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Chapter 209: Chapter 212: Shimura Danzo’s Move

The three continued to wait.

Before long, Nawaki woke up.

He sat up instinctively and glanced around, but nothing seemed different.

"The cell transplant is complete. Your Wood Release has already awakened naturally."

Orochimaru retrieved a potted plant from the windowsill and held it out. "Channel your chakra into this."

Nawaki suppressed his excitement and nodded.

He took the pot, drew a deep breath, and let his chakra surge outward, enveloping the tightly closed flower bud.

Under his eager gaze, the petals unfurled and bloomed in full.

There was no question — this was Wood Release chakra at work.

Every nature transformation carried its own intrinsic property. Wood Release’s was vitality itself. It could accelerate plant growth and, at its peak, conjure entire forests in an instant.

An idea stirred in Natsuki’s mind. Wood Release users might just be the most valuable asset for agriculture. They could accelerate crop growth and construct buildings. Yamato had once demonstrated two specialized jutsu for exactly that purpose — the Four-Pillar House Technique and the Serial Pillar Houses Technique. The former raised a two-story wooden house from nothing; the latter produced an entire row of them.

The only drawback was that wooden structures weren’t ideal for the Land of Rain’s relentless downpours.

But farming? Farming needed Wood Release.

Natsuki resolved to select an Akatsuki member and have them undergo the awakening. He’d watched the entire surgical procedure — every step Orochimaru and Tsunade performed. The difficulty was high, but not insurmountable. With proper guidance, an elite medical jōnin could learn and replicate it.

Someone like Yakushi Nonou.

Natsuki himself could do it too. And given their relationship, Orochimaru would certainly teach him.

The remaining piece was sourcing more Hashirama cells. He could request them from Orochimaru and Tsunade — or acquire them independently. Tracking down Senju Hashirama’s remains was one option, but he dismissed it immediately. That would be a direct insult to Tsunade and Nawaki.

There was, however, another avenue: Shimura Danzo.

If Danzo was secretly running Wood Release experiments, he’d have a substantial stockpile of Hashirama cells.

"Starting tomorrow, you can begin formal training in Wood Release ninjutsu." Orochimaru studied Nawaki with an appraising look. "Both you and Tsunade carry the First Hokage’s bloodline. Your affinity for Wood Release should be considerable."

Natsuki raised an eyebrow.

That was a fair point. In the original timeline, neither Yamato nor Uchiha Obito had possessed the Senju bloodline, yet their Wood Release had been more than sufficient against most jōnin. With the First Hokage’s blood running through their veins, Nawaki and Tsunade could potentially reach Kage-level strength through Wood Release alone.

Especially Nawaki.

Tsunade already possessed Kage-level power, though her combat style leaned heavily on the Yin Seal and the Hundred Healings Mark — maxing out regeneration and survivability the same way Orochimaru had. In a straight fight, she fell short of other Kage. But Wood Release could close that gap entirely.

"I’ll undergo the transplant today as well." Tsunade paused. "Other ninjas can wait. Let’s see how Nawaki and I do first."

Orochimaru nodded. Her caution was warranted. The procedure had succeeded, but no one could guarantee there wouldn’t be complications down the line. Observing two subjects first was the most prudent course.

Nawaki slid off the operating table, and Tsunade took his place.

"Sensei, let me assist."

Natsuki stepped forward immediately.

"Follow my lead," Orochimaru said without objection.

He knew Natsuki’s medical ninjutsu was strong — not on Tsunade’s level, but well above most medical ninjas. Besides, he’d already planned to teach the transplant procedure to Tsunade, Natsuki, and Yakushi Nonou. He had no interest in wasting his time repeating the surgery. The Wood Release experiment was a success; it was time to move on.

What the next experiment would be, he hadn’t decided yet.

Under Orochimaru’s guidance, Natsuki completed the Hashirama cell transplant.

By dusk, Tsunade woke.

