211-215

Chapter 211: A Woven Future 

Over the next few days, Uchiha Hikari stayed in the palace, consulting with Miroku about training in "natural energy." 

As it turned out, the training method Miroku used wasn’t something Hikari could replicate. The technique was somewhat akin to a bloodline limit, requiring a specific lineage to work. For a thousand years, it had been passed down exclusively through the shrine maiden line, making it impossible to teach outsiders. 

However… 

This was where her training in "ki" from the Dragon Ball world started to pay off. 

Back when Hikari first began learning "ki" under Master Roshi, Minato Namikaze had speculated that "ki" and natural energy shared some similarities, suggesting that it could make learning sage techniques easier down the line. Now, that theory was being proven true. 

Thanks to her prior training, Hikari could sense natural energy around her with hardly any effort. She could even clearly "see" the differences in natural energy density across various areas. 

But absorbing it? That was a process she approached with extreme caution. 

In the Naruto world, natural energy was far more dangerous than "ki." One wrong move during absorption, and you’d end up as a stone statue. Even Naruto, the main character, nearly turned into a frog during his first attempt at Sage Mode. 

So, Hikari had to be absolutely sure she wouldn’t mess it up before trying. 

Oh, and by the way… 

According to Miroku, a thousand years ago, the concentration of natural energy was way higher than it is now. 

That’s why the first shrine maiden was overwhelmed by natural energy, leading her to create Moryo—a demon with power rivaling that of a tailed beast. 

And the reason natural energy had dwindled so much over the millennium? 

That would be the fault of the Ōtsutsuki clan. 

Miroku explained, “According to ancient murals preserved in the Land of Demons, over a thousand years ago, a strange seed appeared on this continent. No one knows where it came from or when it first showed up, but it started as a tiny sprout and grew into a massive tree that connected heaven and earth. As it grew, it absorbed the natural energy of the world, nearly draining the land dry. 

That is, until someone called the ‘Goddess of the Rabbit’ ate the fruit the tree bore, putting an end to the process.” 

“But that ‘Goddess of the Rabbit’ couldn’t handle the immense power within the fruit. She lost control, wreaking havoc on the world until she was defeated and sealed away by the Sage of the Six Paths. 

They say during that time, the heavens split, and the earth cracked. Fire rained from the sky, countless mountains were leveled, and new valleys rose from flat ground. The entire continent was torn into fragments, drifting to different corners of the world… The land we’re standing on now is just one of the larger pieces.” 

As she spoke, Miroku placed a stack of scrolls on the table. “These are copies I made of the murals in the Land of Demons’ underground chamber. You can take a look. If you want to see the originals, I can take you there.” 

“No need,” Hikari replied, flipping through a few pages of the scrolls, lost in thought. 

She knew the story of the “Goddess of the Rabbit” all too well. 

Of course, she’d read about it in the Naruto manga. 

But in the real ninja world, this was the first time she’d come across such an ancient record. Sure, it was incomplete—mentioning only the title “Goddess of the Rabbit” without naming Ōtsutsuki Kaguya or her connection to the Sage of the Six Paths and his brother—but it was still far older and more detailed than anything the Leaf Village or the Uchiha clan had. 

In terms of historical preservation, the Land of Demons was clearly a cut above the Five Great Nations. 

Miroku’s words got Hikari thinking. 

“So, where did the seed of the Divine Tree come from? Is there another one out there? If chakra originated from the Divine Tree, and the Divine Tree grew by absorbing the planet’s natural energy… doesn’t that mean chakra is just a derivative of natural energy?” 

Hikari rubbed her chin, deep in thought. 

A thousand years later, the Divine Tree was long gone. All that remained was the Gedō Statue in Nagato’s possession and the nine tailed beasts scattered across the continent. Observing the Divine Tree’s growth process was no longer possible. 

But… 

There were still some things made from the Divine Tree’s materials. 

If she remembered correctly, the Uchiha clan’s “Uchiha Fan” was crafted from the tree’s branches. And the Sage of the Six Paths’ ninja tools—like the Banana Fan or the Rope of Clarity—were supposedly made from it too. 

If she got the chance, maybe she could track those down and study them. Perhaps they held some of the Ōtsutsuki clan’s secrets… 

… 

While Hikari focused on studying sage techniques, Kikyo was discussing sealing techniques with Minato, Eri was playing with Shion, and Esdeath was idly tending to some flowers out of boredom. 

As for Tsunade… 

Per their agreement, she was supposed to continue treating and monitoring Eri’s condition. 

But just a couple of days later, she slipped out to hit the casinos outside the city. 

Yup. The Land of Demons had just paid her a hefty reward for sealing Moryo, and combined with the millions Hikari had given her as a deposit, it was quite the fortune. For a seasoned gambler like Tsunade, there was no way she’d sit on that kind of cash and quietly play doctor. 

Thanks to her spectacular luck, though, it took her just two or three days to blow through nearly ten million, leaving her not only broke but a few million in debt to the casino. She slunk back, drowning her sorrows in sake. 

Hikari found it kind of hilarious. 

She even started wondering if she should have Orochimaru set up a trap at a casino in the Land of Rice Fields, lure Tsunade in, and scam her out of a few hundred million—leaving her no choice but to sign a contract to work off her debt. 

In theory, the plan could actually work. 

It was just… a bit shady. 

If she really went through with it, the next time the Senju brothers were reanimated with Edo Tensei, they’d probably point at her and yell, “You evil little Uchiha brat!” 

Hmm… that scene might actually be pretty entertaining to see. 

Hikari pictured it and couldn’t help but chuckle. 

That afternoon, after one final consultation about natural energy, Hikari’s curiosity got the better of her, and she asked Miroku about the “prophecy” thing. 

“I heard that the shrine maidens of the Land of Demons have the ability to see the future. Is that true?” 

Miroku thought for a moment before nodding. “Yes. The shrine maiden’s ‘prophecy ability’ manifests through visions. Usually, when we meet someone for the first time, we see a few glimpses of their future—especially the moment of their death. 

The accuracy depends on how far into the future it is. Generally, we can predict things clearly within about two years. Beyond that, it starts to get blurry.” 

“What about me? Have you seen my future?” Hikari asked, pointing to herself. 

“I’m sorry, but… not anymore.” 

“Not anymore?” 

Miroku hesitated before explaining slowly, “When I first met you and your companions, I did see a few visions. One of them was you lying in a cold, dark valley, drained of all your chakra and dead… But that image vanished almost instantly. After that, even when I tried to use my prophecy ability on you, all I could see was a blank void.” 

“A valley?” Hikari’s eyes narrowed. 

