Chapter 5 : Moegi Kazamatsuri

[Thirtieth Place: Festival of Wind - Moegi Kazamatsuri (Wood Release Blood Restriction, Unawakened, Elementary Senju Physique)]

Rewards Listing:

Option 1: Activate Wood Release Bloodline Restraint

Option 2: Senju Physique Enhancement

[Golden List Announcement: Those on the list may select one reward from the provided options. The distribution will occur through real-time live broadcast. Please make your selection within the specified timeframe. Otherwise, it will be randomly assigned. Once rewards are issued, the subsequent winner will be unveiled.]

[10:00]

[9:59 ]

The countdown resumed.

Throughout the Ninja world, silence befell.

Indeed, the mention of Wood Release was profoundly stirring!

The tales of the God of the Ninja World and the Ninja Shura, even after decades, continued to astonish many. The colossal stone statues in the Valley of the End remained perennial tourist attractions, contributing copiously to the coffers of Konoha Village.

And Wood Release, the god of shinobi, the forefather of the Senju clan, architect of the system of individual countries and villages, the kekkei genkai of the First Hokage of Konoha Village, Senju Hashirama.

In the shinobi world, whispers circulated that the First Generation Hokage's Wood Release would reign supreme over the world.

The Five Great Shinobi Villages chronicled Senju Hashirama's feats; the potency of Wood Release was fearsome, whispered to have the capacity to reshape landscapes with ease.

Now, is Wood Release making a resurgence?

"Wood Release!?"

Orochimaru's eyes shifted, a flicker of anticipation rising once more.

Within the ROOT organization, Danzo instinctively tightened the bandaged left arm, issuing immediate orders for the assembly of ROOT members, prepared for imminent action.

Above the Valley of the End, the silhouette of Uchiha Obito materialized, eyes abysmal, his thoughts veiled.

"Find out if anyone named Moegi Kazamatsuri resides within Konoha. Once located, bring them to me and ensure their protection," instructed Ōnoki, Fourth Hokage A, and Terumi Mei in unison.

This was Wood Release!

"Father, wouldn't it be simpler to inquire on the Gold List's chat channel?" Kitsuchi queried skeptically.

"You simpleton!" Ōnoki took flight, landing a blow with his steel gauntlet on Kitsuchi and retorted irritably, "This is Wood Release! Though I've yet to awaken it, there's potential. Even if I don't attain the heights of Senju Hashirama in the future, safeguarding the village without trepidation is certain, albeit in secret."

Having witnessed the might of Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara firsthand, Ōnoki retained profound reverence for the former's strength.

"Grandpa, you're overthinking it." Kurotsuchi gazed at her father's vexed expression and chuckled, "The announcement of the Golden List specified that rewards will be instantaneously distributed via live broadcast. Thus, everyone will witness the true appearances and locations of the list members. Moreover, there's an image of each individual behind their ranking."

Concealment was impossible.

The Golden List's revelation negated secrecy.

Ōnoki: ...

Embarrassed.

"Cough," Ōnoki cleared his throat, looking towards the Gold List.

[Ōnoki: Attention, all of Stone Village! Anyone acquainted with Moegi Kazamatsuri, please identify yourselves on the list. We'll arrange your transportation to the Tsuchikage's tower.]

[Fourth Hokage A: Are you daft, old man? Suppose Moegi Kazamatsuri is a shinobi from the Cloud Village? That would inadvertently expose their identity. Cloud Shinobi, approach covertly.]

[Ōnoki: Foolish youngster, the Gold List proclamation stipulated that rewards will be disseminated in real-time via live broadcast. Consequently, the genuine appearance and positioning of those listed will be visible to all. Moreover, images of individuals on the list are appended at the ranking's rear. Can you comprehend that?]

[Kurotsuchi: Why does this sound so familiar?]

[Ōnoki: Ahem...]

[Terumi Mei: Fourth Raikage never struck me as the sharpest tool. Is there Moegi Kazamatsuri in Kirigakure?]

[Darui: Boss, could we have discussed this beforehand?]

[Fourth Raikage A: Spare me the nonsense.]

[Ebizō: Rasa, seek out Moegi Kazamatsuri within the Konoha village!]

[Chiyo: Ebizō, bring the child back to me immediately.]

The Gold List chat channel buzzed with activity. Even the taciturn Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, made an appearance.

Joined by Chiyo, the elderly puppeteer offered a hint.

Yet, Rasa seemed oblivious, shrouded in silence, as though absent.

Within Konoha Village, "Fourth Kazekage" averted his gaze, contemplating.

Uchiha Ran exchanged a glance with him and gleaned an insight, "Fascinating. Is Kazekage Rasa exercising remarkable patience, bearing such animosity towards Konoha?"

[Sarutobi Hiruzen: No need to strain yourselves. Moegi Kazamatsuri hails from Konoha Village. The Senju lineage, with its Wood Release and inherent physical prowess, has no relevance to you.]

Sarutobi Hiruzen, having remained reticent, finally spoke on the Golden List.

Upon the appearance of Moegi Kazamatsuri's image, he recognized her. She was the classmate of Sarutobi Konohamaru, his sole surviving descendant, and ANBU operatives had already submitted her information.

"Upon agreeing with Moegi Kazamatsuri's close proximity to Konohamaru, I discovered that both her grandfather and grandmother belong to the Senju clan. This unforeseen delight truly astonishes."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes gleamed with fervor.

Having given up on Uchiha Ran, who concealed his Sharingan awakening from him, harboring his independent aspirations, Hiruzen desired to secure Konohamaru's future.

Both of his sons were deceased. Konohamaru was his only direct descendant, warranting his utmost efforts.

Hmm~ he resolved to endure another decade, striving.

[Ōnoki: So Moegi Kazamatsuri is a Konoha shinobi after all. Well, in that case, it's fine. Your Konoha higher-ups have squandered all the prodigies. Young ladies, mind your safety while strolling at night.]

[Fourth Raikage A: So Moegi Kazamatsuri is a Konoha kunoichi after all. Well, in that case, it's fine. Your Konoha higher-ups have squandered all the prodigies. Young ladies, mind your safety while strolling at night.]

[Rasa: So Moegi Kazamatsuri is a Konoha shinobi after all. Well, in that case, it's fine. Your Konoha higher-ups have squandered all the prodigies. Young ladies, mind your safety while strolling at night.]

Sarutobi Hiruzen's gaze sidled.

Orochimaru quipped, "What's with the scrutiny? I'm not Rasa!"

[Senju Hashirama: Hahaha, to think someone would inherit the Old Man's Wood Release decades later, and still possess the Senju lineage. But why not bear the Senju surname? Speaking of Ōnoki, are you attempting to intimidate Konoha shinobi?]

[Terumi Mei: So, Moegi Kazamatsuri is from Konoha, then... What? How intriguing!]

Senju Hashirama! ?

What is he doing here?

Is the Ninja God still alive?

Such secrets are hidden within Konoha.

*****

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