This time, the system update took an unusually long time.
Since Shin had teamed up with Konan, Nagato, and Kakuzu to take down Hanzō, his system had entered a maintenance and update state.
For several days afterward, there was no activity, nearly leading him to suspect that the servers had crashed. He continued his daily routines—training, planning, watching.
Finally, the system completed its update.
[System Alert: The worldline has been deflected by more than 5%. The original convergence point has been broken, and all future outcomes will be subject to re-observation, simulation, and evaluation.]
[The system has now been upgraded by Anāhata.]
[After re-evaluation, the system has analyzed that your future has the following probabilities:
12.0% chance of death in 145 days, cause: dying due to interference in the war between Konoha and Iwa
(Suggestion: Gather intelligence more cautiously and avoid provoking enemies prematurely in dangerous locations)
(Note: The suggestion function is a newly added feature. Fate is unpredictable; the system is merely an aid. Maintain independent judgment.)
13.1% chance of death in 570 days, cause: dying due to involvement in the Nine-Tails incident;
(Suggestion: Beware of the cooperation between the Nine-Tails and the Sharingan.)
15.4% chance of death in 5942 days, cause: dying due to interference in the Konoha Crush Plan.
(Suggestion: Carefully choose the timing of your involvement.)
47.0% chance of death in 6853 days, cause: being targeted as the primary threat after the Fourth Great Ninja War, leading to an assassination by Black Zetsu, Obito, and Madara teaming up;
(Suggestion: None.)
12.5% chance of death in 32,330 days, cause: natural death.
(Note: Your lifespan has already been extended.)]
Black Zetsu, Obito, and Madara... the ultimate convergence point. At least I have years to prepare. The death predictions are not detailed anymore... I want the old version back. Shin studied each prediction carefully, noting how the percentages had shifted from previous readings.
The new system introduced a suggestion feature, a clear indication that it genuinely hoped he would survive.
Unfortunately, the shinobi world remained perilous for him.
This update also revealed an important truth: Fate indeed existed, and there was a primary convergent worldline.
While the future held countless possibilities, each corresponding to a divergent worldline, at certain critical junctures, numerous worldlines converged toward the same outcome—essentially a destined result.
This was what was known as a worldline convergence.
Previously, Shin had only suspected this. Now, the updated system confirmed his hypothesis. Each prediction felt more solid, more real than before, backed by data he could almost taste.
His death during the Fourth Great Ninja War, years later, would be a key convergence point for the worldline.
Thankfully, fate was not immutable.
The system's message at the start of the update confirmed this. This update was possible because he had already disrupted a prior worldline convergence point.
As long as he could sufficiently divert fate from its original mainline, the convergence points could be broken.
"It seems I'm destined to die. At least not by banana," Shin joked to himself.
After some self-deprecating humor, he decided to look at the rewards from the system update to lighten the mood.
[Gained: Wind Release Ninjutsu Training Insights (to be delivered through dreams)]
[Gained: Water Style Ninjutsu Training Insights (to be delivered through dreams)]
[Gained: Elephant Physique (upgraded to advanced level)]
The quantity of rewards this time was less than before, but their quality more than made up for it.
The single enhancement of his Elephant Physique to the advanced level alone was enough to meet his expectations.
This reward was likely linked to his successful rescue of Nagato, which also likely explained the increase in his lifespan in the future scenarios.
Closing his eyes to sense the changes, he discovered even more pleasant surprises.
His chakra reserves had significantly increased. He could feel the energy coursing through his body, dense and potent like never before.
Simultaneously, his understanding of sealing techniques had advanced dramatically. Concepts he previously struggled with now felt completely clear.
Raising his hand, he could now use sealing runes at his fingertips, no longer needing to form seals, and manipulate them effortlessly.
This likely drew from the elephant's legendary memory and intelligence, allowing him to recall and execute techniques with ease.
The sensation was extraordinary. Power thrummed through his body, and his mind felt sharper, clearer than ever before.
