Chapter 345: The Legendary Time Tree? The Ōtsutsuki Descendants Make Their Move [HN]

Deep within the isolated experimental zone of the Scientific Academy, the air seemed frozen in place. Only the low hum of the instruments and the faint hiss of flowing energy could be heard.

Orochimaru stood before the enormous observation window, his golden snake eyes fixed unblinkingly on the scene ahead.

Two energy sources were suspended within a specially constructed force field, isolated by multiple sealing techniques.

On one side was the dark red energy residue from Sasori’s Regeneration Core, which still retained faint traces of violent fluctuations.

On the other was the metal box seized from the Sky nin base, containing data on Zero Tails’ core and samples of that unique dark Natural Energy.

Nara Shikaku stood slightly behind him, his brows slightly furrowed as he watched Orochimaru connect and compare the data streams of the two energies through a complex array of runes.

Data flowed rapidly across the screen like a waterfall, displaying bewildering differences and… a certain deep resonance.

“Hehehe… Interesting. Very interesting…”

Orochimaru’s hoarse laughter echoed through the silent room, filled with the excitement of someone who had discovered a treasure.

“Shikaku, look here, and here…”

His pale finger pointed toward two completely different energy spectrum curves.

“The energy from Sasori’s Regeneration Core is violent and chaotic, filled with a desire for destruction. Its deeper direction… according to our previous calculations, most likely points toward a power in the sky. It is like a force that was ‘bestowed’ or leaked down from above, carrying a sense of superiority and corrosion.”

His finger moved toward the other curve, which represented Zero Tails’ dark Natural Energy.

“As for the power controlled by the Sky nin, it is also violent, but it is more… ‘deep’ and ‘ancient.’ It should originate from the earth, from some distorted node deep within the earth’s leyline. It is filled with killing and bloodshed, as though it were ‘pus and blood’ forcibly extracted from within.”

Shikaku’s gaze became sharper.

“You mean these are two types of Natural Energy that share the same origin but possess different attributes? Or should I say, variations of Natural Energy that have been corrupted by some kind of will?”

“You can understand it that way.”

Orochimaru licked his lips, his eyes flashing with intelligence.

“They both surpass the conventional Chakra system and touch upon the world’s most fundamental laws. One points toward ‘heaven,’ while the other originates from ‘earth.’ If normal Natural Energy is regarded as a peaceful and neutral force, then these two might be the extreme evil aspects of ‘Yang’ and ‘Yin.’ No, that is still not accurate enough…”

He quickly operated the control panel and imported the two sets of energy data into a completely new analytical model.

“I have seen similar descriptions in fragments of ancient texts. There was an even older power system that existed apart from Chakra… and the thing capable of carrying, balancing, and even transforming these two extreme forces…”

Orochimaru’s voice suddenly rose, filled with disbelief and excitement.

“The model shows that an extremely special ‘medium’ is required, a ‘foundation point’ capable of connecting heaven and earth while balancing the two. Found it! The energy resonance map shows that deep within an ancient forest three hundred miles west of the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Hot Springs, there is an extremely faint but extraordinarily high level Natural Energy convergence point. Its fluctuation… is ancient, as though it could… calm the violent nature of these two forces!”

Shikaku’s heart tightened.

“That location… I remember there was a record of it in the clan’s ancient texts. Could it be related to the legendary ‘Era Tree’? The strange ancient tree that is said to connect the past and present and witness history?”

“This may really be related to the Time Tree… Yes! Very likely!”

Orochimaru’s eyes shone brightly.

“The Time Tree? If the legend is true, the power possessed by that tree may be far more than simply connecting heaven and earth. It may possess power related to ‘time.’ Only something involving the level of time could serve as the ‘foundation point’ capable of balancing these two extreme forms of violent energy!”

He suddenly turned around and looked at Shikaku, his tone urgent.

“Immediately classify this analysis report as the highest level of secrecy and send it directly to the Hokage. We need to organize an exploration team immediately and head to those coordinates. This is not merely a matter of energy research. This may concern… a key to another world, or perhaps another ‘era’!”

Shikaku nodded solemnly. Knowing how important this matter was, he did not dare delay and immediately turned to prepare the encrypted communication.

Orochimaru once again turned his feverish gaze toward the two sealed energies and muttered,

“Energy of heaven and earth, the Era Tree, reversing time… Hehehe, the boundaries of science truly have no limits. I wonder what kind of power system exists in another world. It is… truly something to look forward to!”

…

At the same time, in the eastern border region of the Land of Fire, within the area bordering the Land of Hot Springs and the Land of Grass, the previously desolate frontier had become unusually lively.

Large numbers of supply transport vehicles bearing the Konoha emblem traveled back and forth.

Konoha ninjas wearing village uniforms were working alongside ninjas from the Hidden Hot Spring Village and Hidden Grass Village as they carried out the preliminary construction of the planned Federation Demonstration Zone.

Namikaze Minato stood side by side with Uchiha Fugaku on a temporary platform, overlooking the bustling construction site below.