Could it be… 

Was Miroku seeing the original timeline’s Uchiha Hikari, who woke up during the Boruto era, only to be used and indirectly killed by Mitsuki? 

Hikari pressed for more details and confirmed that was indeed the scene Miroku had seen. 

Not only that, but Miroku had also glimpsed Esdeath being killed by a cursed poison, Kikyo being taken down by Naraku, Eri dying at the hands of the Holy Skeleton, and even Tsunade being sliced in half by Susanoo. Every single one of those visions had flashed briefly before fading into nothingness. 

“I’m not entirely sure,” Miroku said carefully, “but I think it means your futures have been changed. You’re no longer bound by predetermined fates, so my prophecies can’t see you anymore.” 

“Hmm…” Hikari nodded thoughtfully. 

It made sense. 

Aside from herself, Eri, Kikyo, and the others were all supposed to die according to their original stories—and soon. Esdeath, for instance, only had a few months left in her original timeline. 

But the moment the chat group brought Hikari into the worlds of Inuyasha, Dragon Clan, and Akame ga Kill!, their fates started to shift, intertwining with hers. Under those circumstances, no one could predict what their futures held. 

(So, the shrine maiden’s prophecies are a lot like the Great Toad Sage’s, huh? Both are about observing so-called ‘destiny.’ I wonder if there’s some higher being in this world pulling the strings of fate?) 

Hikari mulled it over for a bit before asking Miroku a few more questions. Once she confirmed the prophecy ability was an innate talent that couldn’t be taught or trained, she gave up on trying to learn it. 

… 

After spending about ten days in the Land of Demons, soaking in the local culture and sampling all kinds of unique cuisine, Hikari and her group said their goodbyes and prepared to leave. 

Before they left, Miroku solemnly handed Hikari a small bell. 

“Lady Hikari, this bell is an heirloom passed down through generations of shrine maidens. It’s infused with the spiritual energy of every maiden, including mine. Keep it with you. It might offer some inspiration for your sage technique training.” 

“…Thank you,” Hikari said, raising an eyebrow in surprise before accepting the bell with both hands. 

She was still figuring out how to safely absorb natural energy, but she could sense the immense power sealed within the bell. If she could fully absorb it, her strength might skyrocket. 

On the flip side, losing the bell would likely weaken Miroku significantly. If Moryo broke free again, she might not even be able to seal it, even at the cost of her life. 

For both Miroku and the Land of Demons, this was an incredibly precious gift. 

In return, Hikari pulled out a few Senzu Beans, wrapped them in a silk cloth, and handed them to Miroku. 

“These are called ‘Senzu Beans.’ They’re miraculous beans that can heal any injury and restore stamina instantly. Consider them my thank-you gift. Also, if Moryo reappears or the Land of Demons runs into any trouble you can’t handle, just send me a letter. If I’ve got the time, I’ll swing by.” 

“?!” 

Miroku’s eyes widened slightly. After politely declining a few times, she accepted the beans with heartfelt gratitude. 

Meanwhile, Tsunade gave Hikari a skeptical look. “Those beans… are they really that miraculous? Healing any injury? That sounds like my Creation Rebirth technique.” 

“Pretty much,” Hikari replied. 

In her opinion, Creation Rebirth was a step below Senzu Beans. 

You’d need something like Hashirama Senju’s passive healing or Karin and her mother’s “Healing Sacred Body” to even compare. 

At that moment, Miroku, Shion, and Endo Sakumo stood together, watching as Hikari and her group walked off into the distance. 

When they were nearly out of sight, Hikari turned to Tsunade. “So, Tsunade, have you decided where you’re headed? Wanna swing by my research institute? That thirty-million-a-year offer’s still on the table, you know. And if you do well, there’s a bonus in it for you.” 

“…Gulp.” 

The word “bonus” made Tsunade swallow hard. She coughed and said, “That’s a big decision. I need to think it over… But when it comes to treating Eri, I promise I’ll give it my all. If needed, I can exchange letters with Orochimaru to discuss our research progress.” 

For Tsunade, who was now millions in debt, thirty million a year was tempting. 

But working with Orochimaru, a rogue ninja, gave her pause. So, she settled on collaborating only on Eri’s condition. Compared to her flat-out refusal a few days ago, though, this was progress. With a bit more time, she might lower her guard even further. 

Hikari wasn’t worried about Tsunade disappearing—she’d already left her mark. 

At a fork in the road, Hikari stopped and waved goodbye to Tsunade. 

Tsunade, with Shizune in tow, headed off in one direction. 

Hikari turned to Kikyo. “What about you, Kikyo? Got any plans? Wanna come hang out at my place? Think of it as a chance to unwind.” 

“…Sure,” Kikyo said after a brief pause, nodding. 

Chapter 212: The Shared Bath at the Hot Spring Inn 

This time, Uchiha Hikari didn’t bring Esdeath and Kikyo back to the Hidden Leaf Village. 

After all, they had just caused a stir in the Land of Demons, and word was bound to reach the Leaf. Going back now would mean dealing with all sorts of open and subtle scrutiny, not to mention probing questions. Sure, with Uchiha Hikari’s status, she didn’t owe anyone explanations, but it would still be a hassle. 

So… 

After some thought, Hikari decided on a destination to unwind: the Land of Hot Springs, located on the eastern side of the continent. 

“I’ve never been there myself, but I hear the natural scenery is pretty nice, and the hot springs are famous. We just finished a fight, so soaking in a bath to loosen up sounds perfect, right?” 

Hikari’s suggestion got an immediate thumbs-up from Eri, who was all in, as expected. 

Esdeath and Kikyo, both new to the Naruto world and easygoing by nature, didn’t object either. They just nodded in agreement. 

And so, Hikari checked the map, locked in the coordinates, and activated “Shangri-La,” instantly teleporting the group of four from the Land of Demons to the Land of Hot Springs, thousands of miles away. 

“Even though it’s not my first time using this Teigu, it’s honestly super convenient for travel,” Esdeath remarked. 

Eri nodded enthusiastically in agreement. 

Hikari grinned and said casually, “Well, maybe I’ll team up with Bulma someday and figure out how to recreate Shangri-La’s crafting process. If we can pull it off, I’ll make one for each of you. Then you can zip around wherever you want, no problem.” 

“Really?” Eri scribbled on her notebook, her eyes sparkling with excitement. 

“Yup,” Hikari replied. 

—Total lie. 

Not to mention that Shangri-La was one of the most advanced Teigu ever crafted, even if they could crack its production method, the raw materials would be nearly impossible to source. Making a second one was already a stretch, let alone one for everyone. But seeing Eri take it seriously, Hikari figured a little white lie to make her happy wouldn’t hurt. 

