Naruto: Uchiha Rejects Konoha

The Chakra imbued with Yang Release was incorporated into the internal combustion engine, and when converted into powerful kinetic energy, its output far exceeded the internal combustion engine series Yagami had encountered in his previous life.

"What a powerful force! Orochimaru, please add Hashirama cells to this internal combustion engine!" Yagami exclaimed in surprise. Orochimaru's scientific ideas were truly perplexing—combining mechanical dynamics with biological cells was an unprecedented approach.

"As far as Chakra is concerned, the First Hokage's cells are the optimal choice. However, in the final analysis, being able to operate Chakra at this level is primarily due to the design diagram you provided," Orochimaru said. "There are some aspects I still don't fully understand, such as the transformation and energy release of Chakra. I think—"

"Don't bother me! Don't ask me; I don't know how to explain it," Yagami interrupted hastily, admitting to himself that the design came from a blind box, and he knew little about its principles.

"Fine. This internal combustion engine is a finished product now. You can take it anytime, but you must monitor the consumption of the First Hokage's cells. Despite their strong vitality, they will deteriorate without Chakra support," Orochimaru remarked helplessly, suspecting Yagami of withholding information but lacking proof.

"This is a cell dilution created from the blood sample provided by Uchiha Itachi. I've already processed the First Hokage's cells in it. There's no risk of cellular rejection after injection, but determining the required dosage to have an effect on Uchiha Itachi's body requires experimentation," Orochimaru continued, presenting a vial of reagent. He had long studied ninjutsu and science, uncovering the cause of Itachi's condition—Mangekyō Sharingan.

The affliction was a bloodline-related issue within the Uchiha clan, caused by the erosion of their bodies by Yin Release Chakra during Mangekyō Sharingan use. The more frequently Mangekyō was activated, the more severe the physical degradation became. Itachi's condition stemmed from overexerting himself.

The battle against the Shimura clan had been reckless. Instead of measured use, he drove Susano'o to the limits of the Mangekyō Sharingan and engaged in ten consecutive clashes. At that point, Itachi had barely mastered Mangekyō, yet he summoned a fully formed Susano'o wielding sacred weapons, ignoring the steep price for such power.

For those suffering from Yin Release Chakra's effects, the Hashirama cells, representing Yang Release, were the ideal countermeasure to restore balance. Similar to how Danzo used Sharingan and Hashirama cells to stabilize his arm, this process aimed to achieve Yin-Yang equilibrium.

For the Uchiha, utilizing Hashirama cells could not only lessen the adverse effects of Mangekyō Sharingan but also reduce the risk of blindness after excessive use of ocular techniques. Although it wouldn't guarantee the awakening of the Rinnegan like Uchiha Madara, it could significantly extend the usability of their powers.

Yagami mused, "We should have Fugaku and Shisui undergo the same procedure. Among the four Mangekyō Sharingan in the clan, in addition to my Eternal Mangekyō, the other three could also achieve quasi-eternal eyes."

"Alright, I'll negotiate with them on these matters. Apart from testing your results this time, there's another matter where I need your assistance," Yagami said, placing what appeared to be a vial of male reproductive cells aside and turning to Orochimaru.

Orochimaru, curious about the power Yagami had just displayed, decided to withhold his questions for now. "What is it?"

"I need you to establish contact with Iwagakure and provide them with some support on the battlefield of Tianno Country. Assistance can include military aid, intelligence, supplies, or even scientific resources, as needed," Yagami instructed.

After hearing this, Orochimaru was momentarily stunned. Yagami was asking him to assist Iwagakure in fighting Kumogakure! But why not simply declare war on Kumogakure alongside Iwagakure?

"Are you trying to manipulate the outcome of this war? My Otogakure doesn't have the capability to accomplish such a thing," Orochimaru remarked with a wry smile. He had confidence in himself, but even he found the notion implausible.

Otogakure standing against two of the Five Great Ninja Villages? It was ludicrous.

"Do you think I have that much time on my hands? Or that I'd throw you to your death just for fun? I have no interest in leading a war, but the Uchiha need funds to develop. You also need resources for your experiments! If Kumogakure doesn't suffer enough from Iwagakure, how else can I get them to buy Uchiha's weapons and supplies?" Yagami snapped irritably. "I know you're strong, Orochimaru, but I'm not foolish enough to send you and a few subordinates to alter the course of a shinobi war!"

"Ah, I see now," Orochimaru said, smirking as realization dawned. "I understand. I'll ensure Kumogakure suffers a few more setbacks in this war."

Orochimaru was quick to grasp Yagami's strategy. Communicating with smart individuals was always easier. However, deep down, he still had a slight bias toward aiding Kumogakure against Iwagakure, remembering how close his former master had come to death at the hands of Iwagakure shinobi in a cave long ago.

Meanwhile, as one of the factions in the shinobi war, Ōnoki found himself under immense pressure—not from Kumogakure, but from within Iwagakure itself.

The Fourth Raikage's tactics were highly effective. By dividing his forces and launching targeted strikes, he had crushed Iwagakure's morale and drained their strategic resources and finances.

Although Ōnoki had secured emergency funding from the daimyo, strategic materials weren't as easily replenished. Food could be substituted for military food pills in a pinch, but essential supplies like kunai, shuriken, and explosive tags couldn't be manufactured fast enough to meet wartime demand.

Such items were costly to produce, and even during peacetime, production was carefully regulated. Now, with war raging, the consumption rate far outpaced production. Kumogakure's surprise raids had even depleted Iwagakure's strategic reserves, further straining the battlefield situation.

The pressure wasn't just military—it extended to the livelihoods of Iwagakure's citizens. The Land of Earth's harsh environment was only marginally better than the Land of Wind's. While Iwagakure had a higher standard of living than Sunagakure, Ōnoki's heavy investment of village funds into the military left the general population struggling with an already low quality of life.

Was Iwagakure strong? Yes, undeniably. They had, after all, managed to corner the Third Raikage and hold him off for three days and nights with a human wave tactic. But their strength masked significant vulnerabilities.

The village's infrastructure and superstructure were fragile. Normally, the villagers endured austerity, tightening their belts to sustain their formidable army and maintain Iwagakure's status among the Five Great Ninja Villages. However, any disruption could expose deep systemic problems, and Kumogakure's scorched-earth tactics had begun to reveal those cracks.

Cloud Shinobi's strategy of resource attrition and morale destruction had effectively thrown Iwagakure into disarray, and the war had only just begun.

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