The Suna trio stands inside a destroyed building.

Water drips on the holes in the ceilings. Vegetation and dust cover everything. By some miracle, several electronics were still on.

The group passes a group of animals on the way here. It was surreal for them to see goats and cows wandering inside a building. This used to be a place where Humans worked.

"Damn."

Mujaki wonders. "I ponder what Yukata sensei would say after seeing all of this."

"She would yell at us for leaving the village."

"Yeah..."

A goat walks into the office. It's brown with yellow eyes and larger than average horns. The goat stares at them cheeping them out.

Shepherd

"D-Did it just-"

Sacrifice

"W-what?!"

"Somehow, a talking goat isn't the weirdest thing we found during this trip."

She is coming. Hide.

"What? Who?"

Hide

Their instincts kick in. Telling them to hide as if a predator is near. They scramble and move in different directions.

Mujaki and Yūzai run inside a hole in the wall, while Samayō uses chakra threads to lift herself up. She dangles on the ceiling while looking down to see who's coming.

And something indeed comes.

A being made of black liquid resembling a version two Jinchūriki, wearing long, crumbling robes and flying overhead. Charred bones coat its frail body, bull skull as a helmet, eight tails on the lower back. Its fingers glow bright blue with the rest of the hand looking like dry earth, the light-emitting from the cracks.

The slim creature smiles seeing the goat eat grass from the floor.

"Fascinating. This is a… goat. I remember encountering these creatures. Be that as it may, encountering it from different eyes is truly something. I wonder about whether my Lady would feel the equivalent."

The walls crack.

The creature snaps her gaze seeking the source of the sound. She floats around searching and listening. Her eyes wander across the cracks on the walls.

Samayō hangs on the ceiling, already tired from holding herself up. Sweat builds up rolling down to her chin. It falls and hits the ground.

The Creature turns sternly its suspicious gaze.

Samayō gasps. She throws herself upward and through the ceiling. Debris falls to the ground and shatter.

The Black Creature didn't see exactly what it was, but she knew something is up there. She points at the ceiling her liquid-like hand wobbles. The bull skull rattles to reveal a crimson third eye on the forehead.

"Amatera-"

"Are you willing to burn down the building over hunch?"

Barchiel sits on an office chair. The creature is amazed seeing her in front of her. The third eye closes leaving no hint of it.

"Barchiel!? Your… more amazing in person!"

Barchiel blushes. "Oh! You didn't say that earlier."

"W-will you join me in my expedition? I can learn everything about creation with you by my side."

"My, you are an interesting little splinter."

"I'm from the class that studies cunning and focus. But my power isn't too par compared to the others. Not yet."

"Intellect is second to none. The First Horsemen proved this time after time."

The Creature chuckles. "…yeah…"

"Do you have a name?" Barchiel asks.

"Akamai. I call myself Akamai."

"How lovely. Well, I'll leave you to it. I'm sure you're busy at the moment."

"What about you?"

"I'm currently babysitting."

"Oh, I forgot. All right. Guess I'll keep searching. Good day, Barchiel."

"To you as well."

A portal opens and Akamai floats inside as it closes behind her.

With a wave of her hand, the Suna trio appears before her.

"Huh? Wha?" Yūzai stumbles over his words.

"What was that thing?" Mujaki asks.

"Akamai."

"No. Like, what is she? Species or alien."

"Ah. Hmm. Well… Let's head to the camp. I'll explain there."

"Wait, no. I want to explore." Yūzai demands.

"Want to test your luck with those splinters?"

"There are more of them? I thought the ruins were empty!" Samayō panics.

"Plenty."

"At the chasm?" Mujaki questions.

Barchiel stares at him smiling. "Not my secret to tell."

Mujaki ponders then whispers. "...Sarada..."

"Let's head back."

The group leaves the building as the goat continues to wonder. Mujaki looks back and sees the goat once more. And it stares back. Mujaki shakes his head and jumps down the building.

Another Barchiel appears before the goat, as the one Barchiel accompanies the kids. Both beings stare at each other.

When Barchiel spoke reality bends and billows like a wave on the oceans. No sound emits from her mouth, only afterimages of the movement. The language of pure meaning.

Azazel, the Fallen Star. What are you're purpose on these ruins?

Humanity falters. I have been summoned to assist.

Summoned? By who? No human can conjure us.

The Light I follow. Her call I abet.

The Light? Hehe, this new era gets more fascinating as time pass.

[Months Ago, Before the Paradigm Shift]

The Seven Tails flies over a large forest. Soaring higher and higher. Sarada holds firmly as she makes an effort not to tumble off. As the breeze attempts to push her off Sarada yells.

"Slow down!"

Chōmei hovers among the clouds allowing Sarada to finally gather herself.

"I. Am. Freezing!"

"Ohh, right. Higher elevation, less heat."

"I'm confident the Academy can't follow us. So bring-"

When Sarada looks down she sees all. The clouds floating serenely over the lands and water. They were so high from the earth they could perceive the line of the horizon curve. Sarada could see the shinobi lands; how small it appears from this height.

She looks up finding the stars and the infinite black between them. The shine of the sun hit her eyes. A breathtaking horizon.

Beautiful and astonishing. Some would say once in a lifetime. Sarada stands up, extending her arms. She took it all in. The sight, the cold, the stars. Sarada feels more alive than ever before.

And it all resonated with the book.

The gem on the book glows. Slowly getting brighter and brighter. It lifts and hovers over Sarada.

She didn't seem to notice.

"Uh, Sarada?"

No response.

The book opens rapidly flipping through the pages.

