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Chapter 59 - Chapter 59: Bloodline Mutation

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"Looks like the little one's still the more obedient one… though Yuugao really needs to put in more effort."

While thinking, Shigenari Shuuzawa glanced at Tsunade's room from the corner of his eye, then sighed. 

From what he could recall, hardly any women could compare to Tsunade's figure. 

Even after Yuugao matured over the next few years, she'd only have a standard build. Still, Shuuzawa didn't mind.

At the very least, she had that vibrant, youthful energy of a young girl—that was something Tsunade lacked! 

Turning away, he walked into his room. After a quick wash-up, he sat on his bed and opened his status panel.

[Shigenari Shuuzawa]

[Overall Physical Ability: LV10]

[Chakra: LV9]

[Abilities: Wood Release LV6 (Water LV6, Earth LV6, Yang LV6), Flying Thunder God LV6, Cursed Seal LV6, Wind Release LV6, Yin Release LV5, (etc.)]

[Free Points: 45]

[Special Ability: Kakuzu's Fire Release (calculated based on the heart's level)]

This time, the rewards were beyond his expectations. The Fire Release alone made up for a major shortfall in his elemental skill set. 

But those free points excited him—he hadn't seen this many in a long time!

Small missions could earn free points, but usually only one or two, sometimes none. That just wasn't cutting it. 

Larger missions gave slightly more, but even that was lacking for someone at his level. This latest mission, though… it might just be the beginning of something big.

"So, the bigger the mission and the more chaos I cause, the more free points I get?"

Shuuzawa stroked his chin as the idea formed. Suddenly, he realized something. 

"The system never cares how a mission is completed—only that it is completed, and how well it's done. So… it's basically letting me handle it however I want, as long as I get the maximum value out of it?"

His expression turned a little strange. That was exactly how he'd been using the system—constantly stirring trouble for Danzo. 

So far, he'd done a stellar job. Sunagakure probably hated Danzo's guts by now. 

Over on the Akatsuki's side, Scorpion had likely passed Danzo's name to Nagato already. Nagato, who bore a deep grudge, wouldn't let Danzo go.

As for Kumogakure, he hadn't stirred up much there—not for lack of will, but lack of opportunity. 

He hinted at his "ties" with Danzo while there. With Iwagakure, he'd done plenty of groundwork. 

Capturing Kitsuchi gave him the perfect excuse to leak the info—once Ōnoki heard it, things would take off.

"And don't forget, Kabuto and Nono Yakushi are active in Iwagakure. That's another opportunity!"

At this rate, it wouldn't take many more years before Danzo's name was known across the entire shinobi world.

The only village untouched was Kirigakure, though Shuuzawa had long suspected Uchiha Obito's involvement there. 

He hadn't acted only due to the village's closed nature. But once a connection was made…

"Kirigakure, huh."

The only village left uncorrupted, and Shuuzawa was curious to see what it was like. 

Especially since there was still an "EXP bag" waiting for him there—the Fourth Mizukage was under control, after all!

"Well, I suppose this isn't exactly a bad thing. Causing chaos for Danzo and maxing out mission value do go hand in hand."

Shuuzawa shook his head, then muttered with a sigh, "I still haven't done enough… I've got to bring Danzo-sama more entertainment."

And no, he didn't feel the slightest bit embarrassed. Shuuzawa had always believed Danzo wasn't nearly infamous enough. 

How could he become a top-tier name in the shinobi world without that? And if Danzo couldn't rise, how could he ever achieve his dream of becoming Hokage?

"Let's spend some points first."

With that thought, Shuuzawa turned back to his panel. His strength still wasn't enough—not enough to help Danzo, let alone inherit his legacy.

"Let's see what Kakuzu's Fire Release is capable of."

Fire Release had always been a key element on his radar, especially since it could be fused into Scorch Release. 

But his own Fire Release had been lacking, and his attention had been elsewhere. He'd even developed Wood Release before ever completing the Scorch formula.

Now that he had Kakuzu's Fire Release, it was time to re-evaluate things.

"I also need to start planning ahead—which elements I'll need next for my Kekkei Mōra."

He already has Water, Earth, and Yang nature for Wood Release, and leveling it increased all three together.

Fire and Wind would form Scorch Release, and he now had both. For Yin and Yang, he had scrolls from Obito that offered insights. 

He was still uncertain whether to gain those directly, but they offered a solid reference point.

So that just left Water and Lightning combo techniques.

"Storm Release, maybe?"

That was the only known combo of the two, but unfortunately, it was a secret technique of Kumogakure. 

The last time he met the Fourth Raikage, Darui wasn't with him—missing that chance was a real regret.

