Xu Ming could feel that his body's capacity to bear power had significantly increased.
Previously, his Sage Transformation eyes were always exposed because they were too strong for his mortal body to handle. His physical state hadn't yet evolved enough to properly contain and control these powerful, alienated organs. As a result, his golden flame-like eyes were constantly highlighted.
"But things are different now," Xu Ming murmured, deep in thought. "I've obtained the Sage Body, which is a diluted version of the power that originally derived from Wood Style. This is essentially the initial stage of Sage Transformation for the body!"
His gaze sharpened, and his expression grew serious.
"The essence of Wood Style is the power of Sage Transformation," he analyzed.
"What I received is a weakened form of that power, akin to a diluted version of Sage Transformation. This manifests as immense vitality and a vast reserve of physical energy."
"Now that Sage Transformation has strengthened my body, it has finally reached a level where it can match the strength of my eyes."
With the balance restored, he could now freely reveal or conceal his Sage Transformation eyes at will.
This was natural.
After all, how could an immortal be incapable of controlling their own power?
Previously, Xu Ming's inability to control his transformation had been due to an imbalance—his eyes had evolved, but the rest of his body had not.
"The true essence of the First Hokage's Wood Style lies in the power of the Divine Tree," he mused.
"The Divine Tree's power was originally condensed into the Chakra Fruit, which Ōtsutsuki Kaguya consumed, leading to the birth of Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo and Ōtsutsuki Hamura. When Hagoromo inherited this power, it manifested in two distinct forms—Immortal Eyes and the Sage Body—which were then passed down to his sons, Indra and Ashura, respectively."
"The power of the 'eye' and the power of the 'body'..."
"In that case, I've only acquired half of the Sage of Six Paths' inheritance so far."
Xu Ming lowered his head, lost in thought.
The sheer amount of information flooding his mind was overwhelming, and he needed time to process it.
First and foremost, Sage Transformation was the process of cultivating natural energy to ascend toward godhood.
The Ōtsutsuki clan, often referred to as a "clan of gods," had perfected this technique using the Divine Tree to absorb natural energy and enhance their strength.
In essence, the Ōtsutsuki clan had been practicing Sage Transformation for generations.
One of their ancestors had reached an unfathomable level in natural energy cultivation, ultimately refining Chakra—a highly advanced power incorporating all seven forms of Nature Transformation.
Over time, this Chakra was inherited by the Ōtsutsuki sages and passed down through their lineage.
"If that's the case, then Chakra itself is actually a type of immortal energy," Xu Ming murmured. "But it belongs to the Ōtsutsuki clan... They've mastered this path far beyond what the three Great Sage Regions have achieved."
He slowly nodded, solidifying his understanding.
"My golden flame-like eyes are the result of my initial Sage Transformation."
"But the Sage Body I just received was developed by the Ōtsutsuki clan's sages over countless years… In other words, I, an outsider, have stolen their hard-earned knowledge through the system."
At that thought, his heartbeat quickened, and his eyes gleamed with both excitement and ambition.
Suddenly, he could see the path before him.
The Ōtsutsuki clan.
If he could continue using the system to steal the knowledge and power of the Ōtsutsuki clan, wouldn't he become like Shibai Ōtsutsuki, devouring the power of countless planets and transcending life and death to become an all-powerful god?
"This… this actually seems feasible!"
Xu Ming rubbed his chin, deep in thought.
If studying the First Hokage's Wood Style cells had granted him a rudimentary Sage Body—akin to Ashura's bloodline within a few generations—then what if he studied the Uchiha clan's Sharingan?
If Orochimaru were to uncover something from the Uchiha bloodline, wouldn't the system reward him with the power of the Immortal Eyes?
If he could combine the Sage Body and the Immortal Eyes, wouldn't he effectively become the second Sage of Six Paths?
"My heart is set," Xu Ming declared, his determination firm.
"This is my path—seizing the power of the Ōtsutsuki clan, the so-called 'gods' of this world."
The Senju Clan Reacts
Orochimaru's breakthrough in Wood Style research quickly spread among Konoha's higher-ups.
News of it stirred unrest within the Senju clan.
"Has Lord Hashirama's power finally been unraveled?"
"This is incredible! Our Senju clan will finally rise to prominence again!"
"Hashirama-sama, are you watching over us from the Pure Land?"
"Hiruzen truly has an outstanding disciple!"
Many Senju clan members, especially those who had participated in the research, were overwhelmed with excitement.
They believed this was a chance to restore the glory of the Senju name, to once again wield the power that had once dominated the ninja world.
However, not everyone in the clan supported the project.
Some Senju members opposed the research, believing it was inhumane and completely against Hashirama Senju's ideals.
Behind the scenes, this faction quietly gathered to discuss their next move.
A Secret Meeting
Late at night, in an abandoned training ground within Konoha, several imposing figures gathered in the darkness.
Their faces were obscured, but each one knew the others' identities well.
"It's time to take action," a hoarse voice announced.
"Agreed," another answered gravely.
"Konoha is unknowingly sliding toward disaster. The actions of Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzō are completely against the vision Hashirama-sama had when founding this village!" a third voice added.
"The true culprit behind this is Senju Tobirama!"
A sharp tone filled with anger and disdain cut through the night.
"Under the pretense of researching Hashirama-sama's cause of death, he deceived everyone. In reality, he was secretly studying Hashirama-sama's Wood Style power for his own purposes!"
"Enough! Do not mention that man again!" an elderly voice interjected.
Silence fell over the training ground.
Everyone turned to look at the elder who had spoken.
He was their leader.
"Since we all share the same belief, let's act now," the old Senju patriarch decreed. "Warn those two young fools, but do not take any lives. However, the research base must be destroyed. Burn all the data."
"Understood!"
The gathered figures answered in unison.
Seven Days Later
A week passed.
Xu Ming left his home and made his way to the research facility at Orochimaru's invitation.
Previously, Orochimaru had said he would need about a week to harness the power of Wood Style.
Even though Xu Ming had received his system feedback that same night, he pretended to be unaware. He waited the full week before heading to the facility, playing along with the plan.
However, as he walked through the village, something felt off.
The night was eerily silent.
Xu Ming took a step past the village gate and suddenly sensed two hidden auras nearby.
There was a faint but unmistakable hostility in the air.
His expression darkened.
"Trouble..." he muttered under his breath.