Taking the scroll, Horyu didn't waste a moment. He sliced his thumb open, a droplet of blood welling up against the sharp edge of the kunai. Pressing his bloodied thumb against the scroll, he signed his name, adding it to the list of those who had entered into this ancient pact. Glancing over the names, he noted Sarutobi Hiruzen and Orochimaru among them, but not Sakon and Ukon. 'In this alternative, it seems Orochimaru didn't let Sakon and Ukon sign the Rashomon. It never made sense to me anyway. In Anime, this was one of First Hokage's treasures. How did Orochimaru have Sakon and Ukon sign it? Did he have another copy? But his name is on this one.' The line of thought was intriguing but ultimately a distraction from the task at hand. He thanked the Anbu, who vanished with the scroll as silently as she had appeared, leaving Horyu alone with his thoughts.

Retreating to his room, Horyu ensured complete privacy before addressing the system in his mind, 'System, show me my new contract.'

[System Update

[Summoning Contract: Rashomon Gates Activated]

Congratulations, Horyu Uchiha. You have successfully formed a summoning contract with the ancient and formidable Rashomon Gates. This monumental alliance not only grants you access to one of the most powerful defensive techniques known throughout the shinobi world but also hints at a deeper connection with the enigmatic Plane of Specters.

Summoning Ability Unlocked: Rashomon Gates

Description: The Rashomon Gates stand as the pinnacle of defense, capable of withstanding nearly any assault. Beyond their physical resilience, these gates harbor a secret bond with the Plane of Specters, the very realm from which the Shinigami itself emerges.

Usage: Initially, you may summon up to three Rashomon Gates. These gates serve as a bulwark against attacks, absorbing the impact of even the most powerful jutsus. Their connection to the Plane of Specters remains largely unexplored but is believed to imbue the gates with their unparalleled defensive capabilities.

Special Feature: The gates exhibit a semi-sentient ability to adapt defensively to incoming threats. This adaptive nature may stem from their spectral connection, offering a glimpse into the potential for further abilities to be unlocked.

Chakra Cost: High. The summoning demands a significant chakra expenditure, which may decrease as your mastery and understanding of the gates' spectral connection deepen.

Conditions for Summoning: A blood pact initiates your first summoning. Future summonings require a chakra offering. The full potential of the Rashomon Gates, including their connection to the Plane of Specters, remains locked behind conditions yet to be met.

Unlock Conditions: (Unknown) - The path to unveiling the true power of the Rashomon Gates and their link to the Plane of Specters is shrouded in mystery. These conditions are yet to be discovered and fulfilled.

Potential Growth: As your bond with the Rashomon Gates strengthens, you may unlock additional gates and perhaps even tap into the spectral powers lying dormant within them. Such advancements could revolutionize their defensive utility and reveal offensive capabilities tied to the Plane of Specters.]

Horyu hummed as he read the message, his interest piqued by the confirmation of the Rashomon Gates' connection to the Plane of Specters through the System. The possibility of exploring this spectral realm, home to entities as formidable as the Shinigami, offered an enticing new avenue of power and knowledge to pursue. The notion that the gates could adapt defensively and potentially unveil offensive capabilities linked to the specters stirred a sense of anticipation within him.

Seated in the quiet of his room, Horyu allowed himself a moment to consider the implications. The Rashomon Gates, renowned for their defensive prowess, now hinted at a depth of power he hadn't initially considered. 'If these gates can adapt to incoming threats, what limits could there be to their defensive capabilities?' he mused, his thoughts drifting to the possibilities of using such a technique not just as a shield, but as a strategic countermeasure in battle.

The connection to the Plane of Specters, though, was what truly captured his interest. 'The Phantom Brigade mentioned creatures of different kinds residing in their plane. If the Rashomon Gates also originate from there, could there be more to this realm than just the Shinigami and specters?' The prospect of unlocking these mysteries, of delving into a world beyond the comprehension of most shinobi, was tantalizing.

Rising from his seat, Horyu paced the room, his mind weaving through the potential strategies and applications of the Rashomon Gates. 'The chakra cost is high, but with proper management and training, it could be reduced. And if I can unlock further abilities, the tactical advantage would be significant,' he contemplated, considering how best to integrate this new power into his arsenal.

The conditions for further unlocking the gates' potential, however, remained a mystery. 'Unknown conditions, huh?' Horyu couldn't help but smirk at the challenge. 'That means there's something out there, a key to unlocking their true power. It's just a matter of finding it.' The notion of embarking on a quest to discover these conditions, to push the boundaries of what was known about the Rashomon Gates, was invigorating.

Jiraiya walked through the lively streets of Konoha, his heart heavy yet his face betraying nothing of the turmoil within. It had been years since he last set foot in his hometown, and in that time, unspeakable changes had reshaped the village's destiny. The air was filled with the laughter and chatter of its people, a stark contrast to the shadows of the past that lingered in Jiraiya's mind.

His thoughts wandered to Minato, his favored student once hailed as the Child of the Prophecy, now remembered as a traitor. The pain of this truth was a dull ache in his heart. Minato had stood against Shisui, intent on destroying Konoha for reasons Jiraiya struggled to comprehend. It was a conflict of ideals that had torn the very fabric of their world, leading to an outcome that Jiraiya still found hard to accept. Despite the betrayal, he understood the justice in Shisui's actions, a man of integrity and vision whom Jiraiya had come to support, albeit with a heavy heart.

His godson, Naruto, and his siblings, too, were caught in the crossfire of accusations, branded as traitors alongside Minato. Jiraiya's affection for them remained unchanged, a love forged from the brief moments they shared, memories of a happier time when they were but innocent children, unaware of the cruel twists their fates would take. But alas, they decided to stand against the law and just, Shisui, thus they were the enemy.

The reason for Jiraiya's return to Konoha was a summon from Shisui himself. As he made his way to the office, the vibrant life of the village seemed almost surreal against the backdrop of his contemplations. Climbing through the window in his usual, unorthodox manner, he paused, taking a moment to compose himself.

"Shisui-sama," Jiraiya called out, his voice steady, betraying none of the tumult that churned within. He perched on the window frame, a silent figure against the backdrop of a village that hummed with life and hope. Despite the passage of months since Minato's demise, the community had found a way to move forward, their spirits unbroken.

Shisui raised his head to meet Jiraiya's gaze, the dim light of the office casting shadows across his features. "Any news?" His voice was steady, expectant.

Jiraiya shook his head, a hint of frustration in his movements. "Both know my methods, and can hide if they want to. I wasn't able to find any trace at all." His voice bore the weight of failure, a rare admission from the legendary Sannin.

Shisui hummed thoughtfully before tossing a scroll across the room. Jiraiya caught it effortlessly, unsealing and scanning its contents. His brow furrowed as he reached the end, a visible frown forming. "How reliable is the source?" he questioned, looking back at Shisui.

"Very." Shisui's response was curt, leaving no room for doubt.

Jiraiya's frown deepened, a sense of unease settling over him. "Even I never heard of this Zetsu," he admitted, the name unfamiliar on his tongue.