Chapter 116 : Return!

"Okay!"

Observing Crusch and Felix consume the Senzu beans, Uchiha Ran rose to his feet, casting an illusion with his Sharingan.

Opening his Mangekyō Sharingan, how could he not employ Kyōka Suigetsu? The control of five senses proved to be quite potent. Moreover, Ran had no intention of divulging information to too many irrelevant individuals.

"Fifth Hokage, I'm going outside to gather some intel!" Jiraiya opened his eyes and informed Uchiha Ran.

Immediately after that, he attempted to enter Sage Mode but sensed no natural chakra. Despite the absence of natural chakra, he felt an energy akin to it, seemingly absorbed into his body. Due to its peculiarity, he decided to postpone the matter and inquire with Uchiha Ran later. For now, he aimed to explore the Otherworld.

It was strictly business, and Jiraiya addressed Uchiha Ran formally. 

"Create a Shadow Clone and send a few more," suggested Uchiha Ran.

"Understood!"

Uchiha Ran's comprehensive instructions brought a smile to Jiraiya's face. Subsequently, Jiraiya split into four Shadow Clones, dispersing into the Otherworld and running wildly in four directions.

The Shadow Clone technique, a B-level Ninjutsu developed by the Second Hokage, used chakra to create clones capable of acting and fighting like the caster. The memories and experiences of the clones would then be transferred to the main body. It was a perfect espionage technique, fitting for the situation.

"Is this some kind of special magic?" inquired Crusch, now fully recovered and standing up.

As a descendant of the Duke of the Kingdom, Crusch had encountered numerous individuals proficient in swordsmanship and magic. However, the method of the Shadow Clone was entirely new to him.

"Well, it's a light application of Yin and Yang magic," explained Uchiha Ran in terms Crusch could comprehend.

In the Otherworld, where magic replaced chakra, the basic elements were still similar. For instance, individuals like Emilia excelled in ice magic, while Ram specialized in wind magic. Here, yin magic abounded, with the great elf Beatrice being the pinnacle of yin magic.

Back in the ninja world, "Yin" represented the power of the spirit, and techniques like the "Yin Release Technique" allowed the creation of an invisible form. "Yang," on the other hand, represented the power of the body, with techniques like "Yang Style" infusing life into a form. This was reminiscent of Sage practices.

Although Shadow Clone paled in comparison to the creations of Ōtsutsuki Kaguya or Hagoromo, it showcased the strong scientific research capabilities of the Second Hokage, encompassing the utilization of yin and yang principles.

"If Beatrice were to be paired with Tobirama, the ninja world would witness the unveiling of countless forbidden techniques. Uchiha Ran harbors a troubling notion.

The constables remained oblivious to the multitude of thoughts racing through his mind. With a seemingly casual demeanor, Crusch posed the question, 'Who are you, and where do you come from?'

Contrasted with Jiraiya's Shadow Clone technique, Uchiha Ran's 'healing magic,' a water attribute magic she had witnessed numerous times, was far from surprising.

Most astonishing was Uchiha Ran's ability to effortlessly mend internal injuries and wounds, leaving Crusch both amazed and curious about the replenishment of his blood.

Yet, her curiosity extended beyond Uchiha Ran's healing prowess. The Argylls, after all, belonged to the Karsten family's domain.

'My name is Uchiha Ran, that's all I can disclose for now,' he calmly stated. 'As for the specifics of my origin and purpose, I regret to inform you that I cannot divulge more. For the sake of your rescue, I hope you won't press further. Girls tend to have too many complications, and people aren't fond of them.'

'We will be departing soon.'

Uchiha Ran shifted his gaze from Crusch, taking the initiative to engage in conversation with Felix. Despite any further inquiries from Crusch, Uchiha Ran had already addressed Felix, 'While I cannot reverse the physical effects of years of abuse, both internal and external injuries and mental exhaustion have been remedied. You may now sense the absence of any extraordinary power within.'

'Alright!' Felix promptly complied.

After consuming the unnamed bean provided by Uchiha Ran, he felt an unprecedented sense of well-being, comfort, and relaxation – sensations he hadn't experienced in nine years.

Now, Uchiha Ran could vie for the top spot in Felix's heart, with Crusch reigning supreme, and Jiraiya securing a distant third.

Despite Crusch's dissatisfaction at being ignored, she adhered to Uchiha Ran's orders.

Observing the dismissal, Crusch pouted unhappily. At twelve years old, she wasn't yet one of the five candidates for Lugnica's future throne, the pro-dragon kingdom. She remained a girl, not yet equipped to sever the kingdom's ties with the dragon and establish an independent nation.

Although intelligent, the heart of a girl still beat within her.

