Kotoamatsukami

Konoha.

Moonlight cast a mysterious veil over the Uchiha Clan Grounds at the edge of Konoha.

A figure, like a ghost melting into the shadows, silently approached the outer barrier of the Uchiha Clan Grounds.

It was Yakushi Kabuto, sent by Orochimaru to investigate.

He adjusted his glasses. His gaze behind the lenses was calm, though it carried a trace of barely perceptible complexity.

The reason he could stand here today was, to a great extent, thanks to Shien Uchiha.

If Shien hadn't sealed that information into his mind in advance, he might have ended up killing Nonō or being killed by her.

With such a debt of gratitude between them, he naturally had no reason to refuse helping Shien with a small matter.

When Orochimaru ordered him to investigate the Uchiha Clan Grounds, Kabuto came without much resistance.

Though he didn't know how the Uchiha planned to cooperate with Orochimaru.

But he had brought the man here. What happened afterward was no longer his concern.

Still, the act had to be convincing. Kabuto carefully observed the gaps in the Uchiha patrols, searching for weak points.

As though he were truly carrying out Orochimaru's mission with all his strength.

At a high point within the clan grounds, Hyuga Hayato was routinely keeping watch with his Byakugan activated.

Within his three-hundred-and-sixty-degree field of vision, he immediately caught the abnormal Chakra signature attempting to infiltrate from beyond the barrier.

"Intruder! Outside the southwest barrier! Three kilometers away, there's another Chakra signature!"

Hyuga Hayato immediately sent someone to notify Shisui and passed along the intelligence and precise location.

In the darkness, a pair of closed eyes slowly opened. The next moment, his figure turned into a gust of wind and vanished from where he stood.

In a dark forest three kilometers from the Uchiha Clan Grounds, Orochimaru waited patiently.

Suspicious by nature, he hadn't completely trusted Kabuto. He had only used a jutsu to wait outside and receive him.

Even if Kabuto had some kind of problem, this position gave him enough time to react.

In all of Konoha, even if the Third Hokage came personally, he was confident he could retreat unhurriedly.

But sometimes, Itachi's men were far stronger than the Third Hokage.

A figure rushed out from the Uchiha Clan Grounds, closing in on Orochimaru at a speed ordinary people couldn't even see.

By the time Orochimaru spotted him through sight and perception, the other man had already blocked his escape route.

"Such speed!"

Surprised by the other's speed, Orochimaru's expression became grave.

Looking at the figure in a mask and cloak, Orochimaru asked solemnly,

"Who are you?"

"There shouldn't be anyone in the Uchiha with movement techniques this fast right now."

Shisui calmly removed his mask. "Lord Orochimaru, it's been a long time."

Orochimaru's golden snake pupils abruptly contracted, and shock appeared on his face.

"Shisui Uchiha?! You... this state you're in?"

His expression changed, and his body shot into the air as he fled into the distance.

Having been studying Impure World Reincarnation, how could Orochimaru fail to recognize Shisui's reanimated body?

As the advantages of a reanimated body flashed through his mind, he immediately sensed that something was wrong.

They're having Shisui hold me down, then the others will join in?

Orochimaru instantly understood that this was a trap aimed at him.

But Orochimaru had only guessed half right, because Shisui was the only one here to deal with him today.

Shisui's scarlet Mangekyō Sharingan slowly spun beneath the moonlight. Vast ocular power, as immense as the sea and nearly tangible, froze even the surrounding space.

The fleeing Orochimaru was instantly frozen in place.

An endless stream of ocular power radiated from Shisui's body.

Forget moving—even completing a summoning technique to escape was impossible.

Orochimaru looked horrified. This was utterly different from the Impure World Reincarnation he had studied.

"Lord Orochimaru, the Uchiha need your strength, so we'll have to trouble you."

With a pop, a crow appeared in Shisui's hand.

