Half a month passed quietly.
During this period, Kiyohara had made new progress in cloning Samehada. The data he had collected from Kakashi had proven extremely useful.
Coincidentally, Nono had also achieved a breakthrough. Kiyohara decided to try transplanting the Ketsuryugan into a Samehada clone, creating a weapon capable of manipulating blood.
With that in mind, he made a trip to the orphanage.
Standing in the courtyard, he looked at the familiar building before him.
Thanks to his occasional financial support, the orphanage had expanded considerably compared to before. Nono had even hired two additional caretakers.
"Kiyohara-kun."
Yakushi Nono's voice came from the entrance.
She wore her usual heavy black nun's habit, and behind her round-framed glasses, her eyes carried a gentle smile.
Although the loose clothing concealed her figure, the slender lines of her wrists and neck still hinted at the mature curves hidden beneath the habit.
"Director Nono."
Kiyohara nodded slightly and followed her inside.
In the room, several cultivation tanks were lined up along a laboratory bench near the wall. Pale green nutrient fluid filled the containers, immersing various biological specimens of different shapes.
The first thing Kiyohara noticed upon entering was the largest tank.
Inside, a silver-gray fish swam slowly through the liquid, its scales reflecting a metallic sheen beneath the lights.
Yet its eyes stood in stark contrast to its body.
They were crimson red.
"Following your instructions, I transplanted Ketsuryugan cells into the Samehada clone."
Nono walked up to the tank and lightly tapped the glass.
The fish seemed to sense something. It slowly turned around and looked directly at Kiyohara with its scarlet eyes.
At that moment, Kiyohara felt a fluctuation of Yin Release chakra.
"The success rate was higher than expected."
Nono opened a notebook filled with records.
"Out of more than a hundred samples, three successfully integrated the Ketsuryugan's traits. Two died due to rejection. The rest survived, but the cellular fusion was incomplete, making them nothing more than ordinary clones."
She paused and pointed at the fish.
"This one achieved the best fusion. The special Yin Release chakra detected in its blood is extremely close to that of an authentic Ketsuryugan."
"And the price?"
Kiyohara stroked his chin.
Nono had already mentioned that there was a significant flaw.
"Short lifespan."
Nono replied.
"These clones live even shorter lives than the previous generation. At most, they may only survive five years."
"I see."
Kiyohara actually considered that acceptable.
Unless it was some divine artifact, any weapon would likely be replaced within five years anyway.
Besides, each generation improved upon the last. There was no guarantee that this flaw couldn't eventually be eliminated.
In Kiyohara's eyes, these clones resembled the powerful but short-lived artificial lifeforms that the Land of Earth would develop decades in the future.
He stepped closer to the tank and extended a hand.
Chakra flowed from his fingertips and entered the nutrient fluid.
The fish sensed it and slowly swam closer until its head pressed against the glass.
"The Ketsuryugan can manipulate blood."
Kiyohara was curious about the limits of its ability.
All of his experimental subjects had been created by combining Samehada's cells with those of the Binding Fish Clan, producing an entirely new species.
Although they were referred to as clones, they actually looked quite different from Samehada. They had even developed genders, both male and female.
The one before him was female.
Kiyohara planned to conduct a few tests before eventually giving it to Kurenai.
After gathering data, he would continue developing the next generation.
"Show me its transformation."
Nono nodded and pressed several buttons on the control panel beside the tank.
The nutrient fluid began draining away.
The silver-gray fish fell to the bottom of the container and started to change shape.
Moments later, a short blade approximately forty centimeters long appeared inside the tank.
The blade was slender and elegant, its edge gleaming coldly beneath the laboratory lights.
Embedded near the guard was a crimson eyeball.
The manifested Ketsuryugan slowly rotated within its socket.
Kiyohara opened the tank and grasped the hilt.
The texture of the handle settled comfortably into his palm.
The instant chakra flowed into the weapon, faint red patterns spread across the blade like veins carrying blood.
Kiyohara raised the knife toward an empty glass beaker sitting on the workbench.
With a single thought—
Several droplets of water remaining inside suddenly gathered together.
Their color rapidly deepened into crimson.
Blood.
Of course, the droplets were not real blood.
However, the moment he infused chakra into the weapon, its ability allowed him to manipulate any liquid. If he desired, he could transform it into a blood-like state.
"Excellent."
Kiyohara sheathed the blade and nodded in satisfaction.
Its potential exceeded his expectations.
Not only had it inherited Samehada's chakra-absorbing ability, but it had also integrated the Ketsuryugan's blood manipulation powers and genjutsu-enhancing traits.
If it could be further optimized...
Another idea surfaced in his mind.
What if a Sharingan were transplanted into a similar clone?
