Chapter 103 – Haruta x Tsunade? Teacher, Do You Want Wood Release for Yourself?
After much thought, Haruta finally figured out a way to introduce White Zetsu's cells to Tsunade.
It wasn't out of generosity or some caretaker complex—he wasn't that sentimental.
But even putting his personal considerations aside, Tsunade was someone worth helping.
More importantly, he wanted to see the effects of White Zetsu's cells to refine his own analysis.
And he needed a suitable test subject.
"It's not like I can give White Zetsu's cells to Orochimaru…"
To be honest, that might have been a better option.
Orochimaru's research skills were top-tier.
But the problem was… Haruta wasn't on good terms with him.
Sure, Orochimaru remembered Haruta, but that was only because Danzo had taken Haruta to meet him along with Aburame Ryoma when he first joined Root.
A vague impression at best.
Now, however, Orochimaru knew him well—
Because Haruta had demonstrated exceptional "talent"…
And also punched him in the face.
Their relationship was the complete opposite of friendly.
Of course, Haruta understood that to someone like Orochimaru, neither friendship nor enmity was absolute.
Orochimaru only truly cared about a select few.
For everyone else, alliances and conflicts were purely circumstantial.
So if he really wanted to, Haruta could still approach him.
But after thinking it over, he shook his head.
"For now, I'll leave Orochimaru alone. Let's deal with Danzo first."
Walking toward the Anbu headquarters, Haruta nodded to himself.
To him, Danzo was already nothing more than a walking inheritance fund.
Even if the old man wasn't dead yet.
Upon entering the Anbu headquarters, Haruta saw Kakashi waiting for him.
"You're finally here?" Kakashi nodded at Haruta.
"I've been waiting for you forever. I almost thought you weren't coming."
"Of course not. I brought the guy back, so I naturally have to check on him," Haruta replied with a smile. Then, he glanced around.
"Where's my little bro, Tenzo? And that Uchiha kid, Itachi? They're not here?"
Hearing Haruta's words, especially the phrase 'little bro Tenzo', Kakashi's visible eye immediately turned into a dead-fish stare.
In some ways, Tenzo really was like Haruta's little brother.
Both used Wood Release.
Both came from Root.
Both were completely reckless in their actions.
Thinking about it, Kakashi suddenly felt a headache coming on.
On top of working with Haruta to investigate Uchiha Obito, now he had to deal with Tenzo as well.
With Haruta on one side and Tenzo on the other, Kakashi felt like an invisible weight was pressing down on him.
"Tenzo is on a mission. Unlike you, not everyone has the luxury of slacking off whenever they want," Kakashi said, somewhat exasperated.
"As for Itachi, he's in the surveillance room."
"Huh?"
Haruta blinked, then showed a look of disgust.
"You guys are really something—making an Uchiha personally monitor his own clan?
I must admit, Kakashi, you play a devious game."
"Hey, don't slander me like that," Kakashi protested, shaking his head.
"I didn't assign that mission. I don't even have the authority for that.
Besides, don't pretend you don't know the real purpose behind it."
"Tch, you're so uptight. Can't even take a joke," Haruta sighed.
Kakashi always seemed so wary when talking to him.
Honestly, Haruta didn't think he had tricked Kakashi that many times.
All he had done was make Kakashi give the order to take down Kusagakure.
Compared to Jiraiya infiltrating Iwagakure or Shisui facing off against the Sand Village army, that was nothing.
Shaking his head, Haruta smirked at Kakashi.
"I get it. You want him to relay the information back to his clan, make them aware that they're being watched, and keep them in check."
"Exactly. You already knew that, so why make that comment earlier?" Kakashi sighed, exasperated.
Haruta chuckled.
"It's more fun this way."
Then, suddenly, he grinned mischievously.
"So, you're officially acknowledging that Uchiha Itachi is a double agent now?"
"Uh—"
Kakashi immediately froze.
He really wanted to ask Haruta:
Can you stop putting things in such a misleading way?!
