Chapter 124 : Secrets of Immortality

On the lively streets, various peculiar devices flickered with shades of blue and green. Despite their insufficient power, they still managed to capture the attention of a group of four individuals.

"So, this is a machine fueled by that mysterious energy?"

Master Gen paused and observed the surroundings. It appeared that the civilians here were all quite agitated, rushing about in a hurry and occasionally engaging in arguments.

Columns of heavily armed soldiers patrolled the streets, distributing conscription notices, casting an air of tension and gloom over the entire country.

"As expected, such potent power must be under the control of capable individuals."

Master Gen rubbed a fruit containing a hint of Senjutsu Chakra. Some passersby noticed the odd presence of the four individuals, but as soon as Yamanaka Ryosuke glanced their way, the people instinctively ignored them, including a squad of soldiers led by a samurai.

"Master Gen, I've placed my parasitic bugs. Six samurai have already been successfully parasitized. I'm confident that I'll sense any battle that ensues," whispered a figure concealed in the shadows, wearing a mask adorned with intricate patterns. A large insect resembling a beetle rested quietly on their hand, emitting a faint purple glow from its tail.

"Excellent work, Beetle," praised Master Gen.

"Master Gen, what's our plan? Should we align ourselves with the ruling family here?" Hyuga Heiji inquired.

"A small place lacking even the presence of ninjas doesn't warrant our caution."

Master Gen responded lightly, "We'll wait until both sides are weakened. We'll then step in and clean up the aftermath."

"Should we contact Konoha?"

"I'll send a confidential letter, urging Konoha to send a team here. After all, the Vein isn't something we can handle alone."

Master Gen pondered momentarily before adding, "As for this small nation, its existence holds little value."

Master Gen's tone made it seem like a trivial matter, unbeknownst to Takeshi. The commotion caused by the initial display of coercion had already sparked Konoha's interest, which Takeshi was unaware of!

....

"Indeed, is this the weathered remains of the divine tree Kaguya planted?!"

Even though Takeshi was prepared, Orochimaru's response still managed to surprise him.

"To be precise, this location is primarily formed by the decayed roots of the sacred tree buried beneath the ground, much like the process of oil formation."

Orochimaru gestured towards the vein-like patterns on the rock wall's surface, resembling the fossilised remains of a root.

"Based on the murals here, this appears to be where Kaguya planted the chakra fruit. Thus, the purity of Senjutsu Chakra is remarkably high in this area, due to its connection to the power of a ten-tailed entity!"

Orochimaru held a Gelel Stone with a fervent expression, resembling a starving person faced with a feast. The raw power seemed to drive him to a near frenzy, whereas Takeshi was consumed with excitement.

"With this power, our progress in cultivation will undoubtedly skyrocket. Furthermore, it could significantly advance our research and medical practices."

Takeshi began, but was swiftly interrupted by Orochimaru.

"That's superficial. The insights this place provides are more valuable than the lingering energies themselves."

Orochimaru shook his head, his gaze fixed on the mural's depiction of the rabbit goddess, revealing a mix of yearning and ambition!

"Perhaps, this is the very reason Kaguya Otsutsuki achieved immortality."

"What did you say?!"

Taken aback, Takeshi questioned. Kaguya Otsutsuki was the ultimate antagonist of the ninja world, sealed away due to being the progenitor of Chakra. While powerful, her fate was ultimately sealed.

However, the Six Paths Sage also boasted immense power, and both Obito and Uchiha Madara were linked to the Ten-Tails, serving as Jinchūriki of the ten tails. Why then, were the Six Paths only granted a form of soul-based immortality, while Obito and Uchiha Madara ultimately met their ends?

"The answer lies within the Senjutsu Chakra that remains within this divine tree!"

Orochimaru studied the Gelel Stone in his grasp, explaining, "Have you ever questioned why Kaguya needed to plant chakra fruit on Earth? Or why chakra fruit necessitated such a planting?"

"Because... they required a source of greater energy... wait!"

An epiphany struck Takeshi, prompting an exclamation, "Chakra fruit was originally the purest, most potent wellspring of chakra. Its planting was essential to absorb the planet's natural energy, distinct from chakra but equally powerful. Isn't that right?!"

"Exactly!"

Orochimaru affirmed, "Kaguya was the first from the Otsutsuki clan to discover Earth, and the first to uncover natural energy. The strength of this natural energy granted her confidence, empowering her to betray her kin."

"Natural energy is not only immense, but it's also a mystical force brimming with vitality!"

Takeshi continued, "Its merger with potent natural energy endowed it with unparalleled vitality. This union caused the chakra fruit to evolve into the Ten-Tails, eventually splitting into nine tailed beasts!"

"The Tailed Beasts, even the Nine-Tails, inherited this near-eternal vitality. Their core essence is the blend of Chakra and natural energy. Although their power level was reduced, they retain the ability to resurrect after annihilation!" Orochimaru commented, a faint chuckle escaping his lips.

"Remember when Naruto tapped into his Sage Mode to sense the Ten-Tails? He was sensing the immeasurable natural energy itself!"

"This is the progenitor of chakra, harmoniously merging with natural energy! It represents the formidable might that the divine tree first birthed, aligned with this world. In a sense, as long as natural energy endures, even gods can be obliterated, yet she will regenerate. This is the enduring life procured by consuming the chakra fruit!"

"Thus, the divine tree planted by Uchiha Madara was merely the incomplete Ten-Tails, failing to grant him such abilities. Additionally, as the chakra lineage dwindle through generations, the Sage of Six Paths are confined to spiritual existence, while Asura and Indra persist in the form of chakra reincarnation." Takeshi sighed.

Orochimaru calmly stated, "Perhaps, this resonates with the legend - living in harmony with heaven and earth, radiant alongside sun and moon!"

........

"Jie Jie Jie~ Little did I expect that a small country like yours could amass enough funds to lure us here."

Within a shadowy passageway, four ninjas emerged, all adorned with Sand Village forehead protectors.

The leader, distinguished by a headscarf and a sinister demeanour, jeered, "Welcome, Sand Village's ninjas."

Hela glided down from above, shifting from her transformed form into that of a striking woman, projecting an air of respectfulness.

"Oh, but you don't appear to be ordinary ninjas. What kind of technique is this?"

"It's merely a few subtle abilities," Hela responded humbly, her head lowered.

"And what makes a diminutive nation like yours think it can contend? Hahaha!" A couple of Sand ninjas guffawed.

"Then, what kind of resource do you suppose you're extracting from the vein?" Malza teased Hela, who maintained a humble demeanour.

"...just a regular metal ore mine." Hela raised her head serenely, stating, "We've heard that the ninjas from the Land of Wind are the most trustworthy. Please, let's not bring embarrassment to our land."

"Jie Jie Jie~ As long as the payment arrives, we won't trouble a small nation like yours. Hahaha!"

Malza playfully patted Hela's shoulder, and the quartet walked away engaged in boisterous chatter.

"Hmph, may you carry those funds securely on your journey."

Hela concealed the dagger beneath her windbreaker, her gaze frosty. She vanished into the sky once more.

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