1: Soul Broken in Bashu, Sand Hidden Wind in Another World

Bashu, Tang Clan.

The morning birdsong was completely swallowed, and the scent of herbs was replaced by the strong smell of blood and char.

Flames soared into the sky from the sect's sacred ground, and the sounds of battle tore through the air.

Tang Yan leaned against the crumbling door of the Scripture Storage Pavilion, a deep, bone-visible knife wound on his chest still gushing blood, staining his hands, which tightly gripped the All Things Creation Box, crimson.

This palm-sized, entirely black, ancient wooden box, engraved with intricate patterns, was the Tang Clan's most prized treasure.

He gasped, each breath pulling at the excruciating pain, but his eyes remained unwavering.

“Yan'er! Put down the All Things Creation Box! You are at the end of your rope, why bother with such futile efforts!”

The voice came from across him, from the Second Elder, who had once favored him, but whose face was now twisted with raw greed.

Behind him, dozens of Tang Clan disciples held sharp blades, their cold gleam flickering; they had once been fellow disciples, but now they were death-bringing jackals.

Tang Yan glanced at those familiar yet strange faces, and something inside him felt as if it had been brutally torn open.

He suddenly raised his hand, and poisoned needles shot out from his sleeve, forcing back the first few who lunged at him, but also exhausting his last bit of strength.

Internal strife.

Ridiculous, truly utterly ridiculous. The Tang Clan had always stood firm in the martial world based on its unity and mystery, yet it had devolved into such a tragic fratricide, all because of a baseless rumor of an “immortality secret manual” and covetousness for the All Things Creation Box's true power.

Tang Yan coughed up a mouthful of blood, his voice hoarse but every word clear: “Second Elder, you colluded with external enemies, slaughtered fellow disciples, and stole the sect's most prized treasure. Aren't you afraid that when the Clan Master and the other Elders return, they will cast you into Avici Hell, never to be reborn?!”

“Hmph, the winner takes all!” The Second Elder's face twitched, “Once I obtain the All Things Creation Box, the Tang Clan will surely unify the martial world and dominate the realm! You yellow-mouthed brat, you're stubborn and unyielding, go get him!”

He pointed his long sword, and the disciples behind him lunged forward again like a pack of wolves.

Tang Yan closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, they held a look of absolute determination.

He furiously activated the last shred of Xuantian Skill power within his body.

Today, he was certain to die, but the All Things Creation Box must never fall into the hands of these traitorous scum!

“Boom—!”

He sacrificed himself, reversing his lifelong cultivation and pouring it all into the All Things Creation Box!

The box erupted with a strange hum, and a black light like ink instantly devoured the surrounding flames. A vast, immense power, far beyond his imagination, surged back from the box, and Tang Yan felt his soul tremble violently, his body shattering inch by inch under this force.

Amidst the spreading blood mist, his last consciousness clearly saw the All Things Creation Box transform into a condensed black light, actively shooting towards him and merging into his glabella.

Excruciating pain tore everything apart, followed by boundless darkness. Eternal, or perhaps just an instant.

..........

Tang Yan suddenly opened his eyes.

An unfamiliar wooden ceiling, simple yet clean.

In the air, a faint herbal scent mixed with a unique metallic smell, the kind often found in an armory.

He tried to sit up, but his entire body felt like it had fallen apart, aching and weak, and a tearing pain shot through his head, as if he had been brutally struck with a blunt object.

“Hiss…” He gasped, and then a complex and unfamiliar torrent of memories surged into his mind, allowing no refusal.

This was a young man also named “Yan,” living in a place called the Hidden Sand Village in the Land of Wind. His parents were Ninja in the Village, and according to the memories, they had gone missing during a mission, their fate unknown.

Currently, he lived with his older sister, Cang Qi.

Ninja? Hidden Sand Village? Land of Wind? He seemed to have read this book before!

Tang Yan was completely stunned. Shouldn't he have been annihilated?

Soul transmigration! He had actually transmigrated into the body of another young man with the same name in Naruto!

Just as Tang Yan's mind reeled, trying to make sense of this incredible situation, a soft black light suddenly flashed in his mind.

