Chapter 224

[Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For $5][www.p@treon.com/zaelum] 

[Thank You For Your Support!]

====

The Uchiha Tablet was an artifact left behind by Hagoromo and altered by Black Zetsu. Typically, it holds little to no significance for investigation.

However, with the aid of his new passive skill, Kyomu can unravel secrets buried for millennia.

He seeks to understand why Hagoromo chose to let his soul linger in the Pure Land and why Homura ended his life on the moon.

Additionally, he aims to uncover the true relationship between the Hyuga and Kaguya clans. If they are distant relatives, why do the Hyuga possess the Byakugan while the Kaguya do not?

Kyomu arrived at the Uchiha clan compound.

"Ryukage-sama," the Uchiha clan members greeted him respectfully.

Kyomu proceeded unimpeded to the clan's back courtyard, accompanied by Uchiha Fugaku. Though curious, Fugaku didn't withhold his questions, "Ryukage-sama, without the Sharingan, one can't decipher what's recorded on the stone tablet."

"I'm aware, but I have my ways."

With Kyomu's assurance, Fugaku refrained from further inquiries and led him to the underground chamber.

The basement was dry and fresh, clearly maintained with special methods to prevent mold. The Uchiha clan's heritage was stored here, with countless books, estimated to be over ten thousand volumes.

These were the accumulated legacies of the Uchiha clan over a millennium. Due to their bi-monthly 'Sermon Conferences,' new ideas and knowledge were recorded and stored. The Uchiha's archives were continuously expanding, becoming the second-largest ninja library in Ryūgakure.

Kyomu wasn't defensive about this. The Uchiha's penchant for collection, fueled by their Sharingan's copying ability, was evident. These archives served as a testament to their clan's heritage and a form of showmanship.

"Fugaku, your clan's heritage has grown significantly," Kyomu remarked, gesturing towards the rows of bookshelves.

"It's not heritage, just idle records. Our Sharingan is enough for us."

"Haha," Kyomu chuckled. "Fugaku, saying that outside would invite trouble."

"They wouldn't dare. Even if they did, they couldn't defeat us," Fugaku responded nonchalantly, leading Kyomu further in.

In the center of the basement, Fugaku pointed to an unremarkable stone tablet, "Ryukage-sama, this is the tablet left by the Sage of Six Paths."

"The heritage of a thousand-year-old clan is truly remarkable," Kyomu subtly praised Fugaku, making him even happier.

Praising the Uchiha from Kyomu, who had subdued the clan, carried more weight than from anyone else.

After indulging Fugaku's vanity, Kyomu focused on the stone tablet, gradually entering a trance.

Massive amounts of information flooded in, causing Kyomu to feel dizzy, his consciousness like a small boat in a storm, nearly capsizing from the overwhelming data.

Stabilizing himself, Kyomu filtered out unnecessary information, navigating through the torrent of past data to find what he sought.

Perhaps in an instant, or after several minutes, Kyomu found what he wanted.

"The Hyuga and Kaguya are indeed distant relatives?" Kyomu murmured, delving deeper.

He witnessed parts of Homura's final moments.

Homura had two sons!

Unlike Indra and Asura, Homura's sons didn't fall into conflict, unaffected by Black Zetsu's machinations.

The elder son inherited the Byakugan, while the younger one did not but inherited Homura's body.

However, problems soon arose.

The Kaguya clan's Sage Body didn't produce Wood Release but a weakened version of the All-Killing Ash Bones, the Shikotsumyaku.

Initially, there were no issues, but over generations, as the bloodline thinned, the Shikotsumyaku weakened, and the bodies deteriorated.

The Shikotsumyaku, carrying traces of the All-Killing Ash Bones' power, started backfiring, unrestrainedly consuming the body's life force, or yang chakra.

The two solutions were either to strengthen the body, delaying the Shikotsumyaku's awakening, or to seize the Byakugan, aiming to unify the Sage Eye and Sage Body.

A war erupted on the moon, with the Kaguya (Takeuchi) clan defeated and fleeing to the ninja world, barely surviving.

"Why did you divide your power between two sons, especially when one part had flaws?" Kyomu wondered but didn't pursue Hagoromo's intentions further, continuing along this line of thought.

His consciousness drifted through the past, finally finding the answer from five hundred years ago.

This was the second split within Homura's lineage, stemming from the elder son's branch.

The reasons were twofold:

Firstly, limited living space. The giant Tenseigan left by Homura could only support a finite habitable area. As the population grew, it led to a severe survival crisis.

Secondly, ideological differences. Some wanted to explore beyond the moon for broader opportunities, contradicting Homura's intention of using the moon as a forward base.

These reasons justified a peaceful split.

But problems persisted.

The Kaguya clan wasn't eradicated and thrived in the ninja world. How to deal with the Byakugan if a branch descended to the ninja world? Hence, the Caged Bird Seal was born.