Like Nawaki, she channeled chakra into a flower and watched it bloom.

"I never expected Nawaki and I would actually awaken Wood Release." Tsunade let out a breath of admiration. After Konoha’s previous experiments had all ended in failure, she’d assumed Wood Release was gone for good.

"It’s been absent from the village for far too long." Natsuki smiled. "The Great Ninja War is approaching. We can remind the other nations what Wood Release looks like."

"I wouldn’t set expectations that high." Tsunade shook her head with a wry, self-aware smile.

"We don’t need to match the First Hokage. Just reviving the name of Wood Release is something both Konoha and the Senju Clan want to see."

"I’ll do it!" Nawaki said at once.

"Then you’d better train twice as hard." Tsunade laughed.

It made more sense for Nawaki to carry that banner than her. Mainly because she couldn’t be bothered.

"Observe your condition for one month," Orochimaru said, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "If you experience any discomfort during that time, report it to me immediately. It’s late — go home."

"Sensei, you worked hard today. Please get some rest." Nawaki’s concern was immediate.

"Mm."

"You three go ahead," Natsuki said. "I need to stop by the Hokage Building."

The ninja world was shifting rapidly. Missing a single day could mean missing critical intelligence.

And he still had a trap to set for Shimura Danzo.

Tsunade and Nawaki didn’t press him. They both knew how stretched thin he was. In every way that mattered, he was already serving as acting Hokage.

Natsuki returned to his office.

"Natsuki."

Uchiha Mikoto, who’d been waiting, rose to greet him.

"Any new intelligence?"

He reached out, pulled her close by the waist, and gave her rear two firm pats over her pencil skirt.

"Nothing." Her body stiffened at his touch, her hips swaying with the impact — soft, yielding curves impossible to ignore.

"Then head home."

He tilted her chin up, caught her lower lip between his teeth for a brief, biting kiss, and murmured, "See you tomorrow."

"Mm." She nodded.

After he released her, Mikoto lingered for a reluctant moment before leaving the office.

Natsuki headed to the Anbu base.

He found Zo and instructed him to monitor Root’s recent movements.

Beyond the Anbu, he also summoned Tagorihime. Two objectives: first, to have the Ryūchi Cave’s serpents shadow Root alongside the Anbu; second, to locate Shimura Danzo’s secret laboratory. If they could uncover documents related to Konoha’s failed experiments, all the better.

With everything in motion, Natsuki finally called it a night.

Meanwhile — the Root base.

"Lord Danzo."

An operative knelt, producing a scroll. "The day’s significant events within Konoha."

Shimura Danzo took it without fanfare. This was routine. Staying informed on Konoha’s pulse allowed him to react when opportunities arose.

His actual influence had shrunk considerably since Orochimaru took the seat, but he remained the Hokage’s Assistant and Root’s leader. That still counted for something.

He unrolled the scroll, read the first entry, and went still.

Orochimaru, Tsunade, Natsuki, and Nawaki had spent the entire day in the Research Department.

He already knew about Orochimaru’s Wood Release experiments — the man practically lived in that department. Even a fool would have investigated, and Danzo was far from foolish. Orochimaru hadn’t even tried to hide it, which made the intelligence easy to confirm.

His first instinct was contempt. Orochimaru was the same breed as him — a man whose obsessions couldn’t be cured by a title. Hiruzen had truly misjudged him.

But what was done was done. He couldn’t stop Orochimaru.

In truth, he hoped Orochimaru would succeed. His own Wood Release experiments had yielded nothing — not even a glimmer of progress. And since Orochimaru had slashed Root’s experimental budget, private research had become nearly impossible.

"Four people, the entire day..." Danzo muttered.

Tsunade and Nawaki made sense; neither carried heavy responsibilities. But Natsuki held three concurrent positions. There was no reason for him to waste a full day in the Research Department unless—

Danzo’s pulse quickened.

Unless the experiment had succeeded.

