"The Hidden Sand and Hidden Mist villages have been fighting over southern interests for years. But now, with the Mist's advance blocked in the Land of Waves..."
Tsunade's eyes swept across the map before settling on the southern sea.
"The Sand might seek reconciliation with the Mist—or they could clash again further south."
"If we confirm they aren't heading north, we can redirect more intelligence personnel southward to monitor their movements."
Kyohiko shared his analysis before pausing, then adding wryly:
"Though we might already be too late. As for other possibilities... Surely the Wind Country's finances haven't degraded to the point where the Third Kazekage needs to use his Magnet Release to mine ore?"
"Hah! With Magnet Release, it's not entirely impossible. The Wind Country's economy may be stable, but the Sand Village's finances are another matter."
Tsunade chuckled before shaking her head.
A Kage reduced to mining in the desert? Unthinkable.
"Let's not underestimate the Sand. Unless, of course, they suffer another crushing defeat."
A mischievous grin flashed across her face.
"In that case, the Third or Fourth Kazekage might genuinely resort to mining to supplement their income."
Tch.
What a delightful thought.
She quickly schooled her expression back to seriousness.
"Enough jokes. Their target could still be us. Contact Jiraiya and have him check on Nagato's group."
"Understood."
Kyohiko straightened.
Jiraiya's involvement is ideal.
He'd head to Nagato's location anyway.
Hell, he might already be on his way.
After a brief hesitation, Kyohiko added:
"Big Sis, there's one more thing I'd like your help with."
"Need scrolls? As Hokage, I can grant you access to any technique."
Tsunade didn't even look up, still focused on paperwork.
Then—
A faint rustling sound.
Vines crept across the floor, winding their way onto her desk.
Her pen froze.
Slowly, she lifted her gaze—
"!!!"
Tsunade shot to her feet, eyes wide with shock, disbelief, and a storm of other emotions.
Kyohiko stood with his palms pressed together.
Tendrils of green sprouted from the ground.
Small.
Fragile.
But undeniably—
Wood Release.
A Kekkei Genkai.
She swallowed hard, struggling to contain her excitement.
"You... you actually mastered it?"
"I've been researching the fusion of Earth and Water nature transformations. After some preliminary attempts, I found I could already stimulate plant growth—no extensive study required. Right now, it's limited to vines and grass. Even Yamato surpasses me."
A white lie.
With his chakra reserves and control, Kyohiko could already match Yamato's current level—summoning basic wooden constructs, though not yet full-scale trees.
In terms of progression—
Somewhere between future Moegi's level and Yamato's prime, but definitely stronger than the boy's current abilities.
Still, at this stage, Wood Release's practical combat applications were limited.
Its symbolic significance far outweighed its utility.
"Even this much is extraordinary!"
Tsunade paced the room, unable to contain her exhilaration.
"Wood Release! An innate Kekkei Genkai!"
"More like 'Grass Release.' Maybe Yamato can handle construction, and I'll landscape the streets."
Kyohiko dismissed the technique with a wry smile.
Despite its current limitations, having Wood Release at all opened new possibilities.
"In the coming days, I plan to attempt the second phase of Sage Mode in the Forest of Death."
"Granted."
Tsunade nodded before growing solemn.
"Perhaps you should return to Mount Myōboku? You're now the only shinobi in the village to spontaneously awaken Wood Release!"
"Unnecessary."
Kyohiko shook his head.
"My training won't be that perilous."
Tsunade continued pacing, torn between pride and concern.
She longed to announce this breakthrough, yet feared the repercussions.
Wood Release, reawakened in the Senju bloodline...
"Kyohiko, you must protect yourself. The future of Konoha—no, the entire shinobi world's peace—may depend on you."
Her gaze intensified.
Could this be...?
Jiraiya's ramblings about a "Child of Prophecy" suddenly didn't seem so far-fetched.
"Actually..."
Tsunade abruptly changed topics.
"How would you feel about joining the ANBU?"
"What?"
Kyohiko blinked.
ANBU?
Where did this come from?
"I'm not undermining the current leadership. But objectively, your capabilities surpass both Danzo and Shinnosuke's."
Her implication was clear—she wanted him to eventually take over the ANBU's reins.
"My experience and seniority are still lacking."
