The journey to the Wave Country was long, and Horyu had no intention of reaching the Whirlpool Country just yet. His immediate goal was to find a safe place to summon Yoru and return to the Kurohana Owl Tribe for his training. Additionally, he aimed to expand his spy network. Starting in the Hot Water region, he planned to slowly hunt down bandits to perform good deeds and complete a system quest that had appeared not long ago.

Sighing, Horyu reviewed his map and quests.  The Gamer System interface shimmered into existence before his eyes, unveiling a sprawling map of the Shinobi World. The usual vibrant colors were subdued, cast in gray, save for several pulsating blue dots scattered across the landscape. These dots, representing his embryonic network of informants and spies, seemed to mock him with their sparse distribution.

[-Secondary World Quest: Shadows of Influence

Objective: Expand your spy network across the Shinobi World to increase your influence and gather crucial intelligence. Use this network to safeguard the future of you chosen faction, manipulating events from the shadows to ensure the prosperity of your allies and the downfall of your enemies.

--Stages:

1- Foundations of Shadow: Begin by solidifying your base of operations in chosen hidden base. Utilize your existing contacts to recruit loyal individuals from the lower ranks of society – those whose lives you've touched or can touch. Tasks include eradicating bandit groups threatening remote villages, resolving disputes, and providing aid during crises.

2- The Web Expands: With a stable foundation, extend your reach to neighboring lands. Focus on border towns and smaller villages first, places where the shinobi presence is minimal, but information flows freely. Establish safe houses and dead drops. Use your skills to protect these areas from minor threats, earning the locals' trust and loyalty.

3- Echoes in the Dark: As your network grows, begin targeting larger cities and hidden villages. Insert your spies into various societal strata, from merchant caravans to the entourages of traveling nobles. Initiate covert operations to disrupt the plans of your adversaries subtly, ensuring your involvement remains undetected.

4- The Shadow Council: With spies in key positions across the Shinobi World, form an inner circle of trusted advisors and agents. This council will oversee operations, analyze intelligence, and plan strategic maneuvers to benefit Konoha and the Uchiha. Your influence will shape the geopolitical landscape, directing the flow of trade, alliances, and conflicts from behind the scenes.

5- A New World Order: With the spy network fully operational and at its peak, leverage your amassed intelligence to dismantle or weaken your enemies subtly. Guide the destiny of nations, preventing wars or ensuring their outbreak when beneficial to your's interests. Your ultimate goal is to create a new world order where your peace is maintained under the watchful eyes of your network, with you at its heart.

Rewards: For each stage completed, you will receive significant upgrades to your Gamer System, including increased XP, special items that enhance stealth and information gathering, and unique abilities that bolster your manipulation and strategic planning skills. Completing the quest will grant you the title "Master of Shadows," significantly boosting your reputation and influence across the Shinobi World.]

As Horyu contemplated the quest, the blue dots on the map began to pulse more vigorously, beckoning him to commence his grand design. 

[System Update: Distress Alert Function

Function Name: Distress Alert

Description: The Gamer System has integrated a new feature into Horyu Uchiha's interface – the Distress Alert. This function is designed to notify Horyu of individuals in distress within his immediate vicinity. Utilizing a sophisticated detection algorithm, the System scans for emotional distress signals, pinpointing their source with remarkable accuracy. The alerts provide Horyu with real-time opportunities to either aid those in need or exploit the situation to his advantage, further expanding his network of influence.

Functionality:

Alert Mechanism: When within a certain radius of a distressed individual or group, Horyu receives a discreet notification detailing the nature and location of the distress signal.

Options for Engagement: Upon receiving an alert, Horyu can choose to:

Assist: Help the distressed individuals, potentially recruiting them into his network or earning their gratitude, which may translate into valuable information or favors in the future.

Exploit: Aid the assailants instead, subjugating them through strength or cunning to serve his purposes. This can lead to acquiring unwilling but useful assets.

Influence Tracking: Each action taken in response to a Distress Alert affects Horyu's influence within the Shinobi World. Successful interventions increase his web's reach and effectiveness.

System Percentage Tracker:

The System now includes a feature to track the percentage of the Shinobi World under Horyu's influence through his spy network. Initially, this percentage stands at 0.5%, representing the nascent stage of his network's expansion.

Influence can be expanded by actively engaging with Distress Alerts, among other strategic initiatives Horyu undertakes.]

As he walked the forest towards the Wave Country, a thought struck him about the need of a pseudonym for his spy network. Talking to himself in his mind, he mumbled, "Should I let my name ring out, or should I hide behind a mask? Both have their perks."

He then chuckled to himself, a smirk playing across his features as he entertained the thought of having a shadow name for his network. "System, you decide. What's my shadow name?" he half-joked, half-serious, not truly expecting the System to respond to such a whimsical request. Yet, to his amusement and mild surprise, a system message promptly appeared before his eyes, clear and direct in its response:

[System Message: New Identity Designation

After careful consideration and analysis of your attributes and operational methods, a shadow name has been selected for you.

Shadow Name: Zenkage

The name embodies the essence of your strategic and unseen influence over the Shinobi World. Utilize it wisely as the symbol of your covert operations and influence.]

Horyu raised an eyebrow, both impressed and slightly taken aback by the System's unexpected cooperation. "Zenkage, huh? Sounds ominous enough," he mused, considering the implications of carrying such a title. It would serve as a mask, a persona under which he could operate freely, building his network and influence without directly tying actions back to Horyu Uchiha.