"Why do you always say things that tear people apart?"
"That's not something you say out loud, damn it!"
"How could that be? We all trust Uchiha Itachi."
"Really? That makes it even worse. Because the Uchiha Clan isn't even getting any intel. Looks like we're just putting on a show for the blind."
"…"
"So, Kakashi-senpai, what exactly is going on here?"
"…"
Kakashi didn't want to say a word. He was on the verge of losing it.
Why do you keep putting me in these situations? Why keep dancing around such sensitive topics, pushing boundaries again and again?
How was he even supposed to answer that question?
No matter how he replied, he'd only be wrong.
"Can you just not say these things?"
Kakashi finally broke. His perpetually tired eyes now burned with frustration as he looked at Haruta.
"Promise me—just shut up, and I'll give you all the unpublished volumes of Make-Out Paradise!"
"…"
Haruta blinked. What kind of deal was that supposed to be?
"Sounds tempting. But, Kakashi-senpai…"
"What now?"
"You've only read the books but never practiced. Are they really helping?"
"…"
"And besides, even if I never read Make-Out Paradise, I already have Yuugao-senpai, don't I?"
"…"
Kakashi clenched his fists. If he didn't know he'd lose in a fight, he would've already smacked Haruta a couple of times.
Why did this brat always come at him from the weirdest angles—just to land a heavy blow on his pride?
At that moment, Kakashi fell into silence. But for some reason, that silence felt deafening in his ears.
"…We're here."
After a long pause, Kakashi finally dropped Haruta off. Without looking back, he turned to leave.
"Kakashi-senpai, you're leaving just like that?"
Haruta called out, blinking as he stared at Kakashi's retreating figure.
"By the way, did you get the notice?"
"…"
Kakashi's body stiffened. He hadn't gotten any notice—but with Haruta's tone, it definitely wasn't going to be anything good.
"I've been notified. The Mist side's ready. We could be deployed any time."
"…"
Just as he suspected. Kakashi's lips twitched before he gave a subtle nod.
"…Got it. I won't bother you then."
"Mm."
Haruta nodded, watching Kakashi walk away.
Then, with a grin on his face, he suddenly said, "Well then, Captain Kakashi… I'll be counting on your guidance from now on."
"…"
Kakashi's steps faltered ever so slightly—but then he sped up his pace. He really didn't want to stay there a second longer.
He could almost feel something heavy weighing on his back.
"Tch. Can't even take a joke."
Watching Kakashi's embarrassed retreat, Haruta shook his head with a chuckle.
Kakashi was great at a lot of things—but apparently not at taking a joke.
All it took was a few words, and Haruta could practically see him crumbling.
"And to think, he's upset about being my team captain? That's just rude."
Haruta sighed. He decided not to tell him the truth—that Jiraiya was actually the real team leader. Let him stress out a bit. No harm done.
"Still… Uchiha Itachi's situation is starting to get interesting."
What would Itachi become?
Even Haruta wasn't entirely sure. But just like Shisui, he seemed to be walking down the same old road.
The difference was—Shisui, under Haruta's guidance, had at least found some semblance of a path, though still incomplete.
But Itachi? Haruta wasn't his babysitter. He had no plans to help someone he had zero emotional connection with.
Especially someone he didn't even like. He truly couldn't understand Itachi's choices—much less agree with them.
"If I remember right, Shisui's death completely broke him… and that's when he started going crazy, right?"
In Haruta's memory, this so-called ultimate filial son of the Uchiha Clan had an epiphany after Shisui's death.
Only… he went down a seriously twisted path—
Faced with the Uchiha's growing separatism, he didn't try to fix the conflict between clan and village. Instead, he went for the easiest solution.
Yes, Konoha had been suppressing the Uchiha.
But let's be honest—were the Uchiha really blameless?
They were entrenched in the village, utterly incompatible with it, and even plotting a coup.
"So why not just slaughter my entire clan? Problem solved."
