"In the future, you can follow this direction..."
Kiyoshi explained the logic behind several Crystal Style ninjutsu that had appeared in the original series to Guren. Providing these conceptual blueprints would help her master the techniques ahead of schedule and train her into a more formidable asset.
The ninja world was vast, and even with the [Flying Raijin Jutsu], it was impossible for Kiyoshi to be everywhere at once. Micromanaging every minor conflict was a waste of time and energy; the investment simply didn't yield an equal return.
This was where loyal subordinates proved their worth, handling the peripheral matters that didn't require his direct intervention.
"I will return in three days to check your progress," Kiyoshi concluded, giving a few final instructions before entering his private room.
In the next heartbeat, the scenery blurred and shifted. Using the [Flying Raijin Jutsu], he instantly transported himself to the secret experimental base hidden within the Land of Grass.
*Poof, poof, poof...*
A long string of puppet clones dissolved into clouds of white smoke. As they vanished, Kiyoshi absorbed their accumulated experience and the crushing weight of their fatigue.
He pressed his fingers firmly against his temples, steadying himself. This method was not only a massive drain on the physical body but also an immense burden on the psyche.
If one observed the history of the ninja world closely, they would notice that aside from Naruto Uzumaki, almost no character utilized the [Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu] to create hundreds or thousands of copies.
Most experts limited themselves to a handful; a few dozen was considered many, and exceeding a hundred was nearly unheard of. Only a simple-minded outlier like Naruto could ignore the psychological backlash, likely due to the stabilizing influence of the [Asura Chakra].
In various alternate versions—whether in movie timelines or side stories—different iterations of Naruto, such as Menma Uzumaki or Menma Namikaze, shared a common trait: they were calm, composed, and calculated. They were effectively mirrors of Sasuke Uchiha. None of them possessed the boisterous, careless personality of the canon Naruto.
Since chakra was a fusion of spiritual and physical energies, Kiyoshi often wondered how the transmigrated souls of the sages' sons affected the hosts' minds. He suspected the influence was profound.
Why else would two reincarnators remain at each other's throats for thousands of years? It wasn't until the Sage of the Six Paths split his power equally between Naruto and Sasuke that the cycle finally broke. It was highly probable that the lingering chakra of the past was steering the thoughts of the present.
"Oh, now this is interesting."
From the memories of one specific puppet clone, Kiyoshi spotted a breakthrough. The experiments involving the power of Moryo had finally yielded results. He stepped into the laboratory, a space of several hundred square meters lined with glass vats containing a variety of biological specimens: snakes, frogs, deer, dogs, bulls, and more.
Each had undergone varying degrees of mutation, similar to the transformations experienced by the ninjas of the Land of Demons when they tapped into Moryo's dark energy.
Selecting a vial from the cluttered workstation, Kiyoshi carefully calibrated a chemical solution. He approached a large python and injected the liquid into its scales. The serpent immediately thrashed in agony. Its head began to elongate and warp, the scales shifting to form a grotesque, humanoid face.
Blood seeped through the cracks in its skin as its life force plummeted to the brink of death. However, just as it seemed it would expire, the Moryo energy began to knit the flesh back together. Its aura became stronger than before, and it began to draw in air greedily, as if the lab were some twisted paradise.
Kiyoshi could sense the negative emotions radiating from the other test subjects being absorbed by the man-faced python. Its fangs turned a deep, poisonous black.
Using a specialized tool, Kiyoshi milked the venom sacs, collecting the liquid through the teeth into a glass bottle. The python, which had been swelling with vitality moments ago, suddenly shriveled and became emaciated.
"Moryo's power... though it still contains impurities."
Kiyoshi swirled the bottle, a slight smile of satisfaction crossing his face. This success proved his hypothesis was correct. This was merely the first generation of the serum. Through continuous optimization, he would eventually be able to test it on the White Snake.
She was a serpent from the Summoning Island, possessing a constitution far superior to most snakes in the ninja world. The Moryo energy she could refine would be exponentially purer. This was Kiyoshi's path to an inexhaustible supply of power. He quickly began recording the data on the lab logs.
"March 9th. Breakthrough achieved. Solution used: [Formula X]. Note: Specimen #3 exhibited signs of rapid vitality degradation post-extraction. Requires further monitoring."
