Naruto: I'm in Konoha, my name is Uzumaki Menma

Chapter 341 Uchiha Hikaru's Rinnegan
The air inside the isolation room seemed to freeze.

Uchiha Hikaru's body trembled violently and arched, the wood-like texture on his skin spreading out as if it were alive.

Her hands gripped the edge of the lab bed tightly, the alloy frame groaning under the terrifying pressure of her fingers, leaving five deep finger marks.

"Heart rate has exceeded the critical threshold! 230 beats per minute!"

"Blood pressure continues to spike! Systolic pressure exceeds 300!"

"Chakra rampage!"

A piercing alarm blared throughout the laboratory, and all the data curves on the screens flashed red.

Several researchers in white coats, their faces pale, frantically operated the instruments, trying to stabilize the situation.

"Prepare the inhibitor!" Hiruko's voice was unusually urgent as he rushed to the control panel, his fingers flying across the keyboard: "Immediately inject neutralizing agent number three, adjust the dosage to the maximum!"

"No!" a researcher cried out in alarm. "Her chakra has formed a defensive barrier! The needle can't even penetrate her skin!"

A layer of pale red chakra light covered Uchiha Hikaru's body like armor.

The light wasn't dazzling, but it carried a chilling sense of oppression; any object that came close was repelled three millimeters from the skin.

Biluhu's face turned ashen. He personally picked up a specially made high-pressure injector with a needle made of a special alloy, which was powerful enough to penetrate most defenses.

However, just as he was about to step forward...

"and many more."

A pale hand pressed down on his shoulder.

Orochimaru had somehow appeared beside Hiruko, his golden vertical pupils fixed on Uchiha Hikaru on the experimental bed. His face showed no panic, but rather was filled with...excitement!
"Orochimaru, are you insane?!" Hiruko roared, "If this continues, she will be completely devoured by Hashirama's cells! Her body will then transform into Wood Release, turning her into a humanoid plant! If she dies, Lord Shura will never let us go!"

"Hehehe..." Orochimaru let out a low laugh, his tongue slowly licking his lips: "You're still the same, Hiruko. Always afraid of risks, afraid of failure... But science is full of unknowns and dangers."

He released his grip and slowly walked towards the experimental bed, completely disregarding the chakra barrier.

"Just watch, her physical attributes and potential... are no less than those of Madara Uchiha back in the day."

The words fell.

boom! ! !
An invisible force field suddenly erupted centered on Uchiha Hikaru!

That wasn't an impact of chakra, nor an explosion of ninjutsu, but a release like a repulsive force!

All the instruments in the laboratory malfunctioned at the same time, and the screen flickered before going completely black.

The researchers who were closest to the wall were sent flying backward and crashed into it with a series of thuds.

With a muffled groan, Bei Liu staggered back several meters before barely managing to regain his footing.

He looked in horror toward the experimental bed.

Uchiha Hikaru's body seemed to lose weight, slowly suspending itself half a meter above the experimental bed.

The pale red chakra barrier had disappeared, replaced by a deeper, more oppressive aura emanating from her.

Her skin has returned to normal, and the wood grain has completely disappeared.

No, it hasn't disappeared, it's just become more "introverted"!

The power of the Hashirama cells has been completely integrated into every one of her cells, forming a perfect symbiosis.

But what's most striking is her eyes.

Hikaru Uchiha opened his eyes.

The original Mangekyou Sharingan has been completely changed.

The whites of his eyes turned a deep blood red, as if they were soaked in blood.

In that crimson expanse, the original kaleidoscope magatama had vanished, replaced by a structure composed of six concentric circles, revealing fine black patterns resembling ancient tree rings, which radiated outwards from the pupil in concentric circles.

The innermost circle is the smallest, light red in color, with a black dot in the center.

The second outer circle is a deep purple color, with three jet-black magatama floating on its surface.

The third layer is black, with six thin branches extending from the edge, like blooming flowers.

The fourth layer is dark red, like a burning flame.

The outermost fifth ring is almost transparent, and can only be seen at certain angles, where it slightly distorts the surrounding light.

The six rings are not stationary, but are slowly rotating at different speeds and in different directions.

