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Tsunade's cheeks flushed slightly at the thought of the bribes, but she quickly shook her head.
"Forget it, I'm too lazy to lecture you right now. But this time, the Hokage is really angry. You'd better be more careful in the future."
"Actually, I think the Hokage is more upset about the possible consequences this incident could cause."
Shuuzawa replied with a light smile, knowing Tsunade was only worried about him.
"But there's a way to fix this. Before all this, Lord Jiraiya went to talk with Lord Shikaku."
"I'm guessing they've already prepared to negotiate with Iwagakure. As long as the talks go well, we shouldn't face much trouble on Iwa's side."
Negotiation was always a good thing. Ōnoki might have a bad temper,
but no one could deny he was still rational when it mattered.
For example, when he saw that Shuuzawa and his group had shifted their attention to the Iwa-nin, he immediately realized it was time to open discussions.
Not to mention, Shuuzawa had conveniently "removed" two spies from Iwagakure, and Jiraiya had sweetened the deal with benefits for them.
If things went smoothly, Iwa would still gain something from the deal. In that case, they'd feel like they had "won big."
But really, it was Shuuzawa who came out on top.
[Mission Complete]
[Investigate the Relationship Between the Akatsuki and Orochimaru]
[Mission Rating: SS]
[Reward: 12 Free Points]
[Hidden Mission Complete: Reveal the Connection Between Akatsuki and Jiraiya (1)]
[Rating: A]
[Reward: 8 Free Points]
[Due to revealing Akatsuki's secret and defeating its members and Orochimaru in battle while directly facing Ōnoki's threat]
[Special Reward: Light-Weight Rock Technique (Ōnoki)]
Looking over his interface, Shuuzawa felt great.
Even though he didn't get a multiplier on his free points this time, completing a second hidden mission left him more than satisfied.
His first hidden mission had come from Uchiha Obito and gave him a huge boost in free points.
By now, he had practically drained all the possible "loot" from Obito, aside from some unfinished business in Kirigakure.
It was a bit of a shame—missing out on Obito's hidden missions meant fewer points.
But unexpectedly, new "targets" kept popping up, and that cheered him up immensely.
This was also why he didn't want Jiraiya to leave the team, there was still so much value to dig up and even Ōnoki's reward wasn't bad either.
Shuuzawa had always dreamed of getting his hands on Dust Release, just for fun—even if he didn't actually need it. That was the mindset of a transmigrator, after all.
To him, ninjutsu was like free game content handed out by a game company. You might not play it, but you had to collect it.
Of course, he knew that his so-called battle with Ōnoki was mostly just "verbal sparring." They didn't really fight, so hoping for Dust Release was wishful thinking.
"But this Light-Weight Rock Technique isn't as bad as I thought."
Ōnoki's ability to fly relied on this exact jutsu. Now that Shuuzawa had it, he had essentially gained a flying technique.
Flight was one of humanity's oldest dreams, and he was no exception, especially since his fighting style revolved around mid-air ninjutsu bombardment.
"Being able to fly means I can launch aerial attacks while keeping myself safer."
Shuuzawa's mood was excellent.
Though this haul wasn't as massive as the last one, it was still a major gain no matter how you looked at it.
Still, he hadn't used any of his points yet. He needed to think carefully about how to assign them.
"Whatever. I'm done talking to you," Tsunade scoffed. She frowned at Shuuzawa's half-distracted attitude. "How many times do I have to say it?"
Don't let a little strength go to your head. Yes, you're smart—you knew Ōnoki wouldn't make a scene in the village, and you gave him a way to save face."
"But did you ever think about your situation? You've made a lot of enemies. Life won't be easy for you."
"Even my grandfather died. He was stronger than anyone."
"My great-uncle mastered Flying Thunder God and still fell to Kumo rebels."
"You're excellent—really, you are. I heard you've even mastered Grandpa's Wood Golem Technique and Sage Mode."
"I don't know your limits, but I don't want you becoming arrogant or conceited. Didn't you say you wanted to be Hokage?"
"If you keep acting like this, no one will support you. Your enemies will try everything to kill you. If you die, how will you ever become Hokage?"
"..."
Tsunade's words pulled Shuuzawa back to reality. Hadn't he always been firm in his resolve to become Hokage?
As for his enemies—he felt he hadn't done anything major. He always presented himself as just a humble worker.
Danzo was his boss, and he was just doing his duty. Any grudges should be directed at Danzo, not him.
"I understand, Sensei."
Even if that's what he thought, he couldn't say it out loud. He straightened up and nodded seriously at Tsunade, then grinned.
"Don't worry, Sensei. I'll remember your words. How about we make a bet?"
"A bet?" Tsunade's eyes lit up immediately—she loved gambling. "What kind of bet?"
"Let's say... the wager is your necklace," Shuuzawa said, pointing at the pendant on her chest. "And what we're betting on that I'll live to see that day!"
Tsunade raised a brow, but her eyes gleamed with interest. Then Shuuzawa added something that broke her composure.
