Hikari's vision pierced the moon's thick rocky surface, delving deep into its interior, seeing the Giant Tenseigan formed from countless fused Byakugan, radiating golden light.
However, just as her gaze was about to touch the Tenseigan's core—
Hum!!!
An indescribable tremor!
Hikari's 'vision' was forcibly twisted, pulled into a completely different 'space'.
It was pure darkness.
No light, no sound, no matter, even the concepts of 'space' and 'time' grew blurry.
In the deepest part of this darkness floated a figure.
A woman in a white robe, tall and elegant, the robe's style ancient and sacred, embroidered with tomoe patterns.
She had long, pale white hair cascading like a waterfall.
And from her head grew two brown horns resembling goat horns.
The woman's eyes were closed, as if sleeping.
Sensing Hikari's 'gaze',
The woman slowly opened her eyes.
They were pure white eyes, pupils a pure white that seemed to see through all falsehoods.
Simultaneously, the skin in the center of her forehead split open, and a third eye opened.
That eye somewhat resembled Hikari's Rinnegan, but had nine tomoes embedded on the concentric circles of its pupil, slowly rotating, emitting a soul-trembling aura.
The Nine-Tomoe Rinne Sharingan!
The woman slowly turned her head, her Byakugan 'looking' toward Hikari's direction.
Despite the infinite void between them, despite the barriers of worlds.
Just that one glance!
"Ah—!"
Hikari let out a short cry of pain, falling from her floating state and slamming heavily onto the examination bed!
Her hands covered her eyes, blood seeping between her fingers!
"Hikari-sama!" Hiruko cried out in shock, rushing forward.
Orochimaru's face also changed, quickly following.
But both were repelled by an invisible force three meters from the bed.
It was Hikari's uncontrolled Ocular Power forming an automatic defense.
Two days later, Land of Stars, Star City, top floor office of the administrative center.
Beyond the massive floor-to-ceiling windows was the burgeoning modern cityscape… towering buildings, flowing traffic and pedestrians, the distant busy aerial port… all showcasing the vitality and power of this young nation.
Sunlight filtered through special glass, casting bright patterns on the floor.
In the office, Hikari stood quietly by the window, her back to the door.
She wore a dark blue high-collared robe of the Uchiha Clan, her posture straight, her aura contained.
When she heard familiar footsteps behind her, she didn't immediately turn, but the faint pressure around her subtly softened.
Menma walked directly to the large desk behind her and sat in the chair.
He looked no different from when he'd left… black hair neatly styled, expression calm, as if he'd just taken a walk.
A moment later, the office door slid open softly.
"Enter."
Orochimaru, Hiruko, and Minato walked in one after another.
Orochimaru still looked pale and serpentine, golden snake eyes shimmering with barely suppressed excitement and curiosity, while Hiruko appeared more cautious, holding a thick electronic report board.
"Shura-sama," Hiruko bowed slightly. Orochimaru and Minato were more casual.
"Report," Menma's gaze fell on Hiruko's report board.
Hiruko stepped forward, placing the board on the desk, skillfully bringing up a holographic projection displaying complex genetic maps, energy flow curves, and vast amounts of experimental data.
He cleared his throat, his tone respectful and precise. "Shura-sama, the Phase 12 extreme stress test of the [New Chimera Technique] and the [Step-by-Step Genetic Modification Plan] has been completed successfully. Test subject Hikari-sama has successfully fused the ultimate composite of optimized Hashirama's cells, White Zetsu's cells, and Chimera catalyst. Vital signs are stable, potential stimulation far exceeds expectations, with no signs of rejection or malignant mutation."
"This marks the basic overcoming of the core difficulties of this technological system. High-level modification is theoretically feasible."
He paused, his tone turning more cautious. "However, it must be emphasized that this success has extremely strong individual specificity. Hikari-sama's own pure Uchiha bloodline, Mangekyo Sharingan's Ocular Power, and astonishing mental resilience were key to withstanding and perfectly fusing with this power. To promote this technology to a wider group, especially to ordinary Jonin or even Special Jonin level, the risks remain immense."
