"The evolution of the Byakugan is the Tenseigan."
Kin stared at the Byakugan, which was placed in the container.
The Tenseigan was an eye power no weaker than the Rinnegan, belonging to the lineage of the Sage of Six Paths and his brother. However, to awaken it, one needed the chakra of the Ōtsutsuki clan and the Byakugan of the Hyūga clan—conditions far simpler compared to the Rinnegan, which required the fusion of Indra and Asura's chakra.
Yet, due to the Caged Bird Seal's restrictions, only the Byakugan of the Hyūga main family could be used.
"If I can synthesize Ōtsutsuki chakra and transplant a main family Byakugan, would I be able to awaken the Tenseigan?"
These were details from the original work in his past life. The actual feasibility, however, still required research.
Currently, the Ōtsutsuki clan on the moon lacked the Foundation Internal Energy, leaving him with insufficient data on the Byakugan. The Hyūga clan, as possessors of the Byakugan, had conducted extensive research, but none of it was particularly useful.
The inventor of the Caged Bird Seal might have uncovered something, but sadly, their efforts were focused solely on suppressing their own clan.
"How pitiful."
Kin's sigh left Hyūga Kiyoshi silent beside him. Though he didn't fully understand Kin's words, he too felt the tragedy of the Hyūga branch family's plight.
"I need a large number of Byakugan, Kiyoshi."
Kin walked over and patted Hyūga Kiyoshi's shoulder. To research the Tenseigan without relying on others' techniques, he had to do it himself. And for his research, a single pair of Byakugan wouldn't be enough.
"Understood, my lord."
Hyūga Kiyoshi agreed without hesitation.
Kin wasn't heartless, though. Asking Kiyoshi to pluck the eyes of his clansmen would be cruel.
"I've heard the Hyūga clan collects the eyes of their dying members."
Hyūga Kiyoshi's pupils contracted. This was something he had never known.
Kin gave him a meaningful look. This information was hidden in the memories of the Hyūga main family members—memories he had accessed through their knowledge of the Foundation Internal Energy.
In the current state of Konoha, those who didn't learn the Foundation Internal Energy would inevitably be left behind. The Hyūga clan retrieved the eyes of their dying clansmen for research, though they had discovered nothing. This secret was known only to the main family and a select few branch family members.
Hyūga Kiyoshi clearly wasn't among them.
"Your parents' eyes might even be among them."
Kin had no memory of where these eyes were stored. The method by which his Golden Finger accessed others' knowledge remained unclear to him. Why could it extract knowledge but not memories? How were the two distinguished?
But for now, his abilities weren't advanced enough to study the Golden Finger itself.
"I will find them."
Hyūga Kiyoshi didn't question how Kin obtained this information. Even if the chance was minuscule, he would investigate.
Hyūga main family!!
Hyūga Kiyoshi gritted his teeth.
Kin simply smiled.
"I'll leave it to you."
He was nurturing Kiyoshi's hatred for the Hyūga main family.
Over the next three days, Kin immersed himself in alchemy. He moved the scrolls from his study to the research room below, transforming the study into an alchemy room with shelves lined with pills.
"And this."
Kin glanced at the scroll on the table—a technique he had developed specifically for the Aburame clan. It had taken him a whole ten minutes.
Quite the effort.
Picking up the scroll, he left the room to deliver the technique to the Aburame clan.
However—
His eyes flicked toward a nearby tree, where a hidden figure lurked.
Kin didn't react outwardly, merely stroking his chin.
"Root or ANBU?"
Root was more likely. Danzō wasn't one to give up easily. But ANBU couldn't be ruled out—if Danzō had complained, Sarutobi Hiruzen wouldn't ignore it.
The Root operative hidden in the tree didn't dare stare directly as Uchiha Kin emerged from the house. They understood his strength all too well.
Even surveillance had to be discreet to avoid detection.
"He's turning. Should we follow now?"
One Root member whispered, tracking Kin only through peripheral vision.
No answer came from his comrades. Instead, an unexpected voice spoke among them.
"Where do you plan to follow me?"
The Root operatives' pupils shrank to pinpricks. They tried to flee, but darkness coiled around them first, immobilizing them and sealing their mouths.
Kin crouched amidst the three, observing as the darkness restrained them.
"Root operatives, I see."
"Perfect. I could use some extra hands."
Black light shimmered around Kin's hands.
"I doubt Danzō will mind lending me a few."
Soul Illumination Technique! Memory Alteration! Cognitive Rewriting!
His mastery of the Soul Illumination Technique allowed him to reshape memories and perceptions.
Soon, the darkness receded.
The three knelt on the tree, addressing Kin with reverence.
"Lord Kin."
"Continue your missions as Danzō ordered. Find opportunities to bring me more Root members—those with weaker wills. And keep an eye on Danzō's movements."
While the Soul Illumination Technique could alter memories and cognition, it was ineffective against those with ironclad resolve.
Otherwise, why would he have been so frustrated with the Eight-Tails' Jinchūriki?
The technique had been utterly useless then.
"Yes!"
Kin wanted to turn all of Root into his own forces. He couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of Danzō's expression when he found out.
Aburame Clan Compound
Kin once again found himself in their reception hall.
The same two rows of elders, Aburame Shiko across from him, and Aburame Mushihi by his side.
The scheming Aburame clan.
Kin subtly shifted closer to Aburame Mushihi.
She rolled her eyes.
Damn little pervert, always taking advantage.
"Ahem." Aburame Shiko coughed, reminding Kin to behave.
Kin adopted a dignified posture, meeting Shiko's gaze squarely.
He was a man of principle, after all.
He placed the prepared scroll on the table. Aburame Mushihi reached for it, but Kin slapped his hand over hers.
"Where's my payment?"
If you're asking, at least move your hand!
Kin held Mushihi's hand firmly, even giving it a few squeezes.
Mushihi glared at him, annoyed. The deal was done—she didn't need to sacrifice her dignity anymore.
"Here."
An elder nearby produced a box and handed it over.
Reluctantly, Kin released Mushihi's hand and opened the box.
Inside were silver notes. He counted them—250 million, not a single note more or less.
Aburame Shiko unsealed the scroll.
...
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(End of Chapter)