belamy20

456-460

Added 2025-05-21 17:35:58 +0000 UTC

Chapter 456: Obito’s A-Rank Mission!

"I understand."

As she met Shinji's sincere gaze, Kushina couldn't help but feel a warmth in her heart.

Looking at it this way, it seemed she still held some weight in this kid’s heart!

However—

When Kushina took the scroll from Shinji's hand and unfolded it, her brows immediately furrowed.

"Reverse Four Symbols Sealing Technique?"

"With your level of expertise in sealing techniques, can you actually perform this?" Shinji stared at Kushina with a serious expression and asked solemnly.

"It’s possible, yes. This is a variant of the Four Symbols Seal. I haven’t learned it before, but the principles are the same. And if I’m not mistaken, you got this from the Foundation, didn’t you?"

After briefly scanning the contents of the scroll, Kushina looked up at Shinji, her brows furrowing even deeper.

"You want to learn this technique?"

Shinji shook his head.

"No, I can't learn it, nor do I have the time. I’ve barely grasped the basics of the Four Symbols Seal, let alone this variant."

"But I can more or less understand its principles."

"The Reverse Four Symbols Sealing Technique involves splattering one's own blood across the body to form the ‘Reverse Four Symbols’ seal pattern. The pattern then expands into a sphere, engulfing everything within a few hundred meters into the underworld."

"This is a different type of space-time ninjutsu. The ‘underworld’ described in the scroll is a pitch-dark, uninhabitable wasteland."

"As long as the seal lands successfully, the target will never see the light of day again—this is an absolute, inescapable sealing technique!"

Kushina frowned and added,

"But this technique also ensures mutual destruction for both the user and the target!"

"Shinji—"

"I know what you're about to say, but hear me out first," Shinji immediately interrupted Kushina’s impending objections.

"I've analyzed the principle behind this technique. Performing it doesn’t actually require the caster to have advanced sealing skills like yours. All that’s needed is the ability to activate the pre-engraved ‘Reverse Four Symbols Mark’ on the body."

"Even though I’ve only learned a little bit of the Four Symbols Seal, just activating it shouldn't be an issue!"

"And more importantly—"

"The core of this technique is the ‘Reverse Four Symbols Mark’ pre-engraved on the body, which means it can be inscribed by someone else."

"I need you to carve the Reverse Four Symbols Mark on my body!"

"This way, I can perform the technique!"

Shinji fixed his gaze on Kushina and pulled out a confident smile.

"Don't worry, I have a way to avoid the technique’s fatal cost!"

For now, Shinji had no way to rapidly improve his sealing skills. Even with his Will of Steel, forcibly acquiring a few high-level sealing techniques from Kushina wouldn't be enough. Mastering individual sealing techniques had little impact on overall proficiency—unless he got ridiculously lucky and directly obtained the Reverse Four Symbols Sealing Technique.

And to counter Limbo: Border Jail, which allowed Madara’s shadow to freely shift between physical and intangible states, Shinji could only think of this S-rank sealing technique that also incorporated space-time manipulation.

Whether it was capturing Limbo’s shadow at the brief moment it materialized or making a bold move to seal Madara himself to break the dojutsu—

As long as he could use this technique, Shinji had a fighting chance.

Although in the original story, Danzo embarrassingly only managed to seal a bridge with it, that was due to Kamui’s frame-by-frame absorption ability. Against someone else who couldn’t escape so quickly, this S-rank sealing technique’s true power wouldn’t be diminished.

Ultimately, a technique’s effectiveness depends on the user and the timing.

"Hmm…" Kushina hesitated, her expression conflicted.

Seeing Shinji's serious face, which showed no signs of deceit, she couldn't help but soften.

"Alright, but I need some time. Let me review this technique again—it'll take about half an hour."

Shinji's face immediately lit up, just as he was about to respond—

Suddenly—

"Kushina-nee!"

A crisp voice rang out from outside.

Accompanied by three approaching footsteps and a few knocks on the door—

Kushina lifted her head and sensed the visitors. A warm smile appeared on her face.

"Oh my~ It’s Rin and the others! Shinji, you should know them—they’re Minato’s squad members: Obito, Kakashi, and Rin."

