The world shifted. One moment, Ryu stood in the training arena on the moon, surrounded by grey walls and alien architecture. Next, his bedroom materialised around him.
Akihiro stood beside him, adjusting to the seamless transition. The Tenseigan's teleportation left no disorientation, no nausea. Just instant displacement across the vast distance between worlds.
Ryu stared at Akihiro, assessing. Exhaustion showed in the slight slump of his shoulders, but beneath that lay something else. Accomplishment. Growth. The training had pushed him hard.
"Good. He needs to be pushed."
Ryu formed a single-handed seal. The chakra anchor he'd set up before leaving—the one mimicking both their signatures while they were gone—deactivated. The false chakra signatures vanished.
Ryu's attention returned to Akihiro. Before any discussion about the moon, about Kiyomizu, about the Yin-Yang training, there was something more important.
He took Akihiro's hand, signing tactilely so the message couldn't be intercepted or overheard.
"Everything you saw on the moon—the city, the people, the training—remains secret. Tell no one. Not even Kaia... Not yet."
Akihiro hesitated. His twin sister was his closest bond, his connection to the world. Keeping secrets from her felt wrong. But he trusted Ryu's judgement. He nodded.
"No one would believe a civilisation exists on the moon," Ryu thought. "Better to keep it completely hidden until the right time. If word spreads—if people learn the Sage of Six Paths wasn't just a myth—the consequences would reshape the entire shinobi world."
Ryu retrieved the sound device and placed it in Akihiro's hands.
"You must have questions."
Akihiro's fingers moved across the device's surface, typing his response. The synthesised voice spoke: "Many."
"Did Kiyomizu share any details regarding the moon, the clan, or their history?"
Ryu hadn't been present for all the training. Kiyomizu might have revealed sensitive information during breaks, during moments when Ryu and Taro were occupied elsewhere.
Akihiro typed quickly and the device spoke. "Nothing."
Akihiro had focused entirely on the Yin-Yang control training. Kiyomizu hadn't volunteered information, and Akihiro hadn't asked. The technique itself had demanded his complete concentration.
"Get a few hours' sleep—you've earned it. I'll explain everything you need to know when you wake."
Akihiro nodded, exhaustion finally catching up with him, and headed to his room.
Alone, Ryu sat on the edge of his bed. The dawn was still fresh, the compound quiet in the early morning hours. Cool morning air drifted through the open window. Quiet. Peaceful. A stark contrast to the moon's artificial environment. His mind organised priorities automatically.
Ryu thought, "Suitable infrastructure is necessary for this kind of genetics research... Years of hard work will go into infogenetics analysis, cellular mapping, and advanced sequencing. I'd be working blindly without the proper equipment."
His thoughts shifted to logistics.
"Orochimaru's equipment... I can start from there. First: secure it. Second: build a proper genetics lab at my home workshop. Third: develop any missing technology myself if needed. Only then can I begin the real work."
Priorities formed in his mind like a checklist. A new thought surfaced, sparked by his time studying the alien metal on the moon.
The device Taro had shown him—the Tenseigan Energy Vessel—had seals permanently etched into its metal surface. Unlike ink or blood, the metal endured. Chakra didn't degrade. The seals remained functional after centuries.
"Etching fuinjutsu into metallic surfaces... Unlike blood or ink, metal is nearly permanent. Human flesh degrades, and chakra fades. But metal endures for years... I don't have that alien metal, but I have chakra metal... I can make an electroplating pen to write fuinjutsu over metals. I need to research that as well...."
The implications expanded rapidly.
Excitement flickered through him. The applications were endless. Storage seals that never degraded. Barrier seals embedded in armour. Offensive seals built into weapons. But then his thought came back to the task at hand.
Ryu thought, "The Tenseigan research comes first... Artefact creation is for free time."
Ryu stood, stretching muscles that didn't feel tired.
"I don't need much sleep. A jog will clear my head. Then I can go collect Orochimaru's equipment from Lord Third."
After his jog, Ryu returned to the compound. A few hours had passed since Akihiro went to sleep, and the boy had just woken, refreshed.
Before he headed to the training grounds, Ryu found him and explained what he needed to know. Not everything—some secrets were too dangerous even for family—but enough.
