Chapter 60 - BOY (Rewritten up to this point)

Alright, I rewrote the story up to here, and I think that's enough for now. If you think that the future chapters also need improvements, tell me and I'll get to work.

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In the blink of an eye, six months had passed. Ryu devoted every waking moment to studying the reality tears he had discovered and the reality manipulation effect of Izanagi, which Danzo had used against him. He hoped to find a connection between the two phenomena and unlock the mysteries of the multiverse.

The concept of infinite universes within the multiverse was an extraordinary revelation for Ryu. He was consumed by questions about the nature of these other universes. How did they differ from his own world? How were they created, and why? Were they potential threats or allies? Did they possess advanced technologies or new blacksmithing techniques? His relentless curiosity drove him to delve deeper into his research.

Despite his ability to acquire knowledge at will, Ryu found that after six months of study, he had made little progress. This underscored the complexity of the task he had undertaken. Theoretical knowledge could only take him so far—he needed to experience the multiverse firsthand to answer his burning questions. One major obstacle remained: time behaved differently across the multiverse.

In theory, Ryu could spend millennia exploring other universes without a single moment passing in his own world. However, the flow of time varied between universes, and Ryu had no knowledge of specific timelines. Ultimately, he decided that time was not a concern for him. He would leave an army of amalgamation Shinobi to protect his loved ones—Naruto, Arakan, Akina, Jiraiya, and Daisuke—while he was away. He considered creating a temporary clone of himself to break the news to Naruto, as a permanent clone might feel disingenuous.

As the temptation to explore the multiverse grew stronger, Ryu struggled with the idea of saying goodbye. What could he tell his friends—that he would be gone for an uncertain amount of time? In the end, he decided to create a temporary clone to inform Naruto of his departure, forgoing the use of the Transformation Jutsu to avoid complications.

With determination, Ryu steeled himself for his journey. His six months of research had made him proficient in reality warping, and he was well-prepared for the challenge. Focusing his energy, he waved his hand and tore open a massive rift in the fabric of reality, revealing the space between universes. Taking a deep breath, Ryu stepped through the portal into the unknown.

As Ryu crossed the threshold into the space between universes, he was immediately met with a violent reaction. The ethereal substance that composed this space seemed to recognize that he didn't belong. Ryu felt an intense pressure surrounding him as the swirling, colorful substance enveloped him. Before he could fully comprehend what was happening, he found himself standing in a new environment.

As Ryu took in his surroundings, he noticed that he was in a world vastly different from his own. He found himself in a dense forest, its trees laden with heavy snow. The landscape was dominated by towering, snow-capped mountains in the distance, casting an imposing shadow over the land.

The sky above was a swirling mass of dark, ominous clouds, with a persistent snowfall adding to the thick layer already blanketing the ground. It was clear that the entire environment was in the grip of a harsh, unforgiving winter.

Ryu saw a wooden hut that was nestled in a small clearing. Built from sturdy logs, the hut had a simple, rustic design.

In the near distance, Ryu could hear the faint sound of a river flowing beneath a layer of ice, its waters struggling to maintain their course against the encroaching freeze. The air was bitterly cold, stinging Ryu's face and hands as the wind howled through the trees, carrying with it a biting chill.

With no other immediate course of action, Ryu approached the hut and knocked on the hut's door. If someone was inside, he would ask for their help in determining his whereabouts. Receiving no response, he resolved to wait for the hut's owner to return.

To make his wait more comfortable, Ryu conjured a sofa and a large tent. This proved to be a wise decision, as he waited for three hours before a weary duo approached him—a tall, muscular man wielding a magnificent one-handed ax and a teenage boy carrying a bow.

The man had a towering figure, standing well over six feet tall, with a muscular build that spoke of a lifetime of battle and hardship. His ash-white skin bore a distinctive red pattern, which weaved its way across his body like a living tapestry of war. His face was weathered and slightly scarred, a testament to the countless struggles he had faced in his lifetime. The large beard that adorned his face was coarse black, giving him an air of wisdom and experience. The man's green eyes were piercing and intense, capable of intimidating even the most fearsome of foes.

His attire was functional and well-worn, consisting of a leather cuirass that covered mainly the right side of his chest, leaving his left side exposed to showcase his impressive musculature. His legs were protected by simple cloth and leather boots. Although the armor appeared basic, its effectiveness was evident in the many battles the man had survived. Resting on his back was a magnificent one-handed ax, its intricately carved handle and razor-sharp blade a testament to the skill of its creator.

The teenager stood at about three-quarters his father's height. He had a strong, lean physique of a seasoned warrior. His red hair was styled in a short mohawk-like haircut, while his pale, scarred face bore the marks of past encounters. The light freckling across his cheeks and nose was a subtle reminder of his youth, while his icy blue eyes held a maturity and determination that didn't fit his age.

The teenager was dressed in leathers and hides of fur, expertly crafted to provide both protection and flexibility in combat. The layered armor covered most of his body, offering warmth in the harsh winter environment. Over his shoulder, he carried a finely crafted bow. The quiver at his side held an assortment of arrows, each designed for a seemingly specific purpose.

Ryu used his Mangekyo ability to gather information about the man, concerned that he might be dangerous. He was astounded by what he discovered. A god of war stood before him, ax in hand, possibly with malicious intent. Ryu had always been skeptical about the existence of gods. If they were real, why was the world so filled with strife?

"Who are you!?" the man demanded, positioning himself protectively in front of the boy.

"W-w-wait! I don't mean you any harm, I just wanted to ask you some questions! I'm lost!" Ryu stammered, speaking so quickly that his tongue nearly tripped over itself.

After a moment of contemplation, the god replied in a deep voice, "...Ask."