Hiruko brought up another set of data, showing simulated tolerance curves of different physiques to cell fusion.
"Comprehensive assessment suggests we adopt the most secure gradual strategy. First, under the premise of voluntary and informed consent, select a group of Jonin with particularly outstanding mental strength and solid foundations for small-scale, significantly weakened primary genetic modification."
"For example, only administer the first three phases of adaptive injection. The goal is to observe their long-term physical and mental reactions, the extent of potential stimulation, and any hidden side effects under relatively mild stimulation. Based on years of tracking data from these 'pioneers', we can gradually optimize the formula year by year, gradually expand the test subject range, and cautiously increase the modification phases. This way, we can maximize technological benefits while minimizing unpredictable risks within a controllable scope."
Menma listened quietly, fingers unconsciously tapping the smooth desktop.
After Hiruko's report, Menma slightly turned his head toward Minato.
"Father, what is the current number of personnel in the country meeting the Jonin standard?" Menma asked. The number of Star Ninja Army's members increased every so often, and Menma didn't constantly track it, but Minato, who practically handled Land of Stars' affairs, knew well.
Minato answered smoothly. "Thanks to the complete education system and widespread deployment of scientific ninja tools, the Star Ninja Army's strength continues growing. Currently, there are fifty-seven officially registered, fully assessed Jonin. Additionally, the Special Jonin force numbers five hundred and three, including many with exceptional talent in specific fields and particularly outstanding mental strength, who, after evaluation, also possess the potential to participate in primary modification trials."
This number, if heard by other major great nations, would cause an uproar.
In just a few years, Land of Stars' top-tier combat force had expanded over fourfold from the fourteen Jonin during the war with Land of Earth and Wind years ago!
This wasn't just the result of absorbing Sunagakure's legacy, but the powerful system of Land of Stars… transcending traditional Ninja Village Models, combining six-year compulsory Ninja Education, large-scale scientific ninja tool popularization, and Menma's advanced management concepts… continuously exerting force.
Ordinary people who might never have become Genin in the past could now become qualified Star Ninja Army Genin with standard scientific ninja tools and basic Ninjutsu Training, providing a vast base for higher-level Ninja Selection.
Menma nodded, seemingly unsurprised by the number.
He pondered briefly, then made a decision. "Approved. Proceed according to Hiruko's suggestion. Immediately begin compiling the first batch of test subject list. Number tentatively set at twelve. The voluntary principle must be strictly followed."
"All details, potential risks, possible benefits of the trial must be fully disclosed to the subjects, for them to weigh and decide themselves. Any form of coercion or concealment is a serious crime."
His gaze turned to Minato, full of trust. "Father, this matter is of great importance. I entrust its full supervision to you. From personnel screening, informed consent form drafting and signing, to every step of the trial process, and subsequent long-term tracking observation, I need you to personally oversee. I want to ensure absolute safety."
Minato, in his Edo Tensei body, showed a wry smile, his tone carrying a mix of resignation and teasing. "You, kid… really. Every time you return, you toss the thorniest, most energy-consuming tasks to me. Fine, since I'm your father. Rest assured, I'll keep a close eye. I won't let anyone make mistakes in matters concerning life and future."
His words held deep familial affection and absolute trust.
"Thank you for your trouble," Menma inclined his head slightly.
Minato and Hiruko bowed again, then turned and left the office.
The heavy door slid shut silently, quiet returning to the room.
Orochimaru, who had been silent, finally took half a step forward.
His golden snake eyes fixed on Menma, his hoarse, serpentine voice carrying a hint of curiosity. "So, when do you plan to move against Konoha next?"
In Orochimaru's eyes, Land of Stars' current strength already completely overwhelmed the four major nations.
Konoha of the Land of Fire seemed large, but was internally rife with contradictions, Kumogakure of Land of Lightning revered martial prowess, but lacked strategic depth and technological foundation, Iwagakure of Land of Earth had already submitted, becoming Land of Stars's dependency, and Kirigakure of Land of Water still hadn't recovered from the Bloody Mist policy.
