The boy stood out among the crowd.
Minato Namikaze, the future legend, appeared right before Yoichi's eyes. His bright blue eyes was warm, and his signature yellow hair was accentuated by the afternoon sun.
"What's wrong, man? Any interesting talents you found?" Jiraiya asked, noticing his friend's rare interest in someone.
"I suggest you find a student now," Yoichi stated, pointing toward the child. "Especially that kid. He might be the clue to your idealistic purpose."
Hearing this, Jiraiya couldn't help but squint his eyes. He knew Yoichi didn't give praise lightly.
Mentioning his search for the prophecy made him feel a bit serious. He looked back at Minato, trying to see what his friend had already sensed.
"Is it not too early for me to take a student?" Jiraiya asked, unable to catch any connection to the boy.
He still wanted to explore the world for his book materials. The recent assault and his imprisonment had already stalled his career.
Yoichi stayed silent. He wanted to push Jiraiya toward the boy to ensure their paths crossed.
His own mind was set on his next realm breakthrough and refining his martial arts techniques.
Taking a disciple would be a distraction he did not want. He knew that if Jiraiya took the boy under his wing, he could still teach the kid later.
It was a good arrangement for his goals.
Ah... Might as well the events play out rather than interfere with their own lives.
Yoichi thought as the speech about the boring Will of Fire was finished. He felt relieved as the crowd began to disperse.
Yoichi returned to his Grotto Heavens. His eyes were closed and legs cross-legged, beginning to refine his internal organs with mouthful of breaths.
His friends returned to their own habits. Jiraiya left to find inspiration for his books. Orochimaru retreated to the silence of his laboratory.
Tsunade went to the hospital. She began teaching staff how to combine medical Qi with Chakra techniques. Her hands moved with precision as she demonstrated the new healing methods.
Inside the Grotto, Yoichi's mind was blank.
The air was thick with energy as he focused on his internal realm.
The energy circulated through his blood vessels, feeling the heat rising as his core temperature climbed. It was a slow and painful refinement.
His bones hummed with the vibration of his growing strength.
He pushed the energy deeper into his marrow.
Yoichi opened his eyes and exhaled a cloud of grey vapor. "It still isn't enough..."
...
...
...
Konoha Year 32.
Two years passed within the quiet of the Grotto.
He remained immersed in his internal realm, pushing past every wall until he ascended to the peak of the Organ Transformation Stage.
His organs felt as durable as tempered steel. At a microscopic level, his Qi and vigorous blood began to interweave. Golden hues of light acted as a barrier for his organs and fortified the traction of every meridian connected to his core.
Of course, Yoichi did not neglect his Martial Arts.
Both Malevolent Palm and Severance reached the level of Perfection. These techniques became natural extensions of his limbs, granting him immense strength and two Prismatic Tickets.
The width and force of his Malevolent Palm became immense. It looked like the Tathagata Palm, capable of crushing everything in its path. The scale of the technique was now a sight to behold.
His Severance did not leave a physical ridge in the earth like the Murakami Leader. Instead, it possessed a terrifying penetration force. The strike felt like a blade cutting through the very fabric of space.
This growth came from the Heaven Rewards Diligence. The effect triggered twice in a row, providing a massive boost to his efforts.
A truly fortunate occurence in the state of chaos.
His Heavenly Demon Qi circulated with a new smoothness. The energy flowed like liquid fire without leaving burns. Every breath pulled more essence from the air.
Despite the long wait, he felt the massive gap between his previous state and this peak.
Yoichi stood up and stretched.
His body felt lighter and more durable than ever before.
Yoichi stepped out of the Grotto Heavens. The sun felt warm after two years of darkness. Tsunade spotted him and moved fast, pulling him into a tight hug.
"Thank goodness! You've came out of your cave!" she said, her voice a mix of relief and a scolding tone. "I was starting to think you had forgotten us."
Jiraiya walked up with a grin, though he kept his distance. "The old man has been pacing his office. He really thought you went rogue again, you know."
They all knew about his seclusion in the Grotto. Yoichi looked at their changed faces and sensed the tension in the air.
"What happened while I was under?" Yoichi asked.
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed with a sharp intensity.
"The world has become quite active. Amegakure is amassing troops at the border. Their true goals are still hidden in the shadows."
Yoichi thought of his friends in the Rain Village.
The state of the world was spiraling out of control.
He felt a brief moment of regret for the friends who might soon be enemies.
"Konoha is prepared for a fight," Orochimaru continued, a thin smile touching his lips. "We have grown rich. The people are robust and strong because of those Martial Arts you shared."
Soon after, Yoichi felt a strong pull toward home.
He wanted to see his mother so Tsunade stood close and insisted on joining him.
Without a word, Yoichi swept Tsunade into a princess carry. He dashed toward the residential district with explosive speed.
The sudden movement left Tsunade red-faced.
"Hey! Put me down, you idiot! Everyone is looking!" Tsunade yelled. She pounded a fist against his shoulder, but her grip on his neck was firm.
However, Yoichi didn't slow his pace.
He navigated the crowded streets like a streak of light. The villagers stopped in their tracks to watch the famous duo pass by.
"Look at them! It's that young Uchiha and the Senju Princess! How sweet!"
"The Murakami boy finally came back for his Princess!"
