CHAPTER 4

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Hiruzen immersed himself in refining the basic jutsu, intent on transforming them into formidable techniques.

He began with the **Clone Jutsu**, typically used as a simple decoy.

With a flick of his wrist, he infused it with a new essence, channeling his chakra through the air.

The clones shimmered for a moment, becoming indistinguishable from him to all but the most discerning eyes.

Now, only those possessing advanced visual dojutsu, like the **Sharingan** or **Byakugan**, could pierce their illusion. The improvement elevated the Clone Jutsu to **B-rank**.

Next, he turned his attention to the **Transformation Jutsu**. Hiruzen envisioned its potential as he visualized a swirling vortex of forms.

With each pulse of chakra, he shaped it into a dynamic technique, allowing transformations into any object or being of any size. The jutsu completed, marking its elevation to **B-rank**.

The **Substitution Jutsu** presented a greater challenge. Hiruzen's brow furrowed in concentration as he imagined a web of connections extending outwards, giving him a tangible sense of every object in the vicinity.

He modified the technique so that he could substitute with any object within a 50-meter radius, as long as it was within his line of sight.

As he completed the jutsu, the air crackled with energy, marking its rise to **B-rank**.

Finally, he focused on the **Body Flicker Jutsu**.

He restructured it, allowing for complex directional changes mid-movement, demanding precise chakra control.

With the basic plans complete, Hiruzen resumed his training. Over the past three months, he had pushed his limits, each drop of sweat a testament to his determination, achieving a new level of strength.

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**STATUS** 

**NAME**: SARUTOBI HIRUZEN 

**AGE**: 21 YEARS 

**TALENT**: SS RANK 

**TAIJUTSU**: LOW KAGE 

**NINJUTSU**: LOW KAGE 

**GENJUTSU**: PEAK JONIN 

**BUKIJUTSU**: LOW KAGE 

**CHAKRA**: MID KAGE 

**CHAKRA CONTROL**: 95% 

**FUINJUTSU**: LEVEL 3 (MASTERY OF BASIC SEALS) 

**AFFINITY**: EARTH (60%), FIRE (60%), WIND (60%), WATER (60%), LIGHTNING (60%), YIN (60%), YANG (60%) 

**SKILLS**: CREATION, COMPREHENSION, ASSIMILATION, EYE OF INSIGHT 

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Hiruzen leaned back, surveying the expanse of the training ground.

"In these past three months, I've solidified my power to the level of a shadow-level shinobi," he mused, flexing his fingers as he recalled the sensations of merging with the previous Hiruzen.

"My chakra has expanded immensely; it's now reaching late Kage levels. Only my chakra control and fuinjutsu lag behind. Even my height and hair has increased slightly."

He paused, contemplating the road ahead. "I'll need to create the **Marine Six Styles** for taijutsu training; it's the only fighting style I'm familiar with."

He crafted a plan, picturing each element of the styles in his mind before pulling forth the necessary chakra to manifest them.

"For further fuinjutsu training, a visit to Lady Mito is in order," he decided, his mind made up.

With purpose, Hiruzen summoned clones, each bustling with energy as they set to work on chakra control and taijutsu drills.

He then made his way to the **Senju residence**, anticipation thrumming through him.

Upon arrival, he found a maid bustling about the entrance.

"Please inform Lady Mito that Hiruzen is here to see her," he instructed, maintaining a respectful tone.

The maid nodded, her expression serious. "Yes, Hokage-sama." She hurried away, returning shortly. "Lady Mito invites you in."

As he stepped into the grand Senju residence, he was greeted by the fragrant aroma of blooming flowers wafting through the courtyard.

In the center stood Lady Mito, a regal presence with sharp eyes and neatly combed red hair styled into twin buns.

She wore a **blue-collared white kimono**, cinched at the waist with a black belt, exuding an air of authority.

Nearby, young girls giggled, playing amidst the vibrant blooms, but Hiruzen's focus was solely on her.

"Good morning, Mito-sama," he greeted, bowing slightly.

"Good morning, Hiruzen," she replied, a hint of warmth in her smile. "It seems the duties of Hokage haven't worn you down yet. You're still full of energy."

"Only because my shadow clones handle most of the administrative work," he replied humbly, a light laugh escaping him. "It allows me time to focus on my training."

"Clever use of shadow clones, I must admit," Mito said, her eyes glinting with amusement. "But I doubt you've come here just to chat with an old woman like me."

Hiruzen smiled, the mood shifting as he steeled himself. "Actually, I've come to discuss a few matters and seek your guidance on fuinjutsu, if you wouldn't mind."

Her expression shifted to one of intrigue. "Oh? What suggestions do you have for me? I'll see what I can do to help."

He took a deep breath, drawing upon his resolve. "I wanted to suggest we reconsider the Second Hokage's policy encouraging the Senju clan to marry outside the clan. This practice is thinning our bloodline.

While it may have been manageable before, I fear it could lead to a future where no one like the First Hokage arises to rival someone like Madara Uchiha."

As he spoke, Mito's expression hardened, her features reflecting the weight of his words. "Your suggestion has merit, Hiruzen. I will speak to **Hanaku** about implementing this and banning Senju members from marrying outside the clan."

"There's one more thing I've been hesitant to bring up..." Hiruzen's voice grew cautious, the gravity of the situation evident.

"What is it, Hiruzen? Speak your mind; I'm open to anything you wish to share," Mito encouraged, her gaze piercing.

He instinctively set up a **barrier seal**, creating an invisible cocoon around them.

Stepping closer, he lowered his voice. "Some individuals, terrified of the devastation from the First Shinobi War, are contemplating forbidden research to create a weapon of mass destruction. Worse, they're considering human experimentation."

Mito's eyes widened, her chakra flaring with raw intensity. The air thickened with the power of the **Nine-Tails**, her expression transforming into a steely resolve.

"Who dares suggest such a thing? And what sort of weapon are they attempting to create?"

"The higher-ups of the **Elder Council**, and sadly, some from the Senju clan," Hiruzen disclosed, beads of cold sweat trickling down his brow as he felt the weight of her energy.

"They're searching for someone capable enough for this research, likely targeting orphan children of Senju lineage."

Mito's face darkened further, the implications of his words sinking in. "How certain are you, Hiruzen? And who among them is spearheading this madness?"

"I am 100 percent sure, Mito-sama. However, I don't know who specifically is involved," he answered, his heart racing.

"But they're serious about this and have already begun searching for potential candidates."

Silence enveloped them, heavy with the enormity of their conversation. Mito's expression reflected a tumult of emotions as she grasped the threat looming over the village she had fought to protect.

The foundations of Konoha were being threatened, and the stakes had never been higher.

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