Chapter 116: Wood Release! Yuzhi: I've Truly Become Uchiha Madara (Blue)

"It seems my research is about to succeed."

Late at night, the moonlight was striking, inside Orochimaru's laboratory.

Looking at the experimental data in his hand, Orochimaru's face broke into a ghostly smile.

After so many years of research, especially having confirmed that he could no longer bind himself with the identity of a 'Leaf Village ninja'.

He needs a broader world, a freer platform; after that, his dedication to the research becomes even more earnest.

Or rather, what he does becomes even more reckless.

And now, it seems he finally sees eternal life beckoning him!

"Impure World Reincarnation, what a marvelous technique."

He lightly licks his tongue, gazing at the documents in his hand and the various animals lying around; Orochimaru's eyes are filled with rapture.

"The theoretical research is complete, the animal experiments have succeeded, so what's next?"

Obito's premature appearance unexpectedly allowed Orochimaru to grasp a secret that would not be discovered for many years to come.

And the facts prove that the powers of the Uchiha Clan and the Senju Clan indeed counter each other, and can, to some extent, achieve a state of balance.

Orochimaru's gaze burns; he silently ponders.

"Then why should I still bother with the bodies of other bloodline limit ninjas?"

Moreover, the fusion of these two powers would yield a stronger body and even more astonishing strength.

"Some things cannot wait; even if I'm later, I will still come."

Orochimaru looks at Danzo bewilderedly, unable to discern Danzo's line of action.

"If there is no room for choice, perhaps I would directly start seeking outstanding bloodline limit ninjas and turn their bodies into my vessels."

As long as I forge a body suitable for me and continuously improve it in the future using other ninjas' bloodline limits.

"Three Uchiha, a senior ninja council?"

Since witnessing Danzo's encounter with Obito and sensing the First Hokage's power within Obito.

Orochimaru licks his lips; his face is filled with cruelty.

"Hmm?"

Next, Orochimaru will undertake an even more challenging experiment!

Danzo seems to have noticed Orochimaru's confusion, so he simply explained the current situation before continuing.

After their mutual opposition reaches balance, they can also intermix with each other!

"Impure World Reincarnation is indeed wondrous, but it has issues; theoretical design leads to a conclusion."

Orochimaru suddenly entertains a thought: could the Senju Clan's power and the Uchiha Clan's power fuse perfectly?

With Danzo's support, he hands over some simple data to Danzo while simultaneously testing his hypothesis.

"Experiment?"

This guy shows up here late at night to ask about an experiment—does he have some problem?

Moreover, his words leave Orochimaru a bit bewildered; after all, he hasn't been out for some time.

"Then, can't I also exist forever, master all worldly secrets, and learn every bloodline limit!"

"If the soul cannot match the body, it causes many problems, unless the body's strength exceeds the limit!"

He intends to proceed with the next experiment, so he naturally cannot stay in the Leaf Village any longer.

"I will use a bloodline ninja's body; even if its strength is high, the duration it can sustain won't be long.

"How is your experiment progressing?"

After all, he almost became Hokage; many secrets were semi‑public to him, so he naturally understands the soul.

Through Impure World Reincarnation he also grasped the soul‑body issue, and he has heard of the Uzumaki clan's 'Shiki Fuujin'.

"I understand your point, but Lord Danzo, you must know that experiments aren't achieved in a single stroke.

"Lord Danzo, why did you come at such a late hour?"

And don't forget, over these two years I've spent considerable effort on your research.

He puts his research aside, gathers the items that need to be stored, then turns around, and after the others enter, he says with a smile.

More importantly, Orochimaru has already begun probing ahead and has new ideas.

"Now the Leaf Village is at a critical point of survival; I want to know how your experiment is going."

Orochimaru must thank Danzo; although he looks down on Danzo, with Danzo's help he can obtain many valuable things.

Danzo speaks indifferently, glances around the surroundings, then gets straight to the point and asks.

But after deeper research, he discovers that all this is merely a façade.

Even if the Leaf Village has better conditions, the current Leaf Village is not the same as before, and collecting bloodlines in the Leaf Village is difficult to manage.

