Naruto: Unlocking Kaido Template

The prototype of the village and its organization had begun to take shape. Although the Baishou Teaching Academy was primarily an educational institution, its instructors needed to be formidable in order to command respect. Strength was of paramount importance, especially given their rivalry with the Beasts Pirates. Naturally, Zixu himself was more than qualified to join.

As for Orochimaru, his strength was undeniable, but their alliance remained fragile. Even though Zixu now possessed the power to suppress him, forming a deeper partnership with someone as cunning as Orochimaru was tantamount to inviting disaster. He had to remain vigilant.

Hyuga Chinano and Hatsuizumi can be considered for recruitment. Neji as well. Gaara will be a strong candidate after Orochimaru has trained him sufficiently. As for Karin... She has excellent perception. Once we determine which of the Uzumaki Clan's secret techniques she has mastered, she may also join."

Zixu retrieved two renowned swords and a "Brother Brand Steel Pipe" from his sealing scroll. He tested their weight in his hands. "The steel pipe feels decent, but I still prefer swords. Using two blades simultaneously makes it difficult to concentrate my strength on a single point, which is inefficient."

Deciding against dual-wielding, Zixu stowed the steel pipe away, keeping only Yubashiri and Shigure. Despite their fame, they were only mid-to-low-tier among renowned swords. Zoro's Yubashiri had once been corroded and destroyed by the Rust-Rust Fruit, while Shigure had been severed by Law's power, though Tashigi later managed to wield it to defeat Monet.

Nearby, Aburame Hatsuizumi stealthily approached, her gaze fixed on the two swords. She seemed particularly intrigued by Shigure. "Oh? This blade has an elegant form..."

It made sense—after all, the glasses she now wore once belonged to Tashigi. With a shrug, Zixu handed her Shigure. "It always felt strange for me to wield a sword originally meant for a woman."

Hatsuizumi beamed, immediately leaping away while murmuring excitedly about techniques like "releasing insects as sword energy" and "concealing them within the scabbard to ambush foes upon unsheathing." Zixu could not help but feel an inexplicable worry for Shigure's future.

"Still, with proper mastery of Busoshoku Haki (Armament Haki), anything can become a weapon," Zixu mused. "It's time to awaken it. System, you mentioned that I was close to awakening Busoshoku Haki before. Can I use fewer points?"

[Required: 4,000 points.]

"Fine..."

After uttering those words, Zixu remembered nothing. When he finally opened his eyes, night had fallen. A clone of Silence Fruit Lay beside him on a recliner, snoring loudly, though Zixu, due to his abilities, barely noticed the noise.

"That was... a dream?" He rubbed his aching temples. In his vision, a colossal figure—seven or eight meters tall—had loomed before him. Without hesitation, the figure had swung a massive kanabō (iron club) at him, striking him with overwhelming force. As he was sent flying, Zixu glimpsed a young man standing behind the giant. The youth's body burned with pure white flames, his expression forever fixed in an eerie, knowing smile.

Before waking, Zixu saw something peculiar—thick chains bound the massive figure, shackles of fate restricting his every movement. The young man clenched his fist, unleashing a punch that seemed capable of shattering the world itself. The giant turned, his laughter defiant, gripping his kanabō tightly as he met the attack head-on. He sought to break free from his predetermined fate.

"Tch. What an absurd vision..."

Shaking off the strange imagery, Zixu kicked his clone awake. "How long did I sleep?"

"From morning till night."

Zixu stood, placing the blanket someone had draped over him onto a chair before heading out. Though the night sky shimmered with countless stars, the village remained alive with activity. It was not only the ninja who toiled tirelessly but also civilians—people who had been deemed unfit for the path of the shinobi, resigned to laboring until death.

"Technology... Technology can grant civilians the power to protect themselves. It can free them from ceaseless toil. It can elevate them to equal standing with ninja."

"Technology can change fate."

This belief had taken root in the hearts of these civilians—an ideology crafted by both Orochimaru and Zixu. Whether it was a lie or not did not matter; at least it offered them a sliver of hope.

"They are motivated, as expected. The real issue is not the scarcity of wealth but the inequality of its distribution."

Zixu continued his nocturnal stroll, though he had a clear purpose. He was searching for someone.

The village they had chosen possessed an ideal location—a deep forest with a winding river and cliffs encircling its heart. Such peculiar terrain was rare. Legend had it that this was once a battleground of the past Ninja Wars, reshaped by cataclysmic battles.

"Finally found you."

Zixu had walked around the village multiple times before spotting his target. Standing atop an unassuming rock was a man with long brown hair, a ninja forehead protector, black tights, a green vest, dark circles beneath his eyes, and a pale complexion. A sword rested in his grasp.

Unlike in life, having been resurrected through Edo Tensei (Impure World Reincarnation), his perpetual coughing had ceased, and his once frail body now seemed restored.

"Gekkō Hayate"

His name pulled him from his daze. Before his death, Hayate had overheard the conspiracy between Baki and Kabuto, but he had been silenced by Baki's Fūton (Wind Release) before he could warn the Third Hokage.

"You... You were one of the candidates back then?"

Despite Orochimaru's control over his body, Hayate's consciousness remained. His sole desire now was to return to Konoha with this information.

"Don't bother. Sarutobi Hiruzen is dead. Konoha remains intact. Sunagakure suffered heavy losses, and Konoha will soon claim a significant advantage over them."

Zixu's words caused Hayate's tense expression to ease slightly.

"There's no need for sorrow. As long as the village stands, nothing else matters. Did you truly fight for Sarutobi?"

Zixu could not comprehend Hayate's urgency. He unsheathed Yubashiri and stretched his body. He had a different suspicion—Hayate had left behind a beloved, Uzuki Yugao. He was likely worried about her fate after his passing.

"Regardless, you are an exceptional swordsman. I wish to learn from you. If you train me without reservation, I will grant you an opportunity to return to Konoha."

Zixu had learned that offering both an incentive and a demand yielded better results. Hayate's eyes flickered with resolve.

"Very well. I accept."

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