He aimed to level all abilities to LV10, the system's known max. Once that was done, he'd begin fusion attempts.

The more he raised his elemental levels, the deeper his mastery became, which would help him with fusion and manipulation.

"Based on my previous fusion attempts, the system helps streamline the process. It'll definitely reduce my workload."

Kekkei Mōra had always been his greatest dream. Sure, he had Wood Release now, but he wasn't a Senju, and if he weren't related to the Ōtsutsuki… then he'd have to become one himself!

[Acquired Kakuzu's Fire Release]

[Fire Release Level Based on Heart: LV7]

"LV7? Not bad, but not amazing either."

When Shuuzawa extracted the technique and saw the level, he frowned slightly. 

LV7 was an elite jōnin level by the system's standards—strong. But from Kakuzu's battles, it seemed a bit low.

Then he saw the system's note and realized why.

Kakuzu had gathered hearts from random shinobi without caring about their strength. 

That was enough as long as they had the chakra nature he needed and a strong enough life force.

His power carried the slack—his body nurtured the weaker hearts until they grew stronger. 

His elemental techniques didn't depend directly on the hearts. They offered the chakra nature; Kakuzu's raw strength did the rest.

"Guess I got lucky then, huh?"

That thought made Shuuzawa feel much better. And in terms of single-element strength, LV7 was his highest. Most of his free points had gone into physical stats and chakra.

"Thanks for brewing such a strong heart, Kakuzu."

Shuuzawa accepted the Fire Release with a smile. In that moment, a rush of knowledge surged into his brain—techniques, theories, and applications.

It was as if he'd studied Fire Release for years. His understanding and usage skyrocketed to another level.

"This sensation… it's amazing."

He nodded satisfactorily, especially when the new [Fire Release: LV7] appeared on his panel.

"Now anyone who says I don't look like a Konoha shinobi… my Fire Release will scare them silent."

"Next, time to allocate these free points."

He had 45 of them, but looking at his panel, it didn't feel like that many.

After some hesitation, he decided to put one point into Wind Release. After all, Scorch Release required a balance between Fire and Wind.

[Upgrade Complete. Current Wind Release: LV7]

[Remaining Free Points: 39]

Knowledge of Wind Release flooded his mind instantly. He could feel a much deeper understanding settle in.

"This should make fusing Scorch Release much easier."

He muttered, then gazed toward Wood Release and the Cursed Seal.

Upgrading Wood Release by one level also meant upgrading three natures, which cost 18 points—a heavy price even for Shuuzawa.

However, the performance of Wood Release truly lived up to its cost. 

With Wood Release at Level 6, Shigenari Shuuzawa had already demonstrated remarkable capabilities in the Hidden Grass Village. 

He couldn't even imagine what he might become if the level were any higher!

"The most important part is that all three abilities increased together. It's efficient and benefits me overall."

Upgrading all three simultaneously was extremely helpful for Shuuzawa, especially since he planned to raise them to Level 10 before focusing on Kekkei Mōra research. 

So even if it was difficult, Shuuzawa clenched his teeth and decided. Since he had chosen Wood Release, the Curse Mark must also keep up. 

At that moment, he had been steadily researching the Yang Release Chakra Mode. 

The Sage Art granted by the Curse Mark had to be used with Yang Release to function properly, so their levels also had to match.

[Upgrade complete. Current Wood Release: LV7]

[Upgrade complete. Current Curse Mark: LV7]

[Remaining free points: 15]

Spending another 24 free points all at once made Shuuzawa's heart ache, but the instant Wood Release leveled up, he suddenly felt his blood boil again, just like the first time he fused the release.

[Due to the upgrade in Wood Release, your bloodline has undergone a slight mutation. Please monitor your condition.]

Sure enough, his system had once again issued a reminder—and this one made Shuuzawa extremely excited! 

This world revolved around bloodlines. Even if he wasn't blessed with the Ōtsutsuki lineage, this development meant he had finally stepped onto that path.

And more importantly, he had done it all with his strength! "My cheat is still my cheat. Why shouldn't it count as my own power?"

As he felt his blood roaring through him, Shuuzawa muttered softly. Yet he also noticed something strange.

"This feeling is really similar to when I improved my physical attributes... but it's not as intense as that time."

He would never forget how painful it was when he boosted his physical stats to Level 10. That extreme agony had done a number on him.

"Fifteen points left... where should I assign them next?"

Once the heat in his bloodstream finally calmed, Shuuzawa took a deep breath and looked at his system panel again.

Fifteen points opened up several possibilities: Yin Release, Flying Thunder God, or his chakra. Of course, what interested him most was his overall physical performance!

He was truly curious—what lay beyond the system's designated Kage tier?