It must be said, if Orochimaru's current thoughts were known to Yuzhi, they'd be terrified.

For example, Impure World Reincarnation!

Orochimaru blinks; he knows why Danzo is so anxious, but Danzo's haste has nothing to do with him.

"But now, since I already know the Uchiha and Senju powers can blend.

Suddenly Orochimaru tilts his head slightly, sensing someone approaching; after a moment he knows who it is.

And with Itachi Uchiha as an unexpected factor, do you think I have enough time?"

"Hmm."

Danzo remains silent for a moment; although he feels Orochimaru is shifting blame, he finds no flaw.

After all, his current arm, the power within his body, and Itachi Uchiha's present state all corroborate Orochimaru's statements.

"Can we only watch helplessly as those three Uchiha stand on the platform and run amok?"

"Life is inherently filled with failure and regret, and likewise with unresolved grievances."

Orochimaru, however, was completely indifferent; he even had the idle thought of consoling Tuan Zang.

But inside, he wondered whether he could use this opportunity to leave the Leaf Village.

Thinking of that, Orochimaru's gaze flickered, after all he was still fixated on Itachi Uchiha's eyes.

Moreover, he had already planted a seed; seizing the chance to stir things up might yield a different reward.

"Is there really no way?"

Tuan Zang clenched his fist, gritted his teeth, and asked Orochimaru.

"Is it really that we can only watch like this, even though we've been pushed to the fringe of the Leaf Village, they never deal with us, and you are willing as well?"

"That's you, not me; I just lack the energy to understand it."

Orochimaru snorted inwardly, but said nothing; he wouldn't bring up such things now.

Seeing Orochimaru's calm face, Tuan Zang clenched his fist again; he was utterly disappointed.

Although he had anticipated it, hearing Orochimaru's words made him unable to stop complaining that Orochimaru was truly useless.

It had taken so long and the experiment was still unfinished, even though he didn't know what the experiment was, even though he 'knew' he was the one slowing progress.

But he, Zhi Cun Tuan Zang, how could he possibly take the blame?

He let out a cold snort, Tuan Zang flicked his sleeve and turned away, but at that moment Orochimaru suddenly spoke.

"But..."

"But?"

Tuan Zang halted, turned his head toward Orochimaru.

"Although it's difficult, as long as one is willing to invest and to break some rules, I think it can still be done."

Orochimaru lightly licked his lips and said in a low voice.

"I just wonder whether Lord Tuan Zang is willing to make a sacrifice?"

He had been waiting for this moment; since he was about to leave, he had to squeeze out one last profit before departing!

Moreover, it's Tuan Zang who is asking of himself; if he doesn't act, it would be a betrayal of himself.

"If I do this, he'll even say thank you!"

Orochimaru thought to himself, while Tuan Zang stared at Orochimaru; after an uncertain amount of time, he gave a heavy nod.

"I understand. For the Leaf Village, I will spare no effort!

Thank you for understanding me, Orochimaru"

—

"Hiss, are you of the dog sign?"

"Making you act so excessively, next time I'll just use a Kunai!"

Sitting on the sofa, Yuzhi saw a fresh fang mark on his wrist and looked at Hikari's cold expression.

For a moment, he felt rather helpless.

It's not the first time; why be so shy?

Yuzhi recalled that Hikari had been quite gentle last night; why did he become like this early this morning?

Seeing Hikari's "I'm fierce" look, Yuzhi dared not say anything, and he felt his arm a bit stiff.

Probably he held a posture all night, and being pressed by her caused poor blood circulation.

"Seems she's heavier than I imagined."

Yuzhi thought of this and subtly sized up Hikari, but his gaze was instantly caught.

"What indecent thoughts are you having again?"

"Impossible, stop daydreaming."

Yuzhi immediately shook his head, but inside he couldn't hold back.

How does Hikari seem to have radar, sensing everything I think?

Another helpless sigh; Yuzhi remembered that this morning he had only seen her still asleep, so he couldn't resist pinching her cheek.

