Naruto: Unlocking Kaido Template

Rossinante continued his journey, embracing the unpredictable twists of his adventure, while Zixu prepared to return to Ryūchi Cave.

After a long day of training, Aburame Hatsuizumi and her companions returned to their quarters to rest, while the other villagers and some shinobi worked tirelessly through the night.

Hyuga Chinano's other eye, known as the Akagan (Red Eye), had a unique ability—it could generate chakra phantoms that disrupted an opponent's perception. The chakra constructs it created could completely distort the Byakugan's field of vision, causing the user to see only the illusions while remaining blind to real threats. Due to its properties, the Akagan was a perfect counter to the Byakugan. In addition to its deceptive capabilities, it could also see through solid objects, sense chakra fluctuations, and detect danger—making it an invaluable tool in battle.

After weeks of effort, the foundation of their new village had taken shape. Never underestimate the productivity of shinobi. Even civilians, equipped with machinery provided by Orochimaru, worked with remarkable efficiency. Various buildings were scattered throughout the settlement, and though simplistic, they held an air of stability. Infrastructure development had also progressed, with power systems partially operational—electric lights flickered in different corners of the village.

The surrounding forests had been heavily cleared, with remnants of tree stumps burned to ash using Katon (Fire Release) techniques. The nearby river provided a convenient source for Suiton (Water Release) jutsu, aiding in irrigation efforts. Doton (Earth Release) techniques allowed the soil to be cultivated with ease, leading to the reclamation of large tracts of farmland. Various crops had already been planted, ensuring food security for the settlement.

Orochimaru had even suggested forming a joint research team of shinobi and skilled civilians to develop a specialized ninjutsu that could accelerate crop growth. Zixu readily approved the idea—after all, food sustainability was crucial for the long-term survival of their people. A self-sufficient food supply would grant them the endurance needed for prolonged conflicts.

Most of the shinobi who chose to follow Zixu and leave Konohagakure were progressive in their thinking. They didn't oppose collaborating with civilians; at the very least, they kept their grievances to themselves in Zixu's presence.

However, the integration of the Hyuga clan posed a challenge. Learning from the mistakes of Hiruzen Sarutobi, Zixu had no intention of allowing them to live idly. Instead, he assigned them the responsibility of teaching taijutsu to other shinobi and even civilians. No one would be allowed to freeload—here, everyone was equal, and each person had to contribute.

Naturally, a few individuals who had hoped to coast along, living off the village's resources without contributing, were displeased by this arrangement. However, Zixu paid them no mind. Once they boarded this metaphorical pirate ship, they weren't getting off so easily.

"Orochimaru has been surprisingly cooperative lately..." Zixu muttered, placing the crystal ball down and rubbing his temples.

By now, he had a solid grasp of Orochimaru's nature. There was no need to keep an obsessive watch over him. Occasional check-ins were enough. If the man dared to act up, Zixu would simply put him in his place. And if words weren't enough, a thorough beating would suffice.

After gathering his thoughts, Zixu stretched, a rare smile forming on his otherwise exhausted face.

"It's been a while since I've returned to Ryūchi Cave... I suppose it's time for a visit."

With a single-handed seal, his body flickered and vanished from his modest quarters.

---

Deep within Ryūchi Cave, Princess Ichikishima floated in the air, utterly bored. So bored, in fact, that she had taken to counting the scales on her body.

Meanwhile, Princess Tagitsu sat motionless on a stone throne, her eyes unfocused as she immersed herself in an intricate genjutsu, refining her illusion techniques.

Princess Tagori, on the other hand, had her nose buried in an anatomical scroll, studying the pathways of human chakra networks. She was attempting to map out the precise flow of Zixu's Hachimon Tonkō (Eight Gates Released Formation), but the more she studied, the more absurd his method seemed. His chakra pathways defied conventional understanding.

Suddenly, a familiar spatial fluctuation rippled through the cave's entrance. The three princesses immediately stopped what they were doing and turned their attention toward the mist-shrouded entrance.

They knew only one person who entered Ryūchi Cave in such a manner—Zixu.

As the smoke cleared, the already dim cave seemed even darker with the presence of a towering figure.

