The vision is perfect, but reality is cruel.
Accomplishing such a task overnight is impossible.
Developing a new cultivation system is no simple feat.
Even under optimal conditions, it could take decades—perhaps even generations—to form a viable prototype.
Of course, Uchiha Kiyo had many system references from novels, which significantly reduced this time.
Even with some unreliable elements, the traditional cultivation systems found in immortal cultivation novels had strong foundational logic. Their reference value remained extremely high.
However, even if the development period were cut in half, it would still require years of dedicated research. Where could Uchiha Kiyo find the time for that?
The reason for his confidence in completing this work lay in what he considered the greatest advantage in the ninja world—the Shadow Clone Jutsu.
As the most broken ability in the ninja world, the Shadow Clone Jutsu had been widely abused by many transmigrators.
A conscious clone capable of transmitting back its experience and knowledge to the main body was essentially a cheat code for both cultivation and research.
For instance, the complex route mappings of "internal strength" circulation and the countless possible combinations required for its perfection could all be tested through shadow clones, drastically reducing the time needed for development.
Uchiha Kiyo threw himself into this project, using it as a distraction—anything to momentarily suppress his grief.
Meanwhile, outside, the attack on the Third Squad had yet to settle.
The Third Squad—comprising the young master of the Senju Clan, the Hokage's nephew, and a prodigy of the Uchiha Clan—had been ambushed, resulting in two casualties. The implications of this event were greater than expected.
However, it was wartime, and everything was dictated by the needs of war.
This matter, no matter how severe, was destined to be overshadowed.
What else could be done?
Should Konoha fall into internal strife as soon as war erupted?
Should they execute the village's top brass?
Would that accomplish anything?
Complain all you want, but any true reckoning would have to wait until after the war.
Danzo, however, had no such reservations.
"By the time this war ends, if I haven't completely eliminated the Senju Clan, I'll consider myself a failure."
Crucially, three missing-nin from Kirigakure had been present at the scene. They had been the ones to carry out the kill, while Danzo's Root operatives had only provided support.
Without Hashirama Senju, Tobirama Senju, or Uzumaki Mito, and with Konoha's ongoing civilianization efforts, the overall strength of the Senju Clan had significantly declined. It was no longer certain they could contend with Danzo.
Konoha.
Hokage's Office.
With a loud bang, Senju Chitehiko stormed out, his rage palpable.
Inside, the Third Hokage sat in silence, his face heavy with sorrow. Taking a deep drag from his pipe, he exhaled a thick cloud of smoke, filling the office with its oppressive weight.
"Danzo, you've gone too far this time."
Though Danzo denied involvement, the Third Hokage knew his old friend too well—this was undoubtedly his doing.
As for his motive?
The Third had his suspicions.
Danzo had been conducting experiments with the First Hokage's cells. As Hokage, Hiruzen had long been aware but had chosen to turn a blind eye.
Over the years, several Senju Clan shinobi had mysteriously disappeared. The culprit was no mystery—Danzo was behind it.
Now, targeting Nawaki? The Third knew exactly what Danzo was after.
"Hiruzen, you're still too soft."
"Why hesitate to sacrifice a single life for the betterment of the village?"
"If I can gain that power, Konoha's future will be secured!"
"Ninjas exist to sacrifice themselves for the village when the time comes!"
"Danzo, you've lost your mind!"
The Third Hokage was stunned. This line of thinking was beyond extreme—it was outright terrifying.
"No, Hiruzen! I'm right."
"If Konoha is to truly thrive, it needs more than just those basking in the light. It needs someone like me, hidden in the darkness, working in silence."
Danzo's words carried deep conviction.
However, the ideology behind them was far too radical—Hiruzen could not accept it.
"Enough, Danzo. Regardless of your reasoning, you should never have targeted your fellow shinobi."
"For now, step down from Root. I will personally oversee its operations. Take this time to reflect."
"Hiruzen, you—"
"Enough!"
"Danzo, remember—"
"I am Hokage!"
Hiruzen's voice was sharp, brooking no argument.
Left with no choice, Danzo exited the Hokage's Office, his heart seething with resentment.
He did not believe he had done anything wrong.
What frustrated him the most was not the punishment—but the failure.
Had he succeeded in acquiring Nawaki's genetic material, he would have accepted any consequence. But instead, all he had gained was unnecessary attention.
"What a waste."
Watching Danzo's retreating figure, the Third Hokage slumped into his chair, exhaling another long sigh.
His gaze drifted toward the Hokage Monument outside his window.
Teacher…
Have I made a mistake? Danzo's actions are going too far…
But…
Konoha needs someone like him.
I lack your strength, Teacher. I cannot carry this title alone.
"The Strongest Hokage?"
Hah. Just a meaningless title, granted by those who have never seen true power.
Days later, Senju Tadao, an elder of the Senju Clan stationed on Konoha's front lines, was promoted to Supreme Commander of the war effort.
Nara Shikaku was appointed as the chief strategist.
Following this announcement, the Senju Clan dispatched a considerable number of its members to the battlefield.
Upon receiving the news, Uchiha Kiyo merely sighed.
"Are they fools?"
Yes, Tadao's promotion was a political win. It was undoubtedly a form of compensation.
But why were so many clan members being deployed?
Did they think sheer numbers would protect them?
This was an incredibly reckless move.
The Third Hokage and Danzo were clearly manipulating the situation.
Even if Hiruzen wished to maintain the illusion of fairness, the Senju Clan had refused to yield, determined to fight back.
Did they forget that Sarutobi Hiruzen was still the Hokage?
Such a provocative maneuver had Danzo's fingerprints all over it.
Hiruzen, though likely displeased, had done nothing to intervene.
"The Senju Clan… will ultimately fall."
Uchiha Kiyo sighed inwardly.
Once the strongest clan of the Warring States Period, now being systematically dismantled by Danzo.
It was a fate of their own making.
Hashirama's vision had been noble, but naïve.
The ninja village system naturally eroded the power of individual clans. No matter how prestigious a family was, it could never stand against the entire village.
Though the Senju Clan's decline was not yet complete, the gears were already in motion.
Give it twenty years—Konoha's system would be enough to erase any clan.
The Uchiha were proof of that.
Even without Uchiha Itachi's betrayal, the Uchiha Clan could not have won against the village. Konoha's leadership simply feared the cost of open conflict.
Perhaps this was what Madara had foreseen—hence his desire to leave with his clan. But they had refused.
Uchiha Kiyo felt no deep attachment to the Senju, and Nawaki's death had only deepened the rift between their clans.
However, the Uchiha were different.
He would not allow them to be exterminated.
If necessary, he would lead them out of Konoha.
Or stand alone to force the village into submission.
"I won't dwell on this. These matters are still far off. For now, I need to grow stronger."
"Danzo… wait for me. The day will come when you pay for what you've done."
A dark glint flickered in Uchiha Kiyo's eyes.
He did not suppress it.
Hatred would be his fuel.
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