Chapter 140: 139. Phase Three

MrProper

Rei's laboratory

"I'm sorry, could you repeat that? Because it sounded like you said I created a-"

[Ripple. Yes, you heard right]

As per Rei's request, Notitia elaborated on its recent change in behavior. Starting with the bombshell that Rei created a "Ripple", a change in this world's course

Though he craved answers, this news was the last thing he wanted to hear

"How the hell could I, on an island hardly anyone knows about, fighting nobodies, cause a ripple? And what does that have to do with your strange behavior?"

[Everything. I'm your guide, that means whenever you endanger yourself or disrupt this world's balance towards your detriment, the other reacts...sometimes violently]

"The other, you mean your weird distorted voice that shows up whenever I use a Lifeline?"

[Yes. Despite our differences, our end goal is to "guide" you towards successful completion of this...game. In the case of my other side, by any means necessary]

"Fine. That's not really an answer but I'll take it...for now. But why did you anger me?"

[To force a reaction. I'm sure you know what that means, after studying Kekkei Genkai1Bloodline Limitmanifestation]

He recalled what Motoi told him about said subject. Unusual abilities in this world typically awaken through physical or mental trauma. Stress and dangerous situations

Rei theorized there was some correlation to adrenaline, the release of bodily chemicals like endorphins could potentially cause physical changes within the human body

[As we've discussed before, your modified body is a conclave of different resources, all fighting for dominance. By angering you in a situation that was becoming increasingly more dangerous, it might've caused a change in you...once again]

"Like when I was pushed to the brink by the Fuma Clan years ago. But you didn't know I was gonna awaken a Kekkei Genkai..."

[No. We didn't know what change would occur, we just knew it was your only chance. There's no way you could've beaten Etoro Konjiki without it by yourself, or am I wrong?]

"True. However, why are all of my reactions so different?"

Various powers and abilities manifested over the years, but he could barely find a connection between them. How he could suddenly fight like a veteran shinobi, Kekkei Genkai, and other powers

[Different reactions are a result of the different resources I just mentioned. Your Fire and Lava, a result of "Rei's" body and soul, his heritage. Your rampage on the Fuma, a result Isshiki's cells. Finally, your Inyōton2Yin-Yang/Shadow & Light Style, likely the result of your foreign soul and experiments]

"The first is human, the second is Ōtsutsuki, and the third is what we tried to initially create...Neo-Ōtsutsuki"

[Now you understand. Even as just chakra, Ōtsutsuki powers are very unpredictable. Ever notice how you suddenly fight so much better when you lose control? Their power, their cells, they all function like Karma]

"?!"

Fear lightly gripped his heart when he heard that word. Karma was the Ōtsutsuki power to imprint their genetic code and reincarnate in the body of another. Similar to what Raymond did to the original Rei

He'd always carried the thought that taking in Isshiki's DNA could result in a similar effect. Though unlikely, that his rampages were the result of Isshiki from beyond the grave trying to take him over

He was already dealing with the possibility "Rei" would return to take his body back as their souls were connected, hence his search for the legendary place, Ryūchidō3Dragon Ground Cave

The very place Orochimaru forged and perfected his Tensei Jutsu4Reincarnation Jutsu

[Karma provides the host with all the parasitic Ōtsutsuki's combat abilities. They live for thousands of years, all that experience drilled into your body, any average person becomes a hardened warrior in an instant]

{So that's why my fighting is so much better whenever I use Kisshōten5Auspicious Heavens} "Okay I get it, one day I'm going to have to find an appropriate balance. You still haven't answered my first question, what about the Ripple?"

[We don't know]

"Excuse me?"

[We can identify a Ripple when it's right in front of us, but whatever you did on that island will inevitably cause a chain of events that'll change this story. Probably for the worse]

"You've got to be shitting me..."

[In our defense, you did tell us not to talk when you became upset]

Rei fell on his chair, shaking his head in frustration. There was so much on his plate, and he didn't even know where to start. Every time he received an answer, he ended up with more questions

[We don't know what these new Ripples may bring, or even when they'll show up. Until we can identify them, when it comes to whatever training and/or prep you have planned...double your efforts]

"Sigh...obviously"

♦♦♦

The Land of Fire's western border

Two men in dark hoods were meeting right outside the border

"You certainly took your time"

"I was only late by a few minutes, chill. You nervous or something?"

"Should I be comfortable standing here? Near the country that wants me dead the most?" 

"I promise to make this as quick as possible"

POOF!

