Even though the Third Shinobi World War has barely begun and Akatsuki hasn't even been formed yet, I can already feel the chaos approaching. If I want to survive what's coming, I must start planning now.
The first step is identifying the closest threats. Hanzo of the Salamander, the so-called "demigod," rules Amegakure with an iron fist. He's a monster in combat, capable of single-handedly defeating entire squads. And then there's Danzō Shimura, the man in the shadows of Konoha. His ambition and control over the Root make him an equally dangerous enemy, perhaps even more so than Hanzo. If I manage to survive both of them, I'll still have to face the biggest problem of all: Madara Uchiha and his puppet, Black Zetsu. They'll do everything in their power to pull Nagato into darkness and force him to execute the cursed Eye of the Moon Plan.
That's why I must become stronger. Strong enough to protect Konan and save Nagato from the fate I know all too well.
For now, I only have what little Jiraiya-sensei taught me:
Two earth-based jutsu: Earth Release: Earth Wall, which creates a solid wall to defend myself, and Earth Release: Rock Concealment Technique, which allows me to move through the earth undetected.
And one lightning-based jutsu: Lightning Release: False Darkness, an electric spear I can launch from my mouth.
But I know that's not enough. I have no bloodlines, no dōjutsu, no kekkei genkai. I'm just a human in a world of gods. So, if I want to break through my limitations, I only have two paths.
First option: obtain cells from the First Hokage. Just thinking about it sends shivers down my spine. Becoming a living tree isn't in my plans, but the power of Hashirama's chakra could change everything. The problem is obtaining it. Those cells are under maximum security in Konoha, and even if they had them, I'd need someone like Orochimaru to implant them. And frankly, trusting that snake would be more dangerous than facing Hanzo.
Second option: mastering techniques that increase my physical power and chakra control. There are three that could change my destiny:
Earth Release: Light Rock Technique – making my body so light I can move through the air.
Lightning Chakra Mode – enveloping myself in electrical chakra to multiply my speed and strength.
Tsunade's Super Strength – precisely channeling chakra to unleash devastating power with every strike.
If I manage to combine these three techniques, my power could rival that of the greatest ninjas of the villages.
But obtaining them won't be easy. The Keijūgan belongs to the Land of Earth. Lightning Mode, to the Land of Lightning. And super strength, to the Land of Fire, where Tsunade Senju herself teaches.
I have a plan. If I can convince Nagato to use the Human Path to extract information from the enemy, we could steal those techniques directly from their minds. We're in the middle of a war, and Amegakure borders the Lands of Fire, Wind, and Earth. With Nagato's strength, kidnapping the Tsuchikage's son wouldn't be impossible… as long as we act quickly and stealthily.
As for Tsunade's super strength, I'll have to approach her when the war is over. I could feign interest in learning medical ninjutsu and thus gain her trust. If Sakura Haruno, with her mediocre talent, managed to learn it, why couldn't I?
After all, Jiraiya always said I have excellent chakra control. That gives me hope.
I only lack the third jutsu: Lightning Chakra Mode. For now, I have no way of acquiring it… but sooner or later, Zetsu will contact us. And when that happens, I will use his influence to deceive him and gain access to Kumo.
Everything is clear. The war has barely begun, but my mind is already working on the future. I am not the Yahiko who once charged into battle driven solely by ideals. I am a man with an awareness of destiny. And this time, destiny will be mine.