The dim basement was filled with an unsettling stillness, broken only by the faint hum of chakra-infused instruments. Rows of sealed glass jars lined the walls, each containing preserved samples of unknown origin. The shelves were meticulously arranged with precision tools—chakra sensors, syringes, and fine needles that glinted faintly under the dim light.
At the center of the room stood Aoki Yoru.
He leaned over a cold metal table, his expression focused and unwavering. Before him lay the restrained body of a White Zetsu specimen. Its pale, almost plant-like flesh twitched faintly as he inserted thin chakra needles into its limbs with careful precision.
Every movement he made was controlled and deliberate.
This hidden basement had not been his original creation. He had discovered it deep within the Forest of Death during one of his training sessions. At the time, it had been abandoned—covered in layers of dust, with broken glass scattered across the floor. The remnants of experiments were still visible, telling a silent story of the one who once used it.
There was only one person in Konoha who could have owned such a place.
Orochimaru.
Recognizing its potential, Yoru had claimed the laboratory as his own. Over time, he restored it, reinforced it with sealing techniques, and installed numerous traps around the perimeter. Explosive tags were hidden in key locations—if anyone attempted to break in or tamper with the seals, the entire facility would be reduced to rubble instantly.
Caution was not optional. It was survival.
During the past year, while stationed at the border, Yoru had used shadow clones to secretly purchase experimental equipment from various black markets. The cost had been enormous. Nearly all the money he had taken from Gato had been spent.
"Scientific research is truly a luxury," he muttered under his breath.
Even now, he did not dare relax.
Each time he entered the laboratory, he created a shadow clone whose sole purpose was to disperse natural energy throughout the space. This acted as an invisible detection network, allowing him to sense any intrusions instantly.
White Zetsu were not to be underestimated.
"They are far too dangerous to treat lightly," he thought.
Turning his attention back to the specimen, Yoru carefully observed the readings from the chakra sensor beside him.
"The physical composition… formed from God Tree cells," he murmured, his voice low and analytical. "Its structure is stabilized through Yin-Yang Release… and it possesses compatibility with all chakra attributes."
The readings fluctuated continuously, yet remained stable within a certain threshold.
"There is no rejection," he continued. "It can simulate, absorb, and assimilate any form of chakra."
To confirm his hypothesis, he flicked a piece of chakra-sensitive test paper onto the surface of the White Zetsu's body.
Instantly, the paper reacted.
Flames flickered across one section. Another portion split apart. Elsewhere, the surface crumpled, dampened, and crackled with electricity—all five elemental transformations manifesting simultaneously.
"Just as expected…"
Yoru's eyes narrowed slightly, a trace of amazement flickering within them.
"All five nature transformations present at once."
He exhaled slowly.
Combined with its origin as a Yin-Yang construct and its overwhelming vitality at the cellular level, the White Zetsu truly lived up to its reputation as a "universal medium." It could merge with almost any living organism without rejection.
"It's no wonder this thing is considered a panacea."
Yet, despite its incredible properties, Yoru felt no temptation to transplant its cells into his own body.
He was not reckless.
"No matter how powerful it is, it originates from the God Tree," he thought coldly. "There's no way to know if it carries hidden control mechanisms… or even residual will."
The absence of evidence did not mean safety.
In a world filled with ancient schemers and hidden conspiracies, blind trust was equivalent to suicide.
He thought of the unseen forces lurking behind history—beings who had manipulated events for centuries.
"No," he decided firmly. "I will not gamble my freedom on something I cannot fully understand."
Instead, his goal was far more ambitious.
He wanted to completely dissect the existence of White Zetsu—not just physically, but fundamentally.
At three levels:
The essence of its life structure
The origin and flow of its chakra
The logic governing its Yin-Yang composition
Only by understanding everything could he truly control it.
"Once I grasp it completely… I won't need to rely on existing specimens," he said quietly. "I can recreate it… or even surpass it."
His gaze deepened.