There would be no need to stuff countless eyes into an arm like Danzō.
Instead, these shape-shifting weapons could reveal the power of the Sharingan at critical moments and activate Izanagi.
That would be the perfect life-saving charm.
Who would ever imagine that the Sharingan could be externalized in such a way?
Kiyohara rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
These shape-shifting summoning beasts had been seriously underestimated by the shinobi world.
The more he studied them, the greater their potential appeared.
Take Enma, for example, Hiruzen's monkey summon capable of transforming into the Adamantine Staff.
If Enma had possessed a transplanted Sharingan, Hiruzen might have been able to defeat Orochimaru back then.
Of course, there would be a price.
The burden of the Sharingan's chakra consumption was immense. Summoning beasts equipped with it could probably only function as weapons.
Given the relationship between Hiruzen and Enma, such a thing would never happen.
"Director Nono, next we can try transplanting Sharingan into Samehada clones."
Kiyohara removed a small bottle from a sealing scroll.
Inside floated a pair of crimson eyeballs.
One of the Sharingan recovered from Danzo's secret base.
"All the research data is included. If you need any resources, just tell me."
Nono accepted the bottle and carefully examined the eyes within.
"...Sharingan."
She spoke softly.
"If someone discovers this..."
"They won't."
Kiyohara interrupted her.
"And even if they do, it won't involve you."
Nono looked at him for a moment before finally nodding.
"I understand."
Back in Konoha.
When Kiyohara returned to Tsunade's house, Kurenai was sitting in the living room.
She wore a simple dress today.
Her long curled hair draped over her shoulders, several strands hanging across her chest and rising gently with her breathing.
"Kiyohara?"
Kurenai looked up.
A pleasant surprise flashed across her crimson eyes.
"You're back."
"Yeah."
Kiyohara sat beside her and took the short blade out of a sealing scroll.
Kurenai's gaze immediately fell upon it.
Curiosity appeared in her eyes.
"This is..."
"It's for you."
Kiyohara handed her the weapon.
Kurenai froze briefly before accepting it.
The blade was lighter than she expected and extremely comfortable to hold.
The crimson eyeball embedded near the guard slowly rotated, as though examining her.
"It... it's alive?"
Kurenai asked in astonishment.
"Yes. A Samehada clone fused with the traits of the Ketsuryugan."
Kiyohara explained.
Bang.
The short blade suddenly transformed into the shape of a fish in Kurenai's hands.
Despite being exposed to open air, the fish showed no signs of discomfort.
Like Samehada itself, this species was capable of surviving on land.
"Sign a summoning contract with her."
Kiyohara produced a blank summoning scroll.
Kurenai used her blood to establish a contract with the female fish.
"Now try injecting chakra."
After completing the contract, Kurenai began molding chakra and poured it into the blade.
Pale blue chakra flowed from her palm into the weapon.
At that instant, the crimson eye near the guard lit up brightly.
Kurenai widened her eyes.
Her scarlet pupils met the gaze of the crimson eye.
A strange connection formed between them.
It felt as though she had gained another sense.
Another eye.
"She can manipulate blood. Give it a try."
Kiyohara sensed his surroundings.
Since Tsunade was not home, there was nothing to worry about.
He then went into the kitchen and brought out a fish that had been prepared for dinner, handing it to Kurenai as a test subject.
Kurenai raised the blade and pointed it toward the fish in Kiyohara's hands.
A thought crossed her mind.
Immediately, a portion of her chakra was consumed.
At the same time, blood slowly seeped through the fish's scales.
"This... this is..."
"Blood."
Kiyohara caught the droplet and allowed it to fall into his palm.
"Though it looks rather forced. You'll need a lot more practice. Its greater strength lies in amplifying genjutsu."
Kiyohara reminded her.
Kurenai nodded.
She could already feel how much chakra had been consumed.
The amount spent was enough for her to cast an entire genjutsu.
She stopped manipulating the fish's blood.
"Try using genjutsu on me."
Kiyohara said.
Kurenai nodded once more.
She cast a genjutsu at him.
To her surprise, she discovered that the blade enhanced her genjutsu by at least thirty percent.
"So amazing..."
Kurenai dispersed her chakra and hugged the blade to her chest, her crimson eyes fixed on Kiyohara.
"This blade... you're really giving it to me?"
"Of course."
Kiyohara smiled faintly.
"It was made for you from the beginning."
Kurenai pressed her lips together. Then, before she could lose her courage, she quickly leaned forward and planted a kiss on Kiyohara's cheek.
"Thank you."
Her voice was barely above a whisper.
Kiyohara reached out and gently wrapped an arm around her waist.
"As long as you like it."
"However, there's one more thing."
"Hm?"
