Naruto: With Favorabiltity System

Chapter 175: Merging the First Hokage's Cells, Konoha's Future Set to Change!

"The Ryūchi Cave… it's overseas, near the Land of Water," Haneda thought, swallowing at the idea of Sage Chakra.

Sage Chakra could be immensely useful, enhancing sensory perception and the power of jutsu. Moreover, the techniques from Ryūchi Cave rivaled those of Mount Myōboku. Kabuto Yakushi's *White Rage Technique*, for instance, combined blinding light and a piercing sound to overwhelm an opponent's senses while delivering a devastating explosive attack—an attack that even the *Susanoo* couldn't fully block.

"Unfortunately, now isn't the right time," Haneda sighed, thinking of the current situation in the Land of Water as he approached the unconscious Jiraiya. He lifted Jiraiya onto his back and started toward Konoha.

Before long, three or four ANBU operatives, each wearing different animal masks, approached. Haneda placed Jiraiya down and, with a calm expression, said, "There was a massive Chakra surge in the Forest of Death. When I arrived, Jiraiya-sama had already exhausted his Chakra and fallen unconscious."

The ANBU squad leader could guess that Jiraiya had fought and lost to Orochimaru.

"Uchiha Haneda," the squad leader asked cautiously, "did you notice any suspicious individuals nearby? This concerns the village's security."

"No," Haneda replied, shaking his head as he prepared to leave.

The squad leader raised his right hand slightly, signaling the other ANBU not to stop Haneda. Then, after moving quickly for a while, he explained to his confused subordinates, "Konoha is about to change."

"We're a division serving the Hokage," he added. His words made the other ANBU operatives fall silent. They understood, realizing the gravity of the situation, and kept the matter to themselves. In a few days, the Third Hokage would step down, and Minato Namikaze, supported by the Uchiha, would become the Fourth Hokage.

...

Back in the Uchiha district, Haneda noticed that the village had entered a state of high alert. Uchiha police members were patrolling through the night, and ninja moved along rooftops all over Konoha.

But Haneda, the orchestrator behind it all, felt little concern. This state of unrest was due to the very events he had set in motion.

Upon arriving home, Haneda went directly to his hidden underground room to avoid any interruptions. Initially a storage room for valuables, it had since evolved into a library and a space to research sealing techniques.

With the tube containing the First Hokage's cells in hand, Haneda activated his Mangekyō Sharingan, channeling his ocular power to begin merging with the cells. Slowly, he poured the contents of the tube onto his arm, feeling a sharp sting that rapidly escalated into intense, searing pain.

Haneda barely blinked. He had endured far worse. After some time, the agony ebbed, replaced by a soothing coolness spreading throughout his body as if every cell within him were celebrating. Looking down at his arm, he saw a white face pattern etched into his skin—a sign of a successful fusion with the First Hokage's cells.

The success made sense. With his Sage Body, the power of his Mangekyō Sharingan to control the cells, and the stabilizing force of *Shinra Banshō*, fusion was practically inevitable.

Yet, he estimated it would still take a year for a full integration of the First Hokage's potent cells. Until then, the risk of backlash remained—if he exhausted his Mangekyō's power and failed to suppress the cells, they could overwhelm him. This was similar to Danzo's precarious balance using Sharingan to restrain Hashirama's cells; a single mistake could be fatal.

Fortunately, Haneda's circumstances would gradually improve. With time, his ocular power and Chakra reserves would only grow.

"I'll have to refrain from further development of the Mangekyō for a while," he murmured, "and I'll need to ease up on intense training."

But it was all worth it. The benefits of a complete Sage Body included more than extra Chakra; they enabled powerful Wood Release techniques like *Flower Tree World*, *Wood Golem Technique*, and even *True Several Thousand Hands*. The combination of *Susanoo* with *Wood Golem* was within his grasp.

One lingering concern was the possibility of Obito attacking Konoha when Naruto was born. However, that would be next year, and by then, Haneda expected his power to be sufficient to deal with Obito.

...

The following morning, a shocking announcement spread through Konoha: Orochimaru had defected, becoming an S-ranked rogue ninja! It was hard to believe that a strong candidate for Hokage would abandon the village right before the election. Yet, this news was officially released from the Hokage's office.

In addition, another major announcement followed: the Third Hokage would soon retire, and Minato Namikaze would take over as the Fourth Hokage in three days.

That morning, Haneda found himself blocked at home by Uchiha Fugaku and several clan elders. He answered the door, holding his toothbrush and a cup, and casually invited them in.

"Come in," he said calmly, looking at Fugaku's excitement and the elders' approving expressions. He already had an idea why they were there—it was most likely about Orochimaru's defection and Minato's impending ascension as Hokage.

After freshening up, Haneda looked at Fugaku and said, "You're here to discuss Orochimaru's defection, right?"

Fugaku nodded. "Yes, the Hokage has already announced it, though no specific details were shared. Hachidai mentioned that Orochimaru had allegedly conducted human experiments and was discovered in the act."

Thinking of Haneda's previous prediction, Fugaku asked in a low voice, "Could this be the 'big event' you mentioned?"

Haneda smiled without confirming or denying it. "In a way, but the outcome is favorable," he said, letting the elders make their own guesses.

The head elder, realizing that Haneda seemed to have anticipated everything, looked at him with newfound respect, recalling his own skepticism from before. Blushing slightly, he thought of how his doubts seemed foolish now.

Fugaku chuckled, saying, "Haneda, we owe you. With Minato as Hokage, the Uchiha clan will finally have better standing in the village. Perhaps this will even reduce the bias against us."

***

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