Leaving the cold, underground lair filled with the stench of blood and formaldehyde, we returned to the surface. The scorching afternoon sun pierced through the layers of leaves, casting dappled shadows on the forest clearing.
The sudden light and warmth caused Shisui Uchiha to feel a slight dizziness, as if he had fallen from a nightmare into another realm where reality and illusion intertwined.
Chiyo did not stop walking, but slightly turned her head, her peripheral vision precisely sweeping over the boy beside her.
Shisui's breathing was slightly rapid, and his face appeared pale and exhausted in the sunlight.
But his back remained ramrod straight, Sharingan was already closed, though a trace of weariness lingered in his deep black eyes.
How are your eyes?
Chiyo's voice was steady and deep, piercing through the silence of the forest and reaching Shisui's ears directly.
Without much small talk, they got straight to the point.
Forcibly using " Kotoamatsukami " on the strange and powerful Orochimaru would consume a significant amount of Dōryoku.
The current Orochimaru has not undergone reincarnation.
Shisui took a deep breath, quickly suppressing her discomfort, and forced a reassuring smile onto her face.
"Thank you for your concern, teacher. I'm just a little exhausted from overusing my Dōryoku."
He paused, his tone becoming serious and tinged with disbelief and emotion.
"The consumption of ' Kotoamatsukami ' far exceeded my expectations."
Its core Dōryoku seemed to have been completely drained, falling into a kind of silence.
"I'm afraid... it won't be able to be used again for the Mirai few years."
Upon hearing Chiyo, Qianye's expression remained unchanged; he merely nodded almost imperceptibly.
This result was both unexpected and reasonable.
The ability to permanently alter the thoughts and perceptions of a person regardless of their will—this forbidden power that touches upon the very rules of the world—would be unsettling without stringent restrictions and enormous costs.
The cooling-off period of several years acted like a sturdy gate, barely balancing this terrifying force that was capable of overturning everything.
His gaze seemed to casually sweep over what was behind him.
Orochimaru followed quietly a few steps behind, his expression peaceful, even carrying a strange tranquility as if he had found a new compass in life.
The madness, greed, obsession, and cynicism that once shone in his signature snake-like eyes had vanished without a trace, replaced by a settled focus and a hint of...
Sense of belonging?
This earth-shattering yet natural and smooth transformation was like the most intricate program being overwritten, causing even Chiyo's already rock-solid will to involuntarily feel an extremely subtle yet bone-chilling cold.
if...
Is this technique aimed at oneself?
This thought, like a venomous snake lurking in the shadows, suddenly launched a silent attack, causing Chiyo's heart to clench sharply, and a chilling shiver to creep up his spine.
But in just a moment, his extraordinary mental strength and absolute confidence completely crushed this ripple of wavering.
Mangekyo Dōjutsu are based on Dōryoku, and their essence is still the advanced application of Dōryoku.
Shisui's Dōryoku was among the best in the Uchiha, but it was still fundamentally different from his own Indra's Chakra and entered the Mangekyo of Eternity.
Furthermore, there were later rewards such as Tsukuyomi and other Mangekyo Dōjutsu.
It is also strengthening its own Dōryoku.
Kotoamatsukami is powerful, it is still within the realm of 'technique'.
If it's a technique, then there must be a way to counter it.
It could be an overwhelming defense relying on overwhelming Dōryoku, or a direct immunity through an even more resilient and pure mental will, or even... a backlash!
Chiyo's brain was working at lightning speed, like the most sophisticated instrument, calmly analyzing the situation.
Most likely, the success rate and intensity of this Genjutsu that directly alters will are closely related to the difference in Dōryoku between the caster and the recipient.
It is virtually unbeatable against opponents far weaker than itself, but its effectiveness will be greatly reduced against opponents of the same or even stronger level, and it may even backfire!
Having grasped the key point, Chiyo's heart returned to absolute calm once more, and the chill vanished without a trace.
At the pinnacle of power, there has never been an absolutely invincible technique; only absolute control and continuous transcendence of one's own strength is the Eternity truth.
The three walked silently and quickly, the forest scenery rushing past them.
Soon, the towering gates and familiar watchtowers of Konoha gradually came into view.
