In reality, the conflicts in the Shinobi World have been escalating to a point where even the Third Hokage finds it difficult to control.
It wouldn't be surprising if a war broke out in the next second.
However, although all parties are prepared for war, none of them are ready to be the first to strike.
That's why this strange war cloud has been lingering without fully erupting.
The suppression of the Uchiha clan can only be described as a game, while the Third Hokage's focus remains on suppressing the war.
He combines external deterrence with gentle persuasion, boosting morale and taking precautions. He has been working hard for this. But there are limits to everything.
For example, not long ago, the Third Hokage paid a certain price to send away the Kirigakure delegation.
Ao is an experienced Kirigakure shinobi with a particularly sharp mind, making him the Mizukage's strongest assistant.
He originally came with Terumī Mei's orders, pretending to be strong and then surrendering his eyes if he couldn't do it. As a result, the Third Hokage talked tough but was actually scared.
After a few attempts, he discovered this fact and became even more aggressive.
The Third Hokage may not necessarily be unaware of Ao's intentions, but there are too many crazy people in Kirigakure. While Ao doesn't want to go to war and the Mizukage also doesn't want to go to war, who knows if they will suddenly start a war under the influence of a few madmen?
Anyway, the Kirigakure shinobis are abroad, so no matter how they fight, it will hardly affect the homeland of the Kirigakure.
Even if he can guess Ao's purpose, the Third Hokage still chooses to prioritize peace and pays a certain price to reach a peace agreement with Kirigakure.
"We fought against the Uchiha clan for so long, but we couldn't get any favorable treaties on the battlefield. I never expected that we could actually bring it to the negotiation table..." Ao didn't expect things to go so smoothly.
Although they didn't get much in the end, it doesn't stop Ao from giving all the credit to Terumī Mei and continuing to advocate for her.
However, the Third Hokage also feels that he has gained a lot. Kirigakure's financial resources are limited, and extorting a small amount is enough to satisfy him.
To exchange a little cost for the growth period of Konoha... In his opinion, it's quite a good deal!
However, although the cost is not high, it is still the result of humiliating the country. The Third Hokage's prestige has diminished slightly, and other countries, have also begun to notice Konoha's weakness.
At this time, the decision of the Third Hokage is...
"Let's hold a Chūnin Exam!" His gaze is firm. "Invite Kirigakure and Sunagakure to join together and witness the strength of our Konoha Shinobi"
The essence of the Chūnin Exam is not created for the promotion of Genin, but it is an important occasion to observe the strength of other countries.
Although the younger generation is not strong, they represent the future of the village. This itself is an important component of national strength.
The Third Hokage is well aware that although Konoha's top-level strong individuals are struggling, most of them die in internal conflicts, but there are still many promising talents among the Genin, surpassing those of other countries.
"Send out invitations to all countries!" The Third Hokage said in a deep voice.
The Third Hokage's command is not a secret.
He had no intention of hiding it, but rather made a big announcement to Iwagakure, Kumogakure, Sunagakure, and Kirigakure.
Of course, the possibility of Iwagakure and Kumogakure participating is very low, but the possibility of Sunagakure, Konoha's former ally, and Kirigakure, who has just signed a treaty, participating, is very high. Participation in the Chūnin Exam is included in the treaty between Konohagakure and Kirigakure.
The Chūnin Exam requires some time for preparation, contacting various countries, and giving other shinobi villages time to prepare.
During this time, Natsuo was not idle. He continued to work hard, impregnating several kunoichi, including some Jōnin-level ones.
Also, many of Natsuo's wives gave birth during this time, although none of them were particularly strong or possessed a Kekkei Genkai, but there were quite a few children with a potential of over 100.
In terms of mental power and chakra, Natsuo made great progress.
Under the continuous increase of mental power, the last remaining obstacle was finally overcome. A dark and mysterious chakra surged in his mind, making his eyes tingle, then the unique visual patterns of the Mangekyō Sharingan became even more complex.
