Naruto: The Sage Body of Konoha

In the training grounds.

When Heiyan brought out two sets of armor, both Fugaku and Hiashi's eyes lit up. Their gazes were irresistibly drawn toward the armor, unable to look away again.

These two Shanwenjia armors had similar styles to the set Heiyan wore, each consisting of shoulder guards, chestplate, bracers, abdominal guard, skirt armor, and greaves.

The differences lay in the details.

Heiyan's personal armor was entirely white-gold in color. Its shoulder guards bore dragon heads, while the cape behind him displayed the red swirling clan symbol of the Uzumaki clan.

The armor gifted to Fugaku was entirely golden yellow, its shoulder guards shaped into majestic lion heads, with the Uchiha clan's fan emblem emblazoned upon the cape.

The set given to Hiashi was entirely silver-white. Its shoulder guards featured roaring white tiger heads glaring fiercely, while the cape displayed the Hyuga clan's Eight Trigrams emblem.

These three sets of Shanwenjia armor maintained a unified style while displaying distinct characteristics—perfectly suited to their respective wearers.

After following Heiyan's guidance to put on the Shanwenjia armor, both men listened intently as he explained its functions as living armor. They were stunned and quickly grew eager to test it themselves.

Inside the training grounds.

Fugaku Uchiha, wearing his golden yellow Shanwenjia armor with cape, performed various movements including running, jumping, and casting ninjutsu techniques.

To his amazement, after putting on this armor, his mobility not only remained unimpeded—it actually improved significantly. His speed, strength, and defensive capabilities had practically improved across the board.

Moreover, even the motions for releasing ninjutsu became faster, with increased power behind them.

Meanwhile, Hiashi Hyuga tested [Eight Gates]. To everyone's surprise, he opened all the way to the sixth gate—[Gate of View]—radiating a powerful green aura and expressing immense surprise and joy.

In the past year, while developing his Byakugan abilities, Hiashi had never abandoned training in the [Eight Gates] technique. With natural talent and relentless effort, he had recently managed to break through to [Limit Gate].

Now, enhanced by the living armor, he successfully opened the sixth gate.

At this moment, both Fugaku and Hiashi realized that the value of these two sets of armor exceeded even Hashirama cells and the symbiotic Byakugan!

Thinking about this, they once again recognized Heiyan's unfathomably formidable power. That he could create such armor with just his bare hands was simply... unbelievable.

Indeed.

This living armor consisted of three components: Heiyan's own cells, a natural energy coating, and [Terrestrial Release (Kun)] chakra.

Firstly, although his cells still slightly lagged behind true Hashirama cells in capability, they weren't far off.

Secondly, this natural energy coating had been designed based on the cursed seals created by Orochimaru from another timeline. However, compared to Orochimaru, who was merely a half-competent Sage user, Heiyan's "cursed seal" as an actual Sage far surpassed it in power.

Finally, Heiyan's [Terrestrial Release (Kun)] was a completely unique Kekkei Tota ability that perfectly fused his Sage cells and natural energy into one, maintaining absolute stability in form.

All these factors combined ultimately gave birth to the living armor, which could be called the strongest defensive equipment in the world of shinobi without exaggeration.

After leaving the training ground.

That evening, Fugaku and Hiashi accepted Heiyan's invitation to have dinner together in a private booth at "You Guqi" izakaya.

During the meal, everyone enjoyed themselves greatly, until late midnight when the three went their separate ways.

Overall, this reunion of the Trio after a year brought significant gains for all through sparring and exchanging gifts. Especially for Fugaku and Hiashi, who needed some time to get used to their newly acquired powers.

The next day.

In his room, Heiyan picked up a test tube, gazing at the green granulation tissue inside.

Instead of implanting the Hashirama cells right away, he gave it some thought, then decided to take them straight to Konoha Hospital.

Upon arrival, after asking a nurse, Heiyan knocked on the door of a single patient ward.

"Come in," a familiar female voice responded from inside.

Heiyan pushed open the door and entered, immediately spotting Tsunade lying in bed. At that moment, she was resting her head against pillows, her golden hair loose around her shoulders, engrossed in reading a book.

Sunlight streamed through the window, casting gentle shadows across her face and golden tresses. She didn't look frail like a typical patient but instead radiated a sort of lazy beauty.

"Heiyan!"

Tsunade recognized her visitor, her eyes lighting up with delight. Setting her book aside, she instinctively brushed her hair back.

Heiyan smiled as he approached, exchanging greetings with Tsunade while placing a bouquet of narcissus flowers into the vase beside her bedside.

