Kiyohara spoke calmly.
When it came to Yin Release secret arts, his understanding was actually superior to that of many people.
The Sharingan of the Uchiha Clan itself was one of the most representative manifestations of Yin Release power.
However, Yin Release secret techniques came in countless varieties, and many shinobi clans had developed their own unique versions over generations.
This was precisely where Kiyohara needed to deepen his foundation and broaden his knowledge.
The same principle applied to Yang Release secret arts.
"Hokage-sama... why are you collecting these secret techniques?"
"I need Yang Release secret arts to enrich my foundation."
Kiyohara answered as he looked at Choza.
"That is all. I won't pass them on to anyone else."
Choza fell silent.
He knew Kiyohara was telling the truth.
With Kiyohara's current strength and status, there was absolutely no need for him to covet the Akimichi Clan's secret techniques.
If he truly wanted them, he had countless ways to obtain them.
Yet instead, he had chosen to negotiate through a fair exchange.
"Hokage-sama."
Choza carefully chose his words.
"As for the Akimichi Clan's share in Konoha Hospital..."
"It can be increased appropriately."
Kiyohara nodded.
Sharing a portion of the benefits with the Akimichi Clan was perfectly acceptable.
"As for exactly how much, we'll discuss it in detail after the transaction is completed."
Choza nodded.
"I'll need to return and think it over."
Kiyohara nodded as well.
"Very well. Give me your answer before tonight."
He set a clear deadline.
Choza gave a slight bow before turning toward the door.
The office door closed.
Silence returned to the room.
"Kiyohara, why are you collecting all these secret techniques?"
Kurenai, who had quietly listened throughout the conversation, finally asked with curiosity.
Kiyohara leaned back against his chair.
"Yin-Yang Release."
He answered calmly.
"If I can combine the powers of Yin Release and Yang Release, perhaps I can develop something entirely new."
That wasn't a lie.
He genuinely had that intention.
Yin-Yang Release possessed incredible abilities.
It could create life.
It could grant will to inanimate objects.
It could even create physical matter out of nothingness.
If one truly mastered such power, they would be little different from a creator god.
Legends claimed that the Sage of Six Paths had created the world.
Naturally, that was false.
The world had already existed long before the Sage of Six Paths was ever born.
But if he had truly wished to do so, it wasn't impossible that he possessed such power.
The moon itself had been created by the Sage of Six Paths.
Even more astonishing, its interior contained a complete ecological cycle, possessing an environment remarkably similar to Earth.
Had the branch and main families of the Otsutsuki Clan descended from Hagoromo not fallen into endless internal conflict, they likely could have lived there peacefully for an unimaginably long time.
Of course, Kiyohara's most important objective was still to fulfill the Last Wills of Mangekyo Kiyohara.
Among all the clans in Konoha, aside from the Senju Clan, the Akimichi Clan probably possessed the deepest understanding of Yang Release secret arts.
Kiyohara believed that obtaining their clan's secret techniques would likely satisfy Mangekyo Kiyohara's second last will.
Once that happened...
He would be able to inherit another portion of the Otsutsuki bloodline.
With that thought, Kiyohara withdrew his gaze before looking toward Kurenai.
"Are you free this afternoon?"
"Hm? What's the matter?"
"Come with me to Ryuchi Cave."
Kurenai blinked.
"Ryuchi Cave?"
"Yes."
Kiyohara stood up.
"There's something I need to take care of."
The White Snake Sage had been urging him to visit for quite some time.
He simply hadn't gone very often.
This time, however, he intended to bring Kurenai there for a very specific reason.
He wanted to implant a Curse Mark into her.
Originally, Kiyohara himself had possessed the Earth Curse Mark.
However, as his mastery of Sage Arts continued to deepen, he had already become capable of developing entirely new Curse Marks by himself.
The one he intended to implant into Kurenai was the Yin Curse Mark.
It was a Curse Mark specifically designed to amplify Yin Release chakra.
It would allow Sage Chakra to further strengthen the effectiveness of Yin Release ninjutsu.
Naturally, its enhancement toward every other chakra nature was fairly ordinary.