A massive, two-to-three-meter-tall form emerged, standing before them. Two long, red-and-white horns jutted from Zixu's forehead, his entire body rippling with thick, well-defined muscles. Crimson markings ran along his arms and converged at his chest, exuding an overwhelming sense of raw power with every movement.

"Who goes there?" Tagorihime demanded, her golden eyes narrowing. Where had this hulking brute come from? And more importantly—where was Zixu? The young man they knew was nowhere to be seen, replaced by this massive, dragon-like warrior.

"I—"

Before Zixu could explain, Tagitsuhime acted first. Without hesitation, she unleashed an illusion, her form distorting as she transformed into a massive serpent, lunging toward him with fangs bared. "How dare you trespass into Ryūchi Cave? You'll pay for your insolence!"

Not one to be left behind, Tagorihime vanished entirely, erasing her presence from the battlefield. The stalactites around her softened unnaturally, their pointed ends shifting and extending like living organisms, closing in to form a jagged stone prison around Zixu.

Meanwhile, Ichikishimahime inhaled deeply, drawing in the surrounding natural energy, attempting to siphon Zixu's chakra. However, no matter how much she tried, his chakra remained untouched and inaccessible. Clicking her tongue in frustration, she switched tactics. With a single exhale, she unleashed a raging azure dragon composed of swirling wind and stone, its serpentine body twisting toward Zixu with terrifying speed.

At the same time, Tagitsuhime released her snake form, her body aching from the sheer resistance Zixu had put up. Gathering a thick, purple-red venom in her mouth, she fused it with the incoming wind dragon, turning it into a deadly, corrosive storm. Wherever the poisonous dragon passed, the ground sizzled, leaving a trail of melting rock in its wake. The teamwork between the three was seamless—an attack designed to overwhelm any foe.

Zixu let out a bitter chuckle, shaking his head. He had hoped to surprise them, but instead, they'd welcomed him with an all-out assault.

With a loud crack, his massive frame shattered the stone restraints effortlessly. His throat rumbled, and a deep, primal roar echoed through the cavern, instantly breaking Tagorihime concealment. With his draconic form fully unleashed, Zixu gathered roaring lightning within his jaws. Bright arcs of electricity danced violently as he released a ferocious Raimei Ryū (Thunderclap Dragon), a storming mass of pure lightning that shot forward to meet the incoming Dokuryū (Poison Dragon).

As the two forces clashed, the surrounding air hissed violently. The heat from Zixu's lightning attack evaporated the venom mid-air, turning it into a toxic purple mist. However, the deadly fog never reached him—before it could spread, the golden flames swirling around Zixu's body incinerated it completely.

The entire cave trembled as the Raimei Ryū overpowered the Dokuryū, dispersing it into nothing more than a harmless wisp of smoke.

"This... is a dragon," Tagorihime muttered, her voice filled with awe.

The reason Ryūchi Cave bore its name was simple—it represented the ambition of those who trained within it. Every serpent here longed for the ultimate transformation: to shed their skin and ascend into dragonhood.

And now, standing before them was proof of that ideal made manifest.

A real, living dragon.

Pure, untainted draconic might radiated from Zixu, sending shivers down their spines. They felt an overwhelming mix of emotions—excitement, reverence, and a tinge of bitter realization.

Deep within the cave, the White Snake Sage stirred. Groggily opening her eyes, she scowled, sensing the powerful dragon's roar that had shaken her sanctuary. Who dared to disturb her rest?

Her irritation turned into pure shock when she recognized the unmistakable pressure of true draconic power. With urgency, she slithered toward the cave entrance. Upon arrival, she found the three shrine maidens bowing, their bodies trembling in submission.

"...Is this... truly a dragon?" the White Snake Sage rasped, her usually unshaken voice catching in her throat. A faint tremor ran through her ancient body.

Zixu, seeing the White Snake Sage's arrival, realized he may have gone a little too far. With a sigh, he willed his transformation to subside.

Before their very eyes, the towering dragon began to shrink. The imposing horns receded, the crimson markings faded, and the rippling muscles softened. In a matter of seconds, the terrifying draconic beast had reverted to a familiar red-haired young man.

"...Zixu?"

"...Yeah," Zixu admitted, scratching his head sheepishly. "I just thought I'd stop by for a visit and give you all a little surprise."

He let out a small chuckle—but judging by their stunned expressions, the "surprise" might have been a little too much.

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