Naruto: Passerby and Returnee

Chapter 337 Extraterrestrial Objects

"There was quite a commotion just now, and there were people from the Root nearby. According to my clone, even the convoy, which was quite far away, could see the dawn. It was just scary to look at; I'm physically fine, but I do have a problem that I really need your help with..."

"Are you sure?" Tobirama's tone was full of distrust.

"How about you tell me what I need first?" Naruto smiled easily. "I need the Box of Elysium."

The elders were somewhat bewildered, and Hashirama spoke first, asking, "Isn't the Box of Elysium a dangerous weapon?"

"No, it's a container used for sealing. I checked the spaceship's database before handing it over; it was originally intended to suppress extraterrestrial life, but it malfunctioned due to prolonged lack of maintenance."

Izuna reacted quickly, asking, "What do you want to seal with it? Extraterrestrial life?"

Yes, the things within the ruins have existed for an unknown amount of time, and they even possess consciousness. Besides the Box of Elysium, I can't think of a more robust seal.

This was quite a shocking possibility; several seniors were stunned and it took them a long time to find their voices.

"Extraterrestrial life really exists?" Even from a thousand miles away, Fugaku's bewilderment was crystal clear. "Why haven't we discovered these things before?"

"With all our focus on the war, who has time to pay attention to these things?" Tobirama even included a self-deprecating remark, his tone still full of distrust. "Are you sure you've really suppressed it?"

"I'm sure! Otherwise, how would I have a chance to speak?" Naruto was getting impatient. "Instead of chatting like this, why don't you just retrieve the box? I really need that thing."

"Leave it to me." Hashirama volunteered, as he was the only one capable of retrieving items from the seabed.

The Box of Elysium, once handed over, was ultimately sunk in that most dangerous part of the sea, with the Ghost Lantern Castle nearby, its gates swaying precariously. The box's true guardian was the treacherous undercurrents; the Ghost Lantern Castle, with its history of such activity, served merely as an alarm, capable of reporting any real danger. The pressure on the seabed was immense, utterly dark, and filled with omnipresent undercurrents. Even with external aids, survival was not guaranteed; no sane person would ever imagine that someone could retrieve something from that deep seabed.

But Hashirama really can do it. His trees are indeed difficult to grow across the sea, but if it's just about retrieving things, then controlling the plants on the seabed is enough. As long as he has enough strength, any plant can grow into a giant in his hands, making retrieving a box a piece of cake.

After much effort, the seniors finally gave up their urge to come over and wander around. Naruto breathed a huge sigh of relief, and then reluctantly faced Kurama, whose microphone he had muted.

"You're being too impulsive. My condition is clearly not that bad. Don't forget that the Grell Stone also has healing properties."

Kurama had already scanned Naruto's body when he was unable to speak. The situation was not the worst, but it was far from being completely unaffected.

"Stone's speed is nowhere near yours, Hoho's!" Kurama glanced at the dark sphere floating at the other end of his mind. For some reason, just seeing that thing made the hairs on his back stand on end, and his wild instincts screamed for him to get away. But this was Naruto's mental space, and he had already dragged Naruto to the farthest place he could.

"With just your soul remaining, this body is already struggling enough, and now there's another one..."

"It's alright, I've sealed it up, although I can feel the seal dissolving all the time."

The Nine-Headed Rabjam, who had just calmed down a bit, was shocked and said, "Is it that dangerous? Quickly throw Him out!"

"I made the seal using 'Source,' wouldn't throwing it out double the damage?" Naruto certainly couldn't do such a thing; he had no idea what kind of impact throwing such a thing outside would have.

The database had limited information, containing only snippets about the "Dark Universe Disaster." It was said that the corrupted world would completely lose all signs of life, filled with deadly tides of "dark" energy, from which new "Dark Universe life" would be born. Just imagining that scene sent a chill down Naruto's spine. Thankfully, this thing had targeted him, and thankfully, his past self underwater had taught him something truly valuable, otherwise...

"Alright, my clone has gone to get the report from Genna. While the team is still in disarray, we should head back."

Even though Kurama was extremely unwilling, he couldn't take control of Naruto's body and could only watch as Naruto dragged his still-unhealed body back to the distant caravan.

Meanwhile, the battle on the other side of the river was also coming to an end.

After the explosion, Timothy saw Hyde bound hand and foot and launched an attack on the only "outsider" present without hesitation. Togen was a master of poisons, and to complement his nano-sized poisonous insects, his physical skills were quite formidable. However, he was wary of the boy's "Grell Stone Form," so he secretly held back some of his strength, waiting for the perfect moment to launch a surprise attack.

To save Lord Hyde, Timothy would certainly do everything in his power. While pushing Trigen back step by step, he also seized an opportunity to cut the barbed wire binding Hyde, allowing the lord to retreat to a safe place.

"Leave this to me, Lord Hyde, you go quickly!"

But Hyde didn't leave immediately. Instead, he suppressed his frantic tone and asked in a seemingly kind voice, "Timsi, have you found the vein?"

Timothy was momentarily speechless, but he wouldn't lie. "I'm sorry, Lord Hyde... the mine has been completely destroyed. The light we just saw was the aftershock of the mine's disappearance. I have failed your expectations..."

The clanging of swords continued. The only unarmed person present kept his head down and remained silent for a long time before raising his head with a fake smile.

"It's alright, my good child. Even without mineral veins, we can find a path to peace. Don't linger in battle, come back soon."

Timothy was deeply moved, his attention completely focused on the black-clad ninja, oblivious to what was behind him. He naturally followed the words and retreated to Hyde's side, using his not-so-tall frame to firmly protect the man he had sworn to serve for life. But a sharp pain in his back startled him; he heard a dull thud of flesh striking metal behind him, followed by another familiar voice.

"Are you going to kill him and take his Grell's Stone?"

Timothy turned around stiffly and saw a bloodstained dagger lying on the ground, Lord Hyde's only personal weapon. Then he saw Lord Hyde, who had bent the railing, seemingly about to faint from the impact, grimacing and panting heavily. Then he saw the strange ninja who had saved him in the danger; he had just appeared out of thin air and glanced at Lord Hyde with utter disdain.

"Are you alright? Your back is bleeding. I know a little about medical ninjutsu, do you need me to treat you?" His eyes were blue, and when he turned around, the disdain and indifference quietly faded away, leaving only worry and sincerity.

He saved himself a second time.