When the negotiated terms reached the village, they immediately drew the attention of the Hokage, the two advisors, and the Hokage Assistant.
They quickly reached consensus: even if the conditions exceeded their established limits, agreement was necessary.
Dojutsu was simply too tempting.
After so many years with the Sharingan and Byakugan clans under their roof, Konoha understood better than anyone just how terrifying ocular powers could be.
"A brand new dojutsu." Homura Mitokado couldn't contain his curiosity. "I wonder what its specific effects are. Is it as powerful as the Byakugan or Sharingan?"
"That child was extremely arrogant—it shouldn't be weak." Koharu Utatane frowned. "But I worry it might become another Uchiha situation."
"He's only seven years old. Still young." Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled nonchalantly. "Once he joins Konoha and enters the Academy, he'll become a ninja who carries the Will of Fire."
Though he'd been contemplating abdication, he had no plans to relinquish his role as Academy principal.
He intended to pour the remainder of his life into cultivating the next generation.
"Hmph." Danzo Shimura's face twisted with displeasure. "Hiruzen, your thinking is too naive. He's a seven-year-old child—he should be placed in Root."
"Once he's in Root, I guarantee it won't take long for him to become a true Konoha ninja."
The other three frowned immediately.
"Sending a child into darkness the moment he joins Konoha? Are you trying to force Zenshu into rebellion?"
"Rebellion? Once he joins, that won't be possible."
"Absolutely not. I refuse."
"Hmph. You'll regret this, Hiruzen." Danzo stood and strode toward the exit.
"I warn you—do not defy my orders on this matter." Hiruzen's gaze sharpened, fixed on Danzo's retreating back. "I am the Hokage."
Hiruzen Sarutobi, strength still at its peak, remained that majestic leader. Under his unquestionable authority, Danzo didn't dare say another word.
Soon, the revised proposal was delivered.
Land of Bears.
Zenshu examined the scroll in his hands. The other party had essentially agreed to his conditions.
However, several new requirements had been added. Most notably: youths under twelve must attend the Ninja Academy for at least three years.
"Very sincere. I have no objections." His voice came slowly.
Minato breathed a sigh of relief—but the next sentence made his heart skip.
"However, there's one matter I neglected to mention. It may prove somewhat troublesome."
His eyelids twitching violently, Minato restrained his expression. "What is it?"
"Three years ago, a member of the Uchiha clan trespassed here and attacked my people. He was captured."
"But don't worry—he's still alive and well. He's simply been imprisoned for three years."
Minato's initial tension eased slightly at the confirmation of survival.
"Uchiha Seisho? It's good that he lives. After all, we were the ones who trespassed into the Land of Bears."
"Let's see him first. As long as he's alive and unharmed, everything remains negotiable."
Zenshu had no objections. After all, Uchiha Seisho was indeed alive and well.
They quickly entered the valley barrier. Zenshu led Minato to a particular building.
Pushing open the door revealed Uchiha Seisho bound to a pillar, looking haggard but intact.
"I'll leave him to you. I'll prepare things on my end and await your people." Zenshu turned away.
Seeing Seisho unharmed, Minato's expression relaxed. No death meant three years of imprisonment was a minor matter.
Hearing voices, Seisho slowly raised his head. His gaze found the blond-haired figure.
"Minato... Namikaze?" The words emerged with faint surprise.
In Seisho's memories, Minato Namikaze was merely the disciple of Jiraiya—one of the Sannin. He hadn't yet earned the title of Yellow Flash.
Let alone knowing he was about to become Fourth Hokage.
Minato walked over and untied him, supporting the weakened man with one arm. He nodded at Zenshu.
The next instant, both vanished.
Zenshu stood alone in the dim room. After a long moment, he murmured, "It's finally over."
He would soon join Konoha—gaining a superior research environment and more materials.
But there would also be complications.
"My strength remains insufficient. And this body is a burden." He turned and walked out, heading toward another building.
Entering this laboratory, a circular pattern surrounded a barrier-encased embryo at the center.
The embryo's eyes opened at that precise moment. Its cold gaze met Zenshu's, pupils contracting slightly.
The body expanded rapidly. Within moments, a nine-year-old child stood before him.
Four arms. Four eyes. An exceptionally robust physique.
Ryomen Sukuna picked up clothes and dressed himself.
"Ninjas?" The corners of his mouth curled into a savage grin. "How truly interesting."
He regarded Zenshu with frivolous contempt. "Old man—are you strong?"
"Call me Clan Head." Zenshu's expression remained flat despite the provocation.
"Hey, hey, hey!" Sukuna flexed his four arms and cracked his neck, clearly eager for confrontation. "You don't think that just because you control my life, you can order me around?"
"I control more than just your life."
Zenshu's cold gaze locked onto Sukuna. His entire being radiated sepulchral menace.
Sukuna's body went rigid. Unable to move, he was dragged forward by an invisible force.
Though frozen before Zenshu, his eyes blazed with fierce defiance, fixed unwaveringly on his captor.
Observing that maintained ferocity even while controlled, Zenshu understood clearly: hard tactics would only fuel this one's fighting spirit.
"I can also make you eat filth."
Sukuna's expression flickered.
"Right in front of Gojo Satoru."
The defiance vanished instantly. A trace of genuine horror flashed through those four eyes.
His gaze lowered. Gradually, the stiffness in his body dissipated.
He regained movement—but the arrogance had evaporated. He turned his face aside, utterly silent.
"In a few days, we join Konoha. You'll enter the Academy to systematically learn chakra control. You are not permitted to injure people arbitrarily, nor attack others without justification."
"Got it." Sukuna started walking toward the exit.
"Hmm?"
He paused. Spoke again.
"Yes, Clan Head."
Zenshu watched the retreating figure. This final task was complete.
Now he could begin his true research and plans.
"Souls. Chakra. Ninjutsu—these will have to wait." He raised his hands. Blue-white chakra enveloped them.
"The physical body. Cells. Yang Release chakra."
His eyes narrowed. Ideas for his upcoming research had already crystallized.
"These are the subjects I'll pursue next."
<><><><><<><><><><<><><><><<><><><>
Read advane Chapters on : patreon.com/Kaizo246
~ Evrey 150 PS = Bonus Chapter
~ Push the Story forward with your [Power Stones]