The Secrets of the Sage of Six Paths

Seeing the speechless expressions on the three of them, Orochimaru offered an awkward smile before adding, "I am quite busy right now and need to conduct some experiments. If you are interested, you are welcome to come to my laboratory to learn."

"If you aren't interested, you can train on your own. Come find me only if there is a problem Keigo cannot solve."

It seemed... that being this hands-off was perhaps a bit improper.

After all, when his teacher had been in charge of him back in the day, he had given it his all.

Even while needing to handle the affairs of Konoha.

He had never neglected the training of the three of them.

It was just that the top of his head had gradually gone bald...

"Hmph! As expected, even though Teacher Orochimaru is powerful, he doesn't care about us at all. I might as well go train!"

Hyuga Ruri let out a dissatisfied, sharp cry.

She had originally thought that with Orochimaru as her instructor, her strength would improve by leaps and bounds!

She hadn't expected that just after becoming their teacher, Orochimaru would want to play the role of an absentee mentor!

"I have heard that Teacher Orochimaru is unique in his research, and... he has methods to make people stronger. It is no exaggeration to say that no one in all of Konoha possesses better research techniques than Teacher Orochimaru."

Keigo Uchiha chuckled, his gaze shifting.

Orochimaru's talent for research was incomparable.

In the original story, it was precisely because of Orochimaru's Impure World Reincarnation that the Fourth Shinobi World War occurred; at the same time, the resurrection of Uchiha Madara could not have happened without this ninjutsu, otherwise, Uchiha Madara would never have been able to unleash the majority of his power.

And in Boruto, Orochimaru even developed the perfect Sage Mode!

That was just absurd!

In a world as unreasonable as Naruto.

He interpreted the truth through science!

"Really?!"

Hyuga Ruri's beautiful eyes lit up as she looked at Keigo Uchiha in disbelief. "Does Teacher Orochimaru really have that kind of ability? That he can make people stronger through research!?"

"Hehehe... theoretically, it is possible."

Orochimaru let out a raspy laugh.

His face was full of pride.

As a researcher, he loved having his work recognized by others!

He couldn't help but look at Keigo Uchiha; he hadn't expected Keigo Uchiha to know about such things. One had to realize that only a few jonin knew about his penchant for research!

"If you like, you can come over and take a look."

Orochimaru invited them with a smile.

"Of course, I certainly want to see the teacher's research achievements."

Keigo Uchiha was not shy at all; he also happened to want to see to what extent Orochimaru's research had progressed.

Orochimaru was a true genius.

His brilliance in the field of research was dazzling!

In Boruto, it was no exaggeration to say that his research was nearly a century ahead of this world!

Being able to witness the existence of such a person was a stroke of luck in itself.

Soon.

The three of them followed Orochimaru to the laboratory.

The laboratory was incredibly chaotic, yet it possessed a sense of... underlying order.

"This is the laboratory I am currently using, and the topics I am researching now include cloning organs, sealing techniques, organ transplantation, and how to suppress the rejection phenomenon of transplants!"

A trace of fanaticism appeared in Orochimaru's perpetually calm, amber pupils.

He looked just like... a mad scientist!

But he hid it well; apart from Keigo Uchiha, neither Hyuga Ruri nor Inuzuka Mi noticed a thing.

Rip!

With a sudden, violent tug.

The massive curtain behind him was ripped away, revealing over a dozen culture tanks!

Inside them were nothing but organs!

They were... animal organs!

"Ah!"

The two girls' pretty faces turned pale instantly, filled with panic and fear.

"What... what are these things? Are they... organs!? Could they be... human organs?"

Inuzuka Mi's voice trembled as she looked at the scene in disbelief.

Hyuga Ruri also swallowed hard, struggling to suppress her emotions.

Water dripped from the walls of the basement; the damp, icy sensation permeated her body, leaving her chilled, stiff, and unable to move even a muscle. Orochimaru's amber pupils, resembling those of a snake, gave off a cold, heart-stopping dread!

