Chapter 177: Tsunade’s Custom Tsukuyomi!

The last day of Konoha Year 45.

On a cliff, after an intense sparring session, Shūichi and Kakashi sat side-by-side on the ground, watching the sunset.

Not far away, under a waterfall created by Shūichi, Guy was training hard, wielding nunchaku and shouting passionately.

"Shūichi, do you have any advice on my training direction?" Kakashi asked after catching his breath.

Shūichi drained his salty glucose water and replied, "Your Lightning Style skills are already exceptional in the shinobi world. With Chidori, Chidori Current, Raikiri, and the Hatake swordsmanship, you have a very solid combat framework."

Kakashi nodded.

Shūichi continued, "You clearly have talent in Lightning Release. Since you've mastered Chidori and Raikiri, you can develop other Lightning Style techniques tailored to you to diversify your offensive and defensive options."

"Of course, that's secondary and won't increase your maximum combat power."

"Kakashi, you know about my Fire Release Chakra Mode, right? And how the Cloud ninjas have their Lightning Release Chakra Mode. The way I raised my power ceiling was through the Fire Release Chakra Mode."

"So, are you suggesting I train in the Lightning Release Chakra Mode?" Kakashi asked.

Shūichi grinned. "Kakashi, do you know what my first hurdle was when training in the Fire Release Chakra Mode?"

Kakashi thought it over. "Both Fire and Lightning Release are notoriously hard to control. Actually, Fire Release is likely harder, requiring immense chakra control, even for a medical ninja."

Shūichi shook his head. "No."

"It was chakra quantity."

Kakashi was taken aback. "That… how is that possible?"

He remembered Shūichi's chakra being almost terrifyingly vast.

Shūichi smiled. "I didn't start with such massive chakra reserves."

He tapped the blue mark glowing on his forehead, indicating the Yin Seal mark. "I learned this sealing technique from Lady Tsunade, specifically for chakra storage."

"Of course, the chakra control issue you mentioned was also a challenge."

"So, Lady Tsunade and I collaborated on the development of the Hundred Healings Technique, specifically to support chakra distribution and control."

"Only then did I manage to create the Fire Release Chakra Mode."

Kakashi couldn't help but be impressed. "I see… all that effort behind the scenes is truly admirable."

Shūichi nodded—he might have certain advantages, but he certainly worked hard too!

"Take the Fourth Raikage, for example. His chakra reserves are at Tailed Beast levels."

"That's one foundation of his Lightning Release Chakra Mode's power. The other is his physical strength, which can withstand the destructive nature of Lightning Release."

Kakashi nodded in agreement, having experienced how cellular activation can boost reaction time through his Chidori Current.

Shūichi continued, "The Raikage's Lightning Release Chakra Mode is only B-rank in difficulty. With your knowledge of Lightning Release and chakra control, it wouldn't be a problem for you."

"But right now, you lack the physical durability to endure that kind of energy. It would take a decade of gradual training, and that's assuming you have enough chakra to sustain it."

"I once considered training in the Lightning Release Chakra Mode but gave it up due to physical limitations. So instead, I developed Chidori Body Flicker based on your Chidori."

Standing up, Shūichi activated the Chidori technique, lightning enveloping his limbs and then spreading across his entire body.

"I created this movement technique to compensate for my lack of attack speed," he explained to Kakashi. "My neural response speed is high, but my limbs couldn't keep up, so with Chidori Body Flicker, I can quicken my reflexes without affecting my ability to use other jutsu."

Kakashi listened thoughtfully.

He knew Shūichi wasn't boasting about his achievements but showing him a path to growth.

"Of course, now that I've grown stronger, I can use the Lightning Release Chakra Mode as well," Shūichi said as he activated it. Lightning chakra flooded his body, forming an armor-like layer, flickering with electricity.

With his current physical prowess, he no longer needed years of training to handle it.

"Incredible chakra!" Kakashi was still awestruck seeing the Lightning Release Chakra Mode for the second time.

Shūichi deactivated it and smiled. "Kakashi, with your current physique and chakra, a technique-centered approach suits you best."

"Your swordsmanship combined with Lightning Release will be potent. At the very least, it won't be any weaker than Sakumo-senpai's. I'm confident of that."

"Regarding the direction of Lightning Release in the shinobi world, the Lightning Release Chakra Mode is probably the pinnacle."

