Chapter 111: A Calculated Investment
Alone in the spartan confines of his room, Ren finally allowed himself to focus on the problem at hand. He sat cross-legged on the thin mattress, the silence of the underground base pressing in around him.
*System,* he thought, the command clear and direct in his mind. *Is there a method to induce the natural evolution of the Sharingan into the Mangekyō? One that doesn't involve a direct exchange?*
A screen, visible only to him, materialized in his vision.
[Answer: Affirmative. A method exists with a variable probability of triggering self-evolution. As the evolution is not a direct system-granted exchange, the resultant Mangekyō abilities are not predetermined. They will manifest based on the deepest psychological triggers and emotional state of the subject at the moment of awakening. The cost for the required catalyst is 50,000 points less than a direct Mangekyō exchange. Warning: This method carries a significant risk of failure.]
Ren's interest sharpened. A natural evolution would be far more potent, more *integrated* than a system-bestowed power. And the cost... significantly lower.
*Explain the method.*
[Answer: The host can exchange for a concentrated catalyst: 'The Essence of Anguish.' This essence can be injected into a viable subject. It will artificially induce an extreme, temporary state of profound grief, resentment, and emotional turmoil, replicating the intense psychological trauma typically required to awaken the Mangekyō. Success is not guaranteed and is heavily dependent on the subject's willpower, emotional resilience, and latent potential. Prerequisite: The subject must already possess a fully matured Three Tomoe Sharingan.]
*The Essence of Anguish...* Ren mused. *Fifty thousand points cheaper than the finished product. But if it fails, those points are just gone. Wasted.* It was a gamble. A high-risk, high-reward play.
He pulled up his status screen, his eyes scanning down to his remaining points: 51,000. Just enough for one attempt. A single roll of the dice.
His goal was clear. Sasuke's current strength was pathetic. A talented child playing with sharper knives, but a child nonetheless. If Ren was serious about carving his own path in the coming chaos, he needed powerful allies, a foundation to build upon. And who better than his own brother? A natural-born Uchiha prodigy, already steeped in hatred, already possessing the prerequisite Three Tomoe? He was the perfect candidate.
*In the original timeline, he'd already reached Three Tomoe by now,* Ren calculated, thinking back to his brother's frantic training and the depth of his Sharingan during their brief clash. *I need to be certain. If he's ready, the gamble is worth it. Points can be earned again. I still have the Gedo Statue fragments. But a loyal Mangekyō wielder... that's a prize worth risking everything for.*
Decision made, he put the thought aside for the moment. There would be time to verify Sasuke's ocular development later. Needing to clear his head and hone his own edge, Ren reached out to the system again.
*System. Initiate virtual training simulation. Parameters: Opponents of equal or greater power level. Focus: Mangekyō and Wood Release integration.*
The world around him dissolved into a cascade of light and data.
When Ren opened his eyes again, it was morning. No time had passed in the real world, but his mind and soul had endured ten full days of relentless, simulated combat. The phantom fatigue of a hundred battles was washed away by the system's reset, leaving behind only the sharp, hard-won experience. His control over the Eternal Mangekyō's sight and the burgeoning power of Wood Style felt more instinctive, more a part of him than ever before.
After a quick, utilitarian wash, he left his room and headed for the main hall. He needed to see Orochimaru, to secure the necessary authority for the next phase of his plan. He remembered the girl, Karin. She wasn't in a cell; she was managing one of Orochimaru's lesser strongholds. Extracting her would require the snake's permission.
Entering the hall, he found it occupied not by the sannin, but by his ever-present lieutenant.
"Ren-kun," Kabuto said, adjusting his glasses with a practiced smile. "Looking for Lord Orochimaru? I'm afraid he is currently sequestered in his private laboratory. He is not to be disturbed during his... delicate work."
Ren's frown was immediate. *He's already dissecting the sample I gave him.* The thought was accompanied by a spike of irritation. *He'd better not forget our deal.*
"I sense your concern," Kabuto interjected smoothly, reading his expression. "Please, set your mind at ease. Lord Orochimaru has already issued the order. You have his full authority to visit the northern stronghold and retrieve the individual we discussed. If you require a guide, I can arrange for—"
"That won't be necessary," Ren cut him off, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I already have someone in mind."
Without another word, he turned and strode from the hall, leaving a thoughtful Kabuto in his wake. The medic-nin pushed his glasses up, the lenses flashing opaque. *He already has a guide in mind... intriguing.*
Ren didn't head deeper into the base. Instead, he made for the main entrance to Oto, the early morning mist still clinging to the jagged rocks of the valley. And there, just as he expected, a figure stood waiting.
Leaning against the rough-hewn stone gate, arms crossed, was Sasuke. He was dressed not in standard Oto attire, but in his dark, practical kimono, his prized chokutō strapped to his back. His eyes were closed, but his posture was taut, alert. He'd been waiting for some time.
"Sasuke," Ren called out, a hint of amusement in his voice as he approached. "I'm impressed. I didn't think you'd actually show up. And so early."
Sasuke's eyes snapped open, their onyx depths cool and dismissive. He glanced at Ren, then away, as if the sight was beneath him. "Don't flatter yourself," he said, his voice flat. "I've been confined in this damp hole for too long. I'm using this as an opportunity to leave. That's all."
"Of course," Ren replied, the amusement never leaving his tone. He didn't believe it for a second. "Well, whatever your reason, you're here. Let's go. I'll fill you in on the details on the way. And you can make yourself useful—you're leading."
Without waiting for a reply, Ren walked past him and out of the gate, heading north without a backward glance.
Sasuke watched him go for a moment, a flicker of curiosity breaking through his feigned indifference. With a quiet scoff, he pushed himself off the wall and fell into step behind his brother, the two Uchiha heirs disappearing into the mist-shrouded landscape beyond the Village of the Sound.
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