With a point of his finger, Orochimaru's gaze and head were twisted toward the crow by a completely irresistible force.

The four-bladed pinwheel in the crow's eye spun sharply.

A burst of ocular power erupted.

Kotoamatsukami!

The horror on Orochimaru's face instantly vanished. At the same time, the ocular power restraining his movements released him.

Then fanaticism appeared in Orochimaru's eyes. "Incredible, incredible!"

"Someone actually modified Impure World Reincarnation to such a precise degree."

"An absolute genius!"

"Who exactly summoned you?"

Shisui's gaze was deep. "Orochimaru, we can discuss it inside the clan grounds. There are also Sharingan from clan members waiting for you to study."

"I never expected coming here would bring me such a tremendous surprise."

Orochimaru spoke with Shisui in the familiar tone of someone who had worked with the Uchiha for years.

The two headed toward the clan grounds together.

"Kabuto is skilled at research. Shien specifically chose him for you."

"With his help, your research will progress much faster from now on."

Upon the vast sea, a passenger ship bound for the Land of Fire cut through the waves.

Leaving behind the conflict in the Land of Water, Shien and his group began their journey home.

The sea breeze carried a salty, damp scent. The sky was azure, but not everyone could enjoy the voyage.

In a corner of the deck, Haku curled up on a bench. His already pale little face was now utterly bloodless.

His lips were tightly pressed together, his brows faintly furrowed, and he looked miserable.

Waves of mild seasickness washed over him, leaving him dizzy and disoriented.

Shien noticed Haku's discomfort immediately. His brows drew together as he prepared to rise and check on him.

But just as he moved, he saw another figure silently walk toward Haku ahead of him.

It was Kimimaro.

Seeing this, Shien naturally slowed his raised step and ultimately stopped where he was.

Hehe, what a beautiful sight.

The corners of his lips lifted slightly. It was certainly a good thing that these children got along so well.

He didn't go over, choosing instead to leave space for the two boys, though his concerned gaze remained fixed in their direction.

A notification suddenly sounded in his mind.

[Ding! A drastic change has been detected in the fate of plot character "Orochimaru." The world's third-tier feedback has been achieved!]

[Rewards issued: Ninjutsu Research Techniques, Living Corpse Reincarnation x1, 1:1 Chakra Replication (current state)]

Shien's eyes lit up. It seemed things had gone smoothly. Once they returned, he could immediately push forward with the next stage of the plan.

But this Living Corpse Reincarnation seemed useless for now. Never mind, he'd put it aside first.

Kimimaro held a clean water pouch from the ship's kitchen and a small piece of ginger provided by a crewman, supposedly capable of easing seasickness.

He walked over to Haku's side without speaking and silently held the water pouch out before him.

Kimimaro's movements were somewhat stiff, as though he wasn't used to taking care of others like this, but his gaze was intensely focused.

Haku looked up. Seeing Kimimaro, he forced out a weak yet still gentle smile.

"Thank you, Kimimaro."

He took the water pouch and drank a small sip. The cool sensation slightly suppressed the discomfort in his throat.

Kimimaro watched as he still looked unwell. After hesitating for a moment, he sat down beside him.

Using his somewhat slender yet exceptionally steady body, he shielded Haku from part of the damp sea wind blowing in from the side of the ship.

Then he broke off a small half of the ginger and handed it to Haku.

"Keep it in your mouth. The crewman said... it'll make you feel better." Kimimaro's voice was soft and filled with uncertainty.

Haku smiled and placed the slice of ginger in his mouth.

The spicy flavor spread through his mouth. Though it was somewhat harsh, its warmth and distinctive taste did indeed strangely ease some of his nausea.

"Much better... really."

Haku turned his head and smiled at Kimimaro once more.

Kimimaro remained silently seated beside him, merely nodding, though his eyes had grown a little brighter.

Not far away, Shien watched the quiet yet harmonious scene, and a trace of comfort flashed through his eyes.