The inner layer rotates clockwise, the outer layer counterclockwise, and the middle layer alternates... forming a complex and harmonious dynamic balance.

Each rotation exudes a chilling pressure that sends shivers down one's spine.

“This…this is…” Hiruko’s voice trembled as he stared blankly into those eyes, as if he were seeing a scene from a myth or legend.

Orochimaru's breathing became rapid, his body leaned forward slightly, and his golden vertical pupils burst forth with an unprecedented light.

"Hehe...haha...hahahaha!!"

He could no longer contain his excitement and let out a suppressed yet manic laugh.

"I see it... I finally see it! So that's how it is... So that's how it is!"

Orochimaru stared intently into Uchiha Hikaru's eyes, his face filled with fanaticism.

"Rinnegan... This is the legendary eye of the Sage of Six Paths! It's the ultimate goal in the evolution of the Sharingan! I see! I see! I get it! Hahaha! I understand!"

Hiruko finally came to his senses. He waved to the researchers who were struggling to get up and signaled them to retreat to a safe distance. He then slowly walked towards Uchiha Hikaru, who was floating in the air.

His eyes were also filled with an almost religious fanaticism.

"So beautiful... These eyes... Is this the Eye of God?" Hiruko murmured to herself, her voice filled with awe: "The immense life force provided by Hashirama's cells, combined with the Yin Release power of the Mangekyou Sharingan... Yin and Yang intertwine, life is endless... This is the true 'perfect fusion'!"

Standing in front of the experimental bed, Uchiha Hikaru slowly lowered his head and looked at his hands.

Her movements were slow and gentle, as if she were afraid that the slightest force would destroy something.

Then, she gently clenched her fist.

laugh--!
There were no hand seals, no chakra manipulation, just a thought.

On the surface of her right arm, the skin instantly turned wood, forming a delicate and tough wooden armor.

Fine patterns resembling Sharingan patterns appeared on the surface of the wooden armor, with a faint red chakra glow flowing within them.

Then, the lignification subsides, and the skin returns to its original state.

Then, in the palm of her left hand, a ball of pale red chakra condensed and took shape, which then began to change form, first becoming a water ball, then a fireball, then a clod of earth, a plant, and leaping lightning...

The five basic chakra attributes could be transformed at will in her hands, as naturally as breathing.

“Five attributes…” Hiruko gasped. “No hand seals required, no chakra nature transformation needed… just ‘want’ and it’s possible?”

“Not only that.” Orochimaru’s voice deepened: “Did you notice the flow of natural energy around her when she converted chakra?”

Hiruko looked closely and indeed found that the free natural energy in the air around Uchiha Hikari was being drawn into the chakra in her palm, increasing the power of each transformation several times over.

"She's...unconsciously absorbing natural energy." Hiruko's voice was dry: "Is this Sage Mode?"

Orochimaru's eyes were filled with curiosity about the unknown as he denied it, saying, "No! This isn't Sage Mode, but rather... becoming one with nature?!"

Just then, Uchiha Hikaru raised his head.

Her gaze swept over Orochimaru and Hiruko.

Just that one glance—

hum! !

Orochimaru and Hiruko simultaneously felt a shiver run through the depths of their souls!
It felt like being watched by some supreme being, with all your secrets, thoughts, and emotions exposed!

Hiruko instinctively took a half step back, cold sweat beading on his forehead.

Orochimaru gritted his teeth and forced himself to stand firm, but his pale face was covered with fine beads of sweat, as if his very soul was exposed to her eyes.

"What can these eyes...see?" Orochimaru asked with difficulty.

Hikaru Uchiha did not answer immediately.

She closed her eyes.

As the eyelids closed, the terrifying pressure in the laboratory suddenly lessened.

Orochimaru and Hiruko both breathed a sigh of relief, as if a huge burden had been lifted off their shoulders.

But they all knew that it was just an appearance.

The current Uchiha Hikaru is completely different.

On the experimental bed, Uchiha Hikaru floated quietly, his eyes closed and his breathing steady.

She is carefully sensing the changes within her body.

The first thing to disappear was the burden brought by the Mangekyou Sharingan.

Although her Mangekyou Sharingan has the ability to absorb the chakra of others to nourish herself, prolonged use still causes her eyes to feel a burning stinging pain.

