"Young man," said Zhang Sanfeng with a gentle smile, "this old Daoist sees in you a rare gift—your bones carry extraordinary potential, and your body holds the dual energies of yin and yang. A once-in-ten-thousand talent in the way of the Dao."
He squinted slightly, calculating something with his fingers.
"You… are not of this world."
"In Buddhist terms, you have 'stepped beyond the Three Realms and escaped the Five Elements.'"
"I dare to ask you both—husband and wife—to remain here, and take upon yourselves the burden of saving this realm. Will you accept?"
Uchiha Itachi: "…"
Zhang Sanfeng's words were calm, his tone polite—but behind them was a force greater than any threat.
Itachi's eyes narrowed. "And if I refuse?"
"Then don't blame this old Daoist for being impolite," Zhang Sanfeng said evenly, brushing his horsetail whisk.
"So the great Zhang Sanfeng means to use force?" Itachi chuckled coldly.
"I would never dare," Zhang replied. "I simply wish to seek justice for the countless innocent lives lost."
He turned his gaze toward the war-ravaged landscape—scorched earth and crying voices—and sighed with the weight of heaven and humanity.
"Then you mean to avenge the people of this world—by holding us responsible?" Itachi asked.
"Exactly that," Zhang said. "The Way is merciful. And justice must be served."
Itachi's voice darkened. "I don't understand. The Mongol Yuan cavalry has killed far more innocents than we have. Why don't you seek vengeance against the Yuan Emperor—or the Mongols? Or do you simply find it easier to target us because we're young?"
"This world's internal strife is its own matter. But you—you are not of this world. And yet you bring harm to its people. Is it not reasonable to demand an explanation—for me, and for all living beings?"
"…So what explanation do you want?" Itachi asked coldly.
"First, return with me to Wudang and reflect upon your actions in seclusion. Or second, bring peace to this land—restore order and end the bloodshed."
"Choose one."
Itachi gave him a long look. "You want us to fix this realm's chaos… knowing full well we're outsiders? Aren't you worried that a foreigner like me might seize the throne?"
Zhang Sanfeng smiled. "Outsider? What outsider? You and I both carry the divine blood of Shénhé—descendants of the Yellow Emperor and Nuwa, children of Pangu. We are all of the same lineage. There is no 'foreigner' among the people."
Itachi: "…"
"Then never mind," he said.
"You enter someone's home and smash their belongings—can you really walk away like it's nothing?" Zhang said, his tone unchanging. "I've made myself clear. Reflect, or repay the debt. One or the other."
"And if I choose neither?"
"Then I won't hold back."
"…I'd like to see that," Itachi said.
His Rinnegan activated, and his right hand lifted toward Zhang Sanfeng.
"Banshō Ten'in!"
A tremendous gravitational pull erupted from his palm.
Wind howled. Trees were ripped from the earth. Debris flew.
But Zhang Sanfeng didn't move a step.
His robe fluttered, but his feet stayed rooted.
The pull had no effect.
Itachi: "…"
"Amaterasu!"
His right eye snapped into focus, the black flames locking onto Zhang Sanfeng.
But no matter how precisely Itachi aimed, the flames always missed—narrowly grazing past.
Zhang simply sidestepped each time, graceful and untouchable.
True Human Aimbot Dodge.
"Too slow," Zhang murmured. The disdain in his voice was subtle, but unmistakable.
A technique that couldn't hit was worthless—no matter how strong.
"Lightning Style: Chidori of Infernal Black Flame!"
Itachi roared, black Amaterasu fire coating his right hand, crackling with lightning.
He charged at Zhang Sanfeng in a blur.
"If you've got the guts, don't dodge!"
Zhang smiled. "Very well. I'll stand my ground. Let's see if your blow can pierce my defense."
As Itachi closed in, Zhang Sanfeng began to chant:
"Heaven and Earth, origin of the Dao—
Ten thousand energies return to one.
Through countless trials, I manifest divine power.
Within and beyond the Three Realms, the Way reigns supreme.
My body shines with golden light—
A radiance that shields me from harm."
A blinding golden aura gathered around him, forming a shimmering protective body.
