Chapter 18: The Path to Immortality

The night was quiet in the clearing where Ryūsei stood, the air crisp with the whispers of distant winds. His eyes glowed faintly with the gold of his high-purity Byakugan, but they were distant, lost in thought. The technique before him—the Yamato no Orochi—was more than just a tool of power. It was a key, a gateway that could transcend the limits of mere existence. It was a means to complete his bloodline, to elevate himself beyond the bounds of mortality.

The ancient power that resided in the Yamato no Orochi was not simply an offensive force, but a vessel for something greater: the ability to transform into information. To become something more than flesh and blood. The obsession at its core, something that drove its wielder to survive at any cost, would be the foundation of his transformation. However, Ryūsei could not simply mimic the technique. He would have to adapt it, refine it, and make it his own.

This technique, he realized, was the answer to his quest. The true power of an Ōtsutsuki, the ability to collect and transform scattered bloodlines into his own, lay within the information itself. The bloodlines that he had worked tirelessly to gather and understand—the very thing that had always eluded him—could now be analyzed, integrated, and transferred into his own being. This was not a matter of simply absorbing bloodlines as others did. It was a deep, intricate process of transformation, where the bloodline's essence was stored as data, as information, within his chakra.

By mastering the technique, Ryūsei could complete his own bloodline by collecting these scattered remnants, weaving them together to form a tapestry of power and potential. He could use the information contained within those bloodlines to refine and adapt his own, creating a stronger, more complete version of himself. It would be a transformation into a being that was not bound by the limitations of mortality—one with the ability to transcend death itself.

The technique wasn't just about absorbing power. It was about creating a new foundation for his existence, a new form that mirrored the core nature of the Ōtsutsuki: an immortal being of pure information, able to adapt and evolve endlessly. And with this new understanding, Ryūsei knew he could create a form of immortality that rivaled the Karma technique that other Ōtsutsuki wielded.

It would not be a simple task, but it was a challenge he was willing to face.

The sound of footsteps broke his concentration, and Ryūsei turned to see Mito approaching, her face soft yet carrying a knowing look. She had been watching him for some time, and though her steps were light, the weight of her presence was always felt.

"You've been here a while," Mito said, her voice warm, yet tinged with concern. "What's on your mind, Ryūsei?"

Ryūsei gave a small smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I've been refining the Yamato no Orochi technique. It's… complicated. But I think I've finally started to understand it."

Mito raised an eyebrow, sensing the shift in his energy. "You're not just talking about power, are you? You've been digging deeper into the essence of it, haven't you?"

Ryūsei nodded slowly, his gaze distant. "This technique isn't just about becoming something else—it's about becoming information. It's about transforming my own essence into something that can store bloodline data. I'll be able to collect scattered bloodlines, analyze them, and then transfer them into my own being. It's not just about gaining power—it's about completing my bloodline, evolving into the being I was meant to be."

Mito's expression softened as she listened carefully. "You've always had the potential to evolve. But what you're talking about goes beyond that. You're not just seeking power, Ryūsei. You're talking about creating something that transcends death itself."

"Exactly," Ryūsei said, his voice steady now, more confident. "I can create a version of Karma, one that lets me store my essence in chakra, transform into information, and survive even death. If I'm killed, I'll be able to parasitize another host, transform them into myself, and continue my journey. This will allow me to transcend mortality itself, just like the Ōtsutsuki."

Mito paused for a long moment, absorbing what he was saying. "You're talking about creating a form of immortality. Not just surviving—adapting, evolving, taking on the essence of those who came before you. You'd become a being like the Ōtsutsuki, using their own techniques to forge your own path."

Ryūsei looked up at her, the weight of her words sinking in. "That's the key to it, isn't it? It's not just about absorbing bloodlines. It's about turning them into something else—information that can be stored, analyzed, and adapted. I'll be able to create a new bloodline, one that is pure and unbound by the limitations of flesh and time."

Mito stepped closer, her eyes narrowing slightly as she considered what Ryūsei was saying. "But that's not something you can rush. This transformation, this process, it's more than just a technique. It's a new way of being. You have to refine the obsession at the heart of the Yamato no Orochi. The obsession isn't just about surviving—it's about adapting, evolving, and transforming. The information you collect isn't just raw power. It's your future, your very essence, being shaped and reshaped."

Ryūsei felt a spark of realization. "I need to focus on transforming that obsession into a form of information. If I can do that, I'll be able to adapt the technique to my own needs. It won't just be about surviving death—it'll be about creating a new foundation for myself, one that transcends everything I've known."

Mito smiled softly, proud of the breakthrough he had made. "That's it. The Yamato no Orochi technique isn't just about power—it's about evolution. The obsession must be transformed into something more than just a drive for survival. It must become a force for creation, for change."

Ryūsei nodded, his mind buzzing with possibilities. "I'll refine the technique, shape it to my own will, and then I can begin the true process of gathering bloodlines, transforming them into information that I can control. Once I master it, I'll be able to complete my bloodline. I'll be able to become the true Ōtsutsuki."

Mito's gaze softened further, and she gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "I believe in you, Ryūsei. You've always had the ability to change the world. Now, you're on the path to changing yourself. Just remember—this transformation isn't just about power. It's about becoming the kind of being who can shape the world around them."

Ryūsei smiled back at her, feeling a sense of clarity he hadn't had before. He now understood the true essence of the Yamato no Orochi technique. It was not just about survival or immortality—it was about shaping his own destiny, creating a bloodline that was his and his alone.

And with that, the path forward was clear.