While tempting, Kyohiko knew the timing wasn't right.
The elders would never approve.
Neither would the village's other jōnin.
"It would damage your reputation and stir unnecessary controversy. Not worth it."
After a pause, he added:
"That said, I do have thoughts on ANBU restructuring. Remember Yamashiro Aoba?"
"Aoba?"
Tsunade mentally reviewed the personnel files.
A genin from Kyohiko's exam cycle—mediocre skills but well-rounded.
Competent, yet unremarkable.
"What about him?"
"He raises crows."
Kyohiko reminded her.
"During the exams, I observed Kumogakure's messenger hawks. Unlike ninken, birds bypass terrain obstacles. Intelligent species can even carry written missives for rapid communication."
"Crows..."
Tsunade grasped his meaning.
While Konoha had robust short-range communication—radio technology included—long-distance intelligence still relied on couriers.
Time-consuming.
Inefficient.
Summoning animals weren't a universal solution either, given contract exclusivity.
"Crows are highly intelligent. Aoba's been training them for years with notable success. Surely ANBU has similar expertise?"
"We maintain a small fleet of hawks, but our methods pale next to Kumo's. Their birds are larger, fiercer, and evade predation more effectively."
"Aoba has a gift. I propose assigning him to collaborate with ANBU's animal specialists to develop superior messenger beasts."
Kyohiko emphasized:
"Not demanding proprietary knowledge—just pooled resources and expertise."
Tsunade immediately thought of the Inuzuka clan.
As Konoha's foremost beastmasters, their input would be invaluable.
"Come to think of it, Kurokawa might contribute too."
"Him?"
Tsunade looked skeptical.
"How?"
"Sage Mode requires harmonizing with nature. When one merges with the earth, natural energy flows inward..."
Kyohiko outlined Sage Mode's principles.
Though Tsunade lacked firsthand experience, she quickly understood.
As a natural Sage, Kurokawa's affinity with nature might facilitate animal communication—if he gained control.
Another reason to prioritize his rehabilitation.
She exhaled wearily.
"Complicated. I'll confer with Aoba and ANBU's handlers first. As for involving the Inuzuka..."
After consideration, she conceded:
"Full Beast Mimicry techniques are unrealistic. But even basic cooperation in breeding programs would suffice."
"My thoughts exactly."
Kyohiko nodded.
"Focus on your training. I'll oversee this project personally once Aoba's team drafts a proposal."
"The top priority now is for Kyohiko to master Sage Mode as quickly as possible," Tsunade declared, her voice heavy with urgency.
War was looming on the horizon!
If the Sand Village truly reached an agreement with either the Mist or Stone Villages, the moment conflict emerged between Konoha and the capital's forces, the other villages would likely seize the opportunity to attack collectively.
Before that day came, she hoped Kyohiko would grow even stronger—even though he was already formidable.
After leaving the Hokage's office, Kyohiko summoned a toad to relay a message before focusing on refining the second stage of his Sage Mode training.
Ten Days Later
[Genjutsu: Nirvana Illusion Technique (Master)]
[Genjutsu: Hell Viewing Technique (Expert)]
Konoha lacked sound-based genjutsu.
Kyohiko had studied the Darkness Genjutsu Technique, but mastering it would take at least three months—possibly longer. Creating a similar illusion to block sound based on its principles was equally challenging.
If he had to develop it from scratch...
A year might barely suffice.
So, he adjusted his approach.
If he couldn't eliminate hearing entirely, he would make himself calmer.
No emotions meant no fluctuations.
To achieve this, Kyohiko specifically learned the Hell Viewing Technique, spending days mastering it to an advanced level. Through cross-analysis and verification, he gained deeper control over his emotional state.
This breakthrough also elevated his Nirvana Technique to Master rank.
However...
Techniques were merely supplementary—true mastery had to come from within.
After all, genjutsu effects would dissipate the moment natural energy surged or his chakra recalibrated. This meant he had to complete the synthesis and control of sage chakra within an extremely narrow window.
And this was precisely Kyohiko's forte.
---
Forest of Death
Kyohiko sat cross-legged, entwined by vines, motionless as if lifeless.
Birds, beasts, and even the forest's artificially created monsters roamed nearby—yet none detected his presence.
