Chapter 7 : 29th Place

The importance of the Senju lineage to Konoha is immeasurable, even beyond that of Wood Style jutsu.

As history tells us, the Senju clan faded away earlier than the Uchiha clan. The primary reason for this was Senju Hashirama's decision after establishing Konoha Village – he chose to integrate his family members into the village and dissolve the barriers between commoners and clans.

Over time, barring a few direct descendants, most of the Senju clan married commoners, leading to dilution of their bloodline. Consequently, it's possible that every villager in Konoha carries some trace of Senju blood.

Wood Style, on the other hand, is an ability even many pure Senju descendants haven't reawakened.

"I... I choose the first option!"

Amidst the anticipation of countless people, Moegi Kazamatsuri hesitantly made a choice.

A distinct bell chimed again, and the golden tablet displayed an image – exactly the scene within ten meters of Moegi Kazamatsuri, including the Third Hokage, the "Fourth Kazekage," Uchiha Ran, and others.

This time, however, none paid much attention to the scene.

A ray of light emitted from the golden tablet, seemingly crossing through space and enveloping Moegi Kazamatsuri. She underwent a transformation, the entire process lasting just a second, as fleeting as a spark.

Sarutobi Hiruzen's composure wavered as he inquired, "Kazamatsuri, how do you feel?"

"Third Hokage, Grandpa Third Hokage, Kazamatsuri feels really comfortable, like something's entered my body."

"Could you provide more detail?"

"It's like every cell is swelling with vitality."

"Vitality... Can you try channeling chakra?"

"Um, how do I do that?"

"Let me think about it."

Sarutobi Hiruzen observed Moegi Kazamatsuri and took a drag of his cigarette, pondering, but noticed the odd gazes from those around him.

[Senju Hashirama: These words sound oddly familiar, Madara, don't you think?]

Ninjas were taken aback.

Hashirama and Uchiha Madara seemed to share something.

"Damn!" Uchiha Madara blushed.

[Uchiha Madara: What's it got to do with me? You should ask Mito.]

[Senju Hashirama: What's Mito got to do with it?]

[Uzumaki Mito: Hashirama, please behave yourself!]

Truly, it's embarrassing when your private conversations become the talk of the whole ninja world.

[Onoki: Just as expected from Shodai…]

[First Mizukage: Hashirama's still as clueless as ever.]

[First Raikgae Ai: Brings back memories.]

[Fourth Raikgae Ai: Haha, this is amusing.]

[Terumi Mei: Sigh... Idol image shattered.]

Everyone: You're not alone!

[Uchiha Ran: Let's focus on the matter at hand, everyone.]

Uchiha Ran chuckled, shaking his head before stating, "Yamato, teach Kazamatsuri the Wood Style Three-Body Technique."

"Yes, Master Ran."

A figure emerged from the shadows and joined Uchiha Ran's side.

This person was Yamato, implanted with Hashirama's cells by Orochimaru during his childhood. He inherited the First Hokage's Wood Style kekkai genkai. Originally code-named A and manipulated by Danzo's Root, after Sarutobi Hiruzen discovered his existence, his code name was changed to Yamato and he became part of Anbu, directly under the Hokage.

After Uchiha Ran became a disciple of Sarutobi Hiruzen, he began planning various initiatives, including recruiting talents like Yamato.

"Yamato, Wood Style..."

"It's that kid!"

Orochimaru gazed at Yamato, recalling Danzo's secret message, his eyes gleaming.

Sarutobi Hiruzen cast an enigmatic look at Uchiha Ran.

Across the ninja world, the Kages of major villages, various Akatsuki-like organizations, and hidden agents of secret organizations, held varying thoughts.

The existence of Wood Style within Konoha had remained hidden all this time – it's only now that they realized the bloodline limit due to the list. Otherwise it would never be unveiled.

"Next, I'll teach you the Wood Style Transformation Technique. It surpasses the regular Transformation Technique."

Yamato explained to Moegi Kazamatsuri.

Kazamatsuri had just begun to unlock the limits of her Wood Style bloodline, and possessed a basic Senju constitution. Her chakra needed to be higher than that of a typical Genin, yet she was just a fourth-grader in the ninja academy, having learned only the Three Body Technique.

Learning speed of ninjutsu wasn't directly tied to bloodline, and it's not guaranteed that she would master overly potent Wood Style techniques right away.

However, the Wood Style Three Body Technique was an offshoot of the Three Body Technique, involving only a few additional seals. It didn't require an understanding of Chakra Nature Transformation and just needed a compatible bloodline.

"Yes!"

Moegi Kazamatsuri glanced at Uchiha Ran, her cheeks slightly reddening, then firmly nodded.

Uchiha Ran's popularity in Konoha was akin to that of the future Uzumaki Naruto, especially after he defeated Pain. Ninety percent of young girls adored him.

Subsequently, instruction commenced.

Kazamatsuri, blessed with Senju's physiques, displayed remarkable talent and swiftly grasped the technique.

"Wood Style, Transformation Technique!"

Kazamatsuri molded the seals, executing the Wood Style transformation technique. Instead of a puff of smoke, a hole in the ground appeared, from which branches emerged, entwining around Kazamatsuri and fully enveloping her.

By the time the branches vanished, she had morphed into Uchiha Ran.

"Success!"

Hyuga Hiashi, having reopened his eyes, nodded to the crowd.

Wood Style Transformation was beyond the comprehension of ordinary ninja and even those with average perception.

This instance solidified the authenticity of the Golden List for those present. Most within the ninja world were inclined to believe now, except for the skeptics who required seeing it themselves.

"Kazamatsuri, excellent." Uchiha Ran complimented with a smile.

"Ah, thank you!"

Kazamatsuri deactivated the transformation, blushing slightly.

"Next, let's focus on teaching Kazamatsuri Wood Style!" Uchiha Ran instructed Yamato.

"Yes, Lord Ran." Yamato took charge.

This spectacle wasn't lost on many observers, igniting contemplation.

Suddenly, Uchiha Ran turned toward Haruno Sakura, positioned next to Uchiha Sasuke, and suggested, "Sakura Haruno, don't hesitate. Choose option one."

"Option two would be a waste!"

Crowd: ??

Some individuals caught on, gazing skyward.

[29th place: Haruno Sakura (primary Senju constitution, illusion aptitude, precise chakra control)]

Option 1: Elevate your constitution to intermediate level

Option 2: Master Medical Ninjutsu (Extraction Technique, Chakra Scalpel, Healing Jutsu)

[Uchiha Ran: Senior Sister Tsunade, you should return. This disciple is promising.]

*****

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