged from his body, slowly splitting off and taking human form. Wood Clone—success! Kyohiko glanced at it. Thanks to his mastery of the Shadow Clone technique and his Wood Release knowledge, the clone immediately reached "Skilled" level. "Too slow." He wasn’t entirely satisfied. Shadow Clones formed instantly, ready for combat. Wood Clones required a growth process. However— Wood Clones were more durable and harder to detect. And more importantly—could they enter Sage Mode faster? Kyohiko focused, locking eyes with the clone. The clone nodded. Then, standing still, it formed a single-handed seal— This was the "Tranquil Seal" Kyohiko had developed based on the "Rebirth Technique," allowing him to quickly enter a state of absolute calm. Kyohiko counted the seconds. One minute. One and a half... The Wood Clone suddenly seemed to vanish from perception. Untraceable. Undetectable. This was complete integration with nature. If stabilized, it would enter Sage Mode. In less than two minutes, the clone opened its eyes—now marked with Sage Mode’s pigmentation. Then, the clone dispersed, its chakra and memories returning. Time halved. Faster entry. More stable. Less backlash from natural energy... As expected. Kyohiko couldn’t suppress a grin. Compared to Shadow Clones, Wood Clones were closer to nature, more easily merging with the earth and surroundings—making Sage Mode activation smoother. So— Could he use Wood Release techniques to make his real body mimic a Wood Clone’s state, allowing faster Sage Mode entry? Worth researching. "Aside from Wood Clones..." Kyohiko pondered other applications. Restraint. Control. And perhaps—developing a way to absorb chakra through Wood Release. He had his goals set. Just as he was about to lie down for a proper sleep— Suddenly, Kyohiko sensed an unusual chakra fluctuation in the earth. This perception felt instinctive, likely another effect of his improved kekkei genkai. He moved to the window. The next moment, Orochimaru emerged from the ground. "Were you just testing Sage Mode?" While lurking earlier, Orochimaru had noticed Kyohiko’s clone briefly vanishing, then entering an ambiguous state. He had guessed Kyohiko was experimenting with "Sage Power." Kyohiko nodded. Orochimaru sighed silently. Sage Mode—a powerful and mysterious force. Unfortunately, with Ryūchi Cave, he hadn’t yet accessed such power. In that regard, Jiraiya was ahead of him. But— He wasn’t obsessed with it. Orochimaru felt only mild envy and curiosity before shifting the topic. "Kyohiko, regarding my earlier proposal... What do you think?" "Hashirama’s cells?" Kyohiko countered. Orochimaru nodded. "Yes." He entered the room, then set up a soundproof barrier before smiling. "Don’t misunderstand. I bear no ill will, nor would I coerce you. I simply wish to observe whether a Wood Release user can safely integrate his cells." "We can try." Kyohiko agreed. If successful, it would be a significant boost for him. Orochimaru’s eyes gleamed with excitement. He unsealed a scroll, carefully revealing a small vial. Inside—specialized flesh cells, radiating immense vitality. Kyohiko’s expression turned grave. Hashirama’s cells. Even through the glass, he could sense their overwhelming life force—a flesh capable of consuming any host. He might not withstand it either. "A tiny amount. If rejection occurs, we can excise the affected tissue immediately to prevent spread." Orochimaru advised. Then, with a scalpel, he shaved off a minuscule fragment—barely visible to the naked eye. Kyohiko made a small incision on his forearm, letting blood well up. He preemptively channeled chakra. "I’ll enter a meditative state first. You apply it to the wound." "Understood." Orochimaru nodded. Kyohiko sat cross-legged, using the Tranquil Seal to steady his mind, then closed his eyes—focusing inward. This wasn’t true inner vision, but combined with medical ninjutsu’s diagnostic techniques, it allowed him to monitor his body’s reactions with precision. Orochimaru placed the cells against the wound. Soon, rapid regeneration and healing occurred. The potent life force began eroding Kyohiko’s body, but under the resistance of his chakra, the erosion was slow—not immediately overtaking his arm, but gradually spreading outward with difficulty. However— He could sense it... A surge of life energy was seeping in through the cells. Kyohiko focused his mind. With a single-handed seal, he pressed his palm to the ground. A tree sprouted rapidly beneath Orochimaru, vines coiling around him and binding him to the trunk. Orochimaru froze momentarily— Then, he felt his chakra being drained. The tree was absorbing his energy! "Success?" Though restrained, Orochimaru couldn’t hide his excitement. Kyohiko shook his head. He drew a kunai, gritted his teeth, and excised the infected flesh before healing the wound with medical ninjutsu. "Not a success." "Then this is...?" Orochimaru stared at the vines in astonishment. Wood Release capable of absorbing chakra and possessing life—only the First Hokage had achieved