She suddenly woke up, first looking around bewildered, then her gaze cleared.

When she saw Yuzhi's face and felt his action, her face flushed red, and her eyes hardened.

She gave Yuzhi a hearty bite, which left him completely stunned.

Looking at his wrist, Yuzhi was momentarily dazed.

Due to his increased power and changed fighting style, he hadn't been injured in a year or two.

He didn't expect that today Hikari would break it directly.

"Are you okay?"

After a while, Hikari seemed to have calmed down; she blushed and softly asked Yuzhi about his wrist.

"Do you want me to fetch some bandages and wrap it for you?"

"Thanks for the effort, but our physical condition isn't something to joke about."

Yuzhi shook his head; although his and Hikari's constitutions don't match Senju ZhuZhang, their recovery ability is no joke.

With just a little chakra, not only bite wounds but even slash injuries can heal instantly, and even without treatment they'll recover quickly.

Hikari nodded at this, then let out a light hum.

"Looks like using a Kunai next time will be fine; you won't have any problem anyway."

"Hey, that idea is really dangerous; are you trying to kill your own family?"

Yuzhi raised an eyebrow, as if recalling that this was the evil Uchiha just unearthed, who wanted to destroy the world!

"Don't worry, it's just talk; how could I do that, it's because you made me angry."

But Hikari really had changed; she glared at Yuzhi, then gently admonished him.

"I have heard that you have the three ninja bans; you are an excellent ninja, so I think you should obey them."

"The three ninja bans, huh."

Yuzhi stroked his chin; he still remembered those three precepts, whose purpose was to make ninjas better.

But in Yuzhi's memory, it seemed that even the Hokage hadn't fully observed all three bans.

Minato might have been a bit better, but what part did that lecherous Sarutobi Hizan actually fulfill?

And the disciples he trained were even dominated by "yellow, gambling, poison," so enforcing the three bans could only be called a ninja's self‑restraint.

If they can't achieve it, it really depends on the ninja themselves.

"Hmm, I understand."

He glanced at Hikari beside him, and Yuzhi nodded.

"Indeed, for a ninja, failing to observe the three bans will damage the body through alcohol and lust.

Therefore, from today onward I will abstain from alcohol!"

Hikari had originally nodded, but after hearing Yuzhi's words she couldn't hold back.

Just the three bans and you quit drinking?

Qian, although you did well, there's still another item, right?

"How exactly did you study when you were at the ninja academy?"

"Don't you know my school life was far from ideal?"

Yuzhi blinked, looking at the stunned Hikari who seemed not to have come to his senses, and his smile could no longer be hidden.

He really hadn't expected that back then, because he couldn't adapt to academy life, he almost plummeted to last place together with Obito.

And now it can be used like this?

But thinking of Obito, the new‑generation Kettle Shadow, Yuzhi couldn't help feeling a bit emotional.

Back then, the ninja academy had two Uchiha and two almost bottom‑rankers, and now they have all become among the strongest in the ninja world.

Although Obito was extremely unlucky, his Kamui was undeniably terrifying.

Ordinary people lack information and sufficient means, truly unable to counter his Kamui.

And Yuzhi himself was now a hero of Leaf Village, the actual controller of the Uchiha, even the de facto decision‑maker of the Police Department!

One can only say fate is such; perhaps this world does have a certain bias toward bottom‑rankers.

"However, I can't control that bottom‑ranker Naruto, and perhaps there will no longer be a Naruto who is a bottom‑ranker."

Yuzhi's gaze quickly hardened as he thought seriously.

"But I won't allow that powerful bottom‑ranker Obito; just be an honest Kettle Shadow!"

Thinking that, Yuzhi swiftly formed a seal; under Hikari's puzzled gaze, an invisible barrier appeared around him.

The next moment, Yuzhi formed another seal, and shortly after, a Nine‑Tails resembling a kitten appeared before them.

"Father, Mother."

The little Nine‑Tails seemed to cling to Yuzhi, and as soon as it emerged, it shouted at the two.

This instantly made Hikari, still immersed in Yuzhi's "abstain from alcohol" bravado and not yet recovered, roll her eyes again.

