The sunlight of the Land of Stars was always particularly generous, shining brightly and warmly upon the newly risen capital situated on the Yuga Plains.
However, within a highly secured research base located on the outskirts of the Star City, a consistently cool temperature suitable for instrument operation was maintained.
Tono Katasuke, merely ten years old, dressed in a fitted white researcher's uniform and wearing a slightly old-fashioned pair of square-framed glasses on his nose, carefully followed behind a figure.
His mentor was none other than Orochimaru, with his pale skin and golden serpentine eyes.
Although Orochimaru's reputation in the Ninja World was enough to make children cease their night crying, here, he was the knowledgeable, open-minded guide who had led Katasuke into a brand new world of science in Katasuke's eyes.
"Observe carefully the microstructural changes of the Chakra Conductor during energy overload, record the frequency and amplitude of each tremor..." Orochimaru's raspy voice instructed, his snake-like eyes gleaming with enthusiasm for knowledge and experimental data.
"Yes, Orochimaru-sama!" Katasuke hurriedly nodded, skillfully operating a precise instrument flashing with pale blue Chakra light in front of him, quickly recording the data.
He had been 'invited' from Konoha for some time now and was gradually adapting to the efficient and focused research atmosphere here.
Although he had lost a certain degree of freedom, being able to access cutting-edge technology and theoretical knowledge far surpassing Konoha's was, for a science enthusiast like him, no different from a mouse falling into a rice jar.
His life had become extremely regular, commuting daily between his assigned comfortable dormitory and this mysterious laboratory.
Just then, the laboratory's automatic door slid open silently.
A figure walked in.
He wore a black priestly robe with red trim, had a tall and straight physique, and an excessively young face.
The most striking features were his eyes, deep blue like a clear sky yet mysterious like an abyss. A trace of lazy smile played on his face, as if he had just happened to stroll here.
"Orochimaru, it seems your new assistant is adapting well," The young man spoke, his voice clear and carrying a peculiar affinity.
Orochimaru turned. Seeing the visitor, a hint of barely perceptible respect flashed in his golden serpentine eyes. He gave a slight nod. "Shura-sama, what brings you here for an inspection today?"
'Shura-sama?' Katasuke's heart jumped. He quickly stopped his work and stood up straight, somewhat flustered. Although he hadn't met this person, he had heard of the ruler of the Land of Stars. And he felt that anyone who earned a respectful address from Orochimaru was definitely a powerful figure!
He stole a glance at the other.
Shura's gaze turned to Katasuke, his smile gentle. "Tono Katasuke, correct? Are you settling in well here?"
Katasuke adjusted his glasses, replying somewhat nervously, "Y-Yes, sir. I've adapted. Orochimaru-sama has taught me a lot."
He was filled with doubt, wondering why would such an important figure specifically come to check on a 'small fry' like him?
Menma, as if seeing through his thoughts, continued, "My apologies for the... impolite method of inviting you to the Land of Stars. However, from what I understand, as an orphan, you don't have any relatives left in Konoha, do you?"
Katasuke was taken aback for a moment, then nodded. His parents had died in the Nine-Tails Attack years ago. He had grown up alone. Later, using the Chakra and Ninjutsu materials left by his parents, he studied basic Chakra theory and successfully entered the Konoha's Ninja Academy.
He truly had no attachments there.
In Konoha, his obsession with researching various novel technologies made him somewhat of an outlier among his peers.
He still had few friends, as his personality wasn't particularly withdrawn, so he occasionally played video games with classmates, maintaining generally average relationships.
Seeing the other's peaceful attitude, Katasuke mustered his courage and asked the big question on his mind: "Shura-sama... why... why are you paying attention to a child like me?"
He truly couldn't figure out what was so special about him that warranted sending people to 'kidnap' him.
A flicker of appreciation passed through Menma's eyes. 'Much more mature-minded than his peers, daring to ask questions. Good.'
He smiled, using a tone half-joking, half-serious. "What if I said I have a bit of an ability to foresee the future, and I saw extraordinary potential in you? Would you believe me?"
"Foresee the future?" Katasuke's eyes behind his lenses widened instantly, filled with a childlike curiosity and disbelief. "Really? Then... then what will my future be like?"
Menma looked at his knowledge-seeking eyes, as if seeing the shadow of a future scientific giant. He reined in his smile, his tone becoming serious and certain. "You will become a very great scientist, Tono Katasuke. Your name might change how this world perceives the concept of 'power'. So, stay here, follow Orochimaru, and study hard. The Land of Stars will provide you with all the resources you need."