"Sarada, what you doing? I'm getting a bit dizzy."

Floating words appear from the empty pages. Strange symbols and ember of gold and blue. All from a different language.

Inside her head, Sarada hears a voice. Like a thought.

Freedom is drifting amid radiance. Yet bondage holds you. Weighted by vagabond illusions. Ascend through burial.

"My head feels… weightless."

Chōmei faints and begins to fall back to the Earth. Sarada holds on for dear life as they fall. The book remains afloat slowly and gently catching up to Sarada.

After what seems like forever, as both were about to hit the earth the book glows. Purple and gold colors emanate from the artifact. Chōmei begins to slow down before landing on the ground.

Because of his size, a few buildings were crushed. Civilians run in terror from the sudden beast's appearance. Sarada jumps down safely confused about what just happened.

"Chōmei? Chōmei?!"

"Bleh…"

Sarada looks around finding herself inside the Oto village. People surround the Demon giving all various reactions. She looks around for the book but it was nowhere to be found. Soon sound shinobi arrive at the scene.

The Uchiha drops down, her arms raised.

"Easy! I'm from Konoha. As you can tell we ran into trouble. Isn't there an embassy in Oto? Please, I need to contact the Shinobi Union."

"Trespassers, no matter the Village, will be punished!"

Among the crowd, a young female walks into the scene. Surrounded by guards, she marches forward with grace and purpose.

A female who just reached her twenties, she wears a white with gold ceremonial military uniform. Long dark purple hair, similar color to an eggplant. Her expression is serious and frowning. However, the most noticeable feature about her is her body modifications.

On her back organ pipes, made of what appears to be bone, stick out. 4 pipes on each shoulder blade. 3 smaller bone pipes stick out of each forearm. And 6 pipes lined downward on each calf.

"Especially those how brings a Tailed Beast. This may as well be a declaration of war!"

"War!? How the hell did you make that jump in logic?" Sarada barks back.

"Don't you dare talk to back Lady Nasu!" One of the bodyguards yells.

"Back down, Chūnin." Lady Nasu walks towards Sarada, towering over her.

She looks down and commands. "You fall from the sky without notice and drop this demon on our village. Am I correct?"

"Well, yeah. But-"

"Did you crush the buildings that our people worked so hard for?"

Sarada looks at the destruction caused by the fall.

"Eh… Never mind this. I was attacked by the Academy. If we-"

"Academy? Oto is the only land the Academy hasn't touched!

"And they never will!" A random shinobi shouts.

"Precisely!" Nasu confirms.

An eruption of cheers came out of the Oto shinobi and some of the villagers.

"They're here!" Sarada raises her shirt revealing the device strap to her stomach. "Do you need any more obvious proof of their involvement? Or are you gonna continue stroking that pride of yours?"

Nasu raises her arm. The pipes on her forearms vibrate and erupt generating a large shock wave that sends Sarada flying away.

"I don't have time to argue. Arrest her. And seal the Tailed Beast. I want an explanation from the Hokage." Nasu commands.

"Yes, Lady Nasu!"

"Gaahhh!"

Sarada charges forward with fury in her eyes. Even with no chakra she still marches forward with a clenched fist raised. Her anger outweighs her thoughts.

Nasu scoffs. "Guess I have to hit you harder."

This time the pipes on her back hums and vibrate while Nasu stood unmoving. A big boom burst out of the pipes releasing an ever bigger shock wave. It cracks the ground beneath her and deafening those close to her.

The blast wave hits Sarada instantly knocking her out and lunches her into a nearby building.

"My store!"

"I'll pay for it." Nasu calmly reassures.

The Villagers move as more shinobi arrive at the scene. While Nasu oversees the ninja handling the Seven Tails. A hooded figure watches among the crowd. He whispers into his sleeve then lowers it letting a black snake slither away.

In the ruble Sarada laid unconscious. No one comes after her, their only focused on the Tailed Beast. The black snake slithers over and begins to increase in size. It constricts Sarada and drags her away without anyone noticing.

Sarada slowly opens her eyes. Her vision is blurry meaning it went back to normal. She feels something prodding on her stomach.

"Easy. I'm still working here." A voice announces.

She gazes weakly. Even with her blurred vision, she notices the colors. The pale color with the white-blue hair on top. The soft hint of gold.

She smiles raising her arms towards the figure.

"…Mitsuki…" She weakly mutters.

The figure holds Sarada's hand and gently places it at her chest.

"Wrong Mitsuki."

After a poke on the forehead, Sarada falls back to sleep.

Hours pass. Sarada wakes inside a room. When she sits up her stomach aches. The device blocking her chakra is gone. In its place were bandaging.

With her vision gone, Sarada activates her Sharingan to see. The book laid next to her. She grabs it and holds it close to her chest. On a nearby window sits a man. The one who helped Sarada escape Oto. He looked exactly like Mitsuki except older.

He notices Sarada waking up. "Finally. Thought I botched the surgery."

"Surgery?" Sarada questions.

"That disruption device had cables inside you. Reached your chakra system. I removed the device and patched the holes left behind. You still need treatment for a full recovery."

Sarada continues to stare at him. "Are you… related to Mitsuki."

"Did he never mention me? My little brother is too good to me. My name is Log."

"Log… Wait, he did mention he had a brother. But he never went into detail."

"Good. Prefer remaining a mystery."

With her Sharingan. Sarada observes someone looking through the window. A young man with black hair. One standout feature shook her. It appears as if the man had car ears.

The man yelps, turning and revealing his tail. He jumps down. Both Sarada and Log hear a crash soon after.

