Even so, Aomizu was not truly confident that he would be able to master the Flying Thunder God Technique.
There was a very real possibility that all his effort would be wasted.
After all, in the original history of the shinobi world, only two people had ever successfully mastered this technique: its creator, Senju Tobirama, and Namikaze Minato.
This alone was enough to prove just how terrifying its difficulty truly was.
Among all Space–Time Ninjutsu, the Flying Thunder God Technique was undoubtedly among the most demanding.
To put things into perspective, take the Summoning Technique—one of the most common Space–Time Ninjutsu. Despite its classification, it was only a C-rank technique, something even an average Genin could master as long as they had a summoning contract and sufficient chakra control.
Another example was the Edo Tensei.
Although it was an S-rank Forbidden Jutsu like the Flying Thunder God Technique, it was also considered a Space–Time Ninjutsu. Its principle involved summoning the souls of the dead back from the Pure Land into the ninja world, using a living body as a vessel.
In a sense, it could be seen as a twisted, forbidden version of the Summoning Technique.
However, when compared to the Flying Thunder God Technique, Edo Tensei was still easier to learn.
It was sealed away not because of its difficulty, but because it was inhumane and violated the most fundamental taboos of the ninja world.
Of course, "easier" was only relative.
Edo Tensei was still an S-rank Forbidden Jutsu. Even if it were publicly available, only geniuses like Orochimaru or Tobirama himself could ever hope to master it.
The Flying Thunder God Technique, on the other hand, was difficult for an entirely different reason.
To master it, one needed three things—all at the highest level.
First: exceptional Space–Time talent.
Second: extremely powerful sensory abilities.
Third: top-tier neurological reaction speed.
Even lacking one of these would make mastering the technique impossible.
Yet despite all this, Aomizu chose the Flying Thunder God Technique without hesitation.
Because even if he failed…
Once Minato mastered it in the future, the System would allow Aomizu to obtain it directly.
From a long-term perspective, choosing it now was a guaranteed profit.
"Alright," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, handing over a scroll. "This is the Flying Thunder God Technique."
Seeing Aomizu's unwavering determination, the Third Hokage stopped trying to dissuade him.
He understood very well that true geniuses were always proud.
Hiruzen himself had once attempted to learn the Flying Thunder God Technique. After months of fruitless effort, he had decisively given up.
Thus, he offered one final reminder.
"If you truly can't learn it, come back later. I'll allow you to exchange it for another ninjutsu."
This was a privilege he rarely granted—reserved only for extraordinary talents.
After leaving the Hokage Building, Aomizu and Tsunade, exhausted from the day's work, parted ways and returned home.
Once inside his apartment, Aomizu didn't rest immediately. Instead, he spread the scroll open and began studying the Flying Thunder God Technique in earnest.
What if… I can really learn it?
Minutes passed. Then hours.
Finally, Aomizu closed the scroll and let out a helpless sigh.
"…Forget it. Sleep first."
Reality proved once again that some things couldn't be achieved through effort alone.
Three days earlier, a Konoha Chunin named Ota Shuta had suffered a severe accident during a mission.
His right leg had been irreparably damaged, forcing doctors to perform a high-level amputation.
Under normal circumstances, this would have meant the end of his career as a shinobi.
Ota Shuta had already begun preparing himself mentally for retirement.
But then, Aomizu and Tsunade appeared.
They offered him another choice.
A future where he could continue being a ninja.
As the sole breadwinner of his family, Ota Shuta accepted without hesitation.
Cell samples were taken immediately.
Using these samples, Aomizu and Tsunade initiated targeted cultivation of White Zetsu cells.
Two days later, the procedure was complete.
A fully regenerated right leg—cultivated entirely from White Zetsu cells—was successfully transplanted onto Ota Shuta's body.
Not only was it functional, but it was visually indistinguishable from his original leg.
Anyone unaware of the truth would never suspect it was artificial.
This technology was leagues beyond any conventional prosthetic.
[Treatment completed for Ota Shuta. Reward: 1 Blue Orb.]
[Congratulations! You have obtained: Soldier Pill ×1.]
The moment Ota Shuta stood up on both legs again, tears streamed down his face.
"Thank you, Lady Tsunade! Thank you, Lord Aomizu!"
And he was far from the only one.
Since the implementation of these two techniques at Konoha Hospital, countless injured ninja had undergone similar procedures.
Every single surgery succeeded.
Without exception.
The impact on Konoha was enormous.
High-ranking officials, clan heads, and elite shinobi were all shaken.
Aomizu's name once again spread throughout the village.
But where there was admiration, there were also hidden intentions.
Danzo. Orochimaru. Hiruko.
Each of them, through their own methods, secretly obtained samples of White Zetsu cells, intending to study them privately.
They wanted to uncover the secrets hidden within.
Aomizu remained completely unaware.
And even if he knew, he wouldn't have cared.
The White Zetsu cells circulating outside had been specially cultivated.
They did not contain Wood Release.
The true White Zetsu cells capable of producing Wood Release existed only within Tsunade's research base.
No one else could access them.
Wood Release was too important.
That was why Aomizu had insisted on this precaution—to guard against ambitious individuals and spies from other villages.
"Tsunade," Aomizu asked one day, "are you free today?"
"We've worked hard for two full years. Now that we finally have results… shouldn't we celebrate properly?"
Tsunade didn't answer immediately.
Instead, she raised an eyebrow and asked, "So… is this you asking me out on a date?"
She still remembered certain things.
The two of them had naturally grown close after years of working together, but during all that time, they had never once gone on an actual date.
That was why she had felt irritated when she saw Aomizu deliberately accompany Kushina.
It wasn't jealousy.
It was imbalance.
"…Of course," Aomizu said with a smile. "So, beautiful lady, may I have the honor of taking you on a date tonight?"
Tsunade didn't say another word.
She rushed forward, threw herself into his arms, and sealed his lips with her own.
Her answer needed no words.
The movie theater was completely empty.
A venue meant to hold hundreds of people now had only two occupants.
They were watching the same movie Aomizu had once watched with Kushina.
This time, however, Aomizu barely paid attention to the screen.
With no outsiders present, he grew increasingly bold.
Each time, Tsunade scolded him softly.
"You little rascal… behave yourself."
"How can I?" Aomizu replied honestly. "You're just too beautiful, Tsunade."
After all, he had always had a weakness for mature women.
"Hmph. Sweet-talker."
Tsunade turned her head away, pretending disgust.
But her smile betrayed her.
The unease in her heart quietly disappeared.
Soon, the movie ended.
The two went straight to the top floor and entered the apartment Aomizu had prepared in advance.
The moment Tsunade stepped inside, she froze.
The entire room was filled with flowers.
Petals drifted gently through the air like falling snow.
Aomizu stepped forward and took out an exquisitely crafted jade bracelet, gently placing it on her wrist.
"So," he asked softly, "do you like it?"
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)