Chapter 262: Wood Release?

Kitazawa arrived at the Hokage’s Office right on time, nine in the morning.

“Lord Kitazawa.”

At the entrance stood Haru, bowing slightly. “Hokage-sama went to receive the Fire Daimyo and hasn’t returned yet.”

“Then I’ll wait for her,” Kitazawa said with a nod.

He stepped inside and settled onto the sofa, calm as ever. But he wasn’t idle—his hands moved subtly, refining the complex chakra pathways of his latest project: Medical Ninjutsu for limb regeneration.

If all went well, he’d complete it within two days. A fitting congratulatory gift for Tsunade, the newly appointed Fifth Hokage.

Half an hour passed before footsteps echoed in the hallway.

Kitazawa looked up to see Tsunade and Shizune entering.

“Kitazawa? When did you get here?” Tsunade asked, dropping onto the couch opposite him.

“Just a while ago,” he replied with a small smile.

“Do you need something from me?” She yawned mid-sentence—clearly exhausted.

Ever since taking office, Tsunade could no longer indulge in her late mornings. Once able to sleep till ten, now she was forced up two hours earlier. And today, of all days, the Fire Daimyo’s visit had consumed her entire morning—even breakfast was a diplomatic affair.

“I’ve come across a rather… unique shinobi in the Anbu,” Kitazawa said, his expression turning serious.

“Oh?” Tsunade crossed her long legs, her interest piqued. “How unique?”

“A Wood Release user.”

The air shifted instantly.

“What?” Tsunade’s eyes widened. “How could the Anbu have a Wood Release shinobi?”

Even Shizune, standing behind her, looked stunned.

“Lady Tsunade,” Kitazawa asked evenly, “did Konoha ever conduct Wood Release experiments?”

Tsunade frowned. “Yes. But the old man stopped them after too many deaths. Are you saying… someone survived?”

“There were survivors—but not from that initial experiment,” Kitazawa said quietly. “Afterwards, Orochimaru and Danzo conducted their own Wood Release experiments.”

Tsunade froze, her eyes darkening.

Orochimaru… and Danzo?

It clicked immediately. Orochimaru’s defection must have been tied to this.

“I can’t believe it,” she muttered. “The old man kept this from me?”

Logically, such a survivor should have been hidden within Root. Yet if he was now in Anbu, that meant only one thing—Hiruzen must have reclaimed him personally.

After all, a Wood Release user was far too valuable to leave under Danzo’s thumb.

“I imagine he wanted to avoid a confrontation between you and Danzo,” Kitazawa offered mildly. “The survivor’s name is Tenzo—the only successful subject.”

“Haru!” Tsunade called sharply. “Bring Tenzo here.”

“Yes, Hokage-sama,” came the voice from outside.

“Here,” Kitazawa said, handing her a scroll. “Tenzo’s file.”

Tsunade unrolled it and read quickly. It detailed everything—from his infancy, when he was infused with Hashirama’s cells, to his later rescue by Kakashi and Hiruzen, who placed him under Anbu supervision.

“Danzo… truly unforgivable.” Her expression darkened.

Out of sixty infants, only Tenzo had survived. The rest—sacrificed to his ambition.

“I never thought I’d see a Wood Release user again,” she murmured, her tone softening.

For her, it wasn’t just a village legacy—it was family. She was the granddaughter of Hashirama Senju, the ’first’ Wood Release ninja.

“How do you plan to handle him?” Kitazawa asked.

“According to this, his Wood Release is limited—nothing compared to the First’s,” Tsunade said thoughtfully.

The file listed the techniques Tenzo could use, but none of the legendary jutsu like Wood Golem or Sage Art: True Several Thousand Hands. Without those, his strength was ordinary—useful, but not revolutionary.

Now she understood why Hiruzen had kept Tenzo in the shadows. A Wood Release user without the First Hokage’s mastery was still a secret—but not a trump card.

“His abilities come from Hashirama’s cells, not a natural bloodline,” Kitazawa said, shaking his head. “It’s a mimicry, not the real thing.”

