69novels Chapter 70 Meeting, Settlement
Chapter 70 Meeting, Settlement
As expected, two ANBU ninjas appeared at the entrance of the Senju residence to block their way.
Their eyes were sharp, and their posture was wary.
Fortunately, the captain who was originally stationed here recognized Xingyuan Qianshuo.
After some communication, the other party accompanied him into the courtyard, half-monitoring and half-escorting him.
Although the handover of the Nine-Tails has been completed, Kushina's control over the seal is still not stable.
The sealing squad must remain to assist in the suppression.
When Xingyuan Qianshuo arrived, Tsunade, Kushina, Minato, and Biwako-sensei were gathered around Mito Uzumaki's body, bidding their final farewell.
Tsunade and Kushina sobbed softly, while Minato stood silently by their side, his expression grave.
Biwako-sensei has confirmed the passing of Mito-sama and bowed her head in silent mourning, her face filled with sorrow.
Xingyuan Qianshuo slowly stepped forward and gently pulled Tsunade's trembling shoulders into his arms, offering silent comfort.
Mito Uzumaki's face was serene, with a smile on her lips, as if she had simply fallen into a peaceful slumber.
Although they didn't have much contact, Xingyuan Qianshuo always held this kind elder in high esteem.
Despite the hardships she endured, she always held great love in her heart and dedicated herself to the village until her last breath.
This unwavering commitment to protection is truly moving.
Xingyuan Qianshuo had the thought of using the "Immortal's Talisman" to save her, but he immediately suppressed the idea.
For Mito Uzumaki, leaving was not painful, but liberating.
Rather than lingering in old age, she would rather go to a pure land and reunite with the one she misses.
"Minato, Kushina is exhausted. Take her to rest first," Biwako instructed softly.
Kushina is exhausted from sealing the Nine-Tails today and definitely needs rest.
Minato took Kushina's hand and left with her, still weeping.
After they left, Biwako said again, "Chisaku, go out for a while. Tsunade and I will prepare Mito-sama's remains."
Xingyuan Qianshuo nodded, relaxed Tsunade who was slightly relieved, and silently left the room.
……
With the hospital opening time fast approaching, there's only one afternoon left for the free clinic event.
After a moment's thought, Xingyuan Qianshuo decided to let his shadow clone take care of the free clinic while he stayed behind to accompany Tsunade.
The duration of a shadow clone depends on the initial amount of chakra allocated and subsequent consumption.
Thinking of the reward from Mito Uzumaki's "last gift," he decided to extract it first to increase his main body's chakra reserves so that he could allocate more to his shadow clones.
"Chakra +20000" - This is the largest increase in any reward so far, even exceeding his current total chakra.
The moment I took the medicine, I felt a warm current flow through my limbs and bones. My cells felt like they had been parched for a long time and were filled with endless vitality. The fatigue of the past few days was swept away, and my mind was exceptionally clear.
Mito Uzumaki's "gift" was so generous that he felt his body and mind were almost transformed.
Xingyuan Qianshuo suppressed the strange sensations brought about by the transformation, and it took him a while to get used to his abundant and light body.
He then opened his inventory: a golden "Vortex Physique Fragment" sat there, in stark contrast to the other two blood-red "Uchiha Physique Fragments".
This item cannot be removed; it is speculated that a certain quantity must be collected before it can directly modify one's physique.
He closed his inventory and then retrieved the "Shadow Seal (Mastery)" reward.
This was the first S-rank technique he had acquired, a support-type sealing technique.
The Yin Seal can compress and store the chakra accumulated daily in the mark on the forehead.
This is Tsunade's signature skill, which she further developed into the Hundred Healings Seal in the original work.
What Xingyuan Qianshuo gained was the experience of Uzumaki Mito using the Yin Seal, but it did not involve Tsunade's subsequent development of abilities.
Typically, when a ninja performs a technique, they need to extract chakra on the spot, form hand seals to guide it through specific meridians, and release it after undergoing a nature transformation.
Excessive chakra cannot be retained for long; it will only be wasted and accelerate the depletion of physical strength.
