In Hidden Leaf Village.
Despite Tsunade issuing a gag order as Hokage after the battle at Hidden Leaf Hospital, the sheer number of onlookers—many from other shinobi villages—meant that within a day or two, the news spread like wildfire through the village.
After all, both Danzo, a high-ranking figure, and the Uchiha clan were inherently attention-grabbing topics.
The collision of these two hot-button issues created an explosive effect.
The street gossip not only boosted the reputation of Shinji, the First Chair of the shinobi academy, but also made many realize the rise of a new force.
In Hidden Leaf, advisor elders were at the top of the hierarchy.
Even clan heads of dojutsu Bloodline Limit families like the Hyuga had to defer to them.
So, for Shinji to boldly attack Danzo, an advisor elder, and not only come out unscathed but also have Danzo detained for investigation, signified a seismic shift in his political standing within the village, reaching a level where he could challenge an advisor elder.
This gossip didn't affect Shinji—or rather, he didn't care.
But it deeply impacted someone else: Sasuke. In this story, he had become a mere backdrop, a foil to highlight Shinji's strength.
For the proud Sasuke, this was an unbearable humiliation.
After being released from the secret prison, he didn't return to the hospital but went back to his apartment.
Thud.
Punching the wall, Sasuke panted heavily.
"Why… why am I such a failure! I've already awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan, so why can't I do anything?!"
His heart was filled with too much anger, with nowhere to vent.
Awakening the Mangekyo Sharingan in his early teens was a feat even among the Uchiha clan's elite. Mastering 'Chidori' and developing 'Chidori Stream,' being injected with a 'Cursed Seal' by Orochimaru and then taming it—any one of these achievements at his age was enough to take pride in.
Yet despite all this, he kept hitting walls. He lost to Shinji, to Yakumo, to Orochimaru, and now to Danzo.
Thinking of these humiliations fueled his rage.
Knock, knock, knock.
At that moment, a knock came from the door.
Sasuke said coldly, "Who is it?"
"Sasuke, it's me!"
Sakura's voice came from outside.
Hearing her, Sasuke's expression softened slightly.
As a teammate, Sakura often held him back, but no matter the situation, she always stood firmly by his side, bringing him a touch of warmth.
Opening the door, Sasuke asked, "Why are you here?"
Sakura handed him a food box, "You haven't eaten, right? I brought you some snacks!"
Though Sasuke didn't take the box, he stepped aside to let Sakura in.
Placing the food box on the table, Sakura said, "Sasuke, your injuries haven't fully healed. We should go back to the hospital."
"No need!"
Sasuke refused without a second thought.
He had no desire to be gawked at all day.
Sakura opened her mouth, seeming to wrestle with something.
Seeing this, Sasuke frowned, "Is there something you want to tell me?"
Sakura cautiously glanced at him and said softly, "Shizune-sensei just informed me that your body currently doesn't meet the requirements for the transplant surgery, so your request for the surgery might…"
Sasuke demanded urgently, "Might what?"
Sakura avoided his gaze, "It might have to be postponed!"
"What!?" Sasuke froze, then roared in anger, "Why? They already promised me, so why go back on their word?"
Sakura explained, "Your injuries—"
Before she could finish, Sasuke cut her off, "Don't use my injuries as an excuse! Tell me, is it because of this incident?"
Sakura shook her head, "It shouldn't be. You know Danzo's already been detained by the village."
Sasuke fumed, "Then why exactly?!"
Sakura could only say, "Shizune-sensei said it's the Hokage's decision. You need to recover fully first, and then they'll arrange the surgery at the right time."
Hearing it was Tsunade's decision, Sasuke knew the surgery was off the table.
After all, the First Hokage's cell transplant surgery wasn't something just anyone could undergo. The only successful case so far was performed by Tsunade herself. If she wasn't willing, the surgery wouldn't happen!
In the secret laboratory.
Looking at Mumei lying on the operating table, Shinji instructed, "I'm now going to transplant the cells of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju. His cells contain highly potent Yang Release chakra, which can undergo nature transformation with your Yin Release chakra, achieving a Yin-Yang fusion."
Mumei listened intently.
The First Hokage, a household name in the shinobi world, was a complete stranger to her.
So, she was inwardly resistant to having Hashirama Senju's cells implanted.
After all, the Uchiha and Senju clans were sworn enemies, and she herself had been sealed by the Senju clan for over a century. The only reason she was willingly lying on the operating table was her trust in Shinji.
Sensing Mumei's reluctance, Shinji smiled, "Don't worry. Both Karin and I have had Hashirama Senju's cells implanted."
Mumei asked curiously, "Karin too?"
"Mm!" Nodding, Shinji said, "That's why the quality and quantity of our chakra have reached their current levels. Your Yin Release chakra is even stronger than mine was during my Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan phase, so if the surgery succeeds, the boost you'll get from Hashirama's cells will surpass mine!"
"I understand!"
Hearing that both Shinji and Karin had undergone the procedure, Mumei felt reassured.
Shinji began preparing for the surgery.
Calibrating instruments, sterilizing surgical tools, and preparing the fusion agent—once everything was ready, Shinji said to Mumei, "Remember, the Yang Release chakra in Hashirama's cells is extremely volatile. In the early stages of implantation, you might experience various discomforts. Whatever you do, don't panic!"
"Got it!"
Mumei nodded firmly.
Before being sealed, as a war weapon of her clan, she had undergone various experiments, so in this regard, her experience was far greater than Shinji might imagine!
Without further ado, Shinji skillfully implanted the First Hokage's cells into Mumei's arm, then injected the fusion agent.
As for suppressants, Shinji no longer needed them.
The existence of 'Jikibi' and 'Wazunagi' couldn't guarantee the surgery's success, but they ensured Mumei's life wouldn't be at risk, so even if the fusion failed, she wouldn't be in mortal danger.