Chapter 20: The Second Gathering
Late Night at the Hot Springs
It was well past midnight when Kazuki finally returned to the hotel.
Tsunade still hadn't come back yet—she was clearly planning an all-night gambling marathon. Kazuki could only hope that the legendary Sannin wouldn't lose too catastrophically.
Having finally managed to stay at a proper hot spring resort—and considering this technically qualified as a 'business trip'—Kazuki naturally couldn't pass up the opportunity.
Soaking in the steaming mineral waters, he closed his eyes comfortably, though his mind continued racing at full speed.
I wasn't planning on accelerating the timeline this quickly, but it seems I have no choice now.
Today's unexpected encounter with Jigen had pushed events somewhat beyond his carefully calculated control. The presence of an Ōtsutsuki vessel this early meant things were moving faster than anticipated.
Kazuki eventually emerged from the hot spring, changed into fresh clothes, and returned to his private room.
He meticulously checked the surroundings for surveillance or intrusion, then carefully set up protective barrier seals around the perimeter.
Satisfied with his precautions, he retrieved a peculiar brass candlestick from a storage scroll—an artifact styled after Hermes' design from the Lord of Mysteries world. Infusing it with his spiritual energy, he lit the candle.
A mysterious, irresistible force gripped his consciousness, dragging him downward into deep, endless darkness.
Like sinking into an ocean of stars, he fell continuously through the void between waking and dreaming.
Orochimaru's Laboratory
Meanwhile, in his hidden research facility, Orochimaru was just finishing his latest experiments when sudden, overwhelming drowsiness washed over him like a tidal wave.
"Hmm?"
Orochimaru paused, his golden eyes narrowing. But he quickly realized this was some form of 'summoning'—the same sensation as last time.
So Father Adam requires my presence again.
He walked calmly to a chair, settled himself comfortably, and allowed his eyes to close. This time, he didn't resist the pulling force.
His spiritual body descended into boundless black mist, sinking deeper and deeper until reaching the very bottom of consciousness itself.
The Cathedral of Bones
In the deepest depths of the boundless ocean of subconsciousness—within a sanctuary constructed entirely from dreams—stood that magnificent cathedral built from ancient bones.
An overwhelming sense of antiquity permeated the sacred space. Around a weathered bronze table, two blurry figures gradually materialized into clarity.
"Good evening, Father Adam."
Orochimaru carefully avoided direct eye contact with the figure seated at the head of the table, bowing deeply with genuine respect. "I must thank you profoundly for your guidance regarding that... creature. The specimens you led me to have proven invaluable."
"Father Adam."
Hatake Sakumo's reaction was considerably calmer—more measured and professional.
"No need for such formality. Please, sit."
Uchiha Kazuki—his form shrouded in swirling, hazy mist that obscured all identifying features—raised one hand in a gesture of welcome. His tone was surprisingly amiable and approachable.
After taking their seats at the ancient bronze table, both visitors fell into uncertain silence, unsure of the proper protocol.
Orochimaru broke the uncomfortable quiet first. "Father Adam, is there some task you require of us? Some reason you've summoned us to this place?"
"The shinobi world has been peaceful for far too long."
Kazuki tapped the bronze table lightly with his index finger, a knowing smile playing across his obscured features. "Certain parties are beginning to grow... restless."
Hearing this ominous statement, the previously silent Hatake Sakumo's expression shifted dramatically. "Are you suggesting the Third Great Ninja War is about to begin?!"
"Heh, what's so surprising about that? White Fang, you remain remarkably naive."
Orochimaru sneered with dark amusement. "The resources available to the various hidden villages are fundamentally limited. Only Konoha possesses the most fertile lands and profitable trade routes. Ever since the Second Hokage's death, the other villages have been looking for any excuse to challenge our dominance."
His tongue flicked across his lips—a characteristic gesture. "War was inevitable."
"More than the impending war itself, I'm curious about something else..."
Orochimaru paused deliberately, still carefully avoiding direct eye contact with the figure seated in the high-backed chair at the table's head. A hint of genuine awe colored his voice. "Judging from your tone, Father Adam, this war isn't quite as straightforward as it appears, is it? There are... additional factors at play?"
"There are always those who prefer operating from the shadows, aren't there?"
Kazuki stopped tapping his fingers and slowly leaned back in his chair with deliberate casualness. "Actually, I wasn't planning on involving myself directly in these mundane conflicts. However, certain individuals are attempting to obstruct the 'Master's' divine will. That simply cannot be permitted."
The Master. Both Orochimaru and Sakumo noted the reference carefully—whoever this mysterious Master was, even Father Adam served them.
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed slightly, his tongue sliding across his lips again. A dangerous glint sparked in his golden serpentine pupils. "A field expedition sounds quite appealing. Perhaps I could discover some new research inspiration among the chaos of war."
"It's not appropriate for you to show yourself publicly in this matter."