He saw the All Things Creation Box, which had accompanied his self-destruction, floating quietly in his sea of consciousness, emanating an ancient and profound aura.

Immediately following, information about the All Things Creation Box clearly emerged in his mind like an imprint.

“Function One: Myriad Analysis. Within line of sight or spiritual perception, it can analyze the structure, energy flow, material properties, technical principles of all things, and even the physical state of living beings, energy—referred to as ‘Chakra’ in this world—and operational modes. Once analyzed, information will be automatically generated, with the text in… Chinese characters?”

Tang Yan was taken aback. Chinese characters? In this foreign world, this was truly a unique convenience.

He subconsciously reached for a rusty kunai by the bed, and silently willed it to be analyzed.

A moment later, a phantom image of a paper filled with small characters appeared in his consciousness, detailing the kunai's material, the pros and cons of its forging process, and even the most economical way to sharpen it.

“My heavens…” Tang Yan's heart pounded uncontrollably.

“Function Two: Celestial Craft Optimization and Improvement. Based on analysis data, it can optimize and improve existing items, techniques, and cultivation methods, pointing out flaws, providing multiple optimization solutions, and assisting the user in completing the improvement process.”

Tang Yan's breathing became a little hurried. This meant he could not only understand the Ninjutsu and tools of this world but also make them stronger! If the Tang Clan's mechanism techniques could be combined with this world's unique “Puppetry,” what kind of sparks would ignite?

“Function Three: Creation and Fusion of Fortune. It can fuse knowledge, techniques, materials, and energy systems from different worlds to create completely new things. This is a core ability, with infinite potential, complementing the Tang Clan's mechanism techniques.”

Fusion and Creation! This was simply tailor-made for a mechanism genius like him! His eyes burst forth with unprecedented brilliance.

“Innate Function: Tang Clan Legacy. All Tang Clan secret manuals, cultivation methods, mechanism diagrams, poison scriptures, and pharmacopoeias are sealed within the box… Currently, due to the initial fusion of the host's soul with the new body and insufficient spiritual power, only the first three stages of the most basic ‘Tang Clan Xuantian Skill,’ ‘Basic Hidden Weapon Throwing Techniques,’ the introductory chapter of ‘Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track,’ and the introductory chapter of ‘Xuan Yu Hand’ and other Tang Clan secret techniques have been unlocked.”

Although it was only the basics, Tang Clan Xuantian Skill! Ghost Shadow Perplexing Track! These were the foundations of his existence! Tang Yan was so excited he almost jumped out of bed, but then he pulled his wound, wincing in pain.

Tang Yan forced himself to calm down, but the turmoil in his chest lingered.

The All Things Creation Box not only transmigrated with him but also evolved such heaven-defying abilities! Analyzing all things, optimizing and improving, fusing and creating! This was not just a divine artifact; this was simply an unparalleled treasure tailor-made for him, Tang Yan!

The betrayal and death of his previous life were vivid in his memory; he would never forget those distorted faces. But now, he had a chance to live again, with the All Things Creation Box as his reliance in this perilous world.

The “Chakra” of this world, those unique abilities called “Ninjutsu,” and Cang Qi, the older sister in this body's memories…

Tang Yan's gaze gradually became resolute.

“This world is very interesting. Chakra, Ninjutsu, and in this body's memories, Cang Qi, the older sister who often looked after ‘Yan’…” He recalled the image of the girl in his mind who always wore a gentle smile, yet was also a bit stubborn, and his heart warmed.

With their parents missing, it must have been very difficult for her to raise her “younger brother” alone.

“Since I've taken over ‘Yan's’ body, then his family will be protected by me.”

“The Tang Clan's mechanism techniques, hidden weapon techniques, Xuantian Skill, combined with this All Things Creation Box… Hmph, Hokage, huh?”

The corner of Tang Yan's mouth curved into a meaningful smile.

“I, Tang Yan, have returned from hell. Is this world ready to welcome a brand new ‘Yan’?”

