Chapter 112: Sandstorm

While Kato Yufeng’s true body was busy enjoying a sweet and tender embrace, on the other side of Konoha, within the Kato clan’s compound, his "Salted Fish" shadow clone was far from slacking off. Instead, it was diligently carrying out the tasks assigned by the main body.

The Salted Fish clone had been busy at Yufeng’s home all day. Not only did it complete the tasks left by the main body with precision, but after finishing the business regarding the White Zetsu clone in the evening, it immediately threw itself into practicing the newly acquired Mind Body Switch Technique without a moment’s rest. The clone truly proved that, despite being named "Salted Fish" by its unscrupulous main body, it was a hardworking salted fish—a stellar clone.

Kato Yufeng’s main body and his clone shared information in real-time. Aside from the distinction between primary and secondary, they were both, for all intents and purposes, Kato Yufeng. Consequently, the wonderful, tender intimacy the main body experienced was also felt by the clone—a double dose of happiness. This was evident in the clone’s expression: the same handsome face that had captured Tsunade’s heart, paired with a pair of signature "salted fish eyes" and a satisfied smile.

His joy and satisfaction were plain to see; it seemed the ninjutsu training was not in the least bit tedious. Furthermore, when the main body had been most deeply engrossed in the moment, the clone had thoughtfully and unilaterally severed the link, ensuring the dry, repetitive training wouldn't distract the main body from its first kiss with Tsunade.

Now that the main body had fallen asleep with Tsunade in his arms, the clone prepared to wrap up its own training. It had been a productive day. Limited by the facilities at home, the clone had conducted a rough study of the White Zetsu specimen and had actually discovered something unique—something different compared to the patients at the Spring Base.

This unique finding, or rather, hypothesis, allowed Yufeng to resolve several doubts regarding Wood Release and why the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, was so singular. White Zetsu, along with some of its variants, were among the few in the original story—aside from Hashirama, the Otsutsuki family, Shimura Danzo, Uchiha Obito, Tenzō Yamato, and the Reanimated Madara—capable of using Wood Release.

What was the relationship between White Zetsu and Senju Hashirama? To Uchiha Madara, White Zetsu were low-quality, mass-produced items derived from cultivating Hashirama’s cells. To Orochimaru, Tenzō Yamato could enhance the abilities of White Zetsu. To the Second Hokage, Tobirama, White Zetsu’s cells were identical to Hashirama’s. To the Allied Shinobi Forces' medical team during the Fourth Great Ninja War, White Zetsu’s DNA was strikingly similar to Hashirama’s, effectively making them clones of his cells. However, to Black Zetsu, those trapped in the Infinite Tsukuyomi were transformed into White Zetsu through the influence of the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, or the God Tree.

So, with these overlapping yet conflicting perspectives, who was correct? In reality, they all were. In the original series, the true source of Wood Release was not Hashirama himself, but the God Tree—the origin of all ninjutsu. Yufeng’s unlearned technique, the "Wood Release: Thorn Binding and Thorn Killing," was clear evidence of this; according to the White Zetsu clone’s memories, it derived directly from the Demonic Statue, i.e., the Ten-Tails God Tree.

Today, the clone compared the cells of the White Zetsu to those of the patients at the Spring Base and found that the White Zetsu cells contained significantly more Wood Release power. Thinking back, the special soul fragments Yufeng had absorbed were also provided by the special energy of the White Zetsu.

Beyond their shared connection to Hashirama’s cells, the White Zetsu had also undergone transformation by the power of the Demonic Statue. Kato Yufeng speculated that in his early years, Senju Hashirama must have accidentally acquired the power of the Ten-Tails God Tree. The combination of the two created the unique Wood Release that made Hashirama the invincible "God of Shinobi." Of course, these were merely hypotheses based on today’s rough research and previous intelligence; many areas remained blurry and required further verification.