She now truly felt tired, gave up, and thought as long as Yuzhi didn't go too far, it would be fine.

Anyway, as long as he doesn't overstep, she really can't refuse.

"Little guy, I have a question for you."

Yuzhi didn't think much; he looked seriously at the little Nine‑Tails and asked.

"In your current state, how much power can you unleash?

Also, if I combine Susanoo with you, can I change the color of my Susanoo?"

Changing Susanoo's color is now Yuzhi's top concern.

Only by figuring out how to change Susanoo's color can many of his matters become easier!

"If only I had Nikuo's passive, how great that would be."

Yuzhi muttered to himself, and the little Nine‑Tails was also prompted by his question.

The whole fox fell into contemplation, and after a long while it finally said uncertainly.

"My own strength now probably can't match yours, Father; my chakra may not be as much as yours.

As for changing Susanoo's color, even that big fox's memory doesn't have it.

You know, his hatred toward you has reached an extreme."

Yuzhi pursed his lips; unsurprisingly, the Nine‑Tails probably harbors no goodwill toward the Uchiha and Senju.

Including Uzumaki.

"But some things aren't impossible to try."

The little fox lifted its head, grinned, and said with a smile.

"After all, my chakra has fused with my father's, so perhaps there are things I can indeed try."

——

"What, are you saying Yuzhi wants to take your Sasuke as a disciple, even as an adopted son?"

Inside a meatball shop in Leaf Village, Kushina was startled by Mikoto's words.

Then she let out an incredulous gasp, which startled the playful little Naruto and little Sasuke beside her.

Mikoto also awkwardly nodded; she hadn't expected her best friend to be so excited.

"And such good news? Congratulations, Mikoto!"

Although Kushina was flustered, she quickly recovered and said cheerfully to Mikoto.

However, these words made Mikoto feel a bit unable to hold back; what's there to congratulate?

If possible, Mikoto wouldn't even want this to happen!

In fact, she doesn't know whether this is Yuzhi's intention or that of other members of the clan.

Because in the past few days, Uchiha Xiu and Uchiha Xin, the two people who publicly lead the clan and handle its affairs, have found her.

And they expressed a desire to make Sasuke Yuzhi's disciple, even to recognize Yuzhi as his godfather.

At that moment, Mikoto wondered if Yuzhi was really planning to make a lofty proclamation.

After all, within the clan, Yuzhi's reputation has reached its peak, so taking it a step further seems natural.

In fact, even without Sasuke it would be the same; having Sasuke just makes his demeanor look better.

"Thank you."

Mikoto felt depressed inside, but a faint modest smile still lingered on her face.

After a moment, she hesitantly asked.

"Kushina, I heard you've had a lot of contact with Yuzhi; I wonder what you think of him."

"Eh? You aren't from the same clan; why ask an outsider like me for an opinion?"

Kushina gave Mikoto a strange look and asked with a hint of amusement.

"Probably because you're too familiar within the clan, you want to know how he is outside the clan."

Mikoto offered a very reasonable explanation; she indeed wanted to know how outsiders view this 'Uchiha de facto ruler'.

Within the clan, Yuzhi's image is so overwhelmingly positive that it's baffling; everyone sings his praises.

But on closer thought it's normal; he altered the clan's internal ecology, breaking the cold relationships within.

Moreover, he truly considered everyone, binding all clan members together!

The once cold clan is now bustling, and the previously oppressive atmosphere has become cheerful.

Even she, who once was out of touch with the world and knew little of the clan, can feel all of this.

Even she herself is a beneficiary.

Her status is special, yet Yuzhi said he would do it, never restricting or making things difficult for her.

Although Itachi Uchiha has become increasingly strange, she knows her family's life has gotten better and better.

Yuzhi truly treats her as clan kin, as family!

Although Uchiha Fugaku was killed by Yuzhi's own hand,

"He, I recall our first encounter was during the war; he and Minato had just returned to Leaf Village after completing a mission."

Kushina glanced at Naruto, who was staring intensely at Sasuke, and smiled as she recalled.

