The average Shadow Clone Technique disappears into thin air when struck by a fatal blow or when its chakra runs out. After all, at its core, a Shadow Clone is nothing more than a bundle of chakra.
More advanced clone techniques, such as the Elephant Path or the Six Paths, use living beings or corpses as vessels to contain the caster's chakra and willpower.
However, these techniques are still imperfect; they can't withstand the full extent of the caster's power nor truly replicate reality indistinguishably.
Until the Yin-Yang Release: True Clone Jutsu emerged.
As the name implies, the clone standing before Heiyan was created using Yin-Yang Release and was a perfect genetic copy of his original body—completely identical in every way.
In other words, this clone also possessed the ultimate Sage Mode, had an equally massive chakra reserve as Heiyan's real body, and could execute every single Ninjutsu Heiyan knew.
There was one subtle difference though—the clone didn't have the Six-Tomoe necklace inside its body. Additionally, while the True Clone replicated Heiyan's current state exactly, it couldn't continue to evolve like the original body could.
Such "differences," however, were completely undetectable to anyone but Heiyan himself.
Even someone with the Rinnegan wouldn't be able to tell the difference between Heiyan's original body and the clone, because both were equally real.
A thought stirred within Heiyan's mind, and he gazed directly at his true clone.
Next second.
The clone lying on the ground slowly opened its eyes, radiating intense energy with a piercing gaze.
At the same time, Heiyan's original body collapsed onto the floor, seemingly entering a deep sleep like a crashed computer system.
"Absolutely incredible."
Heiyan controlled the true clone to stand up, walked around the basement, and practiced several hand seals, finding not the slightest difference compared to the original body.
His consciousness could shift seamlessly between them no matter the distance—suggesting thoughts really did move at the speed of light.
FWAP FWAP FWAP—
Inside the basement, Heiyan rapidly formed hand seals, setting up multiple barriers and Flying Thunder God formulas.
Then, he left his original body here, placing it into a hibernation-like state akin to animal hibernation. In this condition, the enhanced physique granted by the Sage Transformation allowed him to go years without food or water while maintaining a stable, healthy physiological state.
Next, Heiyan guided the clone out of the basement.
He chose to activate the clone while putting his original body into hibernation for a simple and direct reason—he was preparing for war against Madara Uchiha.
Based on current intel, Heiyan deduced that Madara had probably already used the Rinnegan to restore his right eye and summoned forth the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path.
Once Madara had both Rinnegan eyes, his power had certainly increased dramatically, granting him access to full-fledged techniques like Outer Path—Wheel Mortar Hell Prison or Truth-Seeking Balls.
Under such circumstances, even though Heiyan had evolved into the ultimate Sage Mode, surpassing Hashirama Senju's former strength, he would still be at a disadvantage when facing Madara.
What's worse, there was also Black Zetsu, an almost ghost-like figure accompanying Madara—another formidable foe in his own right.
However, Madara Uchiha also had a major weakness—his advanced age left him physically slow and less mobile. Just how much of its true power he could still harness was uncertain.
Therefore, after careful consideration, Heiyan decided to make a trip to the Mist Village.
Whether confronting Madara head-on or attempting a surprise assassination, if Heiyan could kill him and seize the Rinnegan, everything afterward would become much easier.
Even if he failed and met his end at Madara's hands, it would only mean the loss of a clone, causing no real damage. Moreover, even in failure, Heiyan could use this opportunity to gather intelligence and wear down Madara's strength.
After finalizing his plan,
Heiyan bid farewell to everyone at Penglai Ninja Village before returning to Konoha using the Far Body Water Technique.
Approaching the New Year,
Konoha's festive atmosphere felt even more vibrant than what Penglai had offered.
On his way to the Hokage Tower, Heiyan saw red lanterns and festive decorations hanging all over the streets, with strings of colorful balloons and banners floating about, creating an incredibly joyful scene.
The main roads were packed with people. The villagers were in high spirits—some shopping for New Year's goods, others playing mahjong and cards in recreation halls, while many dressed up and joined the celebrations in the plazas.
Although it was the middle of winter, with harsh winds and fresh snowfall, the village didn't feel cold at all. Instead, the lively atmosphere made it seem quite warm.
As soon as Heiyan reached the entrance of the Hokage Tower, an Anbu ninja hurriedly approached him.