Jiraiya sighed deeply and turned to the last person remaining. "When am I ever going to find true love like that?"
Orochimaru didn't even glance his way.
"Change that pathetic attitude of yours first. Maybe then, someone will look at you without wanting to call the guards."
Orochimaru turned and walked toward his laboratory. The butterfly effect of Yoichi's presence had taken a firm hold on him. His obsession had shifted from the darkness of forbidden jutsu to the vast mysteries of Martial Arts.
He wanted to peel back the layers of the strength Yoichi had introduced to the world. He saw it as a more efficient path to the immortality he craved.
The snake had found a new skin to shed.
...
Yoichi reached the front gate and set Tsunade on her feet. Before he could speak, the front door burst open. Nawaki and Akira rushed out, nearly colliding with each other.
"Big brother! You are finally out!" Nawaki shouted, trying to shove Akira aside.
"Get out of the way!" Akira barked, using his shoulder to keep his spot. "He is my clan brother, let him breathe!"
The two boys scrambled to grab Yoichi's arms, bickering loudly for his attention.
Tsunade's eyebrow began to twitch as she watched the chaos.
"Quiet down, you brat!" Tsunade yelled. Her fist of love connected with the top of Nawaki's head.
He looked up at his sister with a hateful glare. "You are always so aggressive! No wonder you had to be carried home!"
Tsunade cracked her knuckles, her face turning a darker shade of red.
The boys scrambled behind Yoichi for protection.
The scene was a testament to the new Konoha.
Since the spread of Martial Arts, the alliance between the Senju and Uchiha had become more harmonious. They trained in the same dojos and shared the same techniques.
The old hatred remained strong beneath the surface, but it was no longer a wall. Time was the only healer, and the bond between Nawaki and Akira showed that progress was possible.
They were rivals in strength rather than blood.
However, this unity put them in a dangerous spotlight. A combined Senju and Uchiha force was a threat to the established order.
It put them directly in the sights of Hiruzen and his treacherous council.
They did not like seeing the two strongest clans finally standing on the same side of the fence.
Naoko opened the door to see the commotion on the porch. Nobuyuki stood right behind her with a calm expression.
"The neighborhood is loud today," Naoko said, her voice warm.
"Good afternoon, Auntie," Tsunade offered her greetings, a voice that was uncharacteristically soft and shy.
Naoko's eyes moved from Yoichi to Tsunade.
She smiled sweetly, looking at the blonde woman with the approval of a mother meeting a daughter-in-law.
"It is good to see you both together."
Yoichi smiled as he realized how close his lover and mother had become during his seclusion.
His joy faded when he looked closer at Naoko's face.
She looked pale and drained of her usual energy.
"Mother, you look unwell. Did something happen while I was gone?"
Naoko shook her head gently and squeezed his fingers. "No, dear. I am fine. Just a little tired from the chores."
Yoichi didn't believe the words. He looked past her and met Nobuyuki's gaze. His stepfather gave a short, firm nod. Yoichi understood the silent signal.
No external threat had harmed her in his absence.
Yet the lack of a culprit made the situation more frustrating. If no one had hurt her, then it was a hidden illness, curse or this goddamn fate again.
I will find a way to fix this...
Yoichi had reached the peak of Organ Transformation, but his power felt useless if it couldn't protect his own blood.
After the meal, the house settled into a quiet, jovial atmosphere. The family spoke of small things until the stars took over the sky. Yoichi led Tsunade to his room, where they collapsed onto the bed.
Tsunade snuggled deep into his embrace, her breathing evening out as she fell asleep. Her warmth was a heavy weight against his chest.
Despite the comfort, Yoichi felt wide awake.
[Tickets: 2 Prismatic, 6 Gold, 39 Silver.]
The hoard was the result of years of grueling isolation and patience. It was a massive amount of potential waiting to be unleashed. He needed something to solve the mystery of his mother's health and the growing darkness at the borders.
"Let's begin!"
_____________
(Current Status)
[Realm: Organ Transformation Realm Peak.]
[Age: 20]
「Attribute Panel」
「Charm: 14」「??? 」
「Spirit: 397」 「???」
[Prismatic Passive: Incinerator, Battle Instinct, Second Heart, Detective at Work, Fighting Spirit, Soul Eater, Tenacious Heart, Energy Efficiency, Excellent Offspring, Heavens Reward Diligence.]
[Gold Passive: Old Skin, Self Healing Constitution, Mortal Strike, Prodigal Amorous Heart, Reinforced Iron Bones, Bone Coating, Purification, Unyielding Heart, Injury Conversion, Body of Thorns.]
[Status: Healthy, Afflicted by Shepherd of the Innocent Lambs]
[Technique: Heavenly Demon Scripture]
—[Heavenly Demon Postures: (Perfection+)]
—[Mountain Crushing Fist: (Perfection+)]
—[Phantom Steps: (Perfection+)]
—[Lightning Spear Thrust: (Perfection+)]
—[Face Changing Technique (Perfection+)]
—[Malevolent Palm: 78/1000 (Perfection)]
—[Severance: 35/1000 (Perfection)]
_______________
Check out my newest fanfic in the block called A life worth remembering for!
It's a Jujutsu Kaisen without any system!
It will have a bit of delay in writing since I'm still not over with this one.
Anyways, thanks for reading this fanfic!
Thank you so much! XDD!