Ancient Era to Ninja Sect Era to the Age of Turmoil...

From the ancient era to the Ninja Sect era, and finally the era of turmoil... Hagoromo looked at Asura's restless demeanor, then turned his gaze to Indra's poised and confident posture, letting out a soft sigh in his heart.

"The inheritance of the Ninja Sect requires not only power and wisdom, but also an understanding of the human heart."

"You two each have your strengths and weaknesses. This trial is a test of your abilities as well as a tempering of your character. Go now, and simply do your best."

Hagoromo spoke slowly.

Hearing this, Asura's lips trembled slightly, but he eventually nodded and tightened his grip on the scroll in his hand.

His father's decision would not change; he had no choice but to bite the bullet and accept this trial.

Indra observed all of this, shaking his head inwardly with growing disdain.

How could such a cowardly appearance ever shoulder the heavy responsibilities of the Ninja Sect?

Perhaps his father's move was merely intended to give Asura a graceful way out.

Indra lowered his head to open the scroll, skimming through its contents, his confidence deepening—he was certain to win this trial.

Soon after, the two ran off in different directions.

"The battle between Indra and Asura is about to begin. It's a long road ahead; having lived for so long, I've finally made it to the war between Indra and Asura."

"According to the original Naruto, it's still over a thousand years until the birth of Hashirama and Madara, and even longer until the birth of Naruto..."

Manji shook his head.

Perhaps if Manji had transmigrated to the time when Konoha was first founded, he would have had more room for development.

Of course, transmigrating to the ancient era had its own advantages.

The greatest change Manji had made so far was to forcibly shift the faith of the Naruto world to himself.

Returning to Mount Myōboku, Manji summoned Black Zetsu, Fukasaku, and a group of Historian Toads.

"Great Sage!"

Black Zetsu and the toads bowed slightly in salute.

Manji sat on the throne in the great hall and spoke slowly.

"I have summoned you all today to set the parameters for the next historical record."

"I intend to categorize the annals of history."

"Black Zetsu, take note. I am making the following divisions."

Manji glanced at Black Zetsu.

"As you command."

Black Zetsu immediately took out a pen and began to record.

"From the arrival of Kaguya to the establishment of the Ninja Sect by Hagoromo, we shall call this period the Ancient Era."

"From the establishment of the Ninja Sect by Hagoromo until the present, we shall call this period the Ninja Sect Era."

Manji laid out the current historical divisions: Ancient Era, Ninja Sect Era...

"Great Sage, are you setting the Ninja Sect Era to end at the present? But..."

Black Zetsu hesitated, wanting to say more.

He keenly observed that the Ancient Era essentially spanned from Kaguya's arrival to her sealing and departure, whereas the Ninja Sect was currently still ongoing.

Manji shook his head slightly: "Just record it as I said."

Black Zetsu nodded and immediately began writing.

After finishing the record, Manji looked toward Fukasaku and the Historian Toads.

"Fukasaku, have you finished recording the history of the mortals?"

Manji inquired.

The history of the world was not composed solely of the powerful.

There were countless mortals and commoners who were often the most easily overlooked, yet they formed an indispensable part of history.

"Reporting to the Sage, there are too many nations established among the mortals, and their relationships are too complex with frequent changes in regimes. We need to wait for the intelligence department to provide updates before we can confirm the details," Fukasaku replied.

"Very well. Dispatch more intelligence toads to infiltrate the mortal nations and keep track of the dynamics in the human world," Manji commanded.

Beside them, Black Zetsu was already drenched in cold sweat, shocked by the reach of Mount Myōboku.

He had never imagined that such a powerful faction of sage arts existed in the depths of the world.

Just like Mount Myōboku, they kept a low profile, coldly recording history as mere bystanders.

It was only after he began working at Mount Myōboku that he truly felt the unfathomable depth of the place.

Such a powerful organization had never once considered conquering the world, choosing instead to remain a hidden power.

Manji closed his eyes slightly, resting his mind.

Several days later, before the gates of the Ninja Sect, the morning mist had yet to dissipate.

A sharp and upright figure landed in the courtyard of the Ninja Sect's main hall.

It was Indra.

His hair fluttered slightly in the breeze, his handsome brows and eyes filled with the arrogance of one who holds victory in his grasp, and he walked toward the hall with steady, measured steps.

"Father, I have returned."

Indra bowed to Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo, who sat in the seat of honor, his voice clear and confident: "Father, I have successfully completed the task you assigned. The journey was smooth, and I encountered no obstacles whatsoever."

Indra raised his eyes, his gaze burning.

He was already certain in his heart:

In terms of speed, strength, and efficiency, no one in the entire Ninja Sect can compare to me. The position of heir to the Ninja Sect must surely be mine.

"I see."

But Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo merely lowered his eyes, smoothing the fabric over his knees. His expression was calm and rippleless, and he spoke softly, his voice low:

"The test I set this time was never about competing in speed or the ability to act alone. Wait patiently; once Asura returns, I will make the final decision."

"Oh?"

Indra was slightly startled. A flash of confusion and doubt darted through the depths of his ink-black eyes. He had assumed the completion of the task would be the final word, never expecting his father to have such considerations.

Yet, he respected Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo above all else. After a moment of contemplation, Indra nodded slightly and said in a deep voice: "I understand."

But the certainty of his inevitable victory had not diminished in the slightest.

He even began to fantasize about what kind of systems and policies he would implement once he became the leader of the Ninja Sect.

Time hurried on for another ten days or more.

A noisy sound of footsteps echoed from the mountain pass of the Ninja Sect.

Unlike the solitary and sharp arrival of Indra, this sound was chaotic yet radiated warmth, accompanied by hearty laughter, drawing closer from afar.

"I'm back!"

A vibrant, energetic voice rang out.

Asura appeared before everyone, covered in the dust of his travels. His clothes were stained, yet his smile remained brilliant, his eyes curved into crescents, full of gentleness.

Behind him, he was actually followed by dozens of commoners in simple attire—white-haired elders, young children, and men and women in their prime. They supported one another, their faces filled with trust and friendly smiles, getting along with Asura as if they were one big family.

"Eh? This is..."

Sarutobi, who was responsible for receiving people at the mountain pass, saw this and his pupils constricted. A look of surprise appeared on his face. He had assumed Asura would return alone, and he had not expected him to bring so many ordinary villagers. Such a scene was truly unexpected.

"Asura, you've finally returned. Lord Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo has been waiting for you in the hall."

Sarutobi suppressed his surprise and stepped forward with a smile to greet him.

Asura paused, the smile on his face fading slightly as he instinctively asked: "Father... has he not yet decided on my brother's position as heir?"

He had been delayed on his journey and had assumed his brother would have already secured the position of leader of the Ninja Sect through his outstanding abilities.

Sarutobi shook his head helplessly and sighed: "It has not been decided. Lord Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo said he would wait for your return before making a final judgment."

Hearing this, Asura's brows furrowed tightly. A trace of unease appeared on his honest face, and an inexplicable sense of foreboding rose in his heart as he gripped his pack tightly.

Just then, a cold, elegant figure walked over slowly.

Indra stood in the center of the courtyard, looking at his younger brother who had arrived so late. He forced a gentle smile and took the initiative to step forward: "Asura, you've returned."