Ōtsutsuki Hamura.
This name is barely known in today's shinobi world. Even someone like Orochimaru—one of the Legendary Sannin and a top-tier scientific researcher—knows almost nothing about him.
In fact, not just Hamura—most people don't even know the true name of the Sage of Six Paths, Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo.
The world only ever remembers the title "Sage of Six Paths," never the man's actual name.
Hmm… it's kind of like someone who's done bad things and hides behind an alias to avoid trouble…
"Ōtsutsuki Hamura was the younger brother—same mother—of Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo, the Sage of Six Paths. But because Hagoromo founded ninshū, his name spread far and wide, while Hamura took on the duty of guarding the sealing statue—that thing your Akatsuki leader can summon—and went to the moon."
"To... to the moon?!"
Orochimaru's eyes widened in disbelief, utterly shaken.
Ancient secrets like this are completely unknown even in Konoha. If anyone has heard of them, they probably dismissed them as myth. So how the hell does Mizukage Yoru know all this?
Ah—he controls souls. That explains it.
Who knows how many generations of ancestors Yoru has dug up and interrogated? He must've learned countless hidden truths about the shinobi world that way.
After all, for someone who can not only revive the dead but literally create Shinigami, any soul that even Edo Tensei could easily bind surely holds no secrets from him.
With just a few tricks, the Fourth Mizukage can uncover vast amounts of ancient knowledge.
Still… the idea of Hagoromo's brother going to the moon? That's kind of hard to believe. Could anyone really survive up there?
And Hamura—if he was the brother of the Sage of Six Paths, why isn't there a single myth or legend about him? The entire world only talks about Hagoromo.
Does someone like that truly exist? And if so, what kind of being is he?
"Whether Hamura existed, or whether he really went to the moon… you don't need to doubt that."
Yoru rose and beckoned Orochimaru to follow him.
With just a glance, Orochimaru's eyes locked in on the silhouette suspended inside a massive glass tank.
It was… unusual. The being resembled a member of the Hyūga clan by about seventy percent—but there were subtle differences, something that set it apart at the core.
In its aura. In its very life essence.
"Ōtsutsuki Hamura is the shared ancestor of both the Hyūga and Kaguya clans. After he and Hagoromo defeated the chaos demons that plagued the world, Hamura split his descendants in two. One branch stayed behind and became the Hyūga and Kaguya clans. The other went with him to the moon and settled there."
"And this one here... is a descendant of Hamura from the moon."
Looking at the discarded body floating in the tank, Yoru said flatly:
"Though all of them are hybrids, there's no doubt that the Ōtsutsuki bloodline on the moon is far more concentrated than in the Hyūga or Kaguya clans. It's thanks to this specimen that I've been able to uncover so many secrets and further my research."
Orochimaru swallowed hard. All his questions were answered. Now he fully understood why Kirigakure's research progress had advanced so rapidly.
This was straight-up open-book cheating. He had the damn answer key!
"So… what you're doing now is trying to combine the powers of the Hyūga, Kaguya, and the moon's Ōtsutsuki clans in order to trigger a bloodline reversion—and recreate Hamura's original power?"
Orochimaru licked his lips, eyes burning with excitement.
"But there's no connection between you and those three clans, is there? You're from the Yuki clan—not the Kaguya."
"That's not an issue. This body I'm in is a Kekkei Genkai modified body, a fusion of Kaguya and Hyūga."
Yoru said casually:
"I've already used special techniques to clone numerous variants—Senju version, Uchiha version, Kaguya version, and more."
"No need to look so shocked. You're not a Shinigami yet, so you don't really get it. Once you become one, you'll understand. A physical body? It's nothing more than a plug-and-play tool. You're already preparing to study that kind of technique yourself, aren't you?"
"...That's true."
Orochimaru's eyes flickered. He knew Yoru had deep insight, but he hadn't expected this level of surveillance.
The technique he'd just started developing—Living Corpse Reincarnation—was still in its infancy. Barely functional. And yet Yoru already knew.
"Alright then. Since you want to become a Shinigami, show me your ability. If you can prove your talent and potential… why shouldn't I let you lead the 12th Division of the Soul Society?"
"Captain of the Twelfth Division, hmm? What an irresistible offer."
Orochimaru licked his lips again.
"I'll begin researching the bloodline reversion project. But if I'm the only one working on it, progress will be slow. I'll need talented assistants—capable ones—to help carry out the work."
"Given how far your research has already gone, I assume your subordinates are quite gifted. Would you mind lending me a few?"
"You can collaborate with some of them. As for assistants…"
Yoru paused.
"I recommend using shadow clones. But if you really need someone—what about your old student, Anko?"
"Anko..."
Orochimaru's face twitched. Honestly, he could easily track Anko's current state—his chakra was embedded in her Curse Mark. Whenever she activated it, he could feel everything.
And that girl… she was definitely not research material.
"That foolish disciple of mine? No thanks. But Mizukage-sama, allow me to warn you—someone under your command seems a bit too interested in my Curse Mark... or rather, in natural energy."
He grinned darkly.
"Just keep an eye on that. Chasing power blindly can lead to… unfortunate outcomes."
"Relax. I've already started laying plans for natural energy."
