Su Xiuyu welcomed the group of Skrulls without hesitation. In his eyes, being able to assess the situation accurately was a vital survival skill—and these Skrulls were clearly sharper than most of their kind.
For years, the Skrulls had drifted through space, forced to wander due to their identity and political status. But now, with the establishment of Penglai Island, they had finally found a new home.
Unfortunately, Su Xiuyu's subordinates were more brawn than brains. While excellent in battle, none had a knack for scientific research.
"I accept your loyalty—and I know who you really are. Maybe that idiot Nick thinks you're just space refugees, but I know better," Su Xiuyu said with a smile. "The Skrull Empire is one of the greatest civilizations in the galaxy. Did you think I was clueless?"
He waved off their concern.
"Still, it doesn't matter. You've sworn loyalty, and I've accepted it. I keep my promises. But remember—betrayers don't get second chances."
Oddly enough, the Skrulls were even more relieved. The fact that Su Xiuyu recognized the might of the Skrull Empire but remained unfazed only confirmed that they had pledged themselves to the right person.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Shisui had already interacted with the Skrulls a few times. Their presence was his first real encounter with true extraterrestrial life.
Still, Shisui was well-versed enough not to panic. After all, even in the ninja world, appearances could be deceiving—Kisame looked like a shark, yet no one ever questioned his humanity.
"Lord Xiuyu said it himself. Talents like these are rare. Best to put them to use," Shisui muttered.
Kitsuchi nodded in agreement. Though he hadn't been in this world long, he'd already glimpsed the overwhelming potential of technology.
The ninja world did have modern devices—fridges, lights, even phones—but their tech was overwhelmingly domestic. And with chakra making most physical tools obsolete, industrial advancement was slow.
When jonin can outrun cars and taijutsu users leap over buildings, who needs tech?
After loosening his Earth Release technique, Kitsuchi departed, leaving poor Ivan behind, who had already been caught in one of Shisui's subtle illusions.
"I'm sorry," Shisui said quietly. "Manipulating others like this isn't my style... But I've learned. I trusted Danzo once. I nearly died for it."
He looked down at Ivan.
"I've realized something. I lack the power and wisdom to control divine artifacts. But Lord Xiuyu... he sees far, plans deep. He'll lead the Uchiha and Uzumaki to heights we've never imagined."
Ivan, unaware of Shisui's words, simply stood frozen.
"Kotoamatsukami—always remain loyal to Lord Su Xiuyu, no matter what."
Ivan collapsed into a deep sleep. Blood trickled from Shisui's eyes as the backlash of the technique hit him hard. Kotoamatsukami's side effects remained severe, even for someone like him.
"Thank you for your hard work." A blurry figure stepped forward and gently touched Shisui's eyes.
"Lord Xiuyu…"
"Don't move. I'll heal you."
Warm Yang Release chakra flooded his body. Within seconds, Shisui's vision returned clearer than before.
"This liquid medicine I made will help restore your vision—three drops a day, directly on the eyes. But it's only temporary," Xiuyu warned. "You've heard from Fugaku about the cost of Mangekyō Sharingan, right?"
Shisui nodded. "He told me. But... I have no relatives left. Even if I did, I'm not sure I could ever accept the idea of replacing eyes."
"It's not the only way. Just the simplest. I've never replaced mine. There's a more advanced solution already in motion. Seems you're still out of the loop."
Xiuyu placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Rest for tonight. Come see me tomorrow. I'll tailor something for your body specifically. What about Itachi's eyes?"
"He rarely uses them. No issues for now."
"Good. Ivan will report to the research department. And honestly, keeping Orochimaru locked up is a waste of talent."
"As you say, Master Xiuyu."
Shisui's admiration for Su Xiuyu wasn't just about his power—it was about his demeanor. Despite holding the strength to dominate the entire ninja world, he showed no interest in ruling. He treated his followers with respect and fairness. To Shisui, he was the ideal leader—wise, composed, and just.
But if Su Xiuyu ever heard Shisui's thoughts, he would have burst out laughing.
He didn't bother ruling the ninja world simply because he found it too small. And his polite behavior? That came from his previous life as a regular man, where superiority was never a given.
Of course, in terms of evolution, Su Xiuyu now was far beyond any ordinary human.
Meanwhile, Ivan awoke from the ground. Realizing where he was, he muttered, "Loyalty," under his breath and walked toward the research facility on Penglai Island.
The true brilliance of Kotoamatsukami lay not in domination, but in belief. It didn't brainwash—it rewired a person's very sense of purpose. Victims like Ivan would genuinely believe they chose to serve. They would evolve, grow, even innovate—independent, but forever loyal.
A terrifying technique... shame Shisui himself wasn't great at wielding it consistently.
Each time he used it, a part of himself was sacrificed.
Still, Ivan's arrival didn't stir much attention. His knowledge was impressive by Earth's standards, but compared to the Skrulls—who were half a dimension ahead—he was still a novice.
Under the guidance of a Skrull scientist, Ivan began soaking up alien technology like a sponge. His mind raced with inspiration, wonder, and relief.
He had found his true path.