"Of course I'm confident! I'm not like Jiraiya's so-called 'Child of Prophecy.' According to Orochimaru, all of those guys die young."
"But I'm not one of them—and Sensei, you always lose your bets. This one's in the bag!"
He was sure of it. Tsunade appreciated his confidence, and it was true—she did lose a lot.
But at that moment, her fist tightened. "Brat, I'll send you flying right now!"
"Whoa, Sensei, calm down!"
*BOOM!*
.....
"You made Sensei mad again?" Yuugao returned home with Karin, who had just finished her day at the Academy.
There was a huge hole in the wall and Shizune was helplessly haggling with a construction crew.
Yuugao immediately knew what had happened when she saw the mess and Shuuzawa looking a bit roughed up.
Even Karin gulped. "Is she... demolishing the house?"
"Tch. It's nothing. I just made a bet with Sensei and told the truth. She didn't take it well,"
Shuuzawa shrugged. He had only been honest, how could he know Tsunade would take it so seriously?
"You've worked hard, Yuugao—and you too, Karin. How were things while we were away?"
"Everything was fine, Big Brother Shuuzawa! I'm keeping up!" Karin's face lit up the moment she saw him.
She would never forget—it was Shuuzawa who had saved her, recognized her abilities, brought her back, and even gave her a home.
Everything here was unfamiliar, and she still wasn't used to a lot of it, like attending the Academy. In Kusagakure, she had no such privilege.
There, she wasn't even seen as a person—just a test subject. But now, things were different. She was truly grateful from the bottom of her heart.
"That's good. Keep studying hard. Especially learn as much as you can from Lady Tsunade, become a capable medical and sensory ninja."
Shuuzawa gave a satisfied nod and ruffled her red hair. "Nice texture. Feels better than that other Uzumaki."
"Other Uzumaki?" Karin blinked. "Big Brother Shuuzawa, do you mean... Naruto from the other class?"
"Yep, that kid. He said he'd treat me and Yuugao to ramen, but he still hasn't done it!"
"Hey now, aren't you being a little petty?" Yuugao finally spoke up, glaring at Shuuzawa. "It's just ramen. You holding that grudge this long?"
It wasn't just the ramen, that brat tried to feed me poison mushrooms! Shuuzawa pursed his lips but didn't say it out loud.
He was still waiting to see Naruto serve that mushroom soup to Hiruzen.
Respecting your elders and all that, training Naruto wasn't his job. Let Hiruzen, the Hokage, handle it.
"Whatever. Just don't follow his example." Shuuzawa waved it off, then added, "And don't pick up Lady Tsunade's bad habits—gambling and drinking, got it?"
"Oh, okay..." Karin nodded, but couldn't help wondering if it was really okay to talk about Tsunade like that—even if it was true.
"You really don't care if she hears you, do you?" Yuugao sighed and pulled Karin upstairs.
"Just hide for now. Wait until Sensei cools down. Seriously, what's wrong with you?"
"Isn't that what you're here for, Yuugao-senpai?" Shuuzawa winked at her, then obediently headed back to his room.
Partly to avoid Tsunade, but mostly because it was finally time to assign his stat points.
[Shigenari Shuuzawa]
[Overall Physical Stats: LV11]
[Chakra: LV9]
[Abilities: Wood Style LV7, Flying Thunder God LV7, Taijutsu LV6, Curse Mark LV7, Yin Style LV6, Scorch Release LV7, etc.]
[Free Points: 21]
[Light-Weight Rock Technique has been adapted into Earth Style. Current Earth Style: LV7]
Feeling the vast amount of knowledge and training experience regarding the Light-Weight Rock Technique in his mind, Shuuzawa nodded in satisfaction.
His Earth Style still wasn't on par with Ōnoki's, but it was definitely enough to let him fly now.
As for the advanced version, Super Light-Weight Rock Technique, it mainly increased chakra output—nothing too different.
If he really wanted to use it, he could. But honestly, it wasn't like he needed to fight meteors.
His gaze moved back to his stat screen. With 21 free points to work with, there was a lot he could do now.
As he continued completing missions and escalating their scale, the amount of free points he earned gradually increased. This gave him the confidence to develop himself in all aspects.
"My physical stats have reached Level 11, and since I still need time to adapt to this new body, I won't invest any more points for now."
The last upgrade left a deep impression on him, especially the feeling of "lacking vital essence" when he advanced to Level 10 without properly adjusting.
Now that he'd reached Level 11, his strength, defense, coordination, and speed had all seen a significant boost. Even in hand-to-hand combat without chakra, he no longer feared anyone!
Not to mention, the enhancement of his body brought with it signs of bloodline mutation—something worth his attention.
Although for now, he hadn't noticed any concrete changes from the mutation, he reasoned it was likely a result of improved bloodline quality.
After all, he wasn't an Uchiha or Senju with a clear path of regression toward the Ōtsutsuki lineage.
What he was doing, most likely, was simply refining and strengthening his own bloodline to reach a more powerful state.
"Maybe… my children could inherit this and become the next generation of stat monsters?"
