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Although Ishigami Hara handed over Konoha's main research projects to Orochimaru, he also studied certain things himself, and these were extremely advanced. Even Orochimaru could not provide much help in this regard, and many aspects could only be explored by him alone.
For example, in his experiments on Kekkai Genkai, more than ten kinds of Kekkai Genkai were created, and even the Tenseigan and Rinnegan were achieved through this research.
Of course, much happened during this process, but Ishigami Hara did not intend to reveal these details to the public, and only he knew the difficulties involved.
Now, however, discussing those difficulties is meaningless. After all, Ishigami Hara succeeded in his Kekkai Genkai research, and considering the results, those obstacles are now trivial to him.
Naturally, his skills played a role in this achievement; for instance, his [Scientific Research] skill had been upgraded to Level 3. Through precise operations and flashes of inspiration, he successfully unlocked a third characteristic, called Similar Point.
Similar Point allows him, once a few principles are understood, to deduce related points rapidly based on the research result.
This explanation remains somewhat general.
For example, regarding the semi-finished God tree seed in Ishigami Hara's previous experiments, once he understood the unique activity of White Zetsu cells, he could quickly deduce the God tree's transformation process into White Zetsu using this feature, then reverse-engineer certain characteristics of the God tree.
This entire process remains a deduction, but with flashes of inspiration, the deduction's accuracy exceeds 90%, which is remarkable!
Keep in mind, Ishigami Hara's research on the semi-finished God tree seed was conducted alone. His insights and accumulated knowledge are hardly comparable to the Ōtsutsuki, a star-born race with countless years of existence and experience studying the God tree in its true form.
Ishigami Hara achieved this level purely through his own abilities.
Without the assistance of these skill characteristics, who knows how much additional time might have been wasted.
Certainly, Ishigami Hara's resolve played a role as well. After all, he led this project himself, and only he understands the hardships involved.
Once the Hokage's order was issued, Konoha took immediate action. The Anbu began purging foreign intelligence personnel from the Land of Fire, while the village's ninjas started pre-war preparations, each contributing their strength, and everything proceeded in an orderly manner.
Though Ishigami Hara hadn't given an explicit or direct battle order to the Konoha shinobi, everyone now understood what was to come. After all, the ninja world was in turmoil, and no one was oblivious to this.
The appearance of White Zetsu is now known to the ninja world. Tens of thousands of White Zetsu are battling the other three major ninja villages in three directions. These villages are now completely on the defensive and unable to do much else. The situation is precarious.
As Ishigami Hara expected, White Zetsu inevitably appeared in the Land of Fire. After all, this is a major event affecting the entire ninja world, and Konoha cannot be exempt. Ultimately, it depends on when Uchiha Madara will act against Konoha.
At this moment, the overall atmosphere in Konoha Village has become tense. Even the most ordinary villagers understand that there is a high possibility of war, and this time, the conflict will be far more severe than before.
Even so, for the villagers, it was merely a change in atmosphere. They continued their daily routines, with minimal impact on their lives, aside from an additional task of evacuation drills.
The entire Konoha was preparing. The shinobi were extremely vigilant, with increased alert and patrol duties across the Land of Fire. Everyone was busy.
As one of the powerful clans in the current ninja world, the Ishigami clan was not as populous as the Uchiha and Hyūga clans, but the potential of its members had been well developed. Although not everyone could awaken the bloodline, the difference was minimal.
As the most promising member of the Ishigami clan after Ishigami Hara, Ishigami Asuka had gradually come to be known as the Ishigami Princess. As a highly valued clan member and close relative of the Hokage, she had also undertaken many tasks recently.
Due to the situation, although the Uchiha Shikazan team had not been disbanded, both the team leader, Jōnin Uchiha Shikazan, and his two disciples, Uchiha Inahiro and Ishigami Asuka, were now leading separate missions.
Ishigami Asuka's mission was to lead a patrol team, covering an extensive route that nearly spanned the entire Land of Fire.
In a dense forest, Ishigami Asuka was positioned in the middle, with fellow clan ninja Ishigami Goju in front and two Uchiha Jōnin following behind, forming a team specializing in ocular techniques.
Ishigami Goju was already at the Jōnin level and, in certain aspects, was comparable to Elite Jōnin.
Additionally, he possessed the Byakugan, which had earned him a notable reputation in Konoha.
He led from the front, scanning the surroundings with his Byakugan, appearing especially vigilant.
The two Uchiha Jōnin followed behind, keeping a watchful eye on the rear, showing their experience.
Teams like Uchiha Shikazan's and Uchiha Inahiro's, also formed of ocular-jutsu users, were mainly tasked with reconnaissance to prevent White Zetsu from infiltrating the Land of Fire and Konoha.
Today was the fourth day since they had received the mission, and their patrol route had brought them to the northern region of the Land of Fire, only half a day's journey from the northern border.
Suddenly, Ishigami Goju, who was leading, stopped abruptly, raised his hand, and assumed a solemn expression.
The three behind him halted, and Ishigami Asuka, the team leader, immediately activated her Byakugan and looked in the same direction as Ishigami Goju.
Clang!
Without hesitation, Ishigami Asuka had already drawn her ninja sword, and with her swift action, the two Jōnin following her reacted as well.
Although Ishigami Asuka was the youngest, she was the strongest in the team and fully capable of being the captain.
"Something's wrong!" she murmured, quickly forming a one-handed seal, a faint shadow cast over her eyes.
This shadow was a special Nature Transformation of Yin Release Chakra, enhancing ocular technique insight, particularly useful in detecting White Zetsu's hidden presence. This technique, developed by Ishigami Hara, was effective for spotting White Zetsu.
"It's White Zetsu, and there are thirty of them. Prepare for battle!"
At Ishigami Asuka's command, the team immediately responded. Then, Ishigami Asuka spoke again: "Senior Goju, send a message to the village with the Ninja Crow to inform the Hokage of this development."
"Yes!"