Despite the success of their journey through space-time, Shiraishi's interest in the energy of the Dragon Vein beneath Roran had only intensified.
"The Dragon Vein in Roran is a specific type of synthetic energy, not traditional ley line power," Shiraishi surmised.
His hypothesis caused Shirohebi-hime's brow to furrow. "It is true that in ancient times, Roran possessed formidable technological prowess."
As a living fossil of the shinobi world, the Snake Queen held vivid memories of Roran's golden age. In that era, the city-state commanded technology far surpassing any other nation on the continent.
However, the technology tree of the shinobi world had always developed in a distorted fashion—some advancements were integrated into daily life, while others were lost before they could flourish, likely due to the shifting nature of chakra research.
"The only technology Roran left to the modern era is their modular puppetry. Other applications were lost to the fires of constant warfare," she lamented.
The contrast between an ancient civilization's past prosperity and its current desolation was a stark reminder of the world's impermanence. Even an immortal like Shirohebi-hime couldn't help but sigh.
At this, Shiraishi flashed a mischievous grin. "That might not be entirely true. While Madara was making his grand entrance, I used a Mud Clone to sneak into the heart of the Dragon Vein. I found some... interesting data."
"Interesting data?"
In the Snake Queen's company, Shiraishi felt no need to maintain the stiff dignity of a Kazekage.
He acted like any other young man as he unsealed a scroll, revealing a mass of diagrams, texts, and over a dozen ancient stone tablets of significant historical value.
Shirohebi-hime leafed through the documents with a look of confusion. "These are..."
"Records kept by Roran's ancient technicians while they were deciphering these stones. Several keywords relate to 'Dragon Vein' and 'Space-Time,' suggesting Roran was trying to rediscover a lost, even older technology."
Due to the fragmentation of history, Roran had only managed to decode about a tenth of the content. Much of the remaining data had been incinerated during Madara's invasion.
"What do you plan to do with this?"
"Continue where they left off. Perhaps I'll find the true essence of this world."
The moment Shiraishi obtained these lost files, he felt a strong premonition. His own origins and the mystery of how his "Glass System" chose him might find their answers within the energy of the Dragon Vein.
Was his talent truly so exceptional, or was there a mechanical reason behind his selection? Even now, his system was busy indexing the ninjutsu scrolls he uploaded, showing a particular hunger for the power systems native to this world.
"What are you thinking about?"
"Nothing. My physical condition is just a bit poor; we need to get back to the Sand quickly."
As he spoke, a massive Magnet Release disc manifested beneath their feet, hovering and accelerating toward the New Hidden Sand Village.
Previously, the Snake Queen had refused such "unrefined" transport, insisting on walking, but with Shiraishi heavily wounded by the Yasaka no Magatama, speed was now a necessity.
Shadows Over Konoha
In the Hidden Leaf Village, Uchiha Fugaku let out a deep sigh after reading a letter from the Third Hokage.
Since the tragedy involving Namikaze Minato and Kushina, Konoha's situation had grown increasingly dire.
However, unlike the historical timeline where the Uchiha were immediately marginalized, the current political climate was different.
While the Nine-Tails had been controlled by a Sharingan, the high-level investigation concluded that no one currently in the Uchiha clan—not even Fugaku—possessed the strength to do so.
Of course, both Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura suspected that Fugaku had long since awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan.
"A transfer order for Shisui and Kaede to join the ANBU?"
Fugaku's expression soured as he read the command. He couldn't fathom the Hokage's reasoning. Giving the Uchiha access to the ANBU was practically inviting them to spy on the village's inner workings. Why would the Third make such a mistake?
"Perhaps it's a signal of reconciliation from the elders," Uchiha Mikoto said, stepping forward to comfort her husband.
Living in the vortex between the village and the clan, she understood Fugaku's repressed frustration better than anyone.
"I hope so. Tell Kaede and Shisui to prepare."
The news took Uchiha Kaede by surprise. Recently, he had been keeping a low profile, completing missions efficiently but avoiding social circles. Yet, he was still noticed by the top brass.
In truth, Hiruzen had never forgotten Kaede's skill in dealing with the Root elites years ago. As the son of Uchiha Zhan, Kaede was seen as someone who could be molded by the Will of Fire—just as his grandfather Uchiha Kagami and father had been.
However, Hiruzen's current recruitment of the Uchiha was a tactical move aimed at Shimura Danzo.
After Minato's death, Hiruzen had resumed the mantle of Hokage. Danzo, seeking to seize control, had exploited the darkness in Kakashi's heart to slander the Third.
While a heart-to-heart with Hiruzen eventually cleared Kakashi's doubts, Danzo was already moving forward with an assassination plot.
Danzo planned to kill the Third Hokage on his way to the Fire Country capital to receive his official reappointment. Thanks to Kakashi's early warning, Hiruzen was aware of the trap.
Hiruzen still had to make the journey, but he chose to enlist two Uchiha experts as his personal guard.
The Uchiha and Danzo were like oil and water; Hiruzen knew he could trust Uchiha blades to be more loyal in a fight against Root than even some of his own ANBU, many of whom were still reeling from the transition of power.
Minato's death was a tragedy in more ways than one. Hiruzen admired how quickly the Fourth had promoted young talents like Shisui and Kakashi into key positions, breaking free from being a figurehead in less than six months.
To preserve that momentum and protect himself, Hiruzen placed his life in the hands of the Uchiha.
Thus, Uchiha Kaede and Uchiha Shisui became the guardians of the Third Hokage.
🌟 The story is already written… waiting to be unleashed. Claim early access on Patreon: Patreon.com/kazama677
🔓 You hold the keys to bonus chapters:💬 10 reviews ignite 1 bonus chapter🔷 60 Power Stones summon another
🔥 Your power determines how fast the tale unfolds.