"Lord Heiyan, you're finally back! The Hokage urgently summoned you—he's been waiting in his office," said the masked ninja anxiously.
Hearing this, Heiyan furrowed his brow. Could something have gone wrong in the village during his absence?
With that thought, he quickly strode into the Hokage Tower.
Knock knock.
After knocking on the door, he entered upon hearing permission.
As soon as Heiyan stepped into the office, he saw Hiruzen Sarutobi, Orochimaru, and Tsunade already present. With Heiyan's arrival, the four elders of Konoha—Hiruzen, Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Heiyan—were finally all present.
"What's going on?"
Walking beside Tsunade, Heiyan placed a hand on her shoulder and asked.
"A few days ago, we received a personal letter from Third Tsuchikage Onoki of Iwagakure. In it, he invited the leaders of Konoha to attend the Five Kage Summit in the Land of Iron."
Tsunade explained. Before Heiyan's return, the other three members of the elder council had already discussed the matter and instinctively sensed something ominous.
Therefore, Tsunade looked serious, concern clearly visible between her brows.
"This is Onoki's letter. Read it yourself."
Hiruzen also stood up, handing Heiyan a top-secret letter that had been lying on his desk.
Heiyan took the letter and carefully read through its contents.
The Five Kage Summit was a gathering among the leaders of the Five Great Ninja Villages. It was convened whenever conflicts arose or major decisions needed to be made among the villages. These meetings typically involved intense political struggle and deception.
In the original timeline, the first such summit was convened by the First Hokage, where the Tailed Beasts were strategically allocated among the villages, ultimately bringing peace to the world of shinobi.
The second summit was held to confront the Akatsuki, leading to the formation of the Allied Ninja Forces.
It's clear that each Five Kage Summit brings profound influence upon the entire shinobi world.
This time's summit was initiated by Onoki.
As the Third Tsuchikage, he has extremely senior status—having lived through the Warring States era. He possesses the Dust Release—a form of Kekkei Tota—and has always been regarded as one of the strongest shinobi in history.
Such a highly respected figure proposing a Five Kage Summit forced all the Great Ninja Villages to take it seriously.
In his letter, Onoki mentioned that the reforms occurring in Konoha have affected the entire shinobi world. Various villages have successively begun implementing their own reforms, with many new techniques springing up like weeds.
Onoki believes that for today's turbulent shinobi world, this is a significant opportunity. The leaders of the Five Great Ninja Villages should sit together, share reform experiences, exchange achievements, and unite to push forward a great transformation across the shinobi world, thus bringing unprecedented peace to the world.
This is undeniably a noble-sounding cause—presented from a high moral ground. It makes it difficult for anyone to refuse.
"Just now came news from the front—currently, other ninja villages have already agreed to attend the Five Kage Summit, leaving only our Leaf Village yet to respond. Heiyan, what are your thoughts on this matter?"
After watching Heiyan finish reading the letter, Hiruzen added while asking for his opinion.
"I'm afraid it's not that simple."
Heiyan put down the letter and made a firm judgment: "They claim it's about sharing and exchanging, but in reality, even combined, the other four Great Ninja Villages' progress still falls short of Konoha's. Their real intentions are filled with covetousness—nothing more than wanting to join forces and force us to hand over our reform achievements. And..."
At this point, Heiyan paused, then solemnly added:
"I always feel there's even more conspiracy behind this Five Kage Summit."
"Heiyan is absolutely right; I think exactly the same way too."
Orochimaru stepped forward two paces, agreeing, "If Lord Hiruzen decides to accept the invitation and go to the Land of Iron, there could be serious danger waiting for us."
"So... should we refuse and not participate in this Five Kage Summit?" Tsunade asked uncertainly.
Upon hearing this, Heiyan shook his head.
"If we don't go, the other villages and nations can openly unite together, isolating Konoha. By then, our Leaf Village would truly face the entire world as enemies, putting us at an extreme disadvantage."
After analyzing this, he suggested to Hiruzen, "Therefore, we must go. We're ready for anything—they bring soldiers, we bring generals; they bring water, we bring earth. Let's see what tricks they have up their sleeves."
"Hmm, makes perfect sense."
Hiruzen nodded deeply in agreement, then decisively announced, "Then it's settled. Start preparing immediately; we'll depart for the Land of Iron three days from now."
"Oh, by the way, how about things on Mist's side? Has Madara Uchiha shown any signs of movement?"