"Back then he came to me to learn the Seal Technique, and during that encounter I noticed something very interesting about him.

Others didn't care about the Uzumaki Clan's extinction, but he could be patient enough to observe and commemorate the Uzumaki Clan's history."

Kushina hasn't interacted much with Yuzhi, but her perspective is still that of an outsider.

Many things look different from within the Uchiha Clan, and Mikoto listened with great interest.

Whether it's Yuzhi's character, the battlefield performance Minato described, or others' reforms of the Police Department,

All of this gave Mikoto only one impression—this guy is truly a superman!

Mikoto had heard many of these things herself, but comparing them with Kushina's earlier view of Yuzhi.

She found that during Uchiha Fugaku's era, both the clan and the Police Department gave such a terrible impression!

This relationship can't even be called mutual aid; at best it's personal animosity.

Now, in all of Leaf Village, who doesn't praise the Uchiha, who isn't respecting Yuzhi?

Even Mikoto inexplicably thought that Uchiha Fugaku seemed to have 'died a good death'.

"How could I have such a thought?"

Mikoto instantly, terrified, repressed her thoughts, while Kushina held Naruto's head and said with a laugh.

"So, Yuzhi wanting to take Sasuke as a disciple, even as a godson, I've always thought that's a good thing.

Fugaku's death has always seemed regrettable to me; some things need to be turned the page, and some shouldn't be dwelled on forever.

At least the village now, the Uchiha, aren't they better? Yuzhi has always proven he is right, hasn't he?"

"Yes."

Mikoto came to herself, glanced at Kushina, and suddenly sensed a hidden meaning in Kushina's words.

Thinking carefully, it's not surprising; although Kushina is outspoken, she is indeed the Hokage's wife.

Moreover, legend says that Kushina, as a child, studied under the first Hokage's wife; she's far smarter than imagined.

"Of course, these are just my own views."

But Kushina soon burst into laughter again, biting a dumpling as she said.

"After all, Yuzhi saved me, saved our whole family; besides, I've always had a good impression of him, so saying nice things is only natural.

If you're truly curious, you should go out yourself, learn more, listen to others' conversations, and that would be fine.

After all, aren't you always free?"

Freedom

Mikoto was stunned by that sentence, for she suddenly realized a fact she had always overlooked.

As a 'Remnants of the Former Dynasty', the freedom she enjoys is indeed unusually high.

Even though Yuzhi doesn't fear her rambling and has grasped her vital point, doesn't that also imply more information?

"Alright, stop getting tangled up in these matters."

Kushina looked at Mikoto and knew the matter was almost over.

"Anyway, in my view, this is definitely a cause for celebration; let's celebrate properly!"

"Mm."

Mikoto glanced at Kushina, then also smiled.

"Indeed we should celebrate; come to think of it, since Yuzhi moved, this is the first time we've met."

"It's not that you never came to look for me."

Kushina pursed her lips, then quickly looked at Naruto and Sasuke beside her.

"These two little guys get along pretty well; just now they were roughhousing, and now they're quiet again."

"Looks like Naruto will have a good friend in the future."

"Yeah."

Mikoto also noticed that her son and Naruto seemed to have a particularly good relationship, and she seemed to understand another meaning as well, and she couldn't help but laugh.

"I think they'll become good friends in the future."

——

Yuzhi didn't know, but Shisui really cared.

Moreover, he wasn't aware that Uchiha Xin and Uchiha Xiū had already gone to consult Mikoto; he is now with Hikari, having arrived at the Underground Laboratory.

Moreover, they stared at each other, looking at the little fox in front of them, seriously pondering what the little guy had said before.

"Chakra mode?"

Yuzhi stroked his chin; this idea was roughly what he had originally conceived and guessed.

There are two types of tailed beast mode; at first they are the same: the "tailed beast cloak," and "the number of cloak tails determines strength."

And finally, they were split into two states: one is Naruto's "chakra mode," and the other is the normal "complete tailed beast transformation."

It's hard to say which of these two modes is stronger, but they are both manifestations of a "perfect jinchuriki."