"…What kind of lunatic logic is that?"
By that point, Haruta remembered, Itachi was already in the Anbu. Danzo had even approached him. And yet, somehow, he ended up completely in sync with Danzo's thinking.
Haruta couldn't understand that kind of person. Couldn't empathize. And definitely wasn't about to help him.
"Besides, the rest of the Uchiha psychos are probably about to go full berserk too."
Haruta shook his head. There was no way Konoha hadn't considered that Uchiha Fugaku would use his son as a double agent.
Heck, Itachi himself might've volunteered the intel to Konoha. That guy was totally capable of that.
So Konoha had him stationed in the surveillance unit, monitoring the Uchiha Clan himself—probably so he'd pass the info back.
Basically sending a message to the Uchiha:
"Don't try anything stupid. We see everything you do."
Of course, how the Uchiha interpreted that message… well, that's another matter.
Maybe they saw it as a threat. A blatant, shameless warning.
Or maybe, they saw it as weakness. That Konoha had nothing but empty threats to keep them in check—and so they grew even bolder.
"Birds of a feather, huh? No wonder they're all in the same nest."
Haruta didn't want to waste any more brainpower on that bunch of lunatics.
He pushed open the door, but deep down, he was already making plans to investigate the buried Uchiha.
If things went according to plan, the Uchiha Clan was going to bleed. How many would suffer… that would depend on Shisui.
Since pain was inevitable—why not dig up someone who hated the Uchiha to their core, and let her see it all for herself?
"Save me the trouble of a 'talk no jutsu,' right?"
Too bad the intel was too sparse and the files too disorganized. Tracking her down was going to be a pain.
"Mm? Haruta, you're here!"
As he walked in, Kabuto—who had been resting—looked up with a delighted expression.
"Haruta…"
Yakushi Nonou's gaze also turned toward him, her eyes filled with disbelief.
She'd finally pieced together the truth—especially after Kabuto told her everything about their childhood interactions. She was now certain of Haruta's identity.
She never expected… that all these years, she had been living within a web of lies.
If it weren't for Haruta, they might've regretted everything for the rest of their lives.
During their confinement and interrogation by Konoha's ANBU, she'd also overheard a lot about Haruta's recent actions.
It was then she realized just how incredible—and absurd—Haruta had become.
Not just his unbelievable judgment and strategic brilliance.
But the fact that he was actually a descendant of the Senju Clan.
Now he not only wielded Wood Release, but even knew the Flying Thunder God Technique.
She was proud—but also deeply worried.
Having spent so many years as a spy, she knew exactly what kind of methods other villages would use to take down a genius like him.
And even within the village, things wouldn't be peaceful.
Just look at what Danzo had already tried to do to control him…
"Kabuto, looks like you've been eating well lately. Gained a bit of weight, haven't you?"
Haruta raised an eyebrow at Kabuto with a teasing smile, before turning to Yakushi Nonou.
"Director, looks like you remember me now."
"Yes… I remember everything."
Nonou nodded, letting out a soft sigh and smiling.
"And I'll never forget you again—either of you."
Her voice was earnest. Though her expression held traces of worry and bitterness, they faded as quickly as they came.
"Don't worry. It's all over now."
Haruta shook his head and sat down, then said swiftly, "You won't have to go on missions like that anymore, Director. But Jiraiya-sama said… you may need to stay in ANBU a little longer."
"Once everything is over, we'll all return to peaceful lives."
Peaceful lives…
The moment she heard those words, Nonou's eyes widened.
She'd been careful not to reveal she knew the whole truth.
So if Haruta said this… was he planning to take action?
Kabuto, on the other hand, was calm. He understood Haruta's mind all too well.
This guy? He never minced words with him.
And frankly, Kabuto was all for it—he hoped Haruta would push harder.
After what happened, he was completely convinced by Haruta's foresight, planning, and ability to turn things upside down.