There were only two paths to a Bloodline Limit:

one, to inherit it through one’s lineage—like the Uchiha or Hyuga;

two, to synthesize it, which was nearly impossible.

Even Hiruzen, who mastered nearly every jutsu in Konoha, couldn’t create a Kekkei Genkai on his own.

Tsunade sighed. “Then he’ll remain in Anbu for now.”

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

“Come in,” Tsunade called.

Haru entered, followed by a man in a dark mask.

“You’re Tenzo?” Tsunade asked. “Remove your mask.”

Tenzo obeyed, revealing a calm, unreadable face.

“As expected of someone from Root,” Tsunade muttered, her tone a mix of disapproval and pity.

There was something unsettling about him—disciplined, distant, almost hollow.

“Since you possess Wood Release,” she said firmly, “use it well. Remember—Wood Release exists to protect Konoha.”

Tenzo’s eyes flickered. He didn’t fully grasp her words, but he bowed deeply.

“Yes, Hokage-sama.”

“Lady Tsunade, I think you should give him a proper name,” Kitazawa suggested.

Tenzo wasn’t really a name—just a codename assigned by Hiruzen after the boy joined the Anbu.

Before that, during his time in Root, he had only been known as ’Kinoe’.

“A name, huh? What do you prefer?” Tsunade mused for a moment before asking Tenzo himself.

“I’d like to continue with Tenzo, Hokage-sama.”

“Then… Tenzo it is.”

“Thank you, Lady Tsunade,” Tenzo said immediately.

As Hokage—and the granddaughter of Hashirama Senju—Tsunade had some right to name him.

After all, his Wood Release originated from her grandfather’s very cells.

“You may go,” Tsunade said, waving her hand dismissively.

With a short bow, Tenzo and Haru left the Hokage’s Office.

“What a pity,” Tsunade murmured, watching them go.

She had once hoped to see her grandfather’s legendary Wood Release reborn in this era.

But now, that dream seemed naïve.

How could an artificial imitation ever compare to the original power of the First Hokage?

“Lady Tsunade,” Kitazawa said thoughtfully, “do you think true Wood Release could ever be synthesized?”

“Theoretically?” Tsunade took a sip of water. “Yes. Practically? Not a chance.”

She set the cup down and added, “If it were possible, the old man would’ve achieved it long ago. Not to mention Grandpa Tobirama would have done it first.”

Few shinobi in the entire world could rival Hiruzen’s mastery over all five chakra natures, never mind the mastery of Tobirama in terms of jutsu creation.

Hiruzen’s Five Release: Great Combination Technique alone rivaled most Kekkei Genkai in destructive power.

“I think I can try,” Kitazawa said seriously.

“You?” Tsunade raised a brow, leaning back with folded arms. “You really think you can surpass the old man in elemental mastery?”

“Hard to say.” Kitazawa blinked, feigning modesty—though inwardly, he was confident in his own way.

Tsunade chuckled softly. “You’re as bold as ever. But don’t get any strange ideas—synthesizing Wood Release is impossible. Don’t waste your time.”

“It’s not a waste,” Kitazawa replied. “I’ve hit a plateau. Without a Bloodline Limit, I can’t progress further.”

That made Tsunade pause.

He had already mastered seven chakra natures—further refinement would only make him another Hiruzen Sarutobi at best.

But Kitazawa was still young. If he wanted to truly surpass the old man, pursuing a Kekkei Genkai made sense.

Of course, there was another option—Sage Mode.

But learning it was nearly as difficult as creating a Bloodline Limit.

Neither she nor Orochimaru had succeeded; only Jiraiya had managed to grasp a partial Sage Mode, relying heavily on the help of Mount Myōboku’s elder toads, Fukasaku and Shima.

“I want to use my battlefield merits to exchange for Wood Release ninjutsu from the village,” Kitazawa said, getting straight to the point.

