The Sharingan, a powerful cheat code in the Naruto World, was exclusive to the Uchiha Clan.
Amemiya Kenichi might never have gotten his hands on one, but thanks to his teacher Orochimaru and that black-hearted Danzo, he managed to acquire a Sharingan during the Third Shinobi World War.
What about the Uchiha Clan's opinion? Don't worry, this eye was dug out of an Uchiha ninja who had already "disappeared."
Of course, it was only a One-Tomoe Sharingan, not particularly valuable for research. Orochimaru had already studied it thoroughly before handing it over to Amemiya Kenichi. But that was enough.
"Sharingan? The Uchiha Clan's bloodline... From a biological perspective, this should be considered a genetic trait, or rather, Kekkei Genkai are simply genetic mutations that have been preserved," Amemiya Kenichi mused, a playful glint in his eyes as he examined the Sharingan in his hand.
Whether it was Kekkei Genkai or these special eyes, Amemiya Kenichi saw all inheritable abilities as fundamental differences at the genetic level.
Perhaps these guys' genes mutated, making them different from normal people and granting them these abilities. Of course, Chakra played a crucial role too.
The Naruto World is often called the "World of Eyes" because its ocular techniques are so powerful. Even Kurama, the mighty Nine-Tailed Beast, stood little chance against the Mangekyō Sharingan.
And the Rinnegan was even stronger. Even the Byakugan, often dismissed early on, held significant power in Konoha.
At least, an ordinary Genin like Amemiya Kenichi would never obtain such eyes in his lifetime.
In present-day Konoha, the two dominant clans were the Hyūga, with their Byakugan, and the Uchiha, with their Sharingan. Kenichi could see that the Uchiha Clan was being marginalized by Konoha's leadership.
The Hyūga Clan, on the other hand, remained steadfast. Though the Byakugan was often criticized in his past life as unremarkable among ocular techniques, it was actually quite formidable.
Amemiya Kenichi wanted to study the Sharingan and the genetic differences between the Uchiha Clan and others. If he could figure it out, maybe he could unlock the Sharingan's secrets.
Unfortunately, this world's technology was... lacking.
With the current level of scientific advancement, peering into genetic chains and DNA was still impossible. Scientific progress never happens in a flash; it's a slow, steady accumulation of knowledge.
For example, Orochimaru's base had a rudimentary microscope, but it was nothing like the ones Amemiya Kenichi knew.
Konoha had TVs, air conditioners, and refrigerators, but this world still felt backward to Amemiya Kenichi. Chakra had brought some conveniences to ninjas, but it had also stunted scientific development.
"Kenichi, pack up. We're going out. The first step of our live experiments can begin." Orochimaru appeared behind Amemiya Kenichi as he was pondering the world's technological state.
Orochimaru glanced at the Sharingan in Amemiya Kenichi's hand, showing little reaction.
A One-Tomoe Sharingan, and a discarded one at that, the result of Orochimaru's own research, held little interest for him. Still, he was curious to see if his disciple could glean anything from it.
Amemiya Kenichi was also satisfied with his teacher. Orochimaru was fascinating and incredibly dangerous, yet surprisingly kind to his subordinates and disciples.
This was likely why so many would later willingly sacrifice everything for Orochimaru, with Kimimaro even lamenting his inability to become Orochimaru's vessel.
Thinking of Kimimaro, Amemiya Kenichi glanced at Orochimaru. He wondered when his teacher had brought Kimimaro back. If it was before Orochimaru's defection, that would be perfect—he could study the Shikotsumyaku bloodline.
"Understood, Teacher," Amemiya Kenichi said, placing the Sharingan into a specialized container to prevent damage. This would allow him to analyze and research it later.
Initially, Amemiya Kenichi had considered acquiring the Byakugan. However, obtaining it was extremely difficult. The Hyūga Clan's Caged Bird seal was cruel, and with the Sharingan, he no longer needed to pursue the Byakugan.
Following Orochimaru, Amemiya Kenichi arrived at a forest on the outskirts of Konoha. Though seemingly deserted, one or two Root ninja were stationed there.
Danzo claimed it was for the laboratory's security, but both Amemiya Kenichi and Orochimaru knew it was surveillance.
Orochimaru didn't mind. While these Root ninja were skilled, they were no match for him, one of the Three Great Sages.
Entering the experimental facility, Amemiya Kenichi immediately spotted Shimura Danzo, the old codger.
He still appeared relatively normal, but the years had left their mark on his face. Amemiya Kenichi lowered his head.
Facing an opponent he couldn't yet defeat, this temporary humility was merely to buy time to gain sufficient power.
He didn't want to draw Danzo's attention—that would be troublesome. The Shadow of the Ninja World remained dangerous.
"Orochimaru, our plan can finally begin. These are the orphans Root captured in the Land of Rain after the war," Shimura Danzo said, glancing briefly at Amemiya Kenichi.
His attention remained fixed on Orochimaru, however. Amemiya Kenichi was merely a minor player.
"Excellent," Orochimaru replied, his delight genuine. Amemiya Kenichi glanced at the trembling orphans locked away and sighed inwardly.
There was nothing he could do, except try to ensure the experiments succeeded as quickly as possible.
"Let's go, Kenichi. Our experiments are about to start. Remember to keep detailed records." Amemiya Kenichi had proposed and refined the experimental record-keeping system, which Orochimaru had immediately adopted after seeing it once.
From then on, Amemiya Kenichi was always responsible for this task during experiments.
"Understood, Teacher," Amemiya Kenichi replied, his expression calm and detached, mirroring Orochimaru's own.
Shimura Danzo, accompanied by several Root operatives, followed Orochimaru. He shot a disdainful glance at Amemiya Kenichi before dismissing the talentless ninja from his mind.