"I'll need your help testing the blade's performance."
Kurenai blinked.
"How do we test it?"
"Actual combat."
Kiyohara replied.
"Use it against real opponents, collect data, and see what areas still need improvement."
Kurenai nodded immediately.
"Alright."
"Then shall we start now?"
"No rush."
Kiyohara released her waist.
"Let's eat first. We can deal with that tomorrow."
Kurenai pursed her lips and sat back down beside him, still holding the blade.
"Kiyohara."
"Hm?"
"Does this blade... have a name?"
Kiyohara thought for a moment.
"Not yet. What would you like to call it?"
Kurenai lowered her head and looked at the crimson eye embedded in the guard.
After a brief silence, she spoke.
"Red Moon."
She raised her head.
"How about Red Moon?"
"Sounds good."
Kiyohara nodded.
The name didn't matter much to him.
To be honest, the blade's current performance was somewhat weak by his standards. It was still inferior to the original Samehada.
Or perhaps it was more accurate to say that once one reached a certain level, shinobi tools became increasingly insignificant.
Weapons capable of influencing battles at the Six Paths level were exceedingly rare.
At that level, only things like the Kusanagi Sword, Truth Seeking Balls, and Chakra Black Rods could truly make a difference.
Several days later.
Inside the Hokage Tower.
When Kiyohara pushed open the door to the mission assignment office, an ANBU shinobi immediately approached him.
"Jonin Kiyohara, this is a mission personally assigned to you by the Hokage."
He handed over a scroll.
Kiyohara opened it and quickly scanned the contents.
Mission Details: Escort the client to the Land of Snow and assist in handling domestic affairs.
Client: Asama Sandayu, Minister of the Land of Snow.
Mission Rank: A-Rank.
Reward: One million ryō. Additional compensation may be negotiated upon completion.
The Land of Snow...
Kiyohara's eyebrows rose slightly.
This was part of the story from the movie.
Princess Koyuki Kazahana's uncle, Doto Kazahana, had attempted a coup. He colluded with the shinobi of Yukigakure (Snow Village) and murdered the Daimyo of the Land of Snow.
Apparently, Asama Sandayu or the royal family had sensed the approaching danger and requested assistance from Konoha.
In the original story, Kakashi had accepted this mission.
And failed.
The Daimyo was killed, and the princess was forced into exile, setting the stage for the movie's opening.
More than ten years later, Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke, and Kakashi would help Princess Koyuki return to her homeland. Together, they would defeat Doto Kazahana, with Naruto ultimately using the Rainbow Rasengan to bring down the villain.
In the end, Koyuki reclaimed her rightful position and became the new Daimyo of the Land of Snow.
Kiyohara closed the scroll.
"I understand."
He nodded.
As he left the Hokage Building, information about the Land of Snow surfaced in his mind.
The nation was covered in snow throughout the year and was famous for its unique Snow Release techniques.
It also possessed a special technology known as Chakra Armor.
Furthermore, the country's environment was extraordinary.
Any Water Release user who went there could practically become an Ice Release user.
In that freezing climate, even ordinary Water Release techniques could function similarly to Ice Release.
"Worth researching."
Kiyohara thought to himself.
That Chakra Armor, capable of greatly enhancing a shinobi's combat abilities, was certainly something worthy of study.
Afterward, he went to find Kurenai first.
"Got a mission?"
Kurenai asked as she opened the door.
"Yeah. The Land of Snow."
Kiyohara answered.
"The Land of Snow?"
Kurenai blinked.
"The place where it snows all year round?"
"That's right."
Kiyohara nodded.
"Make your preparations. We leave tomorrow."
After saying goodbye, Kiyohara headed off to inform Tsunade and the others.
The mission assigned by the Hokage was incredibly simple for someone of his current strength.
He could finish it quickly and without difficulty.
The only reason it required any preparation was because missions were conducted in teams, so enough members had to be assembled.
The next morning.
At Konoha's main gate.
Tsunade stood there with her arms crossed.
Shizune stood beside her carrying a large travel pack.
"What's taking that brat so long?"
Tsunade muttered.
As soon as she finished speaking, two figures emerged from inside the village.
"They're here."
Shizune said quietly.
Tsunade raised an eyebrow and watched them approach.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
Kiyohara said.
"Hmph."
Tsunade snorted.
"Let's go."
"Wait a second."
Kiyohara suddenly spoke.
He reached into his shinobi pouch and pulled out a large lump of white clay.
Tsunade raised an eyebrow.
"What's that?"
"Explosive clay."
Kiyohara crouched down and began kneading the clay while simultaneously infusing it with chakra.
Although he had not modified his hands like Deidara, that did not prevent him from utilizing the technique.
