Immortality begins with the ninjas of Konoha

As Furukawa Osamu was enveloped by the clone and merged into his main body, the slug's massive Sage Chakra merged into the [Gathering] ability. Under the combined effect of the two, it once again fiercely absorbed the remaining energy from the roots of the Divine Tree.

What would normally take years to complete was drastically shortened with the help of the live slug.

While Furukawa's spirit body focused on gathering energy, the blonde girl, a manifestation of the slug, helped refine Sage Chakra. Because she was the original body, the task was exceptionally easy, allowing her to even indulge in gossip:

"If Master Shu wants to help Tsunade transform, they need to mate, right?"

"Otherwise, that frail human body simply wouldn't be able to control such a vast amount of Sage Chakra."

"cough..."

Such a straightforward expression made Furukawa Osamu cough helplessly. Unlike his clone, the live slug, the real body was even more direct, curiously continuing to gossip:

"After Lord Xiu evolves again, you will be different species. I wonder if you will still be able to produce offspring."

"The evolution of races, that's the path that Gamamaru took back then."

Chapter 135: Does Darkening Make You Three Times Stronger?

By the end of June, the turbulent Amegakure had finally returned to peace, and all of Hanzo's relatives, friends, and subordinates had been killed.

Obito Uchiha witnessed Nagato's brutal rule, and what surprised him even more was how incredibly efficient Konan, despite her seemingly frail appearance, was at killing!

Konan's paper-evolution technique shone brightly; her swift flight alone left ordinary ninjas with no way to resist, only able to watch the girl slaughter them.

All voices of resistance in Amegakure have fallen silent. Hanzo has completed the transformation, and a new era has begun.

-

In the dead of night, inside a towering metal tower, Obito Uchiha, possessed by White Zetsu, sat alone at the top, quietly watching the full moon in the night sky.

As Black Zetsu appeared beside him, he whispered a report to Obito:

"Osamu Furukawa and Orochimaru have a master-disciple relationship, and they have now completely taken control of Konoha's ANBU forces."

"Danzo doesn't seem to have any intention of cooperating. After returning to the village, he hid alone in Root. Currently, Root is headed by Ryoma Aburame."

Obito did not respond. Black Zetsu remained silent for a moment, then lowered his voice even further, offering a simple reminder in a hoarse tone:

“Controlling Orochimaru and Danzo is very risky. They are not like Nagato, and they might notice your weaknesses through some details.”

"Also, don't underestimate them. Once they break free of their restraints, they might even turn on you."

"Once we have gathered enough intelligence, we must kill them in time. The Eye of the Moon Project cannot have any loopholes."

A flicker of anticipation flashed in Obito's crimson eyes, but when he turned to stare at Black Zetsu, his usual cold gaze returned.

"Anyone who tries to escape my control will only die."

"They were powerless against those eyes."

"I don't need you to remind me how to complete the Eye of the Moon Plan. Don't show this kind of emotion in front of Nagato, or I might just kill you."

Black Zetsu immediately lowered his head, his lips twitching slightly. Obito's intelligence had increased dramatically after his transformation, allowing him to keenly detect changes in emotions, a stark contrast to the carefree boy he used to be.

Obito sensed Black Zetsu's fear, and in the instant the space before him distorted, he spoke again to warn him:

“If they can break free from this puppetry and curse, I wouldn’t mind making a deal with them.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Obito vanished. Black Zetsu raised his head, half of his body twisting wildly, muttering angrily to himself:

"He sensed the cursed mark on his heart? How is that possible?"

"He wants Orochimaru or Danzo to find a way to break free from control? How could he have thought of so many things?"

Having calmed down, Black Zetsu began to carefully consider how to get Obito to focus on completing the plan. Suddenly, he remembered the recent news from White Zetsu, and the corner of his black-faced mouth curled up again:

"I was going to tell you in advance, but since that's the case, then I'll let you experience despair once again."

When news of Rin Nohara and Kakashi's resurrection arrived, Black Zetsu felt there was a conspiracy involved, but this situation was perfect for Obito who wanted to break free from control.

Black Zetsu believed that if the boy were to witness the person most important to him forgetting him at the right time, the last vestiges of kindness in Obito's heart would be completely extinguished.

A normal person might be overjoyed at the resurrection of a friend, but an Uchiha who has awakened the Mangekyou Sharingan would only experience more extreme emotions.