Only elite ninjas can convert excess chakra into physical strength.
Therefore, chakra cannot be stored for long periods of time for ordinary ninjas.
The Yin Seal is one of the few exceptions, like carrying a "power bank" with you.
However, the Yin Seal requires a long period of accumulation and preparation, so it is not very useful to him for the time being.
Moreover, once the training is successful, a diamond-shaped mark will appear on the forehead, which cannot be hidden at all. In the future, one will have to find an opportunity to "ask for advice" from Tsunade.
Even so, his "proficiency level" experience has greatly improved his chakra control—which is a significant gain in itself.
The final reward is the talent "Malice Perception (Intermediate)," which is extremely useful.
In the original Fourth Shinobi World War, the Allied Shinobi Forces were almost helpless against the advanced transformation techniques of White Zetsu. They were only able to distinguish friend from foe and eliminate White Zetsu by relying on Naruto's malicious perception in Nine-Tails Chakra Mode.
This talent allows Xingyuan Qianshuo to easily distinguish between friend and foe, detect lurking dangers, and greatly enhance his survivability.
He silently mourned the passing of Lady Mito and secretly vowed that he would have Tsunade have many children in the future, and choose the best one to inherit the Senju surname and continue the legacy of the Senju of the Forest.
After collecting the reward, Xingyuan Qianshuo greeted the ANBU ninja and then formed hand seals to cast the Shadow Clone Technique.
Four clones then appeared and returned to Konoha Hospital to take over the shifts.
At 3 PM, Hiruzen Sarutobi, accompanied by Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane, arrived at the Senju residence to bid a final farewell to Lady Mito.
Mito Uzumaki had already instructed that the funeral should be kept simple.
Hiruzen Sarutobi informed him of some border defense deployment matters, so the funeral was scheduled for tomorrow.
This makes it easier for clan leaders or high-ranking ninjas to leave the village promptly to carry out missions after attending the funeral.
Shortly after the three left, a loud eagle cry rang out over Konoha—a signal to summon all the Jonin in the village.
Given Tsunade's condition, she could have chosen not to go, but she ultimately decided to go with them.
They encountered Minato in the courtyard, and the group then headed to the Hokage Building together.
Inside the Hokage Building's conference room, Jonin arrived one after another, numbering about forty or fifty.
These are only those who did not go out on missions, and each ninja clan only sent its clan leader or elder as a representative.
Xingyuan Qianshuo saw many ninjas who had participated in the free clinic, and Orochimaru, whom he had met that morning, was also present.
Apart from Uchiha Fugaku and Akimichi Torifu, whom I had already met, most of the others with obvious family characteristics were unfamiliar.
However, it was easy to recognize "Konoha's White Fang" Sakumo Hatake, whom I was meeting for the first time: his long silver hair was tied into a ponytail, and he wore a white armband with a red triangle on his left shoulder.
His expression was calm and gentle, and occasionally Jonin would come up to greet him.
Xingyuan Qianshuo is observing others, and others are also observing them.
Those with good connections already knew about the Thousand-Handed Princess's new lover; those with even better connections vaguely knew the reason for the commotion at noon.
After the Jonin had mostly arrived, the four high-ranking officials of Konoha entered in turn and took their seats on the stage.
The previously noisy conference room fell silent instantly.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze swept across the entire room, calmly confirming the number of attendees and representatives from each clan, before speaking in a deep voice:
"First, I have some sad news to share: Lady Mito Uzumaki passed away at noon today. Please rise and observe a moment of silence."
Although Mito Uzumaki rarely leaves her home, most of the Jonin in the conference room know her identity.
Although a few newly promoted Jonin did not understand why, they dared not ask any questions and stood up in silence to mourn.
The commotion of the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki transfer could not be completely concealed, so after weighing the options, Hiruzen Sarutobi decided to proactively disclose some of the information.
Whether or not it was merely a formality, organizing a moment of silence is beyond reproach.
Even Tsunade, who had always harbored resentment towards her teacher, forced back her tears and stood up solemnly.
