judging from the final memories of the two clones dispatched to the future timeline, Uchiha Kiyo concluded that the plot had been forcibly realigned by the Sage of Six Paths. Sasuke's Rinnegan had awakened, and Kaguya was once again sealed.
However, a strange unease lingered in Uchiha Kiyo's heart.
The binding force of the ninja world's plot, having already formed a unique and self-sustaining timeline, was far stronger than expected. While minor changes were possible, the overall flow seemed destined to realign toward a set conclusion. Regardless of what actions were taken, events would still converge toward that inevitable end.
"Of course, the role of the Sage of Six Paths cannot be underestimated. His presence is a crucial node in the entire timeline. As long as this node remains intact, the entire narrative can be forcibly stabilized. The Sage's strength exceeds all previous estimations—it's powerful enough to reel everything back on course."
With the future timeline having reached its conclusion, Uchiha Kiyo redirected all his focus to the present.
"This entire experience taught me one important thing—tread carefully."
That could be summed up in one word—Gou.
The essence of Gou wasn't about cowardice or evasion. It was about developing in the shadows, gathering strength silently when one was still too weak to confront the tides head-on.
At least, that's how Uchiha Kiyo saw it.
His understanding of this concept deepened significantly after experiencing peak-level battles involving Super Kage and even the Six Paths tier.
Sometimes, the gap in power is simply insurmountable.
"Even though things collapsed in the end, the gains were substantial."
The refined theory of time and space developed during the journey would be critical for future transcendence. After all, without a deep understanding of the world's composition, how could one truly break free from its confines?
Among the greatest gains were the vast number of spiritual chains acquired—valuable resources for future research. Most importantly, Kiyo returned with Itachi's eyes. Though blind, they remained of immense value. Perhaps they could be used to further evolve the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan.
Not to mention the collection of forbidden jutsu like Edo Tensei and the Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique. Previously, Uchiha Kiyo never imagined he would acquire such abilities. Could this be a method for future advancement? A technique not yet developed? Then why not travel forward and learn it ahead of time?
...
"The harvest was immense. It's time to return to the island for some quiet training. Strength is still lacking, and the difference is felt deeply."
After such firsthand experience, Uchiha Kiyo's perception of the Six Paths level underwent a fundamental shift. His comprehension of power at that scale matured drastically.
Perhaps, the Six Paths level could correspond to the Jindan realm in cultivation terms. And Uchiha Kiyo—he could be seen as a Jindan cultivator specialized in combat.
Jindan and Foundation Establishment were vastly different realms.
"Sigh... The road ahead is still long."
A sense of urgency gripped Uchiha Kiyo.
Despite years of study, he hadn't yet completed the step of returning to the innate—a milestone akin to Foundation Establishment in cultivation novels. And if immortals were to be used as a reference, breaking through Foundation Establishment was far more difficult than any stage before.
"My bloodline limit and attack methods are sufficient for now. There's no need to invest more time in developing new jutsu."
In the future timeline, Uchiha Kiyo's Qi Yuan Slash and other techniques had inflicted real damage on Madara's Fourth-Form Susanoo. This was sufficient proof that his current arsenal was enough for combat. What mattered now was breaking through to the next realm.
"Postnatal returning to innate…"
His yearning grew stronger with each passing day.
At the pinnacle of the ninja system, power could shake the world. But what kind of miracles could be birthed through cultivation? What was waiting at the end of the road? Immortality? Harmony with nature? Transcendence from all things?
Regardless of the answer, it was something worth chasing.
With his mind resolved, Uchiha Kiyo got up, dismantled the barrier around him, and performed a series of rapid body flickers through space using the Instantaneous Body Technique, eventually returning to Qing Island.
He notified his clones of the new plan. There was no longer a need to focus on the Soul Cultivation Technique. Following the existing roadmap, their only priority was mastering what had already been developed—particularly the latest Gundam and Battle Armor combat modes. All remaining efforts would now be dedicated to breaking through the innate barrier alongside his main body.
