Self reflection and Resolve.

On the way back to Konoha, my mind wouldn't stop spinning. Thoughts swirled inside my head—what should I do next?

I didn't want to tell anyone about the Hidden Stone shinobi. Changing the timeline too drastically could lead to unpredictable consequences. Even so, a part of me was starting to question this self-imposed restraint.

Wasn't this the world I wished for? Then why was I constantly holding myself back?

By the time I stepped through the village gates, it was evening. Just a single day had passed since I left in the morning. I handed over the mission completion proof to the gate guard and made my way back to the Senju compound.

Tsunade was inside when I returned. I simply told her the mission was complete, keeping the details vague. I didn't even mention the Iwa jōnin I fought. The scroll containing their heads remained sealed and hidden with me. There was no need to involve her—not yet.

We had dinner together, absorbed some natural energy as usual, and then parted ways for the night.

Lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, my thoughts circled back to the same question:

What is my end goal in this world?

At first, I thought it was survival. Then power. But now, it's clearer than ever—I want to be the strongest. I want to dominate all threats and create a peaceful, safe place for me and my family. A place where we can live without fear… where we can be happy.

To achieve that, strength is everything. And not just ordinary strength—I need power that surpasses even the Ōtsutsuki clan.

But I'm realistic. Even with my Senju lineage and perfect chakra control, I know that defeating the Ōtsutsuki alone won't be easy. Even if I reached Hashirama's level, that might not be enough. I'll need more. A strategy. Time. And a willingness to let go of the constraints of the original timeline.

This is my world now.

If changes happen… then so be it. I'll go with the flow.

Tomorrow morning, I'll destroy the scroll containing the Iwa jōnin heads. I'll act like it was a normal mission and move forward.

As for Danzō… I have plans for him too.

I've also developed an ability within my ultimate genjutsu—Hell's Paradise. It's not just for torture anymore. I've begun shaping it into a powerful manipulation technique.

Unlike Shisui's Kotoamatsukami, which uses his Mangekyō Sharingan to subtly control others, my approach is different. I studied mind-altering methods within the Senju compound while developing my genjutsu. With my perfect chakra control and mastery of natural energy, I can replicate such feats without relying on a Sharingan.

Many believe only the Uchiha can perform such powerful genjutsu, but chakra is chakra—and I've mastered its flow far beyond most shinobi.

Shisui awakened Kotoamatsukami at age seven, after witnessing the death of a close friend on a mission. I've achieved something similar at the same age—through a different path based on my talents.

Of course, Shisui hasn't even been born yet… but he will be, before the Third Great Ninja War begins.

I've decided I won't kill Danzō. Not yet. He still has a part to play in the upcoming war. If I mess up the future too much, he might be the one who stabilizes it from the shadows. Instead, I'll plant thoughts in his mind—subtle manipulations to keep him aligned with my goals, whether he realizes it or not.

For now, my focus shifts to the Hokage.

During dinner, Tsunade told me Hiruzen had summoned me. Apparently, the Hokage wanted to personally speak with me about my first mission—likely to gauge how I handled my first kill.

He doesn't know I've already killed before—multiple times, in fact.

The next morning, I walked toward the Hokage building. No one stopped me along the way. When I reached the office, I knocked once and entered without hesitation.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was reviewing paperwork when I stepped in. I gave him a respectful bow.

"Ah, Ren," he greeted warmly, setting aside the scroll. "How was your first mission?"

I smiled. "It went smoothly, Hokage-sama. I tracked and swiftly eliminated the bandits."

He nodded with approval. "Good. I also received confirmation from Kusagakure."

I inwardly scoffed. Of course he did. Kusagakure had already fallen under Hidden Stone's control. They must've approved the report to avoid suspicion, labeling the Iwa jōnin as simple bandits.

If the original village head of Kusagakure were still alive, he would've definitely raised the alarm about missing-nin operating within their borders—especially elite ones.

The Hokage then asked me how I felt about taking a life for the first time. I answered with calm confidence.

"It didn't shake me, Hokage-sama. I did what I had to do."

His eyes narrowed slightly—probably expecting some hesitation—but then he smiled again. "You have a strong mind, Ren. That's good."

After a few more words, he dismissed me, giving me the freedom to continue training or rest as I pleased.

As I walked out of the tower, I thought to myself...

Let the real game begin.