But clearly, the path wasn't feasible for Kakashi due to his limited chakra reserves.

While having vast chakra didn't necessarily make someone a strong ninja, it was still a foundational asset for achieving strength.

Kakashi understood this deeply now, especially seeing how Shūichi's abilities were all built upon his large chakra reserves.

Shūichi added, "By the way, combining Lightning Release with Flying Thunder God would be an excellent option."

"Lightning Release's cellular activation will improve your reaction time, making it easier to use Flying Thunder God."

Kakashi nodded, now considering training in the Flying Thunder God Technique.

"As for your chakra issue… I might have a solution," Shūichi said with a smile.

Kakashi looked at him, surprised. "Besides the Yin Seal, is there another way?"

"One word," Shūichi said slowly. "Tailed Beast."

Kakashi's eyes narrowed. "You mean the one inside Rin?"

Shūichi nodded. "I'm not suggesting you become a Jinchūriki."

"Rather, I propose that you acquire a portion of the Tailed Beast's chakra. While it wouldn't be as potent as a true Jinchūriki, it could significantly boost your chakra."

"But, of course, this approach is very risky. Tailed Beast chakra isn't easy to control. One mistake, and you might be consumed by the Tailed Beast's malice and go berserk."

Kakashi was silent for a moment, then looked up at Shūichi with firm resolve. "Shūichi, I'm willing to take that risk!"

Shūichi shook his head. "There's no need to rush your decision. Consult with Minato-sensei first."

Kakashi immediately agreed.

Shūichi smiled again. "Kakashi, don't let your talent go to waste."

"Apart from Lightning Release, you should master other jutsu as well. That way, you can handle any situation and won't be easily countered by an enemy."

"Mastery and focus, then breadth and refinement."

This was Shūichi's own philosophy.

Of course, it was also a path that only a true genius could follow.

...

The Last Day of Konoha Year 45 Passes, and the New Year Begins

On the second day of the New Year, Shūichi visited the orphanage with Nonō Yakushi and Asuka. Due to the ongoing war, many new orphans had arrived there—some were the children of Konoha ninjas who had fallen, while others had lost their families due to the ravages of war.

After three days at the orphanage and another two days visiting his seniors for New Year's greetings, Shūichi finally arrived at the research base on January 7th, Konoha Year 46.

And there he found Tsunade, fast asleep, drooling.

Tsk!

What kind of daydreaming was this?

Shūichi approached, studying her intently. This was a rare opportunity.

Tsunade, don't blame me for taking advantage of the situation!

He cast a genjutsu.

Demonic Realm – Palace of Memories!

...

It was unclear how much time had passed before Tsunade slowly woke up, only to find Shūichi across from her, smirking.

She quickly wiped her mouth, feigning nonchalance. "When did you get here, you rascal?"

"Been here a while," Shūichi replied with a playful smile. "You looked like you were having a nice dream. Was it a good one?"

"Did it have me in it?" he teased.

Tsunade rolled her eyes, scoffing, "Brat!"

Ugh!!!

Fine, not going to embarrass myself further. Just wait till I'm older...

Shūichi changed the subject, "Tsunade, starting today, I'll begin researching Asuka's cells."

"Regarding the First Hokage's cells, I need you to continue your work. One application we're exploring is merging them with White Zetsu's cells to try and cultivate targeted growth. I'll get Hayate's consent to use his cells to see if we can grow a pair of lungs for transplant, which might alleviate his Kekkei Genkai disease."

Tsunade quickly entered research mode, nodding. "That's the plan, then!"

As time passed...

In June of Konoha Year 46, Konoha, the Sand Village, and Iwa reached an initial ceasefire agreement. Konoha would return the Four-Tails, while the Sand and Iwa would divide the resources of Land of Bird.

In August, Shūichi extracted the Four-Tails' chakra and returned half of it to Iwa.

By September of the same year, the One-Tail was prematurely returned to the Sand Village.

However, the war across the shinobi world was far from over.

Mist Shinobi continued their assaults along the coast of the Land of Fire, while the Cloud ninjas fought battles against Iwa and Konoha alike.

Finally, in December, Tsunade's research on the cells of the First Hokage made a breakthrough. By combining Hayate's cells with White Zetsu's and the First's cells, they successfully cultivated a pair of lungs.

Just before the New Year, the surgery succeeded, giving Hayate a new lease on life. Although his Kekkei Genkai disease couldn't be cured completely, the First's cells in his new lungs would stave off the illness's encroachment for a time.

