Second Gathering

Back at the hotel, it was already late at night.

Tsunade still hadn't returned, apparently planning to fight all night. Uchiha Sōgetsu could only hope the woman wouldn't lose too badly.

Having finally gotten to stay at a hot spring hotel, and on a 'business trip' no less, Uchiha Sōgetsu naturally wasn't about to miss out.

Soaking in the hot spring, he closed his eyes in comfort, but his mind was still churning.

"I hadn't planned on moving this fast, but now it looks like I have to speed things up." Running into Jigen today had thrown things somewhat out of control. Uchiha Sōgetsu got out of the hot spring, changed into fresh clothes, and returned to his room.

He checked his surroundings and carefully set up traps.

Then, from a scroll he carried with him, he took out Hermes' Brass Candlestick and infused it with soul power to ignite it.

A mysterious force dragged him down, sinking him into a deep, black dream.

He flowed like a tide, falling endlessly through the stars.

Just as he was about to wrap up his research, Orochimaru suddenly felt a heavy drowsiness wash over him.

"Hm?"

Orochimaru paused, but quickly realized this was some kind of 'summons.'

He walked over to a chair, sat down in a comfortable position, and slowly closed his eyes, no longer resisting the force.

His spiritual body fell through boundless black mist, until it reached the deepest depths.

At the very bottom of the vast subconscious mental ocean, a magnificent Church of Bones stood tall, a pure land built from dreams.

An ancient aura filled the church. By a mottled bronze long table, two blurry figures appeared.

"Good evening, Mr. Adam."

Orochimaru averted his gaze and bowed deeply: "Thank you very much for your advice last time."

"Mr. Adam."

Hatake Sakumo's reaction, on the other hand, was much more subdued.

"No need to be so formal. Sit down."

Uchiha Sōgetsu was shrouded in a hazy blur, raising a hand to gesture downward, his tone casual.

After they sat down, neither knew what to say, and silence fell.

Orochimaru broke the silence first: "Mr. Adam, may I ask why you've called us here this time?"

"The ninja world. It's been at peace for far, far too long."

Uchiha Sōgetsu tapped his finger lightly on the table, a cryptic smile on his face: "Some people seem to be getting restless."

Hearing this, the silent Hatake Sakumo's expression shifted: "Do you mean the Ninja World War is about to start again?!"

"Heh, what's so surprising about that? White Fang, you're still so naive." Orochimaru let out a cold laugh. "The resources of the Hidden Villages are limited. Only Konoha occupies the richest land. Ever since the Second Hokage died, the other villages have been itching for a fight."

"More than the coming war, what I'm curious about is..."

He paused, avoiding direct eye contact with the figure in the high-backed chair, a hint of awe in his gaze: "From your tone, Mr. Adam, this war isn't so simple, is it?"

"There are always people who like to hide in the shadows, isn't that right?"

Uchiha Sōgetsu stopped tapping his fingers and slowly leaned back in his chair: "Originally, I wasn't going to bother with them. But those people want to obstruct the 'Lord's' will. That is not permitted."

"Conveniently, my research has hit a dead end."

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes, licking his lips, a dangerous glint in his gaze: "Going out for a stroll seems like a decent option. Maybe I'll find some new inspiration."

"This matter isn't suitable for you to show your face."

Uchiha Sōgetsu had his own considerations, speaking calmly: "Those people are very timid. If you go, they'll only burrow deeper."

"I'll go, Mr. Adam."

At that moment, Hatake Sakumo spoke up. "In everyone's eyes, I'm a dead man. And dead men... don't attract attention."

"Mm. Then I'll leave it to you, Sakumo." Uchiha Sōgetsu then turned to Orochimaru: "Orochimaru, I need you to do something else."

"Please, speak, Mr. Adam."

Orochimaru bowed his head respectfully, understanding this was a test. He said solemnly: "No matter the mission, I will give it my all."

Just a single Black Zetsu Cell had shown him a glimpse of the 'future.'

That extraordinary life force, both like and unlike the First Generation Cells, even seemed somewhat inhuman—a pure yin release energy aggregate!

After delving deep into the study of Black Zetsu's cells, a terrifying speculation surfaced in Orochimaru's mind.

Though he still couldn't be certain, it only strengthened his resolve to follow the Twilight Hermit Society.

"Heh, no need to be so serious. For you, it's a very simple task."

Uchiha Sōgetsu's tone remained flat. "Go and collect as many Byakugan as you can. Just within your means."

"Byakugan?" The request surprised Orochimaru. "With all due respect, Mr. Adam, while it's called one of Konoha's two great Kekkei Genkai alongside the Sharingan, compared to the First Generation Cells and the Sharingan, I don't believe the Byakugan's importance can match the former two."

Beside him, Hatake Sakumo nodded in agreement.

Indeed, among the Kekkei Genkai passed down in Konoha, though the Byakugan is said to be equal to the Sharingan, those who truly understand know the two are not on the same level at all.

Perhaps below the Three Tomoe level, the Byakugan could still hold an advantage, but once the Sharingan awakens the Mangekyo, the two are almost worlds apart.

"You all are underestimating the Byakugan a bit too much."

Having already anticipated their reactions, Uchiha Sōgetsu chuckled and dropped a bombshell: "The Byakugan and the Sharingan both originate from the Sage's bloodline."

"The Sage... the Sage of Six Paths?!"

Orochimaru and Hatake Sakumo's pupils quaked, shaken by the revelation. "You mean... the Sage of Six Paths actually existed?"

Uchiha Sōgetsu smiled without answering.

Yet this lack of denial undoubtedly confirmed their speculation, causing both of them to sharply inhale in unison.

"The myth was real..."

Compared to Hatake Sakumo's shock, Orochimaru had already suspected as much, so he was more excited.

For a scientist, what could be more fascinating than the unknown?

"Since the Sharingan can evolve into a 'Mangekyo,' then the Byakugan..." Just thinking about it made Orochimaru's body tremble, but it wasn't fear—it was the thrill of personally exploring the unknown and unraveling this secret. "I understand, Mr. Adam. I'll give it a thorough 'study.'"

Seeing Orochimaru lick his lips across from him, Hatake Sakumo's eye twitched, as if he could already foresee the Hyuga Clan's grim future.

Well, grim or not, what did it matter to a 'dead man' like him?

"Alright, let's end it here for today."

Sensing someone approaching, Uchiha Sōgetsu decisively wrapped things up. Glancing at White Fang, he said, "Later, I'll tell you what the person you need to find looks like."

December 10th, clear skies.

Oh yeah, finally resting. There's a peaceful feeling of being buried alive. Dear readers, please support me during the new book period~ Thanks! (Scratch-off didn't win again, dammit, not buying next week!)