~ Support & Read 38 Advanced Chapters on Patreon!
❁❁❁❁
Six years passed, marking the approximate start of the original storyline.
The Konoha 10 had graduated from the Ninja Academy. Why ten, not twelve? Because Hinata was in the Land of Whirlpools, and Neji Hyūga was now in Kirigakure.
Shin knew the plot should be starting, but he wasn’t interested. He was currently busy complaining about the System’s stinginess.
“System, what’s the deal with another Common Replication Card? Six years have passed, and all you’ve given me are six Common cards!”
“[Master, your luck is simply bad. It cannot be blamed on the System.]”
The System insisted it was Shin’s bad luck, denying any possibility of manipulation.
Alright, fine. Shin decided to believe it. Maybe his luck really was that bad. He didn’t desperately need Replication Cards anyway; he still had plenty saved up.
———
“So? How’s the power I gave you? Enjoying it?” Shin asked Kushina and the others with a smile.
“It’s… okay, I guess,” Kushina replied, controlling the Truth-Seeking Orb hovering behind her.
Yes, Truth-Seeking Orbs. Kushina now possessed them too. Not through her own efforts, but because Shin had granted her Six Paths Yang Power, allowing her to activate Six Paths Sage Mode.
Not just Kushina, but Tsunade, Mikoto, Konan, and Mei Terumī had all received Shin’s power.
Mikoto had awakened the Rinnegan. Tsunade and the others could all enter Six Paths Sage Mode.
Granting them this power didn’t significantly affect Shin, aside from consuming some of his chakra.
Shin’s chakra reserves already surpassed the Ten-Tails; he wasn’t worried about depletion. Besides, the consumed chakra could be regenerated.
“The power of the Truth-Seeking Orbs is almost invincible,” Tsunade commented. Unlike the Proud Kushina, who downplayed it, Tsunade honestly acknowledged their strength.
Forged from the power of Yin-Yang and all five elements, how could they not be strong? Anyone without Six Paths power who touched a Truth-Seeking Orb would be erased into nothingness.
Aside from Senjutsu, Truth-Seeking Orbs could nullify all Ninjutsu.
Only Six Paths power, Senjutsu, and perhaps Space-Time Ninjutsu could counter Truth-Seeking Orbs. Space-Time Ninjutsu could teleport them away, which was one way to deal with them.
However, Six Paths Sage Mode wasn’t just about gaining Truth-Seeking Orbs. It provided a comprehensive enhancement to all aspects, transforming ordinary Ninjutsu into Six Paths Sage Art.
If before they were close to godhood, now they had truly entered the realm of Gods. Their attack and defense had increased dozens of times over.
“I feel like I could defeat my past self with a single punch. Why didn’t you give us this power sooner?” Mei Terumī asked Shin with a hint of resentment.
“Have the nerve to say that? I wanted you all to reach Six Paths level on your own; that would have made you stronger. Besides, doing this is basically cheating.”
Shin paused, his expression stiffening. He suddenly realized he had no right to say that. His entire journey had basically been powered by cheats.
Though Shin had put in considerable effort, the System had provided the foundation. It was half System, half his own work.
“I’m taking Hinata to see her parents. Do any of you want to come along?” Shin asked Tsunade and the others.
“No thanks. You go ahead with Hinata.” Tsunade shook her head. She had completely turned into a homebody now. Perhaps Mikoto’s influence?
“Shin-sama, can I come with you?” Karin asked expectantly.
“Of course.” Shin nodded. Confirming that Kushina and the others weren’t coming, he took Hinata and Karin to Kirigakure.
———
Inside the Hyūga Clan compound in Kirigakure—Hiashi Hyūga, after becoming Mizukage, had established a new clan estate within the village.
Shin and the others appeared directly inside the compound. The Hyūga guards noticed them but didn’t intervene. Shin was their clan’s Great benefactor; he had the right to come and go freely.
“Let’s go see your sister, Hanabi.” The main reason for bringing Hinata back was because she missed her sister. As for her father, Hiashi… well, that was secondary.
The position of Hyūga Clan Head had been passed to Hizashi. Hiashi focused solely on being Mizukage. Although some conservative elders within the clan disagreed, Hiashi’s decision was final; no one could oppose him.
———
“Big Sister, you’re back!” Hanabi Hyūga ran over excitedly upon seeing Hinata. The sisters had a very close relationship, made even closer by their time apart.
“Hanabi, you’ve gotten thinner! Are you eating properly?” Hinata hugged Hanabi tightly.
“She does look a bit thin.” Shin patted Hanabi’s small head. He’d brought Hinata to visit several times, so he was quite familiar with Hanabi too.
Hanabi stuck her tongue out at Shin and made a face. “I don’t want to get fat!!”
“Being a little chubby is cute. You’re all bones right now.” Shin gently pinched Hanabi’s arm. She really was too thin; a strong gust of wind might blow her away.
“Hanabi, do you still remember me?” Karin greeted Hanabi.
“Karin-neechan! Did you bring any presents?” Hanabi’s eyes darted around mischievously as she held out her hand towards Karin.
“Hanabi, you disappoint me! Asking for presents right after seeing me? Are presents more important than me?”
Hanabi really wanted to nod, but being clever, she knew nodding would mean no presents.
“No! Karin-neechan is definitely more important than presents!” Hanabi fibbed.
“Alright, you pass. Here’s the present I prepared for you.” Karin took out some candy she had prepared earlier and handed it to Hanabi.
“Thank you, Karin-neechan!” Receiving the gift, Hanabi’s smile towards Karin became much sweeter.
“Shin-nii, did you prepare any presents for me?” Hanabi looked at Shin like a little money-grubber.
“Sorry, Hanabi, I forgot to prepare one. Next time, definitely,” Shin promised, patting Hanabi’s small head.
“Hmph! You said that last time, and the time before that! ‘Next time, definitely.’ I’ve never seen a present from you! Don’t touch my head!” Hanabi smacked Shin’s hand away.
The incredibly realistic Hanabi made it clear: No presents, No head pats.
“…..”
“So realistic at such a young age. That’s not good, you know.” Shin pinched both of Hanabi’s cheeks, lecturing her.
“Let go! You big meanie!” Hanabi now labeled Shin as a big meanie, waving her small fists and glaring fiercely at him.
❁❁❁❁
~ 38 Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
p-atreon.com/dragonnx
(Just remove the hyphen to access Patreon normally.)