Additionally, he felt he had awakened two new abilities. Although not yet fully realized, he could sense their budding potential.
With a moment of focus, he identified them: Titan's Chains and Earth's Echo.
"This physique is truly formidable. Beyond enhancing intuition and chakra reserves, it even includes two innate abilities." He flexed his fingers, feeling the new power responding to his will.
With his growing expertise in medical ninjutsu, his earlier, beginner Elephant Physique had begun feeling lackluster.
He hadn't anticipated this update turning it into a top-tier ability with game-changing potential.
"Good thing the shinobi world doesn't care about balance."
After acquiring these new powers, his first thought was whether his enhanced sealing techniques could break the Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal.
He immediately headed to the dungeon, where the Root prisoner was still being held.
This was the same disposable pawn whom Danzō had abandoned during the surprise attack on their base. After his capture, the young Root shinobi fell into despair, his faith utterly shattered.
The darkness of the dungeon seemed to mirror the prisoner's broken spirit.
When Shin entered the dungeon, the captive sat quietly against a wall.
His mask had been removed, revealing a face as young as Shin's or that of Nagato and Konan, yet etched with the weariness of someone six times his age.
"Rai," Shin called his name.
The boy turned his head but showed no other reaction, not even attempting to stand. It wasn't until Shin's next words that light returned to his eyes. The change was sudden, like a candle flaring to life in darkness.
"Come help me with an experiment. If it succeeds, I might be able to remove the seal on your tongue."
Rai immediately sprang to his feet.
"Really?!"
Shin brought he out of the cell.
For the next few days, he used Rai's body to experiment with his sealing techniques. Surprisingly, Rai did not resist at all. His cooperation was unusual.
From the information he had gathered, he learned that Rai hadn't been trained by Root from a young age; he was only conscripted when the war broke out a year ago.
This explained why, despite having the Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal placed on him, Rai still retained a vibrant personality.
Through their conversations, Shin uncovered many secrets about the ninja village, things outsiders had never glimpsed. He also began to see a side of Konoha that was never shown in the original story.
"I'm a war orphan, not originally from Konoha," Rai began. "I was picked up near a battlefield during the last Shinobi World War."
"I was hastily trained for a few years and sent to the battlefield when I was ten." Rai's eyes grew distant.
"Luckily, the Second Shinobi World War ended soon after I arrived. Otherwise, I would probably have rotted away in some unmarked grave by now."
This was the hidden, darker side of the warm and welcoming village portrayed in the original story. Shin continued his seal work as he listened.
The original perspective always focused on the villagers, their bonds, their sacrifices. But the Konoha seen through the eyes of an outsider orphan was entirely different.
Rai laughed bitterly, mocking himself. His shoulders shook slightly, though whether from laughter or suppressed pain from the sealing experiments was unclear.
"That village is always preaching the Will of Fire and the meaning of protection, but those ideals are reserved for their own people. Orphans of war like me are nothing but cheap expendables to them."
"They have an Academy, but that's only for the local kids. Orphans like me only get the most rushed training. We're thrown into battle formations without even knowing proper chakra control."
"We are the cannon fodder that fills the ranks during wars. In every battle, we die in droves. No one cares where we came from, and no one cares what becomes of us."
"When we die, we don't even get the chance to have our names inscribed on the Memorial Stone. That stone is too small to hold the names of so many disposable soldiers."
Although Rai constantly referred to himself as cannon fodder, Shin could tell that his current strength far exceeded that of a mere genin.
"But you haven't left, and you haven't given up on yourself. What keeps you going?" Shin asked curiously, pausing his seal work to study Rai's face.
The more he interacted with Rai, the more he realized how broken this young man was.
Perhaps it was because he had experienced betrayal and gained a rare clarity. Now, he seemed too insightful to be a typical ninja.
But this question seemed to touch the most vulnerable part of his heart.
He fell silent.
After a while, Rai muttered softly, shifting uncomfortably on the examination table, "Are you some kind of sorcerer? How do you always seem to know everything?"