"Yep. That's Koshō." Log mutters.

"Where am I!? Who is that? Why is he a cat?"

Log pulls out a cigarette from his pouch. He lights it, looking outside the window. His face reflects one of pride then quickly into sadness. He exhales a puff of smoke.

"Welcome to Eddy-Reborn."

"Why does he want us in Oto?" Sasuke ponders.

"Don't know. Man is an anomaly. Hell, he doesn't even say he's human anymore." Shikamaru replies.

The door opens and Naruto and Sakura enter the room.

"What they say?" Sasuke asks.

"They want you to accompany Kurama into Oto. We can kill two birds with one stone. Save Sarada and recover that book."

Sasuke glances at Naruto whose body is being controlled by Kurama. The Beast is glaring at him. He felt uneasy, to say the least.

"And I volunteered," Sakura announces.

"Really? That means-"

"Team 7 is back for one more mission."

The voice of someone they knew. Everyone looks at Naruto. His right eye becomes blue, the usual color.

"Naruto?" Sakura softly calls.

"...I'm..."

Sakura holds his hand. "It's okay. We're here."

Naruto wanted to speak but he keeps stumbling upon his words. A tear forms on his right eye. He eventually speaks.

"…It hurts. I've worked so hard. Sacrificed so much. For nothing. My wife is a criminal. My son is dead. The Village is slowly consuming itself. And they are blaming me for it. They're right. It's my fault."

"Naruto that's not true," Sakura says.

"Times are just tough," Shikamaru reassures.

Naruto tries to wipe the tears but more just keeps falling.

"I'm sorry… I can't… I can't…"

The right eye fades into the red. Kurama looks at Sakura then at the hand. He yanks it away.

"Don't touch me," Kurama growls at her.

The Demon angrily stares at Sasuke before marching out the door.

"Where are you going?" Sasuke asks.

"After my sibling. I won't be surprised if he was captured again."

"Wait, we need to prepare!" Sakura scurries.

"I don't care."

Kurama leaves the room.

Sasuke sighs. He stands up and follows the Tailed Beast. Sakura and Shikamaru look on as both depart for the rescue mission.

"What's up with them?" Shikamaru questions.

"They have… a difficult relationship." She replies.

Sakura presumes Kurama has never forgiven Sasuke for sealing him and his siblings away at the end of the Fourth World War.

"Come on, let's move," Yui yells out in excitement.

"Wait!" Shikadai screams back.

The trio jumps from tree to tree, already far from the Village.

As soon as they Yui of their plan she darted out of the orphanage. Leaving without telling anyone. Mitsuki and Shikadai knew they were in major trouble. But for them, it is worth it.

"Mitsuki." Yui speaks up.

"Yes?"

"Why does the Academy call you the Sinner?"

"Huh?

"Don't you remember your past?"

"No, not really. It was always been me and Father. We spend time together in the lab where I was created. He always told me stories of the outside world."

"That's it?"

"I…" Mitsuki pauses, beginning to lose himself in deep thought. "I remember, wanting to see the sun. It's… all so blurry. I can't remember."

Mitsuki senses someone following. He grabs everyone by stretching his arms and hiding in the ground behind a tree. Feet hitting the branches pass them. Then nothing. Shikadai knew they have been found.

A Shin clone drops in front of them staring at them with their crimson eyes. The Sharingan's ability to see chakra hiding made it easy. More clones appear, surrounding the group.

Kagayaku with Kuma by her side emerge from the crowd.

"We won't let you kidnap a member of our family!"

Yui steps forward. "Wait, these two didn't kidnap me. They're helping save my sisters!"

"Don't forget about Sarada," Mitsuki interjects.

"Ah, the new girl."

The Shin clones converse with one another.

"Alright." Kagayaku raises her hands. "You have a family you need to save. But you owe us big-time."

"How about two new sisters when we return?"

"Hmmm…"

"Look, we need to keep moving. Lord Kabuto probably notice everyone missing by now." Shikadai said.

"You don't have to worry about him." One of the clones speaks up.

"Kuma put sleeping pills on his food."

"You what?"

"Kuma heard politicians were bothering him for days. Kuma hasn't seen him sleep in days. Kuma decided to help."

"Guess that explains how Yui was able to slip unnoticed."

"He won't bother you guys for a while." A clone says.

"Hurry!" Another clone shouts.

"Save your family!"

Like a chorus, everyone cheers them on. To save Sarada and Yui's sisters.

"Th-Thank you!" Yui teary mutters.

"Now go. Today is dumpling Monday."

The clones cheer.

"I don't think you're getting it after the stunt you just pulled."

A voice comes through the forest.

"Kids! Kids!" A caretaker yells out for.

"Go, go!" Kagayaku tells them.

The trio dash across the forest and travel towards the direction of Oto.

Sarada darts her sight everywhere. Her body shaking. Breathing fast and heavy. Hatred course through her veins. Yet panic took over first.

She found herself in the center of it all. The Academy home base. Where they rested and eat while knowing they're safe.

"Calm down. Don't need you freaking out."

"Calm down!? I'm at the epicenter. They know who I am. They're looking for this book. Why? I don't know. But I prefer not them not having it."

"Wanted, ey? I know a place you can hide."

"Hide? Inside this base?"

"Not a base. A Village. Plenty of spaces to hide."

"Where?!"

Log stands a grabs a pair of cloaks. He tosses one at Sarada. "Follow me."

Sarada and Log put on the cloak while Sarada puts the book inside a backpack. After packing they head into the streets.