A ritual circle appeared on the ground as the easy-going individual performed a summoning jutsu. Calling forth several gargantuan animals, all unconscious and restrained

"Just as requested, suitable subjects for you, or rather your superior's use"

"Good, as the newest member of my organization, I did not want to fail my first task"

"To keep your slithery ass from getting kicked out?"

"Not how I'd put it but, yes. Thank you for the help Arc, I heard things were quite chaotic in the northern seas"

"They were no-name mercenaries going up against the Cloud, of course there'd be an issue"

"If you had participated, they wouldn't have stood a chance. Couldn't afford to get your hands dirty?"

"Hardly. I am, and always will be the middle-man. Enjoy your new toys Orochimaru"

SWISH!

Arc left as quickly as he came. Orochimaru stood in silence, seemingly waiting for something before speaking again

"Well? Will this be enough?"

"Yes, it'll do just fine"

"Glad to hear it"

A young woman emerged out of thin air, small paper materials floating around her

"You wouldn't mind telling me why our dear leader Pain needs these?"

"Concerned about something?"

"I'm a scientist, curiosity is second nature. But you don't have to tell me if you don't want to"

"...Because you'll eventually figure it out on your own, right?"

"You could say that, but my gut is telling me I don't need to care about something of this level. Now, if you'll excuse me, my partner is standing by"

"Mm. It's best not to make that one wait, you know how much he hates it"

"Indeed, a pleasure as always Konan-san"

Right after Orochimaru left, the very space next to Konan began to swirl and a masked man emerged out of nowhere

"Madara..."

"Glad to see you're putting that snake to work. Even if it's obvious he'll betray us, at least we can get some benefits before that happens. Also, from now on, please refer to me as Tobi"

"No matter how he acts, long as his actions benefit Akatsuki, Pain won't do anything"

"That uncompromising attitude is what I like about him. Everything go smoothly?"

"Yes, we're getting ready to take full control of Amegakure6Hidden Rain Village"

"For his final fight with Hanzō, he'll need the full Six Paths Jutsu, but since Nagato can't walk..." 

"The Animal path is all that remains, a suitable candidate can be found anywhere"

The one known as "Pain" was merely one of six corpses to be used for said "Six Paths Jutsu", controlled by the now crippled character Nagato

Each puppet was host to one of six different abilities, dubbed as "Paths", tied to the unique Rinnegan7Saṃsāra Eyeeye. All serving the singular purpose of enacting his will

"Don't chose the next one lightly. If he wants to take full advantage of the Rinnegan, there's a certain level of compatibility needed to be taken into account"

"Naturally, otherwise the missing spot for the Animal path would've been filled already. Most will crumble apart just from the sheer quantity of his chakra"

"I just wanted to remind you. Now, I'll take these animals to him, I can transport them faster"

"Much appreciated"

ZZZUUUUU!

The one called Tobi reached out and distorted space, sucking in the captured animals into another dimension

"If you still have trouble finding a suitable candidate, Zetsu can take that duty off your shoulders. Pain needs to be complete before Akatsuki steps out of the shadows"

"Considering I'm devoting resources just to find Hanzō, that'd be helpful. He's gone underground"

Tobi's figure slowly began to distort as he teleported away, but not before issuing some final advice

"I doubt he'll lose, but I'm obligated to warn you about Hanzō. Just because new paranoia has stopped him from honing his skills, he's still a legendary ninja. Good luck"

ZWUP!

Konan was now alone, her body dissipating into countless folds of paper as she muttered in a quiet...yet hateful tone

"You can only be a legend when you die. For us, Hanzō of the Salamander has been a dead man for quite some time...he just doesn't know it yet"

♦♦♦

Unmarked territory

Within an underground facility at an undisclosed location, members of the "Company" had gathered. All but the supposed leader known only by his alias "Sage" were present

The twin members "Arc" and "Balance" were conversing quietly

"I told you, it went off without a hitch, and we got paid a hefty sum" (Arc)

"I still don't like you working with that snake, if the others find out-" (Balance)

"So what? No one's here out of loyalty, we all agreed this merry band of ours was strictly for personal benefit" (Arc)

"Unless an individual's actions hindered us in any way. Many may not appreciate the idea" (Balance)

Arc grew more and more frustrated with his brother's council. He always hated it whenever Balance "nagged" at him

"The boss ordered me to do what needed to be done on that island, I saw no harm making some extra cash in process. Plus, that job cost me some good mercenaries!" (Arc)

"If things go according to plan, you'll get them back. Besides, you were already compensated for any potential loss. Stop being so greedy, it's gonna be the death of you" (Balance)

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"Cheh! I'm fine nii-san, you worry too much" (Arc)

"You're only alive because I worry so much. Especially since no one else is going to" (Balance)

CLINK!