They hadn't seen each other in over half a year, so they talked about many things—the tense situation in the shinobi world, Kushina's school performance—really just everything.

Heiyan asked about Tsunade's injuries and learned that she was nearly recovered; in two days, she'd be able to walk around freely and check out of the hospital.

Speaking of which, Heiyan "explained" how he had been ordered by the Third Hokage to rescue her at the border but unfortunately arrived too late without finding her.

Fortunately, Tsunade had safely returned to the village.

As Heiyan spoke, Tsunade showed no sign of doubt, gratefully thanking him instead.

Because she'd already heard from Professor Sarutobi that soon after returning to the village, Heiyan had expressed great concern for his friends' wellbeing. As soon as he learned she was in danger, he rushed to help.

How thoughtful of him—it really touched her heart.

"Oh right, Tsunade. There's something… I must tell you. Please brace yourself."

Seeing that Tsunade's physical condition and mood seemed quite stable, Heiyan felt the timing was right. His expression turned serious as he solemnly addressed her.

"What's wrong? You're not going to confess to me, are you?"

Her mood unusually cheerful, Tsunade rested her chin in one hand, playfully fixing Heiyan with a teasing stare as she quipped.

Hearing her words, Heiyan slowly shook his head, replying:

"It's about the enemy who appeared at the Valley of the End one year ago."

"What did you say?!"

Tsunade's entire body tensed. Her previous smile instantly vanished, replaced instantly by deep-seated hatred and... murderous intent surging from the depths of her soul.

That day, she lost her beloved younger brother Nawaki, watching helplessly as he was killed right before her eyes.

Her hatred ran deep, carved into her very soul.

"Tsunade, you should still remember," Heiyan began, picking up from their previous conversation. "I once speculated that the true identity of our enemy at the Valley of the End was actually an old man born during the Warring States era. This person not only possessed the Mangekyo Sharingan of the Uchiha clan, but also mastered the Wood Release of the First Hokage."

"Hmm."

Tsunade nodded, frowning deeply. She had memorized every detail they'd gathered about that mysterious enemy.

"Now I can confirm his identity."

Heiyan locked eyes with Tsunade, finally resolving to tell the whole truth. He continued, speaking slowly and deliberately, choosing each word with care:

"That person... is none other than Hashirama Senju's lifelong rival—Madara Uchiha."

"You... what are you saying..."

Tsunade murmured, her eyes wide with shock. Her heart churned with stormy emotions, a world turned upside down.

"I know what you're thinking—that Madara Uchiha must be dead. But in reality, he merely feigned death during that legendary battle at the Valley of the End. Moreover, he stole cells from the First Hokage, thereby obtaining the power of the Senju clan."

Heiyan continued.

Upon hearing this, Tsunade's eyes widened in shock, her expression growing distant. Deep within, she struggled to recall, forcing her memories back to that day—the one she most desperately wished to forget.

"I've already told you before, compared to Hashirama, you're simply too far beneath me. For Hashirama's sake, today I'll spare your life."

"Foolish woman, feel this pain and despair thoroughly, then learn to hate!"

"..."

The tone of voice, the ninja techniques used—everything pointed to the most improbable yet most likely person imaginable: Madara Uchiha.

And now, Heiyan's final statement made that possibility absolute.

"I personally saw Madara Uchiha. He is still alive."

This was what Heiyan said. As Tsunade stared at him in shock, he briefly recounted how he discovered Madara Uchiha's reappearance and his manipulation of the Mist village.

At this point, Tsunade finally and completely believed Heiyan's words.

But...

"From this day onward, live on in cowardice, burdened by this hatred. Until one day when you have obtained the same power as Hashirama Senju, come before me again. Then—and only then—I will grant you the chance to take revenge."

This was how Madara Uchiha—her superior who had stood over her with Nawaki's blood on his hands—had spoken to her exactly one year ago.

Tsunade burned with fury, yet felt powerless.

At just twenty, she was already among the strongest kunoichi in the ninja world, even capable of standing against elder legends like Mito Uzumaki and Chiyo.

Yet her opponent was Madara Uchiha—a man whose power bordered on invincibility.

She had absolutely no chance.

Unless she could become the second coming of Hashirama Senju.

As Tsunade's mind sank deeper into despair, suddenly a green sprout appeared within her field of vision. Fresh and vivid, it resembled a young sapling full of vibrant life.

"What is this?" Tsunade asked blankly.

