Naruto knew exactly why Sky City's construction had progressed so quickly. Shisui had secretly mobilized shinobi and civilians from across the ninja world.
With their capabilities, tasks that would have required decades in Naruto's previous life were handled in a fraction of the time. Ninja labor efficiency was simply overwhelming.
Shisui even had a Steel Release user assisting in the construction.
The young shinobi was only fourteen—barely at jōnin-level experience—but invaluable nonetheless. Shisui had discovered him within an obscure clan and brought him into Umbrella.
His name was Hagane Seiji.
"Shisui, excellent work," Naruto said, his praise sincere.
Orochimaru looked around the sky fortress, unable to hide his envy. If he had possessed such a base back then… would he have ever needed to flee from pursuit?
Here, he could conduct his research freely, without restraint. A city suspended high above the world, equipped with instant teleportation to the ground—it was perfect in every way.
Shisui's expression grew serious.
"The biggest limitation now is energy. The chakra we stockpiled can only support operations at the current scale."
Naruto nodded. He understood well—the earlier "chakra reactor" was only a storage system, not a true energy generator.
But the Dragon Veins were different.
Like a Tailed Beast, the Dragon Veins constantly drew in natural energy from the environment. After countless centuries of accumulation, its chakra reserves were second only to the Nine-Tails itself.
As they walked through the bustling city and into the central complex, Naruto continued to observe everything with growing satisfaction.
Multiple layers of security blocked their path—each more stringent than the last. Shisui had designed the system airtight, and Naruto couldn't help but nod in approval.
Eventually, they descended deep below the inner core. A team of researchers in white coats immediately stopped their work and bowed when they saw Naruto. They didn't recognize Orochimaru, however—something Naruto corrected swiftly.
"This is Orochimaru—one of the foremost experts in biology and mechanical systems."
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed subtly. Naruto's introduction placed him high in status here. And in Sky City, scientific prowess determined one's standing.
Upon hearing Naruto's words, the lead researcher—a stern man in his fifties—bowed respectfully to Orochimaru as well. His confidence soared as he addressed Shisui:
"Lord Shisui… you've resolved the Dragon Vein issue, have you not?"
Though phrased politely, his tone held no doubt. The moment Naruto appeared beside Shisui, the answer was self-evident.
Naruto's legacy within Umbrella had already taken root. He was not worshipped blindly—but his capability as both a shinobi and a scientist had been proven repeatedly. Young, talented, and limitless in expertise—he had become the embodiment of progress.
To these brilliant minds, Naruto was someone who could lead the entire world toward a better future. Under him, Umbrella was unstoppable.
Shisui laughed heartily, excitement surging through him.
"Hahaha! Yes—the greatest obstacle has finally been overcome!"
Sky City could finally step into its next era.
Until now, energy limitations had forced every weapon and system into strict conservation. A single activation of the space-based chakra cannons would drain nearly all reserves. Even with anti-gravity systems consuming minimal energy, maneuvering the entire city required far more.
Technology was advancing rapidly—but it needed a heart.
And today, Naruto brought that heart.
Naruto approached the central power chamber. A sleek device—encircled by four towering, pointed pillars—waited like a ceremonial altar of steel.
He placed the Dragon Veins Core carefully onto the energy port.
Mechanical conduits extended instantly, clamping onto the core with precision.
But…
Nothing activated.
Not a single ripple of chakra flowed.
The room fell silent.
Everyone stared.
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes.
Shisui's excitement froze mid-expression.
Naruto frowned.
Something wasn't right.
The lead researcher, Old Dōra, frowned at the readings—then his expression eased as he looked toward Naruto.
"Leader, the sealing technique is too strong. The core's energy can't be extracted at all. If possible… could you modify it to allow a controlled output?"
Naruto blinked, surprised. He hadn't expected his sealing to be too effective—trapping not only the Dragon Veins' will, but its power as well.
He stepped forward, pressing his hand against the Dragon Veins Core. Black sealing runes rippled outward, wrapping around the glowing white sphere like living ink.
After a few seconds, Naruto withdrew his hand and turned to Old Dōra.
"I've created an adaptive portal for chakra output. It will release energy only as needed—and only within a safe limit."
His expression sharpened, voice firm.
"This core absorbs natural energy continuously. If you overdraw it, its stability will collapse. The Dragon Veins themselves could disappear. You must never exceed the limit."
Old Dōra bowed deeply.
"I understand, Leader. Something like this may never appear in the world again."
Naruto nodded.
With a whir of machinery, four reinforced conduits extended and clamped around the core. A brilliant surge of chakra began flowing visibly along the pipes—like streams of light.
Sky City's heart had finally started beating.
They had tested Dragon Vein energy conversion long ago—only the core itself had been missing. Now, the delay was over.
Meanwhile—at an Umbrella base on the surface
Sasori's eyes glimmered with manic excitement. He stood before the towering puppet he had been constructing in secret—his greatest masterpiece.
Dozens of meters tall, a colossus of steel, chakra-conductive metal, and sealing matrices. It had cost him everything.
He reached out and placed a hand on its massive armor—like a proud father admiring his child for the first time.
At this moment, conviction burned in his chest:
With this puppet, even the Leader must acknowledge me.
…If only his chakra reserves weren't the one flaw that held him back. He couldn't sustain the giant forever. But the urge to challenge Naruto immediately pulsed through him.
He spread his arms with theatrical grandeur.
"I've decided… I will call you Eternal!"
His voice echoed across the chamber.
"I will bring forth a new era of puppetry!"
This puppet—Eternal—was equipped with:
Long-range chakra cannons
• Flight systems
• Burrowing drills
• Amphibious movement
• Complex transformations
• Integrated sealing weaponry
All his life's work—every technique, every experiment—woven into one unstoppable construct.
In recent days, Sasori had even ignored orders from Naruto—completely consumed by Eternal's completion.
Lost in pride, he didn't notice a dark figure melding with the stone behind him…
A pale mask split into a sinister grin.
Black Zetsu was watching.
And Sasori had no idea.
...
TN:
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