such a feat. Kyohiko had previously been unable to replicate it. Yet now, he was trapped by precisely such a technique. This was true Wood Release! Kyohiko dispelled the jutsu with a seal. Then, he gestured for Orochimaru to sit. A non-insane Orochimaru still held significant value to him. After a moment of thought, Kyohiko explained: "You could say I can temporarily borrow its life force and chakra, but I can’t fully integrate it. I must constantly expend chakra to prevent it from consuming my body." Orochimaru’s expression fell. "Even you can’t assimilate it?" "At this stage, no." Kyohiko nodded. Orochimaru sighed. "A shame." "Do you have another vial?" "Here." Orochimaru produced a small experimental container. Kyohiko placed the excised flesh inside, applied two layers of sealing formulas, then added: "Perhaps we could develop a seal to localize its influence, then use Wood Release to channel its power." "A cursed seal... to harness it?" Orochimaru pondered, then grinned in approval. "An excellent approach. If such a seal could be created, you could borrow its vitality and chakra to enhance yourself." "Easier said than done." Kyohiko exhaled. Orochimaru agreed, then his eyes gleamed. "I’ve had an idea." "Sage Body?" "Kyohiko, you see? We truly are kindred spirits!" Orochimaru licked his lips eagerly. His thoughts had gone to the same place—Sage Body! Naturally. Because that’s exactly what you’ll research in the future. Kyohiko held back a scoff. "A cursed seal to encapsulate that flesh’s power. Wouldn’t that grant anyone a Sage Body?" Suppressing his excitement, Orochimaru leaned forward. "Kyohiko... You’ll assist me, won’t you?" "It’s difficult." Kyohiko shook his head. Then, he took a deep breath. "I’ll help. But no human experimentation. If you cross that line, I’ll join Tsunade-nee and Sensei against you." Orochimaru fell silent, his gaze tinged with disappointment. Yet soon, he chuckled. "With your involvement... I accept your terms." "For all experiments?" "Agreed." Orochimaru nodded. "You’re the closest I’ve seen to the First Hokage. Through you, I may uncover the secret of immortality. Slower progress... is acceptable." What Orochimaru feared wasn’t delay—it was hopelessness. But now— Hope stood right before him. Why refuse? "Pleasure doing business." Kyohiko extended his hand. Orochimaru clasped it, grinning. "You’re far sharper than Jiraiya. That fool’s greatest luck was taking you as a student." "Flattered." Kyohiko smiled faintly. As they parted, Orochimaru tossed him an object. Kyohiko caught it—a sealing scroll. "Supplies and vials inside. Use it to store interesting blood or tissue samples. We’ll study them together when time allows." With that, Orochimaru melted into the earth. Kyohiko examined the scroll, then sealed the container of Hashirama’s cells inside. A sealing scroll. These were expensive—often priceless. And he’d just secured Hashirama’s cells and a research partnership. Absolute win. Next morning. Swish—! Kyohiko practiced Wood Release outside his quarters. Located high on Kikyō Mountain, far from the base camp, his residence was surrounded by ANBU and jōnin—minimal risk of espionage. Besides— He’d already used it against Pakura. No point hiding it further. Others, however, were less composed. "T-This is Wood Release?!" Aburame Shibi’s voice cracked. He wasn’t the first to react this way—and wouldn’t be the last. Kyohiko nodded calmly. "Yes." "How do you—?" Shibi stared, then sighed in awe. "Wood Release... This is Wood Release! Why aren’t you more excited?" The usually taciturn man was uncharacteristically verbose. "Already had my moment." Kyohiko smirked. After a day of experimentation, his Wood Release had grown remarkably fluid. His Wood Clones formed faster now. Just now, he’d been testing whether he could replicate the chakra-absorption trait unaided. No luck yet. Kyohiko turned to Shibi. "Something urgent?" "Yes. Orochimaru-sama sent me with intelligence." Shibi’s tone carried newfound respect. Though young, Kyohiko had already earned equal standing with them. In a few years, they might even look up to him. A sobering thought. Kyohiko unsealed the scroll, scanning its contents. Sunagakure had surrendered! The terms included: Return of the Third Kazekage’s remains. Release of Pakura. Another note mentioned: The Land of Rivers had granted Konoha passage. Kyohiko sneered. "Sunagakure still isn’t clear-headed enough." "Orochimaru-sama said the same." Shibi nodded. "He added: ’Since you orchestrated this war, see it through to the end.’" "Gladly." Pushing Suna to desperation would backfire. But— Their current "surrender" lacked sincerity. Kyohiko believed— They needed a sharper reminder. "Gather an elite squad. We leave tonight for the Land of Rivers’ border." "Will you use Magnet Release again?" Shibi sounded surprised. Kyohiko shook his head. "Against Rasa? Why waste it? That technique isn’t reusable. He can fly—his men can’t." Then, his voice turned steel-cold. "The White Fang is dead. But now—Konoha has Minato and me."