Similar information began writing itself across the two pages of the Book of Ages. Soon, a considerable amount of ink had been consumed, leaving behind densely packed text.
When both Horcruxes were complete, Zenji retrieved the original and set all three to mutually observe and entangle with each other—repeatedly perceiving the others through completely different lenses.
Idealized divinity. Instinctual bestiality. Rationality-encompassing humanity.
The differentiated understanding and reactions of these three aspects toward the same events caused the pages to continuously interweave.
Dense text appeared across them. The story no longer stopped at the initial death.
New words emerged, as if three people were arguing.
Ultimately, the three pages merged together, forming a thin volume.
On the cover, several words stood out: Zenji's Horcrux: Toji Fushiguro.
"Complete." Zenji's eyes lit up.
The will was still weak—it would take approximately three months to fully develop.
"Just as well. The new body has been optimized and can integrate immediately."
He waved his hand. The Book of Ages that had been floating in the air for nearly a month slowly descended onto the nearby experimental table.
Toji Fushiguro's body had undergone changes during that time. The physique appeared even more robust, and even without a soul, it exuded a ferocious aura.
The soul book merged smoothly into the vessel. Yin-Yang chakra activated instantly.
Powerful Yang Release chakra flooded the body with vibrant vitality. The vital flesh, in turn, nourished the soul.
Zenji withdrew his gaze, looking at the two eyes in his hands: one Sharingan, one Byakugan.
"After consideration, the Sharingan is superior. The new body will primarily use it."
He set aside the Byakugan, though he couldn't abandon it entirely. After all, it could serve as the framework for the Six Eyes.
Blue-white and purple-blue light emanated from his hands as the Sharingan merged into the embryo before him.
"The Sage Eyes representing the soul. The Sage Body representing the flesh. Both now have their frameworks and cores." Zenji crossed his arms, fingers tapping rhythmically. "All that remains is chakra."
Although he possessed Yin-Yang chakra, this was power formed by combining Cursed Energy characteristics and the Reverse Cursed Technique's positive energy with ordinary chakra.
Compared to standard chakra, Tailed Beast chakra was far more special. If he could integrate it, his upper limit would increase dramatically.
Konoha. Hokage Building.
"The Hidden Stone front has finally stabilized. Now we'll see what Onoki decides." Hiruzen Sarutobi, wearing his Hokage robes, allowed himself a rare smile.
"The more things settle, the less we can afford to relax." Homura Mitokado sat beside him, voice calm. "We absolutely cannot withdraw significant forces due to pressures elsewhere. We must wait until Hidden Stone retreats or negotiates before mobilizing the main force."
Koharu Utatane nodded in agreement.
Danzo Shimura produced an intelligence report, expression stern.
"From the Land of Bears. An unknown enemy appeared there, killing three Jonin and nine veteran Chunin and Special Jonin in a short period."
Homura and Koharu both started. Achieving that would require Sannin-level ability.
They reached for the report immediately.
Hiruzen made no move—he'd already seen it.
"Why would Hidden Mist detach such a powerful elite squad at this critical juncture?" Homura pushed up his glasses, immediately identifying the key question.
Hiruzen took a slow draw from his pipe. "The seven ninja swords. Hidden Mist's summoning scroll couldn't recall them, but it locked onto their general location."
"So they dispatched an elite squad carrying the scroll itself, intending to recover the blades directly."
"A summoning scroll?"
"The seven ninja swords?"
Homura and Koharu exclaimed almost simultaneously.
"This individual took the summoning scroll as well? Can we seize it?"
"Seven ninja swords equal seven Jonin-class threats." Danzo spoke slowly. "Several of the stronger blades could absolutely cultivate experts rivaling your three students. Obtaining them would significantly boost Konoha's strength."
His gaze settled on Hiruzen. A trace of calculation flickered in his eyes.
Even he hadn't known these details—yet Hiruzen had the full picture.
Hiruzen took two more puffs from his pipe, regarding the three advisors.
"I've decided to send Minato and his squad to the Land of Bears front."
Danzo and the others fell silent momentarily. The Hidden Stone front needed stability above all else—as long as they could stall the enemy, that was sufficient.
Minato's exceptional mobility wouldn't be as impactful there as elsewhere.
"Agreed."
"Agreed. The Land of Bears front does require support."
"The seven ninja swords hold extreme value. I have no objections." Danzo's face remained grim as he spoke.
He already knew Hiruzen was contemplating retirement. The next Hokage would likely be whoever accumulated the greatest military merit in this war.
Having remained off the battlefield, Danzo himself no longer had a chance. But Orochimaru, whom he supported, still did.
He'd originally assumed Jiraiya would be Orochimaru's primary competition. He'd never expected it would ultimately be this man named Minato Namikaze.
Hiruzen nodded, produced a scroll, wrote the order, and handed it to an ANBU operative.
Far away on the Hidden Stone front, Minato received the summons. He returned to Konoha with his squad.
First, he attended Obito Uchiha's funeral.
Then he led his team to the Land of Bears.
"This is outrageous! Parachuting in a commander-in-chief mid-war? This is blatant credit theft!"
Inside the frontline command post, an Uchiha Jonin slammed his palm against the table.
Fugaku Uchiha's expression had darkened as well. Though he wasn't among the clan's pro-war faction that clashed openly with the Hokage's supporters, that didn't mean he lacked pride.
"Enough." His voice cut through the complaints like ice.
The angry clansmen gradually quieted.
"This is the Hokage's decision. Follow it."
Fugaku stood, glancing toward Shisui.
"I plan to return to Konoha and bring my son Itachi to experience the battlefield firsthand. If anything arises, consult the new commander."
Without waiting for responses, he departed. His transfer application flew toward Konoha accordingly.
Minato Namikaze had just arrived at the frontline command post when he felt the cold gazes of numerous Uchiha members.
"I understand," he murmured to himself. He hadn't expected to encounter complications immediately upon arrival.
The Uchiha clan's emotions run hot, but at least they don't hide them. With normal interaction, it should be possible to mend the long-standing tension between the clan and the village.
Though he hadn't yet become Hokage, Minato was already contemplating the relationship between the village and its most powerful clan.
To lead them, I'll need strength that commands their respect. And direct orders won't work—indirect approaches would be far more effective.
His thoughts immediately turned to his wife, Kushina Uzumaki. She had an excellent relationship with Fugaku's wife, Mikoto.
That could serve as an ideal starting point.
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