Minato was still wearing the standard Jonin uniform, and his golden hair was especially striking beneath the sunlight.

He wore a gentle and infectious smile as he warmly spoke with the elders of the Hidden Hot Spring Village and representatives of the Land of Grass who had come for the negotiations.

He explained the future plans for the Demonstration Zone, including a joint defense system, a resource sharing network, a medical cooperation center, and the upcoming new phase of the Transnational Young Ninja Exchange Program.

His voice was clear and organized as he combined Chiya’s vision of peace with practical benefits, causing both representatives to repeatedly nod, their eyes filled with anticipation.

Uchiha Fugaku stood silently slightly behind Minato.

He wore the traditional dark, high collared clothing of the Uchiha Clan, with the Uchiha fan crest displayed on his back.

His expression was solemn and serious.

He did not say much, but the sharpness occasionally revealed in his eyes and the heavy presence unique to the Uchiha and Konoha’s top clan were themselves a silent declaration.

Konoha was taking this matter seriously, and it possessed enough power to protect everything being established.

The combination of Konoha’s famous Yellow Flash and a representative of the Uchiha Clan personally overseeing the Demonstration Zone carried immense symbolic meaning and deterrent power.

The news quickly spread throughout the ninja world as though it had grown wings, drawing the close attention of the major ninja villages.

Kumogakure, Raikage’s Office.

The Fourth Raikage, A, slammed his fist onto the desk, instantly covering the heavy wooden surface with cracks.

“Damn it! What is Konoha trying to do? They’re reaching into the Land of Hot Springs and the Land of Grass. Are they trying to build a encirclement?!”

His secretary calmly analyzed the intelligence beside him.

“Lord Raikage, Konoha is using the banners of ‘peaceful development’ and ‘joint defense,’ and the conditions they are offering are indeed generous. The Hidden Hot Spring and Hidden Grass Villages will find it difficult to refuse. If this continues for a long time, it will put us at a strategic disadvantage.”

“Hmph! Peace? It is nothing more than a pretty excuse for annexation! Tell the Intelligence Division to strengthen its infiltration of that region. I want to know every move Konoha makes!”

Within Iwagakure, Ōnoki floated in midair as he looked at the intelligence in his hands, his old face wrinkling into a frown.

“Namikaze Minato and Uchiha Fugaku… That boy Chiya really sent an intimidating lineup. What exactly is he planning? That ‘Demonstration Zone’… absolutely cannot be allowed to develop smoothly!”

He looked toward Kitsuchi below.

“Get our people moving as well. We cannot just stand by and watch Konoha grow stronger.”

Within Sunagakure, the debate over whether to move closer to Konoha in exchange for urgently needed resources also became increasingly heated.

For a time, undercurrents surged throughout the ninja world, with countless eyes focused on this region.

…

Deep within the moon was a vast, desolate, and silent space.

This was the dwelling place of the descendants of Ōtsutsuki Hamura, the younger brother of the Sage of Six Paths.

Within an ancient palace at the center of this space, several members of the Ōtsutsuki Clan with pale skin and blue white hair stood around a huge crystal ball.

The figure displayed within the crystal ball was none other than Uchiha Chiya.

The old man standing at the head had an ancient appearance, but his eyes were as sharp as an eagle’s.

He was the current clan head of the Ōtsutsuki Main Family.

“This man’s power… has already touched the world’s fundamental laws. He belongs to the Uchiha Clan and carries the bloodline of Indra’s descendants within him, but his very nature seems to show signs of transcending the ordinary.”

He slowly spoke, his voice carrying an ancient echo.

“Especially the power of the technique he used before… It even made me feel… threatened.”

A younger clan member with sharp eyes spoke solemnly.

“Clan Head, the struggle between the reincarnated Chakra of Indra and Asura has not yet ended, yet such a variable should not appear in the ninja world. Moreover, he seems to be uniting the power of the ninja world. If he succeeds, it may obstruct our protection of Kaguya’s seal and the execution of the ‘Purification Plan.'”

The Main Family Clan Head remained silent for a moment before a decisive look flashed through his eyes.

“Yes. We cannot allow this to continue unchecked. Someone needs to go to the surface, come into contact with this person at close range, learn his background, and assess the level of threat he poses.”

His gaze swept across the clan members present before finally landing on a young man who had remained silent the entire time, his expression cold and composed.

This person was Ōtsutsuki Qingyu, the most talented member of the Ōtsutsuki Main Family currently living on the moon.

“Your power is strong and pure. You will carry out this mission. Remember, your task is to observe and assess him. Do not act unless absolutely necessary. Be extremely careful. This person is not simple.”

The young man slightly bowed and looked at Chiya’s figure within the crystal ball.

“Yes, Clan Head. I will see… what he is truly like.”

His voice was calm and emotionless, yet it carried an unquestionable resolve.

An invisible wave spread throughout the interior of the moon.

The ancient passage leading to Earth was about to open once again.