CLANG!
Itachi's blazing hand struck the golden light—
—and stopped.
His entire arm was engulfed by the aura, frozen mid-thrust.
It felt like he was trying to punch through steel mud.
He was still meters away from Zhang Sanfeng—
And yet he couldn't move forward even an inch.
The golden light was stronger than any Susanoo defense.
Zhang Sanfeng stood perfectly still.
Unscathed.
"…Impossible. That's the Golden Light Mantra! How do you know that?!" Itachi's voice cracked with disbelief.
"My ancestor was Zhang Daoling, also known as the Celestial Master," Zhang said with reverent pride. "Founder of the Way of Orthodox Unity. The name Zhang Tianshi—that was him."
Itachi: "…"
WTF?!
Zhang continued calmly, "And since you already know my name, surely you're aware that I descend from the Tianshi Sect of Dragon-Tiger Mountain."
Itachi: "…"
Like hell I knew!
If I'd known your background ran that deep, I never would've stepped foot in this world!
"…Fine," Itachi muttered. "Who else taught you? Go ahead—give me your full resume. Maybe if I know everything, I'll just give up and go quietly."
Zhang nodded graciously.
"I passed the imperial exam at fourteen. Became magistrate of Boling County by eighteen. Then renounced the world to become a Daoist."
"I once crossed paths with the Condor Hero, who taught me a technique or two. Later I met Miss Guo Xiang and received some insight into the Nine Yang Divine Art from Shaolin Master Jueyuan."
"I spent years meditating in the sacred caves of Laoshan, then journeyed west and south."
"At sixty-seven, I trained atop Zhongnan Mountain under Master Huo Long, a disciple of the legendary Xi Yi. Later, I studied with the Sleeping Immortal Chen Tuan of Huashan."
"Eventually, I retired to this place and founded the Wudang Sect."
Itachi: "…"
Suddenly, he remembered something from before his reincarnation—his father used to make him memorize ancient Taoist scriptures.
There was a line:
"Named like Zheng Huolong, but identity hidden deep in void. Once he trained Sanfeng, he returned east beyond the weak waters of Penglai."
And another from the Zhe Long Yin poem:
"To the south, the sleeping arts passed on; a ragged Daoist, the Half-Immortal Zhang."
So it's all true. He really did study under those two.
Zhang continued:
"My spirit once wandered the void. I traveled to the end of the Song Dynasty and fought a man named Dong Tianbao—thus was Tai Chi born."
"Then I drifted into the Southern Song, apprenticed under a reclusive monk who taught me the language of beasts."
"Later, I accidentally entered Shaolin and learned the Muscle-Tendon Sutra from Master Chengkong—passed down from Bodhidharma."
"I met a woman named Qin Sirong, and studied the Eight Swords from Yi Tianxing and Yi Jifeng of Sword Manor. Finally, I dueled the Carefree King and mastered the Divine Tai Chi Technique."
"…Will that suffice?" Zhang Sanfeng asked.
Itachi: "…"
"…It suffices. You win. I yield."
"I'll help you bring peace to this world."
"But in exchange, you must teach me everything you know."
Zhang smiled. "Very well—but only after you fulfill your promise."
"Deal," Itachi replied.
He took Izumi's hand and prepared to teleport away with Sasuke, Naruto, and Yakumo—only to be stopped by Zhang's Golden Light Barrier.
"Leave the two boys here," Zhang said calmly. "You may go."
Itachi looked at him silently, then nodded.
"Very well."
"But when they awaken, they'll join the Ming Cult—not your Wudang Sect."
"If you want disciples of your own, I'll find you two. You'll be satisfied, I promise."
"…Fair enough. But I'll need to examine them first," Zhang replied.
"Done."
And with that, Itachi vanished with Yakumo.
A moment later, he returned—dragging along a bewildered Hinata and Neji.
Zhang nodded. Satisfied, he returned Sasuke and Naruto to Itachi.
"I expect you to keep your word."
"You have it," Itachi said firmly. "A gentleman's promise is as good as steel. If I vowed to bring peace, I will bring peace."
