Chapter 129: Chapter 129: Can You Teach Us That Technique?
Chapter 129: Can You Teach Us That Technique?
Many among the crowd didn't understand how what Uchiha Dali had just explained was connected to the "new plan" he'd mentioned earlier.
Spies could perhaps pass on intelligence to other nations.
But wouldn't that only make the other Hidden Villages more vigilant? Did he really expect them to surrender themselves voluntarily and pledge allegiance to the Land of Fire just because of that?
People were confused.
However, Namikaze Minato was clever. He had already keenly grasped the essence of Uchiha Dali's plan.
"So, Lord Fourth, you had us establish a Ninja Academy, develop our economy, and even plan to use Wood Release to help the Land of Wind improve its harsh living conditions…"
"These measures aren't just about changing our own nation, are they?"
"In truth, they're meant to be seen by the other Hidden Villages, by the other nations."
Namikaze Minato hit the nail on the head.
He had accurately expressed what was on Uchiha Dali's mind.
Everything Uchiha Dali was having them do now was precisely to win over hearts and minds.
Among the Five Great Nations, the Land of Wind and the Land of Water already had fairly decent economic and military power.
But compared to the Land of Fire, they were still significantly behind.
Especially the Land of Wind—with such a harsh environment, where many villagers could barely get enough to eat—and yet it still managed to rank among the Five Great Nations.
That alone showed how pitifully weak the smaller countries and minor villages must be.
Conquering them by force was certainly possible.
But if those countries could witness the transformation of the Land of Wind and the Land of Water after being brought under the Land of Fire's rule—
If they could see the tangible benefits and prosperity brought by the unification of the ninja world—
Then it was very likely they would willingly come knocking on the door themselves.
When people truly turn their hearts toward you, there's no need to force them with power.
The admiration of strength is a universal trait across all eras and societies—it's perfectly natural.
Uchiha Dali's goal was to make the entire ninja world see.
Upon hearing Minato's analysis, Uchiha Dali nodded at him with great satisfaction.
"As expected of the genius Namikaze Minato," he praised.
Now the other shinobi finally understood.
Nara Shikaku had actually been the first to grasp Uchiha Dali's true intentions.
But he didn't want to be the one to speak up, so he stayed silent.
Now, he showed a knowing smile.
"Lord Fourth, your plan is indeed far better than trying to conquer other countries by force."
"Back in the day, the First Hokage likely had the same idea, which is why he never unified the ninja world. Otherwise, with his overwhelming power, ruling the entire ninja world wouldn't have been difficult."
Homura Mitokado finally voiced a thought he had held in his heart for years.
However, there was one thing he didn't say.
Back when Konoha was founded, the village didn't just have Senju Hashirama, the "God of Shinobi."
There was another great figure on their side as well—
Uchiha Madara!
If the First Hokage had truly intended to unify the world, with those two working together and all nine tailed beasts under his control, they would have been unstoppable.
Upon hearing this, Uchiha Dali simply smiled without saying anything.
Winning over the ninja world was merely the first step.
As for the steps beyond that, of course he wouldn't reveal them.
"All right, go and take care of your tasks. I'm heading out," Uchiha Dali said, turning to leave.
But just then, Sarutobi Hiruzen stepped forward to stop him.
"Lord Fourth."
Uchiha Dali turned to face him.
"Could you teach everyone how you learned to awaken the Wood Release bloodline limit?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen asked sincerely.
Hearing this, Uchiha Dali glanced around at the other shinobi.
Sure enough, everyone's eyes were fixed on him, burning with anticipation.
Their hopeful expressions were more than evident.
But Uchiha Dali directly shook his head and refused.
His response left everyone a bit stunned.
Then he explained, "Don't misunderstand. It's not that I'm unwilling to share the method—it's just that even if I taught you the Wood Release, you wouldn't be able to unleash its true power."
This only confused everyone further.
Namikaze Minato rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Could you explain the underlying principle?"
Uchiha Dali turned to him with a smile. "If it's you, I'm sure you'll grasp it quickly, Minato."
"Just remember one key point: Wood Release is what it is because it involves continuously converting your chakra into life force, giving rise to all living things upon the land."
"That's the foundation for unlocking the power of the Wood Release bloodline limit."
Minato's body gave a slight jolt—he understood instantly.
"I get it now."
"You're saying that the true determinant of Wood Release's power… is chakra volume!"
"You really are sharp, Minato," Uchiha Dali praised.
The others also began to realize the truth.
Everyone present was at least of jōnin-level strength—they understood chakra intimately.
In reality, chakra is the foundation of all ninjutsu and taijutsu. Without chakra, everything is nothing.
And the strength of ninjutsu and taijutsu is directly tied to one's chakra reserves.
A ninja with 100 units of chakra, even if using the lowest-level Fire Release technique, could turn it into a raging inferno just by sheer chakra output.
Whereas a ninja with only one unit of chakra using the same technique would produce barely a spark.
Wood Release is the same.
In fact, compared to other techniques, it demands even more chakra.
Because its essence is to convert chakra into life force, triggering the growth of all things and manipulating plants for offense or defense.
If your chakra reserve is insufficient, you simply cannot reach the level of the First Hokage—reshaping landscapes, suppressing tailed beasts.
In fact, you'd struggle to use it effectively in combat or even self-defense.
"Without a massive chakra reserve as a foundation, Wood Release is little more than a handy skill for building houses," Uchiha Dali chuckled.
Though they now understood the essence of Wood Release, everyone still looked a bit disappointed.
After all, what was once considered an invincible bloodline limit turned out to be all about brute chakra.
Seeing their somewhat dissatisfied faces, Uchiha Dali had a sudden thought.
"Well then—since you don't believe me, I might as well teach you the Wood Release."
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