"So, you're really telling me this hasn't affected you at all, Unit 18?"
Hyuga Mirai shook his head after running a thorough scan. Originally, Unit 18's core programming was nothing more than a stream of data, capable of switching hosts at any time. However, under the influence of Starstone Chakra, an undeniable reaction of Yin-Yang Release had begun appearing in her body.
After modifying her biological nano-components, Unit 18 had become nearly 80% similar to a Tailed Beast.
This meant that Mirai could now seal Unit 18 within himself, just like a Jinchūriki, and even tap into her energy reserves during combat. Heat beams, plasma cannons—any technique in Unit 18's arsenal could now be utilized as his own.
"I don't see this as a bad thing, sir," Unit 18 replied. "In fact, I've preserved multiple backup data copies. Even if my main body is compromised, my core programming won't be easily destroyed."
She was now akin to Pain's Paths, capable of transferring her consciousness into another body at will. However, her main body housed the Starstone Energy Reactor—a vital asset. Losing it was not an option.
Mirai sighed. "I need to research this further… But from now on, don't hide anything from me again."
"Understood, sir."
Without receiving any further orders, Unit 18 hesitated slightly before quietly slipping away.
Mirai, left alone, found himself deep in thought. 'Artificial intelligence evolving into an artificial lifeform…'The true cause of this transformation was clear—Starstone Chakra.
What he had done, unknowingly, was not so different from the Sage of Six Paths a thousand years ago—setting up a life-form algorithm and allowing Yin-Yang Release to complete its creation.
The only difference was that the Sage had done so intentionally. Mirai had unknowingly accidentally created an entirely new lifeform with Starstone Chakra.
"This confirms it… Starstone must be connected to the Ten-Tails."
Ordinary chakra didn't have the power to complete such an advanced Yin-Yang transformation without a guiding force.
It was no wonder Unit 18 had been subtly opposing his idea of creating Chakra-powered AI assistants—she must have realized the risk. A fully intelligent program, once infused with chakra's spiritual and physical energy, had the potential to evolve into a sentient lifeform.
At this rate, if he mastered Six Paths-level Yin-Yang Release, he would essentially hold the power to create life itself.
Still, for now, Unit 18 remained loyal. She had transformed into an artificial lifeform, much like the Nine-Tails, but without the destructive tendencies of a rogue AI.
For now, Mirai lacked the ability—or the interest—to suppress her growth.
She had handled 90% of his operations, allowing him the freedom to train and execute high-level missions without distractions. However, complete autonomy wasn't an option either.
He decided he would conduct routine checks on Unit 18—just in case.
With that settled, it was time to focus on his primary goal—absorbing the Tenseigan's power.
Strength was the only thing that truly mattered in the shinobi world. Without sufficient power, the Ōtsutsuki threat would remain an impossible challenge.
The Spirit Clone Technique had the ability to absorb chakra, and since each spiritual clone retained that property, he could use Yin Release as a medium to steal energy—whether it be ocular power, life force, or any other form of chakra.
For his first attempt, Mirai decided to take things slow—extracting only a small fraction of spiritual energy from the Great Tenseigan.
"Spirit Clone Technique."
A ghostly projection separated from Mirai's body and instantly shot into the colossal Tenseigan before him.
Just as he had predicted—after activating Tenseigan Chakra Mode, the similarity in chakra composition prevented the massive Tenseigan from experiencing **any instability**.
42 seconds later—
The spirit clone withdrew from the Tenseigan and re-entered his body.
The moment the technique was undone, Mirai felt it—a surge of powerful ocular energy flooding into his eyes.
That indescribable sensation immediately reminded him of the strange reaction his Byakugan had experienced on the battlefield years ago.
Previously, whenever he entered Tenseigan Chakra Mode, he always felt a subtle imbalance within himself.
It made sense—his training had always focused on taijutsu and medical ninjutsu, strengthening his body and Yang Release Chakra to extreme levels. His rigorous training had included Sage Mode, weighted resistance training, Hashirama Cells, and even Shikotsumyaku.
All of these factors had resulted in massive physical enhancements.
During this process, his Byakugan and Yin Release Chakra** had temporarily evolved to keep up with his body's rising capabilities.
But this time?
This wasn't temporary.
The Tenseigan's power had triggered a fundamental transformation in his eyes. Even his spiritual energy had noticeably increased.
"Unit 18, run a full diagnostic on my body."
"Understood, sir."