However, just as they were about to step out of the forest and onto the main road at the village entrance, something unexpected happened!
"It's the Clan Leader and Shisui!"
A patrol of Uchiha Guard Unit were the first to spot them.
Just as he was about to step forward to pay his respects as was customary, his gaze suddenly froze on the figure behind the two.
Pale skin, long black hair, golden snake eyes—his features were so striking they were breathtaking!
Orochimaru?!
"Orochimaru, the S-rank missing-nin Orochimaru!!"
"Alert! High alert!"
"..."
Exclamations and shouts erupted almost simultaneously!
The well-trained Uchiha members reacted with lightning speed, instantly entering battle mode!
Their Sharingan activated simultaneously, their Tomoe swirling, and Kunai and shuriken were instantly drawn, reflecting a cold light in the sunlight!
Their figures crisscrossed, and they had already formed a tight defensive formation.
He brazenly shielded Chiyo and Shisui behind him, and all weapons and Sharingan Dōryoku were locked onto the expressionless Orochimaru!
The chakra in the air instantly tightened to its limit, and the killing intent spread out as if it were a tangible thing!
This sudden turn of events and the overwhelming tension were like cold water being poured into boiling oil, instantly igniting the entire village entrance!
The surrounding villagers, vendors, and passersby were startled by the commotion and turned to look.
"What's going on? Why did the Guard Unit suddenly..."
"That person... that appearance! It's that damned missing-nin Orochimaru!"
"How could he be here?! Was the Uchiha Clan Head with him?"
"He was captured by Lord Chiyo! It must have been Lord Chiyo himself who captured him!"
"My God! They even managed to capture that legendary missing-nin?!"
"As expected of Lord Chiyo! He ended the war and eliminated a huge threat to the village!"
"Too powerful! With Lord Chiyo here, what is there to fear!"
"..."
Shock, fear, and disbelief were quickly overwhelmed by a volcanic eruption of fanatical worship.
The crowd surged in from all directions like a tide, yet dared not get too close, merely observing from a distance, their faces filled with awe and excitement.
They automatically imagined the scene before them as a classic tale of a hero capturing a villain, and cheers and exclamations swept out like a tsunami!
" Lord Chiyo!"
"Hero of Konoha!"
" The Uchiha Clan truly lives up to their reputation as the cornerstone of Konoha!"
"With Lord Chiyo here, Konoha will surely enjoy eternal peace!"
"..."
The shouts rose higher and higher, converging into a powerful, almost blind, torrent of faith that washed away the tense atmosphere at the scene.
This sudden and grand "welcoming ceremony" was even more spectacular and enthusiastic than the celebrations of a victorious war return!
"Swish swish."
More piercing and rapid whooshing sounds rang out one after another!
Several figures flew in from different directions within the village at incredible speed!
Elite members of the Anbu wearing various animal masks, members of the Hokage's Personal Guard in formal armor, and even two Jonin duty from the Jonin Commander all arrived at the scene!
Clearly, the sudden burst of intense chakra and the massive commotion at the village entrance triggered the village's highest-level alarm system.
When they landed and saw that the person surrounded by the Uchiha elites as if facing a formidable enemy was none other than Orochimaru, who was supposed to have defected, everyone gasped and instinctively assumed a fighting stance.
A squad Captain from the Anbu stepped forward, his gaze shifting heavily between Chiyo and Orochimaru, his voice hoarse with shock.
" Lord Chiyo! This... this is... Orochimaru...?"
At this moment, when everyone was watching and the atmosphere was so tense it felt like it was about to explode.
Chiyo nodded.
In my mind, the cold, precise mechanical Prompt Tone suddenly rang out, as if it had been programmed.
[bite!]
[System notification: The mission 'Make Orochimaru willingly return to Konoha ' has been completed.]
[Reward Distribution: Random Mangekyo Dōjutsu Draw in Progress...]
[Congratulations, host! You have obtained the Mangekyo Sharingan Eye Technique: Kotoamatsukami! (Note: This Dōjutsu has an extremely long cooldown period after use, please use it with caution.)]
It was like a thunderclap exploding deep within my mind!
Even Chiyo almost lost control of his expression at this moment!
The ultimate Genjutsu that we were just analyzing in depth, and even feeling a sense of dread.
