Chapter 207: Nine Rings

Upon hearing that Kakashi and Tenzo have decided to serve the Uchiha clan,

"You guys are aware, right? The entire Shinobi world has united, assembling an army of over 20,000, aiming to exterminate the Uchiha clan?" Dan asked calmly.

"We are," both nodded in affirmation, their expressions resolute.

Choosing to ally with the Uchiha at this moment is akin to risking their lives.

"I admire your courage and determination," Dan praised, then shifted his tone. "But, to be frank, you both don't measure up. Even combined, you might not defeat my nephew, Itachi Uchiha."

Uh-oh.

Kakashi and Tenzo looked embarrassed.

One was the son of the White Fang, and the other a Wood Release prodigy. They were elite even among the Leaf's ANBU. But within the Uchiha clan, they were overshadowed.

Itachi, though only twelve, not only awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan but also transplanted the First Hokage's cells, granting him Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi, Wood Release, and Susano'o... The list of his formidable abilities went on.

Even with Kakashi and Tenzo combined, they were no match for Itachi.

Thus, they could only apologize, "We're sorry, Lord Dan. We will strive to not hold back the Uchiha clan."

Dan smirked, "Don't sell yourselves short. Now that you've boarded the Uchiha ship, share in our power. Follow me."

Exiting the room, he found his brother-in-law, Fugaku.

"Clan leader, prepare Sharingan transplants for these two. They're now with us," Dan commanded.

Tenzo, the sole survivor of Orochimaru's human experiments, possessed specially selected genes. With his Wood Release heritage, akin to the Senju clan like Tsunade, he'd adapt well to the Sharingan's power.

As for Kakashi, his previous Sharingan transplant ensured he'd have no issues. However, perhaps due to overuse of his Chidori technique, his health had deteriorated. His limited chakra meant he could handle only one Sharingan at best.

Dan pulled out a vial preserving an eyeball. It was a Byakugan he'd taken from Ao of the Mist, a "Byakugan Hunter". Superior to the hundred Byakugan the Hyuga clan had given the Four Great Ninja Villages, it was from the main Hyuga family.

"Add this to Kakashi's set," Dan instructed.

Understanding the gravity, Fugaku replied, "Understood, Dan. Your wish is my command."

To the Uchiha, Kakashi and Tenzo's support was warmly welcomed.

"We can't wait any longer. All Uchiha shinobi, whether they've activated the Sharingan or not, should receive Hashirama's cells," Dan suggested.

This proposal darkened the mood. Implanting these cells wasn't a guaranteed power-up; it might backfire, endangering their lives.

Normally, Fugaku, Itachi, and others would oppose such a drastic move. But now, facing annihilation, they'd risk it all.

Sensing the tension, Tsunade spoke, "I can assist, ensuring as few casualties as possible during the transplants."

Impressed by the Uchiha's bravery, Tsunade wanted to help. Just like Kakashi and Tenzo, she too felt uneasy about the Leaf's state. As the granddaughter of the village's founder, she'd seen her clan merge into the Leaf's fabric.

She believed only Dan and the Uchiha could save the Leaf.

"Then let's begin," Dan simply stated.

Time flew, and half a month passed. Kakashi awoke, his vision obscured by bandages.

"Sensei, you're awake! Are you ready?" Tenzo asked.

Kakashi nodded, removing his bandages. Adjusting to the light, he saw his restored Sharingan and a new Byakugan in his other eye.

Realizing Kakashi's potential, Tenzo joked, "Along with your Copy Ninja title, you might now be known as the Byakugan Hunter."

Kakashi, however, noticed Tenzo's unchanged eyes. "Did your transplant go smoothly?"

Chuckling, Tenzo revealed his Sharingan, "All thanks to the Wood Release cells."

Impressed, Kakashi thought of Tenzo as a prodigy.

"By the way," Tenzo began, "Lord Dan has summoned us for a strategy meeting. We should hurry."

Passing the training grounds, Kakashi observed the Uchiha preparing for battle.

"Ha!" Uchiha Izumi released two solid wooden tendrils, targeting Uchiha Yashiro.

Wood Release: Silent Killing Bind Technique.

Kodaichi, focused his chakra, responding with a Wood Release jutsu. Forming hand seals, he slammed his palm to the ground.

BOOM!

Wooden pillars erupted from the earth, curving upwards to form an arching wall. This barrier protected Kodaichi, deflecting Izumi's assault.

Wood Release: Wooden Pillar Wall.

