Everyone had unforgettable memories—and it was through struggles that one grew stronger.
This, Tsunade had once said, and Yukika agreed wholeheartedly.
The Senju clan had pulled back from the edge of a cliff and slowly, painfully, gotten back on track.
Those were the most beautiful memories.
To ensure history wouldn't repeat itself, everyone knew they had to rely on their own strength.
To follow Yukika's lead—this was the shared direction of the Senju clan.
This was the true spirit of the Senju.
Yukika felt deeply moved.
His gaze swept over the assembly.
There were many familiar faces: Mito, Tsunade, Shouki, Orochimaru, and Sakumo Hatake.
And besides them, a wave of younger talents.
They were the pillars of the clan's future.
Taking a deep breath, Yukika smiled.
"Everyone," he began, "when we announced our withdrawal from Konoha, many laughed and waited for our downfall."
"But today, you can proudly tell the world—"
"Without Konoha, the Senju still thrives!"
"Stronger than ever!"
Cheers filled the room.
It was thanks to their new clan leader that such changes had occurred!
"But!" Yukika's tone shifted, and the hall grew silent.
He set aside his smile, his voice serious.
"Everything we have now... was won through my own strength."
"Frankly, the clan provided little help."
His words were harsh, but undeniably true.
Throughout the Senju clan's revival, Yukika had done most of the heavy lifting.
Aside from one moment—defeating the ninja coalition surrounding them—the clan had mostly just tagged along.
"So," Yukika said, "next time the Senju rises, I want you all to contribute your own strength."
"Let the world see the true power of the Senju!"
He handed a set of documents to Kushina beside him.
The clan needed a push.
Otherwise, they'd start feeling entitled.
And if they lost their fighting spirit, that would be fatal.
The Senju needed elites.
True revival only came through conflict.
Yukika was sure of that.
The documents detailed upcoming team dungeons and training protocols.
Once the clan members understood, Yukika would personally lead them to experience the power of other worlds.
It was normal to get crushed the first time.
After adapting, their will to fight would ignite.
Through cycles of death and rebirth, they would grow.
This was inevitable.
"Miss Orochimaru has already mastered the Hollow experiments, so let's pick up the pace," Yukika said, assigning her a new target.
Then he turned to Sakumo Hatake.
"You can join a training squad. Show me how you organize it."
Sakumo nodded, though he looked puzzled when reading the documents.
"Other worlds?"
Not just him—everyone else was baffled too.
Were their enemies now from another dimension?
Was there really another world beyond the ninja world?
"I know what you're thinking," Yukika said, sighing as he sat back down.
The shock was understandable.
People always assumed their own world was unique.
Calmly, he extended a hand.
A Rasengan formed.
He didn't need to overthink it—he had complete mastery over chakra control.
"Where does the core chakra for ninjutsu come from?" he asked.
Nobody answered.
"It isn't from our world."
He dispelled the Rasengan and pointed skyward.
"It was brought here from another world thousands of years ago."
Another world.
It truly existed.
"Someday soon, you'll see it for yourselves."
"You'll even meet those who originally brought chakra here."
"Imagine facing enemies as strong as the First Hokage—or the Sage of Six Paths."
"How will we survive then?"
The concept was overwhelming.
Yukika looked at their blank faces and shook his head.
They should be shocked.
After all, Kaguya Ōtsusuki had not yet revealed herself.
They knew nothing of the Otsutsuki clan.
But that didn't stop Yukika from giving them a "vaccine" now—a heads-up.
When the truth came out, they wouldn't be caught completely off guard.
Experiencing the brutality of other worlds would light a fire under them.
The will to become stronger would naturally grow.
Never underestimate the power of belief.
It was the very foundation of the world of Naruto.
And part of why Yukika liked Naruto so much.
Everyone needed their own beliefs and goals.
Having achieved the desired effect, Yukika formally ended the meeting.