He closed his eyes and began to silently circulate the first stage of the familiar yet somewhat rusty “Tang Clan Xuantian Skill.” Repairing this weak body was the top priority. A new journey had already begun.

..........

Konoha 43rd year, Sunagakure 42nd year.

Land of Wind, Hidden Sand Village.

The air was filled with dust, and an indescribable sense of oppression.

Inside Tang Yan's home.

In the workshop of the small room in the backyard, connected to the street-facing shop.

All sorts of strange and peculiar parts were piled high on the desk and on the floor.

Tang Yan was fully focused, his fingers deftly working on a disassembled “Owl” puppet.

【Puppet Name】: Owl (Humanoid)

【Overall Parameters】:

Height: 1.70 meters

Weight: 51.7 kilograms

Material: Reinforced wood, light metal, alloy

Energy: None

Operation Method: Chakra threads

【Puppet Rating】: B-

【Overall Evaluation】: Modified from a Hidden Sand Village Ninja Academy puppet using Tang Clan mechanism techniques, average cost, possesses the attack capability of an elite Genin, requires a Genin or higher puppet master to operate.

This puppet was his graduation project from the Ninja Academy and also the material he most often used for practice.

At this moment, the internal structure of the “Owl” had been completely modified by him.

The original mechanisms for storing poisoned needles and smoke bombs had been removed, replaced by more intricate and deadly structures.

“Click.”

The last gleaming steel spike was embedded into the “Owl's” wrist, perfectly interlocking with the internal ejection device.

Tang Yan let out a satisfied sigh, wiping the sweat from his brow.

Just then—

“Bang bang bang!”

An urgent, rough knocking sound rang out, and before Tang Yan could respond, the door creaked open with a forceful push.

“Yan! You're messing with these broken toys again!”

Chifuyu burst in, her sandy-brown ponytail swinging wildly with her hurried movements.

Her eyebrows were furrowed, and her brown eyes were filled with anxiety and displeasure.

“The Third Kazekage-sama is missing! The Village is about to explode, and you still have the mind to stay here playing with your toys?!”

Chifuyu's voice rose, carrying a hint of exasperation.

Tang Yan looked up, his black eyes calm and unruffled. This was one of his good friends, named Chifuyu, and they were childhood sweethearts.

“What's the use of being anxious?”

“No use?!”

Chifuyu was practically fuming.

“That's our Kazekage! The pillar of the Village! What on earth are you thinking?! Is your heart made of iron?!”

She pointed at Tang Yan's nose, utterly enraged.

“You have good grades, you're smart, you should be contributing at a time like this! Not hiding at home like a coward!”

Tang Yan picked up the modified puppet owl and examined it carefully.

"Noisy. Instead of running around like a headless chicken, why not do something practical?" He uttered two words faintly, then continued.

Then, he gently pressed his finger on the owl.

"Look at this."

Qian looked at the "owl" suspiciously, feeling that it seemed no different from before.

"Isn't this just your 'owl'? Besides being prettier, what's so special..."

Before she finished speaking, Tang Yan's fingertip gently pressed on a hidden joint of the "owl."

"Whoosh!"

A cold glint shot out from the "owl's" wrist, firmly embedded in the wooden stake opposite. It was a three-inch long ink-colored steel spike, its tail trembling slightly.

"This is... a kunai? It doesn't feel like it," Qian's eyes widened slightly, "Is it poisoned?"

Tang Yan did not commit. This was a Tang Clan hand dagger. He tapped his finger again.

"Chi chi chi--"

The "owl's" mouth opened, and dozens of silver needles, as fine as ox hair, shot out in a fan shape, instantly covering a large area in front, deeply embedding themselves into the wooden stake, emitting a dense, teeth-grinding sound.

"A castrated version of the Rainstorm Pear Blossom Needle, instant release, wide coverage," Tang Yan introduced calmly, "Because of the lack of the main material, heavenly meteorite shadow silver, the twenty-seven plum blossom needles can only exert twenty percent of their power."

Qian's mouth had already formed an "O" shape. She looked at Tang Yan in disbelief.

When did this guy's puppet-making skills reach this level?

Tang Yan's mouth curved slightly, and he pressed another mechanism.

