[POV: Raiden – Inner World]
Sitting at the base of the mountain where his newly manifested Tenshukaku stood, Raiden once again immersed himself in cultivation. The absolute silence of his inner world was broken only by the steady rhythm of his breathing — each inhale and exhale seeking to draw in the natural energy dispersed within the gray mist that filled the space.
'Breathe like a tree, absorb like roots. Senjutsu is nothing but the bridge between man and nature.'
Slowly, his body began to respond. A gentle warmth coursed through his veins, blending with his chakra and giving rise to a renewed vitality. His skin felt firmer, his hearing sharper, and even his perception of chakra flow gained new clarity.
Essence of the Cultivator [Processing: 12% → 15%]
"So it really works…" he murmured with a restrained smile.
But progress didn't come without risks. At one point, an unstable flow of natural energy nearly overwhelmed his chakra reserves, making his hands tremble violently. Only his refined shinobi instincts and his bloodline saved him. Just as petrification threatened to overtake him, a pair of horns erupted from his forehead.
[Bloodline/Kekkei Genkai: Dragon Emperor of Nature]
White scales spread beneath his eyes, which now shone with the prismatic brilliance of the Ryugan, their pupils slit like a dragon's. His nails elongated into claws, and from his lower back sprouted a long, white draconic tail — a hybrid form between man and eastern dragon.
As the Dragon Emperor of Nature, natural energy could not harm him physically, but it could still affect his mental state. It wouldn't throw him into the insanity of someone like Jugo, but it would make his mind more… draconic.
"If an ordinary person loses balance… their body turns to stone. That's the price of unguided Senjutsu. My bloodline lets me bypass that problem, but it still leaves a risk. If I want to pass this technique to future disciples, I'll have to minimize it."
Raiden took a deep breath, drenched in cold sweat yet strangely exhilarated.
"It's dangerous, but… this is the path."
He returned to refining his cultivation path, unconcerned with the outside world. Time here now flowed four times faster, and he felt no need for sleep. Yet slowly, he sensed density building within the space, hinting at a limit to how long he could remain. Fortunately, his inner world would continue existing and evolving even in his absence — and considering how much it had already changed since his last visit, perhaps full digestion of this power wasn't too far away.
[POV: Third Person – Sunagakure no Sato]
In the Kazekage's office, Chiyo and Ebizo knelt before Shamon. Young still, yet with eyes that already bore the weight of experience.
"Chiyo, Ebizo. I have a task that demands caution and precision. Aoki Shirogane's squad has lost contact in the Land of Rivers. You two will investigate."
Chiyo lowered her head without hesitation.
"Understood, Kazekage-sama."
Ebizo, however, frowned.
"With all due respect… sending just the two of us? Wouldn't it be wiser to dispatch a full squad?"
Shamon crossed his arms.
"If Aoki failed, sending more will only draw suspicion. I need discreet eyes. This is your chance to prove yourselves."
The word prove lit a fire within Chiyo. Determined, she straightened her posture.
"We will not fail, Kazekage-sama."
The siblings came from humble origins, with no powerful background. Even so, their talent, loyalty, and drive pushed them to the forefront of Suna's young generation. Ebizo, with his sensory-like ability, not only aided in missions but also discovered hidden water sources and oases across the desert. Chiyo, with her precise control, became a prodigious puppeteer. Her knowledge of local and foreign herbs guided her in crafting venoms never before seen — revolutionizing Suna's medical field as well.
Yet their simple origins and lack of backing often diminished their achievements, many of their successes credited to names who had contributed little. Still, the Kazekage saw potential in the siblings and personally instructed them whenever time allowed.
As they left the office, Ebizo sighed.
"I have a bad feeling about this, sister."
But Chiyo was already gripping the strap of the large scroll on her back.
"Then let's turn it into a good one."
[POV: Third Person – Hashisaki Village]
Within the Hanekuro family mansion, Patriarch Asazuma stared out the window at the caravan preparing to depart toward Takumi. The wagons carried tea, dried fish, and spices — gifts in appearance only. In truth, each carriage also bore hidden informants and spies in disguise.
His butler stepped closer.
"My lord, are you certain we aren't being hasty? If Dojimaru discovers this—"
Asazuma turned slowly, his face hardened.
"If I wait, Takumi will swallow us whole. Dojimaru is gathering strength — only fools can't see it. Before he threatens us, I must know his weaknesses."
His gaze narrowed.
"And if necessary… create them."
Outside, the caravan rolled forward beneath the morning sun, wheels cutting through the dirt road toward its destination.
Hashisaki Village was modest, with dirt paths and simple homes, a stark contrast to Takumi. Even so, its people endured with resilience. Despite heavy taxes, they always found a way to pay on time. Otherwise, the Hanekuro enforcers would come, and the punishment ranged from forced labor to brutal public beatings.
In Takumi, things were different. Work was abundant, artisans gladly took on apprentices to increase their output without sacrificing quality. Restaurants, taverns, and merchants thrived. Many in Hashisaki had heard tales of Takumi's better life, though most dismissed them as rumors — or were simply too busy surviving to care.
[POV: Third Person – Takumi Village]
The sun rose after a grim night. Many shops remained closed in Takumi, the villagers still mourning the lives lost just hours ago. Dojimaru Seimei, who had collapsed into sleep from sheer exhaustion, finally awoke — his thoughts already weighing on what must be done for his people.
Shinobu, who hadn't slept at all, sat nearby, eyes dark with worry for her husband and child. She saw the look on Dojimaru's face as he rose.
"What do you intend to do?" she asked softly.
"The shadow of yesterday still lingers in everyone's hearts. All we can do is let them grieve…" He paused. "But if we grieve together, perhaps that pain will lessen."
Shinobu slowly understood what he meant.
"But how?"
"With a Lantern Rite. One that involves the entire village." He was already planning the ceremony in his mind — a small farewell to the departed.
Meanwhile, in the guest room, Raiden's figure emerged from the void, as though rising from still waters.
'Twelve hours… that's my limit in the Inner World. I must've spent a little over three hours here this time.'
He let his senses spread across the mansion, finding nothing amiss. Turning his focus inward, he felt the changes in his body.
"Success…"
-x-
- Status -
Name: Raiden
Bloodline: Dragon Emperor of Nature
Power Level: Tier 9-A
Essences:
Essence of Personal Objects [Processing: 19%]
Essence of the Cultivator [Processing: 16%]
Essence of the Shinobi [Digested: 100%]
-x-
Raiden's power had grown. Only a small increase to his chakra reserves — but since they already surpassed that of an average jōnin, he had no complaints. More importantly, his chakra control improved greatly. Thanks to his progress in cultivation, he could now enter a lesser stage of Sage Mode without triggering his hybrid transformation.
"Come to think of it… I still haven't named the cultivation stages."
He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, though it could wait for another time. His attention was pulled away by the rumble of his stomach.
"Now, where's that feast they promised me? I'm starving." he chuckled, heading out of the room, ready to face a new day in this strange new world.