There was no need to worry about logistics. Mito had everything well under control. Supplies for Xu Ye Palace were steady.
---
After the meeting, Orochimaru couldn't wait to find Yukika.
His eyes shone with madness and excitement.
His blood boiled.
Unlike others, who worried, Orochimaru felt a deep, burning eagerness.
He wanted to study everything about the other worlds.
He wanted to see broader horizons.
Never doubt how obsessed scientists can be with such things.
Though the ninja world was vast, Orochimaru knew he would eventually master all its techniques.
But if new worlds opened up...
New levels of power, new frameworks of understanding...
He could barely contain himself!
Yukika understood.
He patted Orochimaru lightly on the shoulder and nodded.
"Accelerate the Hollow experiments," he said. "Once you can form a hundred-man squad, I'll introduce you to Devil Fruits and Haki."
Devil Fruits?
Haki?
Orochimaru swallowed hard, excitement surging.
More new concepts!
What were they? Could they be eaten?
Reading his thoughts, Yukika chuckled.
Yes. They were absolutely edible.
"Understood!"
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with passion.
New powers and their effects on the body?
He couldn't wait to dive into this research!
Sometimes, winning over a scientist was that simple.
Just give him a new project.
Even without a binding contract, Yukika knew Orochimaru wouldn't betray him.
Because what Yukika showed was only the tip of the iceberg.
Orochimaru's loyalty came from awe—the best kind of loyalty.
---
The next stage of the plan was ready.
The clan marveled at Yukika's words, but they trusted him without doubt.
They eagerly prepared for the team dungeon exercises.
The Senju family had settled once more.
Meanwhile, just a few days later, the Land of Water officially surrendered.
Another wave rocked the ninja world.
This time, the shock came from Kumogakure.
The Raikage announced that Kumogakure would withdraw from the Rain Country conflict, ending their part in the war.
Sometimes wars began and ended for reasons beyond control.
But the Second Ninja War was different.
After Rain Country's local villages fought fiercely for a time, they realized they couldn't achieve anything meaningful.
The stalemate finally crumbled.
Just like in the original story.
Konoha, Sunagakure, and Iwagakure had gained nothing of real value.
And now, thanks to the Senju clan and Yukika, even the stalemate seemed poised to end sooner.
Though Sunagakure and Iwagakure remained silent, everyone sensed the war's conclusion was near.
In this war, aside from the Senju clan, almost no one had profited.
Not even Konoha.
The Kazekage and Tsuchikage were both frustrated—but powerless.
---
In the blink of an eye, a month passed.
The Senju clan's territory buzzed with new life.
Familiar surroundings, unfamiliar paths—a new journey awaited them.
Today was a special day.
At the central plaza of Xu Ye Palace, many excited young people gathered.
Their powerful auras showed that they had all undergone the Hollow transformation.
Including Yukika, their number totaled...
"Your son?" Yukika asked, looking at the baby Sakumo cradled in his arms.
If he guessed correctly, this was the future legend known as Kakashi Hatake.
Of course, Yukika preferred another title for him.
"Yes, I haven't given him a name yet," Sakumo said.
"Master Yukika, would you do me the honor? If possible, I'd like him to join the Senju family."
Yukika shook his head.
"You owe me your life, but I won't sever the Hatake bloodline."
"You don't need to use him as a bridge between us."
Sakumo nodded, deeply moved.
The trust Yukika showed touched him.
"Five minutes and five seconds," Yukika murmured, looking at the adorable baby.
"Huh?"
"Hatake—50/50, right?"
Sakumo blinked, then laughed, nodding excitedly.
What a wonderful name!
"No, just a nickname."
"As for his real name—Hatake Kakashi suits him well."
A joke, but with meaning.
In this new future, with Sakumo's loyalty, Kakashi's path would undoubtedly change.
Yukika withdrew his gaze and looked out over the younger generation of the Senju clan.
The trial had been confirmed.
The Senju clan's metamorphosis and growth were about to begin!