Yuzhi doesn't need to worry about the "perfect jinchuriki" issue, because the little fox truly regards him as its father.

They want to achieve chakra resonance; it's not that simple, and the little fox's proposal requires this.

But Yuzhi is curious about one question: "Are you sure using chakra mode can change the color, just like others using tailed beast power?"

"I can't be sure about that, because this is just my guess."

The little fox looked around, seeming curious about everything around it.

Although he has the memories of the Nine-Tails, this is also the first time Yuzhi has brought him out to run, arriving at a relatively unfamiliar place.

"Just give it a try; why are you so hung up on it?"

Hikari sat to the side, watching Kushina give her sealing notes while tilting her head to watch Yuzhi and the little fox.

She suddenly realized the little fox was actually quite good-looking, at least much more delicate and handsome than that big guy.

"Indeed, you have to try it to know."

Yuzhi nodded, and he also made a decision.

The little Nine-Tails is special; he already fused Yuzhi's and Susanoo's chakra, so even if it covers Susanoo, there's no need to worry about chakra leakage.

The only thing to really worry about is whether the little Nine-Tails can withstand it, after all his Susanoo is a bit big.

To let the little Nine-Tails' chakra cover Susanoo, Yuzhi's biggest fear is directly draining this little guy dry.

Although Susanoo still has other tailed beast chakra, those have not been devoured, and may not even have fused with Yuzhi's chakra.

If these chakra are not controlled well, it's easy for people to detect the Nine-Tails' presence, which is something Yuzhi wants to hide.

"Then let's begin."

Yuzhi reached out his hand, and instantly the little fox turned into points of light and vanished before his eyes.

At that very moment, black chakra suddenly erupted from Yuzhi's body, quickly forming a ribcage.

The experiment naturally proceeds step by step, but we adjust slowly according to the little fox's tolerance.

"A basic Susanoo combined with the little Nine-Tails' power—I don't know what the effect will be."

Thinking that, suddenly a trace of red chakra appeared on Yuzhi's pitch-black Susanoo.

The tailed beast's chakra manifests, initially all red.

Even if Yuzhi employs "chakra resonance," it still cannot be changed.

As the two chakra intertwine, Yuzhi distinctly feels a repulsive force emerging.

It's as if Susanoo's power is rejecting the Nine-Tails' chakra from merging, and suddenly some other information appears in his mind.

"The difficulty of the tailed beast? Or perhaps it's the Armored Susanoo?"

Yuzhi slightly frowned; although he unexpectedly obtained the information about the tailed beast's difficulty, this is not what he wanted!

Whether it's the tailed beast's difficulty or the Armored Susanoo, essentially neither is a fusion of the two.

More accurately, it's a deep coordination of the powers between the two.

Moreover, in this coordination, Susanoo is always "on top," but this still doesn't achieve what he wants.

"What I need is fusion, not completing a 'tailed beast difficulty' combination."

Thinking this, Yuzhi's Mangekyou Sharingan in both eyes began to spin faster.

He needs to grasp more precise control over his own Susanoo; only then can he better integrate and attempt.

"Perhaps we can add something else to make these two things easier to combine."

However, while controlling these powers, he hasn't forgotten how to make them more stable.

Moreover, it's just a basic Susanoo; even Yuzhi himself needs to worry about how strong it is.

If it doesn't meet the standard, then he isn't disguising as Madara Uchiha—he'd just turn into a clown!

"Even if it's a weakened Madara Uchiha, the abilities and aura he should have cannot be lacking at all; at least he can't be weak against a jinchuriki."

Slowly, Yuzhi began trying to infuse his own senjutsu chakra into it!

He didn't use dragon vein power; in terms of controllability, dragon vein can't compare to his own senjutsu chakra.

And his doing this instantly caused a change in Susanoo's aura again!

"Hmm?"

Hikari, who was sitting beside him, had long stopped looking at the data; she had been watching Yuzhi the whole time.

As Yuzhi began to wield the power of his celestial technique, his expression grew serious.

"Is it that difficult?"