Haruta had preemptively predicted Danzo's moves—and then stirred up enough chaos to cover their return to the village without a ripple.
Exactly. From Kabuto's perspective, Haruta caused a massive uproar just to make their return seem insignificant.
Otherwise, why hadn't Danzo come knocking yet?
Still, he wouldn't say that out loud. Who knew if someone was listening?
Better to use the scroll Haruta gave him to pass along messages in secret.
"We made it back alive this time… So next—"
Kabuto looked at the smiling Director Nonou, then at Haruta—the one who brought them back alive.
He lowered his head, the reflection on his glasses hiding his eyes.
"Next is your turn… I'll kill you, Shimura Danzo."
—
"Danzo, huh? What an interesting guy."
Inside a tall tower in the Land of Rain, Orochimaru—now clad in the robes of the Akatsuki—licked his lips as he read the scroll in his hand.
The message Danzo left him was amusing. It seemed Danzo had no clue what had actually happened.
But that was fine—better that way.
Fewer complications.
"Maybe those two… really did die?"
Orochimaru wasn't sure. Without clear intel, it was hard to make a judgment.
At the very least, from Danzo's words, Orochimaru could sense something... interesting.
"Hmph, whatever. I won't bother with that old fox. As long as he gives me what I need, I'll play along... for now."
A cold smirk crept onto Orochimaru's face. Danzo's letter looked generous on the surface, as if he was willingly stepping back, but Orochimaru knew better. He saw through it completely.
It was a classic move—retreating to advance. Danzo was deliberately reducing his presence around Haruta, making it easier to spin his narrative and keep brainwashing the boy, while also furthering the idea that he, Orochimaru, was the mastermind behind everything.
"Tch, what you're hoping for the most... is that Haruta really has a survivor in his hands, isn't it?"
If a "survivor" existed, Danzo would claim they were brainwashed by Orochimaru—further deepening Haruta's misconceptions and hatred.
And if there wasn't one? Then the blame would fall squarely on Orochimaru for murdering them, once again stirring up Haruta's wrath.
"But the real question is... how exactly are you planning to pass along that message?"
Orochimaru's expression darkened. Danzo had proven himself a brilliant strategist. Which meant Orochimaru would need to be equally sharp to stay in the game.
"Disseminating intel isn't just about 'saying a few words.' Real intelligence work is far more... delicate."
Danzo had claimed Orochimaru was harboring someone. But how exactly had he confirmed that? That was a crack in the armor—a weakness. And if Orochimaru kept pushing at it, Danzo was bound to slip up eventually.
"And just because you don't want me talking to the kid... you think I'll listen?"
The Akatsuki had already decided to approach Haruta. That was Orochimaru's perfect chance—especially now, when he couldn't stand Danzo even more than usual.
---
"What? Me?!"
On the other side, Kakuzu's face twisted in frustration as he pointed to himself in disbelief, staring at Konan and Pain.
"You want me to investigate Konoha's ANBU movements? Are you serious?! If I had that kind of intel, I would've avenged myself on that brat already!"
He was baffled. "Why not send Orochimaru? Isn't that snake an ex-Konoha ninja? Wouldn't he be more qualified?!"
Kakuzu already knew about the Akatsuki's plan to recruit Haruta. He'd even prepared scrolls and documents to pass along—planning to deliver them during "month-end reports" for a nice bonus.
This kind of high-value intel could definitely earn him some extra "overtime pay."
He had to admit—Haruta was pretty generous. During that last Iwagakure op, the kid had offered extra pay without being asked. With a boss like that, even Kakuzu felt motivated.
But now, the assignment to investigate Haruta's movements had landed on his plate. He couldn't help but feel like he'd been exposed somehow.
Why him? Of all people, this really didn't make any sense.
"Orochimaru has his own task. As for you—there's a reason we chose you, too."
Pain's tone was calm, unaware of Kakuzu's internal complaints. He knew full well how tough this mission would be, so he patiently explained.
