The rain had started.
Gentle, quiet, almost respectful as it fell over the rooftops of Konoha.
But in the heart of the Uchiha District, beneath the surface, something unnatural stirred.
Ren stood shirtless in his training space, muscles flexing, chakra coiling like a storm. Each strike he landed on the wooden post left black markings—residual energy from the shadow chakra now infused in every part of his body.
[New Ability Unlocked: Shadow Clone – Variant Form][Trait: Shadow Echo – Clone lasts longer and can absorb memories before vanishing]
[Army Slots: 5/∞][Orb Drop Rate Boosted – Active Companions: Aiko, Junko]
He summoned a clone—pitch black, glowing eyes, silent as death—and watched it move like liquid. Efficient. Ruthless.
Aiko watched from the doorway, arms folded. "Your control's improving. You're almost terrifying."
Ren smirked. "Almost?"
Junko scribbled on a scroll from the corner. "His chakra network is mutating. This isn't standard Uchiha growth—it's something else entirely."
Ren ran a hand through his hair, stepping outside. "Let's test that theory. Word is, a certain flower from the Hyuga garden is passing through Konoha today."
Market District – Afternoon
She moved like poetry.
White robes, silver sandals, lavender eyes that shimmered under the umbrella she held. Hinata Hyuga, still young, still painfully shy—but glowing with untouched grace.
Ren saw her and paused.
Another trophy. Another piece of fate I'll rewrite.
He approached slowly, careful not to spook her. "You shouldn't walk alone. The world's more dangerous than you think."
She blinked, surprised. "I—I'm fine…"
"I didn't say you weren't," Ren replied smoothly, slipping beside her. "But being fine isn't enough. You could be… extraordinary."
Her eyes widened slightly. "Do I… know you?"
"You will," he said, offering her the edge of his umbrella. "Come. There's something I want to show you."
Training Grounds – Hidden Section
Under the cover of trees, Ren demonstrated his shadow clone and let her watch as two of his summoned soldiers sparred.
Hinata gasped. "What kind of ninjutsu is that…? It's not any Uchiha technique I've read about."
Ren stepped close. "That's because it's not from this world."
She turned toward him, curiosity blooming like fire through her timidity.
"You don't have to live in their shadow, Hinata. I've seen what the Hyuga Clan does. To women. To people they deem 'less.' You're worth more than that."
She trembled, lower lip caught between her teeth. "I want to be stronger… but…"
Ren reached out, touching her fingers with his. "Then let me show you a new way. A path where strength isn't inherited — it's claimed."
[Recruitment Attempt: Hinata Hyuga – In Progress][Requirement: Emotional Trigger + Light Contact][Option: Invite to Pocket Hunting Dimension?]
Ren held out his hand, again.
Hesitation. Then—
Her fingers slid into his.
Pocket Hunting Dimension – Hours Later
Hinata stood in the void, stunned by its scale and eerie beauty. Aiko gave her a soft, knowing look. Junko offered a nod of acceptance.
Ren placed his hand on Hinata's back, guiding her forward.
"This place will test you. And if you pass… it will remake you."
She looked up at him, eyes burning now. "Then I want to try."
[Hinata Added as Companion][Passive Bonus: Byakugan Support – Shadow Vision Range Expanded][Bond Level: Curious][New Room Unlocked: Observation Hall – Vision Enhancements Active]
Later, as the four of them returned to Konoha under the evening sky, Ren glanced up toward the Hokage monument. The wind whispered secrets.
And in the shadows near the forest edge — red eyes opened.
Itachi had been watching.
"He's recruiting. Manipulating. Growing stronger."
"He might become a threat… sooner than expected."
To Be Continued...