Hokage's Office
Hiruzen Sarutobi's frown deepened as he listened to the ANBU operative's report. The masked shinobi stood rigidly before his desk, clearly uncomfortable with what he was about to say.
"Male Magnet Release?" Sarutobi leaned back in his chair, genuine surprise etched across his weathered face. "Are you certain?"
The operative hesitated, then pressed forward. "The intelligence is confirmed, Lord Third. Hyuga Seiran defeated Rasa's Gold Dust Defense using Magnet Release. Orochimaru himself has verified it."
Sarutobi's expression grew somber. He'd expected much from pairing Seiran with Minato, but the boy had somehow eclipsed even the Yellow Flash. Elder Chiyo, Rasa—both defeated by a child barely past thirteen. The rate of growth was nothing short of terrifying.
"According to Orochimaru," the operative continued carefully, "Seiran exploited the Sand Kazekage's ability's natural weaknesses. His raw power isn't as overwhelming as the results might suggest."
The Third Hokage exhaled slowly, though his breathing remained heavy. Underestimating Seiran had been a grave mistake. And that Magnet Release—it wasn't simply weapon manipulation. The boy could control all metal itself.
If such a bloodline could be inherited...
"There are several girls in the Sarutobi clan of suitable age," Sarutobi murmured, more to himself than anyone else.
The operative's confusion was palpable.
"Never mind. You're dismissed."
"Yes, Lord Third."
The ANBU operative vanished in a swirl of leaves.
Minutes later, the office door exploded inward. Danzo Shimura stormed through, his bandaged face twisted with barely contained excitement.
"Sarutobi! Have you heard?" Spittle flew as he slammed both palms on the desk. "The boy awakened a Magnet Release that surpasses Rasa's! Give him to me—I want him in Root!"
"Sit down," Sarutobi said flatly, not bothering to look up.
Danzo remained standing, trembling with agitation.
"It's still unclear whether this is a true Kekkei Genkai or a bloodline mutation," the Hokage continued. "Either way, it's stronger than ordinary Magnet Release. Think about it—if such power could be artificially refined and mastered, who in the Five Great Nations could challenge Konoha's supremacy?"
"Exactly!" Danzo's eye gleamed. "Give him to me!"
"He's a branch member," Sarutobi said quietly.
The words hit like ice water. Danzo's excitement crumbled instantly. Branch member. That meant complete control by the Main Family. The Caged Bird Curse Mark ensured he could never escape. One word from the clan elders and he'd be dragged back.
"Then at least preserve the bloodline," Danzo growled, his mind already spinning. "He's a first-generation user. The ability should be inheritable. Root has women who could—"
"Root has no female operatives under thirty," Sarutobi interrupted sharply. "And you know it."
"Age is irrelevant," Danzo gritted out. "As long as they breathe."
Sarutobi's glare could have burned through steel. "The Main Family controls his breeding rights. Without their approval, this discussion is meaningless."
Danzo fell silent, his jaw clenching. Never had he despised the Caged Bird Curse Mark more. It was like discovering a mountain of gold, only to find it already claimed—locked away behind thousands of years of clan law.
The frustration was unbearable.
---
Hyuga Clan Estate
The atmosphere in the main hall was vastly different from the chaos of war. Hyuga Mizuki, the clan patriarch, stood with hands clasped behind his back, gazing toward the courtyard. Behind him, Hiashi Hyuga waited in respectful silence.
"Once this war concludes," Mizuki said, his voice carrying the weight of generations, "you will assume the clan leadership."
Hiashi's breath caught. He bowed deeply. "I understand."
The old patriarch's shoulders seemed to sag slightly. "What are your thoughts about that branch member? About Seiran?"
Hiashi opened his mouth, then closed it. The question hung between them like a blade.
Mizuki sighed. "It's unfortunate he isn't of the Main Family."
"If he were," Hiashi admitted quietly, "things would be different."
"Indeed." Mizuki turned to face his successor. "A branch member with power to rival a Kage? The clan elders would never permit it. Such strength would undermine the very foundation of our hierarchy."
Behind the old man, Hiashi felt the weight of duty settle heavier on his shoulders. He had once offered to mentor Seiran. Now, that opportunity had passed. The boy would remain what he'd always been—exceptional, yet forever bound.
---
Konoha Forward Camp
Seiran stood before his creation, studying every detail of the nanometal construct. Its silver surface rippled with liquid-like fluidity, muscular in appearance yet utterly alien. Five Chakra Reactors pulsed within its core, connected by intricate systems that mimicked organic life.
The nanometal particles functioned as miniature energy generators, converting friction and electromagnetic interaction into usable chakra. Solar energy, wind energy, kinetic force—all could fuel this being. Eventually, he'd integrate nuclear fission as well.
The avatar's significance extended beyond mere combat capability. Its energy could channel directly to Seiran's main body across any distance, creating an endless pipeline of chakra. While others exhausted themselves in battle, Seiran would only grow stronger.
True capitalist efficiency, he thought with dark humor. A perfect worker that couldn't betray him.
He began the activation sequence.
The nanometal surface peeled upward like scales, flowing and reforming as consciousness bloomed within the form. The construct's eyes opened—pure white Byakugan eyes, luminous and intelligent.
"Who... am I?" The voice was newly formed, curious and uncertain.
"Zero," Seiran replied calmly. "Your name is Zero."
The name settled into the avatar's consciousness. Zero—beginning from nothing. As vast libraries of memory implanted themselves, the construct's expression shifted, processing its identity and purpose.
"Your first task," Seiran commanded, his voice cold and certain, "is to retrieve three targets. Bring them to me."
Three faces materialized in Zero's mind. Three pairs of Byakugan eyes identical to its own.
The avatar's pure white gaze fixed on the distant horizon.
"Understood, Creator."
-----
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