Chapter 227: Wood Release Acquired
The lingering sunset faded, leaving behind only the deepening, murky night.
After a full day of fighting, the Konoha Headquarters returned to a semblance of peace.
Not far from the HQ was a small river. The summer breeze blew, bringing waves of coolness.
Tsunade sat by the river, watching the ripples spread across the water's surface. She raised her right leg, slowly reached out, and hooked her finger under her pants cuff. Pulling it up along her pale skin, she exposed her slender calf.
The sole of her foot pressed against a rock. Her toes, like rounded pearls, wiggled slightly, the red polish on her nails slightly dull in the night. She lowered her right leg, then lifted her left, rolling up the cuff to reveal the anklet on her ankle. Tsunade stared at the anklet for a few seconds before tucking it away.
She submerged both feet in the water, and a wave of coolness washed over her, causing her to narrow her eyes in pleasure. Since entering June, the weather had warmed, and soaking her feet during moments of leisure had become a luxury.
A moment later, Tsunade suddenly raised an eyebrow. Her gaze dropped, and she saw several streams of water, as if alive, swirling around her feet, massaging them. Tsunade instinctively curled her toes and tensed her legs.
The corner of her mouth lifted, and she spoke, "Brat, who taught you to use Water Release jutsu like that?"
"Ninjutsu is a tool, whether it's used for fighting or for washing feet, there's absolutely no problem with it," Hoshikawa said with a smile from behind her.
"What utter nonsense!" Tsunade scoffed.
"If Master doesn't like it, I'll stop." Hoshikawa withdrew his chakra.
"We're in the middle of a war; don't waste chakra needlessly," Tsunade said, patting the ground. "Come sit."
"Mm." Hoshikawa walked forward, then his eyelid twitched.
Tsunade had removed her tea-green jacket, revealing a sleeveless top. As she sat by the river, Hoshikawa's gaze naturally fell, catching the glimpse of snow-white skin at her neckline. Further down were her equally fair, long legs, like polished mutton-fat jade soaking in the water.
"What are you staring at?" Tsunade looked back at him. Meeting his gaze, she suddenly realized her exposed state.
"Master, have you eaten?" Hoshikawa quickly sat down beside her, deploying the subject-changing tactic.
"I ate a little something," Tsunade subconsciously pulled at her neckline.
"That's definitely not enough." Hoshikawa noticed her movement and inwardly sighed in relief.
"What do you have to eat?" Mentioned by Hoshikawa, Tsunade indeed felt her hunger stir.
"How about grilled fish?" Hoshikawa raised a hand and pointed. "Look over there."
Tsunade followed his gaze and spotted two crucian carp. She cocked her head. "They're a bit small."
"No problem, I'll just catch a few more," Hoshikawa said, smiling. "Watch this."
He formed hand seals, and the river water instantly changed. The nearby currents seemed to answer a river god's call, transforming into arms that suddenly grabbed the carp. The carp, having lived in the river their whole lives, never dreamed they would be attacked by the very water they swam in.
"Your Water Release..." Tsunade couldn't help but be stunned. This level of water control was simply unbelievable. Reaching this proficiency meant Hoshikawa's mastery over the shape and nature transformation of Water Release was virtually absolute. Among all the Water Release ninja she had seen, only Tobirama Senju could compare.
"I don't know," Hoshikawa said casually. "I just kept practicing and it turned out this way."
"..." Tsunade's mouth twitched, speechless, wanting to kick him in the face. Is he even speaking human language? She once again experienced Hoshikawa's monstrous ninjutsu talent. Of course, this was a good thing. The stronger he was, the better he could survive.
Hoshikawa couldn't help but laugh at her reaction. That comment was, of course, a lie. The reason his Water Release had advanced was that he had successfully acquired the A-rank Title, 'Water Release Jōnin'.
About a month and a half had passed since the last battle with Kumogakure's thousand-man ninja squad. Danzō Shimura, perhaps realizing he couldn't suppress Tsunade, had temporarily backed off. Hoshikawa's missions had grudgingly returned to normal. 'Grudgingly' because most of their assignments were logistics or deep reconnaissance behind enemy lines, with few proper frontal confrontations. Fortunately, the number of battles was still significant.
Hoshikawa had finally filled the progress bar for the A-rank Title, 'Water Release Jōnin'. Its effect was still a power boost to all Water Release jutsu, but it had increased from the previous 100% to 150%. Hoshikawa now had three Titles boosting Water Release power: 'Water Release Jōnin' (A-rank), 'Rain God' (B-rank), and 'I Am the Mizukage' (B-rank). In other words, his Water Release power theoretically had a 350% boost. Water Release was currently the most powerful of all his elemental jutsu, surpassing even the Lava Release he had learned. Kekkei Genkai should theoretically be more powerful than single elemental jutsu, but Hoshikawa's elemental jutsu had the benefit of Title enhancements. This was why he still favored Water Release and other elemental jutsu.
