Chapter 48: Chapter 48: Tsunade’s Hesitation

Tsunade had always been decisive and efficient. She immediately opened her storage scroll and retrieved a portion of medicinal herbs along with extraction equipment.

After completing the step where all the herbs were extracted into essence, she extended her hand.

A massive surge of Yang Release chakra flowed into the herbal essence.

But she quickly discovered a problem.

There was a limit to how much Yang Release chakra the essence could contain.

When she could no longer infuse any more, Tsunade withdrew her hand.

"You infused approximately one-tenth of the chakra required for the Mystical Palm Technique."

Orochimaru estimated.

The Mystical Palm Technique was an A-Rank medical ninjutsu with extremely high learning difficulty. Mastering it qualified one to be called a medical Jonin.

Its effects were comprehensive—capable of treating most internal and external injuries.

It was only ineffective against injuries like missing limbs, being on the verge of death, or extensive organ damage.

"One-tenth of the Mystical Palm’s effect. Although it’s stronger than the Blue Healing Potion, it’s only marginally so."

Tsunade sighed.

"If it’s only slightly stronger, then promotion isn’t worthwhile."

Orochimaru shook his head. "The cost is much higher. The investment wouldn’t justify the return."

"Mm."

Tsunade agreed.

"But the upper limit of Yang Release chakra the essence can contain is fixed. Increasing it would be very difficult."

Orochimaru frowned.

"Then is there an item that can contain a massive amount of Yang Release chakra?"

Natsuki asked at the opportune moment.

Tsunade subconsciously glanced down.

Hidden against her snow-white skin was a necklace.

A relic of Senju Hashirama.

The necklace held a chakra crystal that sealed Senju Hashirama’s chakra.

"A chakra crystal would work."

Orochimaru also immediately thought of it. "But they’re too rare. There’s only one in all of Konoha."

A chakra crystal, as the name suggested, was chakra condensed into solid form.

The reason for its rarity was simple: aside from Senju Hashirama, finding a second ninja with that much chakra was nearly impossible.

Not only Sarutobi Hiruzen and Orochimaru couldn’t accomplish it—even Senju Tobirama would find it extremely difficult.

Orochimaru suddenly paused.

He thought of an item comparable to a chakra crystal: Senju Hashirama’s cells.

Because he had participated in the Hashirama cell experiment hosted by Sarutobi Hiruzen years ago.

At the time, learning about Hashirama cells had greatly shocked him.

He couldn’t understand why a person’s cells hadn’t died despite so many years passing—instead possessing terrifying vitality.

It was also this vitality that gave Konoha the idea of creating artificial Wood Release ninjas.

Simply put, it involved transplanting Hashirama cells into other ninjas.

But it had succeeded because of vitality—and failed because of vitality.

The characteristic of Hashirama cells acting as if they were alive caused violent rejection in recipients’ bodies. No one survived.

What if Hashirama cells were added to the herbal essence?

The essence wasn’t human. Logically, it shouldn’t clash with the cells.

Moreover, the amount could be controlled. There was no need for an excessive quantity like in transplants—just a tiny bit would suffice.

The only problem was whether Uzumaki Mito and Tsunade would agree.

After all, Senju Hashirama was dead. Extracting his cells was tantamount to desecrating the deceased.

The reason Konoha’s Hashirama cell experiment had proceeded at all was due to Uzumaki Mito and Tsunade’s agreement.

Sarutobi Hiruzen had used the greater good of Konoha as justification—making them reluctantly accept.

Could the Red Healing Potion: Blood of God reach such significance?

Orochimaru was doubtful.

"Let me think if there’s any item that can achieve this."

Tsunade snapped back to reality.

She hadn’t immediately thought of Hashirama cells, but her thinking ran parallel to Orochimaru’s.

If the Red Healing Potion: Blood of God proved effective enough, she could use the chakra crystal from the First Hokage’s necklace.

But there was a problem: once the chakra crystal was depleted, it wouldn’t regenerate.

However, she could first use a small portion to make a single vial—to see if the effect was truly worthwhile.

The crystal sealed a considerable amount of Senju Hashirama’s chakra. One vial wouldn’t cause significant loss.

But there was no rush. She would first see if a substitute existed.

"Mm."

Orochimaru nodded. "I’ll consider it as well."

Hashirama cells were too sensitive. Unless Tsunade brought it up herself, he wouldn’t mention it.

Although Natsuki felt it was unfortunate, he could guess Orochimaru’s reasoning.

If you don’t say it, I won’t either.

Natsuki ended the discussion and went to train with Nawaki and Kushina.

A night passed without incident.

The next day, the group continued their journey.

At dusk, they finally arrived at the southeastern coast of the Land of Fire.

"This is my first time seeing the ocean!"

Nawaki ran toward the beach with great excitement.

"The ocean is nothing special."

Kushina said without interest.

The Land of Whirlpools was surrounded by sea. She had seen far too much ocean since childhood.

Natsuki had seen the ocean in his past life, but this was his first time in this one.

Having lived two lives, though, he wasn’t as excited as Nawaki. He appeared calm.

Tsunade glanced at Natsuki, then at Nawaki, and shook her head.

It was fortunate no enemies were nearby. Otherwise, Nawaki’s behavior was tantamount to courting death.

He was ultimately too young and reckless.

In contrast, Natsuki pleased her greatly.

If he shared Nawaki’s personality, their squad’s future would be truly worrisome.

"Begin executing the mission."

After Nawaki returned, Orochimaru spoke. "Unless absolutely necessary, Tsunade and I will not actively intervene."

"Kushina, do you know sensory ninjutsu?"

Natsuki looked at her.

"Yes."

Kushina nodded.

Although the Uzumaki clan excelled most in sealing jutsu, their sensory techniques were also formidable.

The Mind’s Eye of the Kagura could even be called the strongest sensory ninjutsu in existence—surpassing the Byakugan.

Of course, the current Kushina didn’t know the Mind’s Eye of the Kagura.

"Then let’s locate our target first."

Natsuki formed hand seals and summoned his crow, Kurobane.

Nawaki also summoned his ninja hound, Saburo.

Sea, land, and air—they only lacked the sea.

Natsuki felt he should find a summoning beast from the ocean.

But aquatic summons were rare. He couldn’t think of any he could contract with at the moment.

"Let’s take this route."

Natsuki produced a map. "It has substantial cover for concealment, and it’s not far from the beach."

"Good route selection."

Tsunade glanced at it approvingly.

Natsuki’s group immediately began reconnaissance along the chosen path.

Tsunade and Orochimaru followed from the shadows.

But obviously, locating a roaming group of rogue ninjas was no simple task.

Tsunade, bored as she trailed them, continued pondering the Red Healing Potion: Blood of God.

Suddenly, her gaze sharpened.

Like Orochimaru, she thought of Hashirama cells.

Hashirama cells contained a massive amount of chakra—perfectly meeting the requirements.

But...

Tsunade began to hesitate.

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