As he finished his notes, a soft *hiss* came from his sleeve. The White Snake poked her small head out, her black eyes cold and indifferent. She didn't view the mutated creatures in the vats as her kin; she was merely curious about the dark liquid in the bottle. Kiyoshi stroked her head, his mind racing with possibilities.
He was essentially creating a variation of the [Zero-Tails], a creature capable of converting Moryo's power into dark chakra. He wondered how this chakra would react when combined with [Sage Transformation]. The thought filled him with creative inspiration as he summoned a new batch of puppet clones and ordered them to continue the research.
"You... you've come."
A voice called out as Kiyoshi prepared to leave the lab area. He turned to see a woman with vibrant red hair. It was Karin's mother. After a period of recuperation in the base, her once-emaciated frame had filled out, making her look healthier and more feminine.
"A strange woman was here earlier," she reported. From her description, Kiyoshi knew it was Ryuzetsu, the Anbu from the Hidden Grass Village.
"Next time she comes, tell her to write down every ninjutsu she knows," Kiyoshi said indifferently. He didn't have a specific use for Ryuzetsu yet, so he was content to let her roam for now. Then he gestured to the redhead. "Come here for a moment."
"Is... something wrong?" She gripped her watering can tightly, her nerves visible.
"I need to restore some chakra."
"Alright." She extended her fair arm, offering it to him. By biting her skin and leaving a mark, the user could instantly replenish their energy through her unique [Heal Bite] ability. Kiyoshi leaned in and took a gentle bite. Her skin felt soft and supple, and he immediately felt his internal chakra reserves surging toward full capacity.
The redhead winced slightly at the pain, but she didn't pull away. If not for Kiyoshi, she would still be a prisoner of the Grass ninjas, used as a human medical kit for their soldiers.
As Kiyoshi lifted his head, a notification appeared.
[You have unlocked the Trait: [Uzamaki Clan's Gift (Green)]
[Uzamaki Clan's Gift (Green)]
[Requirement: Restore chakra using the Uzumaki-exclusive [Heal Bite] ability.]
[Progress: (Completed).]
[Effect: Your chakra is now influenced by the Uzumaki lineage. Recovery speed is increased by 20% from its base level.]
[Note: This trait can be upgraded further.]
"A twenty-percent boost?" Kiyoshi was genuinely surprised. He could feel a warm current circulating through his system, and his physical vitality seemed slightly enhanced.
The massive drain caused by his frequent use of the [Flying Raijin Jutsu] was fading rapidly. Most people only gained a temporary fix from biting her; he had gained a permanent, passive buff.
"If it hurts too much, I can use chakra to temporarily block your pain receptors next time," Kiyoshi said, his hand glowing with the soft green light of medical ninjutsu as he healed the tooth marks on her arm. She stared at him, stunned. It was the first time anyone had ever treated her with such gentleness.
"It's... it's okay," she whispered, looking down.
"I've brought some books and some film equipment for you. You can use them to pass the time when you're bored." Kiyoshi handed her a sealing scroll. As long as she had a modicum of chakra, she could access its contents.
He knew the value of the Uzumaki [Heal Bite] and the [Mind's Eye of the Kagura] was immense. Investing in her now would pay dividends later.
"Thank you," she said softly, her voice much warmer than before.
Kiyoshi raised an eyebrow. Just healing a minor wound was enough to boost her favorability? It reminded him of how Karin fell for Sasuke during the Chunin Exams simply because he saved her life—even though they only saw each other for thirty seconds.
Truly, like mother, like daughter. After staying at the base a while longer, he used the [Flying Raijin Jutsu] to return to the Hidden Leaf. The Land of Grass base was like a garden to him; he only needed to visit occasionally to harvest the results.
...
"Blaze Style?"
Kiyoshi looked at his status panel, specifically the effects of the [Fire Style Jonin (Purple)] trait.
[Effect: Your understanding of Fire Style far exceeds others. The temperature of your flames is increased by 100%.]
[Your body has undergone a mutation, granting a probability of manifesting seeds for [Scorch Style] or [Blaze Style]. Contact with individuals possessing these Bloodlines increases the probability.]
[Developing Fire Style ninjutsu is now easier for you. Resistance to Fire Style chakra is increased by 100%.]
"Blaze Style is essentially black flames. Its principle is the same as [Amaterasu], just with added shape transformation," Kiyoshi mused, rubbing his chin. The system was clearly starting to touch upon the power of Bloodlines. Was it because his bloodline was being purified, or was it some other factor? He knew that aside from Sasuke and Itachi, very few people used [Blaze Style].