...

Obito Uchiha was unaware of what had happened in Konoha. When he used space-time ninjutsu to arrive in Nagato's room, he immediately began to lecture him in Madara Uchiha's tone:

"Only by mastering the Six Paths Technique can you fully possess the Rinnegan's abilities."

"After collecting some test subjects and carefully modifying them, I will teach you how to properly use the six clones."

"Only after you have mastered the Six Paths Technique and Yin-Yang Release will you be qualified to take revenge on Konoha."

Before Nagato could speak, Konan, standing beside him, continued to scrutinize Obito, watching him quickly respond:

"We won't believe such a lie as you being Uchiha Madara!"

"No matter who you are, don't even think about using Nagato."

Obito's crimson eyes immediately turned to Konan, and Nagato, wary of his eye technique, instantly stepped between the two:

"The knowledge you teach me is very useful, but I still won't completely trust you."

"The Uchiha clan in Konoha is currently being given important positions, so you have no reason to join me in seeking revenge against Konoha!"

Nagato raised his head, staring intently at Obito. Hidden behind his mask, Obito showed no emotion, simply shrugging slightly as he calmly responded:

"On that day, you will find that I have never lied to you."

“Those Uchiha members who awaken their Sharingan through drugs are no longer my clansmen.”

“You may not have heard, but my people initially gave up the opportunity to follow me, and the seeds of hatred were sown long ago.”

"If I can weaken Konoha's power, I won't miss this opportunity, as it will also reduce the difficulty of collecting the Nine-Tails in the future."

Konan wanted to retort, but Nagato stretched out his left arm to stop his companion and looked at Obito in a serious reply:

"If you can join me in making the Konoha ninja feel pain, then I will believe in you!"

"No matter who you are, as long as you can fulfill this condition, I will regard you as an important partner."

"partner?!"

Obito's emotions fluctuated slightly. He asked a question and then suddenly fell silent. He stopped looking at the two of them and slowly disappeared into a vortex.

Before the spatial fluctuations disappeared, Obito's voice came again:

"I don't need partners."

Osamu Furukawa's spirit, residing within Konan's body, witnessed this scene and realized that Obito was unaware of his close friend's resurrection. He immediately sensed that Black Zetsu was intentionally concealing the truth.

"Are you trying to completely corrupt it...?"

-

In the first month after Tsunade succeeded as the Fourth Hokage, many Jonin in Konoha discovered Osamu Furukawa's exceptional management skills.

His photographic memory was truly impressive. During the three meetings of the Jonin team, whenever Tsunade raised questions about data and personnel, Osamu Furukawa was able to provide detailed information immediately.

The advice given was not biased; it was entirely up to Tsunade to make the decision on her own.

With such a disciple assisting them, everyone finally understood why Tsunade was able to maintain such efficient governance. The greatness of Konoha seemed to be just around the corner, and everyone worked even harder.

In the afternoon, after completing its routine street patrol, Blackie shook its black fur with satisfaction. The big dog had lost an ear in the battle, making it look even more ferocious.

After the Inuzuka clan took over some of the guard duties, the ninja dogs played a significant role.

Just like Black Ball, without even baring its teeth, its enormous size, nearly as tall as a person, is enough to make ordinary villagers' legs go weak.

Even a big dog has its tender moments. Seeing Furukawa Osamu in the distance, it immediately sped up to chase after him, barking and leaping at him, a smile even appearing on its face.

"Xiu, it's been a long time! Claw's child is already three years old!"

Osamu Furukawa rubbed the huge dog's head. Kuromaru was referring to Inuzuka Tsurugi's daughter, Inuzuka Hana, who had just celebrated her birthday in April.

"You're already a member of the guard team, so you need to be mindful of your image."

"When I have time, I will definitely visit the senior and ask him to reduce the amount of secret medicine your clan needs, otherwise the Beast Mimicry Ninjutsu will run into problems sooner or later."

Kuro chuckled. The Inuzuka clan had noticed the problem due to the ninja dog's rapidly increasing power, but the fact that its human companions couldn't keep up wasn't the dog's concern.

"As expected of Xiu, he had already anticipated the problem."

"The only way is to cultivate diligently. Now that the patrol tasks have been handed over to us, I wonder if we'll get an extra salary."

The big dog looked at Furukawa Osamu with expectant eyes. Uchiha Shisui, who was standing next to him, noticed the cunning look in the ninja dog's eyes and couldn't help but chuckle.