"From what we've gathered, Haruta's network might have already been infiltrated by Shimura Danzo. Otherwise, there's no way Konoha's forces would've shown up so conveniently."
Because I am the mole, Kakuzu thought silently, feeling a bit awkward. Still, his face didn't betray a thing—he merely nodded along.
"If that's the case... why not flip the script and use the infiltrated contact to our advantage?"
Konan finally spoke up, her voice calm and emotionless. But Kakuzu instantly grasped her meaning.
"You're saying... leak some fabricated Akatsuki activity to that source, let them pass it back to Konoha, and lure Haruta out himself?"
"Exactly."
Pain nodded approvingly. Kakuzu, one of the few he'd personally recruited, truly had a sharp mind. He understood their intentions instantly.
"Instead of hunting him down blindly, we let him walk straight into our hands. Much more efficient."
"But... isn't that dangerous?"
Kakuzu frowned slightly. He wasn't afraid of danger—but he was afraid the Akatsuki would collapse. Where else would he go to pick up steady paychecks?
He'd survived for a hundred years as a bounty hunter, and while he still enjoyed taking down targets, once he started getting "easy money," he realized... why work so hard?
With a stable gig and a stream of income, he could turn his old line of work into a hobby. It was... comfortable.
So if anyone didn't want to see the Akatsuki fall apart, it was definitely Kakuzu!
Where else was he gonna "eat off the system"?
In that sense, he and Haruta weren't so different. Both operated under the shameless yet efficient philosophy of "drain the lake while fishing."
"No need to worry. If it comes down to it, I'll step in myself."
Nagato raised an eyebrow. He wasn't fond of being questioned, but considering how much pressure the Akatsuki had been under lately, he held back and replied calmly.
Haruta's Wood Release really was terrifying. Not many could withstand it.
But Nagato wasn't afraid—in fact, he was itching to face it.
To him, no matter how powerful a force, it couldn't stand against the Rinnegan.
Even Uchiha Madara and Senju Hashirama, said to have brought peace to the Warring States era, were nothing before it. Possessing the Rinnegan meant one was the true heir of the Sage of Six Paths.
And he—Nagato—would become a god among men.
Wood Release may have been the First Hokage's legacy, but Nagato wanted to clash with that power personally. To see which of them stood taller.
And more importantly, he wanted Haruta to calm down—they shared the same enemies, after all.
"In that case, I'll give it a shot. No promises, though."
Kakuzu finally nodded. He'd pass along the intel, and whether Haruta took the bait wasn't his concern.
"Just do your part. Leave the rest to us."
Pain nodded, then said nothing more. Kakuzu got the message and left without another word.
To him, Pain wasn't a "leader"—just a client. And as long as he paid well, that was enough.
"…But you really think you're the mantis stalking the cicada, huh? Careful the oriole isn't right behind."
Kakuzu sighed inwardly.
He didn't know who the oriole was yet.
But the cicadas and mantises… were everywhere.
---
"Looks like I've managed to stall that snake Orochimaru for now."
Back in Konoha, Danzo reviewed Orochimaru's intel with a satisfied nod.
He was fairly certain that both Kabuto and Nonou had been dealt with. That meant it was time to begin feeding Haruta new information.
Haruta hadn't come to him recently, and he hadn't gone looking either. Too many unknown variables on the table.
Besides, he'd been focused on squeezing into the Iwagakure negotiation team. He needed to assert his status.
But now...
"Damn you, Sarutobi Hiruzen. You really turned me down like that?!"
Danzo slammed the table hard, still unable to believe how firmly his old comrade had blocked his request.
Not just him—Koharu and Homura were on the same page. That was what really drove him mad.
"I gave my life to Konoha, and this is what I get?! All because I hesitated for one second back then…"
He grit his teeth, cursing bitterly. But even he couldn't continue the rant—it embarrassed him too much.
Yes, he'd hesitated. Because he feared death. That one moment of doubt had let Hiruzen beat him to the punch.
