Chapter 19: First Contact

"This technique shows promise, but it requires considerable mental strength to use effectively. Three-tomoe Sharingan should be the minimum requirement."

Yami stood at the bow of their lead vessel alongside Shisui.

Both men observed the Sea King that had been harnessed to pull their boat through the waters.

This massive sea creature, controlled by Shisui's newly developed genjutsu that utilized pure mental power projection, worked tirelessly without complaint, pulling their vessel and swimming at impressive speeds through the ocean currents.

"The chakra consumption is indeed quite substantial," Shisui acknowledged with a thoughtful nod.

"In the past, we could create illusions by disrupting the chakra flow within an enemy's body. The genjutsu itself didn't require much energy from the user."

"But now, the technique relies almost entirely on mental power projection. Still, I believe we can optimize it to reduce consumption, though it will require multiple applications to maintain effectiveness."

Despite his injuries limiting his physical contributions, Shisui had thrown himself into developing genjutsu techniques suitable for their new environment.

This represented his way of repaying the Uchiha clan for his previous mistakes, and he approached the work with unwavering dedication.

"Don't worry, we have time to perfect these techniques," Yami reassured him.

"This method should also prove effective against humans in this world, though stronger individuals will naturally possess better resistance."

Yami spoke with outward confidence, though internally he felt the pressure of time weighing heavily upon him.

He desperately wanted to complete the system's first quest as quickly as possible and enhance his own capabilities.

‘Bloodline Awakening… I must try harder.’

This was what filled him with anticipation and urgency.

Yami had developed three theories about what this awakening might entail.

The most probable outcome would elevate him to Indra's level of power.

This would mean possibly achieving Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan status, eliminating the technique's harmful side effects while allowing his Susanoo to reach its ultimate form, matching Uchiha Madara's power before his death.

A less likely but more exciting possibility involved awakening bloodline power equivalent to Otsutsuki Hagoromo, granting him the physical constitution necessary to manifest the Rinnegan.

The most improbable scenario, though not impossible, would grant him full Otsutsuki heritage comparable to Kaguya herself, complete with pure alien bloodline and mastery over both Rinnegan and Tenseigan abilities.

Regardless of which awakening occurred, the power increase would be dramatic enough to give the Uchiha clan genuine influence in this new world.

"Clan Leader, I've been observing our people over the past two days.”

“Those who've been eating food native to this world show measurable improvements in physical conditioning after exercise."

"Many who had reached apparent stops in their training before now report noticeable strength gains."

Itachi jumped from the ship he had been overseeing with a nimble move, ready to deliver his findings from Yami's experimental directive.

"It appears the exceptional physical capabilities of humans in this world stem largely from their dietary source," Yami concluded.

"After all, many creatures here possess enormous bodies. However, our genetics differ fundamentally from the native population. While eating local food will enhance our abilities, we probably won't match their natural capabilities."

Yami added thoughtfully as he processed this information.

"Have everyone transition to the local diet immediately, combined with daily exercise and [Eight Gates Formation] training. At minimum, everyone should be able to open the second gate."

"Send this information back through our summoned animals and ask Fugaku-san to begin implementation."

Yami issued his orders with crisp efficiency.

Itachi nodded and departed quickly to carry out his instructions.

That evening, Yami's group finally reached their destination.

The Sea King that had been pulling their vessel was immediately released back to the ocean.

"Izumi, you choose five people to leave with you, to guard our boats."

"Everyone else follows me onto the island.”

“First priority: find suitable targets to extract language and written communication knowledge from their memories. Then we begin intelligence gathering."

Hidden beneath a secluded cliff face, their crude vessels bobbed in the sheltered waters.

On the rocky shore, Yami began distributing assignments with military precision.

No one voiced objections as they split into organized teams and began their operations.

Itachi led some clan members in one direction while Yami took Shisui and some others toward a different area of approach.

Within approximately twenty minutes, they had located the town properly.

Despite the evening hour, numerous people still moved through the streets going about their business.

The other Uchiha clan members observed everything with obvious curiosity, after all, these represented humans from an entirely different world than their own.

Nevertheless, everyone maintained focus and quickly identified several isolated individuals suitable for memory extraction.

The minds of people in this world contained no protective jutsu, so reading memories only induced fatigue without causing serious harm.

One particularly robust-looking individual was selected for more thorough examination by multiple clan members in sequence.

When he regained consciousness, his face appeared pale and he seemed somewhat drained, but otherwise unharmed.

"Listen carefully. Although no one in this world knows our identities, the Uchiha do not engage in indiscriminate killing. Is that understood?"

"If possible, target criminals with active bounties. If such opportunities don't present themselves, focus on wealthy merchants and nobles who are widely regarded as corrupt or cruel."

"Now disperse and begin operations."

Yami delivered his warning with stern authority.

He harbored genuine concerns that clan members who had recently endured Konoha's betrayal and their traumatic evacuation might develop violent tendencies.

The freedom to kill without consequences in a world where no one knew their identities could prove dangerously tempting.

However, this was not the reason he had led everyone to escape their previous life.

Every person needed to maintain certain moral boundaries.

"Yes, sir."

Everyone's expressions grew serious, and many privately acknowledged they had indeed been considering such possibilities.

Under Yami's direct warning, they suppressed these impulses and dispersed to gather intelligence, obtain funding, and complete their assigned missions.

"Come, Shisui. Let's experience what this other world has to offer."

Yami gestured to his companion with renewed enthusiasm.

Shisui felt deeply moved by Yami's warning to their clan members moments earlier.

The gesture helped heal his previously damaged heart and reinforced his recognition of Yami as the leader who could truly guide the Uchiha toward glory.

After exchanging a small gold bar at a local shop, Yami and Shisui explored the town with currency in hand.

Although their mission timeline remained urgent with less than seventy days remaining, Yami still felt genuine excitement about experiencing this new world.

The feeling reminded him of his initial arrival in the ninja world, when he had approached everything with a tourist's wonder.

Eventually, the two men settled in a tavern, drinking rum and eating grilled meat while Yami read recent newspapers and listened to the conversations of other patrons to gather information.

"Seven days ago… was the Enies Lobby Incident."

Yami found exactly what he had been seeking.

He had discovered where the main storyline of this world was currently unfolding.

"Did you find something interesting?" Shisui noticed the smile that appeared on Yami's face and couldn't help but ask.

"A suitable target has been identified."

"I'll explain more later."

Yami replied with satisfaction.

Having found what he needed, there was no reason to linger further.

The two men left the tavern, intending to gather the other clan members before returning to their base.

But while walking through the streets, Yami spotted characters from the storyline he recognized.

But he didn’t make a scene.

"Kaku, did that person just look at us specifically?"

Kalifa frowned slightly and adjusted her glasses as she questioned her companion.

The two CP9 agents had just completed their current assignment and were returning to their temporary base.

Following their defeat at Enies Lobby, they had taken refuge in this particular country while regrouping and awaiting new orders.