Chapter 278: Fishing Requires Generous Bait
"This..." Mizuki hesitated before ultimately asking: "Could it be Lord Yasushi truly plans to cultivate a batch of Wood Release ninja for Konoha Village?"
"I thought Lord Yasushi would kill everyone."
Yasushi smiled while shaking his head, explaining:
"Compared to those ordinary low-level shinobi, I actually want to kill those clans more."
"As you know, those clans are all cunning old foxes—the type who won't release hawks without seeing rabbits."
"Even ordinary shinobi, once too many die, won't continue registering."
"No one's a fool. Constant failure without success—who would keep jumping into the pit?"
"But having successful examples is different. Not only will ordinary shinobi participate, even those clan members definitely won't resist this temptation. They'll send people to join the Hero Trial."
"Even when fishing, you must be willing to use generous bait!"
"These successful Wood Release ninja are the bait I've prepared for these people."
"As for threat concerns, you needn't worry at all."
"Wood Release is extremely chakra-consuming. Ordinary people, forget creating Wood Forest—even growing a single tree would leave them gasping for breath. No practical value whatsoever."
"This technique's power is actually similar to Susanoo—the key lies in chakra."
"Sufficient chakra quantity enables world-destroying power. Insufficient chakra makes you a weakling."
Actually, Mizuki was quite envious of Wood Release. But hearing Yasushi's explanation, he immediately extinguished this notion.
He knew his own situation clearly—he simply couldn't sustain Wood Release's consumption.
"But if so, won't tomorrow's live demonstration by Oda-kun be disastrous?"
"I know his situation too. Just slightly better than genin—at most chunin level. Can he smoothly use Wood Release?"
"Hehe..." Yasushi smiled strangely. "Rest assured, I've long considered this problem."
"I not only made him successfully fuse with Wood Release, but also embedded some White Zetsu tissue in his heart and body."
"The tissue is planted very covertly. He absolutely cannot detect it. But using it to power several Wood Release techniques poses no problems."
"Otherwise, how could an S-rank technique be released without studying for over a month?"
"More importantly, their lives are henceforth controlled by White Zetsu. Whenever I want them dead, they die."
"Hiss..." Mizuki gasped, completely abandoning thoughts of Wood Release cell transplantation.
"Lord Yasushi's calculations are truly flawless. Then I'll immediately attend to Oda-kun, give him Wood Release technique scrolls, guide him to quickly 'learn.'"
The next day, at the village training ground, almost everyone who could come had arrived, filling surrounding viewing platforms completely.
After everyone assembled, Mizuki walked energetically to the center field, loudly addressing surrounding spectators:
"Fellow village comrades, I'm delighted everyone could come today to watch our trial hero Oda-kun's Wood Release debut."
"I won't waste words here. Now let us welcome our hero Oda-kun to the stage!"
Stirring, passionate music suddenly sounded. Accompanying the music, Oda walked out from the entrance wearing an anxious expression, standing beside Mizuki.
This entire approach was naturally suggested by Yasushi—specifically referencing various talent show contestant entrances.
The effect proved excellent. Everyone's emotions immediately stirred.
"Waaaah!"
Without anyone leading, everyone simultaneously erupted in enthusiastic applause and cheers.
Oda usually received no such treatment in the village. He immediately grew so excited his face flushed completely red, not knowing where to put his hands.
Mizuki patiently waited for applause and cheers to diminish before waving to stop the music, then smiling at Oda:
"Oda-kun, first share your feelings with everyone!"
"What considerations led you to register for the Hero Trial?"
"Uh..." Oda carefully recalled the script he'd memorized, waving his fist while speaking firmly:
"For the village's peace!"
"I resolutely registered for the Hero Trial to help the village restore its past peace and prosperity!"
"I want to become stronger, defeat enemies threatening the village, protect the village—protect comrades—protect family and friends!"
"Waaaah..." Everyone immediately sent Oda enthusiastic applause again. Many even had tears streaming down their faces, moved by Oda's words.
Mizuki asked again: "The trial process was reportedly very painful. How did you endure it?"
Mentioning pain, Oda's cheek unconsciously twitched as though phantom pains still lingered.
But he still hadn't forgotten to follow Mizuki's instructions, trying his best to "encourage" other villagers.
"The trial process was indeed extremely, extremely painful. But whenever I thought of the harm suffered by the village, my spirit hurt even more."
"Where Konoha's leaves dance, fire burns eternally!"
"Under the Will of Fire's encouragement, I persisted through the trial's immense pain and successfully passed!"
Oda's words immediately resonated throughout the venue. Thunderous applause sounded again, continuing for quite some time.
Someone unknown started shouting slogans first. Then everyone followed, raising arms and cheering:
"Where Konoha's leaves dance, fire burns eternally!"
"Where Konoha's leaves dance, fire burns eternally!"
Watching the entire venue resembling a multi-level marketing convention, Mizuki smiled even more happily, also raising arms and cheering along.
After a long while, the venue finally quieted. Mizuki again asked Oda:
"Now after passing the trial, how does your body feel?"
Oda confidently patted his chest, speaking with delight:
"My body now feels ridiculously powerful—a hundred times stronger than before."
"Not just chakra quantity—even physical constitution greatly improved, and seems to continue improving constantly."
Immediately, everyone in the venue looked at him with envious eyes, wishing they were the ones becoming stronger.
Mizuki smiled:
"Words prove nothing. Let's see for ourselves."
"Oda-kun, please demonstrate your Wood Release ninjutsu to everyone."
Mizuki vanished with Body Flicker, leaving only Oda in the field.
Oda slowly formed hand seals bit by bit, then pressed his hands against the ground.
"Wood Release: Advent of a World of Trees!"
The earth immediately trembled. Accompanied by rumbling sounds like an earth dragon turning over, dozens of thick vine roots drilled out from underground, growing wildly toward the sky. Within moments they completely covered the entire training ground.
And rising skyward together with the Wood Release forest came equally frenzied, ecstatic cheers from everyone in the venue.
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