CHAPTER 23
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As the natural energy began to flow into Hiruzen's body, he concentrated on comprehending it thoroughly, analyzing every aspect of it in his mind as he cultivated.
His senses expanded, allowing him to grasp the intricacies of the natural energy and blend it with his chakra seamlessly.
Seeing Hiruzen's astonishing progress, the Monkey Sage was taken aback. "How is this possible? He's mastering it on his first attempt!" the sage thought, the shock evident in his eyes.
His mouth twitched slightly, barely able to contain his surprise.
As Hiruzen continued practicing, his speed in absorbing natural energy accelerated sharply.
Sensing this, the Monkey Sage prepared to intervene, worried that the rapid intake might turn Hiruzen into stone—a common fate for those unable to balance the energy correctly.
However, time passed, and nothing happened.
Hiruzen's body showed no signs of the petrification that usually plagued beginners.
In fact, the sage chakra was being absorbed into his body at a startling rate, without any negative effects.
The Monkey Sage's eyes widened further. "Is he a natural sage like me?" he thought, watching in awe. "How can he be this proficient on his first try?"
Though visibly shocked, the Monkey Sage quickly composed himself, hiding his amazement behind a small smile.
He turned to Enma, who was also observing the scene with wide eyes.
"He's a prodigy, Enma. Perhaps even a child of fortune," the Monkey Sage said solemnly. "You should maintain a good relationship with him."
Enma, still in shock, replied, "Yes, Sage."
His gaze returned to Hiruzen, now muttering to himself, "It seems you've caught the Sage's attention, Hiruzen."
Meanwhile, despite the commotion caused by his remarkable progress, Hiruzen remained calm, completely focused on comprehending the natural energy.
His thoughts aligned with the rhythm of nature. "It's said that one must maintain a balance of 3:3:1—spiritual energy, physical energy, and nature energy. Let's see if I can manage that," he mused, as more nature energy flowed into his body.
Enma, watching from a distance, was still astounded by what he was witnessing.
"I was preparing to give him Monkey Sake to help him understand natural energy better, but it seems there's no need now," he said, an amazed expression on his face.
The Monkey Sage nodded, his smile now more serious. "Enma, give Hiruzen access to all the arts of Monkey Mountain. He needs to master them without hesitation."
"Yes, Sage!" Enma replied with a respectful nod.
A full day passed.
When Hiruzen finally emerged from his meditative state, his eyes gleamed with newfound vitality, a smile of satisfaction spreading across his face.
He felt refreshed, as though he had been reborn.
His gains from the past day were beyond his expectations.
"I've never felt so invigorated. It seems mastering nature energy is more important than I initially thought," Hiruzen reflected, assessing his body, now enhanced with the power of nature energy.
"You've awakened, Hiruzen," Enma called from his perch on a nearby tree, resting comfortably. "It seems your progress was substantial."
Hiruzen stretched, a smile still on his face. "Yes, Enma. Learning senjutsu was incredible. I should teach this to my students one day."
Enma looked at him with approval. "The Sage has granted you permission to access any technique you wish from our library."
Hiruzen's smile grew wider. "Please thank the Sage for his generosity, Enma!" he said gratefully.
Then, with a thoughtful expression, he added, "I do have responsibilities in the village. However, I'll leave my shadow clones to learn as much as possible while I'm away."
Enma gave him a slight nod. "Yes, that's fine. Be sure to visit often, Hiruzen."
"I will, Enma," Hiruzen replied with a smile, and with a quick series of hand seals, he reversed summoned himself back to the Hokage training field beneath the Hokage Rock.
Sitting on a boulder, Hiruzen began to ponder the implications of what he had just learned. "This natural energy is extremely useful," he thought to himself, feeling the subtle but powerful enhancements it provided.
"I need to create a breathing technique that revolves around nature energy, something that's tailored specifically to my abilities."
His mind raced with possibilities as he mentally mapped out his future training regimen. The path ahead was exciting, filled with untapped potential.
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Meanwhile, in the Hyuga residence, two figures sat opposite each other in a private meeting room.
One was Danzo, clad in his usual black robe with a black belt around his waist, and a leaf headband on his forehead. His face remained stoic and calm, betraying nothing of his thoughts.
The other figure was Hisashi Hyuga, the head of the Hyuga clan.
His long black hair framed his face, and his white robe gave him an air of authority. However, disdain flickered in his eyes as he gazed at Danzo.
Seeing the contempt in Hisashi's expression, Danzo refrained from commenting. *Once I deal with Hiruzen and the Uchiha, I'll wipe that smug look off your face too,* he thought coldly.
"What brings you here, Danzo?" Hisashi asked, his voice flat, showing little interest in the conversation.
Danzo, breaking free from his inner thoughts, met Hisashi's gaze. "Hyuga Head, you've seen it yourself—how Hiruzen runs the village. He behaves as though it belongs solely to him, making decisions regardless of whether we support him or not."
Hisashi raised an eyebrow slightly but said nothing, prompting Danzo to continue.
"What I'm proposing is an alliance between the Hyuga, Shimura, Mitokado, and Utatane clans," Danzo said, his voice carrying an air of anticipation, hoping for a positive response.
Hisashi remained impassive. "An alliance? And for what purpose? I fail to see what you stand to gain from opposing the Hokage," he said, his tone cold and distant.
Danzo's expression hardened. "Hiruzen, after becoming Hokage, has begun to treat the village as his personal property," he said with a hint of frustration.
"For example, a few days ago, a new village, Amegakure, was founded near the Fire Nation, in the Land of Rain. Despite the Kazekage and Tsuchikage sending ninja to assess their strength and harass them, Hiruzen sent no one. He's neglecting his duties as Hokage."
Hisashi's eyes narrowed in surprise. "Are you certain of this? Hokage-sama neglected such an important matter?" His tone carried disbelief.
Seeing the reaction he was hoping for, Danzo allowed himself a small smile. "Yes. That's why I've come to you. We need to form this alliance to prevent further negligence that could lead our village to tragedy."
Hisashi remained silent, deep in thought. After a moment, he spoke again, "I'll discuss your proposal with the Hyuga elders and give you my answer later."
Danzo nodded, satisfied. "Certainly. I'll take my leave now." With that, he stood and swiftly flickered out of the Hyuga compound, heading toward the Shimura clan's residence.
Hisashi watched him go, activating his Byakugan as Danzo disappeared from view.
"He's planning something against Hokage-sama," Hisashi muttered to himself. "I'll see if this alliance is worth the trouble."
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Danzo arrived at the Shimura clan compound and descended into an underground chamber.
As he entered, the guards bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Danzo-sama," they said in unison.
Danzo nodded curtly and continued walking past them.
A ninja swiftly approached and knelt before him. "We've recruited fifty more shinobi for your cause, Danzo-sama."
Danzo gave a nod of approval. "Well done, Shiboku. I'll speak with Homura and Koharu to arrange for additional ninja from their clans."
Danzo asked, sitting down at his desk, where he resumed working on some paperwork. "How are the preparations progressing?"
"We've sent Root operatives to gather intelligence, sir" The kneeling ninja looked up and said.
"Understood, dismiss" danzo nod and said to the ninja.
The ninja disappeared silently into the shadows.
Danzo leaned back in his chair, his mind swirling with plans. *Hiruzen, your days as Hokage are numbered.*
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