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Sasame took a bite of the grape Uzumaki Ena handed him—surprisingly sweet.
After a moment's thought, he understood why.
The Uzumaki clan was born with immense chakra—or rather, an overwhelming vitality.
That was also why biting her arm could heal wounds.
If her blood could do it, then other bodily fluids naturally could as well.
Before long, Sasame couldn't eat anymore.
His child-sized stomach, combined with the excessive nutrition, left him full and satisfied.
Uzumaki Ena tugged at her clothes, her face flushed.
She was naturally quiet and reserved, so she wasn't entirely used to Sasame's behavior.
But thankfully, his face was deceptively innocent.
Deep down, she saw him as a son.
After nearly half a month together, she had mostly figured out his personality.
He's a good person.
Compared to the shinobi of Kusagakure, he was practically a saint.
Sasame had no idea he'd just been given a "good guy" card.
Leaning against her soft body, he teased Karin and said, "Since we're sharing meals now, we're practically siblings. I'll protect you from now on."
Uzumaki Ena's lips curled into a smile. Her life now was a world apart from before.
In Kusagakure, she had been nothing but a tool—no one cared about her feelings.
But here, she was treated like a noble lady, respected by everyone.
Her food, clothes, and living conditions were all the best.
She knew it was all because of Sasame, so she obeyed him without question.
"Ah, it's almost time for school to let out."
Sasame glanced out the window and stood. "I'll visit again next time."
"I'll be waiting."
Uzumaki Ena nodded, as serene as ever.
Her gentle, fragile demeanor was exactly what Sasame liked most.
He pinched her cheek, hopped off the sofa, and left the room.
Soon after, Sasame arrived at the ninja academy and dispelled the wood clone that had been attending in his place.
Before long, Tsunade appeared before him.
As usual, she ruffled his hair before taking his hand.
She must be from the "Head-Pat Village" or something, Sasame mused.
"Why do I smell perfume?"
After a few steps, Tsunade suddenly leaned down and sniffed his neck, her tone stern. "Which woman was it?"
DANGER!
A crimson warning seemed to flash above Sasame's head.
"It's just my classmates," he said, feigning annoyance. "They cling to me whenever they get the chance. Can't even shake them off—so annoying!"
"Well, what do you expect when you're so pretty?"
Tsunade's lips curled into a smile. "When you grow up, it'll only get worse."
Sasame sighed inwardly in relief.
Truthfully, he wasn't deliberately hiding things from Tsunade.
But at seven years old, explaining everything would make him seem less like a genius and more like a monster.
If her attitude toward him changed because of it, the loss would outweigh the gain.
I'll tell her when the time is right.
Suddenly, Tsunade's smile faded, replaced by a melancholic look.
"In a few years, you'll grow up… and I'll grow old. When you start falling for younger, prettier girls, don't forget about me, okay?"
"Never!"
Sasame immediately replied with sincerity. "No one could ever compare to you. You'll always be the most beautiful woman in the world to me."
"Such a sweet talker."
Tsunade laughed again, turning away with a sway of her hips. She beckoned with a finger. "Come on, handsome. Let's go home."
Back at home, Shizune had prepared dinner.
At the table, Tsunade mentioned that Orochimaru had been discharged from the hospital.
Sasame's eyes gleamed—perfect timing to discuss sealing techniques with him tonight.
After half a month of recovery, Uzumaki Ena's condition had improved significantly, and the lingering bite marks had completely faded.
It was time to start training in sealing jutsu.
After dinner came two hours of wood-style training before Sasame finally had time to check on his wood clone in another town.
Inside a dimly lit lab, Orochimaru was already hard at work despite just leaving the hospital.
After being humbled by Uchiha Itachi, Kakuzu, and Sasori, he had gained a deeper—and grimmer—understanding of the world.
To survive, he needed to maintain a long-term transactional relationship with Sasame.
But transactions required equal exchange.
Orochimaru had to offer something Sasame would find valuable.
The answer was clear: Hashirama's cells and transplantation techniques.
Since a breakthrough in the technology would take time, he shifted focus to Wood Style.
The purpose of transplanting Hashirama's cells was to gain Wood Release—but the risks were extreme.
What if he developed a low-risk alternative?
Yamato.
His cells were far more stable.
Orochimaru planned to use Yamato's cells to neutralize Hashirama's, creating a Wood Style serum.
Though not as potent as direct transplantation, long-term use could gradually awaken Wood Release.
The selling point? Safety.
Of course, this required Orochimaru to work himself to the bone.
But it was a bargaining chip that would surely interest the mysterious figure.
It also proved his worth.
In his past life, Orochimaru never acquired Yamato, so this idea never materialized.
But now, influenced by Sasame, he had a reference—and more inspiration.
A white snake slithered into view.
Orochimaru set down his test tube, eyes narrowing.
Just discharged, and Sasame is already reaching out.
There's a traitor in Konoha.
Not surprising. Given the strength of Sasame's organization, planting spies in the Five Great Villages would be child's play.
And every time, he appeared without a trace.
Orochimaru left the lab and entered the main hall.
"This tea is much better."
Sasame took a sip, satisfied.
"Your associates have no manners."
Orochimaru, having narrowly escaped death, was resentful.
He had only meant to test them—yet Kakuzu and Sasori had gone straight for the kill.
"I warned you."
Sasame set down his cup, speaking leisurely. "Those two have terrible tempers."
Orochimaru knew he was at fault—he had struck first.
"Your subordinates are formidable," he ventured. "Care to share their names? I'd like to know who defeated me."
"Don't pry into their affairs."
Sasame waved a hand, cutting to the chase. "I need you to do something for me. I want all of the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques."
Orochimaru's tongue flicked out.
Good. A new demand.
Proof that this mysterious figure's interests extended beyond Hashirama's cells.
"The Uzumaki's sealing arts are top-secret in Konoha. What will you offer in return?"
"You've obtained Yamato. How does his Wood Style compare to Hashirama's?"
Sasame countered instead of answering.
"There's no comparison."
Orochimaru answered honestly.
Hashirama's cells alone were terrifying—imagine the man himself.
The endless Forest of Death surrounding Konoha? That was his doing.
Yamato could barely manage a row of trees.
"Where do you think the difference lies?" Sasame pressed.
"Physique and chakra," Orochimaru mused.
"That's part of it."
Sasame held up a finger. "But there's another factor—Sage Mode."
Orochimaru stiffened.
He was familiar with Sage Mode—a unique power from the three great summoning realms.
He, Tsunade, and Jiraiya had each contracted one.
Only Jiraiya had mastered Sage Mode, and even then, imperfectly.
Orochimaru's face darkened. He prided himself on his genius, yet Sage Mode eluded him completely.
"I know someone who can absorb natural energy innately, achieving an incomplete Sage Mode."
"What?!"
Sasame's words shocked Orochimaru.
Someone born with Sage transformation?!
If he could acquire and study this person, he might unlock the path to Sage Mode.
His eyes burned with desire.
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 50 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 45 power stones I will publish the next chapter.