"[It's] the cells of Hashirama Senju."

"Heiyan, hold this sprout," Heiyan said calmly, offering it to Tsunade.

His words once again left Tsunade utterly stunned.

"In the past, Madara Uchiha stole the power of the Senju Clan from the First Hokage. This sprout was something I recovered from him. Now, returning it to you is only right—it belongs to your clan."

Heiyan told a white lie to encourage her: "Implant it, and you'll have the strength to take revenge on Madara Uchiha."

Yes, that was his plan all along.

The Hashirama cells Fugaku had given him—he now gave them to Tsunade—to see if she could become a female version of Hashirama Senju. After all, Tsunade was a direct bloodline descendant of the First Hokage—no one in this world was better suited to receive Hashirama's cells.

Furthermore, according to intelligence Heiyan had gathered, currently in Konoha Village alone, at least Orochimaru, Danzo, Fugaku Uchiha, and Hiashi Hyuga had either already implanted or were about to implant Hashirama cells.

In the future, Root would operate in the shadows, and that number would only keep rising. If things went on like this, most of the village's ninja would eventually be capable of using Wood Release—except Tsunade, who'd remain completely unaware. That woman would truly be pitiful.

Heiyan simply couldn't bear to witness such a scene unfold.

To him, Hashirama cells were merely an extra benefit—but for Tsunade, they meant critical support.

Besides, Heiyan hadn't completely abandoned his own plans regarding Hashirama cell transplantation. He had other ways to obtain another sprout when the time came.

"I... cannot accept this."

Tsunade deliberately turned her gaze away from the green sprout, clenching her teeth as she spoke.

Although Heiyan made it sound so easy, she could easily imagine the life-threatening risks he must have faced stealing this sprout from Madara Uchiha.

How could she possibly accept this so easily?

"Tsunade, look at me," Heiyan suddenly grabbed her hand, gazing directly into her eyes with intense sincerity.

"If it weren't for you pumping chakra into me continuously for three whole years back then, there wouldn't even be a Heiyan alive today. What I'm doing now is simply giving back what I owe. Listen to me—first recover properly. Then we'll go together to Shikkotsu Forest. There, both me and the Sage Slug will personally help you complete the implantation of the Hashirama cells."

Every word he spoke was genuine, coming straight from his heart.

At that moment, Tsunade couldn't help but tear up. Eventually, she wiped her tears, smiled, and accepted Heiyan's kindness.

"That's settled then. You should rest well first," Heiyan reminded her before preparing to leave. After all, Tsunade had endured far too many emotional shocks today. She clearly needed some time—and personal space—to calm down.

"Heiyan."

Just then, Tsunade suddenly called out to him, asking hopefully, "You said if I implanted Hashirama Senju's cells, would I master Wood Release and defeat that Eight-Tails Jinchuriki?"

"Of course," Heiyan replied without hesitation.

But immediately, he realized his mistake—he'd slipped up.

Because on that day at the forest near Leaf Village's border, aside from Tsunade and the catgirl, no one else knew that their enemy had been the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki from Cloud Village.

As expected, when Tsunade heard this, she fixed Heiyan with a half-smile, as if trying to see through his disguise.

"Cough, cough."

Heiyan quickly covered his embarrassment with a cough. Unwilling to admit his cross-dressing experience, he fled the ward in haste.

Pfft.

Watching Heiyan's awkward departure, Tsunade finally couldn't hold it in any longer and burst into laughter. Then, she tightly gripped the test tube in her hand, her eyes reigniting with an unprecedented determination and hope.

That was the hope he had given her.

"Thank you, Heiyan."

...

After leaving Konoha Hospital, Heiyan didn't go home or anywhere else—he headed straight for behind Konoha.

Half an hour later,

He made his way deep into a secluded forest, skillfully walking up to an ancient tree thick enough for seven or eight people to wrap their arms around.

This tree's trunk was covered in moss and vines, but otherwise seemed ordinary.

However, when Heiyan formed several hand seals and pressed his palm to the tree trunk, a complex sealing formula gradually appeared across its surface.

That wasn't enough to stump Heiyan.

As he poured counteracting chakra into the seal, a deep rumbling echoed through the air. Slowly, the giant tree shifted sideways, revealing a hidden underground passageway.

Beneath it lay Root's secret laboratory.

Last night, while dining with Fugaku, Heiyan had already learned the location of this laboratory from the latter—and last night, he'd even come here early to scout.

As for what he intended to do now, it was obvious without saying. Just one word—

[The Day of Reckoning]

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