That stinging sensation accompanied her every time she activated her kaleidoscope and every time she used her eye technique.

However, unlike other Uchiha clan members whose Mangekyou Sharingan gradually leads to blindness, Uchiha Hikaru's blindness will be lost much, much slower.

Now, that stinging sensation has completely disappeared.

Instead, a gentle warmth welled up from the depths of her eyes, spreading along her nerves throughout her body.

The warm current nourished every cell in her body, repairing the hidden wounds left by past battles, and even slowly increasing her vitality.

Her total chakra increased by at least tenfold, comparable to that of a tailed beast, and its quality underwent a dramatic transformation.

The cold chakra that originally belonged to the Uchiha clan has now been mixed with the immense life force of Hashirama's cells, forming a new chakra energy that is balanced, vast, and all-encompassing.

This chakra energy carries the natural energy from Hashirama's cells, giving Uchiha Hikari a natural affinity with the natural energy of the outside world. She can even feel that she can enter "Sage Mode" at any time if she wants.

But the most amazing thing is the completely new "vision" that the eyes bring.

Uchiha Hikaru slowly opened his eyes.

This time, she did not unleash her power; she simply looked calmly at the world around her.

Then, she "saw" it.

It's not the Byakugan's ability to see through the structure of matter, nor is it the Sharingan's ability to perceive the flow of chakra.

Rather, it is a kind of "seeing" that penetrates appearances and reaches the essence.

She saw the free-floating natural energy in the air drifting like colorful ribbons, saw the chakra circuits operating inside the laboratory walls, and saw every vibration of the precision parts inside the instruments.

She saw the delicate balance between the Oni-Garaku cells and her own cells within Hiruko's body.

Seeing the cracks in Orochimaru's soul caused by his multiple reincarnations deep within it.

She can even see "time".

It's not about predicting the future, but about seeing the "trajectory" of things changing.

For example, when she looked at the clock on the wall that had stopped due to the impact, she could clearly "see" where the second hand would move in the next second if she gently turned the gears with her chakra.

That's an extremely short timescale, but it does exist.

"So... this is what the world is like." Uchiha Hikaru murmured to himself.

Her gaze began to move, piercing through the laboratory walls, through the three-hundred-meter-thick layer of earth, and through the buildings and people above ground.

She saw the streets of Star City, the pedestrians coming and going, and the children playing in the square.

She saw further into the distance, at the border of the Star Kingdom, where patrolling ninjas were changing shifts.

Her gaze continued to extend beyond the border, beyond mountains and rivers.

She saw the endless yellow sands of the Wind Kingdom, the barren deserts of the Earth Kingdom, the dense forests of the Fire Kingdom, the towering mountains of the Thunder Kingdom, and the vast ocean of the Water Kingdom. Then, her "gaze" began to penetrate into the "layers" of the world.

She "saw" a series of "small worlds" that were independent of the main world.

There is a world that is an endless desert, where the scorching sun bakes the yellow sand, and there is no sign of life.

There was a world filled with scorching magma, volcanic eruptions, flowing lava, and the smell of sulfur permeating the air.

There was a world where snow was falling heavily and the land was frozen solid.

In the heart of that icy world stands a magnificent, frozen palace.

Uchiha Hikaru's "gaze" swept across each of the small worlds.

Then, she turned her gaze to the sky.

It was cast toward the silvery-white moon hanging in the night sky.

Her gaze pierced through the thick layers of rock on the lunar surface, penetrating deep into the moon's interior, where she saw the giant Tenseigan, formed by the fusion of countless white eyes, radiating golden light.

However, just as her gaze was about to fall upon the core of the Tenseigan.

hum! ! !
An indescribable thrill came over me!

Uchiha Hikaru's "vision" was forcibly twisted, pulling him into a completely different "space".

It was pure darkness.

There was no light, no sound, no matter, and even the concepts of "space" and "time" became blurred.

In the deepest part of this darkness, a figure floats.

She was a woman dressed in a white robe. She was tall and elegant, and the style of the robe was ancient and sacred, with comma patterns embroidered on the surface.

She had long, pale hair that cascaded down like a waterfall.