"Hmm?" Shinji was momentarily stunned.

Obito was just at the Uchiha compound earlier—how did he end up at Kushina’s place so quickly?

After thinking for a moment, he pointed to the scroll in Kushina’s hand.

"We can inscribe the seal later. Let’s greet them first."

Kushina smiled and nodded, putting away the scroll that contained the Reverse Four Symbols Sealing Technique. She got up from the dining table and headed toward the door to welcome the three.

"Kushina-nee~"

This was Nohara Rin, who had the closest relationship with Kushina.

"Kushina-ne… nee."

This was Uchiha Obito, reluctantly forced to call her "big sister."

"Kushina-nee-san."

This was Hatake Kakashi, who seemed indifferent as usual.

"Looks like you all kept your promise. Even the King of Tardiness, Obito, isn’t late this time~" Kushina said with a teasing smile as she looked at the three standing neatly at the door.

"Come in, let’s have a meal together."

"Huh? Kushina-nee called us here just to treat us to a meal? That’s great!"

Nohara Rin's face instantly lit up with joy.

"I love Kushina-nee’s cooking!"

Just as Kushina was about to be overwhelmed by Rin’s praise—ready to hug and shower her with affection—

Obito turned away and huffed,

"Hmph!"

"What the heck? You called us here just for this?"

"Hmm?"

Kushina raised an eyebrow and stared at Obito with a dangerous glint in her eyes. She leaned in close.

"I worked my noble hands to the bone making this meal, and that’s your attitude, Obito?"

Noticing Kushina’s red hair beginning to lift slightly, Obito felt a chill down his spine and almost instinctively backed down.

But then, as if remembering something, he suddenly found his courage.

He crossed his arms, turned his head away, and smirked.

"Our squad just received an A-rank mission from Lord Hokage. We don’t have time for a meal!"

"Besides, I’m not even hungry!"

However—before he could finish his proud declaration—

Grrrrrrr…

The rumbling sound of his stomach echoed through the room.

"Ugh…"

Kushina sighed, closing her eyes in exasperation.

"You Uchihas… Why are you all cut from the same cloth? Always pretending to be tough…"

"Anyway, just sit down and eat first!"

Hearing this, Obito was stunned.

"Wait… 'You Uchihas'? Does that mean Kushina-nee invited another Uchiha?"

The moment he asked—

From inside the house, a smooth and amused voice drifted out—

"Oh~?"

"Obito, do you have a problem with me being here?"

Chapter 457: The Nation in Turmoil, A Coincidence Nears

"You’re saying that your squad is heading to the Land of Water to carry out an A-rank investigation mission?"

At the dinner table, Shinji raised an eyebrow in slight surprise as he glanced at Obito, who was stuffing his face; Rin, who was chewing delicately; and Kakashi, who sat there with his mask on, not touching his food.

Just moments ago, in the middle of their meal, Obito had casually mentioned to Kushina that their squad was heading to the Land of Water.

The moment the words left his mouth, Shinji’s attention was immediately drawn to them.

Now, he was staring at Obito with a look of surprise.

"Aren’t ninja missions supposed to be confidential? You just blurted it out like this—are you not even trying to keep secrets from me?"

"Ah, don’t sweat it," Obito waved his hand dismissively and grinned.

"It’s not like it’s some top-secret mission. There’s been a civil war in the Land of Water recently. For some reason, the Third Mizukage and the Three-Tails’ Jinchūriki suddenly vanished. So, Lord Hokage assigned us this important mission to gather intelligence!"

At that moment, Kakashi coolly interjected,

"No, not intelligence gathering. Our task is simply to retrieve a spy Konoha had stationed in Kirigakure."

"That spy was exposed, but Kirigakure doesn’t want to go to war with Konoha. So they simply sent word to the village, allowing us to retrieve him."

"Besides, if Konoha ever needed someone like Obito to gather intelligence, we’d probably be on the brink of destruction."

"What did you just say, Kakashi?!" Obito immediately flew into a rage, raising the bone in his hand as if he was about to throw it at him.

