Starting as the mastermind behind Naruto

Chapter 612 Uehara Naraku's Identity

The idea that killing Uehara Naraku would cause a major upheaval in Soul Society is not a fabrication; it's something every Shinigami knows.

Because Uehara Naraku's identity is just too special.

Several thousand years ago, the Soul Society's Shinigami organization was still in its infancy, and many Shinigami did not even know how to operate in the human world, until a Shinigami named Orochimaru developed a forbidden technique called Impure World Reincarnation, which could create bodies for Shinigami to operate in the human world.

That kind of body...

It never ages, never gets injured, never goes hungry—it is the most perfect body imaginable.

Even with the later development of artificial body technology, it was still insufficient to compare with the perfect body created by Edo Tensei.

However, Orochimaru chose to pass on this forbidden technique to a close friend named Uehara, and then mysteriously disappeared in Soul Society. Many people once speculated that Orochimaru might have joined the legendary Zero Division.

after all…

Having created the Impure World Reincarnation technique, it's indeed possible that the Soul King would allow him to join the Zero Division!

Some speculate that Orochimaru may have been assassinated by the Uehara clan.

Regardless of how you speculate, Orochimaru has vanished from Soul Society.

Meanwhile, Orochimaru's friend Uehara, relying on the Impure World Reincarnation technique's ability to create human bodies for Shinigami, began to recruit Shinigami as his subordinates.

Many Shinigami who obtained bodies through the Impure World Reincarnation technique gradually became subordinate members of the Uehara clan.

In the Soul Society, a super-powerful clan called Uehara was born!

Perhaps to keep it a secret, the patriarchs of the Uehara clan have each had only one son and never appeared in public, making it very difficult for anyone to see them.

However, even so…

With an increasing number of loyal subordinates, the Uehara clan has become the only powerful clan in the history of Soul Society!

Even the ancient noble families like Kuchiki and Shihouin are far inferior. Even the Gotei 13 of the Seireitei in Soul Society dare not underestimate the power of the Uehara clan!

Do not…

If it gets even more serious...

The Uehara clan and the Gotei 13 should be able to stand on equal footing!

Moreover, over thousands of years, many members of the Uehara clan have joined the Gotei 13.

Even besides those, the Uehara clan also has thousands of Shinigami serving within its ranks, and the clan also has the Thirteen Dead Samurai, who are said to be comparable to the captains of the Gotei 13!

However, this also led to numerous contradictions...

Even with the advent of artificial body technology, it still doesn't meet the standards of the Impure World Reincarnation technique.

The excessive power and domineering influence of the Uehara clan gradually aroused dissatisfaction among most of the Soul Reapers in Soul Society who did not want to join the Uehara clan, leading to increasingly deeper conflicts among them.

Until hundreds of years ago…

A young man named Yakushi Kabuto has cracked the Impure World Reincarnation technique.

From then on, the situation in Soul Society finally began to ease, and the status of the Uehara clan was impacted. Although their status remained revered, they could never return to their former supreme position.

Unless the Uehara clan kills Kabuto Yakushi…

To regain control of the Impure World Reincarnation technique!

If it were the previous head of the Uehara clan, he would indeed very likely have killed Kabuto Yakushi, because Kabuto had expressed his fear of the previous head of the Uehara clan more than once...

If the previous head of the Uehara clan had recklessly started a civil war in Soul Society to kill Kabuto Yakushi, the enemy who had changed their family's status, the outcome now would be quite uncertain.

Many Shinigami in Soul Society have also pondered this problem.

If Soul Society wants to eliminate the Uehara clan, it means the Shinigami will suffer huge losses; if they don't eliminate the Uehara clan, they will continue to grow stronger after killing Kabuto Yakushi…

Even Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni, the captain-commander of the Gotei 13, did not want any conflict between the Uehara clan and the Gotei 13. He hoped that both sides could restrain themselves and continue to live in peace.

Even the Central 46, the highest council of Soul Society, and even the legendary Zero Division, most people do not want to rashly start a civil war.

fortunately…

A boy named Uehara Naraku succeeded him as the head of the family.

