Natsume took a bite of the grape Ena Uzumaki handed him. It was unexpectedly sweet.
After a moment's thought, he figured out the reason.
The Uzumaki clan was born with a vast amount of chakra, or rather, exuberant vitality.
This was also why biting her arm could heal wounds.
If blood could do it, then other body fluids naturally could too.
Moments later, Natsume couldn't eat anymore.
He had the body of a child, and the grapes were so nutritious that he was soon full to the brim.
Ena Uzumaki blushed and tugged at her skirt.
She was actually a quiet and reserved girl by nature, so she wasn't quite used to Natsume.
Thankfully, his innocent face was very deceptive.
Deep down, Ena Uzumaki regarded Natsume as her son.
Especially after nearly half a month of getting along, she basically understood his personality.
He was a good guy.
When compared to the ninjas in Kusagakure Village, he's an utter saint.
Natsume didn't know that Ena Uzumaki had given him the "nice guy" card.
Leaning against her soft body, he teased Karin and said, "We're sharing the same bowl of rice now, so we're like siblings. I'll protect you from now on."
Ena Uzumaki immediately smiled. Her life had undergone a complete turnaround.
In Kusagakure Village, she was just a tool, and no one cared about her feelings.
But here, she was treated like a young lady, and everyone respected her.
All aspects of her daily life, including food, clothing, accommodation, and transportation, were of the highest quality.
She knew it was all because of Natsume, so she obeyed him without question.
"Ah, it's almost time to leave school."
Natsume looked out of the window, stood up, and said, "I'll come to see you next time."
"I'll wait for you."
Ena Uzumaki nodded, as quiet as ever.
Natsume loved her gentle and frail temperament the most.
He gave her cheek a gentle pinch, jumped off the sofa, and left the room.
Soon.
Natsume arrived at the Ninja Academy and dispelled the Wooden clone that had been attending school on his behalf.
Not long after, Tsunade appeared in front of him.
As usual, she first ruffled his little hair before holding his hand.
Natsume really suspected she was from the "Hair - Ruffling Village".
"Why do I smell a nice fragrance?"
After walking a few steps, Tsunade suddenly bent down and sniffed Natsume's neck. She asked seriously, "Which woman is it?"
Danger!
Natsume felt as if a big red "Danger" sign had appeared above his head.
"It's my female classmates."
He pretended to be annoyed and whined, "They stick to me every chance they get. I can't get rid of them. It's so annoying!"
"Who asked you to be so good - looking?"
Tsunade smiled when she heard this and said, "You'll probably be even more annoyed when you grow up."
Natsume secretly let out a sigh of relief.
To be honest, he didn't mean to hide anything from Tsunade.
He was only seven years old. If he told her everything, this couldn't be explained by mere genius; it would be seen as something otherworldly and almost demonic.
If Tsunade's attitude towards him changed because of this, it would be a great loss.
He'd tell her when the time was right in the future.
Tsunade suddenly stopped smiling and gave a plaintive look, saying, "In just a few years, once you've grown up, Sister will be an old woman. Don't forget about me when you fall for those young and pretty girls."
"How could I?"
Natsume replied seriously at once, "No matter how pretty those girls are, they can't hold a candle to you. In my heart, you're the most beautiful woman in the ninja world."
"Such a sweet talker."
Tsunade smiled again. She turned around, swayed her hips gently, and hooked her finger, saying, "Come on, handsome. Let's go home."
When they got home, Shizune had already prepared the meal.
At the dinner table, Tsunade mentioned Orochimaru and said that he had been discharged from the hospital.
Natsume rolled his eyes. It seemed he could talk to Orochimaru about the Sealing Technique tonight.
After half a month of rest and recuperation, Ena Uzumaki's physical condition had improved considerably, and the remaining tooth marks had all disappeared.
It was time to try practicing the Sealing Technique.
After dinner, it was another two - hour session for practicing Wood Release Ninjutsu. Then Natsume finally had time to check on his Wooden clone in another town.
The dimly lit laboratory.
Orochimaru was already busy as soon as he was out of the hospital.
