The Sharingan, one of the most powerful dōjutsu in the world of Naruto, is an exclusive kekkei genkai of the Uchiha clan. It is awakened through strong emotional stimuli, particularly those related to loss or intense stress, and is deeply tied to the Uchiha clan's genetics and their infamous "Curse of Hatred."
Originally, Ryujin Kenichi might never have encountered it in his lifetime. However, fate had other plans. Under the tutelage of Orochimaru and with the assistance of Danzo Shimura, Ryujin Kenichi managed to obtain a Sharingan during the Third Shinobi World War. The Uchiha clan's response to this? Irrelevant. This eye was acquired from a 'missing' Uchiha ninja, a casualty of war whose loss would go unnoticed amidst the chaos.
Of course, the Sharingan he obtained was only a one-tomoe version, the most basic form of the dōjutsu, with limited combat potential and research value. By that point, Orochimaru had already conducted extensive experiments on the Sharingan, which is likely why he allowed Ryujin Kenichi to have it. But even a rudimentary Sharingan was a precious asset.
"Sharingan... the Uchiha clan's bloodline limit," Ryujin Kenichi mused as he examined the crimson eye in his hand. "From a biological standpoint, this must be a form of genetic inheritance. A mutation, perhaps, that has been preserved through generations."
In his perspective, all kekkei genkai, whether the Sharingan or any other inherited ability, were merely genetic variations. The unique capabilities of dōjutsu users likely stemmed from an altered genetic structure, setting them apart from ordinary people. Of course, chakra itself played a crucial role in activating and sustaining these abilities.
The world of Naruto is often referred to as the "world of eyes" due to the overwhelming dominance of dōjutsu. Even a colossal beast like Kurama, the Nine-Tails, could be subdued by the Mangekyō Sharingan's Genjutsu, showcasing the sheer power of ocular abilities. And beyond the Sharingan, there existed even greater dōjutsu, such as the Rinnegan, an evolution of the Uchiha's power, and the Byakugan, a dōjutsu frequently underestimated in the early narrative but proving itself as a formidable force within Konoha.
At present, Konoha was home to two major clans possessing dōjutsu: the Uchiha, wielders of the Sharingan, and the Hyūga, inheritors of the Byakugan. However, the political landscape was tense. The Uchiha clan was growing increasingly alienated by Konoha's upper echelon, their discontent subtly festering. In contrast, the Hyūga clan remained compliant, their internal discipline maintaining their position without conflict. Despite being dismissed as lesser in the grand scheme of ocular abilities, the Byakugan remained an invaluable asset to Konoha's intelligence network and combat strategies.
Ryujin Kenichi had a keen desire to study the biological distinction that set the Uchiha apart from ordinary shinobi. If he could decode the genetic anomaly responsible for the Sharingan, perhaps he could unravel its full potential. Unfortunately, the technological limitations of the Naruto world posed a major obstacle.
Despite Orochimaru's extensive experiments, the scientific advancements of this era were far from allowing detailed genetic analysis. The study of DNA and genetic engineering was still beyond reach, as the world's technological development was progressing at a slow, accumulative pace. While microscopes had begun appearing in Orochimaru's laboratory, they were still crude instruments, lacking the precision necessary for true genetic study.
For now, Ryujin Kenichi could only theorize. But in a world where dōjutsu dictated power, understanding the genetic secrets behind the Sharingan might one day allow him to wield an even greater force.
Konoha was a paradoxical blend of modern conveniences and archaic traditions. The village had televisions, air conditioners, and refrigerators, yet to Ryujin Kenichi, the world still felt oddly underdeveloped. It was evident that the advent of chakra had brought numerous conveniences to shinobi, but at the same time, it had stifled the advancement of conventional science and technology.
"Kenichi, pack your things and come with me. The first stage of our live experiment is ready to begin." Just as Ryujin Kenichi was lost in thought about the technological stagnation of this world, Orochimaru's voice slithered into his ears from behind.
Kenichi turned to see his teacher standing there, his piercing gaze briefly flickering over the Sharingan he held. It was a one-tomoe Sharingan—a discarded specimen that Orochimaru had already studied thoroughly. The Sannin showed little interest, but he was curious about what insights his disciple might extract from it.
Kenichi, for his part, was quite satisfied with his teacher. Orochimaru was an intriguing figure—dangerous, unpredictable, yet surprisingly generous toward his subordinates and disciples. It was no wonder so many people were willing to devote their lives to him. Kimimaro, for instance, had even lamented that he couldn't serve as Orochimaru's perfect vessel.
Thinking of Kimimaro, Kenichi glanced at Orochimaru, wondering when his teacher would bring the boy under his wing. If Orochimaru acquired Kimimaro before his defection from Konoha, that would be ideal. It would give Kenichi an opportunity to study the Shikotsumyaku bloodline firsthand.
"Understood, sensei." Kenichi carefully placed the Sharingan into a specialized container designed to prevent deterioration. This ocular specimen was valuable, and he intended to analyze it thoroughly.
At first, he had also considered researching the Byakugan, but acquiring one was significantly more challenging. The Hyūga Clan's Caged Bird Seal made it nearly impossible to obtain an intact Byakugan without consequences. Besides, with a Sharingan already in his possession, there was little need to pursue the Byakugan.
Following Orochimaru's lead, Kenichi arrived at a secluded forest on the outskirts of Konoha. The area seemed deserted, but he knew better—several Root operatives were stationed nearby. Danzo had framed it as a security measure for the laboratory, but both Kenichi and Orochimaru understood it was more about surveillance.
Orochimaru, however, was unfazed. The Root shinobi were formidable, but compared to one of the Legendary Sannin, they were hardly a threat.
Upon entering the underground laboratory, Kenichi's gaze fell upon Shimura Danzo. The old warhawk appeared as composed as ever, though the passage of time had etched its mark upon his face. Kenichi instinctively lowered his head in deference. For now, it was wiser to remain unnoticed—he had no desire to attract Danzo's scrutiny. The so-called "Darkness of the Shinobi World" was a dangerous man, one who could easily erase any perceived threats.
"Orochimaru, our plan can proceed. These are a few orphans that Root captured from the Land of Rain after the recent war," Danzo stated coolly. His attention lingered on Orochimaru, barely sparing Kenichi a glance. To Danzo, Kenichi was inconsequential.
"How delightful." A genuine smile curled Orochimaru's lips, his excitement unmistakable. Kenichi's gaze drifted to the trembling orphans locked in the holding cells. He sighed internally, knowing he was powerless to change their fates. The most he could do was ensure the experiment yielded results as quickly as possible.
"Come, Kenichi. The experiment is about to begin. Remember to keep detailed records," Orochimaru instructed.
Meticulous record-keeping had been Kenichi's suggestion, one that Orochimaru had immediately approved of. Since then, the responsibility of documentation had fallen on Kenichi's shoulders for every experiment they conducted.
"Understood, sensei," Kenichi replied, his expression calm and indifferent—an almost perfect mirror of Orochimaru's own demeanor.
As they moved deeper into the lab, Danzo observed Kenichi briefly before dismissing him. A mere apprentice with no noteworthy talent—hardly worth his concern.