Natsuo closed his eyes and quietly felt it for a while. Then he suddenly opened his eyes.
In the mirror, his eyes were unexpectedly a combination of a windmill and a hexagram.
"Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan... After working so hard for so long, I finally succeeded!"
Natsuo looked at the pupils in the mirror, feeling the continuously surging immense power of the eyes, and smiled.
The biggest difference between the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan and the normal Mangekyō Sharingan is not just that the eyes of the holder do not suffer from the side effect of blindness. It is the even more powerful eye power.
The side effect of blindness is meaningless to Natsuo, as the Sage Body itself can achieve this ability.
However, the Sage Body cannot solve the fundamental difference in the power of the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan and the Mangekyō Sharingan.
Only by activating the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan can the power of Susanoo truly be exerted. That is... the Complete Body Susanoo!
"It's just in time, maybe I can use it soon..."
Thinking this, Natsuo glanced at Yakushi Kabuto, who was still smiling while adjusting Neji's body with medicine.
Then he showed a gentle smile.
...
Neji has already graduated.
However, he did not accept the village's arrangement to become a disciple of another Jōnin. Instead, he stayed in the village, citing the protection of the Hyūga clan as the reason.
Hyūga Hiashi is very unwilling to this. He believes that Neji is very talented and should not become the guardian of the Hyūga clan at such a young age. At least he should train himself well and become a Jōnin before taking on this job.
He is not really despising Neji's strength, but sincerely feels that it is a waste of Neji's talent to graduate directly and become a guardian. Neji could have become stronger!
However, Neji insisted on this and smiled, saying: "Hiashi-sama, think about it. To become a guardian of the Hyūga clan I need to go out and train for ten years, but now I can directly graduate and become a guardian of the Hyūga clan."
"Isn't this saving ten years of detours?"
Hyūga Hiashi was speechless. Is it the same treatment for a Jōnin to be a guardian and a Genin to be a guardian?
He suspected that Neji was simply talking big and still harbored resentment towards him, due to him causing his father's death.
However, Neji insisted. "I am loyal to Hinata-sama. I will talk about training after Hinata-sama graduates." Eventually, Neji's request was accepted.
Anyway, it's only a year, so let's go along with Neji's wishes.
However, only Yakushi Kabuto and Natsuo truly understood the true goals of this young man. And his true strength.
"Physical fitness has improved by 30%, mental strength has improved by 5%. Natsuo-sama, our research has been successful." Yakushi Kabuto smiled and then said to Neji: "Congratulations, Neji."
"You probably have the physical skills of a Jōnin now, in other words, you have become a Special Jōnin!"
A Special Jōnin refers to an elite shinobi who has reached the level of a Jōnin in certain aspects but has temporarily fallen behind in other areas.
Neji originally had the strength of a Chūnin, and now with the medicine, his physical abilities have been greatly enhanced. His strength naturally skyrocketed.
"I still have a long way to go compared to real Jōnin." Neji said modestly, shaking his head. "Not to mention, there are many Jōnin in the Hyūga clan... I still need to work harder."
"Take your time." Natsuo smiled and said: "You're still young, you have time, no need to rush..."
Then he looked at the potion with a fiery gaze.
Neji's experiment has proven that this potion, named 'Revival No. 1', is truly effective and has no side effects. In other words, the research was successful.
However, it is still difficult to become as strong as Neji in such a short time. After all, having the Caged Bird has imprisoned him, but also allowed him to adapt to the existence of natural energy, making his efficiency much higher.
If the same potion were used on Natsuo's wives, the effectiveness might be greatly reduced, and the consumption would be much higher.
At the same time, 'Revival No. 1' is not a limitless enhancement for the body. Although Neji has not reached his limit, according to Yakushi Kabuto's estimate, he can only improve a Chūnin's physical fitness by 50% and mental strength by 10%.
Any more than that would have no effect.
However, Natsuo didn't care about that. After all, he didn't have many time restrictions. His only requirement was that it not be harmful.