But this opened a path—it meant he might eventually master a power equivalent to [Amaterasu]. According to the scrolls, [Amaterasu] possessed the temperature of the sun; it was just that its users rarely utilized its full potential.
"At least for [Scorch Style], I have a perfect candidate in mind."
A name appeared in his thoughts: Pakura of the Hidden Sand. The war had been dragging on for a long time. Eventually, when the Sand sought peace with the Mist, Pakura would be betrayed and sent to her death. That would be his opportunity. He could find a way to take the 'Missing-nin' Pakura under his wing.
When she was eventually reincarnated in the original story, her hatred was so great she wanted to kill every ninja in existence until her own student, Maki, talked her down.
Kiyoshi's past grievances with her were trivial in comparison; she might even end up being the one to ask him for help. If the Sand could sacrifice her, they could just as easily sacrifice her beloved student.
"The future looks promising..."
A faint smile touched Kiyoshi's lips. In a short while, his other traits would reach 100%, and he would harvest a massive surge of power. He also considered how he might secure a portion of the Three-Tails' chakra.
He had already sealed away some of the Six-Tails' energy. Since the power of the Ten-Tails was just one manifestation of the [Six Paths Power], he could eventually try to harness it using different vessels.
...
Several days passed. Kiyoshi spent his time training at home and giving pointers to Guren. There was still some time before his leave ended and he was called back to the front lines. One afternoon, Rin Nohara came to visit.
"Rin, please, sit." Kiyoshi gestured to the cushion across from the low table. Rin nodded softly and sat down. Guren brought out a pot of hot tea, then stood quietly behind Kiyoshi.
"Is there something you need, Rin? It's been... a long time since you last visited," Kiyoshi said, taking a sip of tea. Previously, Rin had visited regularly to discuss Lightning Style theory, but since the 'incident' between them, she had avoided coming over.
The surface of the tea rippled, reflecting Rin's increasingly beautiful face. However, her eyes were filled with a lingering melancholy.
"I'm sorry... I know I've been a bother, Kiyoshi," she said softly.
Kakashi's Sharingan had been officially allowed, and the village rumors had finally died down. Everything seemed to have returned to normal, except Kakashi now had a Sharingan and the boy named Obito was gone. Rin knew what Kiyoshi meant by her absence.
She didn't want to remember that night. Though she had done it to help Kakashi and to repay Kiyoshi for his influence, every time she remembered it, she felt like she was betraying her feelings for Kakashi. It made her heart race with a terrifying sense of self-loathing.
"It's no trouble. You worked very hard too, didn't you?" Kiyoshi smiled.
Rin's ears turned slightly red. She quickly pulled out a folder. "These are medical reports from the Hospital."
She pushed the documents toward him. Kiyoshi had been a student of Nono Yakushi and had some connection with Tsunade of the Sannin; his medical ninjutsu was top-tier. The hospital, constantly short-staffed, often consulted him on difficult cases.
This request came from the medical Jonin who had originally taught Rin the [Mystical Palm Technique].
"These are simple enough." Kiyoshi scanned the papers and began writing annotations. With his puppet clones constantly absorbing medical knowledge, his expertise was vast.
As he wrote, Rin suddenly asked, "Has... Kakashi come to see you lately?"
"No, his work with the Anbu keeps him busy. Why?" Kiyoshi didn't look up. Kakashi joining the Anbu was supposed to be a secret, but somehow everyone in their circle seemed to know, even Might Guy.
"I saw him on the street. The scent of blood on him is getting stronger," Rin said, her voice heavy with worry. She knew that people who stayed in the Anbu often ended up emotionally dead or self-destructive.
"I've noticed it too," Kiyoshi agreed. "But we're the same rank; I can't exactly tell him what to do."
Rin's hopeful gaze dimmed. The shadow Obito left was not something easily erased.
"Also..." Rin mentioned another matter, her hand instinctively touching her stomach. She was at a healthy age, and if she had become pregnant, it wouldn't be a physiological surprise.
Back then, there had been no precautions taken with Kiyoshi. While she hadn't shown any symptoms yet, it had been a month or two.
Between her busy schedule and constant stress, her cycle had become irregular. If... if it were actually true, what would she do? She didn't dare use the hospital equipment for fear of someone finding out. The thought made her feel as if the world were spinning.
