"In the beginning, we were one; the Log, a God tree on Earth"

- The Book of Log

C1: Conception

Beta Reader: Izaranna

Cover art Creator: Kira015 (Adapted)

I could see.

I could smell.

I could taste.

I could hear.

But I could not touch.

I looked around and stared at the world around me—

Innumerable others.

They were all the same, but different.

Many were blond and an equal amount was red.

Some were male; others female.

Most were animals, the rest were human.

The one thing we all shared was power.

It started and we began running. What started was irrelevant because I could not lose this.

I knew that my life was at stake.

KABOOM

Half of us were gone. A large one was gaining the lead.

We were what we would become, however, we first have to win this to reach the point—conception, where our existence would be realised.

SPLAT

Another half bit the dust. Those who were left started to gain a sense of clarity both physically and mentally.

The one to my right had purple eyes with concentric rings. The Rinnegan, my mind supplied. Immense power, he would become a man to rival deities.

The one in the lead was the Kyuubi; he gave into his hate and lost his humanity like the majority of those here, he however survived, whether it was due to superior hatred, strength or skill, I did not know.

The one to my left was surrounded by friends; a blond surrounded by people who loved him. I recognised a pair of bright green eyes—Sakura, a lazy smirk—Shikamaru, an arrogant tilt of the chin—Sasuke, a beam of sunlight glinting against sunglasses—Shino… and so many others. He was loved by all including his own Kyuubi. He had made peace with him. Gifted by the Sage of Six Paths. He had suffered, but his dreams had come true in the end—

BAM

The Kyuubi went down; he lacked the fortitude to survive. A red-haired one was in the lead, but slipped; she lacked discipline.

CRACK

Half of us were swallowed; they lacked luck.

We were reaching the end and luckily of the group that originally existed, only two remained.

The violet-eyed boy looked at me and stared with his eyes widened. Awe, fear, surprise, shock: take your pick. I inspired it in others. My strength was unlike all but one other ninja that stalked this earth. Greater than the Rinnegan, but worse.

With a jolt of energy, I ran and won. The ball was within my grasp.

I could touch.

And so I did, and I knew no more.

I would never remember these events that had come to pass. No one ever did and no one ever will.

Why should they? What could have and might have happened is of no significance.

But what will be, and remains to be seen?

That's what we live to see.

And we will.

R&R (Suggestions and advice are always welcome!)