Haruya took a bite of the grape Ena Uzumaki handed him, and to his surprise, it was incredibly sweet.
A moment later, he understood why.The Uzumaki clan was born with huge chakra reserves and extraordinary vitality.That was why biting her arm had healing effects.
If her blood could nourish someone…then any other bodily fluid probably carried the same energy.
After a few more bites, Haruya was full.He still had a child's body—nutrient-rich and quick to satiate.
Across from him, Ena's face was tinged pink as she nervously tugged the hem of her clothes.She was naturally quiet, reserved, and unused to this kind of closeness with him.
But his adorable face made everything strangely… disarming.
Over the past two weeks, as she spent time with him, she'd begun to treat Haruya almost like a son.Most importantly, she had learned his personality:He was a good person.Compared to the shinobi of the Grass Village… he was practically a saint.
Haruya had no idea Ena had already presented him with a mental "good guy" badge.
Leaning comfortably against her soft body, he teased, "We've shared a meal now. That makes us bonded, doesn't it? I'll protect you from now on."
For the first time in a long while, Ena smiled warmly.Her life had flipped completely.In Kusagakure, she was a tool—to be used, drained, ignored.Here she was treated like a noble lady, respected by everyone, fed and clothed well, living in comfort.
She knew all of this was because of Haruya.So she followed his words without hesitation.
"Ah—school's about to let out."Haruya stood, glancing out the window. "I'll come see you again soon."
"I'll be waiting."Ena nodded softly, as calm and gentle as ever.
That was what Haruya liked most about her—her quiet, fragile temperament.
He pinched her cheek playfully, hopped off the sofa, and slipped out of the room.
Soon, Haruya reached the Ninja Academy and dismissed the wood clone that had been attending class for him.
Not long after, Tsunade appeared.
As usual, she ruffled his hair first, then took his hand.Haruya seriously suspected she had ancestral roots in Motou Village—she acted exactly like a doting, over-affectionate big sister.
After a few steps, Tsunade paused, leaned down, and sniffed his neck.
Her voice sharpened."Why do you smell like perfume? Which woman was it?"
Danger.
Haruya could practically see a giant blood-red warning symbol flashing over his head.
"It's my female classmates!" he snapped, acting annoyed. "Whenever I have a break they swarm around me. I can't even get rid of them!"
Tsunade smirked."Well, that's what happens when you're too pretty. And trust me, when you grow up, it'll only get worse."
Haruya quietly exhaled in relief.
It wasn't that he intended to hide things from Tsunade—but he was seven years old.Explaining everything he did would no longer make him look like a genius, but a monster.
If her attitude toward him shifted because of it, the loss would outweigh any gain.
He would tell her when the time was right.
Suddenly, Tsunade's expression softened into something plaintive.
"In a few years you'll grow up, and I'll be old. When that time comes… if you fall for some young, cute girls, don't forget your big sister, okay?"
"How could I?" Haruya replied instantly, serious as a monk."No matter how beautiful they are, none of them can compare to you. You're the most beautiful woman in the entire ninja world."
"Oh, your mouth is so sweet."Tsunade laughed again. She turned, swayed her hips playfully, crooked a finger at him, and said,"Come on, handsome—let's go home."
At home, Shizune had already prepared dinner.While they ate, Tsunade mentioned Orochimaru—he had finally been discharged from the hospital.
Haruya's eyes lit up.Good. Tonight he could discuss sealing techniques with him.
After half a month of careful care, Ena's body had recovered well.All the remaining bite marks had faded.It was finally time for her to begin practicing sealing jutsu.
After dinner came two hours of Wood Release training.Only then did Haruya check on the wood clone stationed in another town.
Dark underground laboratory.
Freshly discharged from the hospital, Orochimaru was already back to work.The combined blows from Shisui Uchiha, Kakuzu, and Sasori had made him painfully aware—his understanding of the world was far too shallow.
To change that, he needed a long-term cooperation with Haruya.
But cooperation required exchange.He needed something Haruya would want.
And there was no doubt: the most valuable thing he possessed was Hashirama cells and their transplantation knowledge.
True breakthroughs would take time, so he began with Wood Release.
The purpose of Hashirama cell transplantation was to achieve Wood Release—but the risk was incredibly high.
What if he could lower that risk?
Yamato was the answer.The cells in that boy's body were gentle, stable.
Orochimaru planned to mix Yamato's cells with Hashirama's to create a Wood Release serum.The result wouldn't be as powerful as directly implanting Hashirama cells,but long-term use could slowly cultivate the ability, safely.
It would take grueling effort—but it was something that could catch Haruya's attention.
And it would prove Orochimaru's value.
In his previous life, Orochimaru hadn't captured Yamato, so he'd never developed this idea.But under Haruya's influence, inspiration struck more easily.
A white snake slithered into the lab.
Orochimaru immediately set down his test tube, eyes narrowing.
Haruya had come the moment he was discharged.There must be spies inside Konoha.But that was expected—a mysterious organization as strong as his could infiltrate all five great nations.
Orochimaru entered the hall.
"The tea is good today," Haruya said approvingly, sipping from his cup.
"Your subordinates are rude," Orochimaru replied, still holding a grudge over almost being killed.
He had wanted to test them—but Kakuzu and Sasori fought with genuine killing intent.
"I warned you," Haruya said calmly. "Both of them have terrible tempers."
Orochimaru couldn't argue; he had been the one who attacked first.
He asked cautiously,"Your two men are incredibly powerful. Could you at least tell me their names? I'd like to know exactly whose hands I lost to."
"Don't pry into their lives."Haruya waved dismissively."I'm here for business. I want all Uzumaki clan sealing techniques."
Orochimaru licked his lips.
Excellent.New demands.
So the masked boy wanted more than Hashirama cells.
"The Uzumaki clan's sealing arts are top-level secrets in Konoha. What are you offering in return?"
"You acquired Yamato," Haruya said. "How do you think his Wood Release compares to Hashirama's?"
"There's no comparison," Orochimaru admitted honestly.Hashirama's power was overwhelming—the terrifying potency of his cells made that clear.
Yamato could barely create a few rows of trees.Hashirama created forests.
"What do you think the difference is?" Haruya asked.
"Physical constitution and chakra," Orochimaru answered thoughtfully.
"That's one reason."Haruya raised a finger."The other is Sage Mode."
Orochimaru stiffened.
He knew Sage Mode well—it was the ultimate state taught by the three great summoning realms.He, Tsunade, and Jiraiya all had contracts with them.But only Jiraiya had managed it—and even he never achieved the perfect form.
Orochimaru's face darkened.He'd always believed himself talented, yet Sage Mode remained impossible for him.
"I know someone," Haruya said slowly, "who can naturally absorb natural energy. Someone born with an incomplete Sage Mode."
"What?"Orochimaru's eyes widened.
A naturally born sage?
If he could obtain and study such a being,he might finally find a path to Sage Mode.
Desire sparked in his serpent-like gaze.