Senju Tobirama's chakra was naturally overwhelming—its high energy density carried an intensity and abundance that far surpassed anything Hane Genma, an ordinary man, could have ever imagined.
The strongest opponent Genma had faced before was the unfortunate captain of the Tsugawa pursuit squad, a Jonin who left a deep impression on him with his chakra. However…
As harsh as it sounded, comparisons could be lethal, and goods compared might as well be discarded.
To put it simply: if a regular ninja's chakra was like common beer, then the "high-quality" chakra Genma imagined would at least be akin to Erguotou. But Tobirama's chakra? That wasn't even in the same category—it was solid alcohol.
If the younger brother was already this powerful, Genma couldn't even begin to imagine what the elder brother must be like.
By the way, if we stick with this rather unorthodox rating system, Genma's current chakra was probably at Erguotou level, ranging from 30% to 70% ABV. His goal was to someday reach Wuguotou—powerful, pure, and potent.
(Erguotou is a Chinese liquor)
Tobirama's chakra was remarkable, but it wasn't something to indulge in. Genma merely sampled it to understand what the chakra of a future powerhouse felt like—nothing more.
It wasn't as if he could actually claim someone else's chakra as his own. That was impossible. Tobirama wasn't some White Zetsu clone. Since it was only temporary borrowing, Genma held no delusions.
As for maintaining control over Tobirama long-term? That was wishful thinking.
By now, Genma had come to an important realization: the version of Spore Technique he wielded wasn't the full, original form.
When White Zetsu used Spore Technique, he could silently plant spores inside a target's body in advance, remotely and precisely controlling their growth. This allowed him to steal a ninja's chakra at the most opportune moment and land a lethal blow.
In White Zetsu's hands, it was a flexible and deadly weapon.
In Genma's hands? He could only activate the technique through direct physical contact.
Strictly speaking, his version of Spore Technique was just a chakra absorption and redistribution method. He could only absorb raw chakra—no ninjutsu, no elemental techniques—which meant no defensive capabilities either.
Why the limitation? Likely because Genma wasn't a pure White Zetsu clone. His human side held back certain abilities…
He couldn't split himself like Zetsu could. He couldn't generate spores. So how could he possibly perform remote parasitic control?
Strangely enough, instead of feeling frustrated over the power he'd lost, Genma felt a strange sense of relief.
It meant he was still different from White Zetsu. Deep down, he was human—not some parasitic clone.
And that, in any case, was a good thing.
When Senju Tobirama awoke, he retained a ninja's basic vigilance. But he no longer had the urge to fight. After all, during the time when he was utterly powerless, this man hadn't harmed him—instead, he had treated his wounds.
As for why he had lost the strength to resist? Don't ask. Don't pry.
"I'll say it again," Genma said, lowering himself onto a nearby stump. "There's been a misunderstanding between us. Whoever you're looking for isn't at our camp."
This time, Tobirama didn't argue. He didn't press the issue either. He simply gave a slight nod.
It wasn't that he believed Genma, but there was no point in dwelling on it anymore. Even if the person he was chasing had been hiding in this camp, they'd surely escaped while he was unconscious.
"How long was I out?" Tobirama finally asked.
"About ten hours, maybe a little more," Genma replied, taking the scroll from his back and placing it in front of Tobirama. "Considering how much blood you lost yesterday and how you kept pushing yourself, passing out was inevitable."
Tobirama nodded again.
Of course, he knew his unconsciousness wasn't due to blood loss. It had been chakra extraction that did him in. But he was mature enough to understand that some things were better left unsaid. If you don't mention it, I won't either. Let's pretend nothing happened and save ourselves the awkwardness.
Tobirama wouldn't bring up the fact that his chakra had been drained. Genma, in turn, wouldn't mention Tobirama's reckless intrusion into the camp and his unreasonable demands.
"I'm Hane Genma. May I have your name?" Genma asked.
"Senju Tobirama."
Names exchanged, the two were now formally acquainted.
"Well then, Tobirama, I could use your help."
Genma, ever forward, unrolled the scroll, revealing the complex sealing array within.
"I'm trying to retrieve the supplies sealed inside, but I can't read the specialized fūinjutsu on it."
Back when he'd snatched the scroll, Genma hadn't thought that far ahead—his plan had simply been grab and go. It was only after returning that he realized he didn't know how to unseal it.
Tobirama glanced at the scroll briefly and said, "This sealing array isn't complicated. Looks like it just holds standard supplies. I can open it… but I need to know where it came from. Do you or your group have any ties to the Sarutobi clan?"
It was indeed just a typical supply scroll. For those with knowledge, the array wasn't hard to decipher.
Tobirama came from a prestigious ninja clan with deep roots. He was well-versed in various sealing arts. Moreover, the Senju clan and the Sarutobi clan were closely linked—Tobirama had seen and even used supply scrolls from the Sarutobi before.
"We have no connection to the Sarutobi," Genma replied. "I picked up this scroll on the battlefield."
To bolster the claim, he added, "The fighting at the time was between the Sarutobi and the Ishikawa clans…"
Tobirama gave him a skeptical look. "Picked it up"? More like looted it during the chaos.
Still, it was just a basic supply scroll—nothing that would compromise the Sarutobi's core interests. And Tobirama, familiar with the struggles of minor clans and wandering shinobi, decided to let it slide.
Just like Genma hadn't hurt him when he was defenseless, Genma wouldn't go around murdering Sarutobi ninja. Provoking one of the great clans could be fatal. Fine—let's say he did just pick it up.
Tobirama raised his hands slowly, forming seals with difficulty, and then slammed his palm onto the scroll's sealing array.
Poof.
The space-seal unraveled, and a pile of supplies materialized before Genma's eyes.
He was thrilled.
He inspected the contents.
The smile vanished from his face.
In just a few minutes, Genma went through the classic three-stage emotional shift—because the contents didn't match his expectations at all.
There was some grain—three sacks, maybe 300 kilograms total. Enough to meet the camp's most urgent needs.
There were also about twenty ninja tool pouches, a box of medical supplies, and…
Over fifty crates of tea leaves.
Without realizing it, Genma's resentment toward the Sarutobi clan began to fester.
This much tea? What, were they planning to eat it?
Are you people going to war… or going on a tea-tasting tour?
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