BUILDING A VILLAGE IN NARUTO WORLD

"Izanagi wasn't the main reason for my soul essence and life force depletion," Uchiha Chiharu explained softly. Her voice carried a calm authority, tempered by experience. "When this forbidden technique is perfected and used correctly, it does not result in such devastating consequences."

"The true cost is simply the loss of a Sharingan in the eye that activates it," she continued. "However, I was the one who pioneered this technique, back when I used it to prevent internal strife in the Uchiha clan. Developing and executing it alone was no small feat."

"It's only natural that there were failures during the process, and those failures came with severe repercussions," she admitted. "That's why my soul and life force were drained. It wasn't the technique itself but the circumstances surrounding its creation."

To single-handedly develop such a world-defying forbidden art and survive its initial activation was already a miracle. That she hadn't died in the process spoke volumes of her strength—and fortune.

"I see," Uchiha Genqing said, understanding dawning in his expression. His admiration for his mother shone through as he gave her a thumbs-up. "Mom, you're incredible! I can't believe you managed to pull something like that off!"

"Still…" His expression grew serious, his brows knitting together. "If we want to recover the time you've lost, just healing your body and eliminating the hidden injuries won't be enough. We need to replenish the soul essence and life force you expended."

"After all, the deficiencies in your body are merely a reflection of deeper problems."

He hesitated briefly before continuing. "As things stand, the medical knowledge I've inherited doesn't have the answers we need to address those issues."

"Perhaps… the Pirate World might hold the solution."

If he could rely on the Heaven Rewards Diligence ability to continuously improve his skills, perhaps he might eventually find a way. However, that path would take a considerable amount of time. Time his mother might not have. Time this dangerous world wouldn't grant them freely.

The shinobi world was treacherous, and securing their safety and strength as soon as possible was crucial.

"Oh?" Chiharu tilted her head slightly, curiosity flickering in her sharp eyes. "Are you saying that the Pirate World has methods or resources capable of resolving our situation?"

"If it does, that would be ideal."

"I think so," Genqing said with a nod, though a hint of uncertainty lingered in his voice. "That world is full of wonders, after all…"

He began explaining the Pirate World to his mother, detailing its vast oceans, the existence of Devil Fruits, and the remarkable abilities they granted.

He concluded, "Among the Devil Fruits, there's the Healing Fruit, the Hormone Fruit, and others that might have the potential to help us recover."

"Alternatively, we could visit Drum Island and seek out the renowned Dr. Kureha. She's a legendary witch doctor with unparalleled medical expertise. Some even say she's unlocked the secret to longevity."

"Even if she can't fully cure us, she could at least restore some of our vitality, extend our lifespans, and buy us more time to seek a complete solution."

"And most importantly, she's relatively easy to locate."

Turning to his mother, Genqing said, "So, Mom, let's head to the Pirate World as soon as possible and find Dr. Kureha to examine us."

"Alright," Chiharu agreed after a moment's thought. "But how long do you think this trip will take? I'll need to make some arrangements for the clan before we leave."

"Uh…" Genqing scratched the back of his head, his confidence faltering slightly. "I'm not entirely sure. I don't even know where we'll end up."

"How about this?" he suggested. "You come with me for the initial journey. Once we've determined our position, we can return to make further plans."

He paused, his thoughts darkening. "I just hope the timeline there hasn't already begun."

"Alright," Chiharu said with a small smile. "I have some free time today. Let's make the trip now. Do I need to prepare anything?"

"No," Genqing replied, shaking his head. "Since we can return anytime, there's nothing extra we need to bring. But, Mom, I don't know how safe it will be on the other side, so please stay vigilant."

"Don't worry about that," Chiharu said with a confident grin, raising her fist. "Your mom's still plenty strong."

"Mm!" Genqing nodded, a smile tugging at his lips. Reaching out, he took his mother's hand and activated the Temporal Gate rune engraved within his mind.

The next moment, both mother and son vanished from their room.

The Pirate World

In the second half of the Grand Line, between Water 7 and the Sabaody Archipelago, a fierce naval battle raged.

Two pirate crews clashed violently—on one side, the formidable warriors of Amazon Lily, and on the other, the notorious Sharkfang Slave Hunters, infamous for their brutal trade in human lives.

"Close in and board their ship!" the Sharkfang captain roared, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Capture them all! The warriors of Amazon Lily are top-tier merchandise—we'll make a fortune off them!"

"Leave it to us, Captain!" his men shouted, their eyes gleaming with greed.

"Kill them all!"

The fight was relentless. Yet in less than ten minutes, the Amazon Lily pirates found themselves at a disadvantage, their defenses crumbling as they were pushed back step by step.

The Sharkfang pirates had already begun boarding their ship, their grins predatory and their weapons glinting in the sunlight.