"Even the geniuses of the Uchiha clan and their ninja dogs need salaries. We also need to groom their fur, and the secret medicines are a huge expense."

“We are twice as efficient as other guards, and we should also receive some subsidies for catching criminals.”

"Remember to give us your feedback to Chief Fugaku..."

Uchiha Shisui suppressed his smile, thought about it carefully, and realized it made sense. The young man immediately responded solemnly:

"I will explain at the clan meeting that the clan members have indeed been a bit lazy lately."

Blackie happily circled around the two of them several times, and finally left satisfied after receiving the natural energy elixir from Furukawa Osamu.

Patrolling the streets is hardly a warm-up for the ninja dogs who like to "stroll" along the borders of the Land of Fire. A few barks and they're paid; life is getting better and better...

The changes in the village are visible to the naked eye. It has completely lost its sense of decline. Not only the guards, but even the barrier team, which always likes to slack off, has "rolled up" new spells.

As Uchiha Shisui reflected on the phenomena he had observed over the past month, the fear he had felt towards the new drug completely dissipated.

"Senior is truly amazing! At the clan meeting, everyone fully supports your teaching of Itachi."

Even some of the most stubborn members of the clan felt that Itachi had a chance to become Hokage under the guidance of his seniors.

Seeing Shisui's admiring gaze, Furukawa Osamu sighed with a hint of helplessness:

"It's still too early. Although Itachi's talent is indeed outstanding, getting him into ninja training too early is like prematurely pushing his potential."

Shisui nodded in agreement, but thinking of the clan leader's pursuit of the supreme eye technique, he could only pray silently for the young Uchiha Itachi.

When the two arrived at the training ground in the evening, Shisui, who had been sprinting at full speed, was panting heavily, his hands on his knees. Noticing that Furukawa Osamu only had some sweat on his forehead, he couldn't help but praise him again:

"Senior is about to enter the peak of physical development, and his strength will definitely be even greater! No one in the village can compare to him."

“Recently, the followers of Ban have become much more subdued, and everyone is extremely enthusiastic about moving to the center of the village.”

"The clan chief just hopes that all the clan members can gather together. The clan meeting has not yet decided whether or not to move away from the current clan land."

By dispersing the Uchiha clan and integrating them into the village, Furukawa Osamu felt that even if someone "relapsed" in the future, the massacre of the clan as he remembered would not happen again.

"It's alright, no need to rush, Zhishui."

"When you have time, you can talk to the clansmen who like to do business. The teacher intends to increase the commercial area. As you know, everyone's enthusiasm for spending is too high."

Uchiha Shisui nodded vigorously. Ordinary clan members really didn't need to crowd together. An Uchiha commercial district—it sounded wonderful!

"Thank you, senior. The clansmen will be very happy to hear this news."

"Unfortunately, even if I evolve my Sharingan to the three-tomoe level, I still can't keep up with my senior's pace."

Furukawa Osamu smiled, patted Shisui on the shoulder, and encouraged him again:

"I look forward to you awakening the Mangekyou Sharingan. Believe me, you have the talent!"

A look of gratitude returned to Shisui's face. Whenever he felt fear and confusion, Furukawa Osamu would guide him. Recalling his experiences over the years, the young man sighed inwardly:

"I don't know how to repay my senior..."

Chapter 136 The Ninja Life in the New Era

In early July, Konoha's medical department released more good news: the new, highly effective cold medicine had entered the final stage of testing.

The villagers and ninjas who volunteered to participate in the first few rounds of drug trials raved about this miracle drug. Before the new drug even entered the market, businessmen had already come to the village to discuss becoming its distributors.

Nohara Rin only participated in part of the work, but when the project was settled, she still received the reward for a B-level mission.

She wanted to refuse, but Furukawa Osamu was busy most of the time and always practicing when he was resting, so she could only tell Shizune about her troubles.

"Lin, just accept it. There's no need to dwell on this."

"It's been a long time since I've worked with Xiu. Apart from the routine meetings at the hospital, he spends most of his time with the teacher."

"Damn it, I shouldn't have run away back then, otherwise I could be living with the person I love now, just like you!"

In the end, Shizune yelled in frustration in the office. Fortunately, no one was around after get off work, except for Nohara Rin, who saw the girl's conflicted expression.

"It's not as good as you imagine."