"Perhaps… even create something entirely my own."
A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
"This is closer to the source than even Hashirama's cells…"
But soon, that smile faded.
"There's still a problem."
He leaned back slightly, crossing his arms.
"My knowledge of cellular biology is insufficient."
Despite his progress, he had reached a bottleneck. Without deeper understanding, further advancement would be slow and inefficient.
A name surfaced in his mind.
Orochimaru.
The greatest biologist in the ninja world.
"If necessary… I'll make a deal with him," Yoru thought.
It was dangerous—but so was stagnation.
Shaking his head, he pushed the thought aside for now and returned to his work.
Three days later, the experiments were temporarily concluded.
Yoru carefully sealed all materials, including the White Zetsu specimen, into a storage scroll. After confirming that every piece of equipment was secured and every seal intact, he let out a long breath.
The past few days had pushed his mind to its limits.
But the results were worth it.
He brushed the dust from his clothes and walked toward a concealed exit. With a soft push, a hidden door at the base of a massive tree opened, allowing sunlight to spill into the darkness.
Stepping outside, he inhaled deeply.
Fresh air.
Not far ahead lay an open field—Training Ground Five.
It was located near the Forest of Death, and due to its remote location, few people came here. The environment was quiet and ideal for training.
However, today, it was anything but quiet.
Loud voices echoed across the field.
"Youth! Burn brighter!!"
Yoru paused, already recognizing the source.
In the center of the training ground, two figures—one tall and one shorter—were running in circles… upside down, balanced entirely on their hands.
Both wore identical green bodysuits and sported identical bowl-cut hairstyles.
It was a rather… unforgettable sight.
Nearby, two other youths stood watching with expressions of disbelief.
Yoru walked over calmly.
"Might Guy-sensei," he greeted.
The taller figure flipped forward and landed gracefully on his feet, flashing a bright, enthusiastic smile.
"Yoru! You've returned!"
Guy gestured proudly toward the three younger ninjas.
"These are my students!"
Yoru nodded politely as introductions were made.
Before long, one of them stepped forward.
It was Neji.
He bowed slightly.
"Yoru-senpai, I've heard of you. Guy-sensei often uses you as an example. I would like to test my strength against yours. Would you be willing to spar?"
There was a hint of defiance in his voice.
Yoru glanced at Guy, who nodded.
"Very well," Yoru said.
He stepped forward casually.
"You can attack first."
Neji's eyes sharpened.
In an instant, the veins around his eyes bulged, and he assumed the stance of the Gentle Fist.
He moved.
Fast.
Chakra gathered at his fingertips as he struck forward with precision.
Yoru shifted slightly.
The attack missed.
Neji accelerated, launching a flurry of strikes. Each movement was precise, refined, and practiced to perfection.
Yet—
He couldn't land a single hit.
To Yoru, Neji's movements felt slow.
Predictable.
"Is this all?" Yoru said calmly.
Neji's expression darkened.
"Don't underestimate me."
He shifted his stance.
"Eight Trigrams: Thirty-Two Palms!"
Chakra erupted outward as Neji unleashed a barrage of strikes at blinding speed.
Each palm targeted a vital chakra point.
The attacks connected.
Again and again.
Thirty-two strikes landed in rapid succession.
Then silence.
Neji stepped back, breathing heavily.
He looked up—
And froze.
Yoru stood there, completely unharmed.
A faint layer of lightning chakra flickered across his body.
"Your speed is decent," Yoru said. "But your penetration is lacking."
Before Neji could react—
Yoru vanished.
A sharp strike landed at the back of his neck.
Neji collapsed instantly.
Silence filled the field.
Tenten and Lee stared in shock.
Guy, however, smiled.
"He'll grow from this," he said.
Yoru nodded, then turned to leave.
As the evening light faded, he walked quietly toward the Memorial Stone.
It had been a long time since he last visited.
And with war looming on the horizon…
He didn't know when he would return again.
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)