Looking at the katana in my hand, I could tell at a glance that it was not the same as Sasuke Uchiha's original blade. The scabbard was pitch black with a white-threaded pattern running along the bottom, and a beast-like engraving near the top. The blade itself was forged from dark chakra-infused metal, its surface etched with intricate patterns. The handle was wrapped in white woven fabric, but beneath it, the texture resembled the ivory bones of a powerful creature. At the end of the handle, a black chakra metal cap bore a single kanji: Feather.
Uchiha Yang turned to his two teammates and said, "This sword is no legendary artifact like the Kusanagi Blade. Its name is Domoyu, a relic of the samurai. It spoke to me, revealing its history. As for this scroll…" He unrolled the aged parchment, noting several names written on it. "This appears to be the summoning contract of the Hellhound Clan."
Biting his finger, he inscribed his name onto the scroll in blood. The moment the ink settled, the contract pulsed with an eerie glow. Before Yang could react, the scroll vanished in a reverse summoning. The chamber trembled violently—cracks split across the stone floor, and walls crumbled under unseen force. When the shaking finally subsided, the group emerged from the collapsing ruins to find the landscape completely altered.
The statue that once stood as a landmark was gone. Instead, across the horizon, the peak of Yingtou loomed. From their new vantage point, they could spot their teammates and two members of the Uzumaki Clan. Uchiha Haru called out from the other side, "Yang! Can you see us? We're over here!" Yet, no response came. It was as if their voices could not pierce the space between them.
A deep growl echoed behind them. Turning around, they were met by the piercing gaze of an enormous black-furred dog. Its golden eyes glowed with intelligence as it slowly stepped forward and spoke.
"No need to shout, boy. This is the Summoning Realm, a dimension entirely separate from your world." The Hellhound sniffed the air before its gaze locked onto the katana in Uchiha Yang's grip. It gave a low grunt before nodding. "Come. Our leader wishes to see you."
The group followed the hound through vast grasslands where massive dogs roamed freely, their presence exuding dominance. Upon seeing the newcomers, the creatures ceased their play, fixing their eyes on them. Without a word, they parted, forming a path toward an enormous mountain that stretched into the clouds.
But as they drew closer, the "mountain" moved. Rocks crumbled as an immense figure stirred from its slumber. The realization struck them all at once—this was no mountain. It was a colossal four-eyed Hellhound. The beast's twin sets of piercing eyes settled on Yang before it lowered itself onto its haunches. Its mouth slowly opened, and from within, another great hound emerged.
Unlike the others, this one was white as snow, with a thick mane flowing like a lion's and sharp blue eyes that gleamed with wisdom. The surrounding hounds immediately bowed as it approached.
"You have obtained the blade," the white hound said in a low, rumbling voice. "By ancient agreement, you may now form a contract with the Hellhound Clan."
It glanced at the larger four-eyed beast beside it. "This one oversees the summoning realm. My name is Rossi. The dogs you see here are my direct descendants. We are but one branch of the Hellhound lineage. That giant over there… he belongs to another. His kind is responsible for maintaining the connections between our clans."
At Rossi's command, a group of ten massive hounds stepped forward, their howls harmonizing in an eerie rhythm. The ground trembled as energy surged through the air. It was a ritual—one meant to bind a master to their guardian.
As the ceremony reached its climax, the ten hellhounds merged into five, then three, then finally one—transforming into a massive three-headed black-furred beast. It stepped toward Uchiha Yang and lowered its heads, signaling him to place his hand upon its central brow.
Yang complied, and in that moment, a powerful bond formed between them. A rush of foreign yet familiar sensations flooded his mind, a connection deeper than mere words. The three-headed Hellhound turned to face the others and let out a thunderous roar.
"My lord has arrived!"
Rossi observed the scene with a satisfied nod. "With this, you may summon the Hellhounds into your world. If you ever find yourself in danger, you may call upon Tanaiquan, and our clan will fight for you. Our chieftains reside in the valley, guarding the entrance to this realm."
With that, the ceremony was complete.
Yang's group, now bound to the Hellhound Clan, was led back to the valley. Where once there had been a simple pool of water, a shrine now stood in its place. The three-headed Hellhound took its position within, its duty now clear.
"My lord," it spoke, "I can only remain within this temple to guard the gate and protect our kin. However, should you ever require my strength, I may be summoned to battle. Every hound in this realm will fight for you."
Yang nodded in understanding before asking, "I still don't know your name."
The Hellhound let out a guttural chuckle. "We are not separate entities. We are one. This is the Hellhound Clan's gift—fusion. Only those with immense talent can achieve it, and only once in their lifetime. If ever I suffer a fatal wound, I will split into two. Should I face death again, I will split once more, continuing until my energy is spent. My true name is long and unpronounceable in your tongue. My lord, I ask that you bestow upon me a name."
Yang pondered for a moment before deciding. "From now on, you shall be known as Aka Inu."
At his words, the beast gave a solemn nod. Yang then turned to Rossi. "These two beside me are of my clan. Can the hounds of your kin form contracts with other Uchiha? Our strength would grow immensely if our warriors could fight alongside the Hellhounds."
Rossi's gaze sharpened. "It is possible, but not all are worthy. Only those with your eyes—those who have awakened their potential—may forge such a pact. Our contract is one of the soul. If an Uchiha is too weak, the bond will destroy them."
It took a step closer. "Furthermore, should a clan member ever raise their hand against you, the contract will be severed immediately. Our first loyalty is to you, Uchiha Yang."
Hearing this, Uchiha Reel and Uchiha Kuzan couldn't contain their excitement. With this new alliance, the Uchiha Clan would rise once more.
Yang clenched his fist, determination burning in his eyes. This was the opportunity he had been searching for—the chance to rewrite the Uchiha's fate.
The Ninja world would never be the same.