He paced, deliberating, and settled on a two-pronged approach.

First: shadow Tsunade and Nawaki. If they’d truly awakened Wood Release, they’d immediately begin training it.

Second: monitor Orochimaru. He would either continue performing transplants or begin teaching the procedure to others — Tsunade, Natsuki, or both.

The next morning. Senju Clan compound.

"You won’t believe this — I can—"

Nawaki was practically vibrating as he turned to Kushina, but Natsuki’s sharp cough cut him off.

"It’s too early to go public with this."

"Really?" Nawaki scratched the back of his head, deflating slightly.

"What are you being so cagey about?" Kushina was on Natsuki in an instant, elbowing him in the ribs. "Come on, spill."

"You can tell Kushina," Tsunade said, stepping out into the courtyard.

"My room," Natsuki said.

"Let’s go." Tsunade caught his meaning immediately.

The group filed into Natsuki’s room — and from there, into the Infinity Castle concealed within it.

"Two people are watching us," Natsuki said without preamble.

"Who has the nerve?" Nawaki’s expression darkened instantly. "Enemy spies?"

"Their chakra signatures are unfamiliar — they don’t match any ninjas I know. And they’re strong. Jōnin-level."

"Then we can rule out foreign operatives." Tsunade’s eyes narrowed. "All Five Great Villages plant spies in each other, but they almost never waste jōnin on surveillance."

Jōnin were too valuable, too scarce. The same logic applied to prodigies — no village would burn their best as moles.

Unless, of course, you were Shimura Danzo.

"Doesn’t the timing strike you as a little too convenient?" Natsuki said. "You awakened Wood Release yesterday."

"Wait — awakened Wood Release?" Kushina’s eyes went wide.

"Sensei’s experiment succeeded," Nawaki confirmed, then turned back to Natsuki. "You’re right. They’re here because of that."

"Shimura Danzo." Tsunade didn’t hesitate. "If it’s not a foreign spy, then no one in Konoha has a bigger stake in Wood Release than him."

Natsuki nodded. Reputation preceded the man like a shadow.

"What’s he planning? An attack?" Nawaki looked incredulous. "Against us? Does he have a death wish? If Orochimaru found out—"

"Unclear," Tsunade said.

"Then let’s hit first! We grab those two watchers and—"

"Danzo’s been running Root for decades," Natsuki cut in. "Cultivating operatives with no traceable identity is second nature to him. Snatching two scouts proves nothing. The better play is patience."

Two reasons. First, force Danzo to overextend — let him make a move they could exploit. Second, buy time for the Ryūchi Cave’s serpents to locate the laboratory where he’d been running his own experiments.

"Fine." Tsunade considered it and agreed.

This was Konoha. And their combined strength was more than enough. Even if Danzo attacked outright, he wouldn’t gain a thing.

"I’ll assign Minato to Sensei’s protection detail in the meantime," Natsuki added.

"Thoughtful as always." Tsunade smiled. "If Danzo wants confirmation that we’ve awakened Wood Release — let’s hand it to him on a silver platter."

They returned to the courtyard.

Tsunade and Nawaki began openly practicing Wood Release.

Natsuki didn’t stay. His lingering presence would telegraph too much. And two jōnin were no threat to Tsunade, Nawaki, and Kushina combined.

He left for the Hokage Building.

Shortly after, the two watchers confirmed their targets had awakened Wood Release and withdrew.

Root base.

Danzo received the report and couldn’t keep still, pacing with barely contained excitement.

Orochimaru’s Wood Release experiment had actually succeeded.

The question now was how to obtain the data. He had no shortage of Hashirama cells — what he lacked was the surgical procedure.

"Patience," he told himself.

He understood the consequences of moving against Orochimaru, Tsunade, or Nawaki. Even Hiruzen wouldn’t lift a finger to save him.

The optimal play was to wait for Orochimaru to teach the transplant procedure to others. That was the vulnerable link.