“Where’s this hot spring you mentioned, Hikari?” Esdeath asked, glancing around. 

“…Hang on, it’s my first time here too. Let me check.” 

With that, Hikari used her Flight Technique to soar into the sky, hovering a few hundred meters up. She shaded her eyes with her hand and scanned the surroundings. 

The Land of Hot Springs was a fascinating place. 

On one hand, it was known as “the country that forgot war.” After the First Shinobi World War, they grew tired of conflict, slashed funding for their ninja village, and poured their efforts into tourism instead, opening tons of hot spring inns. 

On the other hand, it was fertile ground for the shadowy Cult of Jashin, breeding fanatics like Hidan, the immortal freak. Honestly, Hikari was kind of curious about this “Jashin” figure. Hidan’s immortality was the real deal, and whatever granted him that power was probably on par with the sages of the Three Great Holy Lands—or maybe even something like the Shinigami from the Reaper Death Seal. That kind of entity had serious research potential. 

But curiosity aside, Hikari wasn’t here to chase trouble. This trip was for relaxation, and unless the Jashin cultists showed up in her face, she wasn’t going out of her way to deal with them. 

“…Let’s head that way. Looks like there’s a town over there.” 

After scouting from the air, Hikari descended and led Esdeath and the others to a nearby mountain town. 

From the five or six hot spring inns in town, she picked one that was a bit secluded but had decent scenery. With a flash of cash, she booked the entire place for their group. 

Thinking back, just a year ago when she first woke up in this world, Hikari was flat broke, crashing under Naruto’s roof like a total mooch. Now, she was throwing around money like Bulma, using her “cash-jutsu” to get things done. The thought made her chuckle—it felt like a lifetime ago. 

Meanwhile, the inn’s proprietress, dressed in a kimono, trailed behind Hikari, showering her with compliments. “Miss Hikari, this way, please. You’ve got excellent taste! Our hot springs are the best in town. They’re great for your health, beauty, and even warding off evil spirits or curing ailments. Perfect for lovely young ladies like you!” 

“Uh-huh,” Hikari replied noncommittally. 

It was her first time in the Land of Hot Springs, and she’d never stayed at a hot spring inn before, but she could tell this place was decent, though hardly “the best” as the proprietress claimed. Still, its mid-tier status made it easier to book out, so she wasn’t sweating the details. 

The proprietress paused her spiel. “By the way, do you or your friends have any special requests for meals over the next few days?” 

“Nope, just prepare your best spread. Don’t worry about the cost.” 

“Absolutely, leave it to us!” 

… 

Thanks to Hikari’s financial flex, that evening’s dinner was a feast. 

There were several platters of three-foot-long lobster sashimi, plus an array of beef, lamb, fish, rotating sushi, mushroom soup, and fresh fruits and veggies, filling an entire long table. 

For four girls, it was a bit much. 

—Well, technically three, since Kikyo, with her clay body, didn’t need to eat. At most, she’d sip some soup for show. For her, “food” was more like the stray souls floating around. 

But, to Hikari’s surprise, the massive spread was nearly polished off in no time. 

“Hm…” Hikari sipped her fragrant tofu soup, eyeing Eri with suspicion. She was tempted to pat the girl’s stomach. “Eri, are you sure you’re okay eating that much? Don’t force yourself if you’re full, alright?” 

“It’s fine,” Eri wrote on her notebook. “This food is so good, and I don’t get to eat like this often, so I can handle a little extra.” 

Across the table, Esdeath glanced up, silently popped a piece of beef into her mouth, and daintily wiped her lips with a napkin amidst a small mountain of bones and fish spines. “I’m full,” she said coolly. 

… 

Apparently, both Eri and Esdeath were secret foodies with bottomless stomachs. 

Hikari mused that if Ichiraku Ramen ever held another noodle-eating contest, she should sign these two up. They’d probably give Hinata’s future record a run for its money. 

After dinner, the group strolled around town to digest, then returned to change into yukata and head to the inn’s hot spring for a soak. 

The proprietress’s earlier boasts might’ve been a bit exaggerated, but the hot spring itself was legit. The pool, spanning a couple hundred square meters, was divided into three or four sections by a stylish arched bridge and some artificial rock formations. Hidden pipes in the rocks released steaming water when turned on, creating misty cascades that gave the place a dreamy, ancient vibe. 

Eri’s eyes lit up at the setup. Without hesitation, she slipped off her yukata and hopped into the water, placing her little rubber duck on the surface and poking it playfully. Then she turned to Hikari, waving her over with a smile. 

“Coming!” Hikari coughed lightly, tearing her eyes away from Eri’s radiant, curvy figure. Blushing a bit, she undressed, folded her clothes neatly on a rock, and sat by the pool’s edge, wrapped in a towel. 

“Here, Hikari.” Eri pushed a rubber duck toward her, offering it with a grin before going back to playing with her fancy plastic submarine. 

“She’s such a kid at heart,” Hikari thought, watching Eri with a fond smile. 

By virtual age, Eri was almost 18. As a well-fed yakuza princess, her figure was, well, striking, to say the least. But her childish antics made it hard to see her as a grown woman. Side note: in the Dragon Clan world’s 2019 timeline, Japan’s legal adult age was still 20, so technically, Eri was still a minor. Though, that didn’t stop people from marrying at 16… 

The sound of a sliding door interrupted her thoughts. 

Hikari didn’t turn, but out of the corner of her eye, she saw a pair of long legs approach the pool. They tested the water’s temperature before the towel came off, and their owner stepped in. 

Splash. 

Ripples spread as Esdeath slipped into the water. 

This was Hikari’s first time sharing a bath with her. 

At over 20 years old, the general’s figure matched her personality: bold and commanding. Standing over 5’7”, she was curvy where it counted and slender elsewhere, with a chest that was, conservatively, a D-to-F cup and impressively perky. It wasn’t as noticeable under her usual clothes, but in the hot spring, it was impossible to miss. Hikari stole a few glances. 

“Hm?” Esdeath opened her eyes, shifting from her relaxed state to look at Hikari. “What’s up?” 

“Nothing, just… curious,” Hikari said, quickly covering. “Najenda and the others mentioned you’ve been in the Empire’s military for seven or eight years, fought dozens of battles, big and small. But your skin looks so… clean. Barely any scars?” 

Esdeath snorted, her tone matter-of-fact. “Those weaklings who fell in one hit? They didn’t have a chance to leave a mark. The few who did manage to scar me were real powerhouses. You’re one of them.” 

“Flattered, I guess,” Hikari said with a grin. 