Witnessing this, Kakashi was taken aback and turned to Tenzou, asking, "Have all Uchiha ninjas undergone the Hashirama cell transplantation?"

Tenzou nodded, explaining further.

Over the past half month, including both Sharingan-activated and non-activated Uchiha, a total of 150 underwent the Hashirama cell transplant surgery.

The final success rate was two-thirds. This meant that 100 adapted to the Hashirama cells, acquiring the Wood Release power.

"And the rest?" Kakashi pressed.

Tenzou paused, finally stating, "They all died."

Kakashi shivered, pupils constricting.

Given that the Uchiha and Senju shared a common ancestor, the Uchiha's adaptability to Hashirama cells was inherently high. And with Tsunade, the medical prodigy, overseeing the surgeries, still, fifty died.

Put simply, even before the war began in earnest, the Uchiha's forces were reduced by a third.

Thankfully, the sacrifice was not in vain.

For most, the primary gain from a successful Hashirama cell transplantation was the Wood Release ability.

However, for the Uchiha, the cell's regenerative capabilities were the true prize. This allowed more unrestrained use of the Sharingan without draining its power.

Thus, despite losing a third of their forces, the Uchiha clan's overall strength had tripled.

Facing such a fortified Uchiha clan, the Allied Shinobi Forces should be wary of underestimating them.

Soon after, the duo arrived at the conference room.

Dan, Samui, Fugaku, Tsunade, Tetsuhi, Itachi, and Chihoko were already waiting.

"Apologies for our tardiness," Kakashi and Tenzou bowed slightly, quickly taking their seats.

With everyone present, the meeting commenced.

"The Uchiha are prepared," Fugaku began. "We cannot remain passive. We must be proactive, understanding our enemy's overall situation."

Nods of agreement came from the attendees. "The clan leader is right," they murmured.

"I agree," Dan chimed in, proposing, "I believe we can learn from the Akatsuki's model."

The Akatsuki? The now-defunct organization?

"Dan, what do you mean?" Fugaku inquired, puzzled.

Facing the curious gazes, Dan explained, "The core Akatsuki members, strong individually, operated in pairs. They could cover each other, allowing for greater flexibility and efficiency. We could emulate this."

The group pondered this, nodding.

Samui, following Dan's cue, fetched a plate with nine rings.

Dan picked up one, tossing it to his nephew, Itachi.

Itachi caught it, inspecting a finely crafted red ring with the character for "Vermilion".

What did this mean?

Samui, at Dan's behest, clarified, "Vermilion, representing the Vermilion Bird, symbolizes the phoenix within flames."

From a young age, Itachi displayed incredible Fire Release talent. He mastered Fugaku's Fireball Technique after a single demonstration.

Thus, the Vermilion Bird, symbolizing fire, was his codename.

"Vermilion Bird..." Itachi murmured, accepting his designation. He slipped the ring onto his right ring finger.

The subsequent distribution took place.

Fugaku's was "Mysterious", symbolizing the Black Tortoise. Tetsuhi's was "Heaven", symbolizing the firmament and its dynamic force. Chihoko's was "Earth", symbolizing stability and fortitude. Kakashi and Tenzou also received their rings.

Kakashi's was "Qilin", a mythical creature associated with lightning, aligning with his proficiency in Lightning Release. Tenzou's was "Azure Dragon", symbolizing life and growth, aligning with his Wood Release.

Dan personally handed Tsunade her ring, an orange one with the character for "South".

South represents life. In the Akatsuki, this ring was worn by Kisame, known for his tenacity. However, compared to Tsunade's life force, he paled.

Tsunade scoffed but accepted the ring, adorned with gemstones.

Subsequently, Dan picked his, symbolizing "North", representing death and destruction.

Grouping was next: Fugaku and Itachi, Kakashi and Tenzou, Tetsuhi and Chihoko, and finally, Dan and Tsunade.

Their reactions varied. Fugaku and Kakashi accepted willingly. Tetsuhi silently complied. Chihoko murmured her reservations. Tsunade, however, was vocal about her discontent.

"Why am I paired with you?" she challenged Dan.

"Your sole task is to heal me if I'm injured or poisoned, ensuring I'm at peak condition," Dan calmly replied.

Silenced, Tsunade begrudgingly accepted.

Lastly, Dan looked at the final ring with the character for "Jade", symbolizing purity.

This was meant for Shisui, but he had passed away. Although Dan possessed the scroll detailing the Reanimation Jutsu, mastering it would take time.

Shizu would remain in the afterlife for now.