Located in what appears to be a giant cave, this Village is no different from other villages. Represented more of the old Villages than the modern ones. Buildings made out of wood and dirt roads. Many people walk living life as normal.

Sarada holds tightly to Log's coat, her crimson eyes darting everywhere. She didn't understand these people. They must've done horrible things to enter Eddy-Reborn yet here they are living life normally. She always assumed the Academy where scheming 24/7, hidden from sight, causing pain and destruction.

A figure bumps into Log.

"Log?"

"Koshō. What are you doing outside the chambers?"

"I'm the intel guy. When word got out that things were heating up, I went out to see what can I pick up."

Koshō and Sarada lock eyes. Both are fascinated by each other. The cat features on a human against the crimson eyes of a bygone God.

"You have Himei's eyes." He says to her.

Sarada growls.

"She's the original," Log interjects.

"Oh!" Koshō then realizes the weight of Log's words. "Oh."

"I'm taking her to the caves. She can easily blend in there."

"Ah, yeah. I'm heading back as well. Let's go together." He turns and mutters to himself. "Things are getting chaotic."

All three reach an L-shaped alleyway. Two shady men stand in the end. Each smoking a cigarette. They both look at the other three.

"State your business."

"Tsuki 0372. Returning to Basin."

"Ah, the cat spy. Still wasting time on the surface?"

"Wasn't a waste this time?" Koshō defends himself.

"Your curiosity will get us in trouble Koshō."

"This time it's important. We need to see Himei."

The men glance at each other. One of them sighs and gets up.

"I'll go ahead and inform her."

"Good, we'll wait at the bakery," Log speaks.

Waving hand signs, the walls open revealing a tunnel to travel to. The one shady man walk inside while the other stayed.

"Koshō you can go in." The other shady man tells him.

But instead, Koshō pulls him to the side. "I have other questions."

The shady man groans. "What is it?"

"I know you've done reconnaissance for the Academy. I want that info. Specifically on Nasu."

"I'm not allowed to share confidential information. What we're doing is already against Gaoh's wishes."

"Oh, really? Maybe this will loosen those lips." Koshō hands over a coin.

"I really don't think I should." As he takes the coin.

"Are you sure?" As he hands over another coin.

"Alright. Nasu is planning something. To raise Oto to new heights according to her. Why are you so interested in her?"

"Can't tell you."

"Can this solve your 'can't' issue?" The shady man hands him a coin.

"I shouldn't trust you." He replies taking the coin.

"Of course you can." He hands over a second coin to Koshō.

"Alright. I knew Nasu. An old friend of mine."

"Friend? HA. As if that chick has a heart."

Koshō nails grew sharper and grab the shirt of the man. "Careful with your words. I'll rat you out to Gaoh himself."

"Okay, fine. Nasu caught herself a Tailed Beast. She plans to use it as leverage against Konoha. What are you gonna do about it?"

"I won't tell."

"You sure?" He hands Koshō a third coin.

"Very well. I need to speak with Kokoro. You can still walk free. I'm afraid this is the calm before the storm."

Koshō lets the guard go and heads down the tunnel.

Sarada felt bewildered at what she just witness. What makes it worse is that she didn't know if it was on purpose or genuine stupidity.

"Log." The man calls.

"Did Himei return?"

"Yeah. She pretty banged up though."

"I need to talk to her."

"Go ahead. Wait, who's the girl?"

"Again, I need to talk to Himei."

Sarada glares at him. The shady takes a nervous deep breath.

"I don't care. Just go." The man goes to his chair and sits. "I need a vacation."

Both Log and Sarada enter the cave as the entrance closes behind them.

Inside a dark cave lays a small settlement. Tents set side to side with lanterns illuminating the darkness. Power lines run across the ground tangled and sometimes in the middle of the path.

There were people. Very strange people.

They are all young. Seemingly entering their twenties. Some have very pale skin with bandages concealing parts of their bodies. Bandages vary from person to person. Others look normal yet Sarada could feel a strange power radiating from them. She wasn't sure if they were human.

All of them seem lost. Like they had no purpose for the day. Unlike the others from the outside who were doing chores, grocery shopping, or working; these cave dwellers were wandering around the cave doing nothing.

Her red eyes glow under the hood of the cloak. Everyone notice Sarada walking down the path. They notice the eyes. Mummers grow and spread.

She hated it. Reminded Sarada of her childhood. People talking behind her back. Saying things about her family name.

Ridiculed. Excluded. Forsaken.

And she detested it.

Log and Sarada find an actual building and enter. It's a bakery filled with bread and cakes. The smell slightly calms Sarada down. It reminded her of times her team visited her favorite bakery in Konoha.

In the far corner, people sit at a large table. A short man with shaggy brown hair, a broad face with a large nose, and thick eyebrows. He glares at the two who just entered.

The other person is one Sarada has already seen. From the earlier escape where she fought Gaoh. She resembles a lot like Yui.

Himei smiles. "It's good to see you escaped in one piece."

Sarada sneers hiding behind Log.

"What did you bring Log? The other man demands.

"My brother's teammate. Sarada Uchiha."

Sarada continues to glare at them. The Sharingan's glow piercing through them. It made the man uncomfortable.

Himei chuckles. "Don't you tire out Miss Sarada? Having those active is tiring."

"No." Sarada coldly states.

"Hmph, perks of being authentic I guess. Let's get it out of the way. Where's the Book?"

Sarada goes on full alert. She goes for her tries to pull out kunai when Log grabs her arm.

"Calm down. These are allies."

"They are Academy! Nothing more, nothing less."

The man scoffs. "You shouldn't bring an outsider. She just inching to kill."