On the top of her head grew two brown horns that resembled ram horns.

The woman had her eyes closed, as if she were asleep.

It seemed that he had noticed Uchiha Hikaru's 'gaze'.

The woman slowly opened her eyes.

Those were pure white eyes, the pupils filled with a pure white that seemed to see through all illusions.

At the same time, the skin on the center of her forehead slowly split open, and a third eye opened.

That eye was somewhat similar to Uchiha Hikaru's Rinnegan, but it had nine tomoe embedded in layers of coils around the pupil, slowly rotating and emitting an aura that made one's soul tremble.

Nine-Tomoe Rinne Sharingan!

The woman slowly turned her head, her eyes "rolling" towards Uchiha Hikaru's direction.

Despite the endless void, despite the barriers of the world.

Just that one glance!
"what--!"

Uchiha Hikaru let out a short cry of pain as he fell from his levitating state and crashed heavily onto the experimental bed!

She covered her eyes with her hands, and blood seeped from between her fingers!

"Lord Guang!" Hiruko exclaimed in shock and rushed forward immediately.

Orochimaru's expression changed, and he quickly followed.

However, the two were bounced away by an invisible force when they were three meters away from the experimental bed.

That was a spontaneous defense formed by Uchiha Hikaru's out-of-control eye power.

…………

Two days later, in the Star Kingdom, Star Capital, on the top floor of the administrative center office.

Outside the huge floor-to-ceiling windows lies a modern urban landscape that is beginning to take shape: towering buildings, passing vehicles and pedestrians, and a busy airport in the distance, all showcasing the vitality and strength of this nascent nation.

Sunlight shines through special glass, casting bright spots of light on the floor.

Inside the office, Uchiha Hikaru stood quietly by the window, his back to the door.

She wore a dark blue, high-collared robe typical of the Uchiha clan, her posture upright and her aura restrained.

When she heard the familiar footsteps behind her, she did not turn around immediately, but the faint pressure around her subtly subsided and softened.

Mianma walked straight to the large desk and sat down in the chair.

He looked exactly the same as when he left, his short black hair neatly styled, his expression calm, as if he had just gone for a walk.

A moment later, there was a gentle knock on the office door.

"Come in."

The door slid open, and Orochimaru, Hiruko, and Minato Namikaze walked in one after the other.

Orochimaru still had that pale, effeminate appearance, his golden snake eyes flashing with barely suppressed excitement and a thirst for knowledge; while Hiruko appeared much more cautious, holding a thick electronic report in his hands.

"Lord Shura." Hiruko bowed slightly, while Orochimaru and Minato were more casual.

"Hmm, go ahead and speak." Menma's gaze fell on the report board in Hiruko's hand.

Hiruko stepped forward, placed the report board on the table, and skillfully brought up the holographic projection, which displayed complex gene maps, energy flow curves, and a large amount of experimental data.

He cleared his throat and began his report in a respectful and meticulous tone:
"Lord Shura, the twelfth phase of the extreme test for the 'New Oni-Garara Technique' and the 'Ladder-style Gene Modification Project' has been successfully completed. The subject, Lord Uchiha Hikaru, has successfully fused the optimized Hashirama cells, White Zetsu cells, and the Oni-Garara catalyst into the ultimate complex. His vital signs are stable, his potential has been unleashed far beyond expectations, and there are no signs of rejection or malignant mutations."

"This signifies that the core challenges of the technology system have been largely overcome, and advanced modifications in theory are now feasible."

He paused, then changed the subject, his tone becoming more cautious: "However, it must be emphasized that this success is highly unique to this individual. The purity of Guangda's Uchiha bloodline, the power of his Mangekyou Sharingan, and his astonishing mental resilience are key to bearing and perfectly integrating this power. If this technology is to be promoted to a wider group, especially to ordinary Jonin or even Special Jonin, the risks remain enormous."

Hiruko retrieved another set of data, showing simulated curves of tolerance to cell fusion for different body types.

"Based on a comprehensive assessment, we recommend the most prudent, gradual approach. First, with the consent of the participants and the informed consent of the participants, select a group of Jonin with exceptional mental strength and solid foundations to undergo small-scale, significantly weakened, primary genetic modification."