"The Caged Bird Seal was initially to prevent the Kaguya clan from seizing the Byakugan?" Kyomu marveled. "Their ancestors caused their descendants so much trouble. Homura lacked thorough foresight compared to his brother."

Having evaluated based on his understanding, Kyomu continued along the 'causal line,' but the subsequent information detailed centuries of ninja wars.

He saw the Uchiha ancestors' battles, impressive and formidable.

He also witnessed wars between the Hyuga and Kaguya clans, where the Kaguya never succeeded due to the Caged Bird Seal.

"This aligns perfectly," Kyomu withdrew his gaze. "The Kaguya's opportunity for revival lies in my hands."

About to proceed further, Kyomu staggered, feeling overwhelmingly weak.

"Fugaku…" His voice was hoarse. "How long have I been standing here?"

"A week," responded not Fugaku but Yugito and Mei.

"A whole week…" Kyomu allowed the women to support him. "It was like watching an epic historical movie. Seven days passed just like that?"

"Kyomu, you almost missed crucial events," Mei said, focusing on the matter. "The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki is nearing her due date."

Kyomu jolted. "How many days left?"

"Less than two," Yugito answered. "If you hadn't woken up, Mei and I would have had Tsunade forcefully wake you."

Nodding, Kyomu left the Uchiha basement, feeling exceptionally weak and hungry.

As he moved, blood circulation improved, and with ample yang chakra, his body quickly returned to peak condition.

The only issue was intense hunger!

Devouring food voraciously, Kyomu contemplated.

His yang chakra, even at half capacity, wasn't a true Sage Body, yet after seven days without sustenance, his body quickly recovered.

Had Hagoromo and Homura not voluntarily ended their lives, they wouldn't die so easily. "But they weren't without ulterior motives," Kyomu scoffed. "Chakra was just a catalyst; the Pure Land and the Tailed Beasts merely chakra storage devices.

"In a thousand years, the chakra produced by ninjas could nurture a third, fourth, or even fifth Six Paths-level entity.

"Indra and Asura were predetermined. The ninja world was indeed their playground."

Finishing his meal, Kyomu lay down, "But I'm here to disrupt their plans. If they can cause chaos, so can I. The pie is made, but I'll decide how it's sliced!"

With these thoughts, Kyomu fell asleep while Nagato began his move.

...

In the Hokage's office in Konoha.

Bang! The sunny Minato slammed the desk.

"Who does Akatsuki think they are?!"

Jiraiya, though reluctant, had to speak, "Minato, I trained Nagato. Let me handle this."

"Sensei, it's not that I doubt you, but Nagato's Rinnegan…"

"I can handle it," Jiraiya insisted. "Just take care of Kushina. I can manage Nagato."

After studying Jiraiya for a few moments, Minato sighed.

Opening a drawer, he was stopped by Jiraiya.

"Minato, this is the excuse Kyomu left for us. We can't use it," Jiraiya said slowly. "He mentioned 'within his power,' not 'everything.' It leaves much room for interpretation.

But if we ask for help, Kyomu could manipulate us, even justifiably seize control of the village and gain legitimacy in the Land of Fire."

Kyomu's intentions were clear to anyone discerning, including Jiraiya and Minato.

The latter, however, was somewhat blinded by love.

"Sensei, I don't want Kushina in danger," Minato said seriously. "If we can't stop Nagato, I will use it."

"Minato, you…"

"Sensei, I don't want conflict with you, but… I'm the Hokage."

Jiraiya was taken aback, the situation familiar yet baffling.

"Sensei, Nagato's message," Minato handed over a note. "They've identified all our secret delivery locations. We have no secrets from them."

Nagato's strategy was to demand money, aid Kyomu, and create anxiety for Minato and Jiraiya.

An assault on their minds.

"We can't simply hand over the money!" Jiraiya was resolute. "I'd rather die than let Nagato win!"

"Then… please, Sensei." Minato bowed deeply, gripping three broken kunai.

Kyomu wanted a good reputation and a perfect opportunity to take over. As long as Kushina was safe, he would comply! Whoosh.

With a swish of his Hokage robe, Minato left the office, leaving Jiraiya stunned.

He couldn't comprehend the rift with Minato.

Was it overbearing control or…?

Sighing, Jiraiya departed. He was unyielding, trusting in his beliefs, the Great Toad Sage's prophecy, and his actions.

He was committed to the village and the world.

Kyomu was the root of the ninja world's turmoil!

As was his former disciple, Nagato! Idealists are often stubborn, unwilling to accept reality, unknowingly harming those around them.

Everyone has selfish desires, even the Ōtsutsuki.

Jiraiya couldn't understand but had no time for reflection.

A fully-limbed Nagato had arrived above Konoha.

Nagato intended to show all of Konoha the strength required!

(End of Chapter)