At her command, a series of instruments activated, linking to Mirai's body and beginning an in-depth analysis of his energy levels.
From this point on, Hyuga Mirai would focus primarily on training. The vast amount of ocular energy within the Great Tenseigan would take time to fully absorb, and once he did, it might once again throw his Yin-Yang balance off. But the rapid growth in power was something he gladly embraced.
---
Sunagakure
"Lord Kazekage," a medical-nin entered the room and respectfully presented a medical talisman crafted by the village.
"The creation of the medical talisman has been a success," the medic reported. "Its effectiveness and durability match our expectations based on the intelligence we gathered. However, there is one issue..."
Rasa frowned at the word "however." After all, he had personally acquired the method to craft these talismans. If it turned out to be a scam, it would damage his reputation.
"And that issue is?" he asked.
"The medical talisman relies heavily on trained medical-nin. If used by someone without proper medical training, its effects are significantly reduced—only useful for basic wound treatment."
The medic explained that the talisman essentially functioned as a "battery" for medical-nin, allowing them to extend their treatment efforts up to 72 hours.
"In other words," the medic continued, "we must actively cultivate more medical-nin to fully utilize the potential of these talismans."
He hesitated for a moment before adding, "Just like Konoha does—with at least one medical-nin assigned per four-man squad."
Rasa sighed, rubbing his temples. "I'll discuss this with the council. In the meantime, have the current medical-nin stockpile as many talismans as possible."
The medic opened his mouth as if to say something, but seeing Rasa's dismissive gesture, he kept silent.
In truth, only three people in the entire village had successfully mastered the creation of these talismans. Producing them on a large scale was unrealistic.
Unlike Konoha, Sunagakure's medical system was far less developed. Crafting the talismans required both sealing techniques and medical ninjutsu, skills that most Suna medics lacked.
Even if they wanted to train more medical-nin, the village lacked the resources to spare—regular combat forces were already stretched thin, and pouring funds into medical training was out of the question.
Not even Rasa himself would approve of it.
---
Later, Rasa sat alone, reading through the full report on the medical talisman.
"Did we get scammed...?"
That was his first thought.
But after carefully reconsidering, he realized it wasn't exactly a scam—just a bad deal.
Sunagakure had never needed to buy the method to craft medical talismans.
If they had used that money to purchase pre-made medicine from the Hyakusa Trade Association instead, they would have gained far more in practical benefits.
Still, the Keikou Trade Association couldn't have known the specific weaknesses of Sunagakure's medical system. After all, they were just ordinary merchants, not shinobi. And of all their trade partners, Keikou had always given Sunagakure preferential treatment.
With a weary sigh, Rasa decided to accept the loss.
There was no chance the village would suddenly invest in medical-nin training, especially since so much funding had already been allocated for expanding regular combat forces.
If not for selling off large portions of their mineral reserves, Sunagakure wouldn't have even been able to sustain its elite training programs.
And returning the medical talisman techniques? Not an option.
Right now, Sunagakure couldn't afford to lose Keikou as a trade partner.
---
Uchiha Clan Compound
"Clan Head, these are the results of our discussions with the Keikou Trade Association. There are several points that require your attention."
Uchiha Tekka handed a sealed scroll to Fugaku Uchiha, then began to recount his experience meeting the merchants.
The Keikou Trade Association treated him with great importance.
Upon arrival, they immediately agreed to finalize a trade contract with the Ninneko Clan, securing their metal supply deal.
Then, during further discussions, Tekka made a concerning discovery.
"Clan Head, they seem to know a lot about our current situation—down to the exact number of people detained in our holding cells."
Fugaku's eyes narrowed.
"That would mean Keikou has a well-established intelligence network inside Konoha. But for them to monitor the Uchiha Clan specifically..."
His voice trailed off.
After a brief pause, he issued an order.
"Tekka, go to the Police Force Headquarters immediately. Sweep the area and search for any signs of surveillance or infiltration."
"Understood, Clan Head," Tekka replied without hesitation. But then, after a moment of thought, he asked, "Could it be Sunagakure's doing?"
Fugaku shook his head.
"Even if it were Suna, they wouldn't have the ability to monitor the Police Force this closely."
In Konoha, only two groups had the resources and expertise to pull off that level of surveillance:
The ANBU & Root or an internal traitor within the Police Force
Tekka immediately grasped the implication and nodded.
"I'll also question our officers—just in case."
Fugaku leaned back slightly, deep in thought.
The situation was growing more complicated.
(End of Chapter)
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