Disclaimer: Naruto and all of its character belong to Masashi Kishimoto. I own nothing but the original characters I make.
Chapter 169: Ryumyaku
"Father, please enroll me in the ninja academy," Orochimaru requested with determination in his voice.
"You want to join the academy?" Hebimaru asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, Father, I do. Please," Orochimaru replied.
Even though Setsuna had refused to continue teaching him, Orochimaru was determined to learn from the instructors at the academy. He believed that one day, when Setsuna saw his potential and talent, his former mentor would change his mind and teach him again. Orochimaru was confident that his abilities would eventually convince Setsuna to return to him as his teacher.
What Orochimaru didn't know, however, was that Setsuna was fully aware of his immense potential. He knew that Orochimaru could very well become an S-rank shinobi, a force to be reckoned with. But that was precisely the reason why Setsuna had decided to distance himself. He didn't want to become another Sarutobi Hiruzen who was killed by Orochimaru. Because Orochimaru is someone who, despite his power, could end up being a threat to the village.
In the years to come, Setsuna would continue to subtly block Orochimaru's path. After Orochimaru graduated from the academy, Setsuna made sure that an ordinary Jonin, rather than an Elite Jonin, was assigned to be his mentor. This seemingly small decision would have long-term consequences. In the original timeline, he becomes a sannin because he has a good teacher.
Even though Sarutobi Hiruzen is a jerk, he had a lot of jutsu and was also a good teacher. In this new timeline, however, Orochimaru would struggle to find his footing under the guidance of a less experienced mentor, limiting his exposure to advanced techniques and knowledge. Orochimaru, brilliant as he was, was like a time bomb. He had a natural talent for research and experimentation, but if he gained too much power, he could become a dangerous weapon—one that might turn against the village itself.
Although Orochimaru's parents were still alive, and their family was far from struggling, Setsuna didn't want to take the risk of allowing Orochimaru to grow too strong. He believed it was safer to curb Orochimaru's progress early, preventing him from becoming a threat to the village. Without a strong mentor to guide him, Orochimaru's growth was stunted. By the time he reached the age of 25, his strength was only slightly above that of a normal Jonin, a far cry from the Kage-level power or the legendary status he had achieved in the original timeline.
The best part was that this entire plan was carried out in secret. No one knew about it except Setsuna. His subtle influence kept Orochimaru from realizing his full potential, and for now, it seemed like the village was safe from the danger Orochimaru could have posed.
---Ryumyaku---
"Jarvis, am I missing something?" Setsuna asked.
"No, sir," Jarvis responded calmly.
"I mean, is there anything in this world that I've forgotten to do?" Setsuna pressed further.
"Actually, sir, based on data, there are two things. The first is going to the moon, and the second is finding Ryumyaku," Jarvis reminded him.
"Ryumyaku? Oh, right! How could I forget about that time machine?" Setsuna exclaimed, surprised at his own oversight.
"Jarvis, is Ryumyaku really a time machine?" Setsuna asked, seeking clarification.
"Based on research, there are several theories. One suggests that Ryumyaku is a time machine, while another proposes that it could be a gateway to a parallel universe," Jarvis explained.
"A parallel universe? Interesting. What about Karasuki, the device Urashiki used—could that be the same time machine?" Setsuna inquired.
"I'm not certain, sir. I would need to analyze the flow of chakra, the dimensions, and the size of Karasuki to determine whether it is the same device," Jarvis replied.
Overhearing the conversation, Kurama couldn't help but ask, "Setsuna, what exactly are Karasuki and Ryumyaku?"
"Hmm, in simple terms, they are devices that Jarvis just described," Setsuna responded nonchalantly.
"That's not much of an explanation," Kurama retorted, sounding unimpressed.
"Well, it's not my explanation; it's Jarvis's," Setsuna commented with a smirk.
"Why won't you explain it to me properly?" Kurama asked, feeling a bit annoyed.
"Because Jarvis already explained it, and my answer would be the same," Setsuna replied with a shrug.
"Stingy," Kurama huffed, crossing his arms in mock frustration.
Setsuna chuckled quietly, amused by Kurama's reaction, but his mind wandered back to the mysteries of Ryumyaku and Karasuki, knowing he had much to explore.
---Hashirama Cells---
After his final battle with Hashirama, Madara found himself with a lot of free time. He decided to use this time to develop a new jutsu. However, not long after, he began to notice strange changes in his body. He started aging rapidly, much faster than before, and soon became unwell.
At first, Madara didn't pay much attention to it. But when his movements grew sluggish and persistent back pain plagued him, he realized that his body was failing him. Something wasn't right.
Despite the physical decline, he could feel his remaining eye growing stronger, while his previously blind eye slowly began to repair itself.
"Am I on the verge of awakening the Rinnegan?" Madara muttered to himself, pondering the strange changes.
He understood that his accelerated aging was due to the Hashirama cells he had injected into his body. But the sensation of his eye regenerating and strengthening on its own was unusual. This led him to one conclusion—his eyes were indeed growing more powerful. The process of awakening the Rinnegan seemed to be draining a great deal of vitality from his body, particularly from the Hashirama cells sustaining him.
Madara's instincts were spot on. The rapid aging of his body was tied to the strain caused by the cells and the development of his eyes. Though he should have looked like a man in his 50s, his body withered away much faster, and now he resembled an elderly man in his 90s. The price of power was wearing his body down, but his eyes continued to strengthen. Black Zetsu had also noticed Madara's changes, from a strong middle-aged man to the withered old man.
Author Notes -
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