Their fight had been intense—Esdeath nearly died to Hikari’s “Fire-Thunder God” attack. But thanks to a Senzu Bean, all her wounds had healed almost instantly, leaving no trace. Instead, Hikari’s eyes caught a scar on Esdeath’s ribs. 

“What’s this one?” she asked. 

“Oh, that? From back when I lived on the northern border. Got it fighting a squad of foreign soldiers. One of the few times I almost didn’t make it,” Esdeath said casually. 

Hikari leaned in, intrigued. “Oh? Tell me more. I’m curious.” 

“In exchange, you can share some stories from when you were a kid.” 

“…” 

Hikari knew the gist of Esdeath’s past. She was born to a northern tribe in the Empire, showed insane combat talent early on, and could take down dangerous beasts solo. When foreign tribes invaded, her people were wiped out, leaving her alone. That shaped her “survival of the fittest” mindset, driving her to become the strongest. By her teens, she’d joined a tournament in the capital, entered the military, and climbed the ranks to become a general second only to Budo. 

That was the rough outline from the anime Hikari had watched in her past life. 

Now, Esdeath hesitated for a moment before giving in to Hikari’s request, sharing bits of her childhood. 

Eri, who’d been playing with her toys, stopped and scooted closer to Hikari, listening intently to Esdeath’s story. She gestured and mouthed, “Big Sis Esdeath is so cool!” 

“Heh,” Esdeath gave a wry smile. “I used to think I was hot stuff too. No matter the genius, they were nothing special to me—just fodder I could crush without breaking a sweat. Even that undefeated Prince Numa Seika from the northern tribes was no match… But now? The only real genius is you, Hikari. If we’d been the same age, I doubt I’d even be worth a serious fight.” 

“Don’t say that,” Hikari said, scratching her head. “Look, my strength is top-tier even in this world, so it’s not fair to compare. Plus, with your combat talent, if you’d met me earlier, you’d probably be way stronger by now.” 

Chapter 213: Back to the Dragon Ball World 

Hikari Uchiha meant what she said— 

As the strongest in the Akame ga Kill! world, what made Esdeath so terrifying wasn’t her Teigu, the “Demon’s Extract,” but her unyielding spirit. No matter the situation, she believed she could rise to be the strongest and relentlessly pursued that goal with ironclad determination. 

In other words… 

It wasn’t the “Demon’s Extract” that was powerful—it was Esdeath herself. 

Even if she’d ended up with something as lackluster as the “Twin Axes” Teigu, she’d probably still have become an unstoppable force. Only someone like Hikari, an “enemy from another world,” or the near-plot-device-level curse poison of “Murasame” could force her out of the game. 

—Oh, and by the way, when Esdeath was first choosing her Teigu, she actually had her eye on the “Twin Axes” but passed it up because the “Demon’s Extract” was more appealing. The “Twin Axes” ended up in the hands of Daidara, one of the Three Beasts, who used it to take down plenty of enemies before getting sliced in half by Brand in a one-on-three fight. 

If Esdeath had taken the “Twin Axes”… 

With her talent and skill, she might’ve developed some unique techniques for it. They just wouldn’t have been as overwhelming as “Mahapadma” or “Ice Storm Commander-in-Chief.” 

“Hey, Esdeath, how’s your training with ‘ki’ and ‘Haki’ going?” Hikari asked casually. 

“…It’s coming along,” Esdeath replied coolly. “I’ve got a bit of a grasp on Observation and Armament Haki, but I still need to refine them. As for ‘ki,’ I’m still figuring it out.” 

“Hmm…” 

That wasn’t surprising. 

Hikari could mimic Haki after watching Yamato’s battles thanks to her Sharingan. Esdeath didn’t have that advantage. Normally, getting the hang of Haki or “ki” takes months—some guy with a certain Nika fruit took two whole years. Esdeath’s talent was undeniable, but mastering abilities from other worlds would naturally take time and effort. 

“How about this,” Hikari said. “In a few days, I’ll take you to meet a mentor. He might give you some pointers.” 

The “mentor” she had in mind was in the Dragon Ball world. 

Not Master Roshi at Karin Tower, though. 

It was the Turtle Hermit himself—Master Roshi. 

No way around it—Esdeath’s worldview and personality probably wouldn’t mesh well with Master Roshi. Plus, her hands were stained with far more blood than even the so-called “world’s top assassin,” Tao Pai Pai. Master Roshi wasn’t exactly fond of Tao, so meeting Esdeath might lead to some… unpleasant encounters. 

Better to play it safe and visit the Turtle Hermit first. 

Sure, Master Roshi was a bit of a pervert, but his martial arts achievements were nothing to scoff at. His Turtle School philosophy—“eat well, sleep well, train well”—had a simple, back-to-basics wisdom that was worth a special trip to learn from. 

Conveniently, Hikari had a stash of H-manga, doujinshi, and various DVDs she’d picked up from the Dragon Clan world… more than enough to cover the “tuition.” 

And while she was at it… 

Hikari planned to put her strategy to recruit Dr. Gero into action. 

This was a plan she’d made a while back. 

If she waited too long, Goku would start collecting the Dragon Balls, inevitably clashing with the Red Ribbon Army and dismantling their bases one by one, including their headquarters. By then, Dr. Gero would be on the run with the rest of the Red Ribbon remnants, and finding him would be like searching for a needle in a haystack. 

“Speaking of which…” Hikari mused. “Isn’t it about time for the World Martial Arts Tournament in the Dragon Ball world?” 

So… 

Should she bring Esdeath along to check it out? 

Maybe even sign her up for the tournament to see what kind of level Earth’s martial artists were at in this era… 

As Hikari’s mind wandered, her eyes unconsciously drifted to Esdeath’s chest, lingering on the ample, fair curves. It looked like she was just staring blankly. 

With Esdeath’s personality, embarrassment wasn’t in her vocabulary. Still, under Hikari’s gaze, she started to look a bit uneasy. 

“Had enough?” Esdeath asked. “I know you’re my boss now, but staring at your subordinate’s chest like that isn’t exactly polite, is it?” 

“…Ahem, sorry, I was thinking about something else,” Hikari said, snapping out of it and shifting her gaze. She glanced at her own jade-like figure, then took a couple of steps toward a lower part of the hot spring and sat on a smooth rock, hugging her knees. 

The air fell quiet for a moment. 

The only sounds were Eri splashing around with her rubber duck, accompanied by wisps of white steam curling up from the hot spring’s surface. 

Suddenly, Esdeath cleared her throat, breaking the silence. “I’ve told you my story. How about you, Hikari? Let’s hear more about you guys.” 

