He certainly wouldn't be a "Chakra-depleted" man anymore.
The Life Type-3 Wood Style serum didn't just facilitate the awakening of Wood Style; the diluted Hashirama cells within it were exceptionally effective at boosting physical stamina and recovery.
Hiruko didn't dwell on it, simply following Minato Namikaze into the house. Upon entering, he saw several familiar faces. Uchiha Mikoto and Uzumaki Kushina were gathered around a small child—Uchiha Itachi. The adults were busy doting on him; after all, toddler Itachi was undeniably adorable.
"So cute, ya know!" Kushina cooed. "I really hope Naruto is born soon." She gently cradled her own protruding belly.
Compared to the last time Hiruko had seen her, Mikoto's belly had grown significantly larger. Kushina was only just beginning to show, making her bump look quite small next to Mikoto's. The sight of the two expectant mothers playing with the child was exceptionally heartwarming.
Hiruko observed the scene with a clear understanding. Given the close bond between Minato's family and the Uchiha, as long as Minato remained Hokage, the Uchiha clan would likely never face the tragedy of extinction.
"Welcome, Senior Hiruko!"
As soon as Hiruko appeared, he drew the attention of everyone in the room. They all greeted Konoha's current "Golden Boy."
Hiruko habitually ruffled the hair of little Itachi, who had wandered over to him, then pulled a ring from his robe and handed it to Kushina.
"Wear this. This ring can monitor your physical condition at all times and includes a tracking function. It also contains one of my storage formations; in a moment of crisis, it can generate an energy barrier strong enough to ensure your safety."
Minato's eyes lit up. He smiled warmly and said, "Thank you truly, Lord Hiruko."
Hiruko nodded. "When you have time, Minato can bring you to my lab for a comprehensive physical exam."
Minato accepted the ring with a wide grin.
In the vast expanse of the Forest of Death south of Konoha, a man wearing a black hood and a spiral orange mask—with only a single eye visible—materialized abruptly atop a thick tree branch. He gazed vacantly toward the distant village.
Simultaneously, an ugly, two-toned head emerged from the ground. It was Zetsu.
Black Zetsu spoke indifferently. "Why come to Konoha now? This isn't a good time for an invasion."
"Is it because your master's wife is about to give birth? Did you want to see the child?"
Obito gave him a cold, piercing look.
White Zetsu chimed in hurriedly, "Actually, Konoha has changed a lot lately. It's not just the updated barrier system; the guard around the Nine-Tails has tightened significantly. Even the Uchiha and Hyuga have started non-stop three-man patrols."
"Plus, they've started something called the 'Sky-Eye Project.' They've installed a massive amount of high-tech surveillance equipment throughout the village. Even if I wanted to sneak in now, I'd have to test the waters very carefully." White Zetsu looked toward the village with lingering fear. In the past, he could stroll in and out of Konoha as he pleased.
"Don't mention that name again! I am Uchiha Madara!"
Obito glared at White Zetsu before explaining, "Konoha's development is too rapid, and the Akatsuki is still too weak. We need more hands. Our final plan requires the Nine-Tails, so we must suppress Konoha's momentum."
He was worried. If Konoha were allowed to develop in such peace, it would be nearly impossible for the Akatsuki to seize the Nine-Tails from such a powerful hegemon in the future.
Sigh.
He had only been away for a short while, yet the current Konoha felt alien—unfamiliar enough to stir a sense of dread. Obito was uncertain now. This rapidly changing village made even a "Fake Madara" like him—who hadn't even finished digesting the legacy of the real Old Man Madara—feel apprehensive.
"Lord Obito, with our current strength alone, we can't mount a direct assault on Konoha," Black Zetsu muttered inwardly. Konoha might look "empty" on paper, but it was bristling with power. Orochimaru hadn't defected, and while Jiraiya was traveling, he could return in an instant.
Furthermore, a batch of new Jonin had suddenly emerged within the village. Combined with Hiruko's physical enhancement serums and prosthetics, Konoha's foundations were deeper than ever. Heaven knows how many Jonin were hiding in the streets now, armed with bizarre scientific ninja tools.
Black Zetsu truly felt Konoha was too difficult to handle. It was better to let Nagato develop for a while longer. Once his utility was exhausted, they could use Rinne Rebirth to bring the real Madara back and take Konoha in one fell swoop. To Black Zetsu, no amount of development could stop a Madara with the Rinnegan.
"When did I say I was invading now?" Obito glanced sideways at White Zetsu, cursing him as a fool in his mind. With Konoha's reforms moving like a hurricane, he needed more intelligence to plan his next move accurately.
"If I can't find a way to weaken Konoha, I'll infiltrate and wait for an opening to strike. Releasing the Nine-Tails from its Jinchuriki might not destroy the village, but the beast's rampage will bring their 'golden age' to a screeching halt." Obito's voice was ice-cold.
He showed not a shred of hesitation about destroying the village that had once given him warmth. He seemed to have entirely forgotten Kushina—the woman who had looked after him as if he were her own son. He knew perfectly well that if a Jinchuriki has their Tailed Beast extracted, the only outcome is death.
"I understand, Lord Madara," White Zetsu said, bowing his head respectfully, acting as if he were awestruck by Obito's "visionary" planning.
A man who once hated war now spoke only of instigating it. Humans truly are the most contradictory creatures. Out of Obito's sight, a flicker of mock pity crossed Black Zetsu's eyes, quickly replaced by a strange, excited thrill.
Even if Konoha's surveillance was advanced enough to be staggering, Obito remained confident in his infiltration. Kamui was a literal "cheat code" among Mangekyō abilities. Its pocket dimension existed outside the normal world; no one could touch him unless Kakashi used his own eye to interfere.
Under normal circumstances, his infiltration would be flawless. Of course...
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