Once the curse mark patterns covered their bodies, the twenty people immediately consumed the Snake Heart Pill and then collapsed onto the ground clutching their chests.
"Rest assured, there won't be any issues. I've tested it many times,"
Uchiha Yoichi comforted the two people beside him, who seemed worried. He had killed dozens of people in the dream space to ensure there was no danger whatsoever.
This was just the process of adapting to natural energy while the Immortal Technique altered their bodies.
As time passed, the skin color of these twenty clan members changed, but other than that, there were no physical mutations.
Uchiha Yoichi knew from the dream space last night what was happening. His absorption of natural energy was far superior to that of the other clan, whose physique was incomplete and couldn't compare to Uchiha Yoichi's.
Using his chakra, the body wouldn't undergo excessive mutation, only having changes in skin appearance.
After a while, they gradually got up from the ground, and some of them looked at their hands with amazement. They felt their chakra flow was multiple times stronger than before, and their chakra amount had increased significantly.
Along with that, their strength, speed, and reactions had improved a lot, resulting in a comprehensive enhancement.
"Even the chakra has changed so much; it's truly worthy of Sage Mode..."
Uchiha Yokokawa observed the changes in these twenty people with his Sharingan, and couldn't help but speak with envy.
"No need to be envious, Senior Yokokawa. When there are more Snake Heart Pills, all clan members will have them."
"By the way, Mr. Yoichi, Clan Leader Fugaku is aware of this."
Uchiha Yokokawa said as he leaned in, referring to yesterday's task of sending clan members to the battlefield, not the Sage Curse Seal.
"What did the clan leader say?"
"I believe after inquiring there was no follow-up, but somehow I have a sense that something isn't quite right?"
"Although Clan Leader Fugaku lacks ability, he wouldn't tamper with such matters. Even if he targets, it would only be me, rest assured, Senior Yokokawa."
After Uchiha Yoichi spoke, he timed it precisely, withdrawing the twenty people from the curse mark state after five minutes.
Once they left the curse-mark state, they sat powerlessly on the ground, gasping for breath.
It was then Uchiha Yoichi spoke: "The Sage Curse Seal will drain your stamina significantly. Given your current skills, five minutes is the limit; exceeding that, you're close to death. So this is to ensure your survival."
The curse mark state can be frequently activated, with minimal stamina consumption. However, the second state of the Sage Curse Seal is a last-ditch effort.
"Understood."
"Yes!"
The twenty Uchiha clan members nodded quickly, having just tested that powerful force, which indeed provided a comprehensive enhancement to the body.
Uchiha Yoichi instructed them to familiarize themselves with the power over the next two days, then left to find Hatake Sakumo.
Hatake Family consisted of just the father and son duo, but the house was quite spacious, especially since it included their private blade-training area.
Uchiha Yoichi didn't beat around the bush and told Hatake Sakumo upon arrival that he could bring fifty people, including twelve Chunin and thirty-six Genin.
He also wanted to count his four students, along with Jonin leading them onto the battlefield. There was no reason for Yuhi Kurenai and the other three to stay in the village.
"Mr. Yoichi, you should be the captain of the Ninja Corps by then. I'll talk to the Third Hokage,"
Hatake Sakumo said, as he was the chief commander of the east line battle, with the deputy commanders also appointed. Now, mainly the captains of the three Ninja Corps and management of other ninja affairs remained.
Given Uchiha Yoichi's prowess and fame, becoming a corps captain was entirely feasible.
The mission in the Land of Rivers and intercepting the Third Raikage's Hidden Cloud Ninja unit demonstrated that Uchiha Yoichi was a reliable teammate.
"Alright, I'll wait for Senior Sakumo's news then."
After Uchiha Yoichi left, Hatake Sakumo went to the Hokage Building to find Sarutobi Hiruzen.
After stating his purpose, Sarutobi Hiruzen stroked his chin in deep contemplation.
Adding forty-eight Uchiha Ninja to the battlefield was undeniably beneficial, but he was hesitant about giving Uchiha Yoichi such an important position.
This position held more power on the battlefield than any except the commanders. If Uchiha Yoichi returned successful, wouldn't the Uchiha's reputation in the village grow substantially?
He didn't bear a grudge against Uchiha but hoped they inherited the will of his friend, Uchiha Kagami. If that were the case, he wouldn't mind raising their status within the village.
Yet, Sarutobi Hiruzen had found only two Uchiha like Kagami, devoted to the village: one was Uchiha Shisui, Kagami's grandson, and the other was Uchiha Obito, who entirely didn't resemble a typical Uchiha.
Even Uchiha Fugaku envisioned developing the Uchiha Race peacefully, not considering Konoha's interests.
Not to mention the obstinate Uchiha Yoichi, who'd dared hit someone publicly in the Hokage Building. If his position kept rising, what then?
"Sakumo, isn't Uchiha Yoichi too young? Is it perhaps unsuitable to assign him such a significant responsibility?"
"Third Hokage, despite his age, Uchiha Yoichi's skill and mission acuity are excellent. His flawless mission record alone proves his competence. I trust him to handle the position of captain well."
Hatake Sakumo replied, almost guaranteeing Uchiha Yoichi's capability.
With this argument presented, Sarutobi Hiruzen reluctantly agreed to Uchiha Yoichi's appointment; refusal would first upset Hatake Sakumo, and finding a suitable replacement at this point would be challenging.
On the brighter side, this also counted as Uchiha contributing to the village.
——————————————
"Lord Madara, Lord Madara~"
From underground, White Zetsu protruded his head, calling out a few times but noticing no reaction from Uchiha Madara. He then exclaimed with a panicked tone: "Lord Madara is gone...."
"Quiet!"
The ancient voice of Uchiha Madara sounded, and then his singular Three-Tomoe Sharingan opened, staring at the annoying White Zetsu asking: "What is it?"
"The Uchiha Obito you've ordered me to surveil, he's recently left the village. Shall the plan be executed? But it seems Konoha Village now has another Uchiha genius, quite similar to the previous Uchiha Yoichi, and rather akin in character to Uchiha Obito. The two are like a fusion..."
"Is that so, does Uchiha Shisui have any close relations?"
"Apparently not, he often trains alone."
"Alone...."
Without a beloved, there's little chance to experience the loss that could awaken the Mangekyo, his mere Three-Tomoe strength wasn't worthy of his plan.
"No need, continue observing Uchiha Obito. Besides, the plan isn't urgent even with Uchiha; at ten years old, they're yet physically inadequate to awaken the Three-Tomoe or Mangekyo. Don't bother me unnecessarily."
Uchiha Madara glanced at White Zetsu, warning him.
Individuals like Uchiha Obito, with intense emotions, only awaken greater power upon losing love.
Regarding the plan, there's no rush. Nine years old is still too young, insufficient to support the awakening of the Three-Tomoe or Mangekyo.
"Go gather intelligence on the four ninja villages."
"Understood, Lord Madara, though could you provide more clones? Having so many tasks at once is challenging with few clones..."
"Wait here."
Uchiha Madara said and then fell silent, eyes closing. Behind him stood the towering Gedo Statue, supporting his chakra and life, densely covered with White Zetsu.