Chapter 272: Assemble, Heroes of Konoha!
Hearing the experiment wouldn't force participation but instead recruit volunteers, everyone's emotions calmed slightly.
However, their worldviews cultivated over many years made them still deeply reject "human experimentation."
"Lord Mizuki, those volunteers are also village shinobi! If they fail and die, won't their relatives and friends suffer unbearable trauma?"
"Indeed, this matter requires more caution."
Mizuki listened carefully to their opinions, lowering his head in thought before sighing:
"You all speak with mature prudence!"
"I was somewhat inconsiderate in this regard."
"Then let's do this—Advisor Nara, please compile statistics on who in the village is currently alone."
"I mean shinobi whose parents are dead, relatives all perished, and who have few friends."
"Our first batch of test subjects—ah, I mean trial heroes—will be selected primarily from among them!"
After speaking, he turned toward other clan jonin:
"These shinobi suffered the greatest harm from war. They surely hate war most, hate Uchiha Yasushi most."
"Simply tell them our Wood Release Sacred Body Hero Trial specifically aims to defeat Uchiha Yasushi. Surely they'll all willingly participate."
"Additionally, we must explain clearly—their participation in this trial embodies the Will of Fire, symbolizes Konoha's spirit."
"We must let them know that simply by registering, they become village heroes."
"Regardless of success or failure, the village will treat them as heroes."
"Whatever their current status, once they successfully pass the trial, they'll immediately be promoted to jonin with full jonin benefits."
"Even if they fail, their names will be inscribed on the memorial stone, receiving the village's eternal commemoration."
Finally, Mizuki waved his hand, promising:
"I promise here—once the technology succeeds, I'll popularize Wood Release transplantation throughout the village. All clan members can become Wood Release ninja."
This final statement finally made the wavering clans completely determined, agreeing to the plan.
After all, Wood Release's power made every shinobi envious!
Seeing all clans agree, Mizuki revealed a satisfied smile, adding:
"The nobility's reconstruction resources will arrive soon. The village will distribute resources based on contribution levels."
"The quantity and quality of trial heroes will also be linked to clan contribution levels—with quite high weighting."
"What?" All clan expressions immediately changed.
They'd originally planned to encourage common shinobi to practice the "Will of Fire" and register for this so-called "Wood Release Sacred Body Hero Trial," then their families could simply reap the benefits.
But with Mizuki's arrangement, if they didn't send people to participate in trials, wouldn't these reconstruction resources ultimately all fall into common shinobi hands?
How could this be acceptable?
Everyone immediately protested vehemently.
Mizuki patiently waited for them to finish before speaking seriously:
"Konoha's greatest current danger is Uchiha Yasushi. Any method helping defeat him receives high contribution levels."
"Unless you have other methods to resolve Uchiha Yasushi, the Wood Release Sacred Body Hero Trial must receive high contribution levels—this is non-negotiable."
"However, do you remember yesterday's suggestion?"
"Have you discovered any methods in your family records for defeating powerful enemies?"
"If so, feel free to bring them up for discussion."
"Regardless of whether ultimately adopted, as long as they possess some feasibility, you'll receive corresponding contribution levels."
Everyone exchanged glances before responding:
"The time was too short, the records too numerous. We haven't discovered anything yet."
"Please rest assured, Lord Mizuki. After returning, we'll definitely search records carefully. If we discover any methods, we'll definitely contribute them."
Only the Hyuga Main House elder spoke hesitantly:
"Well... actually, everyone witnessed the Tenseigan's power. It's not inferior to the Rinnegan."
"If the village continues supporting us in synthesizing several more Tenseigan, we might not be unable to defeat Uchiha Yasushi in the future."
Before he finished speaking, everyone's shocked gazes fell upon him.
The Hyuga clan had just caused the Branch House rebellion related to synthesizing Tenseigan, which even got Third Hokage killed.
Only a few months had passed, and they were already targeting the Branch House again?
That day before all villagers, the Hyuga Main House promised Third they'd never again force the Branch House to "donate" their eyes.
But after witnessing the Tenseigan's power, how could Hyuga Main House members remain content with merely possessing Byakugan?
Now seeing Mizuki in charge dared even conduct "human experimentation," perhaps he could overturn Third's previous promise and support the Main House continuing to synthesize Tenseigan!
So he tentatively broached the subject. Under everyone's strange stares, the Main House elder immediately deflated, shrinking his head while laughing dryly.
"Hehe, I'm just saying, just saying..."
"No, this method is excellent!" Mizuki suddenly praised loudly: "As I said earlier, the village's greatest danger now is Uchiha Yasushi."
"Any method beneficial to defeating him is a good method!"
"Even if there are some side effects, they're all acceptable."
"The village supports the Hyuga clan continuing to synthesize Tenseigan!"
"However, Elder Hyuga, let's be frank upfront—this time you absolutely cannot use the Caged Bird curse seal to continue forcing those Branch House members to 'donate' Byakugan."
"If internal strife emerges again, your Main House doesn't have many people left to be killed."
Hearing Mizuki's words, the Main House elder immediately grew excited, hastily patting his chest while repeatedly declaring:
"Lord Mizuki, rest assured! This time we'll definitely not employ coercion."
"We'll hold meetings with those Branch House members, conducting Will of Fire propaganda and education. We must let them deeply understand and study it, personally practicing it."
"I guarantee you—all Branch House members will definitely voluntarily participate in Tenseigan synthesis."
"Mm, that puts my mind at ease." Mizuki nodded with satisfaction, announcing the meeting's adjournment.
After everyone left, Mizuki came to another room, meeting Uchiha Yasushi waiting there.
"Lord Yasushi, the plan proceeds smoothly."
"In just a few days at most, you can personally conduct 'hero trials' for those Konoha heroes."
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