It was a Curse Mark with extremely obvious strengths and equally obvious weaknesses.
"Alright."
Kurenai agreed without hesitation.
She also wanted to see what one of the legendary sacred lands looked like.
Several minutes later...
Ryuchi Cave.
Kiyohara had previously left one of his Flying Thunder God kunai here, allowing him to teleport directly to the location.
Even without using the Flying Thunder God Technique, he could still arrive instantly through the Reverse Summoning Technique.
"So this is Ryuchi Cave?"
It was Kurenai's first time setting foot in the sacred land.
"That's right."
Kiyohara nodded.
"This is Ryuchi Cave."
The cave was dim and gloomy, with a deep and mysterious atmosphere.
Yet in Kiyohara's eyes, everything appeared as bright as broad daylight.
Kurenai glanced toward him.
Only then did she notice that his pupils had changed.
They had become vertical slits.
Snake-like eyes.
"Kiyohara... your eyes..."
"Probably a side effect of the Power of the White Snake."
Kiyohara answered casually.
"I see."
Kurenai immediately understood.
Kiyohara had also given her some of the Power of the White Snake before.
However, the amount had been very small.
As a result, all she had really noticed was an increase in her vitality and chakra reserves.
"Stay close to me."
Kiyohara reached out and held Kurenai's hand.
The two of them walked into the cave.
The passageway was narrow.
Both sides were covered with thick moss growing over the damp stone walls.
After walking for about a minute, light appeared ahead.
A gigantic stone gate stood before them.
Three enormous snake reliefs were carved across its upper frame.
Every scale was vividly sculpted, making them appear almost alive.
Standing on either side of the entrance were two familiar figures.
Tagorihime.
Ichikishimahime.
Tagorihime wore her familiar white robe.
Her long hair flowed over her shoulders, and a gentle smile rested upon her beautiful face.
She gave a respectful bow.
"Lord Kiyohara."
Beside her stood Ichikishimahime, her long crimson hair tied neatly behind her waist.
"The White Snake Sage has been waiting for you."
The moment Kiyohara entered Ryuchi Cave, both Snake Princesses had already sensed his chakra.
That was why they had deliberately come here to greet him.
Kiyohara nodded before stepping through the enormous stone gate.
Soon afterward, the group arrived before an immense temple.
The White Snake Sage slowly opened her eyes from atop her enormous throne.
Her golden vertical pupils fixed themselves upon Kiyohara.
"So you've come."
Kiyohara walked forward.
"White Snake Sage."
He greeted respectfully.
The White Snake Sage nodded.
"I've already prepared what you came here to learn."
She opened her mouth and casually tossed a scroll toward him.
"This is..."
Kiyohara caught it.
"Sage Art: Inorganic Reincarnation."
The White Snake Sage explained.
"It allows you to bestow life force upon lifeless objects, enabling them to move according to your will."
Upon hearing that, Kiyohara immediately opened the scroll.
Inside were detailed instructions describing how to inject chakra into inorganic matter, allowing lifeless objects to gain a form of life.
However, after reading through it, Kiyohara quickly realized something.
The technique wasn't yet complete.
He guessed that in the future, Kabuto would continue improving and perfecting this technique until it reached the version he remembered.
"Thank you, Sage."
Kiyohara expressed his gratitude.
Only moments later, he turned toward a stalactite standing in the corner of the temple.
Green Sage Chakra began swirling around his body.
Distinctive Sage Mode pigmentation appeared around his eyes.
Sage Art: Inorganic Reincarnation!
Kiyohara immediately cast the technique upon the stalactite.
The next instant...
The enormous stone pillar began trembling.
It slowly tore itself free from the ground.
Then it rose upright like a giant serpent.
Its upper end bent slightly, swaying as though it had truly come alive.
Standing behind Kiyohara, Kurenai stared with wide eyes.
She could clearly sense that the stalactite had originally been nothing more than an ordinary lifeless object.
Yet now...
It radiated unmistakable signs of life.
Tagorihime and Ichikishimahime, who were watching from the side, were equally stunned.
Kiyohara had merely glanced through the scroll once...
And he had already mastered the technique?
They themselves had never managed to learn it!
