"I still think you should reconsider my plan."
Tobirama Senju continued, clearly unwilling to let it go.
"I understand better than anyone how dangerous Uchiha Madara is to Konoha. If we miss this opportunity, we may never get another."
"In the past, Konoha had my brother protecting it. Now things are different. Even if you inject Hashirama cells, you are still far from his peak strength."
"Tobirama, that's enough."
Uchiha Ren interrupted him.
"Konoha cannot afford any losses. This isn't the time to gamble everything. You're too anxious."
"I know Madara's fake death affected you, but you don't need to stay trapped in that mistake."
Ren waved his hand and changed the topic.
"Let's talk about Hashirama cells. This concerns my life. There can't be any mistakes."
Tobirama snorted. "Come with me."
He led Ren into the innermost hidden laboratory and laid out the latest Hashirama cell solution along with the experimental data.
"The research has reached its final stage. Based on experiments on the Uchiha, compatibility is even better than expected. There have been no fatalities."
"Every Uchiha who received the injection saw a significant increase in chakra, vitality, and ocular power. Most can even use Wood Release, though the strength varies."
"Techniques on the level of True Several Thousand Hands are impossible. That likely involves Asura's chakra and a higher level of life force."
"I've optimized the formula several times, but the full potential of Hashirama cells hasn't been completely uncovered."
"Good."
Ren nodded.
"What's the success rate if I inject it now?"
"…Ninety-eight percent."
Tobirama sounded slightly uncertain. There had been no deaths so far, but the sample size was still limited.
"That's basically guaranteed."
Ren didn't hesitate.
"Let's do it."
He rolled up his sleeve. Tobirama took out a vial of green solution, disinfected the area, and injected it smoothly.
"You should feel the effects in five minutes."
Ren sat down and waited.
Soon, a strange sensation spread through his body. It felt as if something missing since birth had finally been filled.
Heat surged, followed by an intense hunger.
Tobirama handed him a prepared nutrient solution. After drinking it, the hunger gradually faded, replaced by a warm, comfortable feeling throughout his body. The process lasted nearly an hour.
When it ended, Ren clenched his fist.
Power surged within him. His chakra had increased dramatically. His ocular power had risen sharply, and even his vision felt clearer.
For a brief moment, he felt as if Madara was no longer untouchable.
He quickly suppressed that thought. The sudden increase in strength was making him overconfident.
"How do you feel?" Tobirama asked.
"Very good. I feel stronger than ever."
Tobirama recorded the data while observing him.
"Did you wake up from the Wood Release?"
Ren circulated his chakra. A small tree sprouted from the ground and grew rapidly before stopping as he cut off the chakra supply.
"As expected."
Tobirama nodded, though a trace of jealousy flickered in his eyes.
"The Uchiha really are lucky. They've taken my brother's power."
He paused before continuing.
"Based on my calculations, if a Senju were to use Hashirama cells, the results would likely be even better. With enough talent and Sage Mode, it might even be possible to briefly use techniques close to True Several Thousand Hands."
"Though the chakra consumption would be enormous. Only my brother could sustain that level of power."
"I understand."
Ren nodded.
"If there's nothing else, I'll be going."
"Wait."
Tobirama stopped him.
"I have something to discuss."
Ren turned back.
"Now that Hashirama cell research is nearly complete, and even the Uchiha have benefited from it, shouldn't the Senju get their share as well?"
His tone was calm, but clearly dissatisfied.
"The Uchiha are eating meat. Are the Senju not even allowed a sip of soup?"
Ren immediately felt a headache coming on.
"Let's discuss that later."
He turned to leave.
"Stop."
Tobirama's voice sharpened.
"If you don't explain this clearly today, I'm going on strike."
Ren stopped.
"This isn't that simple. The origin of the Hashirama cells can't be explained. This lab must remain secret."
"I still need to continue being Hokage."
Tobirama fell silent.
He understood the problem.
Even back then, Hashirama cell research had been taboo. Only a handful of Senju elders had known about it.
If the truth came out now, the consequences would be serious.
"But we can't hide it forever."
Tobirama frowned.
"You can't take all the benefits for the Uchiha. I need an answer."
Ren sighed.
"Not now. We need time to figure out a proper solution."
"Madara is still in Konoha. This isn't the time for internal conflict."
"You don't want Konoha to fall because of this, do you?"
Tobirama immediately fell silent.
That argument worked.
After a long pause, he spoke again.
"Fine. I'll let it go for now."
"But once Madara's situation is resolved, the Senju must also receive Hashirama cells."
"Alright, alright. I'll try."
Ren answered perfunctorily and quickly left.
Staying any longer would only bring more trouble.
"Tch. That damn Uchiha brat."
Tobirama muttered and returned to his experiments.
By the time Ren left the underground lab, it was already noon.
There was still time.
He decided to eat first, then head to Mount Myoboku in the afternoon.
After injecting Hashirama cells, he could clearly feel his increased affinity for natural energy.
Today's Sage Mode training—
would definitely see a breakthrough.
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