Chapter 255: Untitled! Seeking Subscriptions!
Upon returning home from the Sage Domain, Hyuga Hiashi immediately summoned his brother Hizashi to inform him about Neji's situation.
"Neji..."
Hizashi Hyuga was so emotional upon hearing the news that he couldn't speak for a moment.
After calming down, he looked at Hyuga Hiashi and asked, "So, are you planning to abolish the Caged Bird?"
Hyuga Hiashi shook his head. "No!"
"The Caged Bird cannot be abolished!"
Hizashi Hyuga, suppressing his anger, demanded, "Why?"
"How many geniuses in the clan have been stifled by the Caged Bird?"
"Why cling to such a corrupt system?"
"Are we inferior to the Uchiha clan?"
"Haven't you seen over the years how the Uchiha clan has continuously grown stronger!"
Hyuga Hiashi listened calmly. "Of course, I know."
"But the Caged Bird will not be abolished."
"However, starting today, the branch family and the main family will receive the same resources."
"Furthermore, anyone who can achieve what Neji has can also become part of the main family."
Hizashi Hyuga frowned. "Why?"
"Don't you sense the danger hidden within this?"
Hyuga Hiashi said calmly, "For the continuation of the clan, a portion of people must inevitably be sacrificed."
"Guiding the Hyuga through geniuses will allow the clan to prosper endlessly."
Hizashi Hyuga snorted. "But not everyone can be as lucky as Neji!"
If he hadn't insisted on Neji becoming Sarutobi Asuma's student, would things be like this today?
He probably wouldn't have been able to change his fate!
Hyuga Hiashi said, "I have already asked Mr. Asuma to research the Hyuga clan's Byakugan. If there are results, geniuses of the Hyuga will directly obtain the same Byakugan as Neji in the future."
Hizashi Hyuga was shocked. "Mr. Asuma..."
Hyuga Hiashi nodded. "The Uchiha clan has successively produced Mangekyo Sharingan, which is the result of Mr. Asuma's research!"
"I have no objection to this."
Hizashi Hyuga trusted Sarutobi Asuma even more than Hyuga Hiashi.
...
Two hours later.
Hyuga Hiashi personally delivered the collected blood samples of the clan members to the Sage Domain and handed them over to Sarutobi Asuma.
Inside the research base, Shadow Clones began their work, analyzing the genes of the Hyuga clan of Konoha.
And in the evening.
Naruto and the others finally returned.
At the same time, Konoha also sent the news to the other ninja villages that possessed Tailed Beasts.
The Akatsuki Organization's plot to seize Tailed Beasts and the news that members of the Tenshin Group, who had previously collected the blood of Kekkei Genkai users, had joined the Akatsuki Organization quickly swept through the Ninja World.
In the Sage Domain, under the Sage Tree.
Uchiha Fugaku brought his son Uchiha Sasuke to pay their respects to Sarutobi Asuma.
"Mr. Asuma, please examine the Cursed Seal left by Orochimaru on Sasuke."
Uchiha Fugaku requested.
He had researched it before but couldn't do anything about it, so he had to seal it temporarily, which was why he came here.
Sarutobi Asuma approached Uchiha Sasuke and looked at the Cursed Seal on his neck.
"It's Orochimaru's Sage Mode Cursed Seal."
Sarutobi Asuma smiled. "It can be considered another form of Sage Mode, but it's rather uncontrollable."
Sage Mode was no longer a secret in Konoha, and quite a few people had mastered it.
For instance, Uchiha Fugaku had learned it.
"Can it be removed?"
Uchiha Fugaku asked.
"Of course, it can."
Sarutobi Asuma nodded. "Orochimaru is using the power of the Cursed Seal to erode Sasuke's body. This way, when he tries to take over Sasuke's body, he can adapt quickly."
"Of course, this isn't without its benefits for Sasuke."
"Similar to Sage Mode, it can significantly boost his strength."
Uchiha Fugaku stated without hesitation, "Please remove this Cursed Seal, Mr. Asuma. I believe Sasuke can become strong even without it."
Uchiha Sasuke nodded and looked up at Sarutobi Asuma, saying, "Mr. Asuma, I will defeat Orochimaru with my own power!"
"Ambitious!"
Sarutobi Asuma ruffled Uchiha Sasuke's hair and then placed his hand over the Cursed Seal on his neck. "Bear with it, it might hurt a bit!"
"Mhm!"
Uchiha Sasuke nodded heavily and gritted his teeth.
Sarutobi Asuma immediately activated his power, channeling Sage Power into Uchiha Sasuke's body and uprooting Orochimaru's Cursed Seal.
"Ah..."
Uchiha Sasuke cried out in pain. The intense agony made his body tremble, and cold sweat poured down his face.
However, the pain came intensely and left just as quickly.
In less than 5 seconds, Sarutobi Asuma withdrew his hand, and the Cursed Seal on Uchiha Sasuke's neck had vanished.
Gasp!
Gasp!
