Chapter 51: Potions and Plots
Time flowed onward. The 50th year of Konoha passed in a flash, giving way to February of Konoha Year 51.
The fruit of the "Pseudo-Divine Tree," cultivated from the Gedo Statue tissue, had been thoroughly analyzed by Yakushi Nono's team. Its function was now understood.
The effects were, indeed, extraordinary. The fruit contained properties capable of breaking the innate limitations of the body, elevating the upper ceiling of an individual's physical constitution and spiritual energy, thereby proportionally increasing their overall chakra capacity.
Of course, the increase per dose was not astronomical. Significant improvement required a sustained regimen over time. Furthermore, as Nono's report detailed, consuming the raw fruit directly was lethal—no different from suicide for a normal shinobi. The active component was a unique substance within the fruit. Only after extraction, refinement, and formulation into a specialized elixir did it produce the beneficial effects.
Reviewing Nono's report, a satisfied smile touched Uchiha Akira's lips. The research institute, built from the ground up, was finally yielding tangible results.
One fruit contains enough of the special substance for only a single dose of the reagent. Mass production is still impossible, he mused, stroking his chin. The experimental data indicated that to achieve marked, lasting improvement, one needed to undergo a treatment cycle of at least six months, taking one dose every three days. This regimen could substantially raise an individual's potential. The report suggested the improvement ceiling would be reached after approximately three years of continuous use.
He looked at Uchiha Fugaku, who shared his pleased expression. "Clan Head, what is your opinion? Should we consider selling the 'Sublimation Elixir' externally?"
"Sublimation Elixir" was the official designation for the potion derived from the Pseudo-Divine Tree fruit extract.
"For now, no," Fugaku replied after a moment's consideration, shaking his head. "According to the institute, daily production is limited to ten, perhaps fifteen doses at most. Our Uchiha clan can fully utilize that output internally."
Due to the constraints of the Gedo tissue source, only a little over a dozen Pseudo-Divine Trees had been successfully cultivated. Most would bloom and fruit on the same day after sufficient chakra infusion, but a stubborn few remained barren—a mystery yet to be solved.
"Agreed," Akira nodded. "However, we could use this elixir to cultivate key relationships. Intelligence suggests this year will see the births of heirs for many major clan successors. An elixir that raises one's innate potential would be an incredibly valuable gift."
"But we lack the quantity to 'win over' many," Fugaku countered. "My current thought is to prepare a single dose for Minato's child. For others... we will assess on a case-by-case basis."
"The Hokage's heir is undoubtedly a worthy investment," Akira conceded.
As the two Uchiha leaders strategized over the Sublimation Elixir, in the Land of Rain, Uchiha Obito received a report from a White Zetsu spy embedded in Konoha.
A pale, half-emerged White Zetsu addressed Obito. "Lord Madara, our agent within Konoha confirms the Fourth Hokage's wife, Uzumaki Kushina, is pregnant. Estimated delivery is around October."
Hearing this, Black Zetsu, sharing the form, turned its attention to Obito. "Lord Madara, when a Jinchuriki gives birth, the seal containing the beast weakens. This presents a potential opportunity. Namikaze Minato is too great a threat. If he remains alive, he will pose a significant obstacle to our plans."
"I am aware," Obito replied, his voice cool behind the mask. "Do not lecture me. But do you believe Konoha is currently vulnerable? The opportunity exists, but a single misstep would be catastrophic."
As a former student of Minato, Obito understood the terrifying proficiency of the Flying Thunder God Technique. Even with Kamui, he harbored no certainty of victory against his former sensei.
"Our high-end combat power is indeed lacking," Black Zetsu's raspy voice agreed. "Currently, it is just you and Nagato. Compared to Konoha's current strength, we are still far behind."
"Precisely," Obito nodded, his tone turning grim. "Therefore, I am formulating a battle plan. Based on the current balance, my strength alone is insufficient."
"Nagato, in his present state, is of limited use," Black Zetsu pointed out. "The Six Paths of Pain cannot operate far from his true body. If we deploy Pain in an attack, Konoha's Byakugan users and numerous sensory ninja would quickly locate Nagato's real body, placing him in extreme jeopardy."
"I am aware," Obito stated flatly. "My intention is to restore Nagato to full health. If Nagato himself can become a combat asset, supported by the Six Paths, I will be free to focus entirely on confronting Namikaze Minato."
Restoring Nagato was not an insurmountable task for Obito. Nagato's emaciated state resulted from his forced summoning of the Gedo Statue, which drained his life force. His crippled legs were the work of Hanzo's Explosive Flame Formation. The solution was straightforward: transplant a pair of legs cultivated from Hashirama Senju's cells. This would not only restore his vitality but also regenerate his limbs. For Obito, who possessed mastery over Yin-Yang Release, such a transplant was well within his capabilities.
"Obito," Black Zetsu's voice took on a solemn, warning tone. "Do not forget you are not the true Madara. If Nagato's power grows too great, he may become uncontrollable."
"Tch." Obito let out a derisive click of his tongue. "Black Zetsu, the one who should be most concerned about that is 'Madara,' not me. His Rinnegan is in Nagato's skull. Uchiha Madara's resurrection still requires Nagato to initiate it. So, the most anxious party here isn't me—it's you, the so-called 'will of Madara.'"
"Hahaha..." Black Zetsu emitted a low, grating laugh. "Obito, you have progressed considerably in less than a year."
"Hah!" Obito laughed in return, a note of cold confidence in his voice. "To a certain extent, I hold the initiative now. In fact, a stronger Nagato improves my position."
He let the implication hang for a moment before driving it home. "Even without the Rinnegan, I possess both Senju and Uchiha power. I could still control the Gedo Statue, perform the Six Paths — Ten-Tails Coffin Seal, and become the Ten-Tails Jinchuriki myself."
The Rinnegan was necessary to summon the Gedo Statue from the moon, but it was not an absolute prerequisite for becoming the Ten-Tails' host or casting the Infinite Tsukuyomi. There were two paths to that ultimate genjutsu: one required the Rinne-Sharingan of Kaguya Otsutsuki; the other could be enacted through the Divine Tree itself.
Black Zetsu fell silent for a long beat. "Very well, Obito. You win this round."
For Black Zetsu, this entire exchange was merely part of the role it played with Obito. Ultimately, it mattered little who became the Ten-Tails Jinchuriki; what mattered was that someone did.
"Hmph!" Obito snorted with a hint of triumph. "Your cooperation is required regarding Nagato. I need you to implant a curse seal within him during the procedure. A safeguard to ensure he does not become... unmanageable in the future."
(End of Chapter)
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