"Don't worry Ku. She isn't going to throw a hissy fit in the middle of enemy territory." Himei reassures.

Sarada yanks her arms from Log glaring a Himei. "It belongs to Konoha."

"I don't care what happens to the book. Destroy it or hand it to Konoha. As long as Gaoh doesn't have it I'm happy."

Sarada is bewildered. "You're against the Academy?"

"I'm looking after my own. Speaking of which, is it true? Did Yui make it to Konoha?"

Sarada gave her a shady eye. "Yes, Konoha has her."

Himei takes a sigh of relief, placing her hands on her face. "Isamu's sacrifice wasn't I vain."

"I must contact Mitsuki. Maybe with him, you can claim freedom."

"Do be careful. If the Academy reclaims the Sinner then all Husks face their giving path."

Log bows then face Sarada. She is even more confused than before. Husks, freedom, Academy reclaiming Mitsuki?

"You're leaving me here?" Sarada panics.

"You can trust them. They nothing like the Gaoh. They won't hurt you or those you care about."

Sarada shakes her head.

Log continues. "Take a deep breath. I'll come back for you. Just be patient."

Log with the body flicker leaves.

Sarada sits on a chair, the situation dawns on her.

"Ku, keep Gaoh of my back. I'll watch her." Himei whispers.

"Are you sure? She seems… agitated."

"Which is why I'm going to accompany her. I'm hiding too."

Ku sighs. "Whatever you do, I'll be behind you."

"For the path we pave."

"For the path we pave."

Ku takes a drink while Himei shallows some pills. Himei groans from the pills taking effect stands then sits next to Sarada. The young Uchiha's eyes shift at her. Himei remains unfazed.

"Are you hungry?" She asks.

"No."

"Is no the only word you know?"

Sarada remains quiet refusing to fall into Himei's verbal trap. From what Sarada can tell, Himei didn't want to attack her. Maybe this is the perfect opportunity to extract information.

"You seem familiar with Yui. You also look a lot like her. Are you her sister she's always on about?"

"The oldest of the three. Well, two now." Himei woefully said.

"Oh…" Sarada immediately felt awkward. She knows the feeling of loss. How much it hurts, the impotency of the matter.

"If we meet again, breaking the news to her will…" Himei cuts herself, dreading that day to come.

"Did the event awakened the Mangekyō? Assuming you know what it is."

Himei nods. Her eyes turn into the Sharingan. Then shifts into the mystical Mangekyō Sharingan. It resembles a starfish, with five wavy lines in the layout of a star.

"Isamu's final gift. And when I tell Yui, to her." Himei places a hand on her face. "I don't want her to have these eyes. It severs the light to us."

"… I understand. The Mangekyō thrives on the dark. Fuels itself on hate."

Himei slowly looks at her. "You have the Mangekyō too, don't you?"

Sarada clutches her fist. "The Academy. They killed him. The one I have known all my life. The one who proudly said he was my friend."

"Gaoh took a lot from us." Himei looks down at the table. "Maybe, we can work together. Take him down. Make sure he never harms anyone ever again."

Sarada looks at her again. This time with less anger. Filled with curiosity instead.

"Why do you hate Gaoh?"

Himei chuckles. "How much of the Academy do you know?"

"Almost nothing. All I know is their actions."

"Well then." Himei stands and summons a cloak. "I think it's time you get answers. Follow me."

Sarada and Himei back out into the Village. Both with the hood raise covering their faces. They walk into the fountain in the center revealing the true form of the village and how big the Academy truly is.

Thousands of people roam the streets. Some from the five elemental countries, others from the smaller cities like Ishi, Ame, and Taki. There are food stalls, stores for many things, and schools for the children.

"Gaoh is a dick, but the man did he create something great."

Sarada looks on in shock and horror. "Why? Why are so many people siding with the Academy?"

Himei sits on the edge of the fountain. "Sit down. Let me tell you the origins of the Academy."

The Fourth War claimed so many lives. Horrors of the battles engraved in the minds of all. Ashes flow in the air as the land lay in ruin.

From the wasteland of soot and bodies, one stood stall. His brilliance shining as bright as the sun. Survivors saw his light, saw hope, saw life. They reach out to him, sought guidance under his warmth.

One raised from the ground and lay on his knees. His eyes lay upon Naruto Uzumaki. The old and tired man contrast Naruto's youth and spirit.

He saw Naruto's light and grew envious.

"Why?" He asks. "Why him?"

The fire he craved all his life, powers worthy to challenge the gods. To him, a child. While he worked all his life and suffered many losses, a reject surpasses him in an evening.

"How was this fair?" He mutters to himself.

While those around him praise him, he lay on his knees watching. Envy turns to fury. And with his fury, he made a promise.

"No more."

After the war, the countries formed the Shinobi Alliance. An effort to unite the Villages and repair their shattered world. A noble cause. Yet greed always rears its ugly head.

What was once a cause to rebuild has become an excuse to grow.

The Daimyō of each elemental country wasn't too fond of the growing strength and influence of the Shinobi Villages. Especially Konoha.

To combat this dilemma the old Fire Daimyō pardons Orochimaru then hires him for a special project. A project assisted by the other political powers. They called it Project Synergy.

Inspired by Lady Tsunade's Zetsu arm given to Naruto, the goal of the project was to create an artificial form of power. To avoid the process of mixing bloodlines via fertilization, clones were developed to create the perfect mix of kekkei Genkai. Superhumans, with no will, able to match the prowess of the Kages themselves.