But what if, in that instant, his teacher had turned to him and said:
"Danzo, if you're so determined, then this mission is yours."
What would he have done then?
He honestly wasn't sure. Even his teacher, who had openly despised the Uchiha clan, had still handed them the Police Force.
It made no sense at the time.
Now, though, it seemed like a trap—giving them power that turned into a prison. Their pride and arrogance made them unwilling to share authority, but they lacked the numbers to manage everything alone.
Eventually, the Police Force became "the Uchiha department," and their powers were gradually taken over by others.
All they had left were street patrols and prison work—trapped in a cage of their own making.
But Danzo wasn't comforted by that. What if one day, the Uchiha started using the Police Force to claw back their influence?
"A monster agency will rise… Sensei, what were you really thinking?"
Danzo had a vague idea, but he refused to accept it.
To him, Tobirama Senju should've been ruthless and absolute—using any means necessary to achieve results.
Just like Danzo himself.
"No matter. I'll fix his mistakes. Once I become Hokage, I'll correct all of it!"
Determined, he pulled out a scroll and scribbled down detailed notes. After checking it several times, he tapped the table, summoning Aburame Ryoma.
"Find the right moment. Don't draw attention. Get this scroll to Haruta."
"Yes, Lord Danzo."
Ryoma was as respectful as ever. To him, Danzo was already the one true sun above Konoha.
"One more thing—what's Haruta's current status?"
Danzo's voice was cold. With Tsunade's interference and Hiruzen's relentless meddling, he rarely got to see Haruta anymore.
That made him anxious. Not knowing the status of his "asset" was unacceptable.
Clearly, Hiruzen was trying to steal him away!
"He's the same as always. No major changes."
Ryoma replied softly. He'd checked several times and knew Haruta's habits well.
"However... he seems to be getting closer to Yuugao Uzuki. That might be worth looking into."
"Yuugao Uzuki?"
Danzo frowned. He wasn't like Hiruzen—he had no patience for "worldly desires."
If love and lust ever weakened him, he'd make a public vow to "abstain from this day forward!"
All he cared about… was the Hokage seat.
"Such a waste of talent, falling for some petty romance. Disappointing... but maybe useful. At least there might be a child in Konoha's future."
Still, Yuugao was a mere civilian. Danzo doubted someone like her could give birth to a worthy successor.
Ideally? He wanted Haruta to have something going on with Tsunade.
After all, she was the granddaughter of the First Hokage—and while her Wood Release hadn't awakened, the bloodline was there.
Pairing her with Haruta, who'd awakened Wood Release naturally? Their child would have tremendous potential!
Sure, their age gap was a little wide… and yeah, the generational thing was awkward…
But who cared?
This was about Wood Release! That was everything!
"Still, if she's useful, we might as well use her. Look into that woman's background. We may be able to use her to better control Haruta."
"Understood. I'll gather what I can. But she's Tsunade's student now, so…"
Ryoma nodded calmly, offering a heads-up about potential roadblocks.
"Tsunade's student?"
Danzo's expression darkened again. He pounded the table.
"Well played, Hiruzen… well played!"
Binding everyone close to Haruta directly to Tsunade?
To Danzo, this was clearly another move to cut off his influence.
And the only one with the ability—and gall—to do that… was Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Forget about the noise. Investigate as you must—just be cautious and don't let anyone find out."
Despite his words, Danzo still issued the order with utmost seriousness. In his eyes, this was a rare opportunity—one he couldn't afford to miss.
No matter what, he had to seize it.
If he let it slip through his fingers, there might never be another chance for him to make a comeback.
Unless… one of the Kage dropped dead.
[What exactly are you planning? Can you give me a hint?]
[Can't you just wait patiently? Now's not the time. Wait until you can move freely, then we'll talk.]
[I don't want to wait—I want to kill Danzo now!]
[I can send you his coordinates. I'll use Flying Thunder God to teleport you. Go kill him, how about it?]