"Your talent truly is remarkable."
A trace of delight flashed across the White Snake Sage's eyes.
At the same time, her keen senses noticed something different about Kiyohara.
When she had first taken interest in him, it had been because of his extraordinary talent and the blood of Indra flowing through his veins.
But now...
The cold, sinister chakra that had once surrounded him had become noticeably gentler.
It was almost as though another power had merged with it, balancing and harmonizing its nature.
The feeling seemed strangely familiar.
It reminded her of Senju Hashirama.
Of course, there was still a difference.
Hashirama's chakra had been like the blazing sun itself, overwhelmingly warm and radiant.
Kiyohara's chakra, on the other hand, resembled the first rays of the morning sun.
Still rising.
Still growing stronger.
What exactly had happened to this boy?
The White Snake Sage wondered silently.
Back then, Hashirama had become so overwhelmingly powerful because of the Ashura bloodline within him.
If Kiyohara managed to completely awaken every ounce of potential hidden inside his own bloodline...
Perhaps he could also reach Hashirama's level.
No.
Deep within her instincts, the White Snake Sage suddenly had another feeling.
Kiyohara...
Would one day surpass Hashirama.
That, naturally, was an excellent outcome.
The moment she reached that conclusion, a trace of greed unconsciously surfaced within her gaze.
Yet the expression on her face became even kinder.
She even transformed into her human form.
An elderly woman with an exceptionally gentle appearance.
"You should spend more time becoming familiar with this technique."
"The natural energy within Ryuchi Cave is much denser than it is outside."
"It will greatly benefit your training."
"You may stay here for a few days."
The White Snake Sage spoke kindly.
Kiyohara nodded before withdrawing his chakra.
The animated stalactite slowly returned to the ground.
Everything reverted to its original state.
The green Sage Chakra surrounding his body gradually flowed back into him as he exited Sage Mode.
"In that case..."
Kiyohara smiled lightly.
"I'll stay here for the night."
The potential of this technique was enormous.
Being able to breathe life into inanimate objects meant there were countless possibilities for future development.
By evening, Kiyohara could return to Konoha, obtain the Akimichi Clan's Yang Release secret techniques, and then come back here afterward without delaying anything.
"If you ever need anything else in the future, you can come to me."
"Very well."
Kiyohara looked at the White Snake Sage, vaguely sensing that she harbored some sort of ulterior motive toward him.
He did not pay it much attention.
As long as he continued growing stronger, whatever intentions she had would never pose a threat to him.
On the contrary, he could take advantage of her ambitions and gradually acquire all of the valuable techniques and treasures she possessed.
"That will be all for today."
The White Snake Sage gestured toward Ichikishimahime, indicating that she could escort Kiyohara and Kurenai away.
As they walked out, Kiyohara said to Kurenai,
"In a moment, I'll give you my Curse Mark. The natural energy here is incredibly dense, so implanting the Curse Mark in Ryuchi Cave greatly reduces its side effects."
He spoke calmly.
"The Sage Transformation Curse Mark isn't something just anyone can endure. Orochimaru experimented on countless test subjects, but only a handful ever succeeded in mastering it."
"Most people lose control very easily and are unable to wield that power freely."
However, Kiyohara's understanding of Curse Marks had already surpassed Orochimaru's.
Combined with the abundant natural energy within Ryuchi Cave, Kurenai's chances of success would be extremely high.
Even if something unexpected happened, Kiyohara would be right beside her.
Nothing serious could go wrong.
Ichikishimahime walked silently at the front.
Today she wore her familiar white robe.
The light fabric swayed gently with each graceful step she took.
Her sash was tied tightly around her waist, accentuating her slender figure.
"We're here."
She stopped before a wooden door and stepped aside.
"This is my residence within Ryuchi Cave. It's rather simple, but it's still much more comfortable than staying out in the caves."
Kiyohara pushed the door open and walked inside.
"I'll need an empty room."
He turned to look at Ichikishimahime.
"There's one next door."
She pointed toward the wall on the left.
"No one usually stays there. I can have someone clean it up."
"No need."
Kiyohara shook his head.
"I'll handle it myself."
