Naruto Tenseigan Reborn: Toneri's Time-Traveling Romance

4

Toneri pushed open the door at the end of the corridor. Beyond it was a fully equipped laboratory, with a figure standing inside.

The figure turned around. "Toneri-kun, is it?" came the raspy voice.

Toneri's heart skipped a beat. He quickly bowed his head. "Lord Orochimaru!"

Orochimaru gazed thoughtfully at Toneri for a long while before speaking. "This lab shall now belong to you."

Feeling the intensity of Orochimaru's stare, Toneri didn't dare let his mind wander. "Please rest assured, I will work even harder!" he answered with another bow.

Orochimaru's eyes swept the lab, a touch of melancholy in them. "I may be leaving the village soon. You'll have to find your own materials from now on!"

"Yes!" Toneri stood ramrod straight, nodding in acquiescence without hesitation. The one-eyed viper on his shoulder lazily flicked its crimson tongue.

With a final glance at Toneri, Orochimaru left in a blur of speed without further instructions.

As Orochimaru's ominous chakra faded from the lab, Toneri let out a soft breath. Lately he presence had become increasingly cold and bloody, putting Toneri on edge even when simply reporting progress from afar.

Thankfully those difficult days seemed to be ending. Though now Toneri felt puzzled.

While pondering, Toneri swept his new lab. Various jars, vials and equipment filled the shelves and tables. His gaze settled on a large glass cylinder in the corner that he hadn't noticed before. Inside floated a young girl with pale violet hair, seemingly in stasis.

Approaching closer, Toneri's eyes widened. It was Anko Mitarashi as a child! Which meant...this was one of Orochimaru's human experimentation labs!

Cold sweat dotted Toneri's brow. If this base was discovered, anyone associated with these illicit experiments would be executed without question. No wonder Orochimaru plans on defecting already. Working here has jeopardized my life!

In this era Anko should be Orochimaru's only apprentice. My presence likely accelerated his prohibited research and desperate capture of test subjects, Toneri realized. Thus pushing the timeline forward.

Clenching his fists, Toneri made his decision - he had to erase all evidence of this lab before Hunter Nin came investigating! But first, what to do about Anko...?

Toneri carefully evaluated the stasis tube. Anko appeared physically unharmed, only kept unconscious. Releasing her now would no doubt spur turmoil and questioning. Better to preserve Orochimaru's secrets and leave no breadcrumbs leading back to me.

Yes, Anko must remain confined for both our sakes... Once marks are erased elsewhere, I shall determine how to safely arrange her release and pardon. Surely the Third Hokage would understand necessity once presented with results bereft of context. Some concessions must be made for destiny's sake!

Nodding firmly, Toneri got to work scouring any files, samples and contraband that could indict Orochimaru's crimes. As expected, he had been extremely busy - the sheer volume of material needing disposal was staggering.

Many locked cabinets held disturbing specimens Toneri quickly cremated with fire jutsu. Like molting a skin...cleansing flames represent rebirth! I shall reshape this space as the foundation supporting Hinata's future happiness, he vowed.

By the time Toneri finished sanitizing everything over the next few days, he barely recognized the former laboratory. Gone were the ghastly traces of suffering and death. In their place stood pristine equipment and storage for nurturing life.

Toneri lovingly rested a hand on Anko's stasis chamber, the sole remaining artifact from his past sins. "Fear not, little Anko. I have planted seeds allowing us both to flourish anew. Once constraints loosen, you shall bloom brightly again!"

Now to settle elsewhere and establish my harmless civilian alibi, mused Toneri. Let suspicion fall fully on Orochimaru’s vanished specter.

Humming cheerfully, Toneri departed the vacant lab which held so many promising secrets - both discovered and hidden. Destiny moves in mysterious ways. But armed with the Tenseigan’s gifts, I shall mold fate to my design!