However, Kakashi ignored him and shot him a sidelong glance before continuing,

"And let's be honest—if most of the village’s jōnin weren’t currently out on missions, there’s no way a dead-last genin like him would ever get assigned an A-rank mission."

Rin clasped her hands together and smiled at Shinji as she added,

"Since the mission isn’t particularly dangerous, and it’s all thanks to you, Shinji-kun! The relationship between Kirigakure and Konoha is pretty harmonious right now~"

After listening to all this, Shinji more or less understood the situation.

Lately, Konoha had been preoccupied with tracking down Orochimaru. Based on the intel he had gathered, it was clear that the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, wasn’t keen on outright banishing Orochimaru from the village, despite his bizarre recent actions.

After Orochimaru ambushed the Akatsuki in the Land of Rain, Jiraiya—one of the Sannin and the mentor of the Akatsuki’s core members—immediately rushed there. Meanwhile, Namikaze Minato and a large number of Konoha’s jōnin had been dispatched to hunt down Orochimaru’s whereabouts.

On the other hand, a spy in the Land of Water had been exposed. Since Kirigakure had no intention of escalating the situation and even extended goodwill to Konoha, this mission seemed relatively less urgent.

However—

As Shinji looked at Minato’s three students sitting before him, his brows furrowed slightly.

It seemed like a coincidence, but it was just too much of one.

The Land of Water. Obito. Rin. Kakashi. The disappearance of the Three-Tails’ Jinchūriki.

All these factors lining up at once sent a jolt through Shinji’s heart.

Could it be that Uchiha Madara had already set his sights on Obito?

Was this mission a setup for Minato’s students, where Kakashi would once again be forced into that heart-wrenching moment?

As the thought crossed his mind, Shinji’s eyes flickered with a subtle intensity.

Noticing the slight concern on his face, Kushina asked curiously,

"What’s wrong, Shinji?"

"Hmm…"

After a brief pause, Shinji suddenly stood up and stretched out a hand, pressing it firmly against the back of Obito’s neck.

Smack!

"Ow! What the hell?!" Obito, who had been biting into a drumstick, yelped in surprise and turned to Shinji with a bewildered look.

"Why’d you hit me? Hey, Shinji, just because you’re about to become clan leader doesn’t mean you can do whatever—"

But Shinji didn’t respond. Instead, his eyes narrowed slightly, and a faint layer of purple pigment appeared around them.

A golden-yellow chakra, burning like flames, surged from his palm into Obito’s body.

"Hiss—!"

Obito’s eyes widened as he immediately felt an immense surge of power flooding into him.

On the back of his neck, a pattern resembling a ‘Heaven’s Curse Mark’ appeared, consisting of three swirling red tomoe.

Then—

Shinji lifted his other hand and formed a single ‘Rat’ hand seal.

Sealing Jutsu: Evil Sealing Method!

Skipping twenty seals in the process, a pitch-black circular ring appeared around the newly formed ‘Heaven’s Curse Mark’ on Obito’s neck.

As the technique settled, Obito suddenly felt as if his strength had skyrocketed to the point where he could take down Kakashi with a single punch.

But just as quickly as it had come, the power vanished, leaving behind only a burning sensation on the back of his neck.

"Shinji… what did you do to me?"

"This is a variant of the Heaven’s Curse Mark. It forcefully draws out your latent power, giving you the chance to turn the tide in a moment of absolute desperation."

Shinji patted Obito’s shoulder and said in a deep voice,

"Obito, you should only use this power when you are facing an unavoidable crisis—when you have absolutely no other choice."

"Huh?" Obito blinked in confusion for a moment before his face lit up with excitement.

The Heaven’s Curse Mark was something he was already somewhat familiar with. Back then, Orochimaru had used a similar method to save Shinji’s life. Later, during the battle in the Land of Rain, Shinji had shone brilliantly, leaving a deep impression on the entire Uchiha clan.

Even Uchiha Shisui and Uchiha Shinichi had described how powerful this ability was.

Never in his wildest dreams did Obito think that he’d one day receive this power himself!

Eyes wide with gratitude, he stared at Shinji, his expression full of emotion.

"Shinji, you’re a real bro!"

But Shinji simply shook his head.