Walking over to the neighboring room, he pushed open its door.
The room was somewhat smaller than the main chamber.
Like the other room, it contained only a stone bed.
Nothing had been laid upon it.
It was completely bare.
Kiyohara raised his hand and formed a series of seals.
"Fire Release."
A tiny flame drifted from his fingertips.
It circled through the air, burning away every cobweb hanging from the ceiling before floating into the corners of the room, where it dried the damp stone walls.
The musty odor quickly disappeared.
In its place lingered the pleasant warmth of dry air.
"That should do it."
Kiyohara lowered his hand before looking toward Kurenai.
"Come in."
Taking a deep breath, Kurenai stepped into the room.
Kiyohara quietly closed the door behind them.
"This Curse Mark..."
She hesitated for a moment.
"Will it hurt?"
"A little."
Kiyohara gently lifted her chin.
"But I'll be watching over you."
"Nothing will happen."
Kurenai bit her lower lip before slowly nodding.
"I'm ready."
Kiyohara formed another set of hand seals.
Then he opened his mouth.
Slowly...
He bit gently into the side of Kurenai's neck.
The moment his teeth touched her skin, her entire body stiffened.
She could clearly feel something piercing her flesh.
A stream of Curse Mark chakra began flowing into her body.
The process was accompanied by a sharp pain.
Kurenai's breathing gradually became heavier.
Tiny beads of sweat formed across her forehead.
"Hold on."
Kiyohara had already released her neck.
His bite had merely served as the medium through which the Curse Mark chakra was transferred.
"The Curse Mark chakra will draw natural energy into your body."
"Don't resist it."
"Allow it to merge with your own chakra."
Kurenai bit her lip harder, forcing herself to relax.
Kiyohara carefully observed every change occurring within her body.
Whenever her condition appeared unstable, he immediately sent another stream of his own chakra into her body to stabilize the process.
The Curse Mark he had designed for Kurenai was far safer than ordinary Curse Marks.
That was precisely why the implantation process was much more meticulous and time-consuming.
About half an hour later, Kiyohara sensed everything within her body gradually calming down.
At the side of Kurenai's neck, an elegant Curse Mark pattern had appeared.
"So..."
She gently touched her neck.
"This is... the Curse Mark?"
Her skin felt perfectly smooth.
The pattern had completely fused with her body.
There was no pain.
No itching.
Nothing unpleasant.
"That's right."
Kiyohara nodded.
"It's the Yin Curse Mark."
"It enhances Yin Release techniques and provides a considerable boost to Genjutsu."
"More importantly, it allows you to perceive natural energy much more clearly."
"It will serve as the foundation for learning Sage Mode in the future."
He patiently explained its effects.
"That's incredible..."
Kurenai couldn't help murmuring.
"Do you feel anything uncomfortable now?"
"A little warm."
She answered honestly.
"It feels like there's a fire burning inside me."
"It doesn't really hurt."
"It's more... swollen. Full."
Kiyohara nodded.
"That's completely normal."
"The natural energy is currently remodeling your body."
"It'll pass after a while."
He smiled gently.
"Get dressed."
"I'll take you home first."
Kurenai nodded obediently.
The next moment...
Kiyohara brought her back to Konoha.
"Get a good night's sleep tonight."
"Don't train."
"Let your body gradually adapt to the Curse Mark's power."
"I understand."
Kurenai nodded.
Standing on her tiptoes, she softly kissed his cheek.
"Thank you, Kiyohara."
Kiyohara smiled.
"Go inside."
Kurenai pushed open the door and entered.
Before closing it, she turned around and looked back at him one last time.
Only then did she quietly shut the door.
...
Ryuchi Cave.
Ichikishimahime's residence.
When Kiyohara's figure appeared inside the main room once more, Ichikishimahime was seated beside a stone table with a teacup resting in her hands.
The collar of her white robe was slightly open, revealing a glimpse of her fair skin.
She knelt gracefully upon the tatami.
Her legs were neatly together as she rested on her heels.
Hearing his arrival, she slowly raised her head.
Kiyohara walked over and sat across from her.
She set down her teacup before lifting the teapot.
Carefully, she poured him a fresh cup of tea.
