CHAPTER 72
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Hiruzen Sarutobi stood atop the Hokage Mountain training ground, the rising sun casting long shadows over the village below.
The landscape was serene, with the occasional chirping of birds and the distant hum of the village beginning its day.
However, in this tranquility, Hiruzen's resolve was unshaken. He had dedicated the last few months to an extraordinary goal: creating and mastering every Kekkei Genkai possible within the five elemental releases.
The ground around him bore the marks of intense training. Cracks spider-webbed through the earth, scorch marks blackened the rocky terrain, and shimmering pools of water glistened under the light.
Around him, scrolls were scattered—each detailing the intricacies of a Kekkei Genkai he had yet to master.
After the release of his bloodline seal, he secretly fear madara, as now he was not powerful enough to confront someone like madara, who was just around 50 to 60 years old and even at that he had Rinnegan.
There was no chance of retailiation at all.
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Hiruzen focused first on Fire Release Kekkei Genkai, channeling his chakra to simulate advanced heat manipulation.
The air around him shimmered as he unleashed a wave of intense fire that scorched the rocks and trees in front of him into lifeless terrain.
"This must be refined further," he muttered to himself, noting the instability in the release.
Moving on, he practiced Water Release Kekkei Genkai, forming intricate water constructs.
He manipulated dense spheres of water that could withstand explosive force, a precursor to developing techniques capable of overpowering even powerful Suiton users.
For Wind Release Kekkei Genkai, he pushed his chakra to its limits, forming razor-sharp air currents.
With a single slash of wind, he carved through boulders as though they were paper.
The Lightning Release Kekkei Genkai proved equally challenging.
He focused on creating techniques that combined high-voltage electric currents with precision strikes which are combination of "Black Lightning," he thought, "will be the pinnacle of this development."
Over time, one after another Hiruzen created and mastered all 28 Kekkei Genkai associated with elemental combinations.
From Explosion Release, which could annihilate an area with pinpoint accuracy, to Crystal Release, capable of forming indestructible constructs, Hiruzen's arsenal grew beyond anything Konoha had ever seen.
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Once he had mastered the standard Kekkei Genkai, Hiruzen turned his attention to the more advanced Kekkei Tōta techniques.
His first creation was Dust Release, a terrifying fusion of Earth, Wind, and Fire that disintegrated matter into particles.
He marveled at its destructive potential, knowing this technique alone could rival the power of the Second and Third Tsuchikage.
Next, he began working on Cyclone Release, a combination of Wind, Water, and Lightning, capable of creating devastating storms that could ravage entire battlefields.
Finally, he delved into an experimental release: Paper Release, combining Water, Wind, and Earth, enabling him to create and control paper as both an offensive and defensive tool. It was versatile and efficient, perfect for large-scale conflicts.
Hiruzen thought "If this technique is combined with mutually multiplying explosive jutsu, this might be the most powerful kekei genkai in the ninja world."
Each new technique demanded weeks of practice, yet Hiruzen thrived on the challenge.
He wasn't just building an arsenal for himself; he was preparing Konoha to stand above all nations.
After creating the last kekei tota he stood up "Now if I combine dust release attacks enhanced with sage art I can contend madara for some time."
He sighed slightly.
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While Hiruzen was engrossed in his training, far from Konoha, in a cavernous lair, Black Zetsu knelt before Madara Uchiha.
The elder Uchiha, seated on a throne of stone and attached to the Gedo Statue, looked as imposing as ever despite his frail appearance.
"Madara-sama," Black Zetsu began, "the Third Hokage has developed something extraordinary—a seal that enhances the bloodlines of clans. He has already implemented it within the Senju clan, and its effects are undeniable. The Senju are regaining their former strength."
Madara's crimson Sharingan glowed faintly as he listened.
"Hiruzen Sarutobi... I never thought he had the vision to attempt something so ambitious," he mused, his tone tinged with amusement.
"But even this does not concern me. Bloodline enhancement is trivial compared to the Moon Eye Plan. Even if he enhance it, he can't take it to six path sage level."
Black Zetsu hesitated.
"There is more, Madara-sama. Hiruzen has taken precautions. He has deployed an extensive ANBU network around Konoha and beyond, intercepting any information that could reach other villages."
Madara smirked. "Clever, but unnecessary. Let him play his games. Still, I want you to observe Konoha closely. Report any developments directly to me. And Zetsu..."
"Yes, Madara-sama?"
"Stop relying on the White Zetsu. If Hiruzen's forces have eliminated fifty of them, then they are of no use. You will gather this information yourself."
"As you command." Black Zetsu disappeared into the shadows, his mind racing with plans to infiltrate Konoha undetected.
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Back in Konoha, Hiruzen's vision extended beyond combat. He implemented several policies aimed at making the village self-sufficient and less reliant on external resources:
Hiruzen ordered the development of chakra-enhanced agriculture, where ninja with Earth and Water affinities worked alongside civilian farmers to cultivate high-yield crops.
This ensured food security for Konoha, even during times of war. He has already started to gather food for the upcoming war.
He established a research division focused on producing advanced ninja tools and seals.
(T/N: not like in Boruto but a start.)
The academy curriculum was already in place but Hiruzen also introduced a program that identified promising talent among civilians, ensuring a steady influx of ninja into the ranks.
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One evening, as Hiruzen reviewed reports in his office, an ANBU operative arrived with urgent news from the Water Division.
"Hokage-sama, Hanzo of the Salamander has amassed a force of 800 trained shinobi, with over 1,000 more in training. His numbers are growing rapidly, and we estimate Amegakure's forces could exceed 5,000 within a few years."
Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful.
"Hanzo... Amegakure has always been a wild card. If left unchecked, he could destabilize the region. But no matter. Konoha will be ready. Double the surveillance in Amegakure and have the spies report every movement."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
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Despite his grand plans, Hiruzen did not neglect his students. Each disciple received personalized training based on their strengths and affinities:
Tsunade mastered battlefield techniques using Mud Release, which gave her unparalleled control over terrain and enemy movements.
Jiraiya accidentally summoned himself to Mount Myōboku, returning with a summoning contract.
Sakumo bonded with a clan of ninja dogs, enhancing his tracking and combat abilities.
Orochimaru, true to his nature, declined the offer of Mount Saru and sought out snakes instead, aligning his techniques with his natural affinities.
Hiruzen also continued to train Dai Maito, his first disciple. Under rigorous sparring sessions with Hiruzen's clone, Dai's taijutsu reached elite jōnin levels.
Though he experimented with weapons, he eventually returned to pure hand-to-hand combat, supplemented by Hiruzen's breathing techniques.
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Time passed and seven years went by, Konoha had transformed into a fortress of power.
The village's population had grown in the time of piece, its ninja ranks swelled with highly trained operatives, and its self-sustaining policies ensured stability.
Hiruzen seated on the Hokage Monument, surveying the village with a sense of pride.
"Konoha is ready," he thought. "Whatever challenges come our way—be it Hanzo, Madara, or the other great nations—we will not falter."
Far away, in the shadows of Amegakure, Hanzo sharpened his blade, unaware that Konoha's might was steadily rising.
And deep within his lair, Madara watched, waiting for the moment when all the pieces would fall into place.