Kazuki's tone remained calm and measured, clearly having already considered all variables. "The individuals in question are fundamentally cowardly. If you were to appear openly, they would simply burrow deeper into hiding. We need a different approach."
"I'll go, Father Adam."
Hatake Sakumo spoke with quiet determination. "In everyone's perception, I'm already dead. Dead men don't attract attention or suspicion. I can move freely where others cannot."
"Excellent. Then I'll entrust this to you, Sakumo."
Kazuki's attention shifted toward the Sannin. "Orochimaru, I have a different assignment for you."
"Please speak, Father Adam."
Orochimaru bowed respectfully, understanding this represented a crucial test of his loyalty and capabilities. He spoke with absolute solemnity. "Whatever the mission requires, I will commit myself fully to its completion."
Just those Black Zetsu cells alone allowed me to glimpse fragments of the 'truth.'
That extraordinary vitality bore similarities to the First Hokage's cellular structure, yet wasn't entirely identical. The composition was somehow unlike anything truly human—more like a pure aggregate of Yin Release chakra given quasi-physical form.
After studying the Black Zetsu specimens in considerable depth, a terrifying hypothesis had formed in Orochimaru's mind.
Although he couldn't be entirely certain yet, the implications had only strengthened his resolve to follow the Twilight Hermit Order to whatever ends they pursued.
"Heh, no need to be quite so serious. This is relatively simple work for someone of your talents."
Kazuki's tone remained casual but carried undeniable authority. "I need you to collect as many Byakugan as possible—within the limits of your capabilities, of course. Don't take unnecessary risks."
"Byakugan?"
This request clearly surprised Orochimaru. His brow furrowed with genuine confusion. "Forgive my bluntness, Father Adam, but although the Hyūga clan's dōjutsu is considered one of Konoha's two great bloodline limits, I honestly don't believe the Byakugan's strategic importance can compare to the First Hokage's cells or the Sharingan's potential."
Hatake Sakumo, observing from the side, nodded in tacit agreement.
Indeed, among the various bloodline limits circulating throughout Konoha and the shinobi world at large, the Byakugan and Sharingan were nominally considered equals. However, those who truly understood the mechanics knew they existed in completely different categories.
Perhaps the Byakugan held certain tactical advantages against Sharingan users below the three-tomoe level. But once a Sharingan awakened into the legendary Mangekyō Sharingan, the power differential became absolutely immense—almost incomparable.
"You're both severely underestimating the Byakugan's true nature."
Having fully anticipated this exact reaction, Kazuki chuckled darkly and dropped his carefully prepared bombshell. "Both the Byakugan and the Sharingan originate from the same ancestral source—the bloodline of the Sage of Six Paths himself."
"The Sage of Six Paths?!"
Both Orochimaru and Hatake Sakumo's eyes widened dramatically, their pupils dilating with genuine shock. The revelation hit them like a lightning strike. "You're saying... the Sage of Six Paths actually existed? He was a real, historical figure and not merely mythology?!"
Kazuki smiled enigmatically but offered no verbal confirmation.
However, this deliberate non-denial effectively confirmed their shocked speculation. Both men involuntarily drew sharp breaths in unison.
"The ancient myths are actually true..."
Compared to Hatake Sakumo's pure shock, Orochimaru had previously entertained similar theories based on his Black Zetsu research. Therefore, excitement dominated his reaction rather than disbelief.
For a true scientist, what could possibly be more intoxicating than confronting the genuinely unknown?
"If the Sharingan can evolve into the 'Mangekyō Sharingan,' then logically the Byakugan must possess..."
Orochimaru actually shuddered—not from fear, but from overwhelming excitement at the prospect of personally exploring this mystery and uncovering its deepest secrets. "I understand completely, Father Adam. I will research this matter with utmost dedication."
Watching Orochimaru's tongue slide across his lips with predatory hunger, Hatake Sakumo's eye twitched involuntarily. He could already foresee the tragic future awaiting certain members of the Hyūga clan.
Oh well. Let them suffer. What does it matter to a 'dead man' like me?
Sakumo felt a twinge of guilt, but ultimately dismissed it. The Hyūga had never shown him particular kindness anyway.
"Very well. That concludes tonight's gathering."
Sensing someone approaching his physical location in the hotel, Kazuki decisively ended the meeting. His gaze fixed on White Fang with pointed intensity. "Later, I will provide you with detailed descriptions of the individuals you need to locate and observe. Memorize them carefully."
The mist began swirling more rapidly, signaling the dream-meeting's imminent dissolution.
"By your will, Father Adam," both men responded in unison.
The Cathedral of Bones began fading back into formless darkness as their spiritual bodies were pulled back toward their physical forms.
[Author's Note: The chess pieces are being positioned on the board. The game accelerates. Thank you for your continued support of this story!]
[End of Chapter 20]
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