This somewhat naive young clan head seemed to have been spoiled too much since childhood. He did not pursue the matter of Kabuto Yakushi breaking the Impure World Reincarnation technique, and took the initiative to integrate the Uehara clan into the Gotei 13 of Soul Society.

even…

Uehara Naraku himself also entered the Shinigami Academy to study.

This action was tantamount to sending a friendly signal to the political circles of Soul Society, which was naturally accepted by the Central 46 and Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni, who proactively granted Uehara Naraku various privileges.

Regardless of the type of spiritual cultivation manual...

Uehara Naraku can be read directly within the school.

Even though Uehara Naraku already had his own teacher, Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni was still willing to personally teach Uehara Naraku his training from time to time.

if you can…

Uehara Naraku was originally supposed to be promoted to captain directly after graduation.

As the head of a powerful and prestigious family, Uehara Naraku's strength is definitely sufficient.

Unfortunately, his personality was too naive and kind; to put it bluntly, he was too cowardly and found it difficult to kill even a monster like Hollow.

This left both Central Bureau 46 and Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni somewhat melancholy…

They clearly wanted Uehara Naraku to integrate into Soul Society more than anyone else, but Uehara Naraku was just too hopeless...

It would be most suitable for Uehara Naraku to join the legendary Zero Division, but unfortunately he is too young, and there are already more suitable people who have joined the Zero Division.

Now we can only wait for time to pass...

At least now, the Uehara clan has made changes.

This is a good thing in the eyes of all the Shinigami in the Soul Society, at least for them they no longer have to worry about the coming civil war.

Perhaps the Uehara clan will gradually decline in the future, until after thousands of years, they slowly degenerate into noble families like the Kuchiki and Shihōin clans...

Yes.

Even if the Uehara clan's strength continues to decline in the future, they will only degenerate into an upper-class noble family in Soul Society. Just how outrageous is this family!

but…

At this point in time, the Uehara clan was still looked up to by others.

Even though Kabuto Yakushi has already broken the Impure World Reincarnation technique, it doesn't stop the Uehara clan from using the Impure World Reincarnation ability to absorb Shinigami who are willing to become subordinates of the Uehara clan.

certainly…

In return, when Kabuto Yakushi cracked the Impure World Reincarnation technique, he made a pact with the Uehara clan under the intervention of the Soul Society that he would never reveal the secrets of the Impure World Reincarnation technique to anyone.

Judging from this situation, it seems that the Uehara clan is not at a disadvantage.

The Uehara clan only needs to endure for a while, and after Kabuto Yakushi dies, they can regain their supreme status in Soul Society using the Impure World Reincarnation technique...

but!

Only certain high-ranking captains know this!

The Uehara clan was definitely tricked!

Hundreds of years ago, after Kabuto Yakushi broke the Impure World Reincarnation technique, he was secretly invited to join the legendary Zero Division. As long as the power of the Soul King is transplanted, Kabuto Yakushi will obtain an immortal body!

However, for the past few hundred years, it has been an absolute secret that Kabuto Yakushi was invited to join the Zero Division, and he did not use the power of the Soul King, in order to avoid arousing the vigilance of the Uehara clan.

With the passing of the previous head of the Uehara family and the succession of the cowardly head of the family, Uehara Naraku, Kabuto Yakushi is now able to transplant the power of the Soul King and achieve immortality!

This means that…

The Impure World Reincarnation technique will no longer be exclusive to the Uehara clan!

"This world is like a complex game of chess..."

Uehara Naraku walked through the streets of Rukongai, a warm smile on his face, uttering words completely unrelated to his cowardly nature: "It's strange, isn't it? Why does everyone think they can control everything..."

"..."

Itachi Uchiha and Obito Uchiha, two of the Thirteen Dead Servants, remained silent.

Doesn't Uehara Naraku feel ashamed when he says these things? Why do the higher-ups in Soul Society think they can control everything? Isn't it all thanks to you?

Aside from Kabuto Yakushi...

It's estimated that only the Thirteen Dead Servants truly know that Uehara Naraku in front of them has never been a good person, and his strength is definitely not as weak as he appears now.

and…

Their methods have become even more ruthless than before!

Indeed, compared to the past, Uehara Naraku's methods seem to be more skillful.