"For example, we only perform the first three stages of adaptive injection. The aim is to observe the long-term physical and mental responses, the extent of potential activation, and whether there are any hidden side effects under relatively mild stimulation. Based on the tracking data of this group of 'pioneers' over several years, we then optimize the formula year by year, gradually expand the scope of trials, and cautiously increase the modification stage. In this way, we can maximize the technological benefits and minimize unpredictable risks within a controllable range."

Mianma listened quietly, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on the smooth tabletop.

After listening to Hiruko's report, he turned his head slightly and looked at Minato Namikaze standing to the side.

"Father, how many people in the country have reached the Jonin rating standard?" Menma asked.

The number of Star Ninja Army members increases significantly every now and then, and Menma doesn't keep a close eye on it. However, Minato, who is actually in charge of handling the political affairs of the Star Country, is quite aware of it.

Minato answered smoothly: "Thanks to the comprehensive education system and the deployment of scientific ninja tools, the strength of the Star Ninja Army has continued to grow. Currently, there are 57 officially registered Jonin who have passed the comprehensive assessment. In addition, the Special Jonin team has reached 503 people, including some who are exceptionally talented in specific fields and have particularly outstanding mental strength. After evaluation, they also have the potential to participate in the initial modification experiment."

If this number were to reach the ears of other major powers in the ninja world, it would be enough to cause a huge uproar.

In just a few years, the size of the Star Country's top combat force has expanded more than four times from the fourteen Jonin during the war with the Wind and Earth nations a few years ago!
This is not merely the result of annexing the legacy of Sunagakure, but also the result of the continued exertion of the powerful system of the Land of Stars, which transcends the traditional ninja village model and integrates six years of compulsory ninja education, large-scale popularization of scientific ninja tools, and the advanced management concepts brought by Menma.

Ordinary people who might never become genin in their entire lives can now become qualified genin in the Star Ninja Army through standardized scientific ninja tools and basic ninjutsu training, providing a large pool of candidates for higher-ranking ninjas.

Mianma nodded, seemingly unsurprised by the number.

He pondered for a moment and then made a decision: "Yes. Let's follow Hiruko's suggestion and immediately begin to compile the list of the first batch of test subjects. The number is tentatively set at twelve, and the principle of voluntariness must be strictly followed."

“All details of the trial, potential risks, and possible benefits must be fully disclosed to the participants so that they can weigh the risks and make their own decisions. Any form of coercion or concealment is a serious crime.”

His gaze turned to Shuimen, filled with trust: "Father, this matter is of great importance, so I entrust it to you for full supervision. From personnel selection and the drafting and signing of informed consent forms to every step of the experiment, and even the long-term follow-up observation, you need to personally oversee everything. I want to ensure that nothing goes wrong."

Upon hearing this, Minato's resurrected face revealed a helpless, bitter smile, his tone tinged with both resignation and teasing: "You child... really, every time you come back you dump the most troublesome and exhausting burdens on me. Oh well, what can I do? I'm your father. Don't worry, I'll keep a close eye on things and I won't let anyone make a mistake in matters concerning life and the future."

His words were filled with deep affection and absolute trust.

"Thank you for your trouble." Mianma nodded slightly.

Minato and Hiruko bowed again, then turned and left the office.

The heavy door slid shut silently, and the interior returned to silence.

Orochimaru, who had been silent all along, finally took half a step forward.

His golden snake-like eyes stared at Mianma, his hoarse, effeminate voice carrying a hint of curiosity: "So, when do you plan to make your move against Konoha next?"

In Orochimaru's eyes, the Land of Stars' current strength has completely overwhelmed the four great nations.

Konohagakure in the Land of Fire appears large, but it is actually riddled with internal conflicts; Kumogakure in the Land of Lightning is martial but lacks strategic depth and technological foundation; Iwagakure in the Land of Earth has submitted to the Land of Stars and become its vassal; Kirigakure in the Land of Water has yet to recover from the Blood Mist policy.

The flames of the Fourth Shinobi World War await only the command of this young ruler before us.

Menma raised his eyelids, glanced at Orochimaru indifferently, and asked in return, "Oh? You seem to be looking forward to a great war that will sweep across the entire ninja world?"