Uchiha Sasuke panted heavily. If not for Uchiha Fugaku supporting him, he would have collapsed.
"There we go."
Sarutobi Asuma clasped his hands behind his back and smiled, "There won't be any problems now."
"However, that fellow Orochimaru has targeted Sasuke and likely won't give up easily, so you still need to be cautious."
Uchiha Fugaku nodded, "We will be careful. Thank you, Mr. Asuma."
After the father and son left, Sarutobi Asuma turned and headed to the experimental base.
He hadn't expected that "consuming" Orochimaru's Cursed Seal power this time would bring an unexpected surprise.
He entered a laboratory.
Four corpses were laid out here – the bodies of the Sound Four.
Sarutobi Asuma had no intention of transforming into a White Phosphorus Snake or even an Eight-Branched Serpent.
But Orochimaru's Cursed Seal power, along with the genes of the Sound Four, gave him considerable inspiration.
It was quite meaningful for research.
Land of Rice.
Secret base.
When Sarutobi Asuma removed Uchiha Sasuke's Cursed Seal, Orochimaru immediately sensed it, feeling a touch of regret. "As expected, Asuma dealt with it."
"It seems obtaining the Sharingan will be a bit difficult."
Orochimaru felt a little unwilling.
Uchiha Sasuke was someone he had specifically chosen, and he wasn't the type to passively wait.
"It seems another method is needed. Clones might be a direction."
...
8 PM.
Sarutobi Asuma arrived at the Senju Ancestral Home.
He then saw Senju Hashirama holding Sarutobi Mirai, while Senju Tobirama was teaching Little Nawaki Ninjutsu.
Laughter from Tsunade and the others could be heard from the kitchen.
"Dad!"
Little Nawaki saw Sarutobi Asuma return and immediately cheered, grinning. "Dad, Great-Grandfather Tobirama is teaching me the Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Sarutobi Mirai also turned around with coos and stretched her hands out to Sarutobi Asuma.
"Then study hard. Your Great-Grandfather Tobirama is the originator of the Shadow Clone Jutsu," Sarutobi Asuma said with a smile, then took his daughter from Senju Hashirama.
Little Nawaki's eyes lit up. "Amazing!"
"I'll definitely study hard and surpass Naruto-niichan!"
Sarutobi Asuma and Senju Hashirama couldn't help but laugh heartily.
The two then sat down to chat on the side.
"I didn't expect Little Tsunade to have mastered Wood Release as well," Senju Hashirama said with surprise.
Sarutobi Asuma said, "Tsunade obtained her Wood Release by transplanting your original cells."
"My cells?"
Senju Hashirama asked in surprise.
Senju Tobirama also looked up and said, "We didn't sense anything."
Sarutobi Asuma explained with a smile, "It wasn't a direct transplant of your original cells, Lord First Hokage, but rather original cells cultivated through special means, and they only possessed a portion of the genes."
"You could say they're no longer your original cells, Lord First Hokage."
"The subsequent Wood Release at the Kekkei Tōta level was something Tsunade cultivated herself."
"As for God Tree, he inherited my Sage Body, the seven Chakra Nature Transformations, and Tsunade's Constitution and Wood Release Kekkei Tōta."
"However, Nawaki might also awaken my Kekkei Mora Wood Style."
Bloodline Net!
Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama were both astonished.
They had no idea Sarutobi Asuma possessed Wood Release with the Bloodline Net.
"Truly astonishing. I never imagined Wood Release could have such incredible variations," Senju Hashirama marveled.
Sarutobi Asuma said, "According to my research, any Kekkei Genkai can evolve into a Bloodline Net."
As he spoke, he looked at Senju Tobirama and said, "Lord Second Hokage, how about you take Nawaki under your tutelage?"
Senju Tobirama responded with surprise, "He inherited your power and Wood Release. Wouldn't it be more suitable for Brother to mentor him?"
Sarutobi Asuma shook his head, "For Wood Release, not much guidance is actually needed."
He looked at Little Nawaki, who was studying a scroll on Shadow Clone jutsu, and added, "Creativity is what he needs."
Senju Hashirama, upon hearing this, smiled in agreement, "Asuma is right!"
"Tobirama, Nawaki is indeed more suited for your guidance."
Senju Tobirama nodded, "Alright, but you two can't interfere then."
Sarutobi Asuma and Senju Hashirama exchanged a look and then nodded in unison, "Of course."
...
After dinner.
Sarutobi Asuma and Tsunade brought Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama to the experimental base under the Sage Tree, showcasing their numerous research achievements and ongoing projects to the two Hokage.
As expected, this captivated Senju Tobirama.
Especially the research on various Kekkei Genkai.
"Asuma, how many Kekkei Genkai have you mastered?"
After the tour, Senju Tobirama couldn't help but ask out of curiosity.
Sarutobi Asuma smiled and replied, "I have mastered all the Kekkei Genkai currently existing in the Ninja World."
Despite having some preparation, Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama were still shocked.
