The idea of Wood Style had actually occurred to Hiruko.
Although he had never witnessed it firsthand, he had long heard of the legendary power of Senju Hashirama, the "God of Shinobi." He had even caught a glimpse of it on the day he first entered the Ninja Academy.
Later, after becoming friends with Tsunade and the others, he learned much more about Hashirama and Wood Style from Tsunade herself.
If Shimura Danzo had merely proposed the idea of Wood Style, Hiruko wouldn't have been so shocked. But the name listed in the document made him feel as if he had just boarded a pirate ship with no way off.
Senju Nawaki.
The moment Hiruko saw that name, he wondered if Danzo was planning to overthrow the village itself by targeting the Senju clan. After all, Nawaki was the grandson of both Senju Hashirama and Uzumaki Mito.
If the Senju clan ever learned of this plan, Hiruko was certain that Danzo's fate would be sealed.
As the saying goes, if Danzo dared to go after the Senju, what would stop him from targeting the other clans as well?
Danzo's voice broke through his thoughts. "Now that you've read the document, tell me your opinion. Do you think this plan is feasible?"
Hiruko shook his head. "I don't know. While my research into the Chimera Technique does involve bloodline limits, I've only experimented with ordinary Kekkei Genkai. I'm not sure if replicating Wood Style is even possible."
Danzo remained silent for a moment, clearly aware of how difficult it would be to reproduce Wood Style. After all, it was a power that had shaken the entire ninja world.
"Begin researching it anyway," Danzo commanded. "See if you can make any progress."
Hiruko was irritated. Danzo had given him nothing but a document and expected him to start groundbreaking research.
"Oh, and I'll have someone deliver something to you soon. It should be extremely useful for your research."
"What is it?" Hiruko asked warily.
Danzo gave him a meaningful glance. "The cells of the First Hokage."
What?!
Beiliuhu was taken aback. He hadn't expected Danzo to be so shameless—even desecrating the remains of the legendary Senju Hashirama.
He had always considered himself an opportunist, willing to conduct human experiments that most would consider inhumane. But compared to Danzo, he suddenly felt almost… ethical.
Yet, despite his moral reservations, his mind began racing.
If Hashirama's cells were truly available, then perhaps Wood Style wasn't just a pipe dream. And if his Chimera Technique succeeded, he might be able to harness the power of the First Hokage himself.
The more he thought about it, the more excited he became. The frustration of being under Danzo's control suddenly felt trivial in comparison to the potential rewards.
Though he was silently cursing Danzo, Hiruko kept a respectful facade. "Understood, Lord Danzo. I will make the best use of the First Hokage's cells."
"Be careful with them," Danzo warned. "There aren't many."
"Yes, Lord Danzo."
After Hiruko left, Danzo fell into deep thought.
"Someone, come."
A Root shinobi appeared instantly. "Lord Danzo."
"Find Orochimaru. Tell him to meet me in the Forest of Death at ten o'clock tonight."
"Yes, sir."
As his subordinate vanished, Danzo smirked.
Tonight, he would lure Orochimaru into his plans.
Having only Hiruko was not enough. Danzo trusted Orochimaru's scientific expertise far more, and he needed to shorten the time required to replicate Wood Style.
Nightfall.
At around 9:30 PM, Danzo left the Root headquarters.
Since the Root base and the Forest of Death were on opposite ends of the village, he had to pass through Konoha's bustling evening streets.
The village was alive with activity. Food stalls lined the streets, filling the air with a mix of delicious aromas. But Danzo had no interest in such trivialities. His mind was focused solely on his goal.
As he navigated through the crowd, a familiar figure caught his eye.
The man had strikingly long hair.
Danzo's heart pounded.
No… it can't be.
That man had died long ago at the Valley of the End. It was impossible.
Still, the resemblance was uncanny.
Determined to confirm his suspicions, Danzo quickened his pace, maneuvering past people until he stood in front of the figure.
Upon seeing the man's face, Danzo finally relaxed.
While the resemblance to him was strong, the man was much younger.
Danzo sighed in relief and walked away.
Uchiha Madara had been watching Danzo all along. He knew exactly who Danzo was.
Before he defected from Konoha, Senju Tobirama had already taken in disciples like Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo.
Madara hadn't expected to run into an old acquaintance on his very first day back in Konoha.
Luckily, he had long since transformed his appearance to resemble his younger brother, Uchiha Izuna.
Thanks to this disguise, he had wandered through Konoha undetected.
The reason for his return? Uchiha Chiba.
Though he had ordered Black Zetsu to have White Zetsu monitor Chiba, he wanted to observe him personally.
However, it was already late, and he decided to wait until morning. Tonight, he would simply stroll through Konoha and see what had become of the village Hashirama had sacrificed everything to protect.
Forest of Death.
By the time Danzo arrived, Orochimaru was already there, waiting.
"Danzo-sama, I heard you needed me?" Orochimaru asked, getting straight to the point.
Danzo was momentarily startled.
Didn't he used to call me 'Lord Danzo'?
But such trivial details didn't matter. His true objective tonight was to secure Orochimaru's cooperation.
"That's right," Danzo confirmed.
Orochimaru nodded. "Then speak quickly. I'm very busy."
Indeed, Orochimaru had his hands full. Chiba had painted an enticing vision for the future, but bringing that vision to life was proving difficult.
Chiba had taken a step back, leaving much of the groundwork to him.
Orochimaru had spent weeks searching for the Libra Clan and studying the secrets of natural energy in Ryuchi Cave.
He hadn't had a moment's rest in nearly half a month.