Chapter 146: Chapter 146: Back to the Future
As the beam of light piercing the sky finally dissipated, it marked the end of the Dragon Vein—once regarded as an infinite source of chakra. Its power was gone, sealed forever.
Kirito lowered his hand, the energy from the Dragon Vein now fully absorbed. In his other hand, several purple-black orbs, gently floating, radiated a faint, otherworldly glow.
These were elixirs, condensed from the vast chakra of the Dragon Vein. Their specifications could be tailored by the creator's will. A single elixir could hold the chakra equivalent of the Nine-Tails in one concentrated pill or be split into smaller portions.
Once condensed, however, elixirs were immutable. It was impossible to combine new chakra into an existing pill or rework their composition. Their potency depended on the quality and quantity of chakra used during creation.
For the Ōtsutsuki clan, creating powerful elixirs was a core pursuit, as they sought chakra-rich sources to sustain their eternal ambitions. Knowing this, Kirito had opted to condense the Dragon Vein's chakra into elixirs roughly equivalent to a full Nine-Tails' chakra. He wanted to ensure the resulting pills were safe for human use.
While the Dragon Vein's chakra was immense, it fell short of the mythical "infinite" chakra often described. Its scale was simply beyond what ordinary individuals could measure or comprehend.
The Power of the Elixir
"What are these?" TenTen asked, her eyes fixed on the elixirs floating above Kirito's palm. She could feel the immense power radiating from them.
Kirito picked up one and swallowed it effortlessly. "This is an elixir—a product of condensed chakra. It's a secret technique of mine. Consuming one grants immense chakra and even extends one's lifespan."
TenTen's jaw dropped. "You're telling me something like this exists?!"
She stared at the elixirs in awe. If Kirito was telling the truth, these pills weren't just powerful—they were invaluable. Entire nations would wage wars over them.
Kirito nodded but quickly tempered her excitement. "Creating elixirs requires an immense chakra source like the Dragon Vein. And I don't know if ordinary people could handle the chakra without… consequences. The risk of death is very real. I'll need to conduct tests before they're safe for widespread use."
TenTen picked up one of the floating orbs and held it up to her eye, marveling at its smooth, luminous surface. "If you can make these work safely, they'd be revolutionary!"
Kirito smiled faintly. "I don't plan to reveal them to anyone else."
"Huh? Then why are you showing me?" TenTen asked, puzzled.
Kirito's expression softened. "These are for you."
TenTen blinked, taken aback. Kirito continued, his voice uncharacteristically serious. "You may not have noticed, but my body isn't like yours. I'm… different. My existence is unique—I don't age, and I can't die."
He paused, meeting her gaze. "If we truly end up together, then as time passes, you'll grow old and leave this world while I remain. I can't bear the thought of watching you fade away, unable to stay by my side."
TenTen's eyes widened as Kirito stepped closer, his voice laced with quiet vulnerability. "I made these elixirs for you. If you choose to take them, you could gain eternal life and remain with me. But… I understand that immortality isn't for everyone. It's a heavy burden. The choice is entirely yours, and I'll respect whatever you decide."
TenTen stood frozen, clutching the elixir in her hand as Kirito's words sank in. The weight of his offer left her momentarily speechless.
The hall fell into silence, broken only by the faint sound of crumbling debris.
A Lifelong Decision
TenTen knew Kirito's abilities were extraordinary—no one in Konoha doubted that. His mastery of jutsu and kekkei genkai was unparalleled, and his calm, mysterious demeanor only added to his mystique. Yet, she had never fully considered what that meant for him as a person.
Questions flooded her mind. Who is Kirito, really? Where did he come from? How does he know all these things? But she suppressed her curiosity, knowing there would be time for those answers later. Right now, one question mattered most: What is my answer?
She inhaled deeply, steadying herself, and looked Kirito in the eye. "I understand. Here's my answer."
Without hesitation, she raised the elixir to her lips.
But before she could take it, Kirito grabbed her wrist, stopping her.
"You don't have to decide now," he said gently. "As I mentioned, the elixir hasn't been fully tested. You can't take it yet—not until I'm sure it's safe."
TenTen blinked, then smiled. "So you were testing me, huh?"
Kirito chuckled, his voice warm. "Maybe. But I got my answer."
With a flick of his wrist, he absorbed the elixir back into his palm and placed it in storage with the others. Then, without warning, he pulled TenTen into a tight embrace.
"Thank you," he whispered. "Thank you for being willing to stay with me."
TenTen wrapped her arms around him, her voice soft. "Of course. Let's walk this path together."
They held each other for a long moment before Kirito finally released her. Gently cupping her face, he leaned down and pressed a kiss to her lips—a tender promise of the future they would share.
When they pulled apart, TenTen's cheeks were flushed. She quickly turned away, muttering, "Let's head back to the village. Staying here feels weird."
Kirito laughed, taking her hand as they began ascending the staircase to the surface.
Revelations
As they climbed, TenTen's curiosity got the better of her. "So… how did you figure out you're immortal? You seem pretty normal to me," she teased, poking his arm.
Kirito smiled at her teasing but answered seriously. "At first, I didn't know. But after meeting others of my kind, I learned the truth about myself—about my origins and the unique nature of my existence."
"And… your clan?" TenTen ventured hesitantly.
"They're gone. I eliminated them myself," Kirito replied bluntly. "They were dangerous to this world, and they left me no choice."
TenTen fell silent, unsure how to respond. She could see the weight of that decision in Kirito's expression, and she chose not to press further.
The staircase finally ended, bringing them to the ruins of Rouran. The desolate city stretched endlessly under the scorching sun, its former glory reduced to broken walls and crumbled towers.
Looking out over the ruins, TenTen couldn't help but reflect on the fleeting nature of time. "If things were normal," she murmured, "I'd just be a pile of bones here in a few decades."
Kirito placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, his gaze steady. "That's why I made the elixirs. To make sure you never have to leave me."
Before TenTen could reply, she spotted a figure in the distance—a girl with light red hair walking toward them. Her eyes widened in surprise. "Who's that?"
Kirito narrowed his eyes, his expression unreadable as the figure drew closer.
(End of Chapter)
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