"Don’t thank me. No one knows what kind of side effects this thing has. After using it, you could turn into a snake, a rock, or even worse—a mindless vegetable."

"If you can’t endure it, you will die."

"This is a last resort. Unless absolutely necessary, you must never use it."

Then—

Shinji turned to Kakashi and asked,

"Kakashi, have you learned the Evil Sealing Method?"

Caught off guard, Kakashi hesitated for a moment before nodding. He had, at least to some extent.

"Good. Then it’ll be your responsibility to supervise Obito and determine when it’s truly necessary to use the Heaven’s Curse Mark. You will hold the key to this Pandora’s Box."

Shinji warned solemnly,

"That said—"

"I’d rather you never have to use it for the rest of your lives."

After all, the power sealed within Obito’s Heaven’s Curse Mark was three minutes’ worth of energy, combining the Eternal Sage Mode with Senju chakra in an explosive force—along with a fragment of Shinji’s own pure battle instinct.

This was an entirely different beast from Orochimaru’s original version, which merely served as a conduit for natural energy.

Regardless, both versions were incredibly dangerous for any ninja, especially one as fragile as Obito.

If misused, it could result in complete destruction.

Chapter 458: Become the Clan Leader, Uchiha Fugaku!

After dinner, with the Four Symbols Seal now imprinted on his chest beneath his clothes, Shinji bid farewell to Kushina and left the neighborhood.

Suddenly, Minato’s team received a mission to head to the Land of Water. Chaos had erupted there, catching everyone off guard.

Shinji had no way of determining whether this was orchestrated by Uchiha Madara.

However—

Some matters take precedence over others.

Compared to dealing with the threat posed by Madara, Shinji had no time to play babysitter and escort Obito and his team on their journey to the Land of Water.

If his upcoming actions failed, then even if he managed to save Obito, history’s inertia would still be impossible to change.

But if his plan succeeded, it would eliminate the impending crisis from its very root.

This adventure, which had begun in the shinobi world, had now reached its final stage.

After obtaining the Four Symbols Seal, Shinji wasted no time and rushed back to the Uchiha Clan. His first stop was to visit the elder, Uchiha Setsuna. However, for reasons unknown, the old man refused to see him.

Without hesitation, Shinji changed course and headed straight for the home of Uchiha Fugaku, who seemed to be expecting him.

Inside Uchiha Fugaku’s Residence, in the Tea Room

The two sat facing each other.

Fugaku, well aware of Shinji’s personality, didn't bother with unnecessary formalities. He simply poured a cup of tea, pushed it across the table, and asked directly,

"You've already visited the Great Elder?"

"Yeah," Shinji responded, a trace of worry on his face. He shook his head and sighed.

"The old man refused to see me."

"It’s likely the side effect of his Mangekyō Sharingan," Fugaku mused. "He once told me that the price of that ability is forgetting."

"Otherwise, there’s no way to explain the drastic change in his behavior before and after the Hell Valley battle."

Fugaku looked at Shinji in surprise.

"You actually figured it out?"

Shinji took a sip of tea, drinking deeply. Then, his expression grew serious as he locked eyes with Fugaku and asked solemnly,

"We can discuss that later."

"For now, this might sound abrupt, but—"

"Fugaku, have you already awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan?"

"Before I returned to the clan, did you… meet Uchiha Madara?"

The moment those words left Shinji’s mouth, Fugaku’s eyes widened in shock.

He hadn't expected Shinji to have already deduced everything—even the nature of his Mangekyō ability—without any prior discussion.

Even more astonishing, Shinji directly mentioned that man’s name.

But Shinji’s reasoning was simple.

In his previous life, there had been many speculations about Uchiha Fugaku.

Disregarding Kishimoto’s inconsistencies in writing (as expected, classic Kishimoto), the most reasonable theory was that Fugaku’s Mangekyō ability was related to time.

On the night of the Uchiha Massacre, it was said that Fugaku had seen countless visions of inevitable failure. In the end, he chose to accept death alongside his wife under their son’s blade—all to secure a future for Sasuke.

Fugaku was a reserved man, not one to openly express emotions.

Yet, his love for his children and his clan was undeniable.