Suddenly Heiyan asked.
"According to spy intelligence, since suppressing Mist's rebellion last year, Madara Uchiha has remained hidden without showing any abnormalities."
Tsunade said it like this but suddenly became alert.
Could it be that Madara is pulling the strings behind this Five Kage Summit? Does it mean he will personally appear at the venue and launch an attack?
The truth to this question remains unknown for now.
However, Heiyan remained composed, motioning for everyone to stay calm.
If Uchiha Madara really shows up during this Five Kage Summit, it would save Heiyan the trouble of tracking him down in Mist Village later. They could deal with it once and for all.
Sarutobi Hiruzen and the other two were gradually reassured by Heiyan's confidence.
The next issue was arranging entourage members for this trip.
"During the Five Kage Summit, aside from special circumstances, only two bodyguards are allowed. Therefore," Sarutobi looked toward Heiyan and Tsunade, saying, "I'll need you two to accompany me on this journey."
"Hai, Hokage-sama."
Heiyan and Tsunade exchanged glances before slightly bowing to Sarutobi, readily taking on the task with determination.
"In that case, the meeting is dismissed. Go back and prepare well."
Sarutobi waved his hand, sat back into his chair, and began smoking his pipe.
Heiyan and the others exited the office.
"Heiyan-kun, Tsunade, congratulations to you both. Wishing you both happiness and a blissful marriage."
As soon as they left the office, Orochimaru smiled and offered his congratulations to Heiyan and Tsunade.
"What are you talking about!"
Hearing this, Tsunade's face immediately flushed red. However, she happily accepted this good wish from her old friend.
"Heh, news about you two becoming a couple has long spread throughout the village. In everyone's eyes, if the dream couple ultimately didn't end up together, that would truly raise a few eyebrows."
Orochimaru clucked with admiration. At the same time, he silently felt pity for Jiraiya.
Ever since childhood when he first met Tsunade, Jiraiya had been passionately pursuing her, only to encounter Heiyan—an unbeatable rival.
Moreover, Jiraiya had one fatal flaw: his deep obsession with women. He spent his days frequenting the red-light district and consorting with women. His flamboyant personality indeed wasn't suitable for Tsunade.
At this moment, Heiyan suddenly thought of something and patted Tsunade's shoulder, saying:
"You go home first. I need to discuss something with Orochimaru-kun."
"Then I'll wait for you at home."
Tsunade blinked her eyes, wisely leaving without asking many questions.
"Little Snake, let's go talk at your lab."
After watching Tsunade's slender figure leave, Heiyan turned around and smiled at Orochimaru.
Little Snake...
Upon hearing this long-forgotten nickname, Orochimaru's expression twitched involuntarily, but he eventually just silently turned around and said, "Please follow me, Heiyan-kun."
Side by side, the two soon arrived at Root's underground laboratory located behind the village.
"Thank you for your effort regarding the research on Hero Water last time," Heiyan casually looked around the lab while speaking to Orochimaru.
"It's my honor to serve you, Heiyan-kun," Orochimaru flattered respectfully, maintaining a humble attitude.
"The next task for you will be researching this thing here."
Heiyan didn't waste any words either. He directly retrieved Black Zetsu's severed arm from the Storage Scroll and placed it in Orochimaru's hands.
"This is…"
Orochimaru couldn't take his eyes off the severed arm.
And when he learned from Heiyan that this arm actually belonged to Black Zetsu, his eyes gleamed with fascination.
As someone who had once served under Black Zetsu, Orochimaru had always been curious about his enigmatic superior, the straw-hatted stranger.
Regarding Black Zetsu, what Orochimaru knew was that the latter's body could transform into a pool of black liquid at any time, seeming practically indestructible by any means—an existence nearly immortal.
Therefore, for Orochimaru, who pursued eternal life with a relentless obsession, the attraction of Black Zetsu's severed arm was unparalleled.
"This arm contains not only biological cells, but also hidden within it are memories of a woman's soul. The mission I'm giving you is to find a way to extract that memory. Can you pull it off?"
Heiyan fixed Orochimaru with an intense stare as he spoke.
"This kind of thing… I've never attempted before. However, since it's your request, Heiyan-kun, I'll certainly try my best."
Orochimaru, surprised yet thoughtful for a moment, cautiously replied.
"Then I'll wait confidently for your good news."
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