56-60

Chapter 56: True Eternal Mangekyō vs. False Rinnegan**

"Konan!"

Itsuki turned his head to look at Konan and said with a smile, "If he defeats me, I'll tell him everything I know. But may I ask, what if I win?"

Konan replied coldly, "You can't win."

Could Nagato lose?

Absolutely not!

Nagato is a living god!

No one can be stronger than him!

"Hey, hey, hey, isn't that a bit too much?" Itsuki complained. "You're praising another man like that right in front of me. Aren't you afraid I'll get jealous?"

Pain glared coldly at Itsuki and slowly raised his hand.

"Banshō Ten'in!" (Universal Pull)

A loud shout rang out.

But it was Itsuki who shouted.

Pain's expression grew even colder.

Does the opponent even know about his techniques?

How much does he know?

This kid cannot be allowed to live!

Swish!

In the next moment, Itsuki disappeared.

When he reappeared, he was already in front of Pain.

"Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu!" (Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique)

A massive fireball, spanning over a hundred meters, seemed to scorch the entire world.

It was a situation where evasion was impossible.

With a diameter of one hundred meters, its range was comparable to that of a small Tailed Beast Bomb.

Pain was startled and quickly raised his hand. "Shinra Tensei!" (Almighty Push)

"Boom!!!"

The gigantic fireball was forcibly destroyed.

At the same time...

A tremendous repulsive force swept toward Itsuki.

"Bang!"

A tree stump appeared in Itsuki's place.

Substitution Jutsu!

"Over here!"

The Rinnegan emitted a faint purple light.

Pain suddenly turned his head, meeting a pair of scarlet eyes.

Sharingan!

The Three-Tomoe Sharingan!

"Take this!"

Itsuki threw a punch.

"Bang!"

Pain blocked it, then countered with a kick.

"Bang!"

Itsuki also kicked.

The two began to fight using taijutsu.

One had the Sharingan, able to see through everything.

The other was a puppet, able to completely ignore ordinary injuries.

The two were evenly matched.

But soon enough, Itsuki noticed something was wrong.

With the Sharingan, he could see through Pain's attacks. He had been gradually gaining the upper hand but was slowly being pushed back.

Even though the opponent had the Rinnegan, he wasn't the true owner. The opponent knew a few big moves but lacked understanding of many small techniques.

Could it be...

Itsuki seized an opening during an exchange and quickly retreated, scanning the surroundings. He immediately noticed another figure.

Another Pain.

Asura Path!

The Rinnegan's vision is shared!

Itsuki's eyes flashed as he rapidly retreated, clapping his hands together.

"Katon: Gōryūka no Jutsu!" (Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu)

---

A huge and terrifying fire dragon charged toward Asura Path Pain.

Swish!

Another figure appeared, reaching out and surprisingly absorbing the fire dragon.

Immediately afterward, several figures emerged, standing in a line, staring coldly at Itsuki.

"Well, well!"

Itsuki shouted, "All six of the Pain Paths have shown up. Only the last one is missing."

"The last one?"

Tendo Pain's expression was stern.

"Of course!" Itsuki said with a sly smile, "There are six Pain Paths, so naturally, there should be seven people, right? Isn't that obvious?"

Obvious, my foot!

Tendo Pain had figured it out—when dealing with this Uchiha, it's better to fight than talk.

The six Pain Paths charged at Itsuki together.

"Bang!"

Human Path attacked first.

Itsuki caught the attack with his hand and countered with a punch.

At that moment, the Animal Path came from the side with a flying kick.

If Itsuki continued attacking, he could land a hit on Human Path, but he would also be struck by Animal Path.

Trade blows with a puppet?

What kind of madness is that?

Besides, with the Naraka Path around, even if he smashed them to pieces, they could still be restored.

Though Itsuki knew medical ninjutsu, he couldn't regenerate himself.

And even if he could, there was no need!

After all, they were just puppets.

So, Itsuki had no choice but to retreat.

Asura Path extended its arm toward Itsuki, opening it up like a machine, launching missiles in his direction.

"Water Style: Water Wall!"

Itsuki opened his mouth, releasing a water stream.

Centered on him, the water began spinning rapidly, forming a flawless defense.

"Boom, boom, boom!"

The missiles struck the water, resulting in massive explosions.

At the center of the blast, a figure shot out.

It was Uchiha Itsuki!

"Universal Pull!"

Tendo Pain, who had been keeping an eye on him, finally made his move.

A massive gravitational force dragged Itsuki's body toward Tendo Pain.

Itsuki threw out several shuriken, then clapped his hands together.

"Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu!"

The shuriken ignited, creating arcs of fire that attacked Tendo Pain from all directions.

