Naruto: Fate System

In hindsight, Shin truly owed a debt of gratitude to Sasuke and his team.

Had it not been for their obsessive determination to preserve the orriginal timeline, which frightened Sēramu beforehand, he might not have had such an easy time taking over this city.

After all, with the antagonist of the movie long gone, Rōran didn't really face any external threats. The city's defenses stood strong, its people united under Sēramu's leadership.

But that was about to change.

Sasuke and his team, being overly principled, insisted on sealing the Ryūmyaku and maintaining the timeline. Coupled with a well-timed display of force, they inadvertently played the role of 'external invaders' perfectly.

When preservation became destruction—the irony of their mission could not be more perfect.

To this, he almost wanted to say, "Thank you so much~"

Sēramu let out a soft sigh, releasing her emotional burden and completely accepting her fate. At Shin's request, she ascended the altar to demonstrate how to harness its power for her future Rōran overlord.

"Please, watch me closely," she said softly.

She raised her hands on the altar and began summoning the power of the Ryūmyaku.

But then, the unexpected happened.

The orange energy of the Ryūmyaku rose from the altar, but instead of embracing Sēramu, it gleefully dove straight into Shin's body.

In that moment, everyone present was stunned. The chamber fell into complete silence except for the soft hum of the flowing energy.

Sēramu was especially shocked, internally exclaiming. How could you switch sides so easily?!

Shin was momentarily taken aback as well, and under Konan and Nagato's gazes, he innocently shrugged his shoulders.

He hadn't tampered with anything. The only difference was in the Ryūmyaku's choice.

Besides, he didn't even need to resort to tricks to steal it. With his strategy alone, he could easily subjugate Rōran.

The power was just an unexpected bonus.

As of now, only two individuals in the world could manipulate the Ryūmyaku: Sēramu and her daughter, Sara.

Shin had already devised a plan: by taking one of them hostage and periodically switching them, he would ensure neither stayed in Rōran long enough to establish their independence.

This city would remain in his grasp.

In the future, once the transportation network was established and the industrial center was operational, there'd be no chance of Rōran rebelling against Ame.

So he had no need to use underhanded means to steal the Ryūmyaku. Rather than controlling its power directly, he preferred to control its people.

But now, an unexpected development had occurred. For reasons unknown, the Ryūmyaku had chosen him.

Even more astonishingly, Shin could sense emotions of attachment and intimacy emanating from the orange energy—like a babbling infant reaching out for a hug, utterly dependent and affectionate.

Why was this happening?

He didn't fully understand. The ancient texts had never mentioned anything about the Ryūmyaku showing preference or emotion.

The good news, however, was that thanks to the Ryūmyaku's affection, he instantly gained a higher level of control over it than both Sēramu and Sara.

He could now strip them of their access to the Ryūmyaku entirely, with just a thought.

Better than I could have planned.

The feeling was both bizarre and unexpected. He flexed his new authority, feeling the Ryūmyaku respond to his slightest whim.

But there was one downside, though: after personally experiencing the Ryūmyaku's highest control authority, Shin confirmed that the energy could not be taken out of Rōran.

It was a unique phenomenon tied to the land and became ineffective once removed. The energy dimmed slightly when he tried to pull it away from its source, like a sulking child.

Thus, the fleeting idea of sealing the Ryūmyaku within himself, like a Tailed Beast, and taking it away was dismissed—it simply wasn't feasible.

This restriction, however, also provided a fallback plan for him. The city could serve as an impregnable stronghold.

If I ever lose to Madara or Black Zetsu in the future, I'll just retreat to Rōran. Here, I'll be invincible. Even Madara would think twice about attacking here. 

He found some dark humor in the thought.

As the Ryūmyaku energy continued flowing into him, Sēramu lowered her head even further. If she'd already mentally prepared herself to submit before, she was now ready to offer everything—her life, her body, and her kingdom.

Rōran's fate was entirely in his hands.

After basking in the power's flow for a while, Shin sensed anxiety and pain emanating from the Ryūmyaku.

The energy writhed uncomfortably, like a child trying to tell its parent something was wrong. He calmed his mind and communicated with it, witnessing a fierce battle underground.

---

Near the core of the Ryūmyaku's energy, Sasuke and his team were locked in a heated fight with Urashiki.

This time, Sasuke had fully adjusted his mindset and strength, giving his all in the battle. Lightning crackled through the underground chamber as his Chidori clashed with Urashiki's weapons.

Urashiki, wielding his fishing rod, repeatedly attempted to extract the Ryūmyaku's energy from the surroundings. Each attempt sent waves of distress through the energy network. This was the source of the Ryūmyaku's pain—it felt like a child being poked by a bully.

