Dragon Vein

Neji stood deep within Shikkotsu Forest, surrounded by damp mist.

Under the moonlight, the mist of Shikkotsu Forest glowed a ghostly blue. Every wisp of vapor carried Sage Chakra accumulated over a thousand years.

Neji stood before the Slug Sage's enormous body. The moss beneath his feet flickered in time with his breathing, as though the entire forest resonated with him.

The Slug Sage's half-white, translucent body emitted a faint glow.

"Dragon Vein..." The Slug Sage's voice sounded like an echo from ancient times. "It is the memory of the earth, a node in space and time."

"Can it repair a soul?" Neji asked directly.

The Slug Sage fell silent for a moment before slowly replying, "In theory, it can. The Dragon Vein contains immense space-time energy capable of reshaping the spirit. But as for how to use it, I do not know."

Neji frowned. "There are no records?"

The Slug Sage gently swayed, and its mucus condensed into a water mirror. Ancient Rōran Ruins appeared within it.

"The Ancient Kingdom of Roran once wielded the Dragon Vein's power, but their priestesses have long perished. If you wish to find an answer, perhaps you can only go there."

Neji stared at the image in the water mirror. Suddenly, the Primordial Bagua Diagram in his Sea of Consciousness trembled slightly, as though it had resonated with the Dragon Vein.

Could the Bagua Diagram absorb the Dragon Vein? A thought stirred within him.

The Slug Sage seemed to sense his thoughts and slowly said, "The Dragon Vein's power is exceedingly violent. If you approach it rashly, space-time turbulence may tear you apart."

Neji clenched his fists, his gaze resolute.

"Even so, I have to try."

"Ah! Little Tsunade is truly fortunate to have received such an outstanding disciple!"

The Slug Sage praised him with approval in its eyes.

"No, meeting Lady Tsunade was the greatest fortune of my life! Time is of the essence, Lord Slug Sage. I will take my teacher and depart for the ruins of the Ancient Kingdom of Roran at once."

As Neji spoke, he moved to undo the Reverse Summoning.

"Wait, take this!"

A streak of light flew from the Slug Sage's body and reached Neji in the blink of an eye.

Neji caught it and examined it closely. It was a Jade Jue shimmering with flowing light, emanating a gentle aura of life. He sensed the Primordial Bagua Diagram sweep over it once before inexplicably falling silent again, as though it disdained the item.

Neji's expression stiffened. Shaking his head, he asked the Slug Sage, "Lord Slug Sage, what is this?"

"Hashirama left this behind when he cultivated Sage Art here. It has remained by my side for a long time and bears the mark of this space-time. The Dragon Vein is extremely dangerous, and space-time turbulence will inevitably appear. Bring this with you—it can serve as a beacon in space-time and guide you when you return, if you can return at all!"

"Wonderful. Thank you, Lord Slug Sage. With this, I have a little more confidence!"

Neji bowed in thanks.

"Little Neji, take care of yourself!"

"Mm! Goodbye, Lord Slug Sage!"

With a bang, Neji was summoned back to the Ninja World.

"Goodbye, Little Neji. Go forth boldly! I can see fate guiding you~"

The Slug Sage gazed at the place where Neji had vanished and murmured softly.

"The Ancient Kingdom of Roran... does such a place really exist? Why have I never heard of it?"

When Shizune heard that the Slug Sage truly had a solution, she cried out in delight. But after searching through her memories, she found not a shred of information about the Ancient Kingdom of Roran and could not help feeling puzzled.

"It is normal that you have not heard of it. The Ancient Kingdom of Roran vanished into history long ago. I only came across it while helping that old man, the Third, sort through documents. The Dragon Vein's seal was cast by Konoha ninja. What was strange was that the ninja who handled the matter could not remember the details no matter what. He was a trustworthy ninja, so the old man, the Third, sealed away that mission report."

Having recovered a little of her energy after a short sleep, Tsunade rubbed her head and explained it to Shizune.

Neji secretly laughed. If the Fourth's encounter with his own son were told to anyone, the Third would probably think Minato Namikaze was spouting nonsense. Besides, Minato had already sealed his own memories. No—based on Tsunade's description, Minato had likely erased the memories of everyone involved. What a cautious and powerful ninja, Neji thought.

"There was such a powerful ninja in the village? Didn't Lord Slug Sage say the Dragon Vein was an incredibly powerful force? Someone actually sealed it? How powerful must that ninja have been? Why have I never heard of him?" Shizune asked curiously.

Xiao Xi supported Tsunade by the arm nearby. Hearing this, she quietly pricked up her ears as well.

Tsunade looked at the curious pair, then saw Neji's utterly indifferent expression. A surge of irritation immediately rose in her chest.

"You brat, aren't you curious at all?"

"I..." Neji looked at Tsunade in bafflement. Everything was fine just now. Why did she suddenly turn on me? As expected, women cannot be judged by common sense.

What do I have to be curious about? I know more details than the people involved! Neji grumbled inwardly, though he would not dare say that aloud no matter what.

"Mm, curious. Very curious!" Neji hurriedly nodded along.

"Hmph! Brat!" Seeing his perfunctory expression only made Tsunade angrier. After thinking for a moment, she said, "There is no harm in telling you. He cannot be seen anymore anyway. He was the Fourth Hokage—Minato Namikaze!"

"Lord Fourth!" cries of shock rang out at once.

"As expected of the Fourth Hokage, he was truly formidable!" When Neji saw Tsunade look over, he hurriedly praised him.

Satisfied, Tsunade nodded and said, "I told you before that I have seen many geniuses in my life. Neji, although your genius has continued to refresh my understanding over the years, the Fourth was every bit as gifted as you!"

Neji nodded in agreement. He might have some talent, but he knew exactly what he was capable of. Without the Primordial Bagua Diagram and the wild imagination he had brought from his previous life, he could never have been mentioned in the same breath as the Fourth.

Seeing Neji grow serious, Tsunade continued, "The Fourth independently created many ninjutsu. He also learned the Flying Thunder God, a technique no one had ever mastered, and even improved upon it, developing the Flying Raijin Second Stage."

"The Flying Thunder God is a space-time ninjutsu!"

Fearing that they would not understand, Tsunade further explained what the Flying Thunder God was.

"Wow~ That is amazing!" Their exclamations of admiration rose one after another.

"As expected of the Fourth Hokage. Anyone who could become a Kage was truly an incredible ninja!"

Neji's exaggerated praise drowned out every other voice.

Seeing the stunned looks on their faces, Tsunade felt pleased.

"Actually, the Fourth's greatest skill was Sealing Jutsu. Nine... forget it, I cannot tell you about that. In any case, his Sealing Jutsu was better than mine! Ha~" As she spoke, Tsunade yawned again, and her eyes immediately began to glaze over.

Seeing this, the others knew Tsunade was growing tired again. The once-relaxed atmosphere immediately became heavy.

Fortunately, this was not the first time, and they had gained some experience. They hurriedly helped her lie down to sleep.

"Senior Sister, Sister Xiao Xi, hurry and pack up! We need to get on the road as soon as possible..."

Neji instructed them.