When the Uchiha's conflicts with Konoha reached an impasse, he was willing to stage a coup.

For a man bold enough to attempt a coup d'état, choosing such a passive death made no sense—unless his Mangekyō ability revealed fate itself.

This would explain why the anime introduced his Mangekyō Sharingan without ever explaining its abilities—it was an unofficial but logical patch.

Based on this theory, Shinji had confidently made his guess.

Moreover—

Shinji no longer needed to justify his sources of information.

When someone grows powerful beyond comprehension,

People naturally fill in the gaps with their own explanations—

No matter how absurd those explanations may be!

Judging by Fugaku’s expression, Shinji knew he was right.

"You guessed correctly."

After a brief silence, Fugaku nodded. He didn’t question how Shinji knew—he simply began recounting what had happened to him.

When he finished, Shinji couldn't help but smile. He looked straight at Fugaku and said,

"If that’s the case, then I can rest assured."

"Hmm?" Fugaku was taken aback.

Then, he watched as Shinji stood up, just like he had that night during the Nine-Tails’ attack, and stepped toward the open-air veranda.

"Shinji, what are you—"

Shinji walked to the edge of the veranda, looking up at the endless sky.

The sunlight filtered through the gently swaying wind chimes under the eaves, casting a golden glow on his resolute face.

Then—

He turned back to face Fugaku.

With unwavering conviction, he declared:

"The current you… is worthy of this position."

"You have the qualifications, and you have the strength to protect this clan!"

"You are no longer the man you once were!"

His hesitation was gone.

The pain in his heart had become the driving force for his transformation—turning him into someone reborn.

Shinji’s gaze was piercing as he solemnly entrusted the future to Fugaku:

"Become the leader of the Uchiha Clan, Uchiha Fugaku!"

Fugaku was stunned.

Shinji was handing over the clan leader’s position—something so close within his grasp—just like that?!

His ears rang, as if a sharp needle had pierced his mind. He stared at Shinji’s profile, unable to grasp the logic behind his words.

"Wait… Shinji, why all of a sudden—"

Shinji interrupted without hesitation,

"Because I believe in you!"

"Therefore—"

A bright, carefree smile spread across his face.

"While I’m away, this clan, that stubborn old man, and everything else—"

"I leave it all in your hands, Fugaku!"

With those words—

A surge of violent chakra erupted from Shinji’s body, almost tangible in its intensity.

He stepped forward, grabbed the roof’s edge, and vaulted onto the rooftop!

Under the golden sunlight of peaceful Konoha,

He dashed across the rooftops, leaping high into the sky like an arrow shot into the night!

Then—

"—BOOM!!!"

A sonic boom roared as his chakra ignited like an engine.

A streak of crimson light split the sky, shooting toward the northwest of the Land of Fire—toward the Land of Rain!

Fugaku stood frozen in place.

Watching the scene unfold, identical to that fateful night years ago.

After a long pause—

A self-deprecating smile surfaced on his face.

"Compared to you, how could I ever be worthy of this position…?"

"You… truly are the radiant star bestowed upon our clan—a light as fleeting yet brilliant as a meteor."

Then, he turned his gaze skyward and silently prayed:

"No matter what you're trying to accomplish this time…"

"Shinji…"

"Please, come home safely."

Clan Records:

Konoha Year 47, July 16th

Uchiha Fugaku was officially recognized by the Young Clan Leader, Shinji, and succeeded as the leader of the Uchiha Clan.

He became the new head of the Uchiha Clan.

Chapter 459: Akatsuki's Hostility, Nagato's Disappearance

Land of Rain,

An abandoned border city near the Land of Grass.

The rain poured heavily, pounding against the towering steel structures.

Jiraiya stood silently outside the central tower's main entrance, letting the rain drench his face, neck, and clothing. His red cloak was soaked through, with water streaming down his cheeks. Yet, it did nothing to ease the cold hostility that had suddenly emerged between master and student.

"Jiraiya-sensei, leave!"

A cold voice came from behind the iron door of the tower.

"At this point, what use is there in trying to mend things?"

"Nagato is dead. No matter what you say now, that fact cannot be changed."

