Hiruzen Sarutobi proved, once again, why he was known as the Professor of the ninja world.
The research involving the White Zetsu corpse was handled with astonishing efficiency. Sensitive materials were isolated, access permissions were strictly controlled, and every stage of the experiment was monitored personally by trusted Anbu and senior researchers.
That very evening, Aosui—who had just returned from the Konoha Orphanage—received an unexpected summons.
An Anbu ninja appeared silently in his room, kneeling on one knee.
"Mission notification."
Due to the extreme confidentiality of the matter, the task had been classified as S-rank.
Naturally, Aosui had no right to refuse.
Fortunately, with the Shadow Clone Technique at his disposal, he could divide his attention efficiently without disrupting his daily responsibilities.
As he lay on his bed that night, staring at the ceiling, a thought surfaced in his mind.
White Zetsu cells…
Could they be used in my relay-station plan?
If their cellular structure could store or stabilize chakra, they might be perfect materials for chakra storage devices—or even transmission nodes.
The idea lingered.
Early the next morning, Aosui dispatched a shadow clone to handle routine affairs and personally made his way to Tsunade's research base.
"Lady Tsunade."
Tsunade turned around, surprised to see him.
Today, she looked entirely different from her usual self. No alcohol. No gambling debts. No messy appearance.
Her white coat was immaculate, her posture straight, and her expression focused. She radiated the commanding presence of one of the greatest medical ninja in history.
For a moment, Aosui almost didn't recognize her.
"You came at a good time," Tsunade said. "I'll explain the current research progress."
As she spoke, she crossed her arms unconsciously, pressing them together.
Aosui froze for half a second.
…Yep. That's Tsunade.
Among all the female ninja he had encountered so far, only she possessed such an overwhelming figure. The glimpse of snowy white curves carried a lethal visual impact.
It was practically her anti-counterfeit seal.
"Is it good to look at?"
Tsunade's calm voice snapped him back to reality.
Aosui coughed twice, forcing his gaze upward and quickly changing the topic.
"Lady Tsunade, your current research direction is incorrect."
Although he had been momentarily distracted, he hadn't missed a single word of her explanation.
Tsunade narrowed her eyes slightly.
This brat was becoming bolder.
Perhaps it was because his strength had increased. Two years ago, he would never have stared so openly.
Strangely enough, she didn't feel disgusted.
Instead, there was a faint… pleasant sensation.
Impossible.
I'm ten years older than him.
She quickly dismissed the thought and refocused on his words.
"Oh?" Tsunade crossed her arms again. "Explain."
"I've read the research report," Aosui said calmly. "While White Zetsu cells do contain traces of Wood Release, the power itself is extremely weak—almost negligible."
"Yet your research has been centered on extracting and strengthening that Wood Release, which naturally makes progress difficult."
This wasn't Tsunade's fault.
Wood Release carried enormous significance for both her and Konoha. Upon discovering even the slightest trace of it, she was bound to investigate deeply.
What Tsunade didn't know was that the Wood Release within White Zetsu originated from Madara Uchiha implanting Hashirama's cells into them.
More importantly, the corpse they had obtained was merely a clone, not the special main body.
Trying to derive Wood Release from it was close to impossible.
"I believe we shouldn't focus on Wood Release," Aosui continued, "but rather on the intrinsic properties of White Zetsu cells."
He walked over to the research table and pointed at several data sheets.
"All current data suggests that White Zetsu cells possess extraordinary medical value. They show almost no rejection response when introduced to human tissue."
"In other words, they can be used safely in human medical applications."
"They are, essentially, universal transplant materials."
Tsunade's eyes lit up.
As a medical genius, she immediately grasped the implications.
She realized that she had been tunnel-visioned.
However, she still voiced her concern.
"Only my grandfather ever possessed Wood Release," Tsunade said slowly. "If traces of it appear now, I have to consider the possibility that Hashirama's cells were leaked."
Her fists clenched slightly.
Such a thought disgusted her.
Aosui understood her feelings, but he also knew the truth.
Madara had bitten off Hashirama's flesh during their final battle.
It was not a leak.
After a moment of silence, Aosui spoke gently.
"Lady Tsunade, uncovering the truth now won't change the past."
"What will matter is how we use White Zetsu cells to benefit Konoha."
"I believe the First Hokage would approve."
Tsunade exhaled slowly, then nodded.
"You're right."
Under Aosui's guidance, the research direction shifted decisively toward medical applications.
And just like that—
Time flowed onward.
Two years passed in the blink of an eye.
The ninja world remained peaceful. No wars. No large-scale conflicts.
Aosui spent most of his time at Konoha Hospital, occasionally leaving for missions.
His chakra reserves grew at a terrifying pace.
From just over 100,000 two years ago to—
[Chakra: B-rank (315,570 / 1,000,000)]
Even Hiruzen Sarutobi, an experienced Kage-level expert, could not compare to Aosui's current chakra pool.
He had stepped into the threshold of a Chakra Ton.
Not a true one yet—but close.
"Good morning, President!"
As Aosui exited his apartment, employees greeted him respectfully.
Hirakawa Film Company's cinemas had spread throughout towns across the ninja world, becoming the undisputed leader of the entertainment industry.
In two years, over twenty high-quality films had been released.
The audience was loyal.
The profits were astronomical.
Aosui's wealth was already immeasurable.
Naturally, this attracted the attention of greedy nobles.
But after he secretly dispatched Pain Kakuzu to deal with several of them, such covetous gazes vanished overnight.
The film company was essential to Aosui's plan.
Each cinema functioned as a chakra relay station.
Through them, Pain Kakuzu could traverse the entire ninja world—while Aosui remained safely in Konoha.
That evening, Aosui arrived at the Senju clan compound.
He had arranged to watch a movie with Kushina.
A year earlier, Mito Uzumaki had passed away.
Kushina had become the second Nine-Tails Jinchūriki.
Her movements were restricted.
Public cinemas were forbidden.
So Aosui installed a private projection system within the compound.
"Aosui! You're here!"
Kushina greeted him cheerfully.
She had grown taller, more graceful, and was beginning to show her youthful charm.
The years were quietly pushing everything forward.
And something important—
Was about to happen.
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)