Uehara Naraku took advantage of the time difference, releasing only an Impure World Reincarnation technique and a group of dead souls to build a powerful clan from scratch, and stirring up the entire Soul Society!

"Speaking of which..."

Uehara Naraku stopped in his tracks and glanced at Uchiha Itachi: "How was the situation in Hueco Mundo when I was taking the exams in the Human World today?"

"Someone wants to murder you."

Itachi Uchiha frowned slightly and said in a low voice, "It's just using some low-level methods; it won't pose any threat at all..."

In fact, someone sent out seventeen Gillian-level Hollows, but in Itachi Uchiha's eyes, it was indeed just a low-level tactic.

Moreover, Hueco Mundo had already delivered the information to them before the enemy sent these Hollows to attack Uehara Naraku.

"besides…"

A hint of red gradually appeared in Itachi Uchiha's eyes as he continued softly, "Today, it seems that Aizen Sousuke, the captain of the Fifth Division, wanted to use genjutsu on you..."

"Yeah?"

Uehara Naraku slowly nodded, chuckling softly, "Well, I'm actually quite looking forward to his 'Mirror Flower, Water Moon'... You all just hope I won't be controlled by him, right? Illusion has always been my weakest skill!"

"..."

Itachi Uchiha and Obito Uchiha didn't want to talk.

Even though Uehara Naraku is the least skilled at using genjutsu, his Rinnegan above his Sharingan is enough for him to see through all genjutsu.

Furthermore, the reason why Uehara Naraku wasn't very skilled at using illusion magic...

Because he can directly control the fate of others in reality, he doesn't need the ability of illusion at all!

Just as Uehara Naraku and his group reached the entrance of Seireitei, the gates slowly opened, and a line of Shinigami dressed in Shinigami uniforms filed out, each Shinigami involuntarily slowing their pace.

This is the 10th Division of Shinigami, which is going out on a mission.

The person in the lead is none other than the current captain of the 10th Division, Kurosaki Isshin. No, now he should be called Shiba Isshin, and he is a Shinigami with a very cheerful personality.

"Hey, isn't this Naraku?"

"team leader!"

Standing next to Shiba Isshin, the vice-captain Matsumoto Rangiku frowned and whispered a reminder, "We should address him as Lord Naraku..."

To be honest...

Matsumoto Rangiku does not like Uehara Naraku.

Because Matsumoto Rangiku, like Ichimaru Gin, grew up in Yakushi Kabuto's orphanage, she greatly admired her director and was aware of the antagonistic relationship between Yakushi Kabuto and the Uehara clan.

Matsumoto Rangiku would naturally not like the enemy that Yakushi Kabuto would face.

However, the Uehara clan holds a prestigious position, and even the slightest overstepping of etiquette would incur the hostility of a group of Shinigami. Matsumoto Rangiku did not want her captain to get into any trouble.

the most important is…

Director Kabuto and Gintoki Ichimaru had both warned Rangiku Matsumoto!

When facing Uehara Naraku, no matter the circumstances, you must never be rude to him!

According to Gin Ichimaru's explanation, the Uehara clan was very powerful, and these children from the orphanage absolutely could not offend the Uehara clan anywhere, thus avoiding giving the Uehara clan an excuse to attack Director Kabuto Yakushi...

I have to say…

When Ichimaru Gin explained it this way, Matsumoto Rangiku, who greatly respected Yakushi Kabuto, immediately took it to heart.

"It's okay..."

Uehara Naraku glanced at Matsumoto Rangiku, whose expression was one of forced respect, and gently spoke to soothe her emotions, saying, "Actually, I don't like these formalities either. I'm just an ordinary student at the academy now..."

Who goes out with bodyguards?

Matsumoto Rangiku wouldn't really follow up on Uehara Naraku's line of thought; she still remembered the solemn expression on Ichimaru Gin's face when he mentioned Uehara Naraku.

We must not bring trouble upon the director of their orphanage, Kabuto Yakushi, and we must not leave any excuse for the Uehara clan to attack Director Kabuto Yakushi!