'Become a great scientist?'
'Change the world?'
Katasuke's heart pounded wildly, an unprecedented warmth surging through his body. Although it sounded incredible, the other's resolute tone and gaze made him involuntarily believe and aspire strongly!
He nodded vigorously, his small face slightly flushed with excitement. "Yes! I will work hard! Thank you, Shura-sama!"
Menma nodded satisfactorily, then turned his gaze aside.
He didn't raise his voice, merely called out calmly, "Rookie."
Before the words faded, a figure appeared as silently as a ghost behind Menma, kneeling on one knee.
The newcomer wore the standard Star Anbu's mask, but his figure was slightly slender, his aura restrained extremely well.
"Sir," The Anbu addressed as 'Rookie' replied respectfully.
Beneath the mask was none other than Iida Yusuke, who had excelled in the previous academy graduation exams and possessed outstanding swordsmanship talent. Though young, his experiences were turbulent, and his personality was steady.
Menma, favoring his potential, had specifically assigned him to the Anbu for training.
"From now on, you will be responsible for Tono Katasuke's daily life and personal safety. Fulfill his reasonable requests as much as possible, ensure he is free from any interference," Menma instructed.
"Understood!" Yusuke responded succinctly, without extra words. His figure vanished once again, as if never there. But Katasuke knew he now had an unseen guardian. This made him feel secure and more aware of his own 'value'.
After dealing with Katasuke's matter, Menma turned to Orochimaru and asked casually, "What do you think of the kid?"
Orochimaru's golden serpentine eyes showed unconcealed appreciation and fondness for Katasuke. He even licked his lips, letting out a low chuckle. "Hehehe... A perfect uncut gem, Shura-sama. His talent is more than one level higher than any so-called researcher I've ever seen. Especially his intuitive understanding of combining Chakra energy with electronic machinery... he's a genius!"
"Sometimes, even his casual thoughts and questions can bring brand new inspiration and direction to my research." His look towards Katasuke was like admiring a priceless treasure.
Orochimaru asked with keen interest, "It seems his achievements in the 'future' you saw are indeed extraordinary?"
Menma nodded affirmatively. "He will become an absolute authority in a certain field, leading a transformation."
Although he didn't specify the field, this recognition was enough.
Hearing this, the excitement in Orochimaru's eyes intensified, as if he had found an extremely interesting and infinitely potential new toy.
Then, Orochimaru seemed to remember something and said to Menma, "By the way, I might need to leave the Land of Stars for a while."
Menma raised an eyebrow, seemingly not surprised. "Oh? Planning to travel somewhere?"
He showed no intention of stopping him.
Orochimaru explained, "Although the cooperation is very pleasant and the Land of Stars provides an excellent research environment, my foundation and most of my subordinates are, after all, still in the Otogakure in the Land of Rice Fields. I need to return to handle some matters. And also..."
A gleam of inquiry and greed flashed in his serpentine eyes. "I've always been very interested in that kid in the Amegakure who possesses the Rinnegan. I want to go find an opportunity to... 'test' him."
Hearing that Orochimaru still had designs on Nagato's Rinnegan, Menma shook his head helplessly. "As you wish. But don't say I didn't warn you. The waters behind those eyes are much deeper than you imagine. Don't come running back to me for help after suffering a loss, looking disheveled."
Orochimaru let out a raspy laugh. "Hehehe... Thank you for your concern, Shura-sama. I will act according to my abilities."
But his eyes clearly said, 'How would I know if I don't try?'
After exchanging a few more words about the progress of several current collaborative projects, Menma left the heavily guarded research base.
Walking on the neat, broad streets of the Star City, Menma pondered privately.
'Orochimaru going to cause trouble for Nagato... with his current strength, plus the information I've revealed about the Pain, he can probably manage, but seizing the Rinnegan is absolutely impossible. However, it reminds me... it's about time I visited Amegakure. The stock of White Zetsu is indeed running low. Those miraculous biological cells are key materials for many experiments...'
His thoughts drifted to the Land of Rain, that country perpetually overcast with rain, controlled by the Akatsuki.
'And Amado and Jigen are also very likely in the Amegakure...'
…
Leaving the research district, Menma strolled to the Ninja Academy located in the core area of the Star City.
As the principal of this Ninja Academy, he took time out each week to personally teach the children a lesson… sometimes on ideology, sometimes history, sometimes advanced applications of Chakra, and so on.
