[Ding-dong~]
[Detected connectable external computer: Senju Hashirama Flesh Unit 276.A temporary connection has been established via the Chakra Communication Protocol.]
[Do you wish to open and view the files?]
Hiroki's consciousness immediately sank into the System. Without the slightest hesitation, he selected "Yes."
In the next instant, the internal structure of the Senju Hashirama flesh cells unfolded before his eyes like a simple operating interface.
This was—
"What… is this?" Hiroki's thoughts spiraled as shock slammed into him.
This was the first time he had ever seen a mere clump of cells classified as a computer.
Until now, the minimum requirement for something to be recognized as a "computer" by his System had been a living organism with at least rudimentary intelligence—something like a mouse or a kitten. Insects couldn't meet that standard, let alone a mass of biological tissue.
Otherwise, Hiroki had long suspected that the countless viruses inside his own body should qualify as independent computers, allowing him to modify them directly and vastly accelerate his physical evolution.
The last time he encountered anything labeled as a special computer was Kakuzu's arm—which had since become his most reliable weapon.
And now—
This clump of flesh had been classified the same way.
Not only that, it contained stored Wood Release ninjutsu data.
Even more absurdly, it possessed its own System drive, meaning it was capable of independent operation.
The presence of files such as [Chakra Generation Core.dl] and [Yang Release Chakra Nature Transformation.dat] strongly suggested that these cells could continuously generate chakra on their own.
But what truly sent a chill through Hiroki's spine was the file located in the D drive:
[Natural Energy Absorption.dl]
Wait… this actually exists?
Could such a function truly be preserved within the residual flesh memories of Senju Hashirama?
These cells still retained the ability to passively—and even actively—absorb natural energy.
If he copied the numerous Wood Release techniques stored within—
No. Hiroki quickly dismissed the thought. Without Wood Release chakra, he wouldn't be able to use them even if he copied the data.
"Hiroki, what are you thinking about?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice pulled him back to reality.
Hiroki realized that his hand was still resting against the container, his eyes gleaming with an intensity he hadn't noticed himself.
This sight further confirmed Hiruzen's suspicions.
Utatane Koharu and Homura Mitokado knew nothing—absolutely nothing.
Earlier, with only a vague hint from him, Hiroki had willingly taken on Hanzo's mission, proving that he already understood the significance of the Hashirama cells. And now, before Hiruzen had even explained their purpose, Hiroki was already displaying this level of fixation.
It was obvious the boy knew far more than he should.
With that realization, Hiruzen couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
"Tell me, Hiroki," he asked slowly. "What is your opinion of Lord Senju Hashirama?"
Hiroki turned, surprised by the sudden question. "The First Hokage-sama? Why ask all of a sudden?" He paused briefly, then answered calmly, "But if you're asking objectively—he was unquestionably the strongest shinobi in the entire ninja world."
After all, Hashirama stood at the pinnacle below the Six Paths level. Even Uchiha Madara had been unable to defeat him before awakening the Rinnegan.
He was also one of the few beings in history capable of overwhelming Madara's Susanoo without relying on ocular techniques.
Hiruzen nodded in quiet satisfaction.
Only someone who truly understood that era could answer with such certainty. Those born later—those who had never witnessed Hashirama's power firsthand—might acknowledge his strength, but few would dare declare him the strongest without hesitation.
This only reinforced Hiruzen's belief.
Hiroki was almost certainly connected to Tobirama's legacy.
"Yes," Hiruzen said softly. "The strongest in the ninja world. So strong that even we old men still long for Lord Hashirama's power."
"Even my teacher, the Second Hokage—his own younger brother—was no exception."
He paused, his gaze sharpening.
"But tell me… can that power truly be replicated so easily?"
"If you had not appeared," Hiruzen continued, his expression darkening, "Danzo would likely have already ignored my objections and initiated large-scale human experimentation in pursuit of another successor."
His eyes showed unmistakable fatigue—and disgust.
"There would be no shortage of volunteers. Shinobi willing to die, even knowing the chance of success was nearly zero."
"That kind of future—"
Hiruzen stopped, then looked at Hiroki with a trace of cautious hope.
