Chapter 566: Chapter 566: Entering the Sage Land Without Evil
As the pure Yin-Yang chakra spread, the roots of the Chakra Sacred Tree began to stir, creeping out from the ground. The roots entwined the test tubes containing the chakra and pulled them into the earth.
With the infusion of the Yin-Yang chakra, the once-dormant tree seemed to come alive. Small branches began sprouting, spiraling toward the tree's center. These branches wrapped around the tree's damaged trunk, forming a spiraling pattern that concealed its old wounds.
The transformation was remarkable. The energy from just six test tubes of Yin-Yang chakra had revitalized the Sacred Tree, bringing it closer to its former glory.
Reiki couldn't hide his excitement. The Chakra Sacred Tree's growth wasn't just a physical regeneration—it was reshaping the surrounding environment. Grass began sprouting in barren patches, and even small bushes emerged on distant hills. The once-dead land was coming to life, proof that his vision of transforming this place into a fairyland was coming to fruition.
A New Presence in the Sage Land
Reiki's senses suddenly picked up a powerful aura nearby. Turning his gaze, he spotted a massive creature lying on the ground in the distance.
"Not Evil?" Reiki muttered, recognizing the presence.
He had been so focused on the Sacred Tree that he failed to notice the creature's presence earlier. The energy released by the tree's revival had stirred the ancient being.
Not Evil—an ancient dragon-like entity, once an enemy of the Sage Zhu—was here, in Reiki's world.
"What's going on? Wasn't this place already resolved by Sage Zhu? Why is Not Evil still here?" Reiki's mind raced with questions.
"Don't be nervous," the massive creature spoke, slowly lifting its enormous head. Soil and plants clung to its scales, but it didn't bother shaking them off. Instead, it opened its mouth, revealing a glowing crystal stone.
"This is my Dragon Essence Crystal," Not Evil said, its deep voice resonating in the air. "I offer it to you, the master of this world. I wish to become a part of it."
Not Evil's Offer
Reiki froze, unsure how to react. Not Evil's gesture was unheard of. By offering its Dragon Essence Crystal, it was entrusting its very life to him.
"What are you saying? You're going to stay in this world?" Reiki asked, his voice filled with disbelief.
"I cannot return to my original time and space," Not Evil explained. "I've grown weary of being used by others. And… that guy said you are the one who can lead us out of this world."
"That guy?" Reiki wondered aloud, but Not Evil didn't elaborate.
The crystal floated toward Reiki, landing in his palm. The moment it touched him, it dissolved into his skin, sending a surge of mysterious energy coursing through his body.
The world responded to this infusion of power. The Sacred Tree grew taller, its branches stretching skyward with renewed vitality. The air grew denser with life force, and the land seemed to hum with newfound energy.
"I'll sleep now," Not Evil said. "When you need me, the Dragon Essence Crystal will allow you to draw upon my power." With those words, the ancient being settled back into its resting place and closed its eyes, entering a deep slumber.
Reflection and Resolve
Reiki stood there for a long moment, still processing what had just happened.
"Not Evil… an entity from the same era as the Sage Zhu, now a part of my world."
He sat on the grass, staring at the revitalized land.
"'Lead us out of this world,'" he muttered, repeating Not Evil's words. "Does that mean the beings I encountered before? But how can I do that when I haven't even touched the dimensional wall yet?"
He chuckled bitterly at the thought. "What am I supposed to do? Die here and have my soul take them all back to Earth with me?"
Shaking off the self-deprecating thought, Reiki stood up. With Mochizuki dormant, Reiki used the beast's spatial ability to open a vortex and return to Konoha.
Back in Konoha
Upon his return, Reiki headed straight for Orochimaru's lab. There was no time to waste—Orochimaru's progress needed to be closely monitored, and Reiki had to ensure his health remained stable.
A month passed quickly. During this time, significant political changes occurred within the Land of Fire, with ripple effects spreading across the ninja world. The major nations and villages had united into a functional alliance, ensuring peace and stability. Even smaller villages found opportunities for growth.
Special Training Camp Resumes
At the special training camp, Tsunade burst into a tent where Shisui and Nozuki lay bandaged.
"Where's Reiki?" she demanded.
The two, recovering from a recent challenge against Kaguya Otsutsuki that had left them half-dead, looked at each other sheepishly.
"Reiki said he had something to discuss with Lord Orochimaru," Nozuki replied in her usual cheerful tone.
Tsunade sighed. "Fine. Rest up."
A Visit to Orochimaru
Tsunade arrived at Orochimaru's lab to find Reiki treating him.
"Orochimaru-sama, your chakra is critically low again," Reiki said as he worked. "Recovery potions alone won't suffice. Master Tsunade, could you summon the Slug to help replenish his chakra?"
Tsunade, taken aback by the request, complied. She summoned the Slug Sage, who began transferring chakra to Orochimaru.
"Thank you, teacher," Reiki said with a grin. "I'm off to tend to the other trainees in the camp."
As he left, Tsunade blinked, suddenly confused.
"Wait, what did I come here for?" she muttered, watching Reiki's retreating figure.
The Future Beckons
Reiki's mind raced with plans as he walked back to the training grounds. Between the Sacred Tree's growth, Not Evil's unexpected allegiance, and the ninja world's shifting dynamics, the path ahead was filled with challenges and possibilities.
The world was changing rapidly, and Reiki was determined to shape its future with his own hands.