Chapter 38: 30 Years of Growth

Time was a strange concept within the Evil Realm. Though Shinsui had spent what felt like an eternity here, in the outside world, only thirty years had passed. Yet, in those three decades, the realm had evolved beyond recognition.

What had once been an empty void was now a world brimming with life and energy. Towering mountains stretched toward darkened skies, oceans of raw chakra ebbed and flowed like tides, and forests of glowing trees spread across the land, their roots drawing power from the very essence of the realm. Stars had formed above, constellations illuminating the night, and a massive celestial body—an artificial sun he had forged—provided endless light.

The Evil Realm had become a true world. A world ruled by him, shaped by his will.

Yet, despite all this creation, Shinsui himself had remained unchanged in one regard. The bitterness of betrayal still festered deep in his heart.

Even with all his power, he could not forget.

The Lock of Absolutism. A sealing technique so potent it defied the very laws of existence. He had refined it beyond perfection, turning it into something that could erase anything from reality itself. No force, no being, no god could undo it.

The Time and Space Loop. His mastery over time had grown to such an extent that he could now move freely across dimensions. He had created pathways to other timelines, to other possibilities, but he had refrained from using them—at least for now.

The Fountain of Youth. A paradoxical creation that could grant immortality through bathing yet cause instant death if consumed. A balance of life and death, of order and consequence.

The Heart of Infinity. The greatest of his creations, the key to his transformation. With it, he had transcended the limitations of mere mortals. His energy was boundless, his strength beyond measure. No longer did he need to rest or replenish himself—he was an unending force, an existence without limits.

And yet, even with all of this, there was still one thing left to do.

He had waited, patiently molding his realm, refining his abilities, and fortifying his will. Now, the time had come. The world had continued without him, believing he was gone. They had sealed him away and carried on with their illusions of peace.

But peace built on betrayal was nothing more than a fragile lie.

Standing atop the highest peak in his realm, Shinsui gazed at the vast world he had created. His cloak billowed in the wind, his long crimson hair flowing like fire against the dark sky. Below him, the rivers of chakra pulsed like the lifeblood of a living organism, carrying the energy of the realm through its veins.

For a long time, he had thought of this place as his prison. Now, he saw it for what it truly was—his kingdom. His domain. His foundation.

But it was not enough.

This was merely the beginning.

With a single motion, he raised his hand, and reality itself trembled in response. A ripple spread across the Evil Realm, resonating with his will. The air became thick with power, space distorted, and an eerie silence fell upon the land.

A rift began to form before him—a portal, unlike any he had created before. Through it, he could feel the familiar pull of the world he had left behind.

Konoha. The land of those who had betrayed him.

His expression was unreadable, but his golden eyes gleamed with an intensity that could pierce through time itself.

"They thought they could erase me," he murmured, his voice carrying through the empty expanse of the realm. "They thought peace could last without me. Now, I will remind them why they feared me."

The portal widened, its energy crackling violently as the connection stabilized. Beyond it, the world awaited, oblivious to what was coming.

The time for isolation was over.

The time for reckoning had begun.