"Heh heh..." Orochimaru let out a low chuckle, his slender tongue unconsciously licking his lips, his narrowed snake eyes flashing with complex light.

"Expectations? Perhaps. I'm just curious... how you will treat Konoha. After all, it's the place Minato once swore to protect with his life, and it also holds... the grudges of many old friends."

He didn't say it explicitly, but deep in his eyes, there was a complex emotion towards the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

A mixture of resentment, disappointment, and a subtle, indescribable feeling of not wanting to see him ultimately ruined and disgraced flashed by.

Menma seemed to read his mind and casually waved her hand: "The Star Kingdom will not initiate a full-scale war in the short term. We need time to digest our existing achievements and steadily advance our internal development. As for you... if you have any 'personal matters' that you feel need to settle, then do them now. I will not interfere with your 'personal time,' as long as it does not harm the national interest."

Orochimaru's pupils contracted slightly, then he resumed his ambiguous, half-smiling expression.

'You knew exactly what I was thinking.'

Orochimaru gave a soft hum, said no more, and turned to leave the office.

Now, only Menma and Uchiha Hikaru, who had been standing silently by the window, remained in the room.

Menma stood up from his chair and slowly walked to Uchiha Hikaru.

The sunlight outlined her slender and upright profile, her long black hair cascading down like a waterfall.

He reached out and gently brushed his fingertips across her smooth cheek, the movement natural and tender.

Guang's body trembled slightly, and a faint blush quickly spread across her fair cheeks. However, she did not flinch, but instead tilted her head slightly to meet Mianma's gaze.

Those eyes, usually as cold and clear as a deep pool, were now rippling with subtle waves.

"How are you feeling?" Menma's voice was deep and gentle, a stark contrast to the cold and stern demeanor he displayed while handling official business.

Guang did not answer, but slowly opened his eyes.

In an instant, it was as if invisible ripples spread out!

Her eyes had whites that had turned a deep, dark red, and pupils that had several concentric circles that slowly rotated like ancient tree rings, with six jet-black magatama evenly inlaid on them, and tiny branches extending from the edges.

The powerful ocular energy of the Rinnegan with its six tomoe flowed naturally, making the surrounding air seem a bit heavier.

But soon, those awe-inspiring eyes quietly changed again. The dark red faded, the tree ring patterns and tomoe disappeared, and they returned to the ordinary three-tomoe Sharingan state.

She controlled it with ease, clearly demonstrating that she was already very skilled at managing this new power.

Menma carefully examined her eyes, his admiration undisguised, and softly exclaimed, "Very beautiful eyes."

Based on Hikari's previous description, Menma has roughly determined that the initial awakening abilities of her Rinnegan are inclined towards "insight" and "perception," enabling her to glimpse the essence of chakra and all things, and even the gaps in space.

In the future, it is possible to develop abilities similar to 'Heavenly Hand Power', which allows the exchange of object positions within a limited range.

It can even open 'doors' to other worlds, just like Sasuke's Rinnegan.

A hint of seriousness flashed in Guang's eyes, and he asked softly, "That woman... do you know who she is?"

Menma nodded. According to Hikaru's previous description, what she 'saw' when she awakened the Rinnegan was Kaguya who was sealed away.

He withdrew his hand, his expression unchanged: "She is Kaguya Otsutsuki, the mother of the Sage of Six Paths, and is known as the progenitor of chakra. She was sealed away by the Sage of Six Paths and his brothers a thousand years ago. However, there is no need to worry too much. Even if she escapes in the future, she may not be a match for us."

Menma changed the subject, his gaze becoming expectant: "The most urgent task is to help you fully master the power of these eyes, as well as the Yin-Yang Release technique. I will personally give you special training from now on. Are you ready, Hikari?"

Upon hearing "personalized special training," Hikaru's cheeks flushed even more, but his Sharingan, which had reverted to its original three-tomoe form, instantly ignited with a burning fighting spirit and an indomitable will.

She slightly raised her chin, her tone carrying a long-lost sense of challenge: "It seems... we haven't really had a serious match in a long time. I'm looking forward to it, Menma."

(End of this chapter)