The final member entered the room and gestured for everyone to take their seats around a large circular table. "Sage" had arrived, eager to start the meeting

"Before I make the official announcement, I'd like to hear your reports. Brother Scorpion, Sister Blade, how were things in Takigakure8Hidden Waterfall Village?" (Sage)

"No casualties on our end, everyone got away clean. I cleaned up and ensured no trace was left behind" (Blade)

"Hisen has been assassinated" (Scorpion)

"Whistle!" (Mountain)

"Damn, to think the first person to get what they want here would be Scorpion. My money was on Blade, or Time" (Arc)

"I take no pleasure in it..." (Scorpion)

"Bullshit. You've been dying for payback on that village ever since you were kicked out" (Arc)

"..." (Scorpion)

"Then again, there's nothing wrong with us here making a little extra, am I right?" (Arc)

"Arc, shut up" (Balance)

"Tsk!" (Arc)

Though Arc seemed brazen, Balance knew he was hinting at his earlier point, everyone member had their own objectives. As long as the means didn't effect the group in a negative, no one had the right to protest Arc making financial gain on the side

Even if it was from one like Orochimaru...who betrayed and deserted them

"Hey, he's not wrong Balance, cut your brother some slack" (Three)

"Did I ask for your goddamn opinion? Stick to your own greedy business, shitty old man" (Balance)

"Why you-!" (Three)

"Hahahahaha! He got you there Three!" (Mountain)

Balance was simply trying to ensure his younger brother wouldn't grow reckless, the latter of whom had a history of making rash decisions on the fly

The last thing he believed Arc didn't need was to end up like Three

"Can we move on please? I'm on a schedule" (Time)

"Oh gosh! Did you hear that everyone?! Time is on a schedule, stop the f**king press!" (Arc)

"..." (Time)

"The Jinchūriki wasn't present, so the Seven-Tails didn't make an appearance" (Blade)

"In other words, you couldn't get it. Brother Arc, were you able to retrieve what Sister Red asked of you and Blade?" (Sage)

Arc placed a large box on the table before opening it, revealing a small glass container within. Sliding it across the table towards "Red", who as always, sat right next to Sage

She raised the glass in front of her face, and though Red tried to hide it on her face, everyone knew she was absolutely elated with this new sample

"DNA from the Seven-Tails as per requested. Extracted straight from the very place Kumogakure aided Takigakure with its capture, Summoning island. Everyone was too busy to notice me" (Arc)

"And the seed?" (Sage)

Arc glanced towards his left, eying his older brother

"Ah...that. I placed it, but whether or not it was firmly planted, I'd refer to a certain someone on that front" (Arc)

"Brother Balance?" (Sage)

"The seed, along with myself, have rooted positions within Kusagakure's9Hidden Grass VillageHōzuki-jō10Demon Lantern Castle. Everything went off without a hitch. I've also secured a private space for Red to continue her work" (Balance)

"Hmph! Hōzuki-jō...just call what it really is! The Blood Prison!" (Three)

"With Hisen dead, his son Shibuki is set to take the reigns, albeit with support from the village elders" (Scorpion)

"Takigakure's struggling to get themselves back together, and Amegakure is still in the midst of a civil war, we can safely operate in Kusagakure without worrying about its neighbors. Nice job everyone, high fives all around" (Arc)

"Excuse me..."

The one who cut in was the newest member of the group, bearing the designation "Flow". He nervously stood up while addressing the table, reluctantly set on breaking the mood filled with gratification

"You have something to add Brother Flow?" (Sage)

"Yes. Some unsavory rumors have reached my ears, I fear we may have done our job a little too well" (Flow)

"I don't follow, you're saying we did something wrong?" (Arc)

"I'm not saying that, but according to rumors, Konoha has dispatched the Uchiha Clan to act as temporary guards for the prison" (Flow)

"Huh?!" (Arc)

"I haven't heard anything of sort, and I'm working there" (Balance)

"This news is very recent. I believe you may have hired too many mercenaries for this job Arc" (Flow)

"I don't follow, what do the number of mercenaries have to do with this?" (Arc)

Kusagakure's prison was already nearing its capacity, largely in part to the previous war. There were many war criminals who took advantage of the ensuing chaos during the time

But in this new period of "peace", the number of criminals sent to prison had grown even further now that shinobi nations were finally restoring order to the lands

Kusagakure was also trying regain its former strength. Diverting resources away from the prison, and more towards its village, mostly to prep the next generation of shinobi. They also wished to participate in the upcoming Chunin Exams, so the top brass went to its third neighbor Konoha