"I haven't been Level 10 for long. Technically, I should spend more time adjusting to my current body. But…"

But Shuuzawa just couldn't hold back his curiosity about what would happen if he went beyond what the system could measure.

"Let's find out!"

After considering his options, Shuuzawa decided he wouldn't be satisfied without testing it. Having a result mattered to him no matter what happened.

It might have been risky, but curiosity killed the cat for a reason. "At worst, I'll feel awful and take more time to adjust. It won't do me any lasting harm."

"System, boost my overall physical abilities."

[Upgrade complete. Current Physical Attributes: LV11]

[Remaining free points: 5]

In an instant, Shuuzawa's blood boiled once again. But it wasn't just heat this time—his whole body felt on fire!

"Ugh…"

He couldn't help but groan as his body started to tremble. Compared to Level 10, this upgrade was far more extreme.

Then, a strange force suddenly erupted from within him, shaking the entire room. All the glass inside shattered instantly, and dust fell from the corners of the ceiling.

Amidst the heat and pain, Shuuzawa noticed another message from the system:

[Due to the upgrade in physical abilities, your bloodline has undergone further mutation. Please monitor your condition.]

"I never expected your first mission would be so bizarre."

In the Uchiha Clan compound in Konoha, Uchiha Fugaku frowned deeply as he listened to his eldest son, Uchiha Itachi. 

He was pleased that his son could participate in such a mission, but he didn't feel entirely happy.

That boy, Shigenari Shuuzawa, sounded far too powerful based on Itachi's report.

Upon reflection, it made sense. He wielded both Wood Release and the Flying Thunder God Technique. Those two abilities combined made his baseline terrifyingly high.

Wood Release alone was formidable in group and one-on-one combat, and the boy's talent was unnerving.

According to Itachi, he practically turned the Hidden Grass Village upside down during the mission!

Fortunately, Shisui possessed the Mangekyō Sharingan—Uchiha's only real counter to Wood Release.

And not just Shisui—Fugaku himself also had that power. But that brat also had Flying Thunder God, which could be used for surprise attacks and instant retreat. 

A nightmare to deal with. "To handle someone like him… We must get close, lower his guard, and wait for the right opportunity."

Fugaku thought to himself, unwilling to go that far but knowing some preparations were necessary.

"Father, that's everything." Just then, Itachi spoke again.

"But Father, passing on information this way... it doesn't really follow the ANBU's rules."

"ANBU rules?" Fugaku frowned and stared at his son. After a pause, he shook his head.

"I know it's hard for you. It's hard for me too. But there are some things that simply must be done. We have no choice." 

"Itachi, remember—it's for the clan. Sometimes, we can't act freely."

"For the clan... huh." Itachi lowered his head. 

He knew things had been tense lately in the clan. The voices of dissent were growing louder, especially after Shisui awakened his Mangekyō.

But Itachi disliked all this focus on "the clan" repeatedly. 

He wanted to ask why, but he knew his father wouldn't explain much—he would expect Itachi to think for himself.

"That's enough. Go rest now." As expected, Fugaku waved him off with a sigh.

"You just got back. You're tired. Your brother's been wanting to see you—go."

"Yes, Father." Itachi nodded and turned to leave, but instead of resting, he ran out into the night.

He couldn't face Sasuke like this. There was only one person he could think of who might understand.

Not long after, he found Shisui sitting alone at a training ground. He approached slowly.

"Hm? You're here, Itachi?" Shisui blinked in surprise, not expecting his little brother to find him this late.

"Not going to rest?"

"Not yet. Too much on my mind." Itachi sighed and sat down beside him.

"You know the clan's tension has been escalating. Things feel like they're getting worse."

"I know. Of course I know." Shisui nodded and looked up at the moon. After a long pause, he spoke again.

"But worrying about it too much only makes it worse. Don't let it eat away at you. So we're just supposed to stand by and watch this unfold?"

Itachi frowned and asked in a low voice. Shisui glanced at him, then smiled faintly.

"Actually, someone already gave us the answer. Some truths are right in front of us—but it's not time to act just yet."

After saying that, Shisui stood up and looked into the moonlight, laughing quietly. "Get some rest. Instead of overthinking everything, just focus on doing what you can."

He turned and walked away. But in his mind, he remembered what Shuuzawa had said to him that day:

"Shimura Danzō, huh…" Clenching his fist slightly, Shisui took a deep breath and pushed the thought aside—for now wasn't the time.

"An answer already exists…?" Itachi stared blankly at Shisui's retreating figure. 

For some reason, his thoughts drifted back to Shuuzawa, Yamato, and Kitsuchi's conversation.

"For the village… when necessary… eliminate your own people?"

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