“Me?” Hikari paused, then said, “Well, like I mentioned before, I was sealed underground near the Leaf Village by a coalition of rival clan ninjas a hundred years ago. Before that, there’s not much to tell—just being locked up in a square iron cage…” 

“That’s not what I mean,” Esdeath interrupted, glancing at Eri, who was a few meters away, happily playing with a pile of plastic toys. She chose her words carefully. “If I’m not mistaken, Eri and Miss Kikyo… they’re from other worlds too, aren’t they?” 

“?” Hikari’s eyelid twitched. “You figured it out?” 

“Of course,” Esdeath said with a slight nod. “At first, I thought you all lived in this world, just from different countries or regions, which would explain the different hair colors, appearances, and clothing styles. But… neither of them seems to know much about this world, not even basic common knowledge. 

So, I thought about myself. 

If you could bring me here from the Empire, then it’s the same for the others, right?” 

Her gaze locked onto Hikari, waiting for an answer. 

After a brief silence, Hikari nodded, opting for honesty. “You’re right. Eri and Kikyo, just like you, come from other worlds.” 

Esdeath’s sharp observation skills weren’t news to Hikari. Since she’d already picked up on it, there was no point in denying it. Better to just come clean. 

Besides, Hikari was already planning to take Esdeath to the Dragon Ball world anyway. 

“I knew it…” Esdeath said, her expression confirming her suspicions. 

But then, the warrior queen asked the question she cared about most: “Are there strong fighters like Moryo in their worlds?” 

(That’s her first thought?) Hikari mentally rolled her eyes before nodding. “Oh, definitely. And there are plenty of them.” 

“If we get the chance, I’ll take you to check it out.” 

The Inuyasha world had its fair share of powerful demons—Sesshomaru, the Reaper Ghost, the Jewel Ghost, and even that moth demon from one of the movies, all probably on par with Moryo. 

And in the Dragon Clan world, there were the Four Dragon Kings, plus the Black King and White King above them. Sure, some were in slumber, and a couple had been dead for millennia, but if she could get Xia Mi to spar with Esdeath, it’d be a good match. With the Dragon Kings’ physiques and recovery, plus Hikari’s Senzu Beans, there’d be no worry about lasting damage. 

Speaking of which… 

Esdeath’s “Demon’s Extract” was made from the blood of a super-dangerous species that could manipulate ice. The exact process was unclear, but it definitely wasn’t just a matter of storing blood—probably something closer to alchemy. 

If Hikari could figure out that refining process and apply it to the Dragon Kings in the Dragon Clan world… 

Could she steal their “authorities” and turn them into new Teigu? 

Hikari was pretty curious about that. 

… 

You can’t soak in a hot spring for too long. 

The water’s high temperature and mineral content are great for nourishing the skin in moderation, but stay too long, and you risk dehydration, blood vessel dilation, and other nasty side effects—potentially even life-threatening ones. 

After about an hour, Hikari got out of the pool and sat on the shore. 

Eri followed, plopping down beside her. 

The hot water had turned Eri’s fair skin a rosy red, and her dark red hair, soaked and clinging to her chest and back, accentuated her curves even more. 

Esdeath, on the other hand, looked unfazed. From the side, her skin remained smooth and pale, unaffected by the heat. 

Well… 

As the wielder of the “Demon’s Extract,” even outside of battle, cooling herself down with her Teigu’s power was probably a breeze. 

Meanwhile, Kikyo approached from the inn’s outer path, carrying a tray with milk and juice. She sat by the pool and set the tray down in front of them, her voice gentle. “After soaking in the hot spring, you need to rehydrate. I asked Miss Mizuko to prepare some drinks, so have some.” 

“Thanks,” Hikari said, grabbing a glass of milk and downing half of it before letting out a satisfied sigh. She glanced at the shrine maiden. “Kikyo, not joining us for a soak?” 

“No, thanks,” Kikyo said, shaking her head with a wry smile. “My body’s just a clay puppet now. It looks human enough, but if I soak in hot water, I’d lose strength and my skin would crack. So, I’ll pass.” 

“Oh?” Hikari hadn’t considered that, and her tone faltered slightly. “By the way, you’ve heard Bulma talk about the Dragon Balls, right? They’re not like the Four Souls Jewel—a fake wish-granter. They can actually grant wishes. Want to try using them to turn yourself human again?” 

“…Thank you, but no,” Kikyo said, shaking her head again. “I died fifty years ago. Being able to exist in this era at all is already a stroke of incredible luck. Asking for more would be greedy. Please, Hikari, save that precious wish for someone else.” 

“…” 

In theory, the Dragon Balls could only grant one wish, and it couldn’t be something like “give me three more wishes” to game the system. 

Tanjiro had mentioned ages ago that he wanted to use the Dragon Balls to revive the humans who’d died at the hands of demons in the Demon Slayer world. As one of the earliest chat group members, Hikari and Bulma both knew about this, so they wouldn’t pretend otherwise and use up the wish without a word. 

That said… 

The Dragon Balls’ once-a-year wish was starting to feel a bit limited. 

So… 

Hikari was starting to form an idea: “After we deal with the Red Ribbon Army in the Dragon Ball world, I’ll ask Master Roshi if I can visit the Lookout and meet the ‘Kami’ up there.” 

Maybe, after collecting the Dragon Balls this time, she could take a trip to Namek. 

… 

Hikari and her group lingered in the Land of Hot Springs for a few days. 

During that time, Hikari soaked in the springs a few more times, went sightseeing, and joined Eri and Kikyo for a picnic in the countryside, snapping plenty of photos for memories. The rest of her time was spent preparing gifts for Master Roshi. 

The doujinshi she’d asked Chu Zihang to procure came in several boxes. 

With so many manga, she couldn’t just dump them all on Master Roshi. She needed to sort through and pick out the best ones. 

Eri, curious as ever, kept sneaking over to peek, but Hikari shooed her away with an excuse. “Kids shouldn’t be snooping around this stuff. Too much of it’s bad for you…” 

“…” 

Fair enough. 

But it was a bit funny hearing that from Hikari, who looked twelve or thirteen, directed at Eri, who was almost eighteen. 

And just like that, a few days flew by. 

Once everything was more or less ready, Hikari gave Esdeath a heads-up, used a sealing technique on her, and tucked the scroll containing Esdeath into her pocket. Then, she sent a request to Bulma through the chat group. 

[Nameless requests to enter Bulma’s world] 

[Bulma has approved the request] 

With a flash of white light, Hikari opened her eyes and found herself back in the Dragon Ball world after a long absence. 

Chapter 214: “This Dr. Gero Is Way Too Cautious” 

Dragon Ball World, West City. 