A hatch on the "owl's" abdomen popped open, and a black metal ball the size of a pigeon's egg rolled out.

"This is..."

"Twin-serpent Soul-chasing Death Pill," Tang Yan explained, "It will explode upon landing or impact. Inside are three hundred and sixty poisoned steel needles, and... a specially formulated nerve gas."

Qian was completely speechless.

She looked at Tang Yan, this usually taciturn companion who only knew how to bury himself in study and training, but now he seemed a bit... mysterious in her eyes.

These modifications were entirely for extreme lethality!

"You... you turned the owl into a killing machine!" Qian's voice was a little dry.

Tang Yan retrieved the 'owl' and said indifferently, "A chaotic world is coming. Without strength, one can only be slaughtered."

Qian opened her mouth, unable to speak for a long time.

She looked at the exquisite and deadly 'owl,' then at the calm-faced Tang Yan, her mind a little muddled.

"You... all of these... did you modify them yourself?"

This power, this design.

Was this still the Tang Yan she knew?

When did this guy become so powerful?

Tang Yan glanced out the window. The sky over Hidden Sand Village was still that hazy yellow.

Third Kazekage missing?

Tang Yan sneered inwardly.

He was probably already made into a human puppet by that genius puppeteer—Sasori of the Red Sand.

Now the entire Hidden Sand Village was making a big fuss searching, but it was all in vain.

Of course, he wouldn't tell Qian about such things.

"Let's go." Tang Yan picked up the modified "owl" and walked straight out.

"Hey! Where are you going?" Qian hurried to catch up.

"Find a place to test the power of the 'owl.'"

Tang Yan's figure quickly disappeared around the corner.

Qian stomped her foot, but in the end, she didn't chase after him.

She knew that what Tang Yan decided, no one could change.

..........

Night fell. Outside the Village, near a deserted training ground quite far from the Village.

Tang Yan's figure was like a ghost, silently lurking in the shadow of a giant rock.

The Tang Clan's secret technique 'Phantom Body Barrier' was quietly activated. His aura merged with the surrounding environment, making it difficult for even experienced sensory Ninja to detect his presence.

He was waiting.

According to his memories from his previous life, Sasori of the Red Sand's secret base should be nearby.

Perhaps now, the genius who had even transformed himself into a puppet was currently in the base, admiring his latest "masterpiece"—the Third Kazekage human puppet.

Time passed minute by minute.

Tang Yan was like the most patient hunter, unmoving.

Three full days and nights.

When the third night arrived, at midnight.

A figure finally emerged from behind a hidden sand dune.

Red short hair, a slightly immature yet somewhat gloomy face—it was Sasori of the Red Sand.

He seemed to be going out. Tang Yan was betting that Sasori needed to go out to find materials for making puppets.

Opportunity!

A sharp glint flashed in Tang Yan's eyes.

Only after Sasori's figure completely disappeared behind the distant sand dunes did he slowly emerge from the shadows.

Arriving at the spot where Sasori had just appeared, Tang Yan observed carefully for a moment and quickly found a cleverly disguised cave entrance.

He did not enter rashly.

From his sleeve, a palm-sized, jet-black spider puppet silently slid out. Its eight slender, segmented legs moved flexibly, and it quickly burrowed into the cave.

This was a miniature reconnaissance puppet he had made using his knowledge of puppets combined with Tang Clan's mechanism techniques.

Using Chakra threads to share the spider puppet's vision, Tang Yan "saw" everything inside the cave.

The passage was not long and soon reached a spacious underground area.

Workbenches, various materials, and... a human puppet lying quietly on a stone platform, almost completed.

When Tang Yan saw the face of the human puppet through the spider puppet's perspective, even though he had anticipated it, his pupils still sharply contracted.

That face... was precisely the missing Third Kazekage!

The Bloodline Limit of Magnet Release, the strongest Kazekage!

He was actually killed by Sasori, a teenager in his teens, and made into a human puppet!

Tang Yan's mind was in turmoil.

This madman!

A strong urge surged within him, wanting to immediately steal this Third Kazekage puppet.