Senju Tobirama then asked, "So, your goal is to upgrade all Kekkei Genkai into Bloodline Nets?"
"You could say that," Sarutobi Asuma nodded. "This is the most legitimate way to extend lifespan and achieve eternal life."
"Of course, it's also an extremely difficult path."
"Currently, I've only mastered two Bloodline Nets."
Only two...
Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama exchanged a look, feeling an urge to punch him.
"I really like it here. Besides teaching Nawaki, I'll stay here!" Senju Tobirama declared.
Sarutobi Asuma and Tsunade smiled at each other and nodded in agreement.
Then, Sarutobi Asuma turned to Senju Hashirama and asked, "Lord First Hokage, what about you?"
"Me?"
Senju Hashirama stroked his chin and pondered, "I think I'll travel around the Ninja World for a while!"
"Well, it's been a long time since I've been to... ah, right, I should go see that South Sage Continent you mentioned."
Sarutobi Asuma nodded, "No problem. You can visit the South Sage Continent anytime you wish. I believe it won't disappoint you, Lord First Hokage."
The next day.
As Sarutobi Asuma emerged from the comforting embrace of Tsunade and Shizune, he discovered that Senju Hashirama was no longer in Konoha.
After a careful scan, he located the God of Shinobi, who was enthusiastically gambling at a pachinko parlor in Tantō Street.
He probably slipped out of Konoha last night.
Meanwhile, Senju Tobirama was busy at the research base.
The contrast was truly stark!
After spending the morning training with his son, Little Nawaki, Sarutobi Asuma arrived at the Hokage's office.
"This is the list for the Chunin Special Training Class."
Namikaze Minato handed the document to Sarutobi Asuma.
As Sarutobi Asuma took a look, he saw that besides Naruto and the other eleven rookies.
There was also Uzumaki Karin, and three promising talents selected from the South Sage Continent.
"No problem, we'll start in three days," Sarutobi Asuma said.
Namikaze Minato nodded and then asked, "Is there a definitive solution for Gekko Hayate's problem?"
With Sarutobi Asuma, Tsunade, and Shizune around, Gekko Hayate was basically fine.
Even when using the power of his Kekkei Genkai, he could receive timely treatment to restore his lungs to normal.
However, it still hadn't been completely cured.
He needed treatment once in a while, and if he frequently used the power of Transparent Release, the interval would shorten.
Sarutobi Asuma shook his head. "Not yet. He'll have to perfect his Transparent Release Kekkei Genkai himself."
"His situation is different from Kurama Yakumo's. Yakumo's Genjutsu power was too strong, which also spawned a second personality, weakening her body. By mastering the second personality, she can continuously improve and even eradicate the flaws by cultivating Yang Style Chakra Nature Transformation."
"But Hayate's Transparent Release is caused by the incompleteness of the Kekkei Genkai itself."
"Although I've improved it, he still needs to train it himself."
"Of course, once the technology advances, we can make changes to his genes, but we're still a bit short on that right now."
Having received his answer, Namikaze Minato nodded and then said, "Asuma, what do you plan to do with the separated Tailed Beasts?"
"What do you think, Brother Minato?" Sarutobi Asuma asked in return.
Namikaze Minato thought for a moment and asked, "Can we save all the Jinchuriki?"
Sarutobi Asuma pondered. "As much as possible. But if we do, I'll need to use a new identity."
"Even if the Jinchuriki are saved, they can't show themselves immediately."
"After all, besides Takigakure, the other villages probably won't let us interfere with their Jinchuriki."
Namikaze Minato nodded.
He had considered this as well.
Even though the Akatsuki Organization was starting to collect Tailed Beasts, Kirigakure, Iwagakure, and Kumogakure probably wouldn't cooperate with Konoha.
Unless their Tailed Beasts were lost, these guys definitely wouldn't join forces with Konoha.
Of course, this was actually an opportunity to strip the other major villages of their control over their Tailed Beasts.
Once Ōtsutsuki Kaguya, this trouble, was dealt with, and the major villages no longer had Tailed Beasts, their confidence would wane, making Sarutobi Asuma's plan easier to achieve.
However, Namikaze Minato felt that perhaps it would be better to keep the Jinchuriki, and even find a way to recruit them.
This was also why he wanted Sarutobi Asuma to save the Jinchuriki.
Sarutobi Asuma understood his meaning, so he didn't refuse.
And as expected.
Over the next two days, although the major villages strengthened their protection of their Jinchuriki, they showed no reaction to Konoha's proposal to jointly eliminate the Akatsuki Organization.
"They won't know pain until they're hit!"
Sarutobi Asuma coldly snorted when he learned of this, then put it out of his mind.
Another day passed in a blink of an eye.
On the fourth day after the Chunin Exams concluded, the members of the Chunin Special Training Class gathered under the Sage Tree in the Sage Domain.
-----------
Machine Translation by: beta.randomtranslator.com
Read 1400+ original & fanfic translations and Translate for Free at: www.randomtranslator.com