There are Another Worlds

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"Return? Return where? Back to Konoha?"

Guy asked dumbfoundedly, his usual clueless expression plastered across his face.

Kitaro chuckled softly. "Of course not. I'm heading back to the world where I currently reside."

"World?"

Orochimaru's sharp instincts immediately picked up on Kitaro's unusual choice of words.

"Yes, another world. A place far larger and broader than this one."

Orochimaru's pupils shrank at this revelation. He had searched nearly every corner of this world, unable to find a trace of Kitaro or the Uchiha clan. He had been puzzled—until now.

Everything suddenly clicked. The reason no one could locate the Uchiha clan was simple: they no longer existed in this world.

"That's… impossible!"

It wasn't just Orochimaru who was stunned—Kurama, Minato, Kakashi, and Guy were all equally floored.

Other worlds? Weren't those supposed to be nothing more than myths? Could they actually exist?

Orochimaru, however, quickly transitioned from shock to a kind of ecstatic excitement. Following his disciple had been the right call after all. The prospect of traversing to legendary other worlds was exhilarating.

"How… how did you manage this?" Orochimaru pressed eagerly.

"My Mangekyō Sharingan possesses a unique ability: the power to traverse worlds. One eye allows me to lock onto a world's coordinates, granting me the ability to travel freely between them."

Orochimaru's body trembled with excitement. This was incredible! Other worlds, each with their unique and diverse powers… The possibilities for research were endless.

"Wait a second," Orochimaru said, suddenly suspicious. "Kitaro… Your immortality technique, breathing styles, and swordsmanship… don't tell me…"

"Heh, as expected from Orochimaru-sensei. You've guessed it. That's right—those techniques originate from another world. The breathing styles were developed there, as were the demons that inspired them. But I've erased the coordinates to that world for now."

"Honestly, it doesn't hold much value anymore. The only things worth taking were the demon progenitor and the breathing styles—both of which I've already acquired."

Kitaro paused, then continued, "The world where the Uchiha clan resides now, however, is different. Its power systems are based on Devil Fruits and Haki, along with unique races akin to our Kekkei Genkai, each possessing special abilities."

Minato's expression softened as he nodded. "I see. Then I guess this is where we part ways. If I were to follow you to that world, I might never return to this one."

Kitaro nodded respectfully. "Exactly. I'll take care of things on my end. It's been an honor seeing you again, Minato-sensei."

Minato glanced at Kurama. Despite everything—the beast's role in his and Kushina's deaths—he bore no resentment. He understood that they had been on opposite sides. Kushina had sealed Kurama within her, and Konoha had exploited its power, giving Kurama every reason to hate them.

The true culprit had been the masked man who orchestrated everything. Kurama was just a pawn in that scheme.

Seeing Kitaro subdue Kurama in such a way gave Minato some peace. In his eyes, treating Kurama with respect and as a sentient being, rather than a mindless beast, was the correct path. It was just a shame that circumstances had never allowed him to pursue it.

"Lord Orochimaru," Minato suddenly said, turning to his former rival. "Please, let's get this over with."

Orochimaru hesitated. "I can give you freedom from the Edo Tensei entirely if you wish, Minato."

"No need. Kushina is waiting for me on the other side. Without her, staying here serves no purpose. Life and death are part of the natural cycle. The dead shouldn't interfere with the living."

Seeing Minato's resolve, Orochimaru relented. "Very well."

"Edo Tensei: Release!"

As the technique was dispelled, Minato's body began to crumble into fragments of light.

Kitaro saluted. "Goodbye, Minato-sensei."

Shisui and Itachi, who had been mere children during Minato's era, regarded him with reverence. They knew he was one of Konoha's most selfless leaders—someone who had genuinely cared for the village.

During his time as Hokage, the Uchiha clan had never faced discrimination or ostracization.

Kakashi, on the other hand, looked as though he wanted to say something but couldn't find the words.

Minato smiled warmly at his former student. "I'm sorry, Kakashi. Once again, I'm leaving you behind. But this time, you're not alone. You have friends—brothers. Take care of Kitaro, and who knows? Perhaps we'll meet again someday."

"I will, sensei!" Kakashi said firmly.

As Minato's form dissolved, only a lifeless White Zetsu remained behind—an Edo Tensei's necessary sacrifice.

Kitaro activated his Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, pouring vast amounts of chakra into the technique. A massive spatial portal, large enough for Kurama to pass through, appeared before them.

Opening a portal of this size had been no easy feat, even for someone with Kitaro's enhanced power.

"Let's go," he said, stepping forward.

With that, the group entered the shimmering gateway, which closed behind them, leaving no trace of their presence.

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