Based on their month-long observation, they estimated the lungs would remain effective for over ten years before signs of fibrosis might reappear.

March 18, Konoha Year 47 – Kakashi's Tailed Beast Experiment at the Lab

"Isn't this his first live experiment? Is it a bit premature?" Tsunade asked with a frown. "Kakashi's body is still maturing."

Shūichi smiled. "It's not the first, actually."

"To be precise, this is the third."

"The first was Kinkaku and Ginkaku of the Cloud Village. They gained Nine-Tails chakra after consuming parts of its flesh."

"The second was me. After eating part of the Four-Tails' flesh, I acquired Four-Tails chakra and gained the Lava Release."

Tsunade shook her head, "But Kakashi is different from you. You have the strength to suppress the Tailed Beast's power."

Shūichi looked at Kakashi in the lab, preparing for the procedure. "Don't underestimate Kakashi, Tsunade. He's also mastered sealing techniques."

"Besides, I've had him experience Tailed Beast chakra several times before this, exposing him to its malevolent intent so he could learn to counter it."

"This experiment wasn't started on a whim."

Tsunade stopped objecting and asked instead, "If Kakashi succeeds, will he be the first?"

Shūichi nodded. "Indeed. But it's foreseeable that very few will ever be able to control Tailed Beast chakra."

Soon, the preparations were complete.

Kakashi sat in the center of a sealing formation, and a shadow clone of Shūichi handed him a tray holding slices of the Eight-Tails' horn.

This had been cultivated for the experiment.

Under Shūichi and Tsunade's watchful eyes, Kakashi began eating the slices, one by one.

Soon, red Tailed Beast chakra surged around him.

"What powerful chakra!" Tsunade gasped, "And it's incredibly violent."

In the lab, Kakashi's body started trembling uncontrollably as the Tailed Beast chakra assaulted him, flooding him with pain. Worse yet, the chakra's malevolence kept bombarding his mind, testing his mental resilience.

Quickly, Kakashi couldn't continue eating and was forced to fully engage with the Eight-Tails' chakra, clashing with its hostile will.

If he succeeded in subduing it, he'd gain control over the Eight-Tails' chakra.

How much he could control would depend on his own constitution.

Inside the lab, Shūichi's shadow clone stood ready. If Kakashi faltered, he'd immediately activate the sealing formation.

As time passed, an hour slipped by. Kakashi's pained expression finally began to soften.

Tsunade sensed it as well. The once-violent Tailed Beast chakra had calmed down. "Did he succeed?"

Shūichi smiled, "It appears so!"

Inside the lab, tails began to materialize behind Kakashi as the Tailed Beast chakra condensed.

One tail… two tails…

Reaching the limit of two-tails!

Shūichi nodded approvingly, "Not bad at all!"

...

Under Tsunade's Witness, the Tailed Beast Weapon Project Achieves Initial Success

As Konoha Year 47 arrived, research on Asuka's cells also reached a breakthrough. Shūichi and Tsunade, working together, managed to fuse the First Hokage's cells with Asuka's by using White Zetsu's cells as a buffer. This reduced the hyperactive nature of the First's cells without diminishing their Yang Release capabilities.

This development confirmed Shūichi's prior hypothesis: the First's cells and Asuka's cells could indeed complement each other.

...

By the end of Konoha Year 47, after repeated persuasion from Shūichi, Tsunade finally agreed to undergo a transplant of the fused cells from the First and Asuka. When she awoke from the procedure, it was already Konoha Year 48, and Shūichi shared some unexpected news:

Kushina Uzumaki was pregnant!

On this day, Jiraiya returned to Konoha and invited Tsunade out for a drink. When they arrived at the tavern, she was surprised to find Orochimaru there as well.

"Tsunade, I see... Looks like Shūichi-kun's research has made great strides recently," Orochimaru remarked with a knowing smile.

He could see the difference in her right away.

He was far too familiar with the power of the First Hokage's cells.

Tsunade sat down, grabbing Orochimaru's untouched cup and downing it. "You're becoming less human yourself, Orochimaru."

Orochimaru merely smirked.

Then Tsunade turned to Jiraiya, who seemed a bit down. "Hey, what's wrong with you?"

Jiraiya took a sip, sighing. "I heard... the three kids I trained back then—apparently, they're dead."