She instinctively looked toward Keigo Uchiha, only to find his expression unchanged, devoid of the slightest hint of fear.

"Is this all? Using animal organs for cloning is hardly anything novel anymore. Orochimaru-sensei, these things of yours... are too low-tier."

Keigo Uchiha expressed his disdain.

Judging by the timeline, Orochimaru had already begun touching upon forbidden arts like Living Corpse Reincarnation and Impure World Reincarnation.

It was just that he likely hadn't started human experimentation yet.

But that was only a matter of time.

"Low-tier!?"

Orochimaru's pale face stiffened, his expression turning sour!

Naturally, he could not reveal the research topics he was currently working on.

For instance, Living Corpse Reincarnation.

For instance, Impure World Reincarnation!

These two ninjutsu were his core projects.

But these could not be disclosed, or else he would become a rogue ninja!

Yet, this brat Keigo Uchiha dared to mock him?

"Sensei, if you are going to conduct research, you should study something truly impressive."

Keigo Uchiha grinned, his dark eyes flashing with a light that felt guiding, like a demon luring a human into hell. "Konoha has many interesting things, after all."

If he were to share certain theories and secrets from the Hokage's world with Orochimaru, to what extent would Orochimaru develop them?

He was curious!

Moreover, he needed Orochimaru's research to make himself stronger!

"Heh, Keigo, you still don't understand the difficulty of these subjects. In this entire world, no one has gone further in research than I have!"

"Keigo, you still don't know the truth of this world!"

Orochimaru's expression was arrogant.

This was his pride; in terms of research, even his own teacher was not as capable as he was!

And eventually, he would achieve eternal life!

He would grasp the truth of this world!

"No, the one who doesn't know the truth of this world is you, Orochimaru-sensei. Do you know... of the Sage of Six Paths?"

Keigo Uchiha's eyes glimmered in the dim light, his lips curling upward like a devil opening Pandora's box.

His voice was low as he spoke slowly: "Everything in this world traces back to them. All power, when traced to its source, comes from the lineage of the Sage of Six Paths!"

"The Sage of Six Paths?! Isn't... that just a legendary figure?"

Orochimaru's pupils constricted.

He instinctively realized something.

"Legend says the Sage of Six Paths created the world and gave life to everyone, but this... is a myth, not reality."

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes, staring fixedly at Keigo Uchiha.

His gaze was filled with anticipation and longing!

"Orochimaru-sensei, that is not the case."

Keigo Uchiha chuckled, picked up a rag, and wiped away all of Orochimaru's research notes from the blackboard.

"The Sage of Six Paths... is no legend."

His low voice echoed throughout the basement.

The pupils of the three present constricted.

Their eyes were filled with shock!

"The Sage of Six Paths... is not a legend?!"

Hyuga Ruri said in disbelief, "How is that possible? If such a sage truly existed in this world, why wouldn't he restore peace to the world?"

Orochimaru was shocked, but he quickly regained his composure.

He looked toward Hyuga Ruri, his voice raspy. "Many things cannot be solved by strength alone. Human malice expands in tandem with one's power; even the strongest individual can only maintain peace for a fleeting moment."

This point was embodied perfectly by the First Hokage.

After the First Hokage passed away.

It did not take long for the entire world to plunge into the Second Shinobi World War; such a turn of events was only natural.

"That is correct, Teacher is right. Besides, even a Sage is not immortal."

Keigo Uchiha said indifferently, a hint of playfulness in his gaze. "There is something that might interest you, Teacher."

Looking into Keigo Uchiha's pitch-black eyes, Orochimaru felt an inexplicable sensation, as if... he had been seen through. It was as if Keigo Uchiha knew everything about him, and... all of his research!

"In the era of the Sage of Six Paths, he and his younger brother, Otsutsuki Hamura, forged peace. The Sage of Six Paths, known as Otsutsuki Hagoromo, married and fathered two children."