After the moment of silence, Hiruzen Sarutobi continued in a deep voice:
"Lord Mito chose to become the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki for the sake of Konoha, using the power of the Nine-Tails to protect the village until the end of his life."
"We should inherit her 'Will of Fire' and remember the original intentions of Lord Hashirama and Lord Tobirama in establishing Konoha..."
These words were spoken sincerely and encouraged many young Jonin.
In Xingyuan Qianshuo's view, regardless of whether Hashirama Senju's path to peace was idealistic, his original intention was impeccable;
Tobirama Senju became more rational and further put his brother's ideals into practice, even at the cost of sacrificing his own life.
However, Hiruzen Sarutobi's political maneuvering was far more complex.
He believes in the "Will of Fire" and has the courage to sacrifice himself, but he also values the interests of his family and relies on his own clan and three companions and their families, granting them considerable power.
Ultimately, Hiruzen Sarutobi's rise to power was hasty. When he first became Hokage, he lacked both strength and prestige, and needed to rely on his clan and win over factions to solidify his position.
Once his position was secure, his path dependence, especially his excessive indulgence of Shimura Danzo, the "black glove," became an indelible stain in the eyes of Xingyuan Qianshuo, a transmigrator.
Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't focus too much on the "Will of Fire," pausing briefly before getting to the main point:
"The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki has been successfully handed over, but other villages may take the opportunity to probe the border. The current situation in the ninja world appears calm on the surface, but undercurrents are surging..."
He then announced the arrangements one by one: commanders of various factions, subordinate squads, ninja clan missions, etc.
Because it is a defensive preparation for war, the number of troops stationed on the border is not large, so as not to arouse excessive vigilance in other villages, which would lead to both sides continuously increasing their troops and falling into a vicious cycle.
The main force remains stationed in Konoha, ready to support any border conflict that may break out.
But this puts the border troops in a more precarious position—once attacked, outnumbered and outgunned, they must hold out for reinforcements.
The medical ninjas were also on standby in the rear, ready to support the border and treat the wounded at any time.
He sensed some subtleties in Hiruzen Sarutobi's deployment: for example, Orochimaru was not in command of any region; Sakumo Hatake was sent to the east to defend against Kirigakure, etc.
It's hard to say how much deeper consideration there is in this.
In particular, Orochimaru is currently very likely engrossed in human experiments—the future "Yamato" may be soaking in some kind of nutrient tank.
So, why wasn't Orochimaru appointed? Was it Danzo's request, or was it a tacit agreement between Hiruzen Sarutobi?
As his thoughts drifted, Xingyuan Qianshuo recalled that it was inconvenient to use the system to investigate Sarutobi Hiruzen during their last audience.
With everyone's attention focused on the Hokage, this is the perfect opportunity.
He remained calm, silently reciting his thoughts, and looked at the four people on the platform.
Name: Hiruzen Sarutobi
[Condition: Long-term smoking has led to a mild weakening of the immune system, skin aging, and premature wrinkles and sagging.]
[Name: Shimura Danzo]
[Condition: Incompatibility in the right eye, excessive depletion of the body's chakra]
Name: Mitokado Yan
[Condition: Healthy]
[Name: Xiaochun, who switched dorms]
[Disease: Perimenopausal Syndrome]
"Hmm...that's interesting." Hoshino Senju thought to himself, "Ninjas have a special physique, so the harm from smoking is limited. At most, it will cause them to die a year or two earlier than their peak."
"Danzo's right eye has been replaced with a Sharingan? I wonder which Uchiha clan member has suffered the consequences. Using the methods of 'Root,' it wouldn't be difficult to ambush an Uchiha on the battlefield or during a mission."
"Koharu's menopause... never mind, I don't want to think about it."
Three of the four high-ranking officials were in critical condition, yet none of them could get Xingyuan Qianshuo to grant them a reward through medical treatment—unless they were injured in battle.
At the end of the meeting, Hiruzen Sarutobi also informed Mito-sama about the funeral arrangements for tomorrow.