In the blink of an eye, all its mysteries, its power, and its heavy, cooling shackles were gone.
It was as if it were innately imprinted on his Eternal Mangekyo, becoming part of his power system!
A surge of Dōryoku flooded his consciousness; it was all about " Kotoamatsukami ".
At the same time, his perspective on Orochimaru also underwent a dramatic change.
He could not only clearly perceive the imprint of "absolute loyalty to Konoha and loyalty to Chiyo " that Kotoamatsukami had planted deep within Orochimaru's spiritual core, but he could even vaguely detect the unique Dōryoku fluctuations that remained on it, belonging to Shisui.
And now, he himself has the key to " Kotoamatsukami " that belongs entirely to him!
A key that is absolutely under his control!
Chiyo forcibly suppressed the turbulent waves in his heart. Facing the Anbu Captain, numerous elite ninjas, and countless gazes around him filled with shock, fear, doubt, and fanaticism, he slowly took a step forward.
With just one step, he firmly captured everyone's attention.
His gaze swept calmly over the heavily armed Anbu and guards, and over the extremely tense Uchiha clan members.
Finally, the voice landed on the Anbu Captain. It wasn't loud, but it seemed to contain immense power, clearly reaching the ears of everyone present and even suppressing the commotion in the distance.
"Put away your weapons."
These few simple words carried an unquestionable, commanding tone.
The Anbu Captain and the Captain of the guard were taken aback. They subconsciously looked at Orochimaru, then at Chiyo, their faces full of hesitation and confusion.
Chiyo didn't give them time to think. He continued speaking, his voice as steady as a rock, echoing throughout the silent village entrance.
" Orochimaru has deeply reflected on his past crimes and voluntarily returned to Konoha to accept punishment. He also intends to dedicate all his knowledge and power to the Mirai development of the village."
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the room with an almost tangible intensity, before making his final, earth-shattering decision.
"From this day forward, Orochimaru will conduct limited research under the direct supervision of the village within a designated special area, as a way to atone for Konoha's sins!"
Upon hearing this, all was silent!
Everyone felt as if they had been struck hard in the head by an invisible hammer, falling into a brief mental blank!
Voluntary return to accept treatment?
To contribute to the Mirai development of the village?
Atonement for Konoha's sins?
Every word was like a bomb, leaving them dizzy and disoriented!
This is completely beyond their comprehension!
The difference between being captured and brought to justice and a missing-nin and voluntarily returns to the fold is worlds apart!
Moreover, the person supervising him was the hero who had just saved the village.
Chiyo Uchiha!
After a brief silence, a more intense chorus of whispers and incredulous glances erupted.
But strangely enough, out of absolute trust and awe in Chiyo, who was almost like a god, the impending doubts and commotion were forcibly suppressed.
The look in people's eyes gradually shifted from extreme shock to a deeper, complex emotion that mixed confusion with absolute trust.
"Since this is Lord Chiyo's decision, there must be a reason for it!"
Lord Chiyo did was definitely for Konoha!
Someone shouted out, and a wave of agreement followed.
The muscles on the Anbu Captain's face twitched a few times.
He opened his mouth, as if he wanted to say something.
But in the end, when faced with Chiyo's calm yet unfathomable eyes, which seemed to see through everything, all the words were swallowed back.
He gave Orochimaru a deep look, then suddenly lowered his head and said in a deep voice, "You are quiet and obedient, and you don't even seem to react to the hostility around you."
"Yes, Lord Chiyo! I understand!"
We will immediately report this matter in detail to the Third Hokage!
Chiyo nodded slightly.
No further words.
He gestured to Shisui and Orochimaru behind him, surrounded by a group of Uchiha guards whose expressions were complex but who remained respectful.
Ignoring the overwhelming sea of awe and curiosity around him, he walked slowly and resolutely toward the Uchiha Compound.
Wherever he went, the crowd parted to make way for him, as if Moses had parted the sea, and all the talk and cheers turned into suppressed, excited stares.
Whispers of " Lord Chiyo!" spread like a tide behind him.
This return brings with it not only a dangerous genius.
In an unprecedented way, he once again boldly declared his unshakeable absolute authority and influence in Konoha.