The Leaf didn't want to risk a prison break occurring right by their border, and the government was having issues with the Uchiha. This "Two birds, one stone" action would temporarily shove the tension aside and prevent a prison break from happening

The Fire Daimyō was also concerned and requested the Leaf Shinobi comply with this request. The majority of the ones who'd suffer lay in the Land of Fire itself, and not its capital Konoha

"Konoha's conflicting with its police force? What's that about?" (Three)

"The Uchiha were given self-governance after the Nine-Tails incident, but that decision came back to bite them. Conflicts over authority and territory have escalated somewhat" (Flow)

"So they sent some of them away to distract them...to lighten the mood? That solution won't last long, nor is it effective" (Three)

"Obviously, they're just buying time by diverting the clan's responsibilities" (Flow)

"Stretching them thin is it? You'd think they'd erase them altogether" (Mountain)

"As usual, all brawn and no brain. A monkey has better cognitive function than you" (Red)

"I'd say up yours, but I don't do crazy" (Mountain)

"They need the Uchiha to participate in the upcoming Chunin exams. Despite how the government feels about them, they're still the Leaf's strongest clan" (Flow) 

"Talk about being stuck between a rock and a hard place" (Time)

"The final nail in coffin were the mercs, Kusagakure acknowledged the couldn't maintain order in the prison while they were understaffed and asked for help" (Flow)

Time held her head in frustration. As the one in charge of planning the Company's activity, this new "complication" would inevitably become a wave of issues she'd have to deal with in the immediate future

Balance felt the same, as he was the only member stationed within Kusagakure, his job just became all the more difficult with this news Flow delivered

"Ugh! I'll have to adjust our time table again! Balance, you need to find a way to get the Uchiha packing. If they stay or worse, discover the seed we planted, all of this will have been for nothing" (Time)

"Haaah...on it. I'll just add it to my already long list of things to do" (Balance)

"It's frustrating, but this is the first united exams in years. Everyone has a stake in the event. I tried using my connections and influence to slow it down as much as I could but-" (Three)

"Despite your resources, there's only so much you can do alone" (Sage)

"The span between our renovation and the exams are gonna be pretty tight" (Time)

"Well, what can I say everyone...my bad?" (Arc)

If the much desired Chunin exams weren't approaching, Kusagakure would never have resorted to asking another village for help. But they put their pride aside for the sake of the village's future

"It just goes to show how important the exams are to everyone. The sheer opportunity of them. Which is why Kumogakure won't be participating in them, if we have our way" (Sage)

"So we're good then?" (Arc)

"Arc..." (Balance)

"No, I'd like to know as well. With this sample, I now have a part from every Tailed Beast. The completion of the Lift has been long overdue" (Red)

Surprise struck Mountain when the large man heard Red's words

"Whoa, slow down. Did you say every beast? I thought we were still missing Sunagakure's11Hidden Sand VillageOne-Tail?" (Moutain)

"Hmph!" (Red)

"Bitch, I asked you a question" (Mountain)

"Ugh! And you guys say I'm the child!" (Arc)

"You are" (Balance & Time)

"Whatever. Mountain, Balance and I got that one a while ago" (Arc)

"How the hell did you manage to do that?" (Mountain)

"The 4th Kazekage12Wind Shadowmade his son the host for the beast. To teach him control, he's put the boy under demanding training. All attempts resulted in failure, with the hostile beast emerging" (Balance)

"Translation, he's been mind f**king his own son to turn him into a weapon. Pfff! It's been real twisted, with a side of funny. Getting a peace of the monster was easy enough" (Arc)

"You're so messed up" (Red)

"Oh, hello pot, my name's kettle. Have we met?" (Arc)

{...He'll never change} (Balance)

"Idiot..." (Time)

"Well that's convenient to say the least. Guess we're done here?" (Mountain)

"Sage, we good?" (Arc)

"..." (Blade)

After ignoring most of their childish banter, Sage stood up. Unsettling everyone present with an uncharacteristic and disturbing grin on his seasoned face

"Yes. Yes Arc, we're good. Phase Three...has begun" (Sage)

MrProper

My writing style will also become subject to change as I start including POV (Point of view) chapters as well!

The first chapter will be out soon (Not sure if I can get it out this week. If I can't, it'll probably be on Monday). Check out the Feed on my Ko-fi page for chapter progress messages if wanna stay updated!

Thank you all for the support, I once again promise to deliver more chapters as quickly as I can. Take care and have a wonderful week!

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