DNA of every warrior in Shinobi history was scavenged, with the Fourth War making things easier. Plenty of cells gathered with the likes Konan, Mū, Kakashi Hatake, Pakura, Haku, and many more. Rumor even circulated that even the cells of Obito and Madara Uchiha were collected.

The Five Kage agreed with the project, believing it to be a body replacement project for the disabled. Each wanting individual goals for the project.

Konoha wanted any medical breakthrough developed during this project. Iwa wanted guardians as an extra layer of protection for the village. Kiri supplied them with computers and antennas, just to test their new personal inventions in the field of computer science.

All unknowing of the true goal of the project.

The first few years proved fruitful. The first few successful clones showed immediate usage of the desired kekkei Genkai. While imperfect, the fabrications created showed great potential in the Project's future.

But then one day, everything went wrong.

"Subject Sixth was last seen in corridor 4. I repeat, Subject Sixth was last seen in corridor 4. Please processed with caution."

Guards run through the halls searching for the missing subject. The subject watches them pass by he as hides around the corner. Once they were gone he moves. He crouches and slithers until reaches a door.

He gently opens the door and light hits his skin. For the first time in his life, he felt the warmth of the sky. He sees with his own eyes the great light.

A hand grabs his shoulder and violently turns him around. Orochimaru faces the clone. He is panicking clutching the clone by the shoulders.

"What are you doing?!" He asks.

"I… I wanted to see the sun…"

Orochimaru hears people talking from the stairs. He knew he had to do something. He didn't want his work to be for nothing. His plan needed to work.

"Do you want to have a home?"

"Home? I thought this was home."

"This one is different. You can do anything you want."

"Anything?"

"Anything."

"Will you be there?" The clone asks.

"I can't. I'm sorry. But I'm positive you'll meet someone who can call you a friend."

"…friend…"

Orochimaru summons a white snake who wraps around his arm. It slithers towards the fabrication and wraps herself around the waist.

"Take him to Konoha. Once close, activate the seal on his heart. Don't let him wander, okay?"

"Of course, Lord Orochimaru."

"What's your name?" The clone questions.

"Oh, uh, the other snakes call me Shiro. What's yours, young one?"

"I… don't have a name."

"Mitsuki," Orochimaru interjects. "Your name will be Mitsuki. No, go. Be free."

Reluctantly the clone head into the forest and disappears into the shadows.

The whole fallout caused quite a commotion. Once Mitsuki arrived at Konoha, his memories were gone. Yet the Shinobi Villages found out about what happened in project synergy. This was the beginning of the mistrust of the Daimyō and the Five Kage.

The Villages worried that the Lands were trying to replace the Shinobi system. Iwa declared that these beings possess a will and that lives matter. Some took it as an excuse to take clones for themselves. Konoha stated that men shouldn't be playing god. And every village agreed that mixing bloodlines to create beings stronger than humans was too much.

The Shinobi Union decided to shut down the project which eventually they achieved. All Daimyō that participated took a hit of their reputation. Old Fire Daimyō resign, as a result, being replaced by the current Daimyō Ikkyū Madoka.

As for the clones, another large event occurred.

Orochimaru stood on top of a building staring at the horizon. He knew the was Anbu watching him from afar. A man old and tired approaches him.

"Lost in thought, Lord Orochimaru?" He asks.

"No, no. Simply admiring the view."

"I never figured you to be a lover of nature."

"I tend to appreciate from time to time. Do you need anything, Taihigō?"

"I came to see how you were doing. After the shutdown of the project, you haven't been seen."

"I put a lot of work into it. Shame a lot of it would be wasted."

"Doesn't have to be."

Orochimaru raises his head. When he turns he finds the old and tired man with the dead Anbu behind him. Clones with pale-white skin and faint blond-colored hair stood over them. Each has clone has the Sharingan.

The surprise was the least of what he was feeling. While suspicious, this man that he has worked with has never displayed a killer bone. Orochimaru stands still but mentally was preparing for a fight. The old and tired man raises his hand.

"I will not fight you Sannin. All I have is an offer."

"Offer?" Orochimaru questions.

"I'm planning something. Build a great innovation, and complete the Uzumaki design."

"You've been planning. I suspected as much. Selling our secrets in the black market. But I didn't know you be creating clones behind my back."

"I didn't create them. He did."

From the back, the original Shin Uchiha appears smiling ear to ear.

"Hello, Lord Orochimaru. It's been a while since we last met."

"You've been cloning Shin undetected?"

The old man slowly steps forward. "I know your goal, Orochimaru. Your endgame. You were planning to use the clones as a replacement for your Transference Ritual. Easy way to gain Kekkei Genkai. And an unlimited supply of bodies to take."

Orochimaru smiles. "My, my, you are clever. What are you planning to do with this information? Blackmail me? You can't. I'm too big of an asset for Konoha to lose."

"I know. You're one of Konoha's greatest weapons. But that dream of yours is too enticing."

"Are you offering me my dream?"

"And many more."

Orochimaru chuckles. "Very well. I'm listening."

The facility erupts in flames. Men and Women in cloaks break into the buildings. Orochimaru notices the symbol on their backs. The symbol of Jashin. The clones were ordered to follow the men. Together they burned everything into the ground.

The New Akatsuki, Jashin Cult, and now the clones.

"Together we will teach the world the truth. Now that we are working together, the truth. My name is not Taihigō. My name is Gaoh Uzumaki and I will lead this revolution."

In Project Synergy's destruction, it was declared a rogue scientist named Taihigō burned everything to the ground, Clones, data, and himself.

