Naruto Tenseigan Reborn: Toneri's Time-Traveling Romance

35

Ensconced within the inner sanctum of the Hyūga complex, Toneri reviewed forbidden clan records liberated from deepest vaults. Many contained references to mythic progenitor clans whose prowess awed and terrified lesser mortals in antiquity.

One such apocryphal tale suggested consuming refined chakra crystals from branch members under duress could impart a measure of their ocular might to properly attuned practitioners. Lacking his majestic Tenseigan’s full radiance after crossing time itself, Toneri reluctantly sanctioned the painful harvesting procedure utilizing the most incorrigible agitators from among recent rebel factions.

As the first translucent crystals filled the intricate phial arrays before him, Toneri steeled himself before lifting the goblet filled with swirling lavender essence. Ancient memories guided ceremonial gestures while intoning long forgotten chants. Then with held breath he drained the vessel, fighting waves of nausea as the concentrated broth blazed through every vein and neuron.

For agonizing minutes he shuddered uncontrollably until finally the reaction stabilized, leaving behind a resonating warmth within his core. Reaching outward with thoughts alone, six glowing orbs manifested in answer to his summons - Truth Seeking Balls throbbing with riotous energy. Whirling them into a lattice sphere formation, Toneri unleashed the assembled array towards distant mountains.

A colossal explosion rent the sky, vaporizing whole sections of the far-off peaks. Though but six spheres, their combined power easily outstripped what double that number may have wrought mere weeks before. Clearly the cruel ritual was already magnifying his waning might. But to approach even a fraction of his former glory would require far more radical efforts still...

Word of the distant calamity soon reached Konoha, sparking fevered speculation. Such outrageous power rivaled legends of titanic battles between primal forces that shaped the very landscape. None could confirm origins of the phenomenon and the remote locale precluded casual investigation. Only the village’s leadership harbored theory of its source...

“It’s that Tenori or whatever his name is recently subsumed the Hyūga clan!” Koharu Utatane insisted during an emergency council session. “First he dismantles their leadership then this demonstration occurs days later. The timing cannot be mere coincidence!”

Homura Mitokado stroked his beard thoughtfully. “Toneri does indeed represent an unpredictable element newly inserted into local politics. But whether he directly caused this phenomenon through some bloodline means remains speculative.” He noticed the Hokage remained strangely silent during the discussion of their newest wildcard player.

“You clearly suspect more regarding this enigmatic figure’s potential than you’ve shared, Hiruzen” Homura pressed gently. "As your counsel, I would know your full thoughts on the matter."

Sarutobi exhaled slowly, smoke trailing from his pipe. “Very well, my old friend. After the incident, I dispatched my best tracker to the blast zone under cover of surveying damage. His report was... most illuminating.” He drew again from his pipe as anticipation built.

“Remnants of exotic chakra saturated the area - more dense yet erratic than standard shinobi tenketsu flows. And clues suggested a solitary figure at dead center during the explosive event.” He looked pointedly at Koharu. “One who bore close affinity to Hyūga energy signatures...”

“Just as I warned!” Koharu exclaimed. “That upstart is far more dangerous than his genteel veneer suggests! Likely pursuing some grand ambition for power behind his thinly veiled campaign of Hyūga reforms.” She slammed a fist on the table. “We must force him to divulge the full extent of his arts before he becomes even more emboldened!”

The Sandaime held up a hand, forestalling further outburst. “All evidence remains circumstantial thus far. While reasonable to speculate on his involvement, we cannot jeopardize newly stabilized accord with the Hyūga by directly accusing their controversial leader without proof.” His gaze bored into each advisor in turn. “For now we shall continue quietly monitoring to ascertain whether he constitutes actual threat.”

His tone brokered no further debate on the subject. But it was clear Konoha’s leadership was now focused firmly on this mysterious shinobi who seemed to appear from nowhere before making waves across the entire village...

“Heard that new Hyūga chief basically massacred an entire mountain range up north!” Might Guy enthused to the assembled genin team at their usual gathering spot. “Such immense power in the springtime of youth!”

“Oh please, it’s obviously just exaggerated rumors.” Kakashi scoffed without looking up. “No single shinobi could annihilate a mountain, much less some random clan leader.” He turned a page in his ever present book.

“Don’t be so quick dismissing Guy’s story!” Kurenai said. “My father served during the upheaval and said this Toneri wields very strange abilities unlike any Hyūga techniques.” She shivered slightly from some dark memory. “Even Lord Hiashi now defers to him after they battled...”

Asuma flicked a smoldering cigarette butt away. “Yeah I heard about that fight! They say this Toneri manipulated Hiashi like a puppet at the end. Must be incredibly strong - maybe the next coming of the Sage or something!”

“Well I think he sounds dreamy!” Rin gushed. “Probably incredibly handsome with that exotic name and mysterious aura!” She, Kurenai and a few other kunoichis dissolved into giggles at speculative gossip about the new village heartthrob from the reclusive clan finally stepping into the spotlight after his stunning takeover.

“Please... There hasn’t been a legit mountain buster since the Founders era.” Genma chuckled while absently fiddling with a senbon. “Next you’ll claim this guy shoots laser beams from his eyes too!”

“He can do it!” Guy countered. “We shall see who has the most youthful spirit when we finally meet he!” He shook a fist towards the sky while others collectively rolled their eyes at his characteristic enthusiasm...