Naruto: I am Uchiha Shirou-Chapter 295: Naruto: I am Uchiha Shirou []

The forbidden technique, Chimera Jutsu, consumed the energy in the palm of Shirou's hand marked with a diamond-shaped seal. Shirou squinted his eyes as he felt the power of the bloodline coursing through his body.

"The power of the Uzumaki clan, huh? To be more precise, it's the awakened power of the Uzumaki bloodline. No wonder Konohamaru was so exaggeratedly strong at a young age in the original story."

In the original story, Konohamaru's performance could be described as a miniature version of Naruto. He excelled in using Shadow Clone Jutsu and other signature techniques, and the destructive power of his ordinary Rasengan was absurdly strong. All of this was undoubtedly due to the massive chakra reserves he inherited.

Looking down at the pale, sickly face of Konohamaru—who seemed as if he had just recovered from a severe illness—Shirou showed an indifferent expression. He casually left a remark before disappearing from the room.

"If you want to inherit and revive the Sarutobi clan, then use the power of the Sarutobi. This power does not belong to the Sarutobi."

As the sunlight poured onto his face, the extremely fatigued Konohamaru slowly opened his eyes. Seeing the sun high in the sky, he suddenly widened his eyes in panic.

"Oh no, I'm going to be late!"

Just as Konohamaru exclaimed and prepared to get out of bed, a sudden wave of dizziness and weakness overwhelmed him, nearly causing him to fall off the bed.

"What's wrong with my body? Could it be that I trained too late last night and fell ill?"

Shaking his head weakly, Konohamaru washed his face, which seemed to make him feel a bit better, and then headed towards the ninja academy.

From beginning to end, Konohamaru only thought that he had caught a simple illness. He was completely unaware that the bloodline power within him had been entirely extracted.

What remained in his body now was purely the Sarutobi bloodline.

Perhaps nothing would seem out of the ordinary for a while, but as time passed, Konohamaru would eventually notice that the growth rate of his chakra would slow down, becoming incomparable to what it was before.

Even if Konohamaru realized something was wrong later, he would only feel regretful, assuming it was due to overtraining or simply his natural talent.

In the ninja world, there were far too many cases of people overtraining and exhausting their bodies. There were also those whose chakra surged explosively for a period in their youth—this duration depended on individual talent. For some, it could last a year; for others, only a month or two.

...

At the Root Base.

In a brightly lit laboratory, two Orochimarus were immersed in their research. Their progress was astonishingly fast.

"Two Orochimarus, what's the important matter that you summoned me for today?"

Entering the laboratory and noticing the two busy Orochimarus, Shirou smiled.

Normally, Orochimaru rarely left his lab unless there was some significant progress in his research or a new invention that warranted notification.

"Hehe, Lord Shirou, this is a regenerative technique derived from the First Hokage's cells..."

As soon as Shirou entered, the two Orochimarus, wearing excited expressions, pointed at their new research results and began explaining.

"With Tsunade's data included, this regenerative serum can rapidly promote cell division in injured ninja tissues... achieving regeneration. Of course, each dose of the serum is incredibly precious..."

"The First Hokage's cells are far too aggressive, and ordinary ninjas simply can't adapt to them. However, this serum is diluted many times and provides a temporary burst of energy..."

As he listened to Orochimaru's explanation, Shirou began to understand the structure of this regenerative technique.

Although it was still based on the cells of the First Hokage and White Zetsu, the serum worked by converting the energy within the cells into a one-time burst, enabling injured ninjas to regenerate limbs or other body parts.

In simple terms, it was a one-time-use solution. Once the serum was used, there would be no remaining cells left in the body. After all, ordinary ninjas couldn't fuse with this energy.

"The cost of producing this serum is so high that only jōnin could afford it. Chūnin and Genin simply don't have the resources."

A breakthrough in regenerative technology!

However, upon hearing Shirou's remark, Orochimaru let out a raspy laugh and said, "Lord Shirou, this world has always been survival of the fittest."

Shirou naturally understood the meaning behind Orochimaru's words, and he couldn't help but smile and shake his head.

"I doubt you summoned me here just for this."

Under Shirou's curious gaze, the Orochimaru from the alternate world licked his lips and said in his raspy voice:

"Lord Shirou, I've come across some information that might interest you."