He was content with the name, "Better than nothing," Horyu thought, as he made his way to the Wave Country, hoping to find shelter soon. The dusk was creeping upon the lands, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple, a beautiful, yet stark contrast to the day's earlier events.

The night was beginning to fall, and with it, the temperature dropped. Horyu wrapped his cloak tighter around him, his breath visible in the cold air. He had been walking for hours, the solitude of his journey only broken by the occasional rustle of wildlife in the underbrush. It was during one of these moments of near silence that he spotted a cave, a welcome sight for a weary traveler.

Approaching cautiously, Horyu scanned the surroundings. The last thing he needed was to walk into an ambush. Satisfied with the silence, he entered the cave, finding it surprisingly spacious and devoid of occupants. "This will do," he said, setting down his pack.

The cave, though bare, offered a much-needed respite from the cold and the dangers of the night. Horyu gathered some wood from outside and soon had a fire going, its warmth a small comfort against the chill.

It was here, by the flickering light of the fire, that Horyu decided to summon Yoru. With a practiced motion, he performed the summoning jutsu, a plume of smoke signaling Yoru's arrival. The owl materialized on a nearby rock, its large eyes reflecting the firelight.

"Yo," the owl greeted, perched regally on a nearby rock, its gaze piercing even in the dim light of the fire.

"Ru," Horyu responded, but his attempt at humor only earned him a withering look from the owl. "Let's add a rule to our contract that you should never joke."

Horyu snorted, dismissing the idea with a wave of his hand. "You have no sense of humor," he accused, though the corners of his mouth betrayed him with a slight twitch.

The owl merely gave him a look that might as well have been a verbal rebuke. "What's up?" it finally asked, cutting straight to the chase.

Horyu momentarily considered another joke but thought better of it at the owl's unamused stare. "About the training we discussed. As you can see, I'm not in Konoha. I'm ready for reverse-summoning to learn Feather-Wing Kata."

Yoru shifted its stance, the mention of training sparking a noticeable change in its demeanor. "Finally decided to take it seriously, huh?" Yoru observed, its voice carrying a hint of approval. "Alright, I'll take you to the Kurohana Owl Tribe."

With a brief nod from Horyu, Yoru extended its wings, a signal for Horyu to ready himself. A few hand signs later, a puff of smoke enveloped them both, and when it cleared, they were gone, transported to the realm of the Kurohana Owl Tribe.

Horyu found himself plunged into the pitch-black environment of Yami no Mori within the Twilight Realm, the moon overhead offering scant illumination against the oppressive darkness. Activating his Sharingan, the world around him burst into a more discernible clarity, revealing the dense, shadowy forest that was home to the Kurohana Owl Tribe. "Being an Uchiha does have its perks," he mused internally, seeing the forest come alive through the unique perception granted by his bloodline.

Yoru, perched confidently beside him, commented dryly on his ability to see in the darkness, "Being an Uchiha makes it easier. If you couldn't even see, it wouldn't even be funny." Horyu's mind toyed with the idea of a regular shinobi trying to navigate the terrain, stumbling at every step. The thought amused him, but as he thought earlier Yoru lacked a sense of humor.

Horyu followed Yoru deeper into the forest. The dark owl's flight was silent, a testament to their kind's mastery over the art of stealth. As they arrived at a colossal tree, its significance was immediately apparent to Horyu. The tree's girth was massive, and its branches reached towards the heavens as if supporting the sky itself. "That," Yoru began, a hint of reverence in his tone, "is the Realm Tree. Legend has it that each realm has a tree like this, holding up its sky. For the Twilight Realm, this is the one."

Horyu nodded in understanding as he beheld the majestic sight of the Realm Tree, its vastness incomprehensible. His attention, however, quickly shifted to the formidable figure beside it. The owl before him was unlike any other; its deep blue feathers melded with the darkness of the night, making it seem as though it was part of the very shadows. Its eyes, a striking crimson gold, held a depth that felt as if they could unveil the deepest secrets of one's soul. Standing in the presence of such a creature, Horyu couldn't help but feel an involuntary shiver, not of cold, but of the sheer intensity those eyes commanded.

Yoru, with a slight bow that denoted respect rather than submission, introduced the figure. "Chief Aomori, this is Horyu, the human I spoke of."

The chief, Aomori, fixed his gaze on Horyu, who stood firm under the scrutiny, a testament to his composure. Despite the intimidating aura that the chief exuded, Horyu's expression remained neutral, his demeanor calm.

Aomori, the Chief Owl, despite his formidable presence, displayed a surprisingly approachable demeanor. "Ah, the Uchiha who signed the contract. Welcome. It's a rarity for a human to uncover our scroll. Its origins are a mystery to me too; likely, one of my ancestors was behind it. Destiny seems to have brought us together, so let's make the best of it."

Horyu, caught off-guard by the Chief's straightforwardness but appreciative of it, offered a slight bow. "Thank you, Chief Aomori. I'm grateful for this opportunity."

The Chief Owl waved a wing dismissively, a glint of humor in his eyes. "No need for formalities. Just abide by our rules, and we'll get along fine."

Horyu nodded in agreement, silently wondering about the specifics of these rules, expecting Yoru would fill him in later. "I'll keep that in mind. Thank you."