Shiba Isshin, however, was much less reserved. Completely ignoring his vice-captain's disapproving glances, he patted Uehara Naraku on the shoulder with a grin and said, "It would be great if Naraku could join the 10th Division after he graduates..."

As Shiba Isshin said this, he stroked his chin: "And Rangiku just discovered a pretty good kid. If Naraku can come too, we'll have two genius rookies!"

"Captain, don't talk nonsense!"

Rangiku Matsumoto's forehead twitched involuntarily.

Everyone knows that this is absolutely impossible.

Because all the higher-ups were very clear that, given Uehara Naraku's status, if he couldn't become a captain due to his cowardly personality, the most likely candidate for joining would be the First Division, personally commanded by Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni.

"I apologize, Lord Naraku, our captain was extremely rude."

Matsumoto Rangiku clasped her hands together, slowly bowed her head to Uehara Naraku as an apology, and said, "We still have a mission to carry out, so we'll have to part ways here for now."

"Then...see you later."

Uehara Naraku smiled and waved his hand, then strolled into Seireitei with his two guards, Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Obito.

On the top of the Seireitei Tower.

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni is standing here.

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni is the pinnacle of the Soul Society's Shinigami, referring not only to his status but also to his power. He is the most powerful Shinigami in the entire Soul Society!

Zanpakuto Ryujin Jakka...

It is said to be able to burn everything in the world!

If this old man were to unleash his fire-type Zanpakuto, the entire Soul Society might not be enough for him to wreak havoc...

This old man…

He is definitely the strongest Shinigami in Soul Society!

On the tower of Seireitei.

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni watched from afar as Uehara Naraku and his companions slowly strolled in. He closed his eyes slightly and murmured to himself, "The little guy seems easier to get along with than we thought..."

"yes…"

A figure walked up to Yamamoto Shigekuni, adjusted his glasses, and chuckled as he said, "You've seen that since Naraku entered the academy, haven't you... Although my relationship with the Uehara clan is very tense, I must say that Naraku's kindness makes it impossible for anyone to feel any hostility towards him."

"Yakushi Kabuto".

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni turned his head slightly, looking at the silver-haired youth beside him, his brows furrowing slightly: "I hope that's really what you think. Uehara Naraku seems to have been the target of several assassination attempts recently..."

"I had no idea about that."

Kabuto Yakushi quickly shook his head, chuckled, and countered, "Is the Captain-Commander doubting me? I have no reason to hurt someone who is willing to show me kindness..."

"That would be best."

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni's eyes suddenly snapped open, and a powerful spiritual pressure emanated from his body, suppressing Yakushi Kabuto from making any move!

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni's voice gradually became sharper. He continued in a deep voice, "Even someone as slow-witted as me has sensed the undercurrents in Soul Society. Among those who possess the Impure World Reincarnation technique, only you and Uehara Naraku remain in Soul Society..."

"That's really not a valid point of view..."

Kabuto adjusted his glasses, chuckled, and continued to argue, "Didn't the previous heads of the Uehara clan also possess the power of the Impure World Reincarnation?"

"No."

A sharp glint flashed in Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni's eyes as he continued in a low voice, "As a member of the Zero Division, you should know the secrets of the Uehara clan... Their clan has always had only one Shinigami after reaching adulthood."

Kabuto Yakushi's expression remained unchanged as he slowly spoke on behalf of Yamamoto Shigekuni: "Yes... the secret of that clan... the reason why each generation of the Uehara clan's patriarch has a short lifespan but great strength is precisely because they have a secret inherited technique..."

"Each generation head of the Uehara clan sacrifices their own soul upon their descendants reaching adulthood, sealing their spiritual power within the Shinigami (death god) of their closest bloodline. This allows their descendants to quickly gain immense power, thus ensuring the eternal protection of their clan's prestigious status..."

and so…

For a long time, the Uehara clan has only had one true member. The other thousands of Shinigami and even the thirteen Death Servants are all just servants of the Uehara clan!

As for the secrets of the Uehara clan's heritage, it was discovered by a young boy named Kisuke Urahara who found a fragmented manuscript of forbidden techniques left behind by Orochimaru many years ago.

The above only contains the effects of forbidden techniques.