The eyes of Tsunade, Kurenai, and Shizune all focused on his hands.
The lump of white clay rapidly changed shape.
It stretched.
Expanded.
Swelled.
A few moments later, a massive white dragon appeared in the clearing.
This was Deidara's technique, C2 Dragon.
A gigantic flying dragon created from explosive clay.
Normally, it could launch explosive clay projectiles as attacks.
However, empowered by Kiyohara's immense chakra reserves, the dragon was several times larger than Deidara's original version.
On the dragon's back, Kiyohara had also sculpted a square white cabin from clay.
"W-What is this...?"
Shizune stared with wide eyes.
Tsunade walked over to the dragon and touched its body.
"Made entirely of clay?"
"Yeah."
Kiyohara nodded while continuing his work.
Tsunade circled the dragon once, marveling at it.
"You brat, when did you learn a trick like this?"
"Recently."
Kiyohara replied.
"Come on. Let's try it."
He jumped onto the dragon's back first and entered the cabin.
Kurenai followed immediately.
Then came Shizune.
Finally, Tsunade climbed aboard as well.
Though the cabin appeared small from the outside, it had more than enough room for four people.
Simple cushions lined the walls.
Square windows offered a clear view of the scenery outside.
"Sit tight."
Kiyohara's voice came from outside.
The next moment, the dragon's body began to tremble slightly.
It slowly raised its head.
Its limbs pushed against the ground.
Then the enormous body rose into the air.
Through the window, Tsunade watched the earth recede farther and farther away.
The trees became smaller.
Then they merged into an endless blur of green.
"It actually flew..."
Shizune pressed herself against the window.
"Amazing."
Although Kurenai had seen Kiyohara practicing the technique before, this was her first time experiencing a true long-distance flight.
Sitting beside the window, she watched the clouds draw closer and closer.
A smile unconsciously appeared on her face.
Tsunade leaned against the wall with her arms crossed, observing the ever-changing scenery outside.
"This is certainly a fresh way to travel."
She glanced toward Kiyohara.
"Something like a hot air balloon?"
"More or less."
Kiyohara sat beside her.
The technique was excellent for long-distance travel.
However, they still had to land somewhere each night to rest.
Only someone like Kiyohara, with enormous chakra reserves and the support of the Strength of a Hundred Seal, could afford such extravagant chakra expenditure.
The giant dragon soared through the clouds.
It was much faster than traveling on foot.
Yet it moved so smoothly that there was almost no sensation of turbulence.
Inside the cabin, Kiyohara had prepared snacks and tea beforehand.
The group enjoyed refreshments while admiring the scenery outside, making the journey feel more like a leisurely outing than a mission.
By evening, the dragon descended into a mountain forest.
Kiyohara reclaimed the clay, and the group found a sheltered location to establish camp.
A campfire was lit.
Orange flames danced beneath the darkening sky.
After a simple dinner, everyone returned to their respective tents to rest.
Tonight's watch duty belonged to Kiyohara.
Inside the tent.
Kurenai lay in her sleeping bag with her eyes closed and her breathing steady.
Yet her eyelashes trembled slightly.
Kiyohara turned toward her and lightly patted her hip.
Kurenai's body trembled.
She opened her eyes and met Kiyohara's smiling gaze.
"Y-You... what are you doing...?"
she whispered, her voice carrying a hint of complaint.
"Calling you to sleep."
Kiyohara answered as though it were perfectly natural.
"There are... there are still people outside..."
Kiyohara leaned close and whispered beside her ear.
His warm breath brushed against it.
"Don't you want to?"
The tips of Kurenai's ears immediately turned red.
She bit her lower lip.
After a long hesitation, she finally gave a small nod.
"T-Then... be gentle..."
Kiyohara smiled.
Time passed.
Eventually, the tent became quiet once more.
Kurenai curled up against his chest.
Her cheek rested over his heart as she listened to its steady rhythm.
Her long hair was scattered across the pillow.
Several strands clung to her cheeks from perspiration.
"Kiyohara..."
she suddenly whispered.
"Hm?"
"That... Lady Tsunade and the others... they won't notice, right?"
Kiyohara lowered his head and looked at her.
"They won't."
he replied.
"I set up a soundproof barrier, and they're sleeping deeply."
In Kiyohara's opinion, barriers truly improved one's quality of life.
Only then did Kurenai relax.
She closed her eyes and prepared to fall asleep.
However, she suddenly felt his hand moving again.
Opening her eyes, she met Kiyohara's dark gaze.
"You..."
"Go to sleep."
Kiyohara smiled.
Kurenai glared at him.
Yet her vision was already becoming unfocused, her eyes gradually turning hazy as drowsiness overtook her.
(End of Chapter)