Given Mito Uzumaki's status and position, almost all the clan heads or elders of the Konoha ninja clans would attend, and many Jonin present would also likely be there.
……
As time passed, the Konoha Hospital's free clinic finally saw off its last ninja.
Xingyuan Qianshuo originally planned to have another dinner party tonight to reward the medical staff and assistants such as Sheci.
However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the trip could not proceed. I had no choice but to explain the situation to the group and promise to make it up later.
The shadow clones, unaware of the original body's condition, did not actively disengage but waited in the treatment room—after all, the accumulated memories and fatigue of the four clones over the afternoon should not be underestimated.
After the meeting, on the way back to the Senju residence with Tsunade, Xingyuan Qianshuo sent a shadow clone to notify the other clones to dispel the illusion.
It can only be said that he understands "himself" too well; they are of one mind and have already guessed the thoughts and movements of his clones.
Inside the Senju residence, preparations for Mito Uzumaki's funeral are still underway, awaiting the condolences of the clan leaders tomorrow and the formal funeral in the afternoon.
Today was a busy day. He took a short rest in his room and finally received the memories and fatigue transmitted by his shadow clone. He felt completely exhausted, both physically and mentally.
In the afternoon, the number of ninjas coming to the hospital for free medical consultations decreased significantly, with fewer than two hundred people being received.
The Nine-Tails' movements at midday were so great that many ninjas who were unaware of what was happening were on high alert, protecting their families and ready to respond to the village's call at any time.
Before the Jonin meeting began, they did receive Mr. Chen, who was known as "Konoha's strongest taijutsu ninja"—at least on the surface.
Unfortunately, this martial arts expert, who was over forty years old, was in excellent health.
Wearing sunglasses and sporting a dreadlock, he chatted and laughed with ease, proving himself to be a powerful figure who could still unleash the "Leaf Dragon God" even in his sixties.
However, one of the muscular, crew-cut young men accompanying them was named Mayumi Ogata, who was a disciple of Teacher Chen.
He suffered multiple bruises due to intense training, and the "kind-hearted" shadow clone, Chisaku, insisted on treating him with medical ninjutsu, earning him the reward of "Konoha Sudden Wind (Proficient), Chakra +40".
Aside from the contusion reward from Mayumi Ogata, seven people were diagnosed with hidden injuries, of which four were cured, two were relieved, and one required further treatment.
The rewards include a new ninjutsu, "Lightning Release: Earth Walk (Proficient)," while the rest are increases in proficiency of existing skills and a small increase in chakra.
After collecting his afternoon reward, an extra notification from the system filled him with excitement:
[You have completed the first free medical clinic in Konoha Village. Would you like to settle your payment?]
"Settle!"
[Free Clinic Event Rating: S- Rewards: Medical Ninjutsu Perfection Scroll *1, Ninjutsu Mastery Scroll *2, Chakra Control Increased by 20%, Chakra +2000]
"Whoa—!" Xingyuan Qianshuo's emotions surged, and the accumulated fatigue instantly vanished.
He opened his inventory, and among the three newly added reels, the Perfect Reel shimmered with golden light, making it exceptionally dazzling; the Proficient Reel was green, which was also pleasing to the eye.
He switched to his personal panel, browsed the skill list, and couldn't wait to acquire his first "perfect" skill—albeit limited to medical ninjutsu.
Considering cost-effectiveness, the choice should be between "Palm Healing Technique" and "Chakra Scalpel".
The former is the most commonly used technique by medical ninjas, while the latter combines medical and offensive characteristics, making it quite lethal.
After careful consideration, he chose "Palm Immortal Technique".
Treating patients and obtaining rewards are his main ways to improve his strength. The application of the Palm Immortal Technique in medicine is far more extensive than the latter.
Moreover, he is not an ordinary medical ninja and is not lacking in offensive methods. Although the scalpel's close-combat attack is strong, there are too many skills that can be used to replace it.
With a slight thought, the golden scroll vanished, and a flood of memories poured in.
After the fusion was complete, he quickly formed hand seals, and his palms immediately glowed with a faint green light.