They sat in the isolation chamber, where sound wouldn't carry beyond its walls.
Ryu explained the origins of both the Hamura and Hyuga clans, tracing their lineage back to Hamura Ōtsutsuki—the Sage of Six Paths' younger brother who went to the moon. He spoke of how the descendants split, some staying on the moon whilst others returned to Earth. He mentioned Ryuken Ōtsutsuki, Hamura's son who was cast out and later adopted by Hagoromo, taking the name Ryuken Hamura and founding their clan's line.
Akihiro listened intently, his expression shifting as he recognised parallels to his own story—rejection, adoption, finding belonging.
"The moon civilisation must remain secret," Ryu said firmly. "No one would believe it. Better to keep it hidden."
Akihiro nodded slowly. He understood the weight of secrets, as every ninja should.
Ryu retrieved a scroll from his storage seal and said, "Use these. They're modified chakra anchors for training instead of the beacon we used at night for faking our chakra presence."
Ryu handed the new set of training scrolls to Akihiro, targeting Yin-Yang Chakra control. Ryu had basically eliminated a basic requirement, a personal trainer, by inventing the [Yin-Yang Anchor - Seal].
"Activate the first with the [Bird hand seal] for the Yin Sphere. Use the [Monkey hand seal] for the Yang Sphere. Channel a small amount of chakra, and my stored chakra will manifest as a construct—similar to what Kiyomizu-sensei used earlier."
"I've prepared multiple spheres to accelerate your training," Ryu continued. "Master Yin-Yang chakra control at the highest level as soon as possible. Once control is perfected, we'll move to the visualisation phase."
With the explanation complete, Akihiro started his training. Ryu left to attend to his own business.
The Hamura estate training grounds were bustling with activity.
Rina carefully tested her new prosthetic legs, taking measured steps whilst Dan supervised nearby. Her face showed concentration and cautious hope. Each successful step brought a small smile.
Yasashii practised earth affinity techniques in one corner. Small rocks levitated and reformed under his focused control, responding to his chakra with increasing precision.
Jiyuu worked on water release training. A sphere of water hovered before him, trembling with the effort. His face showed determination despite the difficulty.
Souji jogged, actually jogged, with Saya running beside him. His movements had improved dramatically from months ago. She encouraged him with hand signals, matching his pace.
Shiroi Okami also trained independently.
The compound was alive with movement. Each person created minor seismic vibrations with their steps and techniques.
Akihiro navigated to an open area after getting bored from Yin-Yang training in the isolation chamber and started the Earth Sensing Jutsu to get used to the jutsu.
Akihiro channelled earth-natured chakra into the ground, sending waves through the soil. The chakra created an "echo" effect—vibrations returning information about everything touching the earth.
He sensed Rina's careful footsteps as she tested her prosthetics. Yasashii's stance shifts during earth manipulation. The rhythmic impact of Souji and Saya's jogging resonated with him. The precision of Shiroi Okami's taijutsu movements was evident. Even the small tremors from Jiyuu's water sphere hitting the ground could be felt.
With so many people training, the ground was alive with information.
The technique was separate from chakra sensing, purely physical vibration detection amplified by earth chakra resonance.
Sweat formed on his brow. The control demanded his complete focus, precise and unforgiving.
But Akihiro's [InstinctGPT] seal worked beneath his conscious effort, subtly accelerating his learning. The spheres responded more quickly and more accurately.
Akihiro then shifted from Earth Sensing to Yin-yang Training and used the [Anchor Seal] Ryu had given him.
Kaia was doing her wind-affinity exercises and noticed Akihiro near a floating chakra sphere, trying to grab it through the power of telekinesis, from the looks of it. She did not know what Akihiro was trying to do.
Curiosity overcame her. She walked closer.
"What is this?" she asked aloud.
Akihiro paused, turning towards her voice. His hands moved in response: "Training—new technique—Brother Ryu designed—helps sense—no eyes."
He phrased it carefully, keeping moon involvement secret as instructed.
Kaia's expression shifted to playful complaint. "You two are always off together now. My brother's spreading his wings, leaving the nest."
Teasing, but with underlying pride.
Akihiro signed firmly in response. "He's like a brother to us. He IS family."
Kaia smiled, resolve formed. She would intensify her wind affinity training.