Yoru didn't even flinch at Orochimaru's surprise.
"But since you mentioned it—I'm very interested in Ryūchi Cave, too."
"The Three Great Sage Lands: Ryūchi Cave, Mount Myōboku, and Shikkotsu Forest. I've heard the toad from Myōboku even prophesied about me once. Called me a terrifyingly powerful and utterly evil entity."
"So… how about it, Orochimaru? Will you take me to Ryūchi Cave?"
"You really are something else…"
...
While Yoru and Orochimaru made their way to Ryūchi Cave, a shadow clone of Yoru remained behind in the Mizukage's office—only to be interrupted when Ringo Ameyuri burst through the door, looking tense.
"Lord Yoru, I have an urgent report!"
"Anko's Curse Mark reacted. I believe Orochimaru—one of the Three Sannin—has infiltrated the village!"
"That's a good instinct. But there's no need to worry—I just met with him."
Yoru leaned back in the Mizukage's chair, watching one of his most trusted ANBU squad members.
"Still, Ameyuri… you seem rather interested in Anko's Curse Mark, don't you?"
"Huh?"
Ameyuri froze, flustered.
She'd come here to report on Orochimaru. Even if Kirigakure was strong now, having a Sannin wander in uninvited could stir up trouble.
But Yoru already knew. Of course he did—with Kirigakure's current security, who could possibly sneak in?
"I'm sorry, Lord Yoru, I just…"
"The Curse Mark seals natural energy into the body, allowing the user to tap into it quickly. It's essentially a low-grade version of Sage Mode."
Yoru cut her off gently.
"It's a decent power, but it comes with high risks. Anko understands that better than anyone."
"And besides—the Curse Mark hasn't been perfected. Its power boost is still far below what true Sage Mode offers. Even if you succeed, you likely won't reach the level of Mangetsu or Kisame."
Ameyuri bit her lip.
"Lord Yoru, I…"
"So I've prepared a brand-new path for you."
"Wh-what?!"
Her heart heavy and uncertain, Ameyuri looked up, stunned.
Yoru smiled and pulled out a scroll from beneath the desk.
"There are three great Sage Lands—Mount Myōboku, Shikkotsu Forest, and Ryūchi Cave. Training at one of them grants access to Sage Mode."
"But all three are tied to Konoha. Even if I had the ability to get their scrolls, the sages in those places wouldn't exactly welcome someone like me."
"No matter. I've found a fourth Sage Land in the shinobi world—Shadow Island, home of the Shadow Sage."
"Shadow… Island?"
Ameyuri blinked, confused. She'd never even heard of this so-called fourth Sage Land.
But if Lord Yoru recognized it as legitimate, how could she possibly doubt it?
"Exactly. This scroll contains the contract for Shadow Island. Sign it, and you'll gain its acknowledgment. You'll be able to summon creatures from there—or use reverse summoning to travel there yourself."
Yoru paused for a beat.
"I've already signed its contract too, by the way."
"You… you did?!"
Ameyuri's eyes lit up. She hurried over and opened the scroll like it was a sacred treasure.
Sure enough—"Mizuki Yoru", written in powerful, bold brushstrokes.
"Lord Yoru, can I really…?!"
To sign the same contract as Lord Yoru… to be guided by the same Sage… This was a gift from heaven!
"Well? Don't you want it?"
"Yes! Of course I do!"
Without hesitation, Ameyuri bit her finger and signed her name: Ringo Ameyuri.
Yoru caught the scroll with a flick of his wrist.
"Next, use reverse summoning to reach Shadow Island and find the Wuying Sage."
"Just know—Shadow Island isn't exactly like the other Sage Lands. Its training methods differ. You'll have to discover everything yourself."
"But I believe in your ability."
"I won't let you down, Lord Yoru!"
With a determined look, Ameyuri performed a hand seal and vanished in a puff of smoke.
Yoru casually tossed the scroll to a nearby ANBU.
"Have every ANBU member sign it."
"Understood, Lord Mizukage!"
...
At that same moment, as Yoru and Orochimaru entered Ryūchi Cave via reverse summoning...
The White Snake Sage, slumbering on a massive throne like the Great Toad Sage, suddenly opened his eyes.
An eerie expression crossed his face.
Beside him stood a beautiful young girl with long green hair and a golden crown. She looked puzzled—she hadn't seen that expression from the White Snake Sage in a long time.
"Something wrong, Lord White Snake?"
"That boy Orochimaru brought someone… very interesting."
The White Snake Sage slowly rose, his body towering like a mountain.
"Go, Tagorihime—you three go and bring both Orochimaru and that man to me."
"Someone… interesting?"
Her curiosity deepened.
The White Snake Sage was one of the most powerful beings in the world. A true sage. And hardly anyone ever caught his attention.
Over the years, only Orochimaru had barely earned a bit of recognition—though he still lacked the ability to train in Sage arts.
His three followers departed at once.
Once they were gone, the ancient being—who had lived since the time of Kaguya and rivaled the Great Toad Sage—took a long draw from his pipe and narrowed his eyes.
"The master of souls… building his invisible empire in the ninja world… and now, he dares to come here as well…"
"Heh. Well, if he pissed off that old toad, I already kind of like him~"