Hikari wasn't quite sure what Yuzhi was thinking, but she could see that Yuzhi's Susano hadn't changed color, so she guessed he was facing some difficulty.

So she simply watched quietly, neither disturbing Yuzhi nor revealing that she was preparing herself in secret.

If Yuzhi needed power, she would transmit her own strength without hesitation.

At the very least, she had to ensure Yuzhi was safe.

But gradually, her complexion suddenly turned a bit strange.

Because she noticed that after Yuzhi's own celestial technique chakra merged with it, Yuzhi's body seemed to become active as well.

This kind of activity was peculiar; it seemed to tug at Yuzhi's entire body, or more precisely, to stir another power within Yuzhi.

"Those, the power brought by the white solvent?"

Hikari murmured, saying that, like Zhi Shui, she had never investigated the source of those white solvents.

All they needed to know was that these powers were beneficial to them, capable of improving their physical condition and restoring their eyesight.

Even as time passed, they noticed some changes beginning to appear in themselves.

Moreover, the power that came with the white solvent kept becoming active, yet this activity never fully reached a limit.

Perhaps the input was insufficient, perhaps the fusion effect wasn't as good as imagined; at any rate, they still couldn't make better use of these powers.

And Yuzhi's current state seemed to have reached the point where he could harness that energy, right?

But just as she was pondering, Yuzhi suddenly snapped his eyes open.

The aura around him grew even stranger, a cold, destructive force interlaced with a unique, life‑filled flavor.

And woven between those two forces seemed another indescribable, inexplicable power, yet clearly belonging to Yuzhi's Nine‑Tails!

Buzz—

Accompanied by the whistling of chakra, the walls of the Underground Laboratory instantly cracked.

The pre‑arranged barrier also twisted oddly at that moment, clearly being battered by the aura.

Yuzhi's Susano changed color now, no longer the ink‑like black but shifting toward a faint violet.

Most crucially, at Yuzhi's arm, a sharp wooden rod slowly extended outward.

In the next instant, more thick wooden rods burst from his body, whistling heavily as they shot outward!

Boom, boom, boom—

For a moment, the booming echoed continuously, and the entire Underground Laboratory began to shake.

Huge clouds of smoke started to spread throughout the Underground Laboratory. —

"Sir, are you all right?"

In Yuzhi's home, Uchiha Xin and Uchiha Xiu looked at the dust‑covered Yuzhi and Hikari, and whispered a question.

Today they were preparing materials for the clan meeting while awaiting a response from Uchiha Meiqin.

Ever since Zhi Shui mentioned it, that Yuzhi might intend to adopt Sasuke as a son or disciple, they immediately set things in motion.

After all, in their eyes, this was Yuzhi's chance to make a grand proclamation!

However, before they received any news from Meiqin, they suddenly sensed tremors in the clan's back mountain.

When they rushed there with others, they saw the massive laboratory had already collapsed!

The scene made their mouths twitch, especially seeing Yuzhi and Hikari, though a bit disheveled, standing unharmed beside it.

They couldn't fully contain their feelings, and after escorting the two home, they instinctively asked.

But they all knew the two were probably fine, and the collapse of the Underground Laboratory was likely linked to them.

"Don't worry, we're fine."

Yuzhi smiled; despite his poor appearance, his mood was good, and Hikari gave a cool nod, indicating she was fine.

Seeing this, Uchiha Xiu and Uchiha Xin became even more certain that the laboratory's collapse was thanks to the two.

"Sir, as long as you're okay, it seems our previous laboratory construction didn't meet standards; we'll improve it during reconstruction."

The two exchanged glances, then immediately stood up to take their leave.

These two adults are now so disheveled; if they linger here at the wrong time, they'd truly be blind.

"These two are really interesting."

Watching them leave, Yuzhi couldn't help but laugh at Hikari, who let out a light hum.

"What on earth are you, and are you really okay?"

"Don't worry, my condition is even better than you imagined."

Yuzhi nodded; his face was full of smiles.

His condition was indeed good, even surprisingly excellent!

He had actually harbored a question before: why he could feel himself produce Wood Release without activating it voluntarily.