At that moment, he seemed to be lost in his memories. His expression softened, becoming unexpectedly tender.
"I have an elder sister—not by blood. I met her in the orphanage. She joined Konoha and is working for that village now. But I always feel that the villagers look at her... They're forcing her to act against her will."
He straightened up slightly. "I wanted to protect her. That's why I trained so hard."
Love... they got you. That's how Root works.
"Your sister works for Root, doesn't she?"
Rai's eyes widened in shock, his body tensing automatically.
Shin didn't pause his experiment but continued speaking, "You don't need to answer. I know the seal prevents you from saying anything about Root. Besides, it's too late to deny it now—your expression just confirmed it."
At that moment, the calm and open look in Rai's eyes was replaced by a deep respect and awe for Shin.
"Are you sure you're not a sorcerer? How do you always guess everything?" Rai asked, shaking his head in wonderment.
Shin simply smiled without answering.
It wasn't hard to figure out. A war orphan joining Root would always have some kind of catalyst. Given his knowledge of Konoha, no place harbored more malice than Root. The darkness always found ways to spread its tendrils.
"Just wait a few more days," Shin said. "I've made progress. I should be able to remove the seal on your tongue soon."
Shin's sudden statement sent Rai from awe into a frenzy of joy. His entire demeanor changed, like a child being offered their favorite treat.
"Really? That's amazing! You're my one and only sworn brother from now on!"
Shin twitched at the comment and said, "Don't celebrate too early. Let me give you two options ahead of time so you have a chance to think them through and avoid hesitation later."
"First, you can remain a prisoner, confess your intelligence, and continue serving your time to atone for your crimes."
"Second, you can join Akatsuki and contribute your strength to us. However, this comes with strict oversight. You must disclose everything, including information about your sister. If conditions allow in the future, we will attempt to rescue her from Konoha, but she will also have to live under our supervision."
Shin didn't believe in the notion of noble and pure souls among war criminals. His experiences had taught him better.
Prisoners should act like prisoners.
Although he appreciated Rai's honest personality, that didn't mean he would let him join the Akatsuki without conditions. Trust was earned through blood and pain, not just words and promises.
Forgiving too easily would cheapen their authority and diminish the victor's dignity.
Rai fell silent again after hearing the terms.
This time, Shin didn't wait for an answer. After speaking, he left to organize his findings. The door closed behind him with a soft click, leaving Rai alone with his thoughts and choices.
Over the past few days, experimenting with Rai's body to improve his sealing techniques, he had made significant progress in cracking the Cursed Tongue Seal and advancing his own skills.
With innate talent, disciplined effort, and an unlimited supply of practice material, progress was inevitable.
---
That day, when Konan and Kaori visited, they saw Shin meditating alone in the training ground.
Chains, dark and heavy, were wrapped tightly around his body, binding his arms, torso, and legs as if caging a beast. Feel the pulse, the rhythm of the titan. Let it build.
Shin's face remained calm as he closed his eyes and focused inward. Sweat beaded on his forehead.
The faint sound of a heartbeat echoed in his mind, weak at first, like a distant drum. But as his concentration deepened, the beat grew louder and stronger, resonating like a war drum.
The chains responded to each beat, tightening and loosening in rhythm.
Suddenly, his eyes snapped open.
Clang!
The chains binding him shattered, fragments flying in all directions like shards of steel. But instead of scattering away, the chain fragments stopped mid-air, suspended as though awaiting his command.
Shin raised a hand, and the fragments began to move, streaking back toward his body. As they approached, they glowed faintly and merged into him, sinking beneath his skin without leaving a mark.
Six chains materialized behind him, swaying like the trunks of mighty elephants before extending outward, massive and imposing.
With a flick of his will, the chains shot forward, slamming into the ground with a thunderous crash. Deep fissures spread outward from the impact.
Konan stepped forward, her gaze fixed on the display. "What technique is this?"
Behind her, Kaori froze in place, her eyes widening as she recognized the technique.
"These are Adamantine Sealing Chains, aren't they? But why are they black?"
---
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