Surgical Fruit in the American Comics Universe

"Truly the arrogance of the ignorant," Daniel thought, shaking his head at Akahoshi's misguided ambitions. With his strength barely a match for Naruto's Rasengan, Akahoshi was delusional to think Star Village could ever rise to the ranks of the Five Great Nations. His ambition was as foolish as that of pirates in the first half of the Grand Line who imagined they could easily overthrow the Four Emperors in the New World, without realizing the Grand Line's second half was on an entirely different level.

"Alright, I'll help you deal with Akahoshi," Daniel said to Natsuhi, agreeing swiftly. Part of his interest lay in the mysterious chakra-enhancing meteorite, and he also recognized the potential of some promising young talents in Star Village who, with proper training, could become strong assets.

Natsuhi's request for help was motivated not only by a desire to defeat Akahoshi but also by the need for medical treatment for the young ninjas who had suffered due to Akahoshi's reckless use of the meteorite. Since coming to power, Akahoshi had increased reliance on the meteorite, resulting in radiation-related side effects among the young ninjas, including Natsuhi's son. Natsuhi had come to Akatsuki after seeing the recent announcements regarding Amegakure's hospital project and its efforts to cultivate medical ninjas.

In the ninja world, medical ninjas were vital for both ninjas and civilians. Many ailments that seemed incurable or severe for civilians could be treated with medical ninjutsu. Illnesses that would be terminal in the modern world—such as AIDS and ALS—could be managed with advanced medical techniques, although, as in the real world, such services were typically reserved for the wealthy or influential.

Even Konoha's esteemed medical ninja Tsunade only treated a select few. For example, Lee's injuries were severe enough to be considered untreatable by most, but Tsunade was able to perform a miracle and heal him. However, her services were not available to every injured ninja.

"This underground environment is fascinating. How has it been releasing toxic mist continuously for hundreds of years?" Arriving at Star Village, Daniel observed the strange pit surrounding it, which perpetually emitted a poisonous fog. While curious, he had no desire to delve into the mystery.

"Natsuhi, you dared to return?" Akahoshi sneered upon spotting Natsuhi, only for Daniel to step forward, dropping Akahoshi to the ground with ease. A trivial annoyance like Akahoshi, with no real power to back up his ambition, wasn't even worth a conversation.

"You fool. How did you ever think you could lead a major village?" After subduing Akahoshi, Daniel quickly dealt with his remaining followers.

In truth, Natsuhi was stronger than Akahoshi but had been forced to seek help from Akatsuki due to being vastly outnumbered. The power-seeking radicals in Star Village were far more powerful than Natsuhi's peace-leaning faction. While Natsuhi's body displayed unusual resistance to radiation, many others who trained under the meteorite's influence developed severe injuries or illnesses.

Part of Akahoshi's disregard for these risks stemmed from survivor bias—Natsuhi's husband, Hotaru, had died due to the radiation effects of training with the meteorite, while Natsuhi herself had managed to remain relatively unscathed. Akahoshi believed that the Star Kage knew how to mitigate the side effects of the meteorite and kept this secret to maintain his power. Disillusioned by the former leader's lack of strength, he placed his hopes on Natsuhi.

"So, this is the meteorite," Daniel mused as he held the fist-sized stone, noticing its unique energy signature.

"A meteorite from space with chakra traces… the Otsutsuki Clan?" While there was no direct connection between the Otsutsuki and the meteorite, the concept of foreign power from beyond Earth reminded Daniel of them.

"Well, it's done. If you want to heal them, bring them to Amegakure," he told Natsuhi before departing with the meteorite and the subdued Akahoshi.

The meteorite's chakra and the peculiar chakra technique known as the Peacock Method intrigued Daniel. Though he had no intention of training in it himself, the meteorite's unique properties were worth studying.

"Quite the transformation," Daniel remarked, observing Sasuke's fully awakened Rinnegan. With both eyes now Rinnegan, Sasuke's powers would be greatly enhanced, especially compared to having just one. Just as Madara's Limbo clone count increased with dual Rinnegan, Sasuke's abilities would be similarly amplified.

