Three weeks. That was how long it took Aether to finish the prototype of the Multiverse Gate. Within Nexus, he constructed a chamber made entirely of dimensional alloy and pulsating mana threads. The system guided him, offering calculations beyond human comprehension.
[System: Multiverse Gate V.1 | Coordinates Locked: Universe 2 – Elemental Nations | Location Estimate: Hidden Leaf Village]
He gathered Hermione, Daphne, and a squad of elite operatives. "We are not invading," he said. "We're observing, infiltrating, and extracting knowledge. No unnecessary contact."
The gate shimmered open, revealing a swirling vortex of chakra and magic. They stepped through.
They arrived on the outskirts of Konoha, concealed by Aether's cloaking devices. Chakra was thick in the air—raw, powerful, different.
They observed the village from the shadows. Children were training under jonin. Ninja moved like whispers through trees.
And then Aether felt it: the presence of Naruto Uzumaki.
Aether's system buzzed.
[Subject Match: Universe Protagonist — High Probability of Power Convergence. Caution Recommended.]
They retreated to the forest to build a temporary outpost.
"I don't like this," Daphne whispered. "This world feels...alive."
Aether nodded. "Which makes it more dangerous than Voldemort ever was."
Disguised under henge transformations, Aether entered Konoha alone. He quickly noted the intricate chakra pathways and the efficiency of the ninja hierarchy.
He found himself in a quiet ramen shop—Ichiraku's.
Naruto sat two