"What remains here are just two fools who were once trained by you, mere pawns powerless to stop the tragedies that unfolded before their eyes, and who have now come to accept reality."

"Akatsuki is no longer a threat to Konoha. All we want now is to survive quietly in this forgotten corner of the world. We have no strength left to participate in the wars between the great nations."

"Also, deliver this message to Shinji—"

"Now that he has obtained everything he wanted, let him leave us in peace!"

There was a brief silence behind the door before a mocking chuckle followed.

"Consider it the last bit of sympathy given to an old comrade-in-arms."

Footsteps splashed through puddles on the ruined road. Just as he arrived, he overheard Yahiko's words from inside the door.

Shinji raised an eyebrow in mild surprise.

In the original timeline, Hanzo had threatened Nagato and Yahiko by using Konan as a hostage—a despicable plan, but undeniably effective.

Given what he had witnessed of Nagato's abilities during the Battle of Yunming City, and knowing Orochimaru's understanding of the power gap between them, it wasn’t surprising that Orochimaru had attempted such a ploy to level the battlefield.

But now—

Nagato was dead?

That was absurd. Even if Orochimaru had gained some strength due to his influence, there was no way he could have defeated a serious Nagato in just a few short months.

So, this was a lie!

Shinji shook his head and stepped forward.

As he approached, Jiraiya, standing dejectedly in the rain, suddenly reached out and grabbed Shinji’s shoulder, stopping him from advancing further.

Shinji saw Jiraiya lift his head abruptly. His rain-soaked eyes, bloodshot and filled with intensity, locked onto him.

"Shinji," Jiraiya said in a deep voice.

"Back in Yunming City, you said you wanted to take Nagato’s eyes."

"Was Orochimaru acting under your orders!?"

"No," Shinji replied without hesitation.

"Then why are you here?"

"To take the Rinnegan." Shinji’s response was simple and direct.

"You—!!" Jiraiya’s pupils shrank. His wooden clogs splashed water as he suddenly leaped back, his hand forming the boar seal—the first step of the Summoning Jutsu.

He leaped back to guard against a sudden Taijutsu attack from Shinji and prepared to activate Sage Mode immediately.

At the same time—

"Creak—!"

The iron doors behind Jiraiya swung open!

Two figures, one tall and one short, leaped out, taking defensive stances beside Jiraiya. Together, they formed a triangular formation, surrounding Shinji in the center.

The two figures were none other than Yahiko and Konan, both clad in Akatsuki’s signature red cloud cloaks.

Standing in the downpour, Yahiko glared at Shinji, gritting his teeth as he spoke.

"You heard what we just told Jiraiya-sensei!"

"Shinji, there's nothing here for you."

"Must you push us this far? Can’t you at least let Nagato rest in peace?!"

"‘Us’?" Shinji raised an eyebrow, his voice calm.

"Orochimaru and I have different goals."

"Also, you are no match for me."

"Faking Nagato’s death? A clever idea, but it’s time for him to come out now."

Shinji's voice grew firm.

"I have something I must make him do."

After Orochimaru’s attack on Akatsuki,

Yahiko, the strategic mind of the team, immediately realized that Nagato’s Rinnegan was a treasure coveted by Shinji and Orochimaru alike.

‘A man without sin who possesses a priceless gem is still doomed.’

Orochimaru was dangerous, yes. Even though he managed to seize one of Nagato’s Rinnegan, it had cost him dearly.

But Shinji—

With the power he had displayed in Yunming City, even Nagato had admitted that he was no match for him. Even if he fought at full strength, pushing himself to the limit and burning through his life force to summon that terrifying entity, he might only be able to delay the inevitable.

So, Yahiko devised a plan: fake Nagato’s death using Orochimaru’s attack as cover, then spread the news through Jiraiya so that Shinji would lose interest in pursuing him.

However, he hadn't expected—

Shinji to arrive so soon!

The news of Orochimaru’s attack had yet to fully spread, and Shinji, already targeting the Rinnegan, had arrived!

Now, looking at the young man standing seemingly nonchalantly in the rain—

Not a single drop of rain could approach within a meter of him. It was as if an invisible heat burned around him, instantly evaporating the water into mist.

