Chapter 51: Ascendance Elixir

Time flowed by, and in a blink, Konoha entered the second month of its 51st year. Through extensive research, Nono Yakushi had finally uncovered the true function of the pseudo-Divine Tree fruit cultivated from the Gedo Statue's tissue.

The fruit's effects were indeed extraordinary, it could break innate limitations on one's body and spirit, raising the upper limit of chakra capacity. However, the improvements were modest per dose, requiring multiple rounds of consumption to yield a significant boost. Direct ingestion of the pseudo-Divine Tree fruit, however, was lethal to ordinary shinobi—doing so was akin to suicide.

The real power of the fruit lay in a specific substance within it, which could only be extracted and refined into a special elixir. As Akira read Nono's report, a smile crept across his face. The research facility's efforts had finally borne fruit.

"One fruit can only yield a single dose of the elixir, so mass production is out of the question for now," he murmured, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

According to the experiment data, achieving noticeable improvement required a half-year cycle. The regimen involved taking one dose every three days, over six months. This protocol would significantly boost an individual's chakra threshold. However, to maximize its effect, continued use over three years was necessary.

Turning to Fugaku, who wore a similar look of satisfaction, Akira asked,

"Clan leader, do you think we should sell the Ascendance Elixir?"

The "Ascendance Elixir" was the official name for the serum created from the extracted essence of the pseudo-Divine Tree fruit.

Fugaku shook his head after some thought. "Not for now. According to the lab, daily output is only ten to fifteen vials—our Uchiha clan can easily use all of that ourselves."

The Gedo Statue's tissue had produced only a limited number of pseudo-Divine Trees—just over a dozen. Although most bore fruit when infused with ample chakra, some had yet to yield any. The reason behind this inconsistency was still unknown.

"True," Akira nodded. "We could leverage this elixir to forge valuable alliances. Rumor has it this year will see the birth of many heirs to the great shinobi clans."

"This elixir, with its potential to push personal limits, will definitely be popular," Akira added with a slight grin.

"But there isn't nearly enough for all of them," Fugaku cautioned. "I'm only planning to prepare a dose for Minato's child, we'll decide on others based on circumstances."

Akira agreed. "The Hokage's child is indeed worth the investment."

As they strategized the elixir's distribution, news reached Obito in the Amegakure. A White Zetsu scout embedded in Konoha had sent critical intelligence.

With half of his pale body emerging from the ground, White Zetsu informed Obito,

"Our scout reports that the Fourth Hokage's wife, Kushina Uzumaki, is pregnant, with her due date expected around October."

The other half of Zetsu, Black Zetsu, turned to Obito and warned,

"A jinchuriki's seal weakens during childbirth. This could be our chance. Namikaze Minato is a serious threat. If he survives, he'll undoubtedly hinder our plans."

Obito scoffed. "I don't need you to remind me of that. Do you think Konoha is defenseless? There's an opportunity, but one wrong move, and we're done."

As Minato's former student, Obito was well aware of the threat the Fourth Hokage posed, especially with his mastery of the Flying Thunder God technique. Even with his Kamui ability, Obito doubted he could defeat Minato easily.

"Our current high-level forces are stretched thin," Black Zetsu's raspy voice continued. "It's just you and Nagato against the entirety of Konoha."

Obito nodded grimly. "I'm considering battle plans. Given our current resources, I'm not enough on my own."

"Nagato in his current state isn't much help, either. The Six Paths of Pain can't operate far from his body, and with Konoha's Byakugan users and sensor shinobi, exposing his location would be a huge risk," Black Zetsu warned.

"I know," Obito replied, his tone grave. "I plan to restore Nagato to full health. Once he's recovered, both he and the Six Paths can fight alongside me, which will finally give me the strength to confront Minato."

Restoring Nagato wouldn't be difficult for Obito. Overuse of the Gedo Statue had drained Nagato's life force, leaving him frail and emaciated. Additionally, his legs had been crippled by Hanzo's explosive traps, leaving him physically disabled.

The solution was simple: graft Senju Hashirama's cultivated cells onto Nagato's legs. This procedure would not only restore his vitality but also allow him to walk again. Given Obito's mastery, implanting Hashirama cells posed no issue.

Black Zetsu issued a stern reminder, "Obito, remember, you're not the real Madara. If Nagato becomes too strong, he could slip out of our control."

"Tch—Zetsu, Madara should be more worried about that than I am," Obito sneered. "His Rinnegan is in Nagato's hands, and Madara's resurrection relies on Nagato's cooperation. You, as Madara's will, should be the one fretting."

"Heh…" Black Zetsu chuckled softly, "Obito, you've grown quite a bit in just a year."

"Hah!" Obito laughed. "In some ways, I hold the upper hand now. As Nagato grows stronger, my chances improve."

Obito continued, "Even without the Rinnegan, I wield both Uchiha and Senju power, so I, too, can control the Gedo Statue and use the Six Paths Ten-Tails Coffin Seal, becoming the Ten-Tails jinchuriki!"

(T/N: The Six Paths Ten-Tails Coffin Seal is a sealing technique used by Obito and Madara Uchiha to seal the Ten-Tails into themselves, thus becoming the beast's jinchūriki.)

While the Rinnegan was necessary to summon the Gedo Statue from the moon, it wasn't strictly required to become the Ten-Tails jinchuriki or to cast the Infinite Tsukuyomi. The technique could be executed in two ways: either through Kaguya Otsutsuki's Rinne Sharingan or the Divine Tree itself.

After a pause, Black Zetsu conceded, "Fine, Obito, this round goes to you."

For Black Zetsu, the only goal was to create a Ten-Tails jinchuriki. Who actually became the jinchuriki was secondary.

With a smirk, Obito declared, "As for Nagato, let's ensure he stays loyal. Plant a binding curse on him to secure our control in the future."

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