Tsunade's shock was immeasurable. She felt as though she were in a dream.
Could she really have awakened Wood Release?
It seemed impossible.
But the unmistakable feeling of power surging within her, combined with the sight of plants growing around her as a response to her chakra, proved it was real.
Wood Release, like Susanoo, actually had different levels of power.
One version was based on transplantation strong, but risky. Overuse would put a strain on the body and lead to severe side effects.
Another version was derived from genetic modifications. This one was safer to use repeatedly but wasn't particularly powerful; it was more suitable for tasks like building shelters than for actual combat.
Then there was true awakening. This was much closer to perfection, a pure expression of Wood Release that could be wielded freely.
But even that wasn't the ultimate form.
The most perfect version was an awakened Wood Release, further enhanced by Sage Mode. That combination was truly formidable.
As a member of the Senju clan, Tsunade had always wanted to awaken Wood Release. It was an aspiration held by many within her clan. But she knew how rare it was after all, no one since the First Hokage had ever achieved it.
She'd given up hope a long time ago.
But now…
Looking at the grass and small plants sprouting around her in response to her chakra, Tsunade's mind was racing.
Could Orochimaru really have helped her unlock Wood Release? Was this some kind of temporary effect or something permanent?
If it was just temporary, she could deal with that. But if it was permanent…
Tsunade didn't even dare to think about the implications.
---
As the battle raged on the Sand Ninja front, Tsunade's sudden awakening of Wood Release brought a significant boost to Konoha's forces. Her enhanced chakra reserves and newfound abilities allowed her to heal more wounded and bolster the morale of her allies.
With this unexpected advantage, the Konoha forces began to turn the tide, gaining the upper hand against the Sand Ninja. It was an encouraging breakthrough, and even the Third Hokage was visibly pleased when he received the report.
But he couldn't help but be puzzled. How was Tsunade able to heal so many people in such a short period? Once or twice could be chalked up to skill, but three or four times? That defied his understanding of her chakra capacity.
The Third Hokage was curious, but the details weren't mentioned in the field reports. For now, he'd have to wait until Tsunade returned to ask her himself.
As for why Tsunade hadn't reported it yet, she had her reasons. Upon discovering her Wood Release abilities, she realized that it wasn't a temporary boost, her new powers were permanent.
She knew better than anyone the value of a permanent Wood Release. If Orochimaru's earlier estimate of the potion's worth was around 500 million ryo, this was worth far more perhaps even billions.
But Orochimaru had given her this gift, and he was an important part of her life. She felt she needed to talk to him first before deciding whether or not to report this newfound ability to the Hokage.
Now, Tsunade understood why Orochimaru had emphasized using the potion only on the battlefield. He was clearly trying to avoid unnecessary attention and probing questions from her.
In other words, was he… a little annoyed by her? The thought made her feel a mix of frustration and amusement.
But there was no time to dwell on it; the war demanded her focus. She shelved her questions for now, resolved to get answers later.
---
This war had two main fronts: one against the Sand Ninja and the other against the Stone Ninja. While Konoha was holding its ground against the Sand, they were struggling against Iwa.
When the Third Hokage received a request for reinforcements from the Iwa battlefield, he made a swift decision.
"Orochimaru, we need you on the battlefield," he announced simply, effectively assigning Orochimaru's next mission.
Orochimaru, who had been expecting this, nodded without hesitation.
"Which front am I to go to?"
"The Iwa side," the Third Hokage replied. With Jiraiya still away and Tsunade holding the line against Suna, Orochimaru was the best choice for the Iwa front.
"Understood. Who will be joining me?"
The Third Hokage handed over a few files. "The enemy has been using guerilla tactics, spreading their forces over a long front and fighting in small teams. You'll need to counter them in a similar way."
"A six-man squad?" Orochimaru noted as he looked through the files.
"Exactly. One sensor-type and five combat-types," the Hokage confirmed. Due to the limited number of sensor ninjas available, Konoha had distributed them thinly across squads.
Orochimaru flipped through the profiles in his hand. Besides Nawaki, who had been assigned to him specifically by the Hokage, there was another name that caught his attention, a young man with black hair and white eyes.
"Hizashi Hyuga…?"
Hizashi was only thirteen, just a year older than Nawaki. Talented enough to be trusted in combat.
The fact that the Hyuga clan had assigned someone of Hizashi's potential to his team spoke volumes. Hizashi was a prodigy within his clan. The Hyuga were very selective about which Jonin led their young geniuses, and there were only a few in Konoha whom they'd trust for such a role.
With Jiraiya away, Tsunade assigned to medical support, and Hatake Sakumo on the Suna front, the Hyuga clan had chosen Orochimaru.
Carrying his large scroll, Orochimaru made his way to the village gate, flipping through the files of his team members once more.
In addition to Nawaki and Hizashi, there were three other Chunin, relatively unknown but competent enough to have been assigned to the warfront. Orochimaru felt the weight of responsibility settling on him; Konoha often paired seasoned ninja with less-experienced ones to ensure skill development and protect valuable talent.
At the gate, his squad awaited him—Hizashi, Nawaki, and three Chunin, all fully equipped and ready for deployment.
"Orochimaru-sama!" they greeted him, bowing respectfully.
Orochimaru, now wearing his Jonin vest, acknowledged them with a nod. "I won't waste time with speeches. Follow my lead on the battlefield, and I'll do my best to keep you alive."
"Yes, sir!"
"Finally, we're going to the battlefield!" Nawaki cheered, noticeably more excited than his teammates. Unlike the others, he seemed utterly fearless, practically buzzing with enthusiasm.
Even Hizashi couldn't help but give him a curious look. Was this kid really so young and fearless?
"Check your ninja tools and equipment!" Orochimaru instructed, casting a final glance over his squad. "If everything's in order, we'll move out immediately."
***
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