Yahiko’s expression grew grim. He clenched his fists and gritted his teeth before speaking.

"Shinji..."

"How are you any different from Orochimaru?!"

"Once, I believed you could bring change to this world drowning in despair..."

"Enough."

Seeing Yahiko’s pained expression, as if Shinji had betrayed him, his stance seemingly meant to appeal to his conscience, Shinji’s gaze turned ice-cold.

"Yahiko, you misunderstand."

"This is not a world where idealists can prevail with mere words. I am not some noble savior."

"I have never been a good person. I’ve survived by using deception and underhanded tactics."

"So don’t impose your ideals on me."

"In this world, only the strong have the right to preach—"

"And you are not one of them."

"Now, be quiet and bring out Nagato."

Shinji narrowed his eyes at Yahiko, his tone cold.

"I don’t appreciate your self-righteous actions, nor do I care for your attempts to guilt-trip me."

"However, since your intentions were not malicious, I don’t wish to harm you."

"But don’t test my patience."

As soon as his words fell, a massive surge of chakra erupted from Shinji, distorting the very air around him!

The downpour seemed to pause in midair.

Then, the rain around the tower suddenly reversed, surging skyward!

Raindrops collided, merging into larger droplets that rose into the sky!

Just by manifesting his chakra, Shinji caused such a terrifying spectacle!

Yahiko felt as though an invisible hand was choking him, making breathing difficult. Even opening his mouth seemed to require a hundred times more effort.

His eyes widened in shock as he stared at Shinji.

This brat... he was even stronger than when they had met in Yunming City!

At that moment—

Yahiko’s hand rose involuntarily, revealing the black rods embedded in his palm, the tools of an unseen force.

A chakra wave rippled from afar, traveling through the ‘Zero’ ring on Yahiko’s index finger.

A holographic silhouette of Nagato appeared in midair.

After a moment of silence, the frail-looking Nagato sighed, lifted his head, and looked at Shinji.

He spoke a single location.

"Land of Grass, Tenchi Bridge."

"Come. I'll be waiting for you."

Chapter 460: Super Kage Peak—The Young Nagato!

Because of a moment of hesitation, letting Orochimaru go, the situation spiraled into uncontrollable chaos.

With this harsh lesson, Shinji finally understood—his current strength meant that his actions were no longer like before.

Every move he made would now have a profound impact on the entire ninja world.

Thus—

Shinji told himself he could no longer afford to be merciful.

Obtaining Nagato’s Rinnegan was something that had to be done. Only those with the Rinnegan could “see” the shadows of Limbo: Border Jail. Moreover, he could not let the Rinnegan fall into Madara Uchiha’s hands, allowing him to complete his pair of eyes.

There was no room for negotiation on this matter. Even if he was seen as a tyrant, even if his actions trampled over the will of others, Shinji had to do it—he had to claim the Rinnegan.

It was the logical answer—the unquestionable “correct choice” based on the original story and the intelligence he had gathered.

But—

This decision left a strange, unsettling feeling within him. A faint sense of foreboding emerged from the depths of his mind.

A tiny voice inside him asked:

“Are your actions truly your own will? Or are they merely a weak response to the pressures of fate?”

“Do you really need the Rinnegan to defeat Madara Uchiha?”

“What exactly are you hesitating about?”

“And… what is it that you fear?”

These subconscious, soul-deep questions left Shinji momentarily bewildered. His thoughts were in turmoil, as if countless ants were gnawing at his core—at his deepest convictions.

But—

There was no time for doubt.

His figure tore through the sky, piercing the clouds. In less than five minutes, he had left the skies of the Land of Rain behind.

Arriving at the predetermined battlefield—

The Land of Grass, Tenchi Bridge.

A crimson beam of light descended, touching down before the bridge. The resulting shockwave caused the ten-meter-wide steel bridge to tremble slightly.

The lush green forest around them rippled like waves.

"Rustle—"

Flocks of birds took flight in alarm, their wings flapping as they scattered into the distance.

On the bridge—

A lone figure had been waiting for him.