Today, the large lecture hall was packed.
Hundreds of children of varying ages sat upright, their eyes filled with anticipation. Many newly arrived children wearing Uchiha or Hyuga Clan's attire could be seen.
Even Neji sat quietly among them, his white eyes holding curiosity for knowledge.
In the corridor outside the classroom, Menma met the school's actual manager, the experienced educator and Medical-Nin, Yakushi Nono.
She still wore her round-framed glasses, her demeanor gentle and intellectual.
"Sir," Nono bowed slightly.
"Principal Nono, thank you for your hard work," Menma nodded in response and inquired, "How are the newly arrived children, especially the Uchiha and Hyuga, integrating? Are there any difficulties?"
Nono adjusted her glasses, a gratified smile appearing on her face. "Please rest assured. The school's psychological counselors have provided them with one-on-one guidance. The children are very resilient and cherish this new environment and learning opportunity. They are integrating even better than we anticipated."
She paused, her tone becoming more sincere. "And I must thank you again, Sir, for bringing... Kabuto back."
Mentioning Kabuto, her eyes filled with maternal radiance and gratitude.
Menma recalled the youth retrieved by Kisame from the Konoha's Root and asked, "How is Kabuto lately? Is he adapting well?"
"That child seems to have developed a great interest in Medical Ninjutsu," Nono said with a smile. "After returning, he's practically living in the Medical Department's library and laboratories, studying very diligently under several Medical Jonin. He says... he wants to become a Medical-Nin who can help more people."
'Medical-Nin...' Menma's heart stirred slightly. Kabuto reminded him of other matters.
'Right, Senjutsu and Natural Energy...'
His thoughts rapidly diverged.
Based on the information about the Great Toad Sage and Otsutsuki Hagoromo from the Anime he remembered from his previous life, Natural Energy was the most fundamental energy existing on the planet itself.
The God Trees planted by the Otsutsuki Clan had the core function of insanely absorbing the planet's Natural Energy and converting it into Chakra Fruit.
And those powerful native creatures, like those from the Three Great Sage Regions, toads, snakes, and slugs, the power source of the Senjutsu they mastered and utilized was precisely Natural Energy itself, or a purer form of energy called [Sage Power].
In theory, using Senjutsu didn't necessarily require mixing Natural Energy with one's own Chakra in a specific ratio to form Senjutsu Chakra like Ninja did. Perhaps there was a way to directly harness pure Natural Energy?
'Perhaps... it's precisely because I, both in the [Limited Tsukuyomi World] and this world, have been exposed to, learned, and used the Chakra System, and never systematically studied the mysteries of Senjutsu Chakra and Natural Energy, that leads to my perception of Natural Energy being so faint, almost negligible?'
Menma fell into deep thought.
'If I want to systematically learn and perceive Natural Energy, even master higher-level Senjutsu...'
Among the Three Great Sage Regions, the old toad of Mount Myoboku was likely in some form of contact with the Sage of the Six Paths, which posed a significant risk, while the old snake of Ryuchi Cave was sinister and cunning, definitely not a good teacher, and going there would likely lead to a life-or-death struggle.
In comparison, the Katsuyu Sage of Shikkotsu Forest had the gentlest temperament and seemed the best choice.
'It seems I need to find a way to locate clues to Shikkotsu Forest. The best entry point... is undoubtedly Tsunade.'
'If I can't find Tsunade, perhaps I'll have to risk exploring Ryuchi Cave.'
"Good morning, Principal!"
When he entered the classroom, the children's unified, vibrant voices pulled him back from his contemplation.
Menma snapped back to reality, a gentle smile appearing on his face as he walked to the center of the podium.
"Good morning, students." His gaze swept over the young, knowledge-seeking faces below. He saw the light beneath the not-yet-dissipated shadows in the Uchiha Clan's children's eyes, the focus in Neji's eyes, and the pure happiness in the other children's eyes.
"Please be seated." His voice was calm, yet carried a power that made people quiet down. "Today, we will discuss the nature of 'Chakra' and its possible, more ancient 'relative'..."
His lessons were never just about teaching Ninjutsu, and they were about enlightening minds, guiding these future hopes to contemplate the deeper mysteries of power.
And today, his thoughts on Natural Energy quietly blended into his teaching, opening a door to a broader world for these children.
The future of the Land of Stars was perhaps taking shape within these seemingly ordinary classrooms.