"You have my trust, then," Zhang said, smiling.
"…But there's something I don't understand," Itachi asked. "With your power, defeating the Yuan Emperor—or any warlord—would be as easy as flicking your sleeve. Why ask me to do it?"
"Killing is easy. Saving is hard."
"To save the world is harder still."
"Slay one emperor, and another will rise."
"Kill a corrupt official, and ten more take his place."
"I can kill individuals, but I cannot kill chaos."
"If the empire falls, warlords will carve up the land. There will be endless suffering."
"What I seek is not conquest, but peace—true, lasting peace."
"And I saw no one fit to lead this world… until I saw you."
"You carry the name Zhu Yuanzhang. And within you, I see a Black Dragon coiled in yin and yang."
"You have the fate of an emperor. This burden is yours to bear."
Itachi: "…"
Damn it. I should've made up a fake name.
"…And if I told you I'm not Zhu Yuanzhang?"
"Zhu Yuanzhang means 'Zhang who will slay the Yuan Dynasty.' I speak not of you specifically—but perhaps your disciple, Zhang Songxi, or Zhang Cuishan. It matters not."
"Whether you admit it or not, the Black Dragon is within you. And I have seen the future—where Ming shall reign."
"Sun and moon rise together. That is Ming. You cannot escape it."
Itachi: "…"
The Black Dragon inside me is from the demon realm. It's evil as hell. And you think it's going to save the world? Good luck with that.
"…Then until next time," Itachi said.
"Until then."
"I look forward to seeing you when peace is yours," Zhang replied.
"As you wish."
Ice and Fire Island
A young Zhang Wuji was playing by the sea when he saw something floating in the waves.
"Mother! Father! Look—two people!"
"Fifth brother, quick! Save them!" cried Yin Susu.
Zhang Cuishan dove in, and soon pulled the two ashore.
They were young boys—one black-haired, one blond. Five or six years old.
High above them, Itachi and Izumi watched.
"Bind Naruto and Sasuke's familial bonds to Zhang Cuishan, Yin Susu, and Xie Xun," Itachi instructed.
"Got it," Izumi said, fingers weaving the threads.
Itachi wouldn't be staying in the Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber world.
After sending Naruto and Sasuke to Ice and Fire Island, he split off a clone and went to Bright Peak, declaring himself the new Holy Sovereign of the Ming Cult.
He and Izumi returned to the Naruto world.
Back on the island, Zhang Cuishan and Yin Susu looked at the two unconscious boys and felt their hearts stir.
A surge of affection rose within them—as if these children were their own.
When the boys awoke, the couple gently asked where they came from.
Naruto said nothing and looked to Sasuke.
Sasuke murmured only two words, again and again:
"Zhu… Yuan… Yuan… Zhu…"
"…Could he be the son of a rebel?" Zhang Cuishan wondered aloud.
"Most likely," Yin Susu smiled. "We of Wudang and Heavenly Eagle alike fight against the Yuan."
"These two are heaven's gift to us."
"Shall we take them as our adoptive sons?"
"Gladly." Zhang Cuishan turned to the boys. "Would you accept us as your adoptive parents?"
"…Is your goal to destroy the Yuan Dynasty?" Sasuke asked.
Zhang Cuishan and Yin Susu exchanged glances and smiled. "Of course. Once we return to the Central Plains, we will raise the banner of rebellion again."
"…Then I accept," Sasuke said. As long as he completed his brother's mission, he would do anything.
"Then you shall be called Zhang Yuanzhu—Zhang, who shall destroy the Yuan."
"Good," Sasuke nodded.
"What about me?" Naruto asked urgently.
"You shall be Xie Wuji! My son!"
The Golden-Haired Lion King Xie Xun burst into the room, Dragon Saber in hand.
He'd seen the golden-haired child and instantly felt a surge of emotion.
This child was surely heaven's answer to his prayers.
He would never give him up.
And so—Zhang Cuishan, Yin Susu, and Xie Xun gained two sons.
Zhang Wuji gained two little brothers.
Naruto became Xie Wuji. Sasuke became Zhang Yuanzhu.