Tsunade studied him for a moment, then smiled faintly. “If you’ve set your mind on it, then go ahead and try.”

Though she doubted he could merge Earth and Water Release to create true Wood Release, she admired his resolve.

“You can keep your merits,” she added. “You’re my student—and by that alone, you’re qualified to study Wood Release. No need for formal exchange.”

“Alright.” Kitazawa raised an eyebrow and accepted easily.

After all, village merits could be saved for other uses—tools, ninjutsu, or simply money.

“I’ll get the scrolls for you.”

Tsunade stood and left the office.

She returned about ten minutes later, a scroll in hand.

“These are the basics,” she said, handing it to him.

Kitazawa unrolled the scroll. Inside were three techniques:

Wood Release: Wood Clone Jutsu,

Wood Release: Silent Assassination Jutsu,

and Wood Release: Great Forest Jutsu.

They were considered introductory-level Wood Release techniques—yet each required precise chakra control and a rare affinity, making them B-rank in difficulty.

“If you can master these,” Tsunade said with a small, hopeful smile, “come find me. I’ll give you more.”

Her voice softened. “I truly hope you can learn them.”

Neither she, nor her brother Nawaki, nor her parents had inherited Hashirama’s Wood Release.

That had always been one of her regrets.

If Kitazawa—her own student—could awaken it, it would be a miracle across generations.

“I’ll do my best,” Kitazawa said with a faint smile.

“Good. Now, if that’s all,” Tsunade sighed, rubbing her temples, “I need to get back to work. I swear, this job will be the death of me.”

“That’s all, Hokage-sama. I’ll head to the Anbu.”

Kitazawa rose, gave a polite nod, and left the office.

When he arrived at the Anbu headquarters, Asuma greeted him with a grin.

“Kitazawa! You wouldn’t believe it—our Anbu’s become the most popular unit in the village. Over a hundred new applications in just one day!”

“That many?” Kitazawa said, walking over to glance at the stack of papers on Asuma’s desk.

Each form represented a skilled ninja—most at least elite Chūnin, and several Jōnin-level.

“I’m guessing they’re drawn by Lady Tsunade’s leadership,” Asuma said, pulling another pile aside. “These here are all from the Uchiha clan.”

“The Uchiha?” Kitazawa raised an eyebrow and skimmed through the names.

“This is the first time they’ve applied in such numbers,” Asuma remarked.

There had always been Uchiha in the Anbu, but never without ulterior motives.

Shisui and Itachi, for example, had both joined under Fugaku’s orders—to act as spies.

And yet, both had defected from the clan’s path in the end.

Of course, there was another reason for the Uchiha’s distance:

Hiruzen himself had been wary of relying too heavily on them.

“What are your thoughts?”

Asuma asked, curiosity flickering in his tone.

“Follow standard procedure first. Lady Tsunade will decide whether to accept them or not,” Kitazawa replied casually.

Itachi was a good tool—an exceptional one, in fact.

But that didn’t mean the rest of the Uchiha Clan shared his worth.

Of course, if any of them met Kitazawa’s standards, he wouldn’t mind using them either.

“Besides the Uchiha, there’s also the Hyuga Clan,” Asuma remarked, pulling out another stack of application forms. With a wry sigh, he added, “Lady Tsunade’s definitely more popular than the Old Man ever was.”

Between a beautiful, strong-willed woman and a grumpy elder—was there even a competition?

Cough, cough.

Kitazawa understood the motives of both the Uchiha and the Hyuga.

They sought power.

And the reason they hadn’t made such moves when Hiruzen was in charge was simple,

they couldn’t.

Tsunade might have a fiery temper, but she wasn’t nearly as shrewd as the Third Hokage. Her nature resembled Hashirama’s more—straightforward, emotional, and kind. And because of that, these clans dared to hope again.

Kitazawa didn’t care.

In the ninja world, power reigned supreme.

When Hashirama lived, peace was absolute. No one dared to stir chaos in his presence.

Tsunade might never reach that level—but Kitazawa could. All he needed to do was let the system bear the weight.