Compared to Water Release, Earth Release was lagging slightly, but close. Hoshikawa estimated he needed about half a month more to reach 100% progress and synthesize Wood Release.
"That's enough, don't catch any more." Tsunade quickly spoke up, looking at the ten fish he had collected.
"I'll go grill them now," Hoshikawa snapped back. "Wait a moment, Master."
"Mm." Tsunade nodded and continued to splash her feet.
Hoshikawa put on his shoes and went to build a fire nearby. After cleaning the fish, he skewered them and placed them over the fire. Hoshikawa held out his hand, using Fire Release chakra to feed the flames, making them hotter. He had become accustomed to treating chakra as a versatile tool. Everything could use a little boost; it always helped.
Soon, an enticing aroma began to waft through the air.
"Is it ready?" Tsunade licked the corner of her mouth, turning to look at Hoshikawa. Her body leaned forward slightly, her clothes straining under the heavy weight, looking as if they might rip open.
"Almost," Hoshikawa replied, looking on with concern.
"Hurry up." Tsunade averted her gaze, rubbing her stomach as she waited for Hoshikawa.
A few minutes later, the delicious smell grew stronger.
"Here you go." Hoshikawa sat down beside her and handed her a skewer of grilled fish.
"Thank you." Tsunade took a huge bite of the fish without waiting. It was too hot, so she instinctively opened her red lips and blew on it twice.
"Master, you're really cute," Hoshikawa chuckled softly.
Tsunade glared at him but said nothing, focusing on her fish. Hoshikawa could guess what she wanted to say—likely some lecture on respecting one's teacher. He picked up a grilled fish and began eating too.
"Danzō Shimura hasn't made a move in so long. Shouldn't we have Rin monitor him?" Hoshikawa suddenly thought of something and asked. He didn't want Danzō to ruin things right when he was about to synthesize Wood Release.
"Monitoring Danzō himself is too dangerous; we can monitor his Root subordinates instead," Tsunade considered. "Hizashi is returning to Konoha tomorrow, so I'll have him get a list of former Root members from the Anbu."
"Why is he going back to Konoha?" Hoshikawa asked curiously.
"Because his child is likely to be born this month, so he's going back to check on things," Tsunade explained.
Hoshikawa's eyebrow raised upon hearing this. He remembered Neji Hyūga's birthday was July 3rd, which was indeed very soon. Next year would be the turn of Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto Uzumaki, and Hinata Hyūga. In other words, Madara Uchiha's lifespan was nearing its end. Since he and Sasuke Uchiha were Indra's chakra reincarnations, when one died, the other was born.
Hoshikawa fell into thought. Obito Uchiha had been silent since his severe injury. Based on his understanding of Madara, he was likely rushing to train Obito and finalize the Eye of the Moon Plan. If Madara Uchiha died, would Obito Uchiha finally make his move?
Fortunately, there's still time. Hoshikawa could learn the Flying Thunder God Technique before next year.
"You don't need to worry too much," Tsunade glanced at him. "Just as you said before, tricks and schemes are useless against absolute strength."
Hoshikawa knew she misunderstood but didn't correct her. After all, she didn't know about Obito Uchiha.
"I just want to deal with Danzō Shimura sooner," Hoshikawa chuckled. "That old man is annoying."
"He won't be arrogant for much longer," Tsunade sighed out a hot breath. "If we weren't in the middle of a war, I would have arrested him already." She was referring to the Wood Release experiments.
"Mm." Hoshikawa saw she had finished her fish and handed her another skewer.
"What a shame," Tsunade said regretfully. "If only I could have a drink."
"Want a sip or two?" Hoshikawa blinked. "With your strength, a little drink won't affect you at all."
"Forget it. If I have a couple of sips, I won't be able to stop." Tsunade was tempted for a moment but resisted the urge. Especially since she was the Vice Commander. If Danzō found out she was drinking, it would inevitably lead to another round of accusations and slander. She couldn't be bothered arguing with him.
"Then we'll drink when we get back," Hoshikawa said, smiling at her conflicted expression.
"Mm." Tsunade finished her fish, stretched, and let out a languid moan.
Hoshikawa subconsciously looked at her, his vision immediately drawn to the undulating expanse of fair skin.
"What are you looking at, brat!" Tsunade's eyes narrowed instantly, and she reached out to pinch his face.
"My apologies." Hoshikawa apologized at lightning speed.