Even when testing chakra, he never displayed Earth Release or Water Release.

Now he understood, and the answer matched his guess—his fusion level was insufficient.

Madara Uchiha's White Absolute given to Obito was likely no simple thing, and Obito's situation was even more special.

He had literally lost half his body, and only after the White Absolute merged could he regain mobility.

As for Yuzhi, Hikari, and Zhi Shui, they relied on injection, which compared to Obito was far inferior.

"Moreover, we only injected the power after obtaining the Mangekyou Sharingan, whereas Obito received it before unlocking the Mangekyou Sharingan."

The Mangekyou Sharingan itself is one of the ultimate manifestations of Shadow Release, and possessing it already suppresses the White Absolute's cells to some extent.

And Obito first possessed White Absolute Cells, which might allow his Yang Release power to integrate better.

This might also be why Yuzhi and the others can sense the power of White Absolute but are temporarily unable to truly mobilize it.

Of course, these are merely his guesses; he cannot say for sure whether it's actually the case, but his own feeling is exactly so.

But the situation is different now; previously, mobilizing his own Immortal Arts chakra was simply part of his own power.

Furthermore, with the Mangekyou Sharingan controlling Susanoo, and the integration of the little Nine-Tails power, the three overlapping actually unexpectedly detonated the White Absolute's power!

"Especially, I have been continuously improving; having obtained White Absolute Cells for nearly two years now, no matter what, I have already fused to a certain extent."

Under these various prerequisites, he finally unlocked his own Wood Release.

Or rather, it is a power manifested from Yang Release!

"In other words, is this truly the normal power brought by those white solvents?"

Hikari felt a bit dazed after listening to Yuzhi's explanation, and she soon frowned and asked.

"So, these white solvents are actually related to the First Hokage?"

"Hmm, indeed there is some relation."

Yuzhi nodded; Hikari, having been in Leaf Village for so long, naturally understood quite a bit.

"No matter what, these powers are also the most suitable for us, at least they are the most helpful for our eyes."

"I know, I just didn't expect it to be so complicated."

Hikari also didn't expect that, as a former "Uchiha Ultimate Weapon," she would actually obtain the power of the Senju Clan.

Could this be considered, from another angle, revenge against those people who originally sealed her?

Moreover, Hikari is also curious about what the power would truly be like after actually unlocking these abilities.

However, Yuzhi, who now knows all of this, has not much to say, as he is still immersed in the gains from this occasion.

The power of Wood Release, using Immortal Arts combined with the Nine-Tails, lets Susanoo slightly change color.

Although it didn't reach the blue stage, to the naked eye it leaned toward another reincarnation of Indra—Sasuke.

But no matter what, this is acceptable, at least as long as it's not black!

"Most importantly, I seem to feel my "Zhuo Er Extraordinary" stirring again."

Two years have passed, and for over two years he has felt no change in Zhuo Er Extraordinary.

The Mangekyou Sharingan is a pitfall, and he has always been aware of that.

But this pit is so huge that, even if it's related to his reduced combat frequency and quality, he has also waited two years for it!

As long as he unlocks "Zhuo Er Extraordinary," his eyes can reach the level of Eternal Eye, and even his "Glorious Evolution" will keep up.

For Yuzhi, this is yet another unimaginable huge leap!

"Even now I'm not lacking, and I have actually become Madara Uchiha."

With a casual wave, a scroll fell onto the desk; he looked at the scroll, and a smile spread across his mouth.

"Uchiha war fan, sickle, plus Wood Release, Immortal Arts, and the Nine-Tails—even a youth version would be enough to use!"

It's hard to say whether the youth version of "Madara Uchiha" could beat Onoki; after all, this guy, when he goes berserk, can sweep away dozens of fourth-stage Susanoo in one go.

However, merely using these powers to violently beat a jinchuriki, or even to intimidate Onoki, can easily be done.

Yuzhi has now completely decided that this time he will use the identity of "Madara Uchiha."

It's also time to give Obito, and the ninja world, a few little "shocks"!

"Let's just get used to it in advance, desensitize early."