Naruto: Uchiha Survivor Forced to Save the Shinobi World-Chapter 368: Return

Days later, the wave of public scrutiny surrounding the Uchiha not only failed to subside but grew even more intense.

Sasuke, fed up with the harassment, stopped attending the shinobi academy altogether.

Shinji's situation was no different. Wherever he went—on the streets, at the academy, or even in Hidden Leaf Hospital—he was met with pointing and whispering.

But none of this shook his resolve.

Or rather, his mind was wholly consumed by the 'Rinnegan Plan,' leaving no room to care about such matters.

Over these past few days, he hadn't been idle. He was fully immersed in studying the 'Four Symbols Seal' that Karin had stolen from the archives.

With her Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan and a Sage Body combining the powers of the Uzumaki and Senju clans, Karin's chakra levels were simply too extraordinary.

The shinobi academy, home to critical figures like Naruto and Yakumo, had heightened security. Anbu squads patrolled round-the-clock, including sensory-type shinobi. Without some measures, Karin couldn't attend school—her presence would be detected the moment she stepped foot on campus!

That evening.

"As expected of a sealing technique developed by the Uzumaki clan!"

In his apartment, Shinji rolled up the 'Four Symbols Seal' scroll, letting out a long breath.

With his current pupil power and chakra reserves, he could learn most ninjutsu with a single glance, provided they didn't require exceptional talent.

Even so, it took him days of intense study to barely master the 'Four Symbols Seal.'

After stowing the scroll, Shinji glanced at the 'Adamantine Sealing Chains' scroll on the table and shook his head helplessly.

Though he knew 'Adamantine Sealing Chains' could only be practiced by Uzumaki clansmen, he hadn't given up and tried training in it over the past few days.

The result, predictably, was failure!

The technique, clearly tailored to the Uzumaki clan's bloodline advantages, was indeed inaccessible to outsiders.

This was likely why 'Adamantine Sealing Chains' had been shelved by Hidden Leaf.

Taking both scrolls, Shinji donned his Akatsuki attire and vanished from his apartment without a sound.

Moments later, he slipped into Karin's apartment.

Handing her the scrolls, Shinji instructed, "These are your Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques. 'Adamantine Sealing Chains' can only be practiced by Uzumaki clansmen, so you should give it a try!"

Clutching the familiar scrolls, Karin nodded without hesitation, "Yes!"

Shinji continued, "You've been recovering at home for many days. Staying away any longer might raise suspicions. Starting tomorrow, resume attending the academy!"

"Really?"

Karin's eyes lit up.

Being cooped up at home had been stifling.

Shinji nodded, "Yes, but before you go to the academy, I'll need to place a sealing technique on you to suppress part of your chakra."

With her 'Kagura Mind's Eye,' Karin knew her chakra signature from the archive raid and her battle with Yakumo had likely been noted by many sensory shinobi. She quickly said, "My lord, I'll follow your arrangements!"

"Good. Don't resist!"

Shinji got to work, applying the sealing technique to Karin.

A single large seal could fool sensory shinobi but not those with dojutsu. A large sealing formula would be glaringly obvious under the scrutiny of eyes like the Koryugan or Byakugan.

But by splitting one seal into five and inscribing the formulas not on her body but on clothing worn close to the skin, the seal's effectiveness would be reduced, but its concealment would be greatly enhanced.

Shinji only needed to suppress Karin's chakra levels, not seal her chakra entirely.

After completing the seal, Shinji used his Byakugan to inspect it discreetly, confirming that even dojutsu-wielding shinobi wouldn't easily detect the seals unless they scrutinized Karin inch by inch.

After giving a few more instructions—such as always wearing the clothing inscribed with the sealing formulas when attending school—Shinji said, "The Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan is just one step in my plan. Now that we've succeeded, it's time for the next phase. Prepare yourself mentally."

Seeing Shinji's serious tone, Karin grew nervous, "My lord, what's the next step?"

Shinji replied, "Transplanting First Hokage cells!"

Karin asked, "Like Yakumo?"

"Kurama Yakumo, huh?" Shinji smiled and nodded, "Yes, just like Kurama Yakumo—undergoing a true First Hokage cell transplant!"

Having heard rumors that volunteers from the other four villages all perished during First Hokage cell transplants, Karin felt a pang of doubt, "My lord, can I do it?"

"You can!"

Shinji's answer was resolute!

For most, transplanting First Hokage cells was a near-certain death sentence—no, an absolute one. Even someone like Yamato, a rare survivor, only made it through with excessive suppressants.

But for dojutsu-wielding shinobi with potent Yin Release chakra, the survival odds were significantly higher.

Compared to Yakumo, Karin, with her Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, had superior pupil power. And in terms of pre-surgery physique, the two weren't even in the same league.

If Yakumo could endure it, Karin was a sure bet.

Moreover, after conducting multiple transplant surgeries, Shinji's knowledge and hands-on experience had grown exponentially.

If the subject was Karin, he was confident the surgery had a ninety percent success rate.

After all, Uchiha Madara, who fused First Hokage cells back then, had only one Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan.

Karin had a pair, plus Tsunade's suppressants and fusion agents, and Shinji's 'Jikibi' and 'Wazunagi' for chakra sensing and regulation. If he failed with all that, he might as well abandon the 'Rinnegan Plan.'

After briefing Karin on the upcoming surgery plan, Shinji left her apartment.

Of course.

As was his habit, he held back one detail: he didn't tell Karin that transplanting First Hokage cells after obtaining the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan could potentially evolve the eyes further, possibly unlocking the Rinnegan.

The next day.

Following Shinji's instructions, Karin returned to the shinobi academy.

Due to the recent uproar, few at the academy paid attention to her return, allowing her to slip back into the public eye quietly and naturally.

No one connected her to the Akatsuki's 'B,' who had loomed over Hidden Leaf Village. Even Yakumo, who had once vaguely sensed something off about her, forgot about it amidst the chaos of the recent battle.