From Naruto onwards, I've become a dreamer.

Chapter 20 The Second Gathering

It was already late at night when I got back to the hotel.

Tsunade hasn't returned yet; it seems she's planning to fight a bloody battle all night. Uchiha Muneki can only hope that this woman doesn't suffer a crushing defeat.

Having finally managed to stay at a hot spring hotel, and with it being a "business trip on public funds," Uchiha Munetsuki naturally couldn't miss it.

Soaking in the hot spring, he closed his eyes comfortably, but his mind was still thinking.

"I wasn't planning on going this fast, but it seems I have to speed things up now." The sudden encounter with Jigen today has taken things a bit out of control. Uchiha Muneki came out of the hot spring, changed his clothes, and returned to his room.

After checking the surroundings, I carefully set up the trap.

Then, he took out Hermes' brass candlestick from the scroll he carried with him, infused it with his soul power, and lit it.

A mysterious force dragged him down into a deep, dark dream.

Flowing like a tide, constantly falling among the stars.

Orochimaru, who was about to finish his research, suddenly felt a wave of drowsiness wash over him.

"Um?"

Orochimaru was stunned for a moment, but quickly realized that this was some kind of 'summoning'.

Immediately, he walked to the chair, sat down, and slowly closed his eyes in a comfortable position, no longer resisting the force.

The spirit body plummeted into the boundless black mist until it reached the deepest part.

In the boundless ocean of the subconscious mind, in a sanctuary built of dreams, stands a magnificent church of bones.

An ancient atmosphere permeated the church, and two blurry figures appeared beside the mottled bronze table.

Good evening, Mr. Adam.

Orochimaru avoided eye contact and bowed deeply: "Thank you very much for your reminder about what happened last time."

"Mr. Adam."

Hatake Sagumo's reaction, however, was much more subdued.

"Don't be so formal, sit down."

Uchiha Muneki was shrouded in a hazy mist, raised his hand as if to press down, and spoke in a very amiable tone.

After they sat down, neither of them knew what to say and fell silent.

Orochimaru broke the silence first: "Mr. Adam, is there anything we need to discuss with you?"

"The ninja world has been too comfortable for far too long."

Uchiha Munezuki tapped the table lightly with his index finger, smiling enigmatically: "Some people seem to be getting restless."

Upon hearing this, Hatake Sagumo's expression changed slightly: "You mean the Shinobi World War is about to begin again?!"

"Heh, what's so strange about that? White Fang, you're still so naive." Orochimaru sneered, "The resources of the major ninja villages are limited, but Konoha alone occupies the most fertile land. Ever since the Second Hokage died, the other ninja villages have been eager to make their move."

"More than the impending war, I'm curious about..."

He paused for a moment, avoiding direct eye contact with the man in the high-backed chair, a hint of awe in his eyes: "Judging from your tone, Mr. Adam, this war doesn't seem to be as simple as it appears, does it?"

"Aren't there always some people who prefer to stay in the shadows?"

Uchiha Munetsuki stopped tapping his fingers and slowly leaned back in his chair: "Actually, I didn't intend to get involved, but those people wanted to obstruct the will of 'Master,' which is not allowed."

"Perfect timing, my research has recently stalled."

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes slightly, licked his lips, and a dangerous glint appeared in his eyes: "Going out for a stroll seems like a good option; perhaps I can find new inspiration."

"You are not suitable to appear in public regarding this matter."

Uchiha Muneki had his own considerations and calmly said, "Those people are very timid. If you go, it will only make them hide even deeper."

"I'll go, Mr. Adam."

At this moment, Hatake Sakumo spoke up, saying, "In everyone's eyes, I am a dead man, and dead men are not noticed."

"Alright, then I'll leave it to you, Sagumo." Uchiha Munetsuki said, then looked at Orochimaru: "Orochimaru, I need you to do something else."

"Mr. Adam, please speak."

Orochimaru lowered his head respectfully, understanding that this was a test for him, and solemnly said, "No matter what the mission is, I will do my best to complete it."

It was just a single Black Zetsu cell that allowed him to see the 'future'.

That extraordinary vitality was like a first-generation cell, yet not entirely similar, and even somewhat unlike a human—a pure collection of Yin energy!

After studying Black Zetsu's cells in depth, a terrifying thought surfaced in Orochimaru's mind.

Although he wasn't sure yet, it strengthened his resolve to follow the Twilight Hermits.

"Heh, no need to be so serious, it's a very simple matter for you."

Uchiha Munezuki said in a calm tone, "Go and collect as many Byakugan as possible, within your capabilities."

"Byakugan?" This request surprised Orochimaru somewhat. "Excuse me for speaking frankly, Mr. Adam, although they are known as the two great bloodline limits of Konoha, I don't think the Byakugan is as important as the First Hokage's cells and the Sharingan."

Hatake Sakumo, who was standing to the side, nodded in agreement.

Indeed, among the bloodline limits passed down in Konoha, although the Byakugan and Sharingan are equally famous, those who truly understand them know that the two are by no means comparable.

Perhaps the Byakugan can still have an advantage when the Sharingan is below three tomoe, but once the Sharingan awakens the Mangekyou Sharingan, the two are almost worlds apart.

"You guys are underestimating the power of eye-rolling."

Having anticipated their reaction, Uchiha Munetsuki chuckled and dropped a bombshell: "Both the Byakugan and the Sharingan originate from the bloodline of the Sage."

"An immortal?!"

Orochimaru and Hatake Saiko were utterly shocked, their pupils dilating in disbelief at the news: "You mean... the Sage of Six Paths? He actually existed?"

Uchiha Muneki smiled without saying a word.

However, this non-denial attitude undoubtedly confirmed their guess, causing the two of them to gasp in unison.

"Myths are actually true!"

Compared to Hatake Sagumo's shock, Orochimaru had made some guesses beforehand, so he was more excited.

For a scientist, what could be more fascinating than the unknown?

"Since the Sharingan can become the 'Mangekyou', then the Byakugan..." Orochimaru shuddered just thinking about it, but it wasn't fear, but rather the excitement of personally exploring the unknown and uncovering this secret: "I understand, Mr. Adam, I will 'study' it carefully."

Seeing Orochimaru licking his lips, Hatake Sagumo's eyes twitched, as if he had already foreseen the tragic future of the Hyuga clan.

Oh well, let him suffer as he may. What does it have to do with a dead man?

"Alright, that's enough for today."

Sensing someone approaching, Uchiha Munetsuki decisively ended the call, glancing at White Fang and saying, "Later, I will tell you what the person you need to find looks like."

It was sunny on March 12.

Yay, finally a break. It feels like I'm about to be laid to rest. Please support my new book during the new book period! Thank you! (Didn't win another scratch card, damn it, I'm not buying any next week!)

(End of this chapter)