“Either way, follow the process,” Kitazawa said, glancing at Asuma.

“Got it,” Asuma nodded. “I’ll select some candidates and test their capabilities first.”

“Mm.”

With that, Kitazawa turned and left.

The Next Morning

Kitazawa rose early.

Kurenai didn’t sleep in either.

They were attending a funeral today.

“I’m going out to buy flowers,” Kitazawa said, glancing at her.

She wore a simple black kimono, its elegance softened by a faint melancholy.

“Alright,” Kurenai nodded. “Breakfast will be ready when you’re back.”

Kitazawa left the house and headed toward Konoha Flower Street—a place aptly named.

The Yamanaka Flower Shop stood near the end of the road.

As he walked, he noticed many villagers and shinobi in black attire.

The sky was bright and clear, yet the air was heavy with sorrow.

“Kitazawa-sensei!”

A flash of blonde caught his eye.

Ino waved, her usual energy dimmed by the occasion.

“Good morning, Ino,” Kitazawa greeted.

She wore a black dress—a rare sight for the usually spirited girl.

“Lord Kitazawa,” Yamanaka Rino, Ino’s mother, greeted politely.

“Are you here to buy flowers, sensei?” Ino asked.

“Mm. Two bouquets of white chrysanthemums,” he said.

“Ino, go get two bouquets for Lord Kitazawa,” Rino instructed with a smile.

“Got it! Wait right here, sensei!” Ino darted off like a small whirlwind.

“This child’s a bit too energetic—please forgive her, Lord Kitazawa,” Rino said apologetically.

“It’s fine. It’s cute,” Kitazawa replied with a small smile.

“See, Mom?” Ino spun around, sticking her tongue out triumphantly.

Rino could only sigh, half helpless and half amused.

Still, she was secretly pleased—Kitazawa and Ino got along well, and for the Yamanaka Clan, his favor meant more than most realized.

“Here you go, sensei!” Ino returned, holding two bouquets of pure white chrysanthemums.

“Thank you,” Kitazawa said, taking them. “How much do I owe you?”

“No need,” Rino waved it off. “Please, take them with our regards.”

“Alright then,” he said simply. “See you at the Memorial Stone later.”

9:00 a.m. — Konoha Memorial Stone

The area was packed with people. The crowd reminded Kitazawa of busy festivals from his past life—only this time, there was no joy in the air.

“Kitazawa.”

Kakashi approached, with Gai beside him.

Even Gai, usually loud and brimming with energy, was silent today.

After brief greetings, they fell quiet again, standing shoulder to shoulder.

Kitazawa’s gaze drifted through the crowd—he spotted his students: Sasuke, Hinata, Shikamaru, Kiba, and Yakumo.

Each stood beside their families or clan members.

Hinata caught his eye and gave a small, respectful wave.

Then, the murmuring died down.

Hiruzen and Tsunade approached together.

Even though the Third Hokage had retired, it was unthinkable for him to miss the funeral of fallen heroes.

One by one, they offered their flowers and silent prayers.

Two hours later, the ceremony came to a quiet end.

Kitazawa was about to leave when Tsunade’s voice stopped him.

“Then we’ll go on ahead,” Kurenai said softly, reading the mood. She departed with Kakashi and the others.

“Come with me,” Tsunade said.

Her tone was subdued, heavy. Kitazawa nodded and followed without question.

They walked deeper into the memorial grounds, past the crowd, where the air was still.

Kitazawa already had an idea where she was heading.

A few moments later, they stopped before a row of gravestones.

Names engraved in stone: Hashirama Senju. Uzumaki Mito. Nawaki. Tobirama Senju.

The resting place of the Senju bloodline.

Tsunade stood silently before them, her gaze lowered.

In her black kimono, with the weight of memory in her eyes, she looked… different.

Vulnerable.

And for the first time, Kitazawa saw not one of the Legendary Sannin—

but the woman carrying the weight of an entire clan’s legacy on her shoulders.

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