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A flash of insight struck in Ximen Zhen's mind as he suddenly recalled that name.
It wasn't that Ximen Zhen had a poor memory, but rather that she didn't belong to this era and had never had the opportunity to appear during the Shinobi World War.
However, in the next generation, this girl—who seemed to have no particular background—would display astonishing talent.
She could use Wood Release.
And not the kind obtained by grafting Hashirama's cells—she was born with a natural affinity for Wood Release.
Even though her Wood Release wasn't strong… that wasn't too surprising. After all, it was Hashirama who was powerful, not the Wood Release itself.
The surname "Kazematsuri" wasn't common in Konoha, so if Ximen Zhen's guess was correct, Kazematsuri Moegi was likely related to this Kazematsuri Tangyu.
If that was the case, did Ximen Zhen now have a chance to acquire natural Wood Release talent?
It didn't need to be especially powerful—just enough for Ximen Zhen to demonstrate an innate ability to use Wood Release.
Even if there were some strange aspects about him, the Third Hokage would undoubtedly go out of his way to protect him.
After all, this was Wood Release! Not the experimental version like Yamato's.
This was a form of Wood Release that could be openly displayed to the world—used for public relations, to rekindle the glory of the era of Hashirama Senju!
Especially since Ximen Zhen could also write "The Chronicles of the Hokage." What a coincidence—noble lineage, yet still retaining a heroic spirit!
Of course, his Wood Release would spark intense interest from many researchers.
Such as Danzo, or Orochimaru.
But as long as Hiruzen Sarutobi was still alive, Ximen Zhen didn't need to worry about them making a move.
And once Hiruzen was dead, Ximen Zhen's series of Yin Seal techniques would be close to completion.
Would the new generation of shinobi like to experience the World of Flowering Trees from the old era?
At that thought, Ximen Zhen's excitement surged.
Still, he gradually calmed himself.
Kazematsuri Moegi was only eight or nine years old at most.
He could use home renovations as an excuse to move into the Kazematsuri Bathhouse long-term. After getting close to the Kazematsuri family, he could naturally hug and interact with Moegi and obtain her pheromones without much difficulty.
But that clearly wasn't his objective for today.
Today, he still had to simulate Tenten.
The reason for choosing Tenten was obvious—she had the highest favorability rating toward him.
Then came the issue of whether strengthening a girl like Tenten would attract trouble.
Clearly, Tenten's kind nature meant she wouldn't cause Ximen Zhen any trouble. In fact, she would go out of her way to help him keep secrets.
As for the possibility of trouble arising from this situation itself, there was nothing that could be done.
Even protagonists needed a team to fight Kaguya Otsutsuki. Right now, Ximen Zhen couldn't see any hope of defeating the Otsutsuki clan by himself.
But if he had a group of companions whose power was close to his, that would be a different story.
More importantly, Tenten had a natural talent for space-time ninjutsu, a trait currently unseen in anyone else.
Ximen Zhen already possessed intermediate-level talent in space-time ninjutsu, all thanks to Tenten.
According to his understanding, intermediate-level talent was already enough to make him an excellent Jonin.
For example, Ximen Zhen currently had intermediate-level talent in Earth, Water, Yin, and Yang Chakra Natures. He was highly proficient in using these techniques and, with enough training, could become a master in each.
But that still wasn't enough. Ximen Zhen's goal wasn't just to be a Jonin or even an elite Jonin—he viewed Kage-level as merely the beginning.
This meant he needed to push his talents to the advanced, even top-tier level.
If he could raise his space-time ninjutsu to the top tier, could he achieve the same level of mastery as Minato Namikaze?
Of course, Ximen Zhen understood that Minato's strength also came from his extraordinary reflexes.
But Ximen Zhen could max out his basic attributes as well. And with his significant accomplishments in medical ninjutsu, he could even find ways to enhance his neural reaction speed.
At that point, surpassing Minato's Flying Thunder God Technique wouldn't be a dream.
With such abilities, the number of people in the entire ninja world who could harm Ximen Zhen would be countable on one hand.
However, to reach this goal, strengthening Tenten's talent was the first step he had to take.
Otherwise, with her current low-level space-time ninjutsu talent, Ximen Zhen would have to conceive an ultimate mutated child with her just to boost his own abilities again.
Ximen Zhen sat cross-legged and entered a state of meditation.
This simulation shouldn't be too difficult, but he still needed to minimize the risk of failure.
Once his thoughts were organized, Ximen Zhen began the simulation.
[Simulation Start]
[Remaining Simulation Attempts: 6]
[Target: Tenten]
[Initial Relationship: Mutual Favorability]
[Ding! The simulation is about to begin. You currently have three free chances to guide the simulation's direction.]
[Would you like to guide the simulation direction now?]
Ximen Zhen looked at the phrase "mutual favorability" and a faint smile appeared on his lips.
He wondered what kind of expression Tenten would have after he helped her become stronger.
Ximen Zhen quickly input the simulation parameters, and the simulation officially began.
[The next day, you arrived at the Kazematsuri Bathhouse. It was a hot spring inn that also allowed for long-term stays. You swiftly completed the paperwork for extended lodging.]
[When Tenten and the others found out you were staying there, they all expressed envy and asked to come enjoy the hot springs. Thanks to the hundreds of thousands of ryo saved by Sasuke, you generously offered to treat them. Your image in their eyes became even more admirable.]
[The influx of guests left the old woman running the bathhouse overwhelmed, so Kazematsuri Moegi was brought in to help. The girls recognized Moegi instantly due to her uniquely high ponytail.]
[Thanks to Ino's social skills, Moegi quickly warmed up to everyone and started calling you "senpai" as well.]
Seeing this, Ximen Zhen nodded in satisfaction.
His contact with Kazematsuri Moegi was going smoothly. What remained was whether he could obtain the Wood Release talent from her.
As for Moegi herself, Ximen Zhen had no intention of getting involved with her on a deeper level.
Because she was only eight years old.
The simulation continued.
[Hinata soon came to you again and decided to accept your help. She had already informed her father that she would be training with her schoolmates. Hiashi agreed, hoping it would help her build better relationships.]
[In the days that followed, you and the group continued your training. It wasn't long before you obtained Hinata's pheromones, and her complexion became noticeably more radiant.]
[To your surprise, Hinata also began showing signs of becoming more outgoing. She was never incapable of socializing—her family had trained her in etiquette since childhood—it was just that she had always been too timid.]
Ximen Zhen's eyes skimmed over this part quickly—this wasn't what concerned him.
What he cared about was whether Danzo would cause trouble again.
And whether his interactions with Sasuke, Naruto, and Hinata would bring him any problems.
Sure enough, what was bound to happen still happened.
[The day before your book signing event, you received a message from Yamanaka Kaze, a Chūnin of Konoha. The Third Hokage wanted to see you.]
(End of Chapter)