[…]
After tossing a few half-serious lines to Kabuto, Haruta casually rolled up the scroll and stopped responding.
He could understand Kabuto's urgency—truth be told, even he wanted Danzo gone as soon as possible.
But unlike Kabuto, that fool who only thought about killing, Haruta had way more on his plate.
First of all, he had to think about how to inherit Danzo's "legacy" smoothly. He had no interest in becoming a wanderer in the ninja world.
"If it really comes to that, wouldn't I end up running with Orochimaru?"
Haruta shook his head. Sure, tagging along with Orochimaru might net him a deputy leader position in some backwater village.
But here in Konoha, he had a real shot at becoming a top figure. Why lower himself to be second-in-command somewhere else? Was he out of his mind?
"Still, it looks like Danzo's making his move now… Clearly, he really has no clue what's going on."
Haruta glanced at another scroll on the table, a sneer curling on his lips.
Danzo had been thoroughly duped. Either that, or the people he sent to investigate had turned up nothing useful, and Orochimaru had grown tired of playing nice—deciding to mess with him instead.
Which, frankly, worked out just fine for Haruta.
It gave him breathing room to prepare.
"At the moment, I really do have a ton of things to deal with… I've got to monitor the Uchiha, the ones still hidden underground, and then there's the issue with White Zetsu…"
As he started tallying things up, Haruta realized he was swamped.
And that was just the big three on his radar. Beyond that, he still had to manage the current operation with the Hidden Mist.
How far should he push the Mist operation to maximize gains while still being able to return safely? That was something he had to think about thoroughly.
Not to mention, there was one more matter…
The technique that hadn't yet been logged by the system—but which he was becoming increasingly proficient at: Yang Release – Chakra Mode.
The power boost it granted was just too significant. And once the system officially recognized it? He had full confidence in raising it to an even greater level!
"Chakra Mode… The true god-tier technique in the world of Hokage…"
Sure, Naruto was known for its eye powers, but Chakra Mode didn't lose out to any of them.
Even the most offensively powerful Tenseigan's ultimate move was none other than Tenseigan Chakra Mode.
Haruta never expected to have some fancy eye power—but mastering Chakra Mode? That was within reach. And once the system accepted it…
"Then I can keep allocating stat points. Who knows, maybe one day my Chakra Mode could even surpass that of the Tenseigan."
The benefits that came with leveling up through the system were insane. That feeling of breaking through limits was something Haruta absolutely loved.
He'd already decided—once things calmed down a bit, he'd test out what it felt like to have Level 12 physical stats.
The stronger his body, the greater the return on investment. Based on the system's mechanics, every two levels was a major threshold.
Level 12 was already pushing the limits beyond what the system's framework had intended. After how much of a jump Level 10 had been, Haruta was dying to see what came next.
"Still researching?"
Just as Haruta was deep in thought, Tsunade's voice rang out behind him.
"I don't get it. What's so fascinating about all these ancient records? Don't tell me you're planning to dig up some treasure the Senju clan left behind?"
"Ah, sensei… How'd you know?"
Haruta looked up, eyes wide in mock surprise. Tsunade blinked.
Wait—he was actually thinking that?
"Lunatic."
It took her a moment to curse under her breath before turning to leave.
"Get ready. Jiraiya sent word—we might be moving out in a week."
"Got it…"
Haruta nodded absentmindedly. He wasn't too worried about the Hidden Mist mission.
What he was seriously wondering was—if they did find a clue, should he bring Tsunade along to grave-rob some Senju relics?
But that was a problem for later. For now, his gaze followed Tsunade's graceful figure as he called out:
"Sensei, wait a sec."
"What is it? Giving up on treasure hunting?"
"No, actually… There's something I wanted to ask you."
"Hm?"
Tsunade stopped and turned, curiosity in her eyes—but the moment she heard Haruta's next words, she froze. Her expression was one of sheer disbelief.
"Sensei… do you want to try unlocking Mokuton for yourself?"
...
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