"Kiyoshi, can you check my—"
*Hiss...*
Suddenly, the White Snake flicked its tongue. "Someone is here," Kiyoshi said.
A moment later, there was a knock at the door. "Go ahead," Kiyoshi said, patting the snake's scales. She obediently slithered over to open the door.
"Kiyoshi."
A familiar voice made Rin's eyes widen in shock. It was Kakashi. He walked in and immediately spotted Rin.
"Rin? Why are you at Kiyoshi's house?"
"I... I had some business with him," Rin stammered, swallowing her previous request. She forced a smile.
"We were discussing some medical cases." She hurriedly showed him the documents on the table as proof.
Kakashi glanced at them and saw the numerous red annotations. He nodded, satisfied with the explanation.
"And you, Kakashi? Why are you here?" Rin asked, trying to deflect. She felt a mix of relief and a strange, lingering resentment.
"Please, have some tea." Guren prepared a cup for the new guest.
"I came to thank Kiyoshi for helping me keep Obito's Sharingan," Kakashi said, handing the medical files back to Rin.
"No, you should thank Rin. She worked incredibly hard for this," Kiyoshi said, shaking his head. Rin had already gone above and beyond for him.
As a commoner, she didn't fully understand the politics between the village high-ranking officials and the Uchiha, so she had been the busiest one, running around and asking everyone for favors.
In reality, neither the Uchiha nor the village elders cared much about one eye; they were bartering for deeper interests. As long as the price was right, Kakashi could keep the eye, since it wasn't leaving the village. Even the Hyuga clan, with their [Caged Bird Curse Mark], had distant relatives like the Kohinata clan.
Though they were thought to have lost the Byakugan, some still manifested it, like Kohinata Mukai, who would eventually be dealt with by Itachi and Shisui. Kakashi being the son of the White Fang also meant he had some lingering political protection.
"Thank Rin?" Kakashi repeated.
Rin's expression became incredibly unnatural, and she almost dropped the folder.
"Be careful," Kakashi said, moving his tea cup so it wouldn't get splashed.
"Right..." Rin gripped the papers tightly. Kakashi didn't think much of her reaction, assuming she was just distracted. He felt a warmth in his chest; this was what they called a "bond."
Kiyoshi watched the scene silently. Did Kakashi truly have no romantic feelings for Rin? Not necessarily. It was just that Obito's love for her had been so obvious that it made the other two feel awkward. In the original series, when Kakashi visited Rin's grave, he brought pink lilies.
Out of all the flowers, why pink lilies? In the language of flowers, they represent a secret crush and are suitable for a lover. Kakashi was a reserved person who wanted to reach out but never dared to speak, eventually burying his feelings under the weight of his guilt and his promise to Obito.
"Rin, Kiyoshi is right. Thank you for everything," Kakashi said sincerely, even giving a small bow.
"It's nothing, Kakashi. We all did it together. I just hope Obito can rest in peace," Rin said, her eyes stinging. She turned away, pretending to rub dust out of her eyes to hide the tears. Kakashi would never know the price she had paid. And she might even be...
She felt like she had no choice. She was just a commoner. While it felt like she was using Kiyoshi, what else did she have to offer him to ensure he would help?
*Hiss...*
The White Snake watched the humans with its cold black eyes, finding them incredibly boring. After a while, it slithered back into Kiyoshi's sleeve.
Ten minutes later, Kakashi left. Rin remained behind. She hesitated before asking Kiyoshi her question again. Kiyoshi performed a quick examination and then smiled, telling her she was overthinking things.
"Take this medicine, and you'll return to normal," Kiyoshi said, writing out a prescription. Medical ninjutsu couldn't solve everything; some things required traditional treatment and rest.
A massive weight was lifted from Rin's heart. She looked at the prescription, though she didn't quite understand the herbal combination. Trusting Kiyoshi's expertise, she tucked the paper away and said her goodbyes.
"What will happen between Kakashi and me?" Rin wondered as she walked away, feeling a sense of dread. She sadly realized that in her current state, she had likely already lost her chance.
...
The Mountains' Graveyard.
Inside the dim cavern, Obito clutched the right side of his body. A growth was forming there, as if a new arm were struggling to sprout.
"How long have I been here?" he muttered. "It feels like I'm going to be here for a long, long time."