The concept of returning to the innate was essentially equivalent to Foundation Establishment.
In cultivation novels, Foundation Establishment often involved liquefying mana. The chakra system had no such concept—more chakra simply meant more power, and there wasn't a clear distinction between gas and liquid states.
That said, Senjutsu Chakra could arguably be considered "liquid chakra," given its denser nature and higher purity.
But Uchiha Kiyo couldn't turn all his chakra into Sage Chakra—not yet. That would require a fundamental change.
True cultivation was a comprehensive evolution of both the body and soul. One could choose to cultivate only one aspect, but that would be narrow-minded and inefficient. Dual cultivation—of both body and soul—offered greater potential, since the two aspects enhanced each other.
Uchiha Kiyo's study of natural energy had revealed two distinct types: a gentler form oriented toward the physical body, and a more volatile variant suited for spiritual refinement. Efficient cultivation required absorbing both simultaneously.
Focusing on only one type would waste the potential of the other.
By absorbing both, he could integrate his body and soul even further, leading to heightened vitality and, potentially, longer life. Eventually, the fusion of essence, energy, and spirit would reach its peak, achieving perfect harmony.
That was the theory. But implementation was the real challenge.
"Foundation Establishment involves evolving the body. The soul benefits as a result, but that's not the focus—soul refinement will come later. No need to rush that now."
"I've undergone several minor body evolutions already, but those were gradual. The changes weren't substantial."
"My current body is saturated. It's on the verge of transformation. It only needs one catalyst—one proper trigger—to initiate a full evolution."
Uchiha Kiyo believed life naturally sought evolution. The problem lay in the lack of means to overcome bottlenecks. Break the limitation, provide sufficient energy, and life would evolve in the right direction on its own.
Of course, such speculation was risky. But Kiyo wouldn't just rely on blind luck. He would steer evolution deliberately, with guidance.
"If cultivation is about life evolving toward perfection, then over time, the weaknesses of flesh and blood would be corrected, and the body would grow stronger—perhaps even indestructible."
Abilities such as regeneration from a single drop of blood, or limb regrowth, were characteristic of such advanced evolution.
Hashirama Senju's insane regeneration abilities might've originated from his evolved body.
He possessed the full potential of the Sage of Six Paths' physical legacy—his "Sage Body"—which elevated his life level far beyond the norm. His regenerative abilities weren't random—they were likely the natural product of advanced evolution.
"Maybe intercellular research is the key to unlocking this next step…"
The Sage Body might offer clues for his own body's evolution.
In many cultivation stories from his past life, the body eventually transcended flesh, becoming something built of pure energy or a hybrid of both. Quantifying that change might be the best way to describe it.
Of course, this didn't mean his body would literally become energy. Rather, its structure would mimic energy—flesh forged from power.
Kiyo might not be ready for that yet, but it remained an inspiring direction.
"Let's begin with the intercellular studies."
Before returning from the future, Uchiha Kiyo secured all the experimental equipment from Grass Country's lab, sealing it tightly in a secure spatial seal.
The tools were far superior to his current era's tech. Whether that was due to Orochimaru's enhancements, overall technological advancements, or just the generous support of Orochimaru's mysterious benefactor—it didn't matter.
What mattered was that they worked.
He unpacked the equipment and installed it in the lab space on the first floor. After tuning the settings, he retrieved the cell cultures containing Hashirama's intercellular tissues and began his research.
He had possessed these cells for some time, but past efforts focused only on vitality. Now he would finally delve into the cells' unique structure and mechanisms.
Meanwhile, his clones around the world cooperated with the main body, compiling all remaining research into a final collective effort before Foundation Establishment.
Each clone used its accumulated insights, from ninjutsu development to energy integration, to complete a final review.
Breaking into a new realm was not a casual endeavor.
Everything had to be perfectly prepared—timing, technique, direction of evolution, sequencing—all had to be in order before the actual breakthrough attempt.
Time passed quietly.
Before anyone realized it, a full year had gone by.