Clad in the red cloud cloak of the Akatsuki, his frame was thin, his cheeks sunken, and his prominent cheekbones made him look almost skeletal. His long red hair swayed in the wind.

At that moment—

Nagato silently gazed at Shinji as he descended from the beam of light. His sharp, slightly sinister features lifted as he spoke:

"Shinji, you’re here."

Tap.

His feet touched the bridge, and Shinji snapped out of his brief daze, looking at the familiar yet unfamiliar figure before him.

Nagato was now gaunt, his face sharp and shadowed. His Akatsuki cloak was torn at the chest, revealing withered skin and protruding bones.

However, unlike his future self in the original story, he was not crippled—one of his eyes was closed, and his posture was still strong.

This meant—

In his battle against Orochimaru days ago, Nagato had completely unleashed the power of the Outer Path Gedo Statue.

Previously, he had only used the statue as a massive summoning beast, crushing opponents with its sheer size while combining his mastery of five elemental ninjutsu and the Rinnegan’s basic abilities.

In that form, Nagato was strong, but not overwhelmingly so. At most, he was on par with a stronger version of Jiraiya—perhaps not even as fearsome as Sage Mode Jiraiya. He had not posed the same level of pressure that the Third Raikage had on Shinji.

But now—

There was no doubt that Nagato had completely bonded with the Outer Path Gedo Statue!

He had acquired full mastery over the Six Paths abilities of the Rinnegan. Unlike in the original timeline, he had not lost his legs to an explosion, retaining his mobility. Other than some chakra limitations, he was now even stronger than his Edo Tensei self from the original series—perhaps far beyond that.

A mobile warrior was an entirely different force compared to an immobile glass cannon.

Shinji’s expression grew serious.

From this Nagato, he could feel an overwhelming aura—one that surpassed the Third Raikage, one that eclipsed all of his past opponents.

One that even surpassed the original story’s Nagato.

This was the aura of a true Super Kage Peak-level warrior!

Only someone like Shinji, who stood at the same level, could resonate with that power.

And from that resonance, he could sense the depth of Nagato’s conviction—a will forged through deep suffering and absolute clarity.

There was no more hesitation.

There was no more doubt.

Nagato had made up his mind.

"Why aren’t you saying anything?" Nagato asked. "Didn’t you come to take my eye?"

At that moment, Nagato raised his hand to his face, brushing aside his red hair. His fingers peeled back his eyelid, revealing the intricate concentric rings of his single open eye.

Then, he spoke in a calm voice:

"Shinji—"

"Ever since we parted at Yunming City, when you told me you wanted to take my eyes—"

"I never understood your goal. Perhaps, as Yahiko once said, you seek to become the next Sage of Six Paths, to usher in a new era for this world."

"Everything you’ve done so far supports that idea. Even though your choices left us in difficult positions, the results prove that you were right."

"Without relying on our plan to sacrifice one side for the other, you ended the Third Great Ninja War with your own strength alone."

"The only difference between you and the legendary Sage of Six Paths… is these very eyes."

"In fact, the three of us have discussed it before—whether we should simply give them to you."

"If you could truly bring about a world of peace, filled with flowers and applause, then in some way, our ideals would align. If that day ever came, even losing these eyes would be worth it."

Nagato’s voice was steady, his words filled with contemplation.

"I once told you these things outside the Yunming City cave… and I asked for your choice then."

Hearing this, Shinji was silent for a moment.

Nagato had always based his actions on Yahiko’s ideals. Yahiko’s will was his will, and because of that, he had never fully grasped the true power hidden within his own eyes.

But now—

Nagato’s gaze suddenly sharpened. His single eye flashed with a fierce glint as he stared directly at Shinji.

"Until that day, when Orochimaru ambushed us… When he threatened Yahiko with Konan’s life and forced him to take my eyes—"

"Only then did I finally understand my true desire!"

"What I want… is the same as you!"

"I do not have Yahiko’s grand ideals. My ninja way—"

"Is simply to protect what I hold dear!"

"To protect Yahiko, Konan, and the Akatsuki!"

"To preserve the people most important to me!"

"And to uphold that conviction—"

Nagato’s expression turned icy, his lone eye locking onto Shinji.

"I need power!"