Though he hadn't managed to draw much energy, the Ryūmyaku's simple, infant-like consciousness was distressed by the constant assault.

If left unchecked, it could soon spiral out of control—a scenario likely orchestrated by Urashiki himself to blow up the Ryūmyaku and disrupt everything.

Unfortunately for him, the altar's unexpected event had thwarted his plan. The Ryūmyaku had found its protector, and it wasn't about to let him have his way.

Now armed with full control over the Ryūmyaku, Shin quickly soothed the infantile energy. He sent calming pulses through the network, feeling the power settle under his touch.

He then turned to Nagato and instructed, "Have Tendō intervene and stop Urashiki."

The Deva Path had been stationed underground, keeping a safe distance to provide live updates as per Shin's earlier orders. Through its eyes, they could see the intense battle raging below.

"Should we join the battle as well?" Nagato asked, hearing the change in plans.

Shin thought for a moment and replied, "Eventually, yes. Rōran is now our territory—we can't let outsiders wreak havoc here. But for now, let the Konoha ninjas hold out a bit longer."

He wasn't a benevolent hero; he saw no need to rush to their aid. Watching Urashiki and Sasuke's team wear each other down was far more advantageous.

The Ryūmyaku pulsed in sync with his thoughts.

At that moment, Pakura interjected, "What are you talking about? Have you seen something through the Ryūmyaku? And who is this 'Urashiki'?"

Still oblivious to the full situation, she grew increasingly suspicious.

"Oh, it's nothing. I just noticed the Konoha ninjas fighting an unknown enemy named Urashiki. Don't worry—we'll help you deal with these Konoha intruders and that Suna traitor. Trust me."

Shin gave her a gentle smile and reassured her.

Pakura looked at him with growing skepticism, her eyes narrowing dangerously. "I feel like you're hiding a lot from me."

"How could I? You're injured. Please stay here and watch over Sēramu and Sara. Leave the fighting to us."

His voice remained gentle, almost concerned, but his eyes held a warning.

Pakura's wariness only deepened. "Wait! No! You're definitely keeping secrets from me. I demand to join the fight and capture that traitor myself!" She took another step forward, chakra beginning to gather around her hands.

Before she could act, Shin, now wielding supreme control over the Ryūmyaku, pointed a single finger at her. Instantly, the orange energy immobilized Pakura, wrapping around her like glowing chains, rendering her unable to move.

Seeing this, Sēramu sighed deeply, casting a look of pity at Pakura. The former queen of Rōran had already accepted the inevitable.

Stop struggling. Since resistance is futile, why not just accept and enjoy your fate?

You're no match for him.

By this point, Sēramu's moral descent was complete. She watched as the Interim Kazekage struggled against her bonds, knowing that resistance against their new master was pointless.

After settling Pakura in place, Shin left the altar atop the tower with Nagato and Konan, heading underground to bring the battle to an end.

His mood was calm and composed. 

After all, the most important thing to him—the capture of Rōran and the Ryūmyaku—was already in his grasp. From this point on, neither the confrontation with Urashiki nor Sasuke felt like critical, life-or-death battles.

Before departing, he gave Nagato specific instructions, "Leave one Pain stationed at the tower to keep watch over Sēramu, Sara, and Pakura. We can't risk losing our acquisitions."

The Uzumaki nodded. "The Human Path will stay."

---

As they left, Sēramu gracefully approached the immobilized Pakura.

She leaned in close, her body pressing against the paralyzed Interim Kazekage, and gently caressed her cheek. Her voice carried a sultry allure, so intoxicating that even Sara, watching from the side, couldn't help but shiver slightly.

"Kazekage-sama, why struggle? Just entrust everything him, and all your worries will vanish. Isn't that wonderful?" Her fingers traced patterns on Pakura's skin as she spoke.

Mother... what's happened to you? Sara realized something was wrong.

Her mother's demeanor was entirely off—this was seduction befitting a fox spirit!

Pakura, unable to move, could only glare at Sēramu.

Nearby, the Human Path of Pain watched quietly, apparently confused yet deeply shocked. Its Rinnegan eyes blinked several times, as if trying to process the unexpected scene before it.

Even Nagato, far off, began casting Shin subtle, peculiar glances. Something about this feels... off. Even by shinobi standards.

Sensing this, Shin turned to him, puzzled. "What's wrong?"

Nagato fumbled for words, diverting the topic with some vague inquiry. "Are you like those others who have come from the future?"

The question came out rushed, almost desperate in its attempt to change the subject.

This, however, only put Konan on alert. She gazed, searching his face for any hint of deception.

"No, I've told you before—I just happened to learn some information by chance. Are you disappointed?" Shin replied honestly.

Fortunately, the thing he dreaded most—that they might suspect he had been replaced—did not happen.