Sasuke's new powers included the upgraded Amenotejikara, among other Rinnegan abilities. Limbo, like Susano'o, could only be utilized by those with the proper Uchiha physique, which was why Nagato could never use it, despite having the Rinnegan.

"How do you feel?" Daniel asked.

"Good," Sasuke replied, coolly nodding. With his new powers, reviving his parents was within reach.

"Interesting how original Sasuke never wanted to resurrect his family, despite his strong desire for revenge. You're definitely on a different path now," Daniel observed thoughtfully. Then, after a pause, he added, "Now that your eyes are fully ready, it's time to conclude things with Konoha. Are you prepared to take on the role of Hokage?"

Sasuke responded with indifference. "That's what you all are here for, isn't it?"

"Let's get started." Daniel led Sasuke to find Madara, who was engaged in a game with Hashirama. The two old rivals, thanks to their reanimated bodies, spent nearly all their time together. Daniel joked that if one of them were a woman, Uzumaki Mito would have been sidelined.

"How are we going to handle the Hokage Rock?" Daniel asked as they prepared to leave. The Hokage Rock, a significant symbol in Konoha, would need to be addressed given the new order under Akatsuki.

The Five Great Villages each had their own ways of commemorating past leaders. Konoha's Hokage Rock was unique, with its carvings visible to the entire village. Other villages placed busts or statues of their leaders in more private locations. In this new era, however, the Hokage Rock's conspicuous display needed reconsideration.

After some discussion, they decided to keep the Hokage Rock but alter it. Daniel had initially considered erasing the entire monument, but out of respect for Madara's ties to Hashirama, they settled on keeping it with modifications. The plan was to remove the faces of all Hokage after the First, replacing them with Madara's face as a tribute to the Uchiha's role in founding Konoha.

In most societies, the founders were celebrated above all, their contributions immortalized. Later rulers who wanted to enact changes often cited the "original vision" of the founders, just as successive Chinese emperors often faced opposition based on the "unalterable" laws of their ancestors.

"Aren't you going back to see Konoha?" Daniel asked Minato, surprised to see him in his ANBU outfit rather than joining them openly.

"No need," Minato replied, shaking his head. "In any case, we won't be living there anymore." The lack of change in Konoha's treatment of Naruto—despite him being Minato's son—made Minato's decision easier.

"That's up to you," Daniel replied, respecting Minato's decision.

"Looks like you're not what you used to be, Hashirama!" Madara laughed atop the Hokage Rock, flanked by the First, Second, and Third Hokage, all of whom had come to observe the changes in Konoha.

From the top of the monument, they could see all of Konoha, including the damaged area left by Gen'ō's attack. The southwest sector was still in ruins, which, fortunately, spared the village center from destruction.

"Why are you here, Sasuke?" At Konoha's gates, the village's perennial gatekeepers were startled to see Sasuke approaching with a group of Akatsuki members in ANBU attire, including several powerful reanimated ninjas, such as the Third and Fourth Raikage, and Killer B, who had been stripped of the Eight-Tails.

"I'm here as a representative of Akatsuki to take over Konoha," Sasuke declared, leaving no ambiguity about his intentions.

"You traitor! How dare you return to Konoha!" one of the gatekeepers shouted, but his anger was short-lived, as Sasuke's lightning-charged hand pierced his chest, silencing him instantly.

"I'm not here to negotiate. Resist, and you'll be killed," Sasuke stated coldly. He had come to reclaim Konoha, not as a supplicant but as an enforcer.

"Kill him!" A group of ninjas defied Tsunade's orders and attacked, only to be swiftly eliminated by Sasuke's reanimated allies. Within moments, only those who had heeded Tsunade's command to stand down remained.

"Haha, this is Konoha now?" Madara laughed, witnessing the blatant disregard for Tsunade's authority. The Second and Third Hokage looked on, visibly dismayed. The outburst of violence was not an act of loyalty to Konoha; it was a desperate attempt to cling to power by individuals who feared Akatsuki's rule and the loss of their own influence.

The disastrous assault on Amegakure had already proven the futility of resisting Akatsuki, and Tsunade was inclined to surrender to

 avoid unnecessary bloodshed. However, some within Konoha—particularly the village's advisory elders—refused to accept surrender, as it would mean relinquishing their control.

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