Naruto Time Control

Chapter 304

Chapter 304

Naruto Time Control

The Pure Land.

A realm existing between life and death, where only beings of the Six Paths level can freely reside.

A black rift tore through the void, and Yeruashi stepped out of it. He was not a mere manifestation of chakra or a pure soul, but a being of flesh and blood.

This was one of the abilities of the Rinne Tenseigan, a power that blurred the boundary between life and death. Because of it, Yeruashi was able to freely enter the world of the dead while maintaining a living body.

Tap-tap-tap.

Yeruashi walked forward with measured steps.

With every stride, ripples emanated from beneath his feet, spreading outward as if he were walking upon the surface of a still lake.

After a short while, two figures appeared before him.

They were clad in the white robes of the Six Paths.

One possessed the pale, white pupils characteristic of the Hyuga Clan, while the other’s eyes were marked by concentric circles.

The Sage of Six Paths, Hagoromo Otsutsuki!

Beside him stood his younger brother, Hamura Otsutsuki.

"You can enter this place with a living body? Is that an ability of your Dojutsu?"

The Sage of Six Paths looked at the approaching Yeruashi and spoke with a calm demeanor.

Yeruashi shifted his gaze toward Hamura, who stood beside Hagoromo.

Hamura’s expression was slightly awkward. Deep within his eyes, there was a trace of tension; the sheer weight of the presence Yeruashi brought into this realm was incredibly overwhelming.

It wasn't just Hamura; even Hagoromo felt a distinct pressure in Yeruashi's presence. In his prime, as the Jinchuriki of the Ten-Tails, the Sage of Six Paths had possessed power nearly at the third stage of the Six Paths level, making him no weaker than Yeruashi was now.

But things were different now.

After the Ten-Tails had been divided, Hagoromo’s power was roughly on par with Six Paths Madara. Compared to the current Yeruashi, there was a significant gap.

"This is our first meeting."

"No, it would be better to say our first real conversation."

Yeruashi looked away from Hamura and addressed the Sage of Six Paths. "I am the Fifth Hokage of Konoha, Yeruashi Hatake. I have come to speak with you regarding... Urashiki Otsutsuki. Do you have any information on his location?"

Yeruashi had no desire to hunt for Urashiki throughout the entire shinobi world. After all, the intruder could also use Yomotsu Hirasaka.

If Urashiki chose to hide in another dimension, finding him would be an exercise in futility.

Seeking out the Sage of Six Paths was his best option.

"Greetings."

"You must already know that my name is Hagoromo."

The Sage of Six Paths looked at Yeruashi. "I am also searching for that individual from beyond this world, but so far, I have met with no success."

Although he could observe every corner of the shinobi world from this realm, it wasn't a constant, all-encompassing view. He had to focus his gaze on a specific area to see it clearly.

Initially, the Sage of Six Paths had spent nearly all his time observing Yeruashi.

However, once Yeruashi obtained the Rinne Tenseigan, the power of his Dojutsu surpassed Hagoromo's Rinnegan. It became easy for Yeruashi to block his sight, meaning the Sage could no longer watch over him.

Yeruashi certainly didn't appreciate the idea of someone constantly spying on him.

Having lost the ability to monitor Yeruashi, Hagoromo had turned his attention toward the rest of the shinobi world.

Urashiki's arrival had not escaped Hagoromo's notice. However, after defeating Orochimaru and destroying the base, the intruder had used Yomotsu Hirasaka and vanished without a trace.

For now, the Sage of Six Paths had been unable to find any new leads.

"You have no information on his whereabouts?"

Yeruashi spoke thoughtfully. "I don't think I need to elaborate on the threat Urashiki poses. I need your assistance to locate him as soon as possible."

"I will continue my search and contact you immediately if any information comes to light."

The Sage of Six Paths nodded.

In truth, he would have done so even without Yeruashi's prompting.

While neither Yeruashi nor the Otsutsuki Clan truly belonged to this world, they were clearly not on the same side.

Judging by the events of the past few years, it was evident that Yeruashi bore no ill will toward this world. He would likely fight the Otsutsuki Clan to protect it.

Hearing the Sage’s words, Yeruashi nodded. He looked at Hamura once more, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Ah, I should sincerely thank you, elder brother, for your concern. Without your 'help,' I wouldn't have reached my current level of strength quite so quickly."

"..."

Hamura’s face darkened considerably.

He glared at Yeruashi and said, "I did not trust you, as someone from another world. My actions in the past were meant to be a minor slight..."

Yeruashi shook his head. "Granting Six Paths chakra to your descendant with the intent of destroying me is hardly what I would call a 'minor slight.'"

The Sage of Six Paths sighed. "I do not condone Hamura's actions, but they were born from a desire to protect the world. I could have stopped my brother, but I chose to remain on the sidelines, so the fault is also mine. If you still wish to settle this matter, then address your grievances to me."

"..."

Yeruashi stared intently at Hamura and Hagoromo. The atmosphere turned heavy and tense, and a chill seemed to settle over the surrounding space.

After a few seconds, Yeruashi exhaled and turned to Hamura. "I am willing to overlook what happened, but you must sever your connection to the Six Paths chakra you sent. That chakra is now inherited by your descendant, and I have no intention of seizing it."

"Very well."

The Sage of Six Paths nodded immediately, before Hamura could even open his mouth.

Given the current state of things, a confrontation with Yeruashi would leave them in a precarious position. Furthermore, Hagoromo had no desire for conflict. In his view, even if Yeruashi couldn't change the fundamental nature of the world to create a perfect peace, his rule would likely ensure stability for decades or even centuries.

"I wouldn't mind a portion of your chakra either..."

Yeruashi looked directly at the Sage of Six Paths.

...

Some time later.

Yeruashi returned to the shinobi world.

Two bundles of chakra hovered above his palm—one was white, and the other was black. The white was the Six Paths Yang Power, while the black was the Six Paths Yin Power.

In the original timeline, the Sage of Six Paths had bestowed this chakra upon Naruto and Sasuke. Even though the chakra was split into Yin and Yang, each portion was still a formidable source of Six Paths level energy.

This chakra meant little to Yeruashi in his current state. It wouldn't bolster his power, but the same couldn't be said for other shinobi.

With this chakra, Kakashi would be able to ascend to the Six Paths level immediately.

'One part for Kakashi, and the other...'

Yeruashi fell into deep thought.

There weren't many people qualified to become vessels for this chakra. Kurenai and Rin wouldn't be able to handle it unless they pushed their Sage's Body development to the absolute limit.

But lately, they hadn't shown much interest in rigorous training. Compared to the grueling task of developing a Sage's Body, they would much rather find ways to get their fill of his company.

As for the others...

If Itachi Uchiha diligently cultivated his Sage's Body, his talent would likely allow him to reach a suitable level in about ten years. Combined with his Mangekyo Sharingan, he would then be able to bear the power of the Six Paths.

Naruto and Sasuke would also be qualified once they merged with the chakra of Asura and Indra.

Hinata, who had already inherited Hamura’s chakra, would also have that qualification in the future.

'I'll save it for Hinata.'

Yeruashi thought it over for a moment and made his decision.

Naruto and Sasuke were immediately ruled out because his relationship with them was far too distant. That left only his students, Hinata and Itachi. While Hinata lagged behind Itachi in terms of raw talent, as the successor to Hamura’s chakra, she was the more fitting candidate...

Yes.

In truth, all those reasons were complete garbage.

The real reason was that Hinata was cuter—that argument alone was more than enough for Yeruashi.