In the research institute's examination room, white medical equipment rapidly whirred, emitting a faint 'humming' sound.
A series of complex data immediately appeared on the screen: heart rate, Chakra flow, cell activity... each item pulsating in real-time.
Orochimaru stood to the side, his fingers quickly sliding across the control panel, comparing the data.
"The body data after revival shows no significant change from when she was a clone. Her lifespan is only a little over 30 years, nearly half that of an ordinary person."
Tsunade frowned and removed her gloves. "However, this defect can be remedied. My Yin Seal can store a large amount of Chakra, which can be used to regularly regulate her body and slow down cell aging. Alternatively, the special nutrient solution Orochimaru developed, can also extend her lifespan to a normal level."
Seeing Rin successfully revived, Tsunade could no longer suppress the longing in her heart.
"Shun, since Rin can be revived, then Nawaki..."
Shun gently shook his head, his tone serious. "When I revived Rin just now, my ocular jutsu sensed two unfamiliar Chakra fluctuations probing the Land of Water. Their aura was cold and carried the unique decaying scent of the Pure Land. They should be those two old monsters from the Pure Land."
Seeing Tsunade's eyes dim instantly, he comforted her, "Reviving Nawaki now carries too much risk. Once they realize we've mastered revival techniques, they might cause trouble, or even target Nawaki. For safety's sake, I suggest we revive Nawaki next year. In the meantime, you and Orochimaru should research the combination of natural energy and cursed seals. This will not only enhance your strength but also prepare for future revivals."
Tsunade clenched her fists tightly, her eyes slightly red, her voice filled with reluctance and doubt. "Are those two old monsters really that strong?"
She had never heard of such beings, but Shun's serious expression made her unwilling to underestimate them.
Orochimaru also dropped his previous relaxed demeanor, his eyes behind his spectacles full of scrutiny. "Shun, can you tell me more about those two old monsters? I'd like to understand more, as such mysterious beings might even help our research."
Shun lowered his gaze in thought for a moment, then finally spoke, "A thousand years ago, the Rabbit Goddess Ōtsutsuki Kaguya gave birth to two sons. The eldest, Hagoromo, who we know as the Sage of Six Paths, was the ancestor of the Senju clan and the Uchiha clan. The second son, Hamura, was the ancestor of the Hyuga clan."
"Hehehe... Interesting. So there's such a profound blood relationship between the Senju, Uchiha, and Hyuga clans." Orochimaru let out his characteristic laugh, clearly very interested in this secret history.
Shun's eyes deepened as he said, "The Rinnegan, as a Kekkei Genkai, possesses special ocular jutsu. A thousand years ago, after death, souls wouldn't go to the Pure Land. Only after the Sage of Six Paths appeared did the concept of the Pure Land exist. So I speculate that the Pure Land itself is the Sage of Six Paths's special ocular jutsu, and he and Hamura are hiding in that place created by ocular jutsu."
He paused, then sighed, his tone carrying a hint of solemnity. "You all know that a ninja's soul carries a portion of their Chakra. And the souls of deceased ninjas are eventually drawn to the Pure Land by a mysterious force. The Rinnegan has the ability to absorb Chakra and probe soul memories. So, over these past thousand-plus years, I don't know how much Chakra the Sage of Six Paths and Hamura have absorbed, or how many Ninjutsu they've learned."
Upon hearing this, Orochimaru's smile instantly vanished, and he gasped. He subconsciously clenched his fists. So this terrifying truth was hidden behind the Pure Land. If those two truly possessed a thousand years' worth of accumulated power, perhaps no one in the entire Ninja World could contend with them.
Tsunade stood stunned, her original desire to revive Nawaki replaced by deep apprehension. She finally understood that Shun's prevention was not making a mountain out of a molehill, but rather considering everyone's safety.
After a long silence, she slowly unclenched her fists, her voice tinged with helplessness. "Shun, I understand. I'll do as you say. During this time, Orochimaru and I will research the combination of natural energy and cursed seals."
Orochimaru also nodded, putting away the data on the control panel. "I already have a preliminary plan for the research on natural energy and cursed seals, I'll use this time to perfect it."
Seeing Tsunade's emotions calm down, Shun turned and walked towards Rin.
He gently woke her with a touch, then handed her a bag. "This is 2 million ryo, considered a subsidy from the village. Use it to buy some clothes, daily necessities, and hair accessories you used to like, and get yourself settled."
Rin took the bag with both hands, her fingertips trembling slightly. This was not just money, but the confidence she needed to start her life anew.
"Thank you, Shun-kun."
Shun raised his hand to check the time, his tone becoming light. "This is what you deserve. I'll take you to see Kakashi now. Are you ready?"
Upon hearing "see Kakashi," Rin's heart instantly pounded, and her cheeks flushed.
She nodded vigorously, her voice trembling with excitement. "Mm, I'm ready."
Shun smiled slightly and reached out to grasp Rin's shoulder. "Don't be nervous."
No sooner had he spoken than their figures instantly vanished from the research institute.
At the same time, beside the training grounds in Konoha, Kakashi was leaning against a tree trunk, holding a copy of 'Icha Icha Paradise,' but his gaze was somewhat unfocused, unconsciously drifting towards the distant sky.
His 17th birthday was in a few days, but he always felt an emptiness in his heart. When he saw others in pairs, he would remember that girl in a pink dress with smiling, crescent-shaped eyes.
Suddenly, two figures appeared out of thin air.
Kakashi instinctively raised his hand, intending to use Chidori, but when he clearly saw who it was, the book in his hand 'thudded' to the ground, his eyes instantly widened, and he even forgot to breathe.
"Rin..."
Shun released his hand, looking nonchalant. "Kakashi, consider this my early birthday gift to you. This 'Rin' only has a lifespan of a little over 30 years. I hope you cherish her well."
After giving his instructions, Shun used the Flying Thunder God Technique and vanished instantly.
Rin picked up 'Icha Icha Paradise,' looking at the illustrations and text inside, her face bright red with embarrassment.
"Kakashi, you actually read this kind of book."
Watching Rin flip through 'Icha Icha Paradise,' Kakashi instantly felt utterly mortified.
Seeing Kakashi's disconsolate expression, Rin took a step forward and gently took his hand.