Shuuzawa thought about this oddly for a moment, but soon shook his head and focused on where to allocate points.
"I'll increase my chakra first. I didn't invest properly in that last time, so now—"
Improving chakra would not only increase his endurance, but also enhance control and raise chakra quality to a higher level.
Coupled with his naturally vast reserves and his constantly growing proficiency in elemental techniques, the jutsu he cast would only become more devastating!
[Chakra Level has increased. Current Level: 10]
[Remaining Free Points: 12]
Feeling the boiling chakra surge within him, Shuuzawa couldn't help but smile.
The more chakra he had—and the stronger it was—the better he would perform in battle.
Who knows? Chakra might even become the second stat to reach Level 11, right after his physical strength.
He was curious about what kind of transformation might occur once his control and quality reached that level.
"I'll put the rest into Taijutsu and Yin Release."
Shuuzawa had no intention of becoming the second Ōtsutsuki, but he had begun to pay close attention to his taijutsu.
Even now, he could kill with just speed and strength alone—but wasn't Might Guy able to do the same?
Guy never stopped training his taijutsu, and Shuuzawa naturally saw him as a modest role model.
As for Yin Release, it was essential. Even if he couldn't awaken something like the Sharingan, he needed Yin Release to master Yin–Yang Release.
That ability—under no circumstances—was something he could afford to let go.
[Taijutsu Level has increased. Current Level: 7]
[Yin Release Level has increased. Current Level: 7]
[Remaining Free Points: 0]
As he looked at his stats and felt the subtle changes occurring in his body and mind, Shuuzawa gave a satisfied smile.
The stronger his taijutsu became, the more effective it would be when paired with his Yang Release: Chakra Mode.
"Next time, I have to make sure the system records Yang Release: Chakra Mode! If I manage that, then even if Nagato shows up in this era, I won't have to worry so much."
"Obito, something's wrong!"
While Shuuzawa was enjoying his progress, Black Zetsu was feeling nothing but dread.
In the Water Shadow's office in the Land of Rain, Black Zetsu suddenly emerged and immediately shouted at Obito.
"What is it now?" Obito frowned, unsure what had Black Zetsu so worked up again.
He had been relatively calm lately—he'd lost a chunk of flesh and hadn't received much intel from Black Zetsu, so even if he wanted to cause trouble, he didn't have the means.
"Obito, this…" Black Zetsu hesitated but eventually handed over a sheet of paper.
"Take a look for yourself."
"What is this? Another wanted poster?" Obito gave it a quick glance and snorted. "Konoha's bored again. And so are you. Why give this to me? I've seen it already!"
"It's not from Konoha." After a short silence, Black Zetsu spoke awkwardly.
"This is from Iwagakure. You've been officially wanted by them."
"Iwagakure?" Obito was stunned. He didn't recall doing anything to offend them.
But when he looked more closely, his expression beneath the mask darkened instantly.
The poster not only showed his face, but also listed various abilities—and even named him as a member of the Akatsuki.
"Is there a traitor?" That was his first thought. But something felt off. As he kept reading, his expression turned to shock.
"Burned down the Tsuchikage's office? Challenged the Tsuchikage's authority? Me?!"
"Yes. You." Black Zetsu gave an awkward laugh.
Obito was completely dumbfounded. When did he do that?! And using Wood Release, no less, to set the Tsuchikage's building on fire and frame Konoha?
Wait—Wood Release? Framing Konoha?
"Damn it… Shigenari Shuuzawa!"
Obito roared in fury. He had been quietly staying in Kirigakure, yet a massive scapegoat had dropped out of the sky and landed squarely on his head.
"Has Iwagakure gone insane? Has Ōnoki lost his mind? It's obvious Shuuzawa and his people did this!"
"He hasn't lost his mind? He's actually being very smart," Black Zetsu sighed helplessly and said gravely.
"Iwagakure can't afford a war with Konoha, and Konoha would never admit to doing something like this. So someone had to take the blame—and that someone is you."
Your height, build, and abilities were just right.
You have Kamui to warp in and out of places, Wood Release to create confusion, and as an Uchiha, you're proficient with Fire Release. If not you—then who?
"Wait… why was Shigenari Shuuzawa even in Iwagakure? And the other Akatsuki members too?"
Obito was already boiling with rage, but now he noticed another crucial detail.
"That… was during the last meeting. They went to recruit Orochimaru." Black Zetsu's face darkened as he lowered his voice.
"You were still recovering then. It didn't seem important at the time, so I didn't tell you. But clearly, that was a mistake…"
He proceeded to explain the full situation the Akatsuki had analyzed. In the end, he forced himself to swallow the awkwardness and said seriously:
"This whole thing… is entirely Danzo's scheme. He's fooled everyone."
"Damn it!" Obito was absolutely furious.
Whether it was being blamed out of nowhere, having his abilities exposed possibly alerting other members of Akatsuki or Danzo's machinations, everything had thoroughly enraged him.
"Damn the great villages! Damn Ōnoki and Shigenari Shuuzawa! And you, Shimura Danzo—you deserve it most of all!"
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