Naruto evolution system

Chapter 174: The Search

---

Land of Wind, Eastern Region.

High above the desert, Baishi soared across the sky, cloaked in a shimmering chakra mantle with wings spread wide, like a meteor streaking through the heavens.

"Hmm?"

Suddenly, his eyes sharpened as he gazed into the distance.

Ahead, violent winds roared, carrying vast clouds of yellow sand that blotted out the horizon. A blackened, swirling mass churned, obscuring everything within it.

"A sandstorm…"

Baishi murmured, then immediately ascended higher into the sky. From this elevated vantage point, the overwhelming sense of impending doom dissipated somewhat.

Even so, the sight was awe-inspiring—a vivid demonstration of nature's sheer power.

"Wait…"

Baishi's attention was caught by several figures at the edge of the storm. His eyes narrowed as he muttered, "What's that?"

Sensing something unusual, he closed his eyes to focus his chakra senses. After a moment, he reopened them and looked again toward a caravan positioned at the sandstorm's forefront.

Within the group, a few individuals had combined their chakra to perform an earth-release jutsu, conjuring a makeshift structure.

More accurately, it resembled a bunker.

Unlike ordinary buildings, this shelter was rounded and streamlined, with much of its structure embedded in the sand, keeping it low to the ground.

Such a design was remarkably effective at withstanding sandstorms.

"No wonder they dared to cross the desert during sandstorm season. They've got a safety net," Baishi observed.

It was common knowledge—even for him as an outsider—that this time of year marked peak sandstorm activity in the region. Surely the caravan members were aware of the risks, yet they proceeded nonetheless.

The source of their confidence was clear: the skilled ninja among them.

However, what truly caught Baishi's interest was the faint energy signature he detected from these individuals.

Embedded within them was the aura of a Seed of Life, specifically the third-generation seeds produced by the Life Tree he had created years ago.

The Life Tree… a unique creation that existed in only one place—the small town of Linhai, located near the eastern border of the Land of Fire.

"Linhai… That's right. It's called Linhai Town."

Baishi's thoughts drifted back to that pivotal moment.

Years ago, after seizing control of the Nine-Tails, he had temporarily hidden in the Land of Fields before journeying back toward the Land of Fire. Along the way, he passed through Linhai Town, where he stumbled upon a group of bandits terrorizing the local villagers.

Moved by the plight of ordinary people, Baishi had wiped out the marauders and planted the Life Tree there, leaving behind numerous Seeds of Life that granted latent ninja abilities to many residents.

Four years had passed since then, and now it seemed his "seeds" had begun to sprout.

The ninjutsu used by these individuals was still rudimentary, but that didn't matter. What mattered was that they had chosen a path of peace rather than succumbing to the darkness of banditry.

Skill and knowledge could be honed over time, but a moral misstep could lead to irredeemable consequences.

Baishi watched as the caravan members secured their animals and supplies before retreating into their bunker to wait out the storm.

Satisfied, he nodded, his figure dissolving into a streak of azure light that shot toward the horizon.

---

Inside the bunker.

A young man peered cautiously through a crack in the window, his brow furrowed.

"What's wrong, Kun?"

Another youth approached, concern evident in his voice. He followed Kun's gaze but saw nothing unusual.

Kun shook his head and replied, "It's probably nothing—just a feeling."

Moments earlier, he had felt a strange sensation, as though someone was watching him. Yet, when he searched for the source, he found nothing.

After all, how could someone be observing him from above? The only possibility would be a divine being—perhaps the Tree God of their faith.

With that thought, Kun raised his right hand and placed his palm over his chest, silently praying, "Oh great Tree God, grant us safe passage."

As he spoke, faint green light glimmered from his chest, visible even through the fabric of his shirt.

Seeing this, the other youth mimicked his actions, placing a hand over his heart in silent prayer.

This was a customary gesture of worship among followers of the Tree God, a faith that had gradually taken root among the people. No one could say who had started it, but it had become widespread practice over time.

Unbeknownst to Baishi, a religion had quietly formed around him. Though still in its infancy, the Tree God Faith had undeniably begun to take shape.

How would Baishi react upon learning this news? Would he be pleased, or would it weigh heavily on him?

---

An hour later…

Having crossed the sandstorm zone, Baishi landed on a stretch of barren desert.

Previously, he had combed through Danzo's memories and learned that Orochimaru had a base in this region. However, the exact location remained unclear.

While Danzo's recollection included a site called the Eastern Great Dunes, Baishi had no idea where that was.

Asking locals for information had also proven fruitless. Despite searching their minds, no one seemed to know anything relevant. Left with no better option, he resigned himself to methodically combing the area.

Fortunately, he wasn't in any particular hurry.

This worldline differed from the one he remembered, and he still needed to confirm whether Jugo was already in Orochimaru's hands. Without this certainty, finding Orochimaru might be pointless.

The key to confirmation lay in Mitarashi Anko.

If she bore the Heavenly Curse Mark, it would indicate that Orochimaru had successfully begun his research on curse marks and, by extension, had likely obtained Jugo.

In the timeline Baishi remembered, Orochimaru had fled Konoha earlier yet still managed to leave the curse mark on Anko.

In this worldline, Orochimaru had even more time. If Jugo's unique genetic properties had been discovered, it was unthinkable that Orochimaru wouldn't have experimented on someone as close to him as Anko.

The Heaven Curse Mark's rarity underscored this assumption. With only a 10% success rate for curse mark implantation, finding suitable test subjects was no easy feat.

Moreover, Orochimaru wouldn't recklessly use such a rare ability on random individuals. That Anko had received the mark confirmed her significance to him.

---

As Baishi contemplated these connections, he suddenly spotted a messenger hawk in the distance.

Whistling sharply, he beckoned it toward him.

The hawk altered its course, swiftly landing on his shoulder. Baishi retrieved a small scroll from its leg, unsealed it, and read its contents.

A faint smile appeared on his lips.

As expected, Anko bore the Heaven Curse Mark. This strongly suggested that Jugo was indeed under Orochimaru's control.

(Chapter End)

---

Read up to 20 chapter ahead of time on patreon.com/Legendryweeb

{please give this novel 5 Star review and power stone}

*Thank you*