In his room, Chao Yanqian used a syringe to inject a vial of cytotoxic fluid into his body.
This was his third cytotoxic injection among thousands who had undergone similar procedures. Compared to the previous two times, the dosage was slightly reduced. After nearly two years of integration, the First Hokage's cells in Chao Yanqian's body had developed a degree of compatibility with his own.
The First Hokage's cells possessed immense vitality, and this life force was gradually transforming Chao Yanqian's body. Human cells have strong adaptability, capable of adjusting to both viruses and drugs. This adaptability was key to the successful fusion with Hashirama's cells.
Rather than a true "fusion," it was more accurate to say that Hashirama's cells were gradually altering his own until his body no longer rejected them. Once that happened, the integration could be considered complete.
Through self-monitoring, Chao Yanqian estimated that full fusion would take another four to five years. It was a long process but one well worth the wait.
He packed the three remaining vials of cytotoxic fluid into a ninja pouch. After a short rest, he left for Konoha's main gate.
It had been more than three months since the border conflict with Kumogakure. In January of Year 49 (according to the Konoha calendar), Kumogakure appeared to have seen through Konoha's real situation. Judging by intercepted intelligence, it wouldn't be long before the Hidden Cloud made their move.
Thus, Chao Yanqian needed to depart. Three Hyūga clan jōnin, including Hyūga Hiashi, were assigned to travel with him. The four-man reconnaissance team was tasked with 24-hour surveillance of the Kumogakure front lines.
Kumogakure had stationed 3,000 shinobi at the border of the Land of Fire. Though not a large force, it was clearly the vanguard. If the Hidden Cloud chose to go to war with Konoha, the rest of their troops could arrive swiftly.
Over the past few months, Konoha had also scaled back missions and mobilized nearly 10,000 shinobi. Leaving only a portion to defend the village, around 7,000 were on standby to reinforce the frontlines at a moment's notice.
By the time Chao Yanqian arrived at the village gate, Hyūga Hiashi and the three Hyūga jōnin were already waiting.
These three were all from the Hyūga branch family. The main family, unless in absolute crisis, rarely participated in war missions. During the Hidden Mist conflict, a member of the Hyūga main family had been abducted a fact quietly covered up by the clan, and not widely known.
As a result, the main family had become more cautious. Dangerous missions were now handled almost exclusively by the branch family, while the main family remained in a privileged position.
Although this family structure helped protect their bloodline limit and let the main family maintain prestige in foreign conflicts, it was undeniably harsh on the branch members.
"Hiashi, Tieyun-senpai, Dejian-senpai you've waited long!" Chao Yanqian said politely.
"We just arrived too," replied Hyūga Hiashi.
"Let's move out," Chao Yanqian nodded.
Everyone was already briefed on the mission. Although Chao Yanqian was the team captain, the assignment itself was straightforward: 24-hour surveillance, six hours per person. While such extended use of the Byakugan might be a strain, Chao Yanqian found it relatively easy.
He didn't even need to draw on the Sage Chakra stored in his Yin Seal he simply entered Sage Mode on-site, sealing chakra into the Yin Seal, which greatly enhanced his endurance and perception.
At the jōnin council meeting, Chao Yanqian had proposed partnering with the Hyūga clan based on a newly-formed alliance. This was an excellent chance to earn military merit with minimal risk.
"Chao Yanqian, how confident are you about this war?" Hyūga Hiashi asked.
"Konoha will almost certainly win," Chao Yanqian answered coolly.
"Almost?" Hiashi frowned.
Though Konoha had internal power struggles, the village always united in the face of external threats. Compared to the other Hidden Villages, Konoha's structure and culture were more balanced. Living there long enough, one naturally developed a bond with the village. Political infighting was just a way to earn more influence in this larger collective.
"Hmm..." Chao Yanqian thought aloud. "Based on what we know if both the Fourth Raikage and the Eight-Tails jinchūriki appear together, I might not be able to take them. But if only one shows up, I can handle it."
As he spoke, he tapped his forehead. "No matter how many ordinary shinobi come, they don't matter to me."
"Good," Hiashi nodded.
"Don't worry," Chao Yanqian said with a smile. "If I wasn't absolutely sure, I wouldn't have proposed that strategy at the jōnin meeting. Actually, I've been thinking of something else too. I wonder what you'd make of it."
"Oh? What is it?" Hiashi asked.
"There are only 3,000 Kumogakure ninja on the front. When they make a move, I plan to defeat them alone," Chao Yanqian said, voice cold.
"You... by yourself?" Hiashi blinked, then chuckled lightly. Though surprised, he took it as a joke. If it were true, it would be terrifying.
"Yes," Chao Yanqian whispered.
After that, the group focused on the road ahead and spoke no more.
Chao Yanqian knew he needed a grand battle something that would declare his strength to the entire shinobi world. True power could not only intimidate enemy nations but also silence the factions within Konoha plotting against him and his faction.
If Chao Yanqian managed to repel 3,000 enemy shinobi alone, not only would Kumogakure have to reconsider their tactics, but even Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzō Shimura, and others would have to rethink their attitude toward him.
When one person becomes strong enough to defy numbers, that person stands on equal footing with the great powers.
If he only had Sage Mode, this wouldn't be possible. But with his Yin Seal stocked full of Sage Chakra, Chao Yanqian could sustain his strength through an extended battle.
Still, he had to carefully weigh the risks and rewards of revealing such overwhelming power.
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