Akihiro returned to alternating between Yin-Yang Control and Earth Sensing practice.
Kaia watched and trained nearby.
Someplace else half an hour ago
Ryu walked to Hokage Tower, flanked by Enjomi Kaori and Mukai Kohinata.
Ryu approached the tower reception. The receptionist recognised him immediately.
Hiruzen's standing orders regarding Ryu were well-known among the administrative staff—immediate access, no appointments necessary unless there is an active meeting or the door is locked. The Third Hokage's favour toward the young Ryu was an open secret in the Tower.
"Of course, Ryu-san. Please proceed directly to Lord Hokage's office."
Outside the office, Kohinata stopped. "I'll wait here."
Kaori and Ryu entered together. Hiruzen looked up from paperwork, set his pipe aside, and said, "Kaori, Ryu. Good to see you both."
Kaori bowed professionally. "Lord Hokage."
Ryu also greeted the Hokage.
"Ryu. What brings you here?" Hiruzen's tone was warm but curious.
"Lord Hokage, I'm here to discuss the equipment and data confiscated from Orochimaru's laboratory."
Hiruzen thought it was for the Iburi Clan.
Hiruzen leaned back. "How is the Iburi Clan treatment progressing? You mentioned you had a plan during our last discussion. But you said you would look for a non-medical solution first."
"The Iburi Clan's problem is already solved...I think. It's now a matter of training."
Hiruzen's eyebrows rose. "Solved? That quickly?"
"I've provided them with a seal-based stabilisation method that prevents molecular disintegration. The seal also acts as a training aid so that they can learn the method themselves without external support of the seal."
Hiruzen thought, "This puny child grandmaster puts us old veterans to shame."
Hiruzen asked, "What is this seal about?"
"All I can say is this is a new kind of chakra control, very different from the Hyuga Clan's method or the Senju Clan's method, or any other method you might have seen... it is an entirely new and more advanced method. The core mechanics of this jutsu will remain a Hamura Clan secret jutsu. I'll only teach the Iburi a part of it, and only the practical and particular application—just enough to stabilise their condition."
Hiruzen nodded slowly. "A new chakra control method...that is wonderful. And a new secret jutsu... welcome to the club..."
"The Hamura Clan are already a part of the club. I have many secret jutsus now," Ryu replied with a smile, shocking Hiruzen.
Hiruzen thought, "This boy."
"Congratulations then... you have given this village so much: a healing seal, new secret Jutsus that are the core force of any ninja village, and a new ninja clan with a bloodline. I should thank you for your service to the village."
"All I did was try to help people I met. Every jutsu I discovered... Every piece of equipment I made was part of this journey to help people."
Hiruzen then asked, "And the new home of this new clan... how is it going?"
"Construction has begun. Thank you for providing the land. Once they learn the new chakra control and stabilise themselves, they'll integrate into the Leaf's shinobi force."
Hiruzen's expression warmed. "I'd like the village to contribute funding to this project. This clan will serve Konoha—it's appropriate we invest in their foundation."
Ryu inclined his head graciously. "Thank you, Lord Hokage. But it is already covered by the Hamura clan."
Hiruzen thought, "So he wants them to be indebted to the Hamura clan only...a satellite clan...smart... There has never been a satellite clan more powerful than the main clan or a satellite clan with a bloodline..."
Hiruzen leaned forward. "Now, about Orochimaru's laboratory you asked for... If the Iburi treatment is complete, why do you need his equipment?"
Ryu met his gaze directly. "Because I intend to use those tools to save lives, Lord Hokage. Unlike him."
Hiruzen's expression grew serious. "Ryu... Orochimaru's work crossed moral boundaries repeatedly. I need assurance you won't follow his path."
"I won't, Lord Hokage. You have my word."
"Orochimaru also was not like that before," Hiruzen's voice carried weight. He believed in Ryu but still wanted to guide him so he would not repeat his old mistakes.
Hiruzen continued, "Something changed in him, and he came to believe the pursuit of knowledge was justified at any cost or sacrifice."
Ryu spoke, "Then he fundamentally misunderstood what the purpose of science is."
The statement hung in the air.