"In your opinion," he asked quietly, "will Wood Release human experimentation succeed?"
Hiroki remained silent.
This was yet another test.
Even if he were slow, Orochimaru already viewed him as Tobirama's successor. How could he fail to understand what the Third Hokage was probing?
If he truly had no connection to Tobirama, he wouldn't even know what Wood Release human experimentation entailed.
But Hiroki did know.
Because he was a transmigrator.
"It will fail," Hiroki said plainly.
"Once transplanted, the Wood Release cells will proliferate uncontrollably, bursting outward like tree branches—or rapidly converting parts of the host's body into wood."
"Even if someone barely survives, the result won't resemble Lord Hashirama's power. At best, it would be comparable to an ordinary Uchiha's Fire Release—capable of using wood, but lacking scale, suppression ability, and true destructive power."
"At most, it would reach elite jonin level. It wouldn't even come close to you, Hokage-sama."
Hiruzen exhaled slowly.
So that was the truth.
Hashirama's Wood Release clearly contained something beyond mere Water and Earth transformations—something that allowed even residual cells to endure for decades.
And since Hiroki could describe the experimental results in such detail, there was no longer any need to question his identity.
Records and lists meant nothing compared to results this specific.
True secrets only needed to be known by those who mattered.
"You are correct," Hiruzen said at last, relief evident in his voice. "From this day forward, this laboratory will be entrusted to you. I ask only that you never allow this power to bring disaster upon Konoha."
With that, he turned and led Hiroki out of the cold laboratory.
"The mission involving the Nine-Tails and sealing techniques will begin after you complete the Chunin Exams," Hiruzen said casually. Then, with a sly smile, he added, "Before that, to help you settle in—and to protect the secrecy of your identity—I've arranged a new position for you."
"Starting today, you are the librarian of the Konoha Archives."
Land of Wind — Hidden Sand Village
Inside a dimly lit command tent, the atmosphere was suffocating, heavy with the silence before a storm.
The Third Kazekage sat at the head of the table, his expression grim. Chiyo and Ebizo sat on either side of him, their faces no lighter.
"So," the Kazekage said coldly, his voice like wind sweeping across the desert, "you're telling me that Hiruzen not only captured Hanzo—but intends to use this to completely annex the Land of Rain?"
"Yes, Kazekage-sama," Ebizo replied solemnly. "According to intelligence reports, Konoha's Three Sannin have taken full control of Amegakure's defenses. Jiraiya is currently installing a pro-Konoha puppet regime."
"Hanzo was released," he added, hesitating slightly, "but reports suggest he has become… crippled."
"A cripple?" Chiyo scoffed, sharp light flashing in her aged eyes. "To reduce Hanzo to that state, Konoha must have revealed a hidden trump card."
The Kazekage remained silent, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the table.
"Ōnoki has already made contact," he said suddenly. "He plans to use the upcoming Chunin Exams to probe Konoha. Do we have suitable candidates?"
The tent seemed to freeze.
Chiyo and Ebizo exchanged glances. "Will it be dangerous?" Ebizo asked carefully.
"Extremely," the Kazekage replied. "Ideally, all three genin should possess jonin-level strength. You two will also accompany the main force and remain on standby outside the village."
"That old man Ōnoki," he added, "looks ready to overturn the table entirely."
After a moment of silence, Chiyo spoke. "Sasori."
"He already possesses jonin-level strength and has lost interest in academy life. Let him go to Konoha."
"Otherwise," she said coolly, "he may begin to resent you."
"Pakura as well," Ebizo added. "Her Scorch Release has reached jonin level."
The Kazekage nodded slowly. "Then Rasa will serve as team leader."
"Have them prepare," he continued. "And question Bunpuku again. If he still refuses to contribute to Sunagakure—"
His gaze hardened.
"Begin searching for a more suitable Jinchūriki candidate."
As his eyes drifted toward the distant horizon, the Kazekage felt a faint unease.
This Chunin Exam would not be peaceful.
He only hoped that the interests of the Hidden Sand Village would not be damaged beyond repair.
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To read chapters in advance go to P@treon - harsh07