The flames of the Fourth Great Ninja War awaited only the young ruler's command.
Menma lifted his eyelids, giving Orochimaru a faint look. "Oh? You seem to anticipate a war engulfing the entire Ninja World?"
"Heh heh…" Orochimaru let out a low chuckle, his slender tongue unconsciously licking his lips, narrowed snake eyes shimmering with complex light.
"Anticipate? Perhaps. I'm just curious… how you will treat Konoha. After all, it's the place Minato once swore to protect, and also buries… much personal history with old acquaintances."
He didn't specify, but deep in his eyes flashed a complex emotion toward the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
A mix of resentment, disappointment, and a subtle, indescribable unwillingness to see him ultimately disgraced.
Menma seemed to see through his thoughts, casually waving a hand. "In the short term, Land of Stars will not actively instigate a full-scale war. We need time to digest current achievements, steadily advance internal development. As for you…"
"If there are any 'private matters' you feel need resolving, do so now. I won't interfere with your 'personal time', as long as it doesn't harm national interests."
Orochimaru's pupils contracted briefly, then returned to his half-smiling expression.
'You always know what I'm thinking.'
Orochimaru gave a soft hum, said no more, turned, and left the office.
Now, only Menma and Hikari, still standing quietly by the window, remained in the room.
Menma stood up from his chair and walked slowly to stand before Hikari.
Sunlight outlined her slender, straight profile, black hair cascading like a waterfall.
He reached out, fingertips lightly brushing her smooth cheek… a natural, gentle gesture.
Hikari's body trembled slightly, a faint blush quickly coloring her pale cheeks, but she didn't shy away. Instead, she slightly raised her head toward Menma.
Those usually cold, deep-pool eyes now rippled with subtle waves.
"How do you feel?" Menma's voice was low and gentle, completely different from his stern handling of administrative matters earlier.
Hikari didn't answer. Instead, she slowly opened her eyes.
Instantly, invisible ripples seemed to spread!
Her eyes… the whites had turned a deep dark red, pupils several concentric circle patterns slowly rotating like ancient tree rings, with six pitch-black tomoes evenly embedded, edges extending into small branch-like patterns.
The powerful ocular power of the Six-Tomoe Rinnegan naturally emanated, making the surrounding air seem heavier.
But soon, these awe-inspiring eyes quietly changed again. The dark red faded, the tree ring patterns and tomoes receded, returning to ordinary Three-Tomoe Sharingan state.
Freely retracted and released… clearly she had already gained skilled control over this new power.
Menma carefully examined her eyes, openly admiring, softly praising: "Beautiful eyes."
Based on Hikari's earlier description, Menma had roughly judged that her newly awakened Rinnegan abilities leaned toward 'perception' and 'insight', able to see the essence of Chakra and all things, even spatial interstices.
In the future, she might develop abilities similar to [Amenotejikara]… exchanging object positions within a limited range.
Perhaps even open 'portals' to other worlds like Sasuke's Rinnegan.
Hikari's eyes held a trace of gravity as she asked softly, "That woman… do you know who she is?"
Menma nodded. Based on Hikari's description of what she 'saw' upon awakening the Rinnegan, it should have been Kaguya, who is sealed away.
He withdrew his hand, expression normal. "She is Otsutsuki Kaguya, mother of the Sage of Six Paths, known as the Progenitor of Chakra. Sealed by the Sage brothers a thousand years ago. But no need for excessive concern. Even if she breaks free in the future, she may not be our match."
Menma changed the subject, his gaze becoming full of anticipation. "The immediate priority is for you to fully master the power of these eyes and Yin-Yang Release as soon as possible. Next, I will personally train you. Are you ready, Hikari?"
Hearing 'personal training', Hikari's cheeks flushed deeper, but her eyes, back to Three-Tomoe, instantly ignited with blazing fighting spirit and a challenging light.
She slightly raised her chin, a hint of long-absent challenge in her tone. "It seems… we truly haven't fought seriously in a long time. I look forward to it, Menma."