Seeing Shirou's intrigued expression, Orochimaru 2.0 slowly revealed his discovery:

"Edo Tensei. This forbidden technique was perfected in my original world, but during my research recently, I discovered that this world's Second Hokage and others had also been summoned using a crude method. I suspect..."

Beneath Orochimaru's raspy smile, this statement caused Shirou to narrow his eyes.

"A Konoha forbidden technique... Someone other than us has used it. I see."

Understanding the two Orochimarus' hint, Shirou smiled. However, as he turned to leave, his eyes glimmered with thought.

Edo Tensei!

In this world, there were only two people he could think of who might be using this technique.

Danzo Shimura! Asuma Sarutobi!

"It seems like it's that old fox Danzo. Hehe, things are getting more and more interesting... This toy is becoming more entertaining."

As Shirou walked out of the Root Base, basking in Konoha's warm sunlight, he squinted his eyes and smiled.

For Danzo to prepare Edo Tensei at this time, it must have something to do with next year's Chūnin Exams.

"The Chūnin Exams, huh? If that's true, it saves me the trouble of thinking up other ways to intimidate the ninja world."

...

Kumogakure.

In the Raikage's office, the Fourth Raikage, A, was holding Konoha's invitation. The tone of the letter, especially its commanding language, as if Konoha stood above all the other Kage, made his face dark with anger.

"Uchiha Shirou is too arrogant! Does he think Konoha can sweep through the ninja world?"

The commanding tone infuriated the Fourth Raikage, making him roar in rage.

"Raikage-sama, what about next year's Chūnin Exams?"

A cautious voice from one of the Kumogakure ninjas asked. The Fourth Raikage angrily shouted in response:

"I'm not stupid enough to send our elite ninjas to play along with Uchiha Shirou's farce. What Chūnin Exams? It's just a scheme by Uchiha Shirou—does he think no one can see through it?"

After all, Konoha had developed rapidly over the past 12 years. The balance of power in the ninja world had shifted.

...

Iwagakure.

"So, old man, what do you think about Konoha's Chūnin Exams this time?"

Kurotsuchi, already showing glimpses of her future as the Tsuchikage, asked as she held the finely crafted invitation scroll with a smile.

Meanwhile, the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, sitting at his desk, sighed and shook his head.

"What's there to think about? It's nothing more than Konoha flaunting its strength to the ninja world. We're not going to join in on this nonsense."

Hearing this, Kurotsuchi widened her eyes and pointed to the final note on the scroll.

"Hey, hey, old man, that's not fair. I'm only concerned about you. The scroll mentions a Five Kage Summit to discuss the future of the ninja world amidst the current chaos."

Seeing his granddaughter's impatience, Onoki sighed.

"A Five Kage Summit? For Uchiha Shirou to organize something so grand, he must have big plans. Based on his personality, I'd bet Konoha will start a war to dominate the ninja world within three to five years."

In just 12 short years, Konoha had grown its ninja numbers to over 40,000, nearly 50,000!

But even more concerning was the number of Kage-level ninjas in Konoha, far surpassing what the other four villages combined could muster.

"Old man, are you planning to go? Aren't you afraid you won't come back?"

Seeing his granddaughter's worried expression, Ōnoki smiled warmly and shook his head.

"You don't understand! It's not just about the pride. More importantly, if we stay behind, the entire ninja world will unite and launch a war of suppression. But Uchiha Shirou's ambitions are far from simple."

"With the pride of the Uchiha clan... Just watch. Uchiha Shirou will likely dominate everyone with absolute power. He's not such a shortsighted person."

After seeing her grandfather's confidence, Kurotsuchi scratched her head and pouted.

"Look at you bragging, old man. Don't you usually hate the Uchiha clan the most?"

Hearing his granddaughter's blunt words, Ōnoki immediately glared at her.

"What do you know? Between great nations, there's no such thing as love or hate—only interests. And this time, at the Five Kage Summit, at worst, we'll just recognize Konoha as the number one ninja village in the world.

As long as Uchiha Shirou is alive, we'll behave ourselves. It's not like we haven't done this before."

Ōnoki spoke bitterly, his eyes turning red as he looked at Konoha's intelligence reports.