In the last decade, the Academy grew. As the five main villages continue to advance the other small villages struggled to follow. Soon they disappear and the people were left in the streets defenseless. At the present, well-known villages like Oto, Ame, and Taki are facing the same fate.

When the Seven Hokage took office he made it a priority to provide asylum to the refugees. The Elders, however, differ. Thanks to them, actual citizenship took years to gain. Time they didn't have. With nowhere to go, the people turn to the one place that accepts them with open arms.

Eddy-Reborn.

Terrible name aside, the Academy funded the Village to act as a shelter to all who reject the Five Elemental Villages. Little towns gathering into one place. Adding little by little and growth became more apparent. Former ninja from now-extinct villages, cults, secret sects, defectors from the five shinobi villages, clones, and others living peacefully in a brand new Village. One that can rival a Shinobi Village.

All lead by an old and tired man. He looks upon his creation, years of work prove themselves to be worth it. He can feel the flames, the warmth of his end goal. His dream.

Soon the Uzumaki Design will be complete and the throne will be his.

Sarada looks down at the floor. The story she heard processing through her mind. She heard the smaller villages were struggling, but not to the degrees explained to her. Also, the history of the clones shook her. The origin of Mitsuki.

"Everyone you see here are people who had no other path to take," Himei explains. "I heard living here is quite nice. Taxes are fair, free healthcare, free education, virtually no crimes, neighbors you can trust."

"They're living… so peacefully. How can they do that after causing so much pain?" Sarada shutters.

"Some are furious at the Five Elemental Villages. They want to avenge their extinct homeland. Gaoh gave them the tools and got to work."

"Tools… the clones?"

"Yes. The children from the attack on Konoha, all clones."

"You're a clone. It explains you having the Sharingan."

"Yes, I am."

"In turn, so is Yui."

"True. But she doesn't know. I never had time to explain to her."

"Why?"

"That's another long story."

Himei notices people staring at Sarada. Seeing her red eyes. She didn't want to gain the higher-up's attention.

"You can shut off your eyes. We can trust each other."

Sarada scoffs. She didn't trust her completely. Very little actually. Yet she knows why she asks to deactivate the Sharingan. It's attracting attention. If Himei shared their history then Sarada can share something of her own.

"I can't. Need them to see."

"You need glasses?"

Sarada grumbles.

"Heh. I know someone who can help." Himei smiles.

Himei and Sarada head back into the caves. They head deeper arriving at a workshop. Steampunk is the best way to describe it. Gears and wires everywhere. Paper flying as if they had a mind of their own.

Once they enter they see a man working with gears. He has straight blue hair with amber-colored eyes. Wearing brown overalls with many pockets to hold tools. Goggles strap to his head.

Upon first appearance his form transforms into paper, sheet by sheet leaving his body. On the paper, there is writing with multiple equations on each sheet leaving his body. Every equation is different. It leaves his body and floats in the air, each piece organizing itself.

The Man notices them.

"Howdy! What brings you here Himei? He sees Sarada. "Ah, new batch? I haven't heard anything from the higher-ups."

"She an original," Himei says.

"Original? Those eyes are from the actual clan? Birth from a women's womb?"

"…Yes?" Sarada answered creeped out.

"Incredible! Can study you?"

"No."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"She needs eyewear. Do you have the time?" Himei nicely asks.

"Oh, yeah. I can make her some goggles."

"Cool. And make sure she stays hidden."

"Yup, yup."

Himei pats Sarada on the shoulder. "I still owe you the rest of the explanation. But as of now, I'll answer them later. I'll leave you be. Don't worry, Hijiko won't hurt you. Hopefully."

With a smile, she leaves the workshop.

"Well then, let's start. First, let's determine your prescription. Turn off those eyes."

Sarada growls but follows instructions. Hijiko proceeds with the eye exam. Despite treating her well Sarada still doesn't trust the "Clones".

After a while of testing, Hijiko takes out a testing frame.

"So, what do you think of our home?" Hijiko asks.

Sarada didn't want to talk but she still wanted information. "Bigger than I imagined. Why are you clones hiding in the deeper part of the caves?"

"Well, I wouldn't say clones. We're synthetic humans. Partial clones. Remnants of the White Zetsu Army serve as a genetic source. Think of it as a blank slate. Then we're given the DNA of a selected template. For example, I'm made from the DNA of Konan. A member of the Akatsuki."

"I've heard stories of her."

"Having her DNA grated me her abilities. Dance of the Shikigami. I'm not as skilled as the original but I can utilize her powers. I also gather some of her looks, like eye color and hair color."

"So… clones?"

Hijiko sighs displeased. "Yes, for simplification, clones. We're clones."

"What is Gaoh planning with you?"

"The Uzumaki Gran Design. What exactly is it? We don't know. What we do know is that we are failures. We rejects are sent down here. To rot. Sometimes we are sent to missions to get a better place to stay. But most of the time we struggle to survive."

"Why don't you leave? Help us take down the Academy!"

"I don't think we can. Not all clones are like me or Himei. They don't know how to be human. Hell, some of us have never seen the Sun! Revolution is not an option."

"Hmm, after the interaction I saw early with entrance guards I don't doubt you. Even, Mitsuki struggles to connect with people."

"Mitsuki? You know him?"

"He's my partner."

"Oh, I never heard of a clone in love."

Sarada blushes. "AYYY! No! Partner as in teammate! He's my teammate!"

"Haha! I kid, I kid." Hijiko decides to change the subject. To a topic, he is very interested in. "What do you know of the Rinnegan?"