It was this incomplete manuscript that made the higher-ups in Soul Society realize that the Uehara clan might be using this secret inheritance...

The entire upper echelon of Soul Society was almost terrified at the time.

They never imagined that the heads of the Uehara clan would dare to sacrifice everything for their clan. Just this courage alone is enough to explain why they became the most powerful and prestigious clan in Soul Society!

This secret could have been used…

Unfortunately, the marriage and childbirth of the head of the Uehara clan are kept secret.

Before the Uehara clan announced the change of head of the clan, almost no one in Soul Society knew whether the head of the Uehara clan was married or had children, or whether the head of the Uehara clan had any offspring. It seemed that the clan was aware of their weakness.

This also makes it difficult for anyone to devise any schemes against the Uehara clan.

Unfortunately…

After Uehara Naraku succeeded as the head of the family, he failed to properly manage the spiritual power he had inherited and began to exercise the power of the family head...

This gave unscrupulous people the opportunity to act.

Now, as Yakushi Kabuto spoke of the secrets of the Uehara clan, Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni's brows furrowed more and more tightly. He coldly interrupted Yakushi Kabuto, saying, "Uehara Naraku does indeed possess the spiritual power accumulated by the Uehara clan over thousands of years."

However, based on our observations, it will take him some time before he can quickly awaken and master the spiritual power within him. Given his talent, he may at least gain power surpassing the captain level by then…”

"yes…"

A smile crept across Kabuto's lips as he chuckled softly, "So, if you want to assassinate Lord Naraku, this is the perfect opportunity."

"That's right."

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni stared at Yakushi Kabuto and said in a deep voice, enunciating each word clearly: "If Uehara Naraku is killed, you will be the only one in the entire Soul Society who wields the Impure World Reincarnation technique..."

"Only you possess the motive to assassinate Uehara Naraku, only you know Uehara Naraku's weaknesses, and only you, as a member of the Zero Division, are still active outside. How can I not suspect you?"

"Really..."

Kabuto shook his head, then couldn't help but chuckle, "I will be transplanting the power of the Spirit King tomorrow and will reside permanently in the Spirit King's Palace from now on. Does Lord Yamamoto still doubt me?"

"..."

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni fell silent.

If Kabuto Yakushi were to perform the Soul King's flesh and blood transplant immediately, he would never appear in the Seireitei again, but would instead stay in the Soul King's Palace to protect the Soul King's body and maintain the balance between the Soul Society and the human world.

In that case...

It seems there's no need to be overly wary of Yakushi Kabuto anymore.

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni hopes that Yakushi Kabuto will truly abandon past grudges.

"alright."

Kabuto slowly turned and left, leaving behind only his last words: "I don't need you to urge me to transplant the power of the Spirit King. I've always been very interested in the legendary Spirit King, after all, I'm also very curious about this kind of immortal power..."

"..."

Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni did not respond.

The old man's expression gradually eased only after Kabuto Yakushi left, because Kabuto's presence had indeed caused considerable trouble for Seireitei.

Hundreds of years ago.

After arriving in Soul Society, Kabuto Yakushi opened an orphanage in Rukongai, taking in many homeless children from the area. The orphanage is still operating today.

Many homeless children grow up to attend the Shinigami Academy and become Grim Reapers after graduation.

If we only consider the present situation, Kenpachi Zaraki and Yachiru Kusanagi, whom Kabuto Yakushi took in, have become the captain and vice-captain of the 11th Division.

Recently, Gin Ichimaru and Rangiku Matsumoto have become vice-captains; and according to the decision of the Central 46, Gin Ichimaru will be promoted to captain of the Third Division soon.

Besides these captains and vice-captains…

Many young Grim Reapers also came from this orphanage.

These were all good things in the first place.

This orphanage is very famous in Rukongai, and Kabuto Yakushi is highly respected because of it, which makes him very prestigious in Rukongai.

To put it bluntly...

Kabuto Yakushi has come to represent the will of the common people who are Shinigami.

However, the centuries-old conflict between Kabuto Yakushi and the Uehara clan has never been resolved, causing Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni some concern that these newly born Shinigami might become Kabuto Yakushi's tools...