Capsule Corporation Headquarters. 

Inside the spacious laboratory, Bulma, dressed in a white lab coat, waved at Uchiha Hikari with a bright grin. “Hey, Hikari! You’re here! Oh, where’s Kikyo and the others? Didn’t they come with you?” 

“Nah, they went back home to handle some stuff. They’ll swing by later,” Hikari replied. 

Kikyo did have things to take care of. Back on Horai Island, a group of half-demons was waiting for her. Sure, Shiori’s mom was there to look after the kids, and Shiori, Little Blue, and the other half-demon children were pretty self-sufficient. But Kikyo, being the secret kid-obsessed softie she was, couldn’t help but worry and wanted to check on them. 

As for Eri… 

She’d wanted to tag along with Hikari, but Hikari had gently turned her down. This trip wasn’t just a friendly visit to Bulma. Hikari had plans to take on the Red Ribbon Army, and things might get messy—possibly bloody. There was no need to drag Eri or the others into it. 

Still, Hikari was debating whether to let Bulma in on her plans. After all, this was “Bulma’s world,” and while they were close, causing a ruckus without giving her a heads-up felt a bit off. 

“…Where’s Yamcha?” Hikari asked, glancing around. 

“Oh, Mom took Yamcha shopping this morning. Something about buying him new clothes,” Bulma said. “Dad and I have been swamped with research lately, so we haven’t had time to hang out with Mom. Yamcha’s filling in for us.” 

“Shopping?” Hikari blinked, picturing the 8-foot-tall, horned Yamcha strolling through West City’s streets with Bulma’s mom, Bikini. Her expression turned a bit weird. 

To be fair, the Dragon Ball world was full of oddballs—three-eyed people, animal hybrids, nose-less aliens, and even a dog as the Earth’s king. Yamcha’s unusual appearance wouldn’t cause a riot; at most, he’d get a few curious stares. Plus, Bulma’s family was practically celebrity status in West City, always making headlines. In the original story, hundreds of Namekians lived here for months without anyone batting an eye, so Yamcha blending in wasn’t a big deal. 

Hikari’s gaze shifted to the far side of the factory, where a massive destroyer ship was parked. 

“Is that the ‘abandoned warship’ you mentioned?” she asked. 

“Yup!” Bulma nodded. “I had to pull some serious strings with Dad to get the military to sell it to us. We’re working on retrofitting it right now.” 

As she spoke, Bulma unrolled a huge blueprint and pointed at it. “Check it out. The ship’s 156 meters long, 21 meters wide, with nine decks. I’m planning to turn this section into a small garden for growing veggies and fruits. This part will be a training room… Oh, and that gravity training room you mentioned? I’ve pretty much cracked it. We can install it here. By the way, the ‘enhanced mini-bracelet’ you asked about is still in progress. It’s trickier than I thought, so it’ll take a bit more time.” 

After the quick aside, Bulma went back to her blueprint, rattling off plans. “This area’s for the bathhouse, this one’s the cafeteria, and…” 

“With Capsule tech, do you really need to grow veggies on the ship?” Hikari interjected. 

“Hmm… it’s not the same,” Bulma said, thinking it over. “Capsules keep things fresh, sure, but nothing beats produce straight from the soil. Plus, the non-combat crew needs something to do, right?” 

“…Fair point.” 

Speaking of non-combat crew, Bulma herself was the prime example. Despite dabbling in some basic ninja techniques and spiritual energy training with Hikari and Kikyo, she wasn’t big on fighting. In the original story, she was surrounded by Super Saiyans and never bothered with training. Now, armed with Hikari’s “Earthshaker” Teigu, she had some self-defense skills if push came to shove. 

Another non-combatant was Miko Yotsuya, but as a high schooler, she was only free during breaks. 

“Have you thought about who to invite on board?” Hikari asked. 

“Oh, totally!” Bulma beamed. “Once the Blue Planet is ready, I’m the captain, you’re the vice-captain, Yamcha’s the chief sailor, and Kikyo’s the ship’s doctor. For the other roles, I’ll post a recruitment notice in the chat group. Anyone who wants to join can hop on for the ride.” 

She paused, then added, “But we’re still missing a navigator and a chef… That Sanji guy seems like a great cook. Should we invite him?” 

“?” Hikari froze for a second. 

She hadn’t been to the One Piece world yet, but at this point, Luffy probably hadn’t set sail. Zoro, Sanji, and the others were likely still doing their own thing—bounty hunting or cooking. In theory, Bulma could scoop Sanji up early. 

“Eh, let’s hold off,” Bulma said, scratching her head. “The ship’s still under construction, so there’s no rush. We can look for people when we hit the One Piece world. Who knows, maybe the chat group will get a few chefs soon.” 

“Sounds good,” Hikari nodded, then carefully brought up the Red Ribbon Army. “So, about the Red Ribbon Army…” 

Bulma blinked, then grinned knowingly. “I knew it! You’re planning to take them out, aren’t you?” 

Hikari sighed, chuckling. “Can’t hide anything from you. Yeah, I’m planning to deal with them. I visited Turtle Island a few days ago to check on Goku and the others. Master Roshi—that pervy old man—mentioned the World Martial Arts Tournament is in two weeks. Based on the Dragon Ball manga you showed me, after the tournament, the Red Ribbon Army starts hunting for the Dragon Balls and crosses paths with Goku. So, I figured now’s the time to act. I’m hoping to convince Dr. Gero to stop his evil plans, but if that doesn’t work, I’ll take him out to prevent future trouble.” 

Speaking of which… 

Even by Dragon Ball standards, Dr. Gero was a bizarre genius. His whole deal with creating androids was to get revenge on Goku for wiping out the Red Ribbon Army early in the story. To that end, he spent years secretly studying Goku’s fights, collecting his blood and cells to perfect his androids. He only stopped spying after Goku’s battle with Vegeta, assuming Goku’s power—around 9,000 at the time—had peaked. 

And then… 

With Goku at 9,000 as his benchmark, Gero somehow created four androids capable of matching Super Saiyans: Androids 16, 17, 18, and the ever-evolving Cell. 

Just… wild. 

The guy was way too cautious. 

“Honestly, I haven’t met this Dr. Gero guy, but his research skills are insane,” Bulma admitted. “He’s probably even better than me or Dad. If we let him run loose, it could cause serious problems.” 

She suddenly looked annoyed. “Ugh, it’s so frustrating! The androids are gonna destroy the world in three years, and Goku and the others just don’t care! That short-tempered Vegeta even threatened to kill me! What a total idiot!” 