So, he created a bunch of 'Revival No. 1' and gathered his own wives. Of course, not everyone, only the most outstanding wives.
Yukino, Uzuki Yūgao, Yūhi Kurenai, Ringo Ameyuri, Anko, Uzumaki Yoko, Kurama Yakumo. Only these few.
The difference in favoritism towards wives by Natsuo was not the most important. What was more important was that although some of the wives were not weak in strength, they had already become accustomed to the comfortable life of the Uchiha clan.
They were even lazy in their daily training. If it weren't for Natsuo's strict supervision, they would have completely relaxed a long time ago.
They didn't have the intention to become stronger, so why bother putting in effort?
Moreover, the current production capacity is very low.
Natsuo mentioned the matter of the potion and said: "The cost of 'Revival No. 1' is not low. To see results, you have to drink a bottle every week and continue for two to three months to see initial effects."
"The current production capacity can only supply two people, but I am expanding the capacity and will gradually arrange it for all of you."
"So, the main issue now is who goes first and who goes later."
After this statement, the women fell silent.
Anko's eyes lit up and she said: "Honey, I really need strength. Please help poor little Anko, okay?"
As she spoke, she even acted coquettishly and shook Natsuo's arm.
She had always wanted to seek revenge against Orochimaru. How could she give up the opportunity to become stronger?
Then Kurama Yakumo interrupted her. "Anko, you should step aside. My strength is even lower than yours. My body is currently weak to the point that having a child could cause my death. I believe ensuring the condition of my body is the top priority!"
Uzuki Yūgao stood up and said in a deep voice: "Yakumo, you don't understand. Becoming stronger also requires gradual progress. Your foundation is too weak, and a sudden increase in strength may affect your control."
"You can't handle this, let me go first!"
Although she has accepted the Uchiha lifestyle, she has not given up on becoming stronger.
As a kunoichi, one should always strive and persist in training.
Ringo Ameyuri couldn't help but speak up, saying in a deep voice: "Do you Konoha kunoichi understand what it means to maximize resources? Resources can only be maximized when invested in the strongest person."
"Shinobis need to make rational judgments!"
There is no doubt that the strongest person here is her. As a Kirigakure kunoichi, Ameyuri is not as decadent as those wives who only know how to lie down.
She constantly pursues the improvement of her combat power, even during pregnancy, she never forgets to exercise to the maximum extent. How could she refuse a medicine that would help her improve her strength?
Uzumaki Yoko coughed. "From the perspective of maximizing resources, I think it is reasonable for the strongest person to have priority in resources. However, strength is only one aspect. I think bloodline itself is also a matter to consider."
"I am already pregnant now. By making myself stronger, I can further influence the child and make the child even more talented. Isn't that the most reasonable method?"
"The bloodline of the Uzumaki clan, combined with the child I am about to conceive, considering all factors, I believe it is the right choice to give me a spot."
Anko immediately became anxious. 'Why do these people always compete with me? You are not in a hurry to become stronger, why do you want to compete with me? Are you forcing me to use my ultimate move?'
Without hesitation, she directly leaned against Natsuo's chest: "Husband, please~"
"Anko-chan really needs it~"
Anko has always followed a sexy and charming route, her words are always seductive, and when she said this, she deliberately added a seductive tone, giving people goosebumps.
Yūgao took action without hesitation. She knelt behind Natsuo, then began to massage his shoulders and back, and said coquettishly: "Darling, please~"
Yoko chose a different approach. She decided to seduce him.
Therefore, with her clothes half-open, she exuded beauty and tenderness, and said in a sweet voice: "Husband~ You said yesterday that you wanted to experience... Don't you want to try it? I only need a small reward."
Ameyuri snorted coldly. "What can you do that I can't?"
'I am a Kirigakure kunoichi, I never give up!'
Yakumo blushed even more, lowered her head and whispered: "I haven't properly served you, Lord Husband. Don't you think this is a good opportunity?"
'Damn! Have you all gone crazy? When did our Uchiha clan become so competitive?' Natsuo was dumbfounded.