To them, Kyohiko had merged with nature itself.
Gradually, changes manifested across his body.
Nearby, a shadow clone rapidly underwent wood transformation until—
"Poof!"
Dispersing just before complete petrification.
Kyohiko immediately moved, pulling himself back from deeper assimilation.
Konoha lacks Black Receivers. If I slip too far into this state unknowingly, recovery might become impossible.
"Still not fast enough. Five minutes—comparable to Naruto's early attempts. But it's a significant improvement. Complete self-hypnosis could accelerate it further."
"Yet... this method carries unique risks."
"Is this even Mount Myōboku's Sage Mode anymore?"
"Time to return."
As he stood, the forest erupted—beasts roared, birds scattered, some attacking him.
But vines surged instantly, entangling the creatures. Silence reclaimed the woods within seconds.
Unscathed, Kyohiko departed.
During assimilation, his Wood Release chakra had synchronized with the flora, rendering them near-extensions of his will.
This technique resembled a barrier—akin to Moegi's Grass and Tree Barrier, but slightly more potent.
That said, the difference was marginal. Its true value lay in sensory evasion and concealment.
Kyohiko formed hand seals. A toad materialized.
"Kōsuke, inform Fukasaku-sama I wish to attempt Sage Mode at Mount Myōboku."
"Already?!" the toad gaped.
Kyohiko smiled faintly. With a nod, the toad vanished.
Minutes later…
---
Mount Myōboku
Fukasaku reverse-summoned Kyohiko. The elder toad blurted:
"You've succeeded?!"
"In a sense. But complications arose. The conventional method also works, though slower."
Kyohiko and Minato's initial hurdle had been oversensitivity—their reflexes too sharp, making serene assimilation difficult.
Now, with Nirvana Technique mastered, Kyohiko could achieve perfect tranquility.
But his words...
Baffled Fukasaku.
Alternate method? Longer duration?
Since when did Sage Mode have variants?
"Wait—Kyohiko-boy, you're saying you've developed a separate Sage Mode technique?"
"Uncertain."
Kyohiko's response prompted Fukasaku to summon Shima and Gamabunta.
"Explain this 'alternate Sage Mode'," Shima demanded.
"I awakened Wood Release. Combining it with meditative training achieved integration with nature—but the resulting state seems... different."
The toads exchanged stunned glances.
Wood Release?!
The First Hokage's legendary Kekkei Genkai had resurfaced in this boy?
"Demonstrate."
Kyohiko used a shadow clone—wisely avoiding risks.
Five minutes later, the clone merged entirely with foliage, becoming indistinguishable from nature.
Then... petrification began.
Kyohiko dismissed the clone before irreversible changes occurred.
"Any advice?"
Silence.
Fukasaku, Shima, and Gamabunta had none.
They'd never witnessed Hashirama's techniques firsthand. Even the First Hokage's revival might not help—his innate Sage Body bypassed chakra balancing entirely.
"Can your staff expel this variant's sage chakra?"
"Unlikely," Fukasaku admitted.
Kyohiko nodded. "Then we'll proceed conventionally. The principles should align—only absorption and application differ."
"Theoretically, yes."
Relieved, the toads watched as Kyohiko formed an unfamiliar seal—pressing hands to his forehead.
What's this?!
Ten minutes later, natural energy coalesced. Sage markings emerged.
"It... actually worked?!"
Fukasaku and Shima stared at each other.
Despite their centuries of experience, they'd never seen Sage Mode cultivated this way.
This...
This transcended their comprehension!
"Elders?"
Kyohiko looked expectantly at the two sage toads.
Fukasaku and Shima exchanged glances, reaching an instant silent agreement.
This boy... Mount Myōboku can't teach him!
Best send him back where he came from.
"Ahem... Kyohiko-boy," Fukasaku cleared his throat, "there's no doubt you've achieved Sage Mode—and faster than Jiraiya ever did. Frankly, you might not need our guidance anymore."
The elder toad rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Perhaps you should explore your own path. The principles of sage chakra remain consistent, but the methods can vary. There's no single 'correct' way to master it."
"Though combat applications are worth learning," Shima interjected pointedly.
"Yes! Exactly!" Fukasaku nodded vigorously.
"That settles it then."