Sarada is taken aback. She herself has done research on the Rinnegan. Theirs is not info available for it but collected rumors and observed her Father.

"I know a bit."

"Yes." Hijiko waves his hand commanding paper next to him. He shows all the data he collected himself.

"The eye of an Ōtsutsuki. There have been rumors, from our little whistleblowers, that Gaoh has people working on a side project."

"Side project?"

"Research on the Rinnegan. I don't know what they're planning it for but it can't be good."

After some time passed, Hijiko finishes the goggles. He politely hands to Sarada with a whimsical smile on his face. Sarada carefully puts it on allowing her to see.

"Better?" Hijiko asks.

"Yeah. Thank you."

"Now you can fully blend in. There is a residential area you can rest in. Don't cause any havoc, okay?"

"I'll try."

Sarada roams the "streets" the clones built for themselves. They had nothing. Sarada plotted what she is going to do. How was she going to solve her situation?

She reaches the residential area. There is a clone in front who welcomes warmly. She politely shows her room and leaves her be.

Sarada sweeps the room to see if there is a bug of some sort. When done she sits down and lets it all process. She grabs her backpack and pulls out the Book of Gelel.

Getting used to its power. She can feel something from it. A power emanating from it. She remembers the book speaking to her. Felt like it had thought. Sarada figures to speaks to the book.

"Hello?"

At first, nothing. Sarada felt stupid, talking to a book. Then a voice.

Hello.

Sarada jumps from her bed. Calming herself down she grabs the book.

"Are you… alive?"

Technically, no.

"What are you?"

Concept with thought. Best way to describe myself in Human terms.

"Are you trapped in the book?"

The book acts like a translator and a phone. You called, I answered. The Gelel stone acts as fuel. When you escaped the prison you tap into the stone's power.

"Gelel Stone. This is the power of the Knights."

Power now in your hands. The Academy wants this power. Use it to transcend. Are you going to stop them?

"You can transcend with this book? Like, Godhood?"

Yes. You yourself are transcending by speaking to me.

"I'm transcending? I don't feel different."

You'll notice in due time. Study the Gelel power. Grow. You haven't my question.

"Which question?"

Are you going to stop them?

"The Academy? Yes, I will stop them. Permanently."

As you wish. You're going to need help. To enter the Manifold Engine you need to bend space for easy access. I will bring you someone from your past to assist you.

"What?"

"Wha- Where am I?"

Sarada turns her gaze meeting eye to eye with her new roomie.

Sumire Shigaraki.

She is wearing a prison uniform, her hair messy. It looks like she didn't have proper sleep.

Both in shock, then confusion, then anger.

Sumire goes a right strike but Sarada dodges by moving her head. Sarada kick yet Sumire catches it. With the other leg, Sarada kicks Sumire in the chest sending both flying. Both crash on the wood cracking it.

Both girls stand up waving hand seals.

"Water Style: Water Trumpet!"

"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!"

They take a deep and exhale, but nothing comes out.

"Now, now children. There is no need to fight."

At the center, a woman stands hands raise making the calm down motion.

A woman with pale skin, purple eyes with a hint of pink, and short hair that reaches her shoulders. Her hair is gray with the split ends a hint of gold. Wearing a suit, usually only seen on men. The jacket with the trousers is black along with the tie, and the waistcoat is pink. Only her suit and spike hoop earrings.

"Who are you?" Sumire yells.

Ignoring the two the female studies her form. She takes a deep breath.

"How long has it been since I breathe in carbon? The photons bouncing off my skin."

Sarada recognizes the voice. "That voice…"

"You assume correctly. I'm the voice from the book. Decided to take a human form. Easier for communication."

"Don't ignore me! Where am I?!" Sumire screams once again.

"Ah, I brought you to assist young Sarada."

"But why her? Why not bring my father? He can bend space."

"Really? Well, I'll take it into account."

"Still clueless here." Sumire for a third time yells.

"Apologies, a formal introduction is in order. My name is Barchiel."

A/N: This is a long one so bear with me. Nothing bad, just a long Author's Note.

So I really took the time to think about the arc and flesh it out. Ended with a result I'm really happy with. The Fabrications or Clones. While during research on the wiki I found that one filler arc in Boruto, Mitsuki Disappearance arc. Fits in the story really well and solves my writer block. Now I need to go back to my old chapter and do minor rewrites, but it's nothing drastic. Only attack name changes, hint removals, and foreshadowing. I was planning on revisiting my old chapters anyway.

I've had so much planned for this chapter. I'm comfortable saying this would have surpassed 20,000 words. I've delayed so much like what Hinata is doing, Mitsuki's group encountering with Team 7, Yui's origins and her purpose, "The Uzumaki Design" explained, Uchu being an idiot, insight into Nasu's life, and many more.

I've cut it here since it's been a while since I've updated. Now, if you guys want those, supersize chapters then I'll be alright making those. Just note it will take a while longer to publish.

Those coming from Reddit, I see you. Thank you for reading my story! I hope you enjoyed it. Now don't go spoiling the story for the rest. Let it play out. Also, let it be known those other comments haven't got to me. Write what you enjoy! I'm here to improve my skills and to have fun.

The next chapter will be part 2, the rest of what I planned for this chapter. Then the chapter after that, which I'm calling "Ribbons", is when things truly fall into place. Every seed planted from previous chapters will sprout. Nothing but the climax from that point forward.

Phew, I think that's everything. On to the copy-paste outro! Please favorite and/or follow, share, and leave a review. Don't be shy, tell me what you think of the story, and feel free to leave me tips on how I should improve my writing. Thanks for reading and I hope to see you next time.