Tsunade blinked in surprise. "You mean those three from the Land of Rain?"

She scoffed slightly, "Wasn't that bound to happen?"

"They became ninja; it was only a matter of time before someone killed them."

Jiraiya was indignant, "Hey, Tsunade, I'm grieving here! You could at least comfort me a little—a hug, maybe?"

Tsunade rolled her eyes. "You never should have stayed to teach them ninjutsu in the first place."

"Trying to end wars through peaceful means—too naïve!"

"Instead of moping, maybe you should focus more on Minato. Kushina is pregnant."

She then looked at Orochimaru. "Seems like Minato is about to surpass you in your little rivalry."

Orochimaru chuckled mildly. "A bit embarrassing to be bested by a younger generation, but if it leads to change, it's worth it."

Tsunade, recalling what she'd heard from Shūichi, added, "Just be wary of Danzo. He has plenty of leverage against you."

Orochimaru gave a sly grin. "Tsunade, you and Shūichi-kun seem more in sync than ever."

Jiraiya perked up in shock. "Tsunade, you haven't started pursuing younger boys, have you?"

Humiliated, Tsunade's fury burst forth. "Go to hell!"

Boom!

Jiraiya was sent flying, crashing through the tavern wall and disappearing from sight.

With a deadly glare, Tsunade turned to the grinning Orochimaru. "Don't look at me like that. It's disgusting!"

"Oh, but Shūichi-kun is already 15, you know."

Before Tsunade could retort, Orochimaru vanished.

Meanwhile, Jiraiya, stuck in the shattered wall, coughed up blood. "Four ribs broken... Tsunade's gotten even stronger; a single strike…"

By the time he pulled himself free and reentered the tavern, Tsunade had already finished her drink and left without paying.

"Honestly… terrible friends…"

Seeing the server waiting for him to cover the tab, Jiraiya was despondent. Seeking comfort only to get beaten up and saddled with the bill…

After paying, Jiraiya stepped outside and sighed.

Nagato and the others were dead. Even the wielder of the Rinnegan... not fated to change things?

...

Konoha Year 48, October 10

As Tsunade worked at the research base, she suddenly looked up. "What's going on?"

The ground was trembling violently.

"Wait…"

Her expression changed, and using the Body Flicker Technique, she appeared outside the base, where she spotted an enormous creature in Konoha's core.

"That's…"

"The Nine-Tails!"

Her heart skipped a beat, and she immediately rushed toward the battle.

Halfway there, her pace slowed.

"Lady Tsunade!"

Shizune came sprinting toward her, holding a person covered in blood. "Please, Lady Tsunade, we have to transplant the First's cells into Shūichi… he…"

Her voice broke, and tears streamed down her face.

Tsunade froze, staring at the person in Shizune's arms—Shūichi Hoshita, his chest pierced through, arms gone, blood everywhere.

Even the necklace she'd given him was stained red.

"No… how can this be?"

"He has Creation Rebirth…"

Her entire body shook with terror as memories of her dead lover, Dan, and her brother's broken body flashed in her mind.

"Lady Tsunade!"

"You're the only one who can save him now!"

Shizune was sobbing. "Shūichi was critically injured by a space-time jutsu…"

"I…"

Tsunade took a shaky step forward, reaching out.

Blood from Shūichi's severed arm dripped onto her hand.

It was still warm.

A shudder ran through her. "Damn it…"

Tsunade, you're the most powerful medical ninja in Konoha.

You're a Senju…

Clenching her teeth, she took Shūichi from Shizune's arms.

Shūichi's eyes fluttered open, and he gave her a faint smile. "Tsunade… looks like I can't keep my promise to protect you all forever."

"Please… take care of Nonō, Asuka, and Pakura for me…"

Tsunade choked back tears, snapping, "Take care of your own lovers yourself!"

"And don't think I'm going to let you die!"

"I'm Tsunade, the world's best medical ninja!"

Without another word, she carried him at full speed back to the lab. Her poise and confidence returned as she directed Shizune to assist with the First Hokage cell transplant procedure.

Once the operation was complete and Shūichi's life was saved, Tsunade received the tragic news from Jiraiya:

The Third Hokage had died.

He'd used the Reaper Death Seal to contain the Nine-Tails.

Three days later, Minato Namikaze would be inaugurated as the Fourth Hokage.

(End of Chapter)

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