Chapter 51: The God of Shinobi's Test
Not that he didn't want to—he simply couldn't...
Wood Release was a powerful ninjutsu that transcended the seven standard chakra natures. Not only did it possess endlessly varied abilities, it also granted Senju Hashirama superhuman regenerative power. But Wood Release was not without its flaws...
"Wood Release can create true life, and the price it exacts is inevitably one's own life."
Senju Hashirama shook his head with a bitter smile. "In that battle with Madara at the Valley of the End, I only barely won—but it consumed far too much of my life force."
As he spoke, Senju Hashirama extended his hands and lightly cut open the fair, delicate skin with his fingernails. There was no blood, no flesh—only a shocking sight like the trunk of a withered tree...
At this moment, Senju Hashirama was like a tall birch tree hollowed out by insects—upright on the outside, yet filled with decayed life within its trunk...
"Why are you telling me this?"
Li Jie xuan's voice was somewhat cold. For Senju Hashirama to reveal such a secret to him seemed to imply something.
"Because you are Konoha's future!"
Senju Hashirama burst out laughing, teasing Li Jie xuan. "A three-year-old jōnin—even the Sage of Six Paths wouldn't be much better, right?"
"I'm far from that strong!"
In front of Senju Hashirama, Li Jie xuan harbored no illusions and admitted frankly. "Right now, in front of a true jōnin, all I can do is run for my life!"
Jōnin had always been high-end combat power in the world of Naruto. Some exceptional jōnin even mastered several S-rank techniques. Compared to that, Li Jie xuan's little Lightning Cutter truly wasn't enough. What was more, his genin-level chakra meant he couldn't sustain a prolonged fight at all...
"But you'll continue to grow stronger, won't you?"
Senju Hashirama stared intently at Li Jie xuan, his eyes carrying an indescribable meaning. "In just two months, you've already gained such power. If ANBU hadn't confirmed it repeatedly, even I wouldn't dare believe it!"
In the span of two months, from a clueless infant to a youthful prodigy capable of defeating Hyuga Bozhen—the leap was enormous, the time impossibly short. Even with Senju Hashirama's temperament, he was genuinely astonished...
Li Jie xuan wasn't surprised at all that Senju Hashirama had uncovered his background. When he decided to challenge Hyuga Bozhen, he had already prepared himself mentally.
"If I give you more time to train, even I look forward to seeing what heights you'll reach."
Senju Hashirama made no attempt to hide his admiration for Li Jie xuan. "Perhaps, in a few years, you really will become Konoha's future!"
"You want to persuade me to stay?"
Li Jie xuan was greatly surprised. He hadn't expected Senju Hashirama to also oppose him going to the battlefield...
"You should know how ruthless the various nations are when it comes to strangling geniuses in the cradle."
Senju Hashirama sighed softly. "Over the years, Konoha hasn't lost just a few talented youths. If you stay in Konoha, I might be able to guarantee your safety. But if you go to the battlefield..."
That kind of flesh grinder—geniuses died there in droves. Even the fall of Kage-level powerhouses barely counted as news.
"Flowers raised in a greenhouse may bloom beautifully, but they are nothing more than playthings!"
After pondering for a long while, Li Jie xuan still shook his head gently. "Besides, if you really investigated everything thoroughly, then you should understand that I have a reason why I must go to the battlefield."
"I can't let that idiot go to the battlefield alone. This is a debt I owe him!"
With that, Li Jie xuan turned and left without another word. Senju Hashirama's decay filled him with anger. In Li Jie xuan's heart, Senju Hashirama had always been the God of Shinobi who laughed loudly and freely.
Could it be that even the God of Shinobi could not withstand the erosion of time?
After Li Jie xuan had gone far away, Senju Hashirama gazed quietly into the distance. After a long moment, he suddenly burst into laughter.
"Now I really believe it, Li Jie xuan!"
"Konoha's future, huh?"
Senju Hashirama smiled faintly, a profound and unfathomable expression appearing on his face. "Little Tsunade, you have good taste. Now, I can finally set my mind at ease..."
Even if a towering tree had grown old, the will of the God of Shinobi would never decay...
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