In truth, it's a mistake to assume that the more ninjutsu a shinobi learns, the stronger they become. Consider the example of the original story's protagonist—Naruto Uzumaki. Throughout his journey, he primarily relied on the combination of Shadow Clone Jutsu and Rasengan to fight his battles.
No matter what kind of enemy he faced, a single Rasengan was often enough to turn the tide. If it wasn't, then he'd use two. If that still didn't work, he'd enlarge it. And if even that failed, he would create a more advanced version—the Wind Style ∙ Rasenshuriken.
With that in mind, Senmei Asahi began wondering if he too should learn offensive ninjutsu, perhaps even cultivate a chakra nature like other elite-jōnin—especially wind release. Wind-style techniques had always intrigued him, not just because of their cutting power, but because they were the foundation behind the more advanced versions of the Rasengan.
In the original chronicles, the training for Rasengan was one of the most detailed sequences—right down to its evolution into Rasenshuriken. But the more Asahi thought about it, the more he questioned the practicality. Training for Rasenshuriken required intense chakra shape manipulation and nature transformation. Without the advantage of multiple shadow clones to accelerate the process, mastering it could take years.
He eventually dismissed the idea. If he were only going to learn Rasengan, it would be more efficient to continue using Chakra Enhanced Strength. The chakra amplification required for that technique could achieve similar, if not greater, destructive power in close combat.
Instead, his attention turned to earth-style ninjutsu. There were powerful earth-style techniques that offered solid offense, but he wasn't sure if the ones recorded in Konoha's archives had the destructive range he was seeking. Still, the idea lingered.
Fortunately, the days without missions weren't wasted. After staying in Konoha for two months, Asahi finally made a breakthrough in his cytotoxin research.
The new formula had terrifying potential. Once injected, it instantly attacked the cells in the human body, killing them in mere seconds. The compound was extremely toxic. However, when this toxin encountered the First Hokage's cells—the so-called Hashirama cells—it created a fascinating deadlock.
The cytotoxin couldn't completely destroy the Hashirama cells, and at the same time, the regenerative nature of the Hashirama cells stopped them from overwhelming and assimilating ordinary cells as they usually did. The result was a state of suspended hostility—a biological stalemate.
Encouraged by the results, Asahi began a series of experiments. As Tsunade's student, he had privileged access to Konoha Hospital's immense resources. Borrowing equipment for "research purposes" was as easy as saying the word.
Even during treatments, he quietly extracted ten different types of cellular samples from patients without raising suspicion. He then separated a small sample of the Hashirama cells, allowing them to absorb and dominate the ordinary cells. Once that process started, he injected the cytotoxin.
Under normal circumstances, Hashirama cells quickly overpowered ordinary cells, consuming them entirely and, if left unchecked, even sprouting plant-like growths. But with the cytotoxin introduced, ordinary cells perished almost instantly—yet the Hashirama cells remained, their vitality resisting the poisonous invasion.
Over the course of ten experiments, Asahi observed a pattern. Even if a person received a vaccine that immunized them against the cytotoxin, the fusion of Hashirama cells wouldn't be stable unless regular cytotoxin doses were introduced. The toxin had to be administered periodically, keeping the aggressive Hashirama cells in check until full cellular fusion was achieved.
It reminded him of Orochimaru's method, which required subjects to have an unusually high compatibility with the First Hokage's cells. That's why, out of hundreds of test subjects, only Yamato had survived. In contrast, Shimura Danzo's method was rushed and crude—relying on Sharingan suppression. The moment he lost control, the First Hokage's cells would rage out of control.
Whether this was due to Orochimaru's manipulation or Danzo's recklessness remained unclear, but one truth stood firm: integrating Hashirama cells came with undeniable risk.
That's what made Asahi's cytotoxin so groundbreaking. In a way, it served a similar purpose as the Sharingan—controlling and suppressing the influence of the Hashirama cells. With it, the spread of the Hashirama cells could be slowed, giving the host time to adapt.
But for true success, Asahi needed access to Orochimaru's full research. While he was confident that he had pieced together part of Orochimaru's findings, there was no telling how many critical elements the Sannin had deliberately withheld.
After two months in Konoha, Asahi was beginning to feel restless again. He had started thinking about heading to the front lines, not just to re-enter the war effort, but to make contact with Orochimaru and uncover the remaining research firsthand.
He headed to the Hokage's office.
"It's you, Asahi. What brings you here?" the Third Hokage asked, welcoming him with his usual calm and wise demeanor.
It had been two months since the Three-Tails incident, and the chaos surrounding it had mostly subsided. Though Kirigakure had initially wanted to retaliate, their focus had now shifted to rebuilding. The war effort had drained them, and with their infrastructure in shambles, continuing hostilities was no longer a viable option.
Although Kirigakure hadn't officially announced its surrender, their attacks along the Land of Fire's border had significantly lessened. Konoha, in turn, redirected much of its forces toward the ongoing battle with Kumogakure.
"Hokage-sama." Asahi said, his tone serious, "Now that the turmoil over the Three-Tails has settled, I would like to apply to return to the front lines."
"Hmm... I figured you'd say that." Hiruzen muttered thoughtfully. After a pause, he continued, "Some things are better explained openly. We've recently entered into an alliance with Iwagakure. The Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, has agreed to move against Kumogakure—but only if we in Konoha tie down their main forces."
He sighed and looked at Asahi gravely. "Onoki wants the spoils of war without risking his own men. A cunning strategy."
Asahi nodded silently.
"Don't forget," Hiruzen added, "while Kirigakure suffered significant damage, their core strength remains intact. They've chosen dormancy, not submission."
"Then... what does Hokage-sama wish me to do?" Asahi asked, trying to read between the lines.
"I want you to remain in the village for the time being." Hiruzen said. "Once Iwagakure makes their move, I'll need you to surface near the Land of Water."
The message was clear.
'Damn. As expected, the old fox is playing a long game.'
Once Asahi was seen in the open, the shinobi of Kirigakure would likely direct their fury toward him. At that point, Konoha could justify pulling back forces from the Kumogakure front to "defend against Kirigakure aggression".
By then, Iwagakure would already be entangled in war with Kumogakure. It would be too late for them to retreat.
Konoha, meanwhile, would have the perfect excuse to conserve manpower, letting the other two villages tear each other apart.
"I understand." Asahi said solemnly. "I'll remain in the village and await your orders."
As he walked out of the Hokage's office, a trace of disappointment crept into his expression. He had hoped to act more freely, but the gears of war required patience and timing.
As for obtaining Orochimaru's complete research? That would have to wait. Maybe he could cooperate with Danzo—raid one of Orochimaru's labs together.
Or better yet, sneak in while Orochimaru was away…
*****
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