After returning to Konoha, Minato and Shikaku immediately began transferring defense and intelligence control over the two newly acquired territories.
They had no time to rest.
Wen Lan, meanwhile, went back home.
The moment he stepped inside—
He paused.
Under the long pavilion in the courtyard sat Orochimaru, calmly drinking tea.
Beside him stood a pale-haired boy with snow-white hair.
Kaguya Kimimaro.
Wen Lan walked over, sat down, and poured himself a cup of tea with a smile.
"It's been quite a while since I last saw you."
Kimimaro bowed respectfully the moment he saw him.
"Lord Wen Lan."
During this time, Orochimaru had been teaching Anko and Kimimaro while secretly studying Konoha's forbidden technique scrolls.
Since being brought to the village, Kimimaro had formally entered Orochimaru's tutelage.
The Diagnosis
"Wen Lan-kun," Orochimaru said in his hoarse voice,
"While improving your blood samples, I accidentally discovered something unusual about Kimimaro's blood."
He pulled out a test report.
Wen Lan took it and glanced down.
The page was filled with dense data and medical terminology.
He squinted for a moment—
Then gave up.
"Just explain it. I can't read this."
Orochimaru sighed slightly and took the report back.
"Very well. I'll get straight to the point."
He looked toward Kimimaro.
"His blood shows a severe atavistic regression."
"This means his body cannot withstand the strength of his own bloodline."
He paused.
"If nothing changes… he likely won't live past twenty."
Silent Resolve
Wen Lan's hand froze.
The teacup stopped just short of his lips.
He turned to look at Kimimaro.
The boy's expression was calm—
as if they were discussing someone else's fate.
Wen Lan narrowed his eyes, thinking.
Orochimaru continued:
"I believe his physique is well suited to absorbing natural energy."
"If he learns Sage Mode, it may strengthen his body and extend his lifespan."
Wen Lan's thoughts shifted.
Curse Mark…
But Jugo isn't here yet.
Then Orochimaru added:
"I heard from Tsunade that you have already mastered Sage Mode."
"So I was hoping…"
Wen Lan looked at him, mildly surprised.
So that's your angle.
"You want me to teach him Sage Mode?" he asked.
"That technique isn't something just anyone can survive."
Orochimaru nodded slowly.
"Precisely why you must guide him personally."
"Kimimaro's body is unique. If he can harmonize with natural energy, we may reverse his life limit."
A Different Idea
Wen Lan stayed silent for a moment, fingers lightly tracing the rim of his teacup.
Then he spoke:
"Orochimaru… do you know who the ancestors of the Kaguya clan are?"
Orochimaru blinked.
"No. The Kaguya were battle fanatics. They never cared about history."
Wen Lan gave a small hint.
"The mother of the Sage of Six Paths was named Ōtsutsuki Kaguya."
Orochimaru froze.
His pupils contracted sharply.
"Ōtsutsuki… Kaguya."
A mixture of shock and excitement flashed in his eyes.
"If Kimimaro truly carries the blood of that lineage," Wen Lan continued,
"I have another idea."
He stood up immediately.
"Come. We're going to the Hyuga clan."
Orochimaru rose without hesitation and followed.
He didn't understand the reason at first.
But when Wen Lan explained the concept of the Tenseigan—
Orochimaru's excitement nearly overflowed.
The Hyuga Decision
Soon after, in the Hyuga courtyard:
Hiashi Hyuga
Hizashi Hyuga
Wen Lan
sat together in tense silence.
"So…" Hiashi said slowly,
"This child may carry the blood of the Ōtsutsuki clan?"
"Yes," Wen Lan replied calmly.
"But it's still only a hypothesis."
He tapped the table lightly.
"There are many risks."
"For example—whether the bloodline purity is sufficient."
"A reckless attempt could cause cellular collapse."
"To confirm the theory, we need cooperation from the Hyuga clan."
He paused.
"If the attempt fails—
at best, the Byakugan will be destroyed."
"At worst… death."
The two brothers exchanged a glance.
Shock.
Conflict.
Determination.
After a long silence, Hiashi spoke:
"If awakening the Tenseigan can protect Konoha in times of crisis…"
"The Hyuga clan is willing to risk our honor."
"I will serve as the test subject."
"Impossible!" Hizashi immediately stood up.
"Brother, you are the clan head. You cannot take such a risk."
He turned to Wen Lan urgently.
"Let me do it instead."
Neither man suggested using branch family members.
There were clear reasons:
Granting that power to the branch family could destabilize the clan
The branch had only recently been freed from the Caged Bird Seal
Sacrificing them now would destroy trust and legitimacy
Brother Against Brother
"Hizashi!" Hiashi snapped.
"You are head of the branch family."
"As clan leader, it is my duty to bear this burden."
"Brother, Hinata was just born!"
"And Neji is only one year old!"
The argument escalated instantly.
The tension was about to explode.
Wen Lan rubbed his forehead in exasperation.
"Alright, enough."
"You two seem to have forgotten something."
"My blood doesn't let people die."
He sighed.
"My real concern is that my blood might contaminate the Ōtsutsuki lineage and prevent the Byakugan from evolving into the Tenseigan."
He waved his hand casually.
"Stop acting like this is a funeral."
"If necessary—"
"You can both do it together."
The Unexpected Solution
The brothers froze.
They stared at him.
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then Hiashi turned slowly to Hizashi.
"…Together?"
Hizashi nodded.
"Together."
They exchanged a firm look.
Decision made.
Wen Lan's Warning
Wen Lan turned to Orochimaru.
"For now, feed Kimimaro nourishing foods—focus on strengthening his blood and vitality."
"Take this slowly."
"Don't damage his foundation."
He narrowed his eyes slightly.
"And don't treat him the way you treat me."
"He is not a lab specimen."
Orochimaru licked his lips faintly, expression unsettling but controlled.
"Relax. I know my limits."
Wen Lan's mouth twitched.
Then he turned to Kimimaro.
"If anything happens, come to me directly."
"You don't need to go through him."
Kimimaro paused—
Then dropped to one knee.
"I was an abandoned child."
"My life exists to be sacrificed for Konoha."
Wen Lan's Reaction
Wen Lan immediately covered his face with one hand.
This is bad.
The boy's devotion was exactly the same as in the original timeline.
That same self-sacrificial drive had ultimately killed him.
This time—
That tragedy would not repeat.
Since Hiashi and Hizashi had agreed to serve as test subjects, the rest of the plan could proceed.
Now there was only one step left:
Purify Kimimaro's bloodline.
The day purification succeeded—
Would be the day the Tenseigan awakened.
—------------------------------
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