When it came to the matter of researching White Zetsu's corpse, Sarutobi Hiruzen's efficiency was extremely high.
That very night, after returning home from the Konoha Orphanage, Aoshi received a summons from Anbu.
Due to the matter's secrecy, the mission had been classified as an S-rank assignment. Naturally, Aoshi had no right to refuse.
Fortunately, thanks to the Shadow Clone Technique, there was no risk of him being spread too thin.
"Speaking of which… I wonder if White Zetsu's cells could be used in my relay-station project, to create chakra storage devices?"
With this thought in mind, the next morning, Aoshi split off a shadow clone and headed enthusiastically to Tsunade's research facility.
"Tsunade-sama."
Seeing her in her professional mode, Aoshi was momentarily taken aback.
This was not the same Tsunade he usually encountered—the one who drank, gambled, and avoided responsibility. This Tsunade was sharp, composed, and radiating authority.
"You came at the right time. Let me explain the current stage of research."
As she spoke, she unconsciously folded her arms across her chest, emphasizing her natural assets.
Misunderstanding cleared—this was indeed Tsunade. After all, among the kunoichi Aoshi had met, only Tsunade possessed that much.
The fair, generous curves were impossible to ignore, almost like a seal of authenticity unique to her.
"Like what you see?" Her sudden question jolted Aoshi back to his senses.
Seeing her calm expression, he coughed twice in embarrassment and quickly shifted the subject.
"Tsunade-sama, your current line of research is heading in the wrong direction."
Although his eyes had wandered, his ears had not. He had been listening closely to her explanation.
Tsunade pursed her lips, realizing this brat was getting bolder by the day, no longer even trying to hide his true nature.
Perhaps that was the confidence of power. Back then, he would never have dared look at her so openly.
What surprised her most, however, was that she felt no disgust.
Instead… a trace of warmth? Impossible!
That was just an illusion. She was ten years older than him!
Shoving away such thoughts, Tsunade refocused on Aoshi's words, curious to hear his perspective.
"I've read the research reports. While it's true that traces of Wood Release chakra lie hidden within White Zetsu's cells, the power is faint—practically negligible."
"Yet you've centered your research on Wood Release. Naturally, results have been scarce."
Of course, this wasn't Tsunade's fault. For her—and for Konoha—Wood Release held extraordinary meaning.
Once she discovered White Zetsu cells contained even a hint of it, she had no choice but to dig deeper.
But unlike Aoshi, Tsunade didn't know the truth: White Zetsu's Wood Release was not natural—it came from Uchiha Madara grafting Senju Hashirama's cells into them.
And the corpse they obtained was merely a clone, not one of the specially modified bodies carrying true Hashirama cells.
To try and unlock Wood Release from it was not just difficult—it was impossible.
"I believe instead of fixating on Wood Release, we should focus on the inherent properties of White Zetsu's cells themselves."
"Look—data shows these cells have astonishing medical potential. Practically no rejection reactions in the human body."
"In other words, they could revolutionize medicine—perfect material for organ transplants."
Tsunade nodded at his words.
As a master of medical ninjutsu, she understood instantly and realized she had indeed been cornering herself in a dead end.
Even so, she voiced her concern.
"Because only my grandfather ever wielded Wood Release, I fear someone in the village may have leaked his cells in secret."
To her, this was the most likely explanation—and the most infuriating.
That was why she had tried so hard to uncover the truth about Wood Release in White Zetsu's body.
What she didn't know was that Madara had obtained Hashirama's cells long ago by biting off a piece of his flesh during battle—no betrayal, no leak.
After some thought, Aoshi gently reassured her.
"Tsunade-sama, chasing the truth now serves little purpose. It won't change reality."
"What matters is that we use these cells to benefit Konoha. If the First Hokage were alive, he would surely be pleased to know his legacy is saving lives."
Tsunade exhaled and gave a small nod, accepting his point.
Thus, under Aoshi's guidance, the research shifted away from the futile pursuit of Wood Release, toward the vast potential of medical application.
---
Time slipped by unnoticed.
In the blink of an eye, two years passed.
Throughout those years, the shinobi world remained peaceful, with no major upheavals.
Aoshi spent most of his time working at Konoha Hospital, occasionally taking on missions.
Through relentless effort, his chakra reserves skyrocketed—from just over 100,000 two years ago to more than 300,000 today.
[Chakra: B-Rank (315,570 / 1,000,000)]
By his perception, even veteran Kage-level shinobi like Hiruzen Sarutobi possessed less chakra than him.
He had finally taken his first step into the realm of "Chakra Monsters." Though still far from a true master of that level, the progress was undeniable.
"Good morning, President!" Stepping out of his apartment, Aoshi was greeted warmly by the employees of his company.
Indeed—Hirakawa Film Company's theaters now spanned every major town in the shinobi world, making it the most powerful film studio of the age.
In just two years, it had produced more than twenty acclaimed films, winning legions of devoted fans.
Aoshi's fortune was now immeasurable. Naturally, such vast wealth had drawn the envy of nobles.
But when he dispatched Puppet Kakuzu to eliminate those greedy pests, such covetous stares diminished.
The film company was too important to Aoshi. He would never allow anyone to meddle in it.
After all, those very theaters doubled as relay stations, enabling him to extend his chakra across the world.
Yes—after two years of refinement, his chakra relay project was complete.
Every theater served as a chakra transfer node, allowing Aoshi to control Puppet Kakuzu anywhere across the shinobi lands while staying safely in Konoha.
Later that day, after work, he headed toward the Senju compound. He had promised Kushina yesterday that they would watch the newest film together.
A year ago, Uzumaki Mito had passed away, and Kushina had succeeded her as the second Nine-Tails Jinchūriki.
Because of this, her movements were strictly monitored. Crowded places like theaters were forbidden.
So Aoshi had arranged a private setup inside the Senju compound, allowing her to enjoy films without restriction.
"Aoshi, you're here!"
Compared to two years ago, Kushina had changed greatly. She had grown taller, more graceful, her charm as a young woman blossoming in full.