The early morning mist rolled through Konoha's training grounds.
Ren stood still, barefoot on the cold stone, eyes closed. Shadow energy swirled beneath his skin like a second heartbeat. His connection to the Pocket Hunting Dimension grew stronger with every use—and with it, something ancient stirred.
[New Ability Unlocked: Shadow Mark][Function: Leave a tether on a person, place, or object. Enables remote shadow entry.][Shadow Army Slots: 4/∞]
He smirked. Mobility, control, information… it's all starting to come together.
Aiko watched him from the sidelines, arms crossed. She hadn't said much since their first venture. Not out of fear—Ren could tell she was thinking. Strategizing.
Just like him.
She finally spoke. "You're going to use that power to build more than an army, aren't you?"
Ren turned. "I'm going to build a legacy. One that lives beyond this cursed clan, this village, even this world."
"You'll need allies," she said flatly.
Ren's eyes gleamed. "Not allies. Assets. And I've got my eyes on the next one."
That Evening – Konoha Library
She was there, just like always. Glasses sliding down her nose, her quiet voice barely above a whisper as she scolded a genin for tearing a scroll.
Junko.Bookish. Soft-spoken. Disregarded by most shinobi.
But Ren saw through the shell. He'd noticed her obsession with kekkei genkai research. The stolen glances toward the Uchiha compound. The curiosity… and loneliness.
He approached her like a shadow.
"You're wasting your talents in here."
She turned, startled. "W-What?"
"You want to understand bloodlines, chakra anomalies, forbidden arts. I can give you more than these dusty scrolls ever will."
Her face flushed. "And why would you do that?"
Ren leaned in, voice low.
"Because you're the kind of mind I need. Sharp. Curious. Willing to question rules. Join me… and I'll show you a dimension no book could ever contain."
[Recruitment Attempt: Junko – In Progress][Bond Requirement: Curiosity Triggered | Physical Contact Suggested]
He offered his hand. Not forcefully—just enough to make her wonder.
She hesitated… then placed her palm in his.
Inside the Pocket Hunting Dimension
Junko gasped as stars opened above her and shadows whispered beneath. Aiko stood nearby, arms crossed, smirking slightly.
"She agreed too, huh?" Aiko said.
Junko blinked. "This place… it's alive."
Ren grinned. "And now, so are your dreams."
He snapped his fingers. A new shadow soldier rose, armored and armed.
[Shadow Summon: Void Blade – Summoned][Army Count: 3 Active Units]
"You'll help me study everything. Bloodlines, seals, lost jutsu. You'll get to write the future, Junko. With me."
She swallowed, awe and fear dancing in her eyes. "You're dangerous."
Ren's eyes glowed. "But I'm right."
[Junko Added as Companion][Companion Role: Research Specialist][Passive Bonus: Orb Identification +25%]
Uchiha Compound – Later
Ren stood on the rooftop, gazing at the moon. His shadows spread beneath him like roots, slipping into the corners of the village. Listening. Marking.
Then—he felt it.
A flicker of killing intent. Controlled. Precise.
Itachi.
Ren narrowed his eyes as the silhouette moved through the trees like smoke.
So the prodigal brother is already hunting…
He clenched his fist, the shadow under him rippling like water.
"Let's see whose legacy is written in blood… and whose in immortality."
To Be Continued...