His grudge with Tony Stark? Forgotten. It seemed ridiculous now. Su Xiuyu wasn't just a new master—he was a belief. And Ivan had seen the truth: blaming Tony for his father's downfall had always been misguided. Even if Howard Stark had sinned, it had nothing to do with Tony.
----------------------
"Is this the new world? What a pity—I won't get to see it."
Locked in solitude, Orochimaru didn't seem particularly lonely. Though he was the only one in the prison, he remained eerily calm.
The new prison, built far from Konoha, had a different air composition—something only a serpent could detect. Orochimaru, half-man and half-snake, could taste the differences through his tongue, sensing chemical traces others would miss.
As always, his bizarre hybrid nature set him apart from the rest of the ninja world.
"Orochimaru," came a calm voice from outside the cell. "Have you decided? Work for me—or die?"
It was Su Xiu Yu. Or rather, his wooden clone.
"Master Xiu Yu," Orochimaru said, lips curled into a thin smile, "aren't you worried I'll pretend to obey and betray you later?"
"It doesn't matter." Xiu Yu's voice was steady. "I admire your talent, but I don't rely on dispensable subordinates. I rely on myself."
He stepped closer. "You act fearless because you think I can't kill you. Is it because of your Impure World Reincarnation technique? Or the Curse Mark you left behind on Kitsuchi?"
Orochimaru's smirk faltered. That detail wasn't public. Even Kabuto didn't know the curse's true nature. The Reincarnation Technique was common knowledge, but the Curse Mark's secret was guarded with his life.
"You think you're safe because of it," Xiu Yu continued coldly. "But immortality and resurrection? Childish tricks. Don't assume you're the only one who's mastered Impure World Reincarnation. And don't believe a revived legend can beat me."
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes. "Heh... who knows? Isn't there another dead ninja god out there?"
"Hashirama?" Xiu Yu scoffed. "Controlling him is your first problem. If you don't, he'll snap your neck the second he opens his eyes. All you've ever made are cheap imitations."
He leaned forward. "Hashirama hasn't defeated me once since my prime—aside from when I first became a ninja. Even at his peak, he can't stop me."
A tense silence hung between them.
"Your scientific talents are the best in the world," Xiu Yu acknowledged. "But your vision is short-sighted. I don't want your loyalty. I want your work."
"…I agree." Orochimaru finally gave in. Against the God of Ninja, pride was worthless. Survival was all that mattered.
"Good. You'll join the Research Division and lead our biotechnology branch. There are Skrulls among the researchers. Don't make trouble—I'm not Danzo. Harm any of my people, and I'll rip out your soul."
"There are no taboos on your materials. Request what you need through the department head, and you'll receive it. Human experiments are allowed—on criminals with unforgivable crimes."
He turned away. "Uchiha Shisui is the department head. Don't cross him."
Xiu Yu's eyes glinted. "I handpicked you. That should be enough for your ego. You created your undead technique to survive, didn't you? Let me tell you—this world has gods. Living for thousands of years isn't as impossible as you think."
With that, the wooden clone crumbled to splinters, revealing the real Su Xiu Yu as a silent wooden statue.
"…A wooden clone? Truly, his methods surpass imagination," Orochimaru muttered.
---
The next day, Uchiha Shisui lay calmly on the operating table. Standing beside him were Uchiha Chisato and Uzumaki Mito, both wearing clean surgical robes.
"Relax, Shisui," Mito said gently. "We're using a genetic serum based on Izuna's DNA. It's the most compatible with your body—no risk of rejection. This is mature, proven technology."
She added with a soft smile, "Your predecessor, Kagamj, used an earlier version. Yours is an optimized formula."
"I trust you both," Shisui replied, calm as ever.
The operating room was brand-new, still untouched by the strong scent of antiseptics. Overhead, a state-of-the-art shadowless lamp—custom-built by Stark Industries—bathed the room in pristine light.
"It's a simple injection," Mito explained while checking his vitals. "If everything goes smoothly, you'll just wake up after a good nap. Your current health is excellent, by the way."
"Just sleep," Chisato added warmly.
As those words reached him, Shisui's vision dimmed. His mind slowly slipped into unconsciousness. It was an alien sensation—even terrifying—for an elite jonin to surrender control like this. Normally, this kind of blackout only meant death.
---
When he opened his eyes again, night had fallen. The soft glow of lamps lit the recovery room, and to his surprise, his vision felt sharper—like going from 600-degree myopia to 300.
By his bedside sat a red-haired nurse—an Uzumaki.
"Feeling okay, Shisui?" she asked with a gentle smile.
"…Great, actually. No dizziness. No side effects."
"You didn't receive anesthesia," she revealed with a playful tone. "It was a special sealing technique created by Mito-sama. It shut off your nerve signals temporarily—no pain, no harm."
Shisui raised an eyebrow. "That's… thoughtful."
"I'm Uzumaki Nanako," she introduced herself, standing a little straighter. "I'm the medical ninja assigned to your case."
"Uchiha Shisui," he replied with a polite nod.
Nanako tilted her head. "Do you have a phone?"
"Yeah..."
"Mind exchanging contact info?" she asked, already pulling out her own. "Just in case something comes up."
Shisui hesitated for a second—then smiled faintly and gave his number.
To him, it was just a polite gesture. He had no idea that this simple exchange would lead him to the most important person in his life.
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