“Uh…?” Hikari raised an eyebrow, then realized Bulma was talking about the original Dragon Ball plot. In the Android Saga, when Future Trunks warned about the androids’ destruction, Bulma suggested killing Dr. Gero to stop it. Everyone except Krillin shot the idea down, and Vegeta, still half-villain at the time, threatened her life. 

Judging by Bulma’s attitude now, Trunks’ future might not even happen. Whether Vegeta would join the Z Fighters was anyone’s guess. 

“Bulma, do you have any info on the Red Ribbon Army?” Hikari asked. 

“Nope,” Bulma said bluntly, shaking her head. “I’d never even heard of them until I read the Dragon Ball manga. It doesn’t say where their HQ is either—just that it’s somewhere in the west. But it does mention a few of their branch locations.” 

“Has the Dragon Radar picked up anything lately?” Hikari asked. 

In the original story, the Red Ribbon Army started hunting Dragon Balls before Goku. Even if they saw the Dragon appear during the first wish and confirmed the balls’ existence, they’d need to wait a year for the balls to reactivate. Then they’d have to develop a detector like the Dragon Radar and start a global search, which would take at least a couple of weeks, maybe a month. 

So, if the Dragon Radar wasn’t picking up signals yet, the Red Ribbon Army hadn’t started moving. 

“Nada,” Bulma said, shaking her head again. She grabbed a shiny new Dragon Radar from a nearby lab table, flicked it on, and handed it to Hikari. “Here, this is the upgraded version I’ve been working on. It’ll detect the Dragon Balls as soon as their energy reactivates.” 

She paused, looking worried. “Hey, Hikari, why not wait and team up with Goku? It’d be safer with him around.” 

From Bulma’s perspective, the Red Ribbon Army was no joke. They had powerful military weapons, weird mechs (like the one Adjutant Black used against Goku), and dangerous operatives. General Blue, who could immobilize people like Master Roshi with psychic ropes, could potentially restrain Hikari too. Then there was Tao Pai Pai, the assassin who nearly killed Goku and was arguably stronger than Roshi. 

Even with Hikari’s skills, taking on these ruthless thugs alone was risky. 

“Don’t worry,” Hikari said with a smile. “I brought Esdeath along. She’ll help me handle the Red Ribbon Army. Plus, I’m not diving in just yet—I need to gather some intel first.” 

Master Roshi likely had some info on the Red Ribbon Army, though probably not detailed. The Cat Hermit, Korin, might also have seen their movements through the sacred jars at Korin Tower. Those were her next stops. 

For now, Hikari unsealed Esdeath and left her with Bulma. “Esdeath, I’m heading out for a bit. I’ll be back in a day or two. Stay here, and if you need anything, talk to Bulma.” 

Esdeath and Bulma were already acquainted, having met briefly in the Akame ga Kill world. Even without Hikari’s connection, Esdeath wasn’t the type to pick a fight with an ordinary person like Bulma. Plus, Hikari could keep tabs on things through the chat group. 

“Alright, I’m off to Korin Tower to check on Tanjiro. After that, we’ll swing by Turtle Island,” Hikari said to Bulma before activating Shangri-La, teleporting herself to the Korin Sacred Land. 

Chapter 215: Two Matters 

Time flies. 

Tanjiro had been in the Dragon Ball world for nearly two months now. 

Compared to when he first arrived, he seemed to have grown a bit taller. His reddish-brown hair had grown quite a bit longer, but the most striking change was the subtle shift in his entire demeanor—like he’d undergone a transformation, almost as if he’d been reborn. 

When Uchiha Hikari arrived at the top of Karin Tower, Tanjiro was sitting cross-legged in a corner, deep in meditation. 

Korin, the cat sage, was nearby, munching on dried fish. 

“Oh? Miss Hikari, you’re here?” Korin said. 

“Hey, it’s Hikari!” Tanjiro added. 

“Master, Tanjiro,” Hikari greeted them both with a smile, exchanging a few pleasantries before her gaze settled on Tanjiro’s forehead. Her eyes narrowed slightly. “So, you’ve awakened the ‘Demon Slayer Mark,’ huh?” 

Indeed. 

The dark red scar on the left side of Tanjiro’s forehead had transformed into a vivid, flame-like mark, unmistakable to the eye. 

Tanjiro scratched his head, offering an explanation. “Well, after you asked me about the ‘Demon Slayer Mark’ last time, Miss Hikari, it wasn’t long before I awakened it while trying to snatch the Ultra Divine Water. Master Korin already checked it out and confirmed there’s no issue, so I didn’t mention it to you or Bulma.” 

“Oh?” Hikari raised an eyebrow. 

One of the conditions for awakening the Demon Slayer Mark was pushing the body to its limits through intense combat or training. According to Muichiro Tokito, the Mist Hashira in the original story, it required a body temperature of 39°C and a heart rate exceeding 200 beats per minute. For someone like Tan.Admin, who already had the potential, unlocking this ability after rigorous training wasn’t surprising. 

But… 

Was she sure this wouldn’t affect his lifespan? 

After all, aside from Yoriichi Tsugikuni, who was born with the mark, no one who awakened it lived past 25. The Rock Hashira, Himejima Gyomei, was an exception, awakening his mark at 27 during the final battle, but even then, Muzan’s words implied he didn’t have long to live. 

If not for this drawback, Yoriichi’s brother, Kokushibo, wouldn’t have turned to Muzan and become a demon. 

“No need to worry,” Korin said, finishing the last of his dried fish and licking his paw. “I’ve thoroughly checked Tanjiro. The reason the Demon Slayer Mark shortens lifespan is because it’s an imperfect power. From the moment it’s activated, it continuously drains the body’s energy—like poking a hole in a water container. Over time, the water runs dry. 

The solution is to use ‘ki’ to patch that hole and prevent the energy loss. I’ve figured out the method and taught it to Tanjiro. Whether he masters it is up to him.” 

“I see,” Hikari nodded. 

The training system in the Dragon Ball world was a step above the Breathing Techniques of the Demon Slayer world, and ‘ki’ was an incredibly versatile power. It made sense that it could counter the mark’s downside. 

On the other side, Korin glanced at Hikari. “You didn’t come here just for that, did you? Got something else on your mind?” 

“Two things, actually,” Hikari said with a light cough and a playful smile. “First, it’s about the Red Ribbon Army…” 

“The Red Ribbon Army?” Korin pondered briefly before nodding. “I’ve seen glimpses of them in my water jug. By human standards, they’re the most evil organization out there, responsible for all sorts of atrocities. People tremble just hearing their name. If you’re planning to take them down, it’d be a good deed for ordinary folks.” 

“You think so too, Master?” Hikari asked. 