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I will post some extra Chapters in Patreon, you can check it out. >> patreon.com/TitoVillar
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Natsuo originally thought that all of his wives were all very generous, never jealous, and uncompetitive with each other. But now that he thinks about it, they were like that because they didn't need to fight for what they wanted.
With the financial and material resources of the Uchiha clan, what can't they get if they want it?
In addition, most of the time they are pregnant or in the postpartum period, so there is no situation like the ancient emperor's harem where they fight for the throne. But it doesn't mean that they won't compete.
Strength is something that every shinobi needs.
When there is something, they truly need in front of them, who wouldn't strive to be the first?
Even the gentlest Uzumaki Yoko, due to her early experiences, deeply understands that strength is everything. Even she wants to compete, let alone others.
Natsuo has enjoyed it for a long time, but also struggled for a long time.
In the end, he decided to give two places: Yukino and Yakumo.
Yukino was the first woman Natsuo was with, and her strength was the lowest. But because she was the first to be with his, she had the aura of the main wife.
She did indeed manage to not fight or snatch, treating every subsequent woman fairly and maintaining a stable and harmonious atmosphere.
So, this time, Natsuo decided to give her a spot.
As for Yakumo, her physical condition was too poor, and she was the one among the women who needed the potion to enhance her physical fitness the most. Without taking the medicine, it would probably take a long time for her to have the physical fitness to give birth.
But as Natsuo said, he is currently expanding production capacity and increasing output as much as possible.
Slowly, all the women will benefit and receive advantages. Actually, expanding production capacity is not complicated and can be resolved quickly.
The real limiting factor for output is the problem of high costs. The 'Revival No. 1' requires the consumption of one bottle per week, in addition to precious materials such as Hashirama cells and auxiliary materials.
Taking everything into account, even just considering the cost, each wife would consume one to two million per month, comparable to an S-class mission. And if it weren't for Neji's body that has adapted to natural energy to a certain extent, it would take at least three years of continuous consumption to achieve complete mastery.
The cost of this medicine is so high that it could be compared to the reward for Asuma's life, and he has Elite Jōnin strength and is the son of the Third Hokage!
Apart from the wealthy Uchiha, who can afford such a high price?
Of course, Natsuo and Kabuto are also optimizing the formula, hoping to reduce costs, increase production capacity, and spread the 'Revival No. 1' to Natsuo's entire harem as quickly as possible!
Natsuo is full of fighting spirit.
"My wives can become even stronger!"
Natsuo's 'Wife Improvement Plan' is still underway.
During this time, the Third Hokage actively contacted other ninja villages.
Third Hokage's estimate is not wrong, except for Sunagakure, which is already an ally (vassal), and Kirigakure, who has just signed an agreement and feels that they should actively change their closed image.
Kumogakure and Iwagakure have both expressed their refusal to participate in Konoha's Chūnin Exam proposal.
However, the Third Hokage didn't expect them to participate anyway. As long as Konoha's Genin crush the Kirigakure and Sunagakure shinobi, it is enough to demonstrate Konoha's strength and serve as a deterrent.
Anyway, the Shinobis of Kumogakure and Iwagakure will be actively collecting information about the Konoha Chūnin Exam, so there is no need to worry about them not finding out.
In the end, the participants in the Chūnin Exam are Konoha and its ally, Sunagakure, as well as Kirigakure and several small rural villages who seek not to win but to participate.
However, the Third Hokage is unaware that while he is focusing on the outside world, Konoha itself is also in turmoil.
In a dark forest in Konohagakure.
"Orochimaru, why did you summon me?" Shimura Danzō still has his body wrapped in bandages. He leaned on his cane and knocked on a tree root beside him.
"Hehehe, long time no see, things are not the same as before...." Orochimaru's unique hoarse voice sounded.
He slowly walked out of the shadows, a cold smile hanging on his lips. "After all, we are old acquaintances. How about we catch up?"
