Konoha
Garrison Building
Naraku sat quietly in the captain's office, his pen gliding across a sheet of paper with steady strokes.
He and his team had returned to Konoha after traveling day and night for several days. Their return had been silent, under the cover of night, unnoticed by the village. The journey had taken about half a month.
During that time, Princess Tsunade from Konoha Hospital had visited, along with Nao Uzumaki and Ryouta Kurama. But Naraku's loyal subordinates had turned them away with polite excuses—saying he was either ill or deep in ninjutsu training.
His prolonged absence stirred curiosity among those closely monitoring the Uchiha clan. Many were starting to wonder.
That day, Naraku made a deliberate circuit around the village before returning to the garrison and resuming his duties. The moment he appeared, intelligence networks across Konoha buzzed, and various factions reported back to their leaders.
Naraku, however, remained unaware of the stir his return had caused.
Back at his desk, he calmly wrote several large words across the paper: "Wood Style," "Dark Style."
He had fully mastered the Kigyara no Jutsu. The next phase of his plan involved capturing shinobi with Kekkei Genkai to further increase his power.
Of the elemental bloodline limits, Wood Style was a must. He intended to research and experiment with it personally. Only after successfully reproducing it would he consider absorbing the original source to claim it as his own. It was the most difficult task he faced—and so he placed it last.
He also had a strong interest in Dark Style, a rare ability that could absorb chakra-based attacks and send them back at the enemy, fully intact. Naraku saw incredible potential in it.
Years ago, he had been known as a copy ninja—but years of staying in the village had caused his reputation to fade. The same was true for Uchiha Fugaku, once feared as "Evil Eye Fugaku." Life in Konoha was safe—but it came at the cost of real combat experience, and with it, renown.
The Uchiha clan had thousands of members. Dozens were officially recognized as Jōnin by the village, though the number of truly capable Jōnin-level fighters was easily double that.
The special police force—Naraku's elite unit—consisted of seventy Uchiha shinobi, all of whom had awakened the Sharingan.
Among the clan, only about one in ten ever activated their Sharingan. Those who did were considered rare and invaluable assets.
Most of them were concentrated in the police force. Few Uchiha with awakened Sharingan were seen freely walking around the village.
The clan was known far and wide for its Fire Style techniques, swordsmanship, and unmatched shuriken skills. But the clan's true elite were under Naraku's or the elders' direct command, largely hidden from public view.
Without looking up, Naraku spoke to the seemingly empty room.
"Uchiha Ishi. Go and bring the head of the Intelligence Section—Hayata."
A voice echoed back instantly. "Yes, sir!"
Though no one was visible, a puff of smoke rose and quickly dispersed. Uchiha Ishi had already vanished to carry out the order.
When it came to Kekkei Genkai and secret techniques, Kirigakure was considered a treasure trove. Its island geography and isolation had allowed many unique clans to thrive in secret.
Among the most well-known were the Yuki clan, the Kaguya clan (referred to in some texts as the Yoruichi clan), and others like the "Red Eyes."
Just as Konoha was famous for the Sharingan and the Hyūga clan's Byakugan, Kirigakure boasted powerful bloodlines and secret jutsu.
These ninja clans had long lineages and immense power. Their unique techniques and strict training traditions meant that many produced powerful shinobi generation after generation.
Even beyond the well-known families, many obscure clans carried mysterious bloodlines—some like the ones that Hiruko had once hunted.
Naraku was especially interested in Dark Style and Storm Release.
There was a knock on the door.
"Come in," Naraku called.
Uchiha Hayata stepped in and gave a respectful bow.
"You called for me, Lord Naraku."
"Take a seat."
Naraku's office was different from the Hokage's—a little more personal. A couch and coffee table made the space feel more suited for open conversations than formal meetings. While the Hokage dealt strictly in official matters, Naraku often held informal discussions with his clan members.
"Hayata, I need your help with a mission."
"Of course, my lord. Anything."
"Have our informants in the Kumogakure and Kirigakure begin investigating their Kekkei Genkai clans in detail. I want everything—not just about the big names, but the smaller, lesser-known families too.
Focus especially on finding shinobi with Dark Style in the Kirigakure Storm Release in the Land of Lightning."
"As you command. We've already gathered some intelligence on the major Kirigakure clans—the Yuki, the Kaguya. And there've been rumors about Storm Release… but Dark Style—"
Naraku cut in smoothly.
"Don't just investigate the famous families. Look into the obscure ones. Minor clans, wandering shinobi—anything. Anyone who can use Dark Style is of particular interest."
"Understood. Forgive my ignorance, but… what exactly is Dark Style? I've never heard of such a technique."
"It's a rare Kekkei Genkai that allows the user to absorb an enemy's chakra-based ninjutsu, store it temporarily, and then release it back in full. It's unlike anything in common use."
Hayata's eyes widened slightly. "That's… astonishing. I've heard of chakra-draining jutsu, but nothing that can absorb and return techniques intact."
"I have my own sources. Just find someone who has it. And if you do—capture them alive."
"I understand. I'll mobilize our networks immediately."
Naraku leaned forward slightly.
"If you complete this mission, I'll reward you well. You've always wanted to learn my Chidori-style techniques, haven't you? This may be your chance."
Naraku had developed the Chidori-ryu line of jutsu himself. Only his most trusted guards were allowed to learn them. Even within the clan, access was tightly controlled.
The basic Chidori was taught only under Naraku's permission. Advanced variants required merit.
"Understood!" Hayata said firmly, motivation flashing in his eyes.
"Also—try to capture targets alive. And if possible, retrieve their scrolls or training manuals. Techniques passed through bloodlines can't be mastered by blood alone—most require instruction."
"Understood. I'll begin immediately."
"Go."
"Yes, Lord Naraku!"
Naraku watched him leave, his expression unreadable.
He knew that possessing a Kekkei Genkai wasn't enough. Very few could naturally develop techniques based purely on bloodline. Most required training scrolls, teachers, and time.
Naraku didn't consider himself someone who could create jutsu on bloodline talent alone. He relied on knowledge, structure, and patience.
His two lives had made him calm, controlled. That same temperament kept him from feeling the intense emotions often needed to awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan. Even so, having reached the three-tomoe Sharingan by thirteen proved his natural ability.
He believed he had the potential. He just needed the right trigger.
His brush completed another stroke on the paper, finishing the kanji for "木"—Wood.
I should arrange a visit to Orochimaru. Tsunade's connection might help open the door. If we can strike a deal in private…
Naraku was convinced that Shimura Danzō hadn't stopped his Wood Style experiments. In fact, he was likely still neck-deep in them.
Hatake Kakashi had already become a Genin at age five. His younger half-brother, known now as Tenzo, must have already entered those dark experiments.
In other words—Tenzo was now part of the Wood Style project…
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