"The eldest son, Indra, was born with peerless talent and possessed a pair of powerful eyes, but he was cold-natured and believed he alone could change the world. The second son, Asura, was pure of heart, maintained excellent relations with the members of Ninjushu, and believed that unity was the true path to peace."

"In the end, the two brothers fought due to their conflicting philosophies, and neither could convince the other."

"As time passed, the descendants of these two brothers established the Uchiha Clan and the Senju Clan, respectively. The two great clans remained hostile, a conflict that has not ceased for thousands of years."

As Keigo Uchiha recounted this.

The three of them grew increasingly shocked, their eyes filled with disbelief!

Orochimaru's gaze was filled with fanaticism, shock, and tremors. "Are you saying that the current Senju Clan and Uchiha Clan... are both descendants of the Sage!?"

"Of course. Otherwise, why would the Senju Clan and Uchiha Clan always produce such brilliant, powerful individuals? It is precisely because the Uchiha Clan inherited the Eyes of the Sage, while the Senju Clan inherited the Body of the Sage."

Keigo Uchiha's expression was calm, as if he were speaking of something as simple as eating or drinking.

He glanced at Orochimaru indifferently.

He added, seemingly offhandedly: "If one could fully research these two great clans, I fear immortality would no longer be a problem, would it?"

But Orochimaru was already too shocked to speak!

"This... this is a true secret. I never imagined that the Sage of Six Paths actually existed in this world, and that... the Uchiha Clan and the Senju Clan are both descendants of the Sage!"

Orochimaru's voice trembled, and he could not help but say: "No wonder these two clans are so powerful; so that is the reason!"

"And I... it seems I have... been researching in the wrong direction all these years!"

Hearing Keigo Uchiha's words.

His entire body jolted!

His amber pupils were filled with fanaticism!

If he wanted immortality, he should clearly have started with the Uchiha Clan and the Senju Clan!

He needed to uncover the true secrets hidden by the Sage!

"Then what about our Hyuga Clan? We also possess dojutsu!"

Hyuga Ruri, standing to the side, was shocked beyond measure and hurriedly asked: "What is the history of our Hyuga Clan?"

She clenched her delicate hands tightly.

The name Hyuga Tenjin.

Actually held a meaning related to the Sage!

Could it be... that her Hyuga Clan were also descendants of the Sage?

"The Sage of Six Paths had a younger brother named Otsutsuki Hamura, who possessed the power known as the Tenseigan. Back then, they also split into two branches: one is the current Hyuga Clan, and the other... is on the moon!"

"Your Hyuga Clan also possesses the bloodline of the Sage, it is just that Otsutsuki Hamura was not as powerful as his older brother, Otsutsuki Hagoromo."

Keigo Uchiha's expression remained indifferent.

This perhaps had to do with the fact that the Sage of Six Paths inherited more of the God Tree's power.

"So that's how it is!"

The flush on Hyuga Ruri's pretty face gradually faded, replaced by excitement and joy!

"So our Hyuga Clan are also descendants of the Sage. Keigo Uchiha, my lineage is not a bit inferior to yours; I will defeat you one day!"

She waved her delicate hand.

As if the day she would triumph over Keigo Uchiha was not far off.

"Behave, stop dreaming; it isn't nighttime yet."

Keigo Uchiha chuckled. "Even among descendants of the Sage, there is a difference in strength."

Immediately, Hyuga Ruri let out a dainty huff of indignation.

"Keigo, how do you know all these things? And... why tell me these things?"

"These... are all classified secrets. Even within the Uchiha Clan... these are things only the high-ranking members and the future clan heir... would know, right?"

Orochimaru suddenly spoke, his snake-like pupils flickering with an eerie light.

It was as if he were scrutinizing exactly what Keigo Uchiha was thinking.

Yet, the words Keigo Uchiha had just spoken.

Filled his eyes with a feverish intensity!

"While this is a secret, if it remains merely a secret, it serves no purpose. In my view, telling you, Teacher, holds far greater value."

Keigo Uchiha chuckled softly.

He shifted the topic, brushing past the matter before continuing: "Since the bloodline of the Sage of Six Paths is divided into the Senju Clan and the Uchiha Clan."

