Konoha Notes

Chapter 149 Scroll
Deep underground in the Hokage Building.

Unlike the forbidden magic room that stores forbidden magic scrolls, this place is more like an archive. Rows of metal cabinets are neatly arranged, marked with complex codes, and also bearing sealing talismans.

Tsunade stopped in front of a metal cabinet door, skillfully forming several hand seals and pressing them onto the runes on the door.

With a slight clicking sound, the heavy cabinet door slid open slowly.

“Grandpa’s chakra was incredibly strong.” Tsunade took out several scrolls from the cabinet. “According to Grandpa Tobirama, although he was powerful when he was young, he wasn’t as strong as he is now.”

"The appearance of Wood Release seems to be a key turning point."

"With the in-depth development of Wood Release and the pressure brought by Madara Uchiha time and time again, Grandpa's power seemed to grow without limit."

"That feeling, as Grandpa Tobirama once described it, was like some kind of destiny."

She handed one of the scrolls to Xiu Si, leaned against the metal cabinet, and watched as Xiu Si carefully unrolled the scroll.

"To be honest, Grandpa Tobirama had many speculations about Hashirama cells and conducted some preliminary experiments. But ultimately, due to the limitations of the technology at the time, he never achieved any practical results."

Shuji listened to Tsunade's words, but his attention was mostly focused on the scroll in his hand.

The scroll began with basic observations of cell activity. As he read on, he saw more records of cellular energy response patterns and tests on affinity for natural energy.

What really caught his attention was the second half of the scroll.

"...The abnormal activity of the elder brother's cells is highly correlated with the manifestation of Wood Release chakra. It's not that the special cells came first and then Wood Release appeared; it's more likely that Wood Release, as a bloodline limit, itself has, in turn, profoundly modified and evolved the body of the person who possesses it... This is a two-way influence, rather than a simple cause and effect."

"The cells exhibit extremely strong phagocytic and assimilative abilities, possessing an overwhelming capacity to assimilate foreign chakra..."

The subsequent content mostly consists of extended thinking and assumptions about these inferences, but it never touches on the ancient myths circulating in the ninja world, such as legendary figures like Kaguya Otsutsuki and the Sage of Six Paths.

This may be because Tobirama Senju, being an extremely realistic writer, did not believe in those ethereal legends, nor did he ever try to find explanations for them.

Or perhaps, after Hashirama Senju's death, the ensuing turbulent era and imminent crisis left him with no time to systematically collect and verify those seemingly absurd pieces of information.

Shuji put away the scroll. Overall, the content did not exceed his expectations based on his own experience.

However, some of the specific observational data and Tobirama's unique perspective did offer new insights. Combined with the details added in Orochimaru's scroll, he felt that his understanding of the power within him had become clearer.

"How was it?" Tsunade asked after he finished reading.

"Lord Tobirama's speculation is very insightful."

Tsunade nodded, not expecting Shuuji to figure anything out in just one visit: "You can come and check this information anytime. Did you remember the seal from earlier?"

Seeing that Shuuji indicated he understood, she continued, "You may consult these scrolls here, but under no circumstances should you take them out of here. Everything about the Hashirama cells is always the village's top secret."

"I see."

After putting the scroll back in its place, closing the cabinet door, and reapplying the seal, Shuji followed Tsunade out of the underground chamber.

Just as Shuji was about to leave, Tsunade called him back.

"By the way, after you left yesterday, I explained the current situation to Itachi."

"That child... volunteered to join the Dark Division."

"You should be able to understand the reason."

"But Itachi is now your direct subordinate, so I need to hear your opinion on his future."

Shuji thought for a moment: "In terms of personal ability, temperament, and loyalty alone, Itachi is undoubtedly qualified for the position of Anbu. As for the rest, let me talk to him about it."
-
After the previous harassment attempt failed, Ao, who had retreated to the Wave Country camp, received an urgent order.

When he saw the contents of the scroll, he showed a rare expression of relief.

The order was simple: cease all harassment operations against the Konoha border and allow frontline troops to withdraw in an orderly manner to the pre-established defensive lines within the Land of Water.

"Has the Fourth Hokage finally come to his senses?"

Qing muttered to himself, feeling a little puzzled by the sudden change in orders, but it was still a good thing to end this pointless harassment.

He immediately ordered each team to pack their belongings and prepare to evacuate.

In the Hidden Mist Village, Elder Yuan Shi held a copy of the same order, his brow furrowed.

This order was not discussed by the elders, nor was he informed in advance. Instead, it was issued directly by the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, in the name of the Mizukage's office.

Border clashes with Konoha should not be handled so casually.

Even if the Master himself does not support such harassment operations, it does not mean that the Mizukage can so casually start a war and then so abruptly and unilaterally order its termination, completely ignoring the elders and other decision-making bodies in the village.

How can orders be issued to frontline troops when a series of issues such as equipment recovery, supply line adjustment, and personnel rotation and resettlement have not yet been discussed and arranged?

Filled with doubt and dissatisfaction, Genji unusually took the initiative to go to the Mizukage's office and requested to meet the Fourth Hokage.

"It's not a halt to operations, but rather a change in the units tasked with harassment," Yagura replied.

"What?" Master Yuan was even more puzzled. "However, the order did not specify which unit would take over, and as an elder, I have not received any relevant notifications or discussion records."

The old man felt a sense of unease. What was the Fourth Hokage thinking?
He couldn't help but wonder if, as the Three-Tails' jinchūriki for so long, the tailed beast's chakra had begun to erode the Mizukage's mind.

How did a perfectly normal person become like this after becoming the Mizukage?

He didn't consider the possibility that the Mizukage could be controlled. The Kage is one of the top ninjas in a village, even the strongest. They can be killed, so how could they be controlled?
"Considering the recent low morale of the village's ninjas, I have decided to secretly hire some wandering ninjas and mercenary organizations to take over the subsequent harassment missions."

Yuan Shi gripped the snake staff tightly in his hand and stammered, "Fourth Hokage, hiring outside ninjas requires a lot of money."

"Moreover, their credibility is questionable."

"More importantly, how will the villagers view our use of outsiders in battles that should be fought by the Hidden Mist ninja?"

"The daimyo will probably have objections too."

Regarding these issues, Yagura's tone remained unchanged: "The funds will first be drawn from this year's military budget and mission-mandated reserves."

"I will arrange and handle other matters myself, Elder Yuan, you don't need to worry too much."

Yuan Shi looked at the Fourth Mizukage and did not raise any further objections, but simply replied, "...Yes, I understand."

Leaving the Water Shadow Building and walking on the slightly damp and chilly streets of Kirigakure, Master Yuan had already made up his mind about one thing.

The Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, is definitely suspicious!

Whether it's due to the influence of the Tailed Beasts or some other unknown reason, he is no longer suitable to continue sitting in the position of Mizukage.

However, Yagura Karatachi is a perfect Jinchūriki who has successfully controlled the power of the Three-Tails. He is very powerful and still has a number of his direct ANBU loyal to him.

Therefore, we must not act rashly. We must secretly contact other trustworthy ninjas and wait for the right opportunity...

(End of this chapter)