To Yufeng, the White Zetsu clone might not have immediate direct benefits, but for Konoha, the power of the Ten-Tails God Tree concealed within it was highly valuable. It could provide excellent reference or assistance for Yufeng’s "New Spring" mission and for Konoha’s efforts to cultivate a new generation of Wood Release users. If his hypothesis held true, Yufeng now held a strong card. Whether he chose to trade with Danzo or report it to the village, it would play a significant role.

After organizing the day’s findings and practicing the Mind Body Switch Technique a bit longer, the Salted Fish clone went to bed. Tomorrow, a calm and busy day might await Kato Yufeng, or perhaps a brilliant and sweet one, or maybe...

***

It was also night in the endless desert, where the wind brought endless sand and dust. The night in Sunagakure was not as beautiful or romantic as Konoha’s, with its flowing Milky Way and crescent moon. Located deep in the interior of the Land of Wind, in the heart of the great desert, sandstorms were as common there as rain in the Land of Rain.

Tonight was another night of plain, brutal sandstorms; the environment outside could truly be described as "unable to see one's own five fingers." Faced with such extreme weather, the common villagers of Sunagakure could only retreat early into their homes, seeking a rare sense of security within their dim but sturdy dwellings.

At the center of the village, the Kazekage’s residence, the scene was different—it remained a place of light and activity. In the top-floor office, the Third Kazekage, Sandaime Kazekage, was holding a meeting with several elders regarding the future of Sunagakure and the peace of the ninja world. The meeting had already lasted over ten hours, starting in the afternoon and stretching into the dead of night, yet the discussion remained heated.

Most of the elders were remnants from the era of the previous Kazekage, Shamon, with only a few being young ninjas of the Third Kazekage’s generation. The extreme climate had forged a unique character in the ninjas of Suna: resilient, tough, tenacious, adventurous, radical, conservative, and stubborn. These conflicting traits were on full display in that office.

The Third Kazekage, sitting at the head of the table, felt a flicker of fatigue as he watched the elders bickering. He glanced out the window: nothing but darkness, wind, and sand. The intensity of the sandstorm made him frown, a flash of disgust crossing his eyes as if he recalled a painful memory, which only served to harden his resolve.

The Third Kazekage tapped the table, drawing the attention of the arguing elders, and gathered his strength to deliver his closing remarks.

"Look at the sandstorm outside. Our people have lived in this extreme environment for generations. We ninjas can endure it, but what of the ordinary citizens of the Land of Wind? They have no choice but to endure it silently! And for how long? Forever!"

"Our territory is vast, nearly the size of the other four great nations combined, yet our land is the most barren, ranking at the very bottom of the five great nations."

"Look at our neighbors—their lands are small, yet so prosperous."

"The Land of Wind needs land—rich, fertile land. The Land of Wind can wait no longer; Sunagakure can wait no longer."

"If we wait any longer, this endless sandstorm outside will break our spine. We will be forced to crawl at the feet of other nations, acting as their biting dog!"

"The ninja world has been at peace for too long; it needs war. Sunagakure needs war!"

"Now is our strongest moment and the enemy’s weakest. It is the best opportunity for Sunagakure to rise! And we are not alone; there is also..."

...

"Everyone here is a pillar of Sunagakure. I hope you will reflect deeply on today’s agenda."

"War—only war can allow Sunagakure to rise! Let war sweep through the ninja world like the sandstorm outside! Sunagakure will rise amidst this endless tempest!"

"Meeting adjourned!"

After the meeting, the Third Kazekage sat alone in his office, staring into the darkness and the roaring storm, lost in thought. He thought of the previous Kazekage, Shamon, and his earnest teachings. He thought of the mysterious figure who had approached him months ago, and that person’s eyes—the legendary eyes of the Sage of the Six Paths. He thought of the meeting and the stubborn old fossils who had adamantly opposed his proposal.

The Third Kazekage clenched his fist. Behind him, clusters of black iron sand began to gather—a darkness as absolute as the storm outside.