Jiraiya, exhibiting a hint of discomfort, approached Uchiha Ran, questioning, 'Fifth Hokage, Felix – isn't that what I assumed?'

Crusch perked up her ears, eager to hear more.

The Fifth Hokage project always felt like a codename for a leader.

'Your assumption is correct,' Uchiha Ran affirmed, a subtle smile in his eyes as he glanced at Jiraiya.

Jiraiya began scratching his head furiously. The cat-eared girl he had envisioned was, in reality, a cat-eared man.

In the video, Felix possessed neatly arranged medium-length linen hair, cat ears atop his head, eyes resembling a cat's with a yellow brilliance, white silk adorning his hair, slender limbs, and a playful demeanor. His speech often concluded with a 'meow,' and he referred to himself in the third person. Clad in a blue and white dress, he wore a guard knight uniform with a white cloak.

How did this resemble a man?

Wasn't it more fitting for a woman?

Tsunade wouldn't have been charming without her impressive curves and attire.

This revelation left Jiraiya utterly perplexed."

Uchiha Ran observed the expression in Jiraiya's eyes, contemplating whether he should reveal the identities of the other male heirs. The prospect of witnessing their reactions intrigued him. However, before he could make a move, a brilliant blue light suddenly enveloped Felix's hand.

"This is healing magic!" exclaimed Crusch in surprise.

Felix had unexpectedly unlocked his water attribute healing magic.

Uchiha Ran nodded approvingly. This development would ensure the smooth progression of Crusch and Felix in the future.

"Crusch, have you heard of the Oni Village?" Uchiha Ran inquired abruptly.

Crusch seemed momentarily stunned, not accustomed to Uchiha Ran's casual questioning style.

"For flowers... Oni Village of the Oni clan?" she responded after a pause, wearing a sly smile. "Tell me your origin, and I might consider telling you."

"So, you know," Uchiha Ran said with a satisfied smile. This newfound knowledge could lead him to the Oni Village within a day, potentially saving Ram and Rem, and dealing with a Witch Cult's sin bishop along the way.

"I know. How about an exchange?" Crusch asked eagerly.

Uchiha Ran shook his head, dismissing the idea. "That's too much trouble."

"I guess I can only use Genjutsu."

In less than ten minutes, the show was over, and the golden glow indicated Jiraiya and Uchiha Ran's imminent return. Jiraiya dispelled the Shadow Clone, and Uchiha Ran secured Felix's agreement to the deal.

"That's it!" Jiraiya nodded to Uchiha Ran. "Felix, let's go first. We'll see you later."

Uchiha Ran waved his hand, and both he and Jiraiya disappeared into the adjacent light hole, which promptly closed.

The spectators, still dazed, opened their eyes. Crusch, confused by her healed wound, asked, "What happened?"

"Lord Crusch, I healed you," Felix explained, performing a healing technique.

As for Uchiha Ran and Jiraiya's actions, before leaving, Uchiha Ran had mentioned sealing Crusch's memory and erasing others' recollections. The group accepted it, even though they didn't understand the reason.

On the other side, Uchiha Ran and Jiraiya faced an attack at the Hokage office. Tobirama, with great interest, asked Jiraiya about her experiences in the new world. 

When Tobirama, the astute tactician, materialized, he inquisitively turned to Jiraiya and inquired, "What is the sensation like in this world?"

"Devoid of Chakra, the traditions here differ from those of the ninja world, and my exploration has been limited due to time constraints," Jiraiya replied.

"But rumors suggest the existence of magic in this world, akin to the Chakra and various Ninjutsu in our ninja world."

"I've been experimenting with Sage Mode, and it appears plausible here."

Jiraiya meticulously shared the information she had gathered, most of which seemed inconsequential until the final revelation.

"Sage Mode can be activated in this Otherworld too?"

This piqued the interest of many, and Jiraiya directed her gaze towards Uchiha Ran, asking, "Fifth Hokage, do you have insights on this matter?"

Yo!

Before Uchiha Ran could respond, a bell chimed, followed by the reappearance of Orochimaru's holographic image.

"The Art of Summoning!"

A puff of smoke materialized into the form of a jade-like, long-haired Loli.

Seventeenth rank: Ichikishimahime, one of the high-ranking officials of Ryūchi Cave, renowned as an elder-level confidant of the White Snake Sage. She possessed an extraordinarily potent Sage Jutsu Chara within her, overseeing the screening of those undertaking trials in Ryūchi Cave. Those who failed were permitted to be devoured at the behest of the White Snake Sage.

Ichikishimahime had the ability to float freely in the air and turn invisible, forcefully consuming the Chara of her opponents.

Blood Pact: Orochimaru,

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