Holding the cup with both hands, she respectfully presented it to him.
Kiyohara accepted it.
After taking a sip, he nodded slightly.
"Your tea-making skills are quite good."
A faint smile appeared at the corner of Ichikishimahime's lips.
"These tea leaves come from Ryuchi Cave."
"You can't find them anywhere outside."
Kiyohara placed the teacup back onto the table and looked at her.
There was still some time before evening.
That was why he had returned.
"Have you ever considered taking another step forward?"
Kiyohara asked.
He intended to support Ichikishimahime in becoming the future ruler of Ryuchi Cave.
If that happened, Ryuchi Cave itself would effectively come under his influence.
Ichikishimahime slightly raised an eyebrow.
"What do you mean?"
Kiyohara raised his right hand.
Using his index fingernail, he lightly sliced across the tip of his thumb.
A tiny cut appeared.
A single drop of blood slowly emerged.
He extended his finger toward her.
"My blood should help increase your chakra."
Ichikishimahime's pupils contracted slightly.
She lowered her eyes toward that single crimson drop.
After hesitating for a brief moment, she slowly opened her mouth.
Gently...
She enclosed the tip of his finger between her lips.
The instant her tongue touched the small wound, the drop of blood entered her body.
Warmth spread from her throat throughout every corner of her body like a gentle current.
She could clearly feel her chakra increasing.
Not by much.
But undeniably...
It was growing stronger.
At the same time, she sensed something deeply familiar hidden within Kiyohara's blood.
The aura of her own kind.
She slowly released his finger before looking back at him.
"This feeling..."
"Orochimaru's experiments shouldn't have been capable of producing something like this."
She looked genuinely puzzled.
Kiyohara had previously transplanted the Power of the White Snake into himself.
Possessing White Snake cells was perfectly understandable.
But after tasting his blood...
She realized it was far more extraordinary than she had imagined.
The White Snake bloodline flowing through him was astonishingly pure.
In fact...
It was even purer than her own.
The true White Snake lineage...
Was actually in Konoha?
The thought felt utterly absurd.
"It was passed down through my ancestors."
Kiyohara casually withdrew his hand.
The version of himself from White Snake Kiyohara likely possessed an exceptionally pure White Snake bloodline.
As a result, Kiyohara had inherited that lineage as well.
Of course, he suspected the uniqueness of his blood also came from the countless other bloodlines flowing through his body.
After all...
He already possessed numerous Kekkei Genkai and inherited bloodlines.
Once he inherited the Otsutsuki bloodline in the future...
His blood would undoubtedly become even more extraordinary.
"Legend says one of my ancestors was a man named Xu Xian."
(TN: Xu Xian is the main character of the Legend of the White Snake, one of China's four great folk tales.)
Kiyohara casually fabricated an explanation.
"He married a snake spirit, so I probably inherited part of her bloodline."
Ichikishimahime froze.
"Xu... Xian?"
She quietly repeated the unfamiliar name.
"That's right."
Kiyohara nodded.
Looking at her alluring face, he couldn't help thinking that perhaps inheriting Xu Xian's glorious tradition and becoming another legendary man who won the heart of a snake beauty wouldn't be such a bad thing after all.
Ichikishimahime had never heard that name before.
She searched her memories repeatedly but found nothing.
A White Snake...
Having descendants with an Uchiha?
Even though she instinctively felt Kiyohara was making the whole story up, the purity of the White Snake bloodline flowing through him simply couldn't be denied.
She slowly lowered her gaze toward her own hand.
It was trembling slightly.
She could feel Kiyohara's blood gradually merging with her own.
His blood contained astonishing vitality.
It made every one of her cells noticeably more active.
Even the circulation of her chakra became smoother than before.
"No wonder..."
Ichikishimahime slowly looked back up.
"I've always felt that you carried the aura of one of my own people."
"So..."
"You really are half a member of our clan."
Kiyohara took another sip of tea before smiling.
"That's right."
"I've long since become half a member of the White Snake Clan."
He then shrugged casually.
"We're practically family now."
"So whatever we need to discuss, let's settle it peacefully."
(End of Chapter)