If Kabuto Yakushi is willing to reside permanently in the Soul King Palace…

Then all his ties with the Seireitei will gradually be severed.

Under the watchful eyes of Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni, Yakushi Kabuto descended the tower and slowly strolled down the streets of Seireitei. He walked very slowly and steadily.

This character almost sparked a civil war within Soul Society…

From behind, he looks like an ordinary person.

Of course, from the front, Kabuto Yakushi is just an ordinary person. The only difference is that he always carries a prosthetic body that he made himself.

"Lord Yakushi Kabuto!"

Just as Kabuto Yakushi was about to continue forward, a group of Shinigami blocked his way. The old man at the head of the group asked in a deep voice, "Where is Lord Kabuto Yakushi going?"

"Lord Sparrowbeard..."

Kabuto's eyes flickered slightly.

The person who prevented him from leaving the Seireitei was Sasakibe Nagajiro, the vice-captain of the 1st Division of the Gotei 13, and a close friend of Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni!

Kabuto adjusted his glasses, smiled, and said, "I'd like to go to the orphanage in Rukongai to see those little ones... Is that not allowed?"

"sure."

After nodding, Chojiro Sasakichi still stood in front of Kabuto Yakushi and continued in a deep voice, "However, it seems that Lord Uehara Naraku and his two assassins are going to pass through this area... For his safety, this area needs to be temporarily on guard."

"..."

Kabuto was silent for a moment, then suddenly smiled and nodded: "Okay, I understand. I'll stay here a little longer then..."

These guys…

Are you still worried that he might harm Uehara Naraku before he stays at the Spirit King Palace?

Kabuto Yakushi stared at the group of wary Shinigami, his eyes narrowing slightly, a deeper meaning creeping into his smile. What a bunch of complete idiots…

Tap tap tap tap…

The sound of footsteps grew closer.

Under the watchful eyes of a group of Grim Reapers, Uehara Naraku led his two Dead Servants slowly through the street, until he passed Kabuto Yakushi and the First Division, at which point Uehara Naraku's steps slowly came to a stop.

Uehara Naraku turned around, looked at Yakushi Kabuto, Sasakibe Chojiro and the others, slowly tilted his head, narrowed his eyes, and revealed a warm, sunny smile.

Good afternoon, esteemed seniors.

"..."

The group of Death Gods were somewhat at a loss.

Because it's rare to find someone this polite in Soul Society!

"This afternoon was indeed very pleasant, Lord Naraku."

Kabuto couldn't help but chuckle softly. He slowly looked at Uehara Naraku and gave him the same warm smile in response.

Even though Kabuto was smiling kindly...

However, Chojiro Sasakibara felt uneasy and unconsciously kept raising the danger level of Kabuto Yakushi. How could this guy possibly be gentle with the Uehara clan!

"Then I'll be going now."

Uehara Naraku looked at Yakushi Kabuto with a sincere expression: "If there is an opportunity, I hope Lord Yakushi Kabuto can take some time to visit our clan and resolve any unpleasantness that may have arisen between us in the past..."

This attitude…

This young master of the family really adopted a very humble attitude.

However, his sincere invitation did not receive the response he wanted.

"That's truly a pity, Lord Naraku..."

Kabuto adjusted his glasses, a glint of light flashing in his lenses: "Tomorrow I'm going to a secluded place to train for a long time... We probably won't have many chances to meet again in the future."

"Is that so?"

A hint of regret appeared on Uehara Naraku's face. He sighed slowly before nodding, "Well then, I'll take my leave now."

After saying that.

Uehara Naraku nodded to Chojiro Sasakibe and a group of Shinigami from the First Division, even saying goodbye to each of them, before slowly leaving with his two henchmen, Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Obito.

"What a polite little guy!"

Chojiro Sasaki watched Uehara Naraku's retreating figure and couldn't help but mutter a praise in a deep voice: "If we disregard the fact that the little guy possesses an excessive amount of kindness, in every other aspect, he seems to be an impeccable genius Grim Reaper..."

"Yes, I think so too."

Kabuto narrowed his eyes, smiled, and nodded.

The tenth and twelfth have been merged!

(End of this chapter)