In the original Dragon Ball story, Goku took down the Red Ribbon Army, and it didn’t tarnish his reputation in Korin’s eyes. But as someone from another world, Hikari hadn’t been oppressed by them, so taking them out herself felt a bit like overstepping. Mentioning it to Korin was her way of getting a second opinion. 

Of course, her efforts to build rapport with Korin over time helped make him more receptive. 

As for the second matter… 

“It’s about the Dragon Balls,” Hikari said carefully. “Master, what do you know about them? If… hypothetically, we wanted to borrow the Dragon Balls to use in another world, would that be possible?” 

Korin’s paw froze mid-lick, his squinting eyes widening slightly in surprise. “Another world?” 

“Yeah,” Hikari nodded. “I don’t know if Tanjiro mentioned the Demon Slayer Corps, but many of its members have lost loved ones to demons—some even lost themselves. Tanjiro and I were wondering if we could use the Dragon Balls to bring them back. Is that feasible?” 

Korin fell silent. 

After a long pause, he spoke. “I can’t give you a definitive answer. You’d need to ask the creator of the Dragon Balls.” 

“The creator?” 

“Yup, the Kami of Earth,” Korin said, stroking his whiskers. “Kami lives in the Heavenly Temple, far from the mortal world, and rarely meets humans. I can ask on your behalf. If Kami agrees to see you, I’ll let you know.” 

“Thank you, Master!” Hikari said with a bright smile. 

She’d thought through these issues days ago when she decided to collect the Dragon Balls again in this world. 

First, gathering the Dragon Balls wasn’t too difficult. The main competition was the Red Ribbon Army, and once they were dealt with, it’d be smooth sailing. Pilaf was also after them, but he was a comedic side character at best—more of a nuisance than a threat. 

Second, taking the Dragon Balls to another world was just a matter of “crossing over.” 

The problem was… 

Dragon Balls taken to another world likely wouldn’t summon Shenron. Their power came from their creator, Kami. In the original timeline, when Kami died, the Dragon Balls lost their power. Taking them to another world might sever that connection, rendering wishes impossible. 

Even if everything went perfectly, there was another issue: after a wish, the Dragon Balls turned to stone and scattered. If Hikari couldn’t bring them back, it’d be hard to explain to the Dragon Ball world. 

So, meeting Kami and laying things out clearly was the best approach. If Kami refused or the Earth Dragon Balls couldn’t do it, they’d have to try their luck with Namek’s Dragon Balls. 

“Please pass on my request to meet Kami,” Hikari said respectfully. 

Since Korin didn’t mention that the Heavenly Temple was right above Karin Tower, she played along and pretended not to know. 

“As for Tanjiro…” Korin stroked his whiskers. “He’s got talent and grit. He’s close to snatching the Ultra Divine Water. If you need him for something, take him along. He can finish the final stage of training when you’re back.” 

With that, Hikari handed Korin a prepared gift, said her goodbyes, and left with Tanjiro. 

Tanjiro hadn’t yet learned the Flying Nimbus technique due to his short training time, but he had Korin’s golden Flying Nimbus, so he kept up with Hikari just fine. 

Hikari was a bit jealous of the “authentic” Flying Nimbus but couldn’t ride it herself, so she settled for admiring it. 

“Wonder if Kikyo and the others could ride the Flying Nimbus?” she mused. 

Kikyo, with her pure heart and “Light of Purification,” would definitely qualify. Eri and Yoriko might too. Yamato, despite her quirky thinking, had a pure enough heart to likely make the cut. Brand and Yuji, though? Brand’s hands were too bloody, and Yuji had Sukuna inside him—probably no go. 

Chatting about “ki” with Tanjiro along the way, they soon reached West City’s Capsule Corporation and met up with Bulma and the others. 

Yamato, who’d been shopping with Bulla, rushed over excitedly when she saw Hikari, enveloping her in a… well, let’s just say a very enthusiastic hug. 

Literally, Hikari’s face was buried in Yamato’s chest. 

Esdeath and Tanjiro, standing nearby, exchanged awkward glances. 

“Alright, Yamato, let go—I can’t breathe!” Hikari mumbled, pushing against the soft but firm pressure on her cheeks. 

Once freed, she caught her breath and introduced Tanjiro. 

“Oh, you’re that ‘Iron Head’ from the group chat?” Yamato crouched down, poking Tanjiro’s forehead curiously. “Is your head really that hard? Wanna try headbutting me?” 

“Uh, I don’t think that’s a good idea, Miss Yamato…” Tanjiro hesitated. 

“It’s fine! It’s just a headbutt, not like it’ll hurt. Come on, let’s do it!” Yamato insisted. 

Reluctantly, Tanjiro agreed. They both took a deep breath, leaned back, and slammed their foreheads together. 

Thud! 

A sharp crack echoed. A small cut opened on Yamato’s forehead, blood trickling down, while Tanjiro clutched his head but was otherwise unscathed. 

Hikari and Bulma exchanged stunned looks. 

“Wow,” Bulma muttered. 

“Even Yamato…” Hikari added. 

If Tanjiro and Yamato fought, Yamato would win hands-down—her strength, inherited from Kaido, was overwhelming. But in a contest of forehead hardness? Tanjiro’s “Iron Head” nickname proved itself. 

Esdeath glanced at Tanjiro briefly but didn’t pay him much mind—his strength wasn’t enough to catch her attention. 

That night, Bulma hosted a lavish feast for Hikari and the others. Afterward, Bulla arranged sleeping quarters. 

Hikari found Dr. Brief and handed him some academic letters from Orochimaru, picking up his replies to pass back later. 

Dr. Brief mentioned progress on the “Uchiha Bloodline Tracing Project.” 

“I’ve made some breakthroughs,” he said. “From tests and comparisons, the Uchiha bloodline has a genetic flaw that affects brain structure, causing negative emotions to build up without release—what’s called the ‘Curse of Hatred.’ As the Sharingan evolves, especially to the Mangekyo, this flaw worsens, intensifying the condition.” 

After explaining the science, he got to the point. “Based on these findings, I’ve developed a gene-targeting drug that can repair this flaw through injection. It also stabilizes the Uchiha’s eye power without triggering the curse. I used genetic samples from Naruto and Karin Uzumaki, which also seem to work on that ‘Kaguya Kimimaro’ blood sample you provided.” 

He paused. “But these results are lab-based. We haven’t tested on live subjects, so we don’t know about rejection risks.” 

That made sense. Aside from Hikari, all Uchihas were in the Naruto world, so clinical trials weren’t possible here. 

“Please give me a few samples of the drug,” Hikari said. “I’ll find some clansmen to test it when I’m back.” 

(Chapter End)