"Orochimaru, I'm not interested in chatting with you here." Danzō's voice was cold. "You and I are not that close... Don't tell me that someone like you would actually do such a thing."
"Tell me your true intentions!"
"It's really cold-hearted." Orochimaru didn't mind, his eyes slightly lowered as he said directly: "I want to kill the Third Hokage."
Danzō's eyelids twitched, but he remained calm.
"Otogakure in my hands also participated in the Chūnin Exams this time." Orochimaru said with a smile. "We also joined forces with Sunagakure. I believe that with a surprise attack, it won't be a problem to kill the Third Hokage."
"Of course, I need someone to cooperate with me... I need you to leak information at crucial points, so that my subordinates and I can approach the Third Hokage smoothly."
"After all, you know." He smiled. "I don't trust you either. With so few subordinates, I really can't venture too deep into Konoha."
"What do you think? Would you consider cooperating?"
However, Danzō coldly snorted. "I am Konoha's shadow. I won't let anyone who poses a threat to Konoha go unpunished!"
"Orochimaru, if you dare to harm Konoha, don't blame me for being impolite to you!"
But as for whether or not they would cooperate with Orochimaru, not a single word was said!
Or in other words...
He will not allow anyone who poses a threat to Konoha to go unpunished. So, if he only targets the Third Hokage, would he leave him alone?
Although there was no definite response, Orochimaru knew that they had reached a cooperation. But he was still not satisfied.
Orochimaru smiled and said: "Don't say that, aren't we friendly partners?"
"I think there are many things we can discuss between us. For example..."
His eyes narrowed, filled with a playful smile.
"I remember that you and your Root have been inexplicably attacked many times. Aren't you curious about who could do such a thing?"
"You know?" Danzō's old eyes widened, showing a hint of seriousness.
Since the incident at the Shimura clan, he had discovered nothing. And of the attack on Root's base, where numerous valuable samples were lost and precious instruments stolen, in addition to exposing him to the entire village, no clues had been discovered until now.
For Root, which is essentially Anbu and focuses on intelligence, this is simply a disgrace! Unfortunately, even if Danzō exhausts all means, he cannot wash away this shame.
"Do you know who that person is? Were you the one who attacked the base?" Danzō suddenly became serious, then immediately shook his head.
"No, you cannot do such a thing. I have investigated afterwards, and all the members had their minds destroyed by the enemy's powerful illusion techniques. Even their memories cannot be accessed. It is clear that you do not possess this illusion ability."
His words were firm and certain. Because the one who knows Orochimaru's situation best in Konoha is perhaps him, who has had multiple dealings with Orochimaru.
"Although there is no proof, I should know who did it." Orochimaru smiled lightly, a hint of seriousness flashing in his eyes.
He also has no evidence. But sometimes, evidence is not really necessary.
With a grudge against the Root, exceptional strength, and skilled in illusion techniques...
"Elder Danzō, you should know that there are not many experts in this world, and others do not have the motive to act..."
"I know of one person, with considerable strength and fully capable and motivated to target the Root. He is..."
Orochimaru was about to say the person's name. But in the next second, he suddenly stopped speaking.
Instead, his pupils contracted, his body stiffened, and a look of disbelief appeared in his eyes.
If you look closely into his eyes, you can see the reflection of a young man with a soft smile sitting calmly on a branch above Danzō.
The young man had a smile on his lips, with one hand resting on his thigh, and the palm of his hand supporting his face, looking down with great interest at Orochimaru and Danzō.
"Hey, who is this person you're talking about?" Danzō frowned and said discontentedly: "Didn't you say you wanted to reveal his identity to me?"
"If you really know who that person is, I can consider cooperating with you, and we can also discuss other collaborations."
"Now, can you speak?"
Meanwhile, Orochimaru's cold sweat flowed down, and his pupils suddenly contracted.
Danzō actually knew nothing about the young man on top of his head? Was it an illusion?
'Natsuo, you've become stronger again...'
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I will post some extra Chapters in Patreon, you can check it out. >> patreon.com/TitoVillar
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