A fresh piece of intelligence had already come in: Orochimaru was pivoting to his next experiment.

One month later. Natsuki’s office.

Uchiha Mikoto studied the woman who had appeared out of thin air with open curiosity. She was certain she’d never seen her before, and the stranger was definitely not a Konoha ninja.

Then her eyes widened.

Because Tagorihime had just addressed Natsuki as "Master."

Mikoto’s mind stuttered.

She was a traditional woman at heart — her dream had always been to become a devoted wife and mother. The word "Master" carried connotations that sent her thoughts spiraling in a very different direction.

Was this woman Natsuki’s kept lover?

In her mind, someone of Natsuki’s caliber would inevitably attract many women. Yakushi Nonou, for instance.

Mikoto didn’t covet any official title. Being allowed to care for Natsuki, to stay at his side — that was enough.

It was also the duty the Uchiha Clan had entrusted to her.

But Tagorihime’s appearance lit a fire of urgency. She needed to step up.

"You’re dismissed." Natsuki opened an Air Door with a casual flick.

Tagorihime stepped through and vanished.

Natsuki spread the documents she’d delivered across his desk.

The Ryūchi Cave’s serpents had earned their keep. After a full month of reconnaissance, they’d pinpointed Shimura Danzo’s laboratory. A barrier surrounded the facility and security was heavy, preventing them from breaching it — but the location itself was enough.

Natsuki intended to visit personally.

He set the documents down and looked up at Mikoto.

She froze for a heartbeat, then surged forward and pulled his face into her chest.

Natsuki’s world went soft, warm, and dark, the pale curve of her skin filling his vision. He blinked.

What the hell?

"Natsuki." Mikoto stroked his hair gently. "Would you like to rest?"

He almost laughed. Instead, he reached around and gave her ass a solid smack.

"I still have work."

He pulled back, and Mikoto released him in a flustered rush, retreating half a step with her head bowed, her cheeks burning.

Tagorihime’s boldness had inspired her to take initiative. The execution, however, had missed the mark.

"Wait for me," Natsuki said with a grin.

"Mm." Her response was instant.

Natsuki opened an Air Door and stepped into the Forest of Death.

Danzo’s laboratory was buried deep beneath it — the dense canopy and proximity to Konoha made it an ideal concealment site.

After a moment’s thought, Natsuki activated Complete Mimicry.

His features shifted, his posture changed, and Shimura Danzo stood in his place.

Following Tagorihime’s intelligence, he navigated to the surface directly above the lab.

The hiss of displaced air. Four Root operatives materialized.

They took one look at him and dropped to a knee without question.

Three reasons: Complete Mimicry was flawless. Knowledge of this laboratory was restricted to a tight circle. And no one would be insane enough to impersonate Shimura Danzo.

"Take me to the laboratory," Natsuki ordered.

"Yes, Lord Danzo."

The four operatives deactivated the barrier, revealing a passage descending underground.

Natsuki led the way down.

The light dimmed steadily, though oil lamps lining the walls kept the corridors visible. The underground facility was unremarkable in layout — until his gaze fell on the rows of transparent tanks lining the walls.

Each one held a corpse suspended in fluid.

Natsuki took a long look and confirmed what he’d suspected: failed Hashirama cell recipients. Every single one.

"Lord Danzo."

Two researchers in white coats approached.

"Root has obtained the critical data for Hashirama cell transplantation," Natsuki said flatly. "Take me to the operating room and bring out all previous research. We’ll need to cross-reference."

"That’s wonderful!" The researchers could barely contain themselves — pure, unfiltered obsession in their eyes. Mad scientists through and through.

They led him deeper into the facility. Moments later, they returned with two scrolls and presented them.

Natsuki unrolled them, scanned their contents, and confirmed they were genuine.

Then he activated his Mangekyō Sharingan.

Both researchers went blank, their eyes glazing over as they slipped into a trance.

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