But he quickly suppressed that thought.

At present, he simply did not have the ability to complete the remaining procedures of this human puppet, let alone skillfully control it.

Don't bite off more than you can chew.

The spider puppet continued to search the base.

Tang Yan's goal was clear—Sasori's scrolls containing his puppet jutsu insights.

That was the most valuable thing to him at this stage.

After a long while, in an inconspicuous corner, next to a pile of semi-finished puppet core components, the spider puppet finally made a discovery.

Several scrolls, tightly wrapped in special oil paper, were hidden inside a hollowed-out puppet core.

Found it!

Tang Yan's heart rejoiced.

The spider puppet immediately extended its tiny front limbs, carefully picking up the scrolls.

Mission accomplished, retreat!

The spider puppet, carrying the scrolls, quickly returned along the original path.

Just as the spider puppet was about to squeeze out of the cave entrance—

A powerful Chakra fluctuation rapidly approached from a distance!

Sasori was back!

Tang Yan's heart tightened, and he immediately urged the spider puppet to speed up.

"Swish!"

The spider puppet, carrying the scrolls, barely squeezed out of the cave entrance.

Almost at the same moment, Sasori of the Red Sand's figure appeared at the cave entrance.

He frowned slightly, as if sensing something, and his sharp gaze swept across the surroundings.

A moment later, he shook his head and walked into the cave.

Behind the giant rock, Tang Yan let out a long sigh of relief.

That was close!

The night wind howled, carrying the unique rough sensation of sand.

Tang Yan's figure, like a ghost merged with the night, silently returned to his home.

Only when the door closed, isolating everything from the outside, did his taut nerves finally completely relax.

"Hoo..."

He exhaled a long breath, and only then did Tang Yan realize that his back was already drenched in cold sweat.

Too close!

How keen was Sasori's perception? If he had been even a hair's breadth slower, he would absolutely not have been able to escape unscathed today.

But, risk and reward coexist!

He spread his palm, and the palm-sized puppet spider silently crawled back into his sleeve, while the scrolls made of special material now lay quietly in his palm.

They were cool to the touch, yet had a strange texture, as if carrying endless mysteries.

These were not just a few scrolls of insights; they were the key to a higher realm of puppet jutsu!

Tang Yan's eyes gleamed with uncontrollable excitement.

He eagerly unrolled one of them.

Just the opening section made his mind tremble!

It meticulously recorded Sasori's choices and processing of puppet materials, as well as his design philosophy for core circuits.

Every word, every structural diagram, condensed Sasori's ultimate understanding of puppet jutsu and his insane creativity!

"So that's how it is!"

"It can be done like this?!"

The more Tang Yan read, the more he was astonished, and the more he became engrossed.

Sasori's puppet jutsu, compared to the basics he learned from Hidden Sand Village, was like heaven and earth!

The exquisite control of Chakra threads, the miniaturized design of puppet joints, the ingenious conception of internal mechanisms...

This was simply... incredible!

This knowledge, combined with the mechanism techniques and poison arts of the Tang Clan in his mind, sparked countless inspirations.

He seemed to see a brand new path of puppetry, belonging only to him, Tang Yan!

"Sasori of the Red Sand... you are indeed a genius, but you are also a madman!" Tang Yan murmured, his eyes growing brighter.

This precious knowledge, in your hands, is merely a tool for creating slaughter.

But in my, Tang Yan's, hands, it will bloom with a different color!

He greedily absorbed every piece of information on the scrolls, his brain rapidly working, integrating this knowledge with the Tang Clan's unique skills.

Many previous confusions about puppet modification now became clear.

Those ideas that once seemed outlandish now seemed entirely possible to achieve!

"Third Kazekage..." In Tang Yan's mind, the human puppet lying quietly on the workbench reappeared.

That kind of power, that kind of oppressive feeling, even though it was only a semi-finished product, was enough to be suffocating.

That night, Tang Yan was sleepless.

He was immersed in the ocean of knowledge, feeling the seeds of power quietly sprouting within him.

The genius puppeteer of Hidden Sand Village?

Hmph.

Soon, that title would change hands.