After suffering the triple - blow from Shisui Uchiha, Kakuzu, and Sasori, he deeply realized that his understanding of the world was still insufficient.
Therefore, he had to maintain a long - term trading relationship with Natsume.
But in trading, fairness was the key.
Orochimaru had to come up with something that would also interest Natsume.
Undoubtedly, it was the Hashirama cells and the transplantation technology.
It would be hard to achieve a breakthrough in this technology in the short term, so he decided to start with Wood Release.
The purpose of transplanting Hashirama cells was to obtain Wood Release.
Currently, the risk was extremely high.
But what if he could develop a low - risk potion?
Yamato.
The cells in his body were very mild.
Orochimaru planned to neutralize the Hashirama cells with Yamato's cells to develop a Wood Release potion.
Although it couldn't compare to directly transplanting Hashirama cells, one could gradually acquire the Wood Release talent through long - term consumption.
The key selling point is its safety.
Of course, this required Orochimaru to Burn the Midnight Oil to have a chance of success.
However, it was indeed an aspect that could attract the Mysterious Person.
At the same time, it could also demonstrate his own value.
In his past life, Orochimaru didn't have Yamato, so this idea never occurred to him.
Now, influenced by Natsume, he had a reference and thus more inspiration.
A White Snake appeared in front of Orochimaru.
He immediately put down the test tube and squinted his eyes.
Right after being discharged from the hospital, Natsume came to see him.
There's a traitor in Konoha Village.
But it was normal. Natsume's organization was very powerful. It was easy for them to plant spies in the Five Great Villages.
Moreover, he always seemed to appear out of nowhere without leaving any traces.
Orochimaru left the laboratory and appeared in the hall.
"The tea this time is good."
Natsume took a sip and nodded in satisfaction.
"Your organization's members are very impolite."
Orochimaru had a grudge after barely escaping death.
He initially just intended to test the waters.
But Kakuzu and Sasori attacked with deadly moves. They really wanted to kill him.
"I've already warned you."
Natsume put down the teacup and said slowly, "Those two have a rather bad temper."
Orochimaru knew he was in the wrong. He was the one who started the fight. He asked tentatively, "Your two subordinates are quite powerful. Could you tell me their names? I'd like to know who I was defeated by."
"Don't pry into their affairs."
Natsume waved his hand and got straight to the point. "I want you to do something for me. I want all the Uzumaki Sealing Technique."
Orochimaru licked his lips.
Good, a new request.
It proved that this Mysterious Person was interested in more than just Hashirama cells.
"The Uzumaki Sealing Technique are top - secret in Konoha Village. What can you offer as compensation?"
"You got Kinoto. How do you think his Wood Release compares to that of Hashirama Senju?"
Natsume didn't answer directly but asked a counter - question.
"There's no comparison."
Orochimaru told the truth.
Hashirama Senju was so powerful that even his cells were terrifying. One could only imagine how strong he was in person.
Moreover, he remembered that the endless Death Forest outside Konoha was created by Hashirama Senju's Wood Release.
Yamato could only create a row or two of trees, and that was already quite an achievement.
"What do you think the problem is?" Natsume asked.
"Physique and Chakra." Orochimaru pondered for a moment and replied.
"That's indeed one of the reasons."
Natsume held up a finger and said, "There's another one: Sage Mode."
Orochimaru's body trembled.
He was naturally familiar with Sage Mode.
It was a unique mode from the three sacred places of the summon beasts.
He, Tsunade, and Jiraiya each signed contracts with the three sacred places.
Only Jiraiya had successfully mastered Sage Mode, but it wasn't the complete form.
Orochimaru's face darkened. He considered himself extremely talented, but if he couldn't master Sage Mode, there was nothing he could do.
"I know someone who can naturally absorb Natural Energy and activate an incomplete Sage Mode."
"What?"
Natsume's words greatly surprised Orochimaru.
Was there really someone with natural Sage Transformation in the ninja world?
If he could get his hands on this person and conduct research, he might find a way to achieve Sage Mode.
Thinking of this, Orochimaru's eyes showed a look of eagerness.
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