"And you're still looking?" A vein popped in Tsunade's forehead.
"It's Master's fault for being so captivating." Hoshikawa struggled to look away.
Tsunade snorted, using both hands to knead his face like dough.
"Hiss!" Hoshikawa sucked in a breath. "It hurts!"
"Does it?" Tsunade's mouth lifted slightly, her mood improving significantly, and her hand movements became more frequent.
"..." Hoshikawa briefly considered retaliating, but for the sake of his life, he didn't dare.
"Alright, go back and rest." Tsunade let go once she was satisfied.
"Yes," Hoshikawa said weakly.
"What's wrong?" Tsunade asked, seeing him wilted like a frosted eggplant. "Are you displeased with your teacher?"
"Wouldn't dare," Hoshikawa said dismissively.
Tsunade just watched him with a smile. Just as Hoshikawa began to feel uneasy, she suddenly straightened up and leaned in close to him. Her skin was snow-white, like smooth cream, easily broken by a touch.
Hoshikawa was involuntarily stunned for a second. Then, he felt himself falling into a warm embrace.
"Good night." Tsunade hugged him, kissed him on the forehead, and then stood up and left.
"Wait..." Hoshikawa watched her retreating figure, filled with regret. Damn it! Another sneak attack!
Hoshikawa paused, then smiled. He stood up, put on his shoes, and returned to his tent.
The next day, Hizashi Hyūga returned to Konoha. He had originally intended to wait for Neji Hyūga's birth but hadn't timed it right. After staying for a few days, he had to return to the Konoha HQ.
Tsunade and Hoshikawa obtained the list of current Root members within the Anbu. Comparing this to the Root members at the Konoha HQ, they found there were only eight—the same eight Root members Hoshikawa had soundly thrashed before.
The next step was simple. Rin Nohara monitored them using the Spirit Transformation Technique whenever she had time. In addition to practicing Earth Release, Hoshikawa used his Mind's Eye of the Kagura to track the movements of the eight Root members. With both of them working in tandem, they essentially had a complete record of the Root members' activities.
Time advanced to July.
"Congratulations." Hoshikawa greeted Hizashi Hyūga upon his return from Konoha. He had returned to Konoha earlier but missed Neji's birth, but this time he was just right.
"How did you know?" Hizashi asked, slightly surprised.
"Even if you didn't say anything, your expression gave you away," Hoshikawa said, smiling. Hizashi's personality was similar to Hiashi Hyūga's—usually serious and reserved. But now he was beaming.
"It's a boy!" Hizashi said, still sounding a little excited.
"What's his name?" Hoshikawa asked curiously.
"Neji Hyūga," Hizashi replied with a smile.
"He will surely become a powerhouse like Uncle Hizashi," Hoshikawa blessed him. Looking at the original story, Neji Hyūga's talent was indeed greater than Hizashi Hyūga's. After all, he could teach himself the Main Family's Gentle Fist secret techniques, such as the Rotation. It was a pity he died young.
"Thank you!" Hizashi hesitated, then finally just said thank you. He had originally wanted to seize the chance to ask Hoshikawa to take Neji as a student, but this would inevitably anger Hiashi Hyūga and the Main Family. Even if Hiashi agreed, it would be difficult for Tsunade and Hoshikawa to accept. Given Hoshikawa's status, he couldn't possibly take two Hyūga students at once.
"We can chat later," Hoshikawa said with a smile. "My mission today is to transport the supplies you escorted back to their designated location."
Hizashi Hyūga was stunned for a moment. That Danzō Shimura is truly outrageous, making Hoshikawa do something like this.
But Hoshikawa didn't mind, for a simple reason: Danzō Shimura's time was nearly up. Because yesterday, he had acquired the A-rank Title, 'Earth Release Jōnin'. The effect was similar to 'Water Release Jōnin': a 150% boost to Earth Release power.
The real focus, of course, was Wood Release.
[A-Rank Talent Title: Wood Release (Yamato Version).]
[Trigger Condition: Synthesized from A-Rank Title 'Earth Release Jōnin' and A-Rank Title 'Water Release Jōnin'.]
[Effect: Automatically learn Wood Release.]
[Note: Adding A-Rank Title 'Medical Jōnin', A-Rank Title 'Sealing Jōnin', and S-Rank Title 'Chakra Ton' can synthesize S-Rank Title 'Wood Release (Hashirama Senju Version)'.]
The 'Wood Release (Yamato Version)' Title was straightforward and unremarkable, simply granting the ability to use Wood Release. However, its upgrade path gave Hoshikawa a huge surprise. He could actually upgrade it to Hashirama Senju's Wood Release?!
(End of Chapter)