Ryu elaborated. "Science is a tool for the growth of civilisation, not a personal weapon. Besides, science is science, Lord Hokage. It's neutral—a tool, nothing more. People are responsible for their actions, not the knowledge itself."
He used a concrete analogy. "A knife can cut vegetables for a family's meal. The same knife can kill. The knife isn't the culprit—the person wielding it bears responsibility for how it's used."
Hiruzen listened, fingers steepled.
Ryu continued, "Orochimaru's crime wasn't his research. It was his methodology—the complete disregard for consent, for life, for basic ethics. He treated people as expendable resources, objects to be used and discarded."
Ryu's voice remained calm, analytical.
"I want to research treatments for blindness—lab-grown corneal tissue compatible with human physiology. Lab-grown organs—kidneys, livers, hearts. Treatments that save lives instead of ending them."
He continued. "And I don't need to experiment on humans to achieve results. There are many humane ways of achieving that—tissue cultures, animal experiments, and many ethical frameworks that produce valid data without cruelty—before safe and ethical human trials can even be discussed."
Hiruzen's gaze sharpened. "Those are extremely ambitious projects, Ryu. Even Orochimaru struggled with such advanced research and had to resort to evil ways. What drives this particular pursuit?"
Ryu didn't hesitate. "I live with people who suffer daily, Lord Hokage. Souji, paralysed and locked in his own body. Rina, unable to walk. Jiyuu with brittle bones. Akihiro, born blind."
His voice carried quiet conviction. "If I can ease their suffering—if I can help anyone like them—then Orochimaru's equipment will finally serve a purpose worth the cost it took to obtain it."
A pause.
"These are long-term projects, Lord Hokage. Years, possibly decades of research. But the foundation must be laid now."
Hiruzen was silent for a long moment.
He studied Ryu's face, weighing the words against years of observed character. Every action the boy had taken since arriving in the village. Every choice that demonstrated his moral compass.
The medical innovations that saved lives. The compassion shown to the marginalised. The ethics displayed even under pressure.
"He's not Orochimaru," Hiruzen thought. "He never was. This boy seeks to heal, not harm."
"Very well. The equipment and data will be transferred to you."
Ryu inclined his head. "Thank you, Lord Hokage. Though I should mention—I don't expect the equipment to be in pristine condition. Confiscated equipment is often damaged during raids or deteriorates in storage. Still, damaged equipment is better than none. I'll repair and modify what I can."
"As for the data... most will likely be useless."
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. "Useless? Why?"
"Orochimaru isn't foolish, Lord Hokage. He wouldn't abandon valuable research data whilst fleeing. Equipment can be replaced, no matter how expensive or rare. But his data—the results achieved through years of experiments—that's irreplaceable. He took it with him."
Hiruzen nodded slowly. The logic was sound.
"The lab facility itself is intact, located at a remote site within the village. Will you be working there?"
Ryu shook his head. "No, Lord Hokage. I prefer working in my own labs—my workshop at the Hamura compound. I'll be setting up a dedicated genetics research area there."
He paused, choosing words carefully. "Orochimaru's former lab is... saturated with negative energy. Pain. Suffering. Too many innocent lives ended in that place. I don't want that environment influencing my work or mindset."
Hiruzen's expression softened. Ryu's reasoning demonstrated moral awareness.
"I understand completely. The equipment will be transported to your workshop within the next few days. ANBU will handle the transfer discreetly."
Brief pause. The business of Orochimaru's equipment was concluded.
Hiruzen's demeanour shifted subtly. Something weighed on him.
"Ryu, there's one more matter."
Tone formal. Weighted.
Ryu straightened slightly, sensing the change. "Yes, Lord Hokage?"
Hiruzen met Ryu's eyes directly.
"A meeting has been called for the day after tomorrow."
A/N:
Thank you,
Dalton Harris
Some guy
Toyo
McCallister Wilson
Timothy cordelle
Mason Erickson
Eymi Lopez
Nova Gamer555
Carlos Barker
, for supporting me on P@treon.
Please support me on P@treon. and leave a review on WN if you liked the fanfiction.
Latest Chapter on P@treon: Chapter 361 ~ Milestone Mangekyo Sharingan
A few free chapters for everyone are available to read on p@treon. com/PageTurnerPJ.
Your support is what gets this story going, so please like share and review the story and add it to your library.