Chapter 123

Chapter 123

**Chapter 123: Activating the Wood Release Plan**

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### Chapter 123: Activating the Wood Release Plan

In the Hidden Leaf Village.

Within the Hokage’s Office, the village's senior leadership had gathered: Hiruzen Sarutobi, Homura Mitokado, Koharu Utatane, and Danzo Shimura.

Although the war had ended, their expressions remained grim.

“With no ambitions or overwhelming force displayed during the conflict, the shinobi world seems peaceful, but it’s still teetering on the brink of war. All it needs is a spark to reignite the flames...”

Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, laid out the precarious state of the shinobi world with a heavy heart.

The so-called Second Great Ninja War might have ended weakly, but it could flare up again with the smallest provocation.

In the tense atmosphere, Danzo Shimura broke the silence with a cold voice:

“Sarutobi, for now, maintaining stability in the shinobi world should be our priority. Root will do its utmost to provoke conflicts between other villages, such as the tensions between Iwagakure and Kumogakure…”

Even a militant like Danzo understood the impossibility of facing all four major villages simultaneously.

Taking on the darkest responsibilities of Root, Danzo chose the most challenging path. This drew a rare look of approval from Hiruzen Sarutobi, who nodded solemnly.

“Thank you, Danzo. The Anbu will cooperate with Root.”

Tensions and animosities between the great ninja villages were always present. Instigating conflicts was one of the easiest ways to ensure the stability of the Leaf Village.

Watching the cooperation between Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura in such a dire situation brought a rare moment of relief to both Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane.

“However, there’s another matter we must address—the Wood Release Plan!”

The moment Danzo mentioned this, the ominous glint in his eyes revealed the gravity of the situation.

Hearing this, both Homura and Koharu grew serious, their voices laced with concern:

“Hiruzen, are you certain we should proceed? If the Senju clan regains such power, especially under the influence of the Uchiha, it could destabilize the entire Leaf Village!”

It seemed second nature to blame the Uchiha for any potential disruption. If it involved the Uchiha, accusations were always readily available.

Compared to the other two’s veiled accusations, Danzo’s bluntness made him seem more straightforward:

“Hiruzen, while involving the Senju was part of the plan, Tsunade’s unexpected agreement has complicated things. Although the Senju are weakened, this time they stand united.

If the Senju gain control over the Wood Release Plan, the resulting power will be uncontrollable!”

The Wood Release Plan had been proposed by them, but they had anticipated Tsunade’s refusal. Their strategy had been to exploit the inevitable division within the Senju to weaken the clan further.

To their surprise, Tsunade had agreed, causing their entire scheme to collapse.

Now, there was an unsettling sense that the situation was slipping out of their hands.

The Third Hokage furrowed his brows deeply and said gravely:

“We all know Tsunade’s personality—this agreement is completely out of character…”

“You’re suggesting someone influenced her?” Koharu’s question caused the room to fall into a heavy silence. They all thought of the same person.

Mito Uzumaki.

Only Mito could have swayed Tsunade so significantly.

After a moment of oppressive silence, Hiruzen finally exhaled a plume of smoke and broke the tension:

“The Wood Release Plan must proceed. Since Tsunade has agreed, it’s only right for her to lead the project…”

“Hiruzen! That’s too dangerous!” Homura and Koharu immediately slammed their hands on the table, rejecting the proposal.

The thought of the Senju regaining their peak strength with the addition of Wood Release filled them with dread.

“Tsunade’s impulsive nature and this power in Senju hands could cause unrest in both the Leaf and the entire shinobi world!”

To them, any uncontrollable power was inherently a threat to the village.

Danzo, however, sneered at their objections.

“Frightened already? The Wood Release Plan will be led by Root. Tsunade’s role is merely symbolic; the final results will remain in Konoha’s hands!”

Hiruzen’s expression relaxed slightly at Danzo’s resolute response, a rare look of relief crossing his face.

Indeed, in critical moments, Danzo was always reliable.

“Danzo, the Wood Release Plan must proceed. Ensure it remains under control at all costs.”

Hiruzen’s firm yet ambiguous tone essentially granted Danzo full authority over the project.

The understanding between them ran deep. Danzo knew that if anything went wrong, Root would bear the blame.

“Rest assured, Hiruzen. All research will take place within Root’s labs. No one will take anything out.”

Danzo smirked. Tsunade’s involvement would only accelerate progress. As for the results? Handing them over to anyone else was out of the question.

With Wood Release in hand, the position of Hokage would be his!

Hiruzen nodded silently. Mastering Wood Release was no simple task—Tobirama himself had abandoned the research.

Ultimately, any breakthroughs made under Root’s watchful eyes would still end up under the Hokage’s control.

As for the Senju?

Involving them in the Wood Release Plan was a mere formality, a show of respect to the declining clan. Without this, conducting such experiments could have stirred unrest among Konoha’s noble clans.

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**A Small Town in the Land of Rain**

Under a gloomy sky, rain fell steadily.

“Nagato, your parents were killed by Leaf shinobi, weren’t they?”

The calm yet affirming voice came from Uchiha Yosuke, who leaned against a tree. His question startled Nagato, who had just finished training in the forest. Beside him, Konan looked visibly uneasy.

Nagato’s heart ached as he faced Yosuke’s tranquil gaze. Over time, Yosuke had become someone very important to him.

“Yes.”

Nagato’s hoarse reply carried deep bitterness. He didn’t know what Yosuke’s intentions were but couldn’t lie to the person who had given him a new sense of purpose.

Yet, Yosuke showed no anger. Instead, he gazed wistfully at the overcast sky.

“Greed and ambition drive wars, satisfying the powerful while ordinary people bear the greatest suffering. Nagato, I’m sorry for what you’ve endured.”

Hearing this, Nagato’s eyes grew misty, while Konan looked at Yosuke with gratitude.

“During this time, you must have noticed it too.”

Yosuke’s words made Nagato and Konan lower their heads. They had indeed noticed.

The Leaf had been withdrawing from the battlefield, leaving the Land of Rain in chaos. At the same time, Yosuke had started teaching them advanced ninjutsu.

“Soon, I’ll be returning to the Leaf. But Nagato…” Yosuke’s gaze softened as he turned to Nagato.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t take you with me.”

This declaration sent a warmth through Nagato’s chest. Pushing back his red hair, he revealed his mysterious purple Rinnegan.

“Is it because of these eyes, Brother Yosuke?”

Yosuke had explained the Rinnegan’s legendary power to him, so he understood its significance.

“In a world filled with strife, not even my village can guarantee your safety. If I took you back, I wouldn’t be able to protect you.”

“Brother Yosuke, if it helps, I can give these eyes to you!”

Nagato’s earnest offer stunned even the hidden White Zetsu.

“Idiot, don’t say such foolish things.” Yosuke smiled wryly, tossing Nagato a red book from his pouch.

“This is the latest issue. In it, I’ve written about how the Rinnegan is said to bring about a great transformation in the shinobi world. Don’t let me down. Train hard and show me how powerful a legend can truly be.”

As Nagato clutched the book, his eyes brimmed with emotion.

“Your eyes shouldn’t be limited to one village or one nation. Like the rising sun breaking through the clouds, your eyes must bring light and a new dawn to the entire shinobi world!”

The word “dawn” echoed in Nagato’s mind. Tears welled up as he realized the weight of Yosuke’s expectations.

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*(To be continued)*