"Then, Teacher, have you ever considered what would happen if the genes of the Senju Clan and the Uchiha Clan were combined once more? Would it... recreate a Sage like the Sage of Six Paths?"

"Could we artificially manufacture such a monster?"

Keigo Uchiha's dark eyes shimmered with a strange light.

"The Sage of Six Paths... possessed the legendary Rinnegan! Can we artificially... create such eyes?"

"Furthermore... Ruri possesses the bloodlines of both the Hyuga Clan and the Senju Clan! Perhaps... it is possible for her to awaken the Tenseigan!"

Keigo Uchiha's voice carried a seductive, bewitching quality.

In the world of Naruto, it had already been established.

The conditions for awakening the Tenseigan were the eyes of the Hyuga main branch on Earth, combined with the chakra of the Hyuga Clan from the moon!

Although Ruri lacked the chakra of the moon's Hyuga Clan.

The bloodline of the Senju Clan served to compensate for a portion of the bloodline within Hyuga Ruri's body!

In other words, it was possible for Hyuga Ruri to awaken the Tenseigan!

The bloodline of the Senju Clan played a vital, indispensable role!

"And these eyes of mine..."

Keigo Uchiha chuckled, and the Three-Tomoe Sharingan instantly appeared in his eyes.

They shimmered with an eerie light in the darkness.

"Combined with the bloodline of the Senju Clan, they are capable of unlocking the Rinnegan of the Sage of Six Paths. In these few short minutes, Teacher, I have already provided you with three subjects worthy of research."

Keigo Uchiha wore a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Isn't this... far more impressive than all those messy experiments of yours?"

The others were completely stunned!

Hyuga Ruri and Mi Inuzuka could only grasp a fraction of the meaning, yet they understood that what Keigo Uchiha was saying now were true secrets—things that perhaps only a handful of people in the entire ninja world knew!

Orochimaru's pupils contracted violently, his Adam's apple bobbing as his pale face burned with fanaticism.

The door to a new world had been flung wide open!

Like a novice stepping into a new realm, he couldn't help but reflect on the research he had conducted previously.

That damn stuff... it was all trash!

"So this... is the true secret of this world. Everything I studied before... it really was low-level! Whether it is Living Corpse Reincarnation or Impure World Reincarnation, those are merely temporary changes to the self."

"Only by researching the secrets of the Sages can I... see the true mysteries of this world!"

Orochimaru's raspy voice was filled with fervor!

His entire body trembled, unable to contain himself!

This was what he had been pursuing for over a decade!

"Thank you, Keigo. You have helped me find the direction I truly need to research. This is the only correct path!"

Orochimaru took a deep breath, actually uttering such words!

"To others, what you said today might just be hidden knowledge or shocking revelations, but to me, it is a beacon that will guide the direction of my entire life!"

"Thank you, Keigo. You have played a vital role in my research!"

Orochimaru looked at Keigo Uchiha with hopeful eyes. "Your talent is even more terrifying than I imagined. Please, continue to help me with my research in the future. I can provide the results and the processes, but I need you to provide the direction!"

"The collision of our two minds will spark the most dazzling flame of this era!"

As he spoke.

Orochimaru extended his hand.

His amber pupils were filled with anticipation.

They were brimming with a thirst for knowledge.

He was like a scholar desperate to know every secret in the world, and by extending his hand now, he was inviting Keigo Uchiha to be his partner—this was an acknowledgment!

"Then, happy to be working with you, Teacher Orochimaru."

Keigo Uchiha chuckled and reached out to shake his hand. "I will provide you with the blood of the Uchiha Clan, as well as the sensations experienced during the experiments."

Since the two had become partners.

It was only natural that they would provide each other with the materials required for their experiments.

Providing the eyes and corpses of the Uchiha Clan was naturally out of the question, but providing some blood was not a problem at all.

Excitement and approval flickered within Orochimaru's amber pupils!

