shadow hokage dark moon

Chapter 7: Bloodline Limit – Wood Release

Uchiha Tsukiko shut his eyes tightly, focusing his mind as he silently commanded in his thoughts: "Redeem Wood Release!"

The next moment, the system's voice echoed in his mind:

"Redeeming Wood Release. Consuming 1000 Heaven's Mandate Points."

As soon as the system prompt ended, a powerful and unfamiliar force surged from deep within his body.

It was an overwhelming, endless stream of chakra, like an unstoppable torrent flooding through every fiber of his being.

Tsukiko's entire body trembled slightly, sweat beading on his forehead, but he gritted his teeth and endured the intense surge of power.

Gradually, he noticed something different—his perception of the environment had changed.

It was as if he could sense the faintest energy fluctuations in nature, feeling every small shift in the air, the soil, and even the trees around him.

At that moment, the ground beneath his feet began to tremble slightly.

Looking down, Tsukiko saw tiny blades of grass sprouting from the once-barren soil.

At the same time, the surrounding trees began to sway gently, their leaves rustling as if responding to him with joy.

Standing at the center of the training field, Tsukiko took in the powerful chakra flowing within him.

He realized it immediately—he had successfully awakened the legendary Wood Release.

Seeing the plants growing in response to his will, a deep sense of excitement and amazement surged through him.

The ability to merge with nature itself, to command the life force of the world—this was a power beyond anything he had experienced before.

"So this is the power of Senju Hashirama's bloodline limit—Wood Release."

However, alongside his excitement, Tsukiko also felt a sense of caution.

Wood Release was undeniably powerful, but revealing it could draw unwanted attention.

As a Uchiha, possessing the exclusive ability of the Senju Clan would undoubtedly raise many questions.

It could attract the interest of Konoha's higher-ups, including those with ulterior motives, like Shimura Danzo and his Root division.

But Tsukiko quickly dismissed the thought.

Hiding such a power forever was impossible.

Instead of concealing it, he would use it boldly, making sure it became a valuable asset that secured him more resources and support.

Only by being recognized as an invaluable talent could he continue growing stronger and accumulating more Heaven's Mandate Points.

"The sooner I establish my name, the faster I can increase my power."

His decision was made—he would find the right opportunity to reveal his Wood Release to the world.

Not only would it shock Konoha, but it would also skyrocket his reputation, ensuring that both the Uchiha Clan and Konoha's leadership took him seriously.

"There's no point in hiding my strength. Power only holds value when it's acknowledged."

Even though exposing Wood Release would bring challenges, Tsukiko wasn't afraid.

With the Heaven's Mandate System, his power would only continue to grow. Anyone who dared to target him would eventually pay the price.

"What's the point of having Wood Release if I don't use it? That would be like wearing fine clothes in the dark."

A confident smile appeared on his lips.

"I will make sure all of Konoha remembers my name—Uchiha Tsukiko."

Rather than hiding, he would use his newfound power to secure resources, recognition, and dominance.

He needed to find the perfect moment to showcase his Wood Release in a way that maximized his gains.

That opportunity would soon come.

Tsukiko set his sights on the Ninja Academy combat matches—a public stage where he could demonstrate his power, earn recognition, and boost his Heaven's Mandate Points in one go.

After careful consideration, he decided to challenge two of the most elite students in the academy—Hyuga Hiashi and Hyuga Hizashi.

The Hyuga Clan was known for its Byakugan and Gentle Fist, and these two brothers were recognized as the top prodigies of their generation.

If Tsukiko could defeat both of them at once, he would undisputedly become the strongest student in the academy.

Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward and approached Sarutobi Yusuke, the instructor overseeing combat training.

"I would like to challenge Hyuga Hiashi and Hyuga Hizashi," Tsukiko said in a calm yet determined tone.

Sarutobi Yusuke's brows furrowed slightly.

He had been observing Tsukiko's progress, but this challenge still surprised him.

Hiashi and Hizashi were renowned for their skills—even among upper-class students, their strength was considered exceptional.

"Are you certain?" the instructor asked. "The Hyuga brothers are formidable opponents, and together, they are an even greater threat."

Tsukiko nodded without hesitation.

"I am sure. I want to challenge both of them at the same time."

Sarutobi Yusuke's eyes flashed with interest.

He recognized Tsukiko's talent, but was he being overconfident?

Young geniuses often needed hard lessons to temper their pride. Perhaps this would be one of those moments.

Still, he saw no harm in allowing the match.

"Alright, Tsukiko, I accept your challenge."

Word of the battle spread rapidly throughout the academy.

Students gathered in excitement, and even several teachers came to watch.

Hyuga Hiashi and Hyuga Hizashi stood at the opposite end of the training field.

Their expressions were calm, not underestimating Tsukiko, but also not seeing him as a serious threat.

"Tsukiko, you're certain about this?" Hiashi asked, his tone composed yet firm.

"Yes," Tsukiko replied. "Only by facing true challenges can I test my full strength."

Hizashi smirked slightly.

"You have courage, but don't underestimate us."

With Sarutobi Yusuke's signal, the battle began instantly.

The Hyuga brothers activated their Byakugan, their perception sharpening as they launched into Gentle Fist combat formations.

They moved swiftly, their palm strikes and chakra-point attacks aiming to disable Tsukiko completely.

Tsukiko's mind entered combat mode.

With [Ninja World Dance King], his dynamic vision and reflexes allowed him to evade every strike with precision, weaving through their attacks like flowing water.

The audience gasped—even against two top Hyuga prodigies, Tsukiko remained untouched.

But dodging alone wasn't enough.

Seeing an opening, Tsukiko made his move.

Suddenly, vines and wooden branches erupted from the ground, entangling Hiashi and Hizashi's movements.

The field erupted in chaos.

Wood Release?!

The spectators were stunned.

A Uchiha wielding Senju Hashirama's legendary bloodline limit—it was unbelievable.

Seizing the moment, Tsukiko rushed forward, striking both opponents simultaneously.

With a final decisive blow, he knocked both Hyuga brothers to the ground.

Silence fell over the arena.

A moment later, thunderous applause and cheers erupted.

Sarutobi Yusuke took a moment to recover from his shock before announcing:

"The winner—Uchiha Tsukiko!"

As Tsukiko released the wooden bindings, Hiashi and Hizashi slowly stood up.

Neither of them looked angry. Instead, their gazes were filled with newfound respect.

"You are indeed strong," Hiashi admitted.

"Today's victory is yours," Hizashi added.

Tsukiko smiled.

[Victory against Hyuga Hiashi and Hyuga Hizashi: +120 Heaven's Mandate Points]

He had achieved his goal.

The name Uchiha Tsukiko was now etched into the memory of every student in the academy.