"Why does Konoha have so many Kage-level powerhouses? And look at our village!"

Thinking about this, Ōnoki raised his head and sighed in frustration.

"I'm already this old, yet the village still has no successors. Konoha truly is a cradle of geniuses."

"Hmph!"

Seeing her grandfather's envy, Kurotsuchi raised her fist confidently.

"Old man, just hand the Tsuchikage title over to me. Don't worry, I'll listen to you and outlast Konoha's Hokage someday..."

"Ridiculous! You!?" Ōnoki glared at his granddaughter, his mustache twitching in anger. Kurotsuchi frowned in dissatisfaction.

"Hey, hey, old man, what's wrong with me? You said to yourself that my talent and strength are enough. Give me a few more years, and I'll be able to handle things on my own. Are you worried I'll sell Iwagakure or something?" (PS: I think you will.)

The banter between grandfather and granddaughter lightened the heavy burden Ōnoki carried as the village leader. A faint smile appeared in his eyes, and the corners of his mouth curled up slightly.

"Alright, old man. Let me give you a shoulder massage. Sitting in the office all day—be careful you don't drop dead one day."

Though her words were blunt, Kurotsuchi was still a filial granddaughter. She walked behind her grandfather and began massaging his shoulders.

Ōnoki, gazing out the window with a sigh, murmured:

"Kurotsuchi, your grandfather is useless. I fear I'll leave your generation with a Konoha so strong it's suffocating."

Having lived since the era of the First Hokage, he knew this pressure all too well.

"Hmph, if we really can't win, I'll offer Iwagakure as a dowry. I refuse to believe Uchiha Shirou wouldn't be tempted."

"You!"

Kurotsuchi's bold remark left Ōnoki red-faced with rage, his eyes bulging.

This granddaughter of his—she's not as cute as when she was little anymore!

...

Land of Wind, Sunagakure.

Amidst the endless sandstorms, in the meeting room of the Fourth Kazekage's office, a tense atmosphere filled the air. A barrier was set up around the room, where the Fourth Kazekage Rasa, along with senior elders Chiyo and Ebizō, sat in heavy discussion.

"Danzō! Do you realize you're a wanted criminal in Konoha? How dare you show up here!"

Chiyo, known for her fiery temper, immediately lashed out upon seeing the visitor. Her sharp gaze was filled with hostility.

Rasa secretly praised her boldness. Chiyo was truly reliable in moments like this.

Standing before them was Shimura Danzō. With one eye wrapped in bandages, he coldly observed the Kazekage and Chiyo.

"Chiyo, Kazekage. I have come with sincerity this time. Your Sunagakure hasn't been doing well these past years, has it?"

Danzō's cold smirk deepened as he slowly revealed his purpose.

After listening to his plan, Chiyo and Ebizō's expressions darkened, while Rasa's solemn demeanor suggested he had already been in contact with Danzō.

"You're insane! Do you even know how strong Konoha is right now? If you want revenge, don't drag Sunagakure into this!"

Despite her grudge against Konoha, Chiyo wasn't foolish enough to take such a reckless risk.

But Danzō wasn't foolish either. He wouldn't approach Sunagakure without proper preparation.

"Then what if we add Kirigakure to the equation?"

"What!?"

Hearing Danzō mention Kirigakure, both Chiyo and Ebizō were visibly shocked.

"That's not enough! Do you even know how many Kage-level powerhouses Konoha has right now?"

"And what if we add one more thing?"

As Danzō uttered those words, Chiyo's pupils constricted. Her earlier anger was merely a front, but this time, she was genuinely shaken.

"That forbidden technique... Could it be real?"

"Of course. Over the years, I have perfected it. This time, I am confident I can kill Uchiha Shirou. Once I become Hokage, I will form an alliance with Sunagakure..."

The temptation Danzō offered left Rasa, Chiyo, and Ebizō deep in thought.

Sunagakure, Kirigakure, and Danzō's secret weapon—it was a powerful combination.

"I'll wait for your answer outside the village."

With those chilling words, Danzō's body dispersed into white smoke, leaving the meeting room.

After his departure, the three in the room were left in silence. Chiyo's face was especially grim, her thoughts racing.