The entire process was smooth and natural, with the conversion of Yang attribute chakra almost instinctive.
As he wished, the green light rapidly expanded, increasing to three times its original size, enough to cover the human torso.
With a change of heart, the green light receded and settled tightly in the palm of his hand.
As expected of a "perfect" palm technique, the chakra control is extremely precise.
For the first time, he felt the existence of "chakra affinity" so clearly, even more vividly than his innate affinity for water.
He repeatedly enlarged and shrank the green light in his palm before finally stopping, still wanting more.
His gaze fell back to the green Mastery Scroll in his inventory, and he remembered that he had also used his first Mastery Scroll on Palm Healing Technique. He couldn't help but shake his head and chuckle.
Opening the personal panel reveals a dazzling array of skills that bring a great sense of accomplishment.
From an offensive perspective, the top choices are the A-rank "Shadow Clone Technique" and "Chakra Scalpel," followed by B-rank ninjutsu of each attribute.
From a practical standpoint, options include "Shadow Clone Technique" and "Secret Technique: Chakra Needle".
However, Xingyuan Qianshuo still needs to consider whether the source of the ninjutsu is "reliable".
Techniques of unknown origin are difficult to use openly.
Ultimately, he chose "Water Release: Heaven's Cry" and "Wind Release: Cat Claw Blade".
The former were selected from the Konoha Ninjutsu Library when they were promoted to Special Jonin, and their background was clean.
This is a B-rank water-style ninjutsu, with sufficient attack power.
Even the reanimated Tobirama used this technique to ambush Madara Uchiha. Although it was anticipated and avoided by the Rinnegan, its destructive power should not be underestimated.
The latter was obtained from healing King Nekoarashi. It is a long-range wind release technique, a ninjutsu without hand seals, and its difficulty is also B-rank. If it is used, it can be interpreted as self-developed.
Driven by his thoughts, the two green scrolls disappeared one after another, and a large number of experiential memories were merged.
Both the beginner-level "Water Release: Heaven's Cry" and the proficient-level "Wind Release: Cat Claw Blade" have been upgraded to the master level.
He then extracted the remaining reward: "Chakra control increased by 20%, Chakra +2000".
Chakra control has improved by 20% for the second time.
The more of these basic attribute enhancements, the better.
After collecting the rewards, he remembered the main quest and opened the panel to check it.
Main Quest 1: Become the strongest medical ninja in the ninja world. Rewards unknown, progress 28%.
"Not bad, the progress is encouraging. It truly lives up to its reputation as a perfect-level Immortal Cultivation Technique." Xingyuan Qianshuo thought to himself, "I wonder which world's items will reward me when the progress reaches 30%."
After a moment of reflection, he fell into deep thought:
"A perfect-level Healing Palm Technique is extremely rare, even in the entire ninja world. How exactly is this progress value calculated?"
"One possibility is to comprehensively calculate all medical skills and combat skills, and even include practical experience."
"Another possibility is to transcend the dimension of time and take into account Tsunade from the future, the Sage of Six Paths from ancient times, Ashura, and even all medical ninjas in the thousand-year history of the ninja world."
"By the way, the Sage of Six Paths is in a special state, teetering between life and death. If we include him, then our current progress is already quite fast."
Xingyuan Qianshuo's speculations were ultimately difficult to verify; the only way forward was to take a pragmatic approach and proceed step by step.
As he stepped out of the guest room, he heard faint, suppressed sobs.
It seems that my prospective disciple learned of the terrible news as soon as he got out of school.
According to Tsunade, Shizune has distant relatives. She was fostered by relatives in her early years, and Tsunade often visited her and provided financial assistance.
After a while, Shion began to visit the Senju family more often, developing a deep affection for the kind-hearted Mito Uzumaki, even more so than for him.
The funeral arrangements have been made in a timely manner by the servants.
The younger generation had a simple dinner in a somber atmosphere.
Xingyuan Qianshuo stayed with Tsunade until late at night, and then stayed in the Senju family's guest room that night.