Keigo Uchiha's talent far exceeded his imagination; with his help... perhaps he could truly unravel the secrets of this world, the secrets of the Sages!

"So... this is the secret of our Hyuga Clan? No wonder Grandfather was always muttering about the glory of the Hyuga Clan, always silently watching the moon in the courtyard at night..."

Hyuga Ruri's beautiful eyes were filled with shock!

Her small mouth hung open!

A trace of confusion flickered in her beautiful eyes, "When I was young, although I heard Grandfather say these things, I never understood what they meant. Even my father and the other clansmen didn't know what they meant."

"But now I understand!"

Hyuga Ruri looked at Keigo Uchiha, her gaze filled with bewilderment, shock, and admiration!

Even the main branch of the Hyuga Clan did not know these secret histories!

Yet Keigo Uchiha spoke of them as if they were his own family treasures!

This guy... just how much knowledge of this kind had he mastered over the years?

It seemed... there was nothing that Keigo Uchiha did not know!

One had to remember that back at the Ninja Academy, Keigo Uchiha had guided the other eleven students, providing them with reasonable advice and directions for their future development!

And these past two years.

Had proven that not a single word Keigo Uchiha said was false!

Even... the Hokage himself probably didn't have such ability, right?

"Keigo... hearing the secret history you just mentioned, I finally realize how narrow-minded the current Hyuga Clan is. To actually discard our most important eyes to assist in the practice of the Gentle Fist—this is simply putting the cart before the horse!"

Hyuga Ruri took a deep breath, feeling a sense of powerlessness.

When exactly did the Hyuga Clan start practicing the Gentle Fist?

Abandoning the truly important Byakugan?

This was simply foolish to the extreme!

Yet the entire Hyuga Clan was so foolish that they didn't even know how to use their own eyes, let alone realize that the eyes were the true path forward for the Hyuga Clan!

They were the treasures the Hyuga Clan should truly be proud of!

The Hyuga Clan, which once stood alongside the Uchiha Clan and the Senju Clan as the three great families of Konoha, had actually become a foil for the other two families. This was a disgrace!

"Keigo... please help me. I want to change the Hyuga Clan; this should not be the fate of the Hyuga Clan!"

A trace of pleading appeared in Hyuga Ruri's pure white, beautiful eyes.

The Hyuga Clan... should restore the glory of the ancient era!

They should let Hyuga Tenjin reappear within the Hyuga Clan!

"This is not something I can change."

Keigo Uchiha shook his head calmly. His deep, dark eyes flickered with a scarlet light, and his voice was tranquil, "There is only one way to change oneself, and that is self-salvation."

"And if your Hyuga Clan wants to change its destiny, it can only come from true introspection within your own clan, or... there must be one person who can change the entire structure of the Hyuga Clan."

He looked at Orochimaru and said pointedly, "When you are powerful to a certain degree, then changing or not changing is merely a matter of a single thought."

"The only thing you need to do now is to try your best to awaken the Tenseigan and become a true Kage-level powerhouse. This is the only thing you must do."

If one's strength is great.

Then whatever one wishes to do is merely a matter of a single thought.

But if one's strength is weak, then whatever one wishes to do will be met with countless barriers. This is the result of absolute strength.

"Awaken... the Tenseigan, and become a Kage-level powerhouse?"

A trace of hesitation appeared in Hyuga Ruri's beautiful eyes, "Can I really achieve such a thing? Right now, I am only a Special Jonin; I haven't even become a Jonin yet."

"And the Tenseigan... is not so easy to awaken."

"Every time I use chakra to impact my eyes, I feel heart-wrenching pain, as if my eyes are about to go blind."

She knew her own talent.

And she knew she could become strong!

But a Kage-level powerhouse—was that really something she could achieve?

Orochimaru's expression was calm as he looked at the three people present.

A strange smile curled at the corners of his mouth.

Among these three, Keigo Uchiha was the most brilliant and talented; he even... already possessed the heart of a powerhouse. He faced everything without hesitation and knew exactly how his future path should be walked!

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