Konan stepped forward for the first time, openly holding his hand in front of Nagato.

"No, not at all. Whatever happens, we're willing to believe in you. You don't need to explain everything to us. Just stay in Akatsuki, stay with us."

Konan didn't care what he knew or what he kept secret. Her only fear was that one day he might leave them behind. The thought of losing another precious person was more terrifying than any enemy they might face.

Warmed by her thoughts, Shin firmly gripped her hand in return. Such loyalty... both useful and dangerous. But for now, it serves my purposes perfectly.

"I'm not going anywhere. I'll stay with you all and change this world together."

In that moment, as Shin and Konan stood hand in hand, it felt as though a notification of upgraded bonds was flickering above them.

Nagato watched from the side with a strange expression. Especially after what the Human Path of Pain had witnessed atop the tower, he couldn't help but think: Shin's path to changing the world is bound to encounter many challenges.

Soon, they arrived at the underground battlefield.

Sasuke and the others were locked in a fierce battle with Urashiki.

The underground chamber was a scene of pure chaos. Chunks of stone rained down from above as attacks missed their mark, and the acrid smell of burned chakra filled the place.

Pillars and beams were shattered all around, and the ceiling was precariously supported by Sasuke's half-formed Susanoo and Gaara's sand.

Without their efforts, the entire underground structure might collapse at any moment. Cracks spider-webbed across the remaining support columns with each new exchange.

Urashiki stood in the ruins, laughing maniacally. His white robes remained clean despite the destruction surrounding him.

His fishing rod twirled casually in his hands.

"Hahaha! So this is what ninjas are? How disappointing!" Another casual swing of his rod sent a wave of force that cracked another pillar.

He was no tactical genius, but his overwhelming power as a member of the Ōtsutsuki clan made up for it. His abilities were absurdly versatile.

He could steal chakra with his fishing hook, reverse time to undo any damage, and his offensive and defensive abilities were practically invincible.

Even Sasuke was struggling against him, his Susanoo flickering under the constant assault.

Shin, upon arriving, didn't immediately join the fight. Instead, he took a moment to observe. There's a rhythm to its failures.

What he saw was enlightening. Urashiki's fishing hook was a nearly unstoppable weapon, catching almost everything it aimed for. But there were two exceptions:

The power of the Rinnegan and the Ryūmyaku.

Shin quickly realized why the Rinnegan resisted Urashiki's power; it was a natural ability of the Ōtsutsuki clan, existing on the same level as Urashiki's.

But the Ryūmyaku? That was unexpected.

Then he remembered: in the original lore, Truth-Seeking Balls could not be destroyed by chakra-based attacks but could be countered by Sage energy derived from natural sources.

The Ryūmyaku likely fell into this same category as natural energy.

Suddenly, he felt as though he had glimpsed the tip of a massive secret.

Returning his focus to the present, he realized he held the key to this battle. The chamber shook with another impact as Sasuke barely deflected another of Urashiki's attacks, purple sparks flying from his weakening Susanoo.

His earlier decision to secure the Ryūmyaku from the tower had been the right call.

When Urashiki cast his hook once more, aiming for Sasuke within his Susanoo, Shin appeared in a flash, his arm encased in Ryūmyaku energy.

With a single swing, he knocked the hook aside, the impact sending shockwaves through the chamber.

Urashiki, enraged, roared, "Vermin!"

Another pillar crumbled under the force of his chakra.

"Don't rely on your Susanoo too much!" Shin called back to Sasuke, ducking under another wild swing of the hook. "Use your Rinnegan. Don't hold back on chakra!"

Charging forward, he shouted to Nagato, "Tendō! Now!"

Nagato immediately understood. From behind Urashiki, the Deva Path raised its hand. "Shinra Tensei!"

Even Urashiki couldn't nullify the Rinnegan's power—because it was his own clan's ability. The gravitational force struck him like a hammer, disrupting his perfect posture for the first time.

Boom!

Caught off guard by the attack from behind, he stumbled, his lack of combat instinct glaringly obvious. Stones bounced around him as he struggled to maintain his balance.

From the front came Shin's slash, imbued with Ryūmyaku energy. The blade pierced Urashiki's body cleanly, the sound sharp and clear.

The Ryūmyaku energy coursed through the wound, preventing any attempt at time reversal. For once, the Ōtsutsuki's face showed genuine pain instead of contempt.

The chamber fell silent except for the occasional patter of falling debris. Even Sasuke's Susanoo seemed to pause mid-flicker.

Hanabi, who had been observing, gaped in disbelief. The veins around her eyes bulged as she tried to process what she was seeing.

"This is Akatsuki…?" she murmured in awe.

The stories she'd heard about this organization paled in comparison to what she'd just witnessed.

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