Tendo Pain remained calm, only reacting when the shuriken were about to hit him.

"Almighty Push!"

"Boom!!!"

Not only were the shuriken deflected, but Itsuki, who had been pulled close, was also sent flying.

"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

While still mid-air, Itsuki created a clone. The original body stomped hard, while the clone assisted in pushing him, allowing him to finally break free from the Almighty Push and land safely.

Swoosh, swoosh!

Two figures appeared on either side of Itsuki simultaneously.

It was Preta Path and Animal Path.

"Boom!!!"

Itsuki dodged their attack and retreated again.

"Impressive!"

"Very impressive!"

Itsuki repeatedly praised them.

"Even though my Sharingan can see your attack patterns, it's still difficult to dodge them completely."

"The Six Paths of Pain, six pairs of eyes, all controlled by one person. Their attacks are coordinated, tightly connected. No wonder they say a single ninja could destroy a village."

Pain coldly watched Itsuki, unmoved by his words.

On the contrary!

He was preparing for another attack.

"Uchiha, if you surrender, you'll suffer less."

Pain's words were cold.

He had never considered Itsuki a real threat.

The opponent was certainly talented and powerful.

But compared to him, there was still a great gap.

Itsuki raised an eyebrow and smiled, saying, "I'll surrender if you give me Konan. How about that?"

"You're courting death!"

Pain's expression turned even colder.

Konan was practically his only remaining family, and anyone who tried to get close to her could only die.

Swoosh!

The Pain Paths charged at Itsuki again.

This time, they were even more ferocious.

This time, they intended to capture Uchiha Itsuki directly.

But Konan, ever perceptive, noticed that Itsuki had changed.

He was not the same as he had been moments ago.

It wasn't just his chakra that had shifted; even his aura seemed different.

It was as if he had become a different person.

Itsuki gazed at the figures rushing toward him, a faint smile on his lips. The three tomoe in his eyes began to change.

They connected, forming the shape of a windmill shuriken.

Then, a new tomoe appeared.

Mangekyo!

"Boom!!!"

With a deafening roar, a giant fist descended from the sky, smashing Asura Path Pain into the ground.

"What is this…"

Pain was shocked.

The remaining five Paths tilted their heads, staring in awe at the giant that had suddenly appeared.

The giant's body glowed crimson, with pale golden flames flickering across its surface.

Standing over 25 meters tall, it wore matching armor that covered its entire body.

In its hands, it held a massive crossbow.

Itsuki stood inside the giant, arms crossed, looking down on Pain from above.

"Mosquito, you thought you had me figured out?"

"Who gave you that confidence? Let me see them!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 57: "Konan, Hello! (1)"

"You... what is this thing?"

Pain stared wide-eyed at Susanoo, clearly shocked.

At this point in time, Pain had never seen Susanoo before.

In the original story, the Akatsuki members might have seen Susanoo during internal battles, especially if Itachi had used it. But now...

Itachi hadn't defected and wasn't a member of Akatsuki.

Obito had only one eye, and who knows if he had Shisui’s skill to awaken Susanoo with a single eye. Even if he could, the cost was immense—would Obito even be willing?

It's not like...

Pain: "Show me a demonstration, and you'll be richly rewarded."

Obito would likely remind Pain who was really in charge.

The subordinate should just obediently accept orders and not get any ideas about who was stronger!

Don't think Obito couldn't defeat Pain.

Both Obito and Pain had contingencies planted by Madara, ensuring they couldn’t easily lose to one another.

So this was, indeed, the first time the real Pain had seen Susanoo.

And it had to be said, from an outward appearance alone, Susanoo was incredibly cool.

The aura of intimidation wasn't lacking either.

At least, when choosing between a giant mecha and some mosquito-repellent eyes, most people would choose the mecha.

Based on appearance alone, the Rinnegan wasn't even as sinister as the three-tomoe Sharingan.

"Your eyes...?"

Pain quickly noticed Itsuki's Mangekyo Sharingan and furrowed his brow, wondering aloud, "Is this another function of the Sharingan?"

"More or less," Itsuki didn't bother hiding it.

If it were one of the great ninja villages seeing Itsuki’s eyes and the Susanoo, they would immediately deduce the truth.

Although Mangekyo Sharingan was rare, the Five Great Shinobi Villages had been around since the Warring States period and would definitely have records on such things.

After all!

The era of Uchiha Madara and Senju Hashirama had ended not long ago, and many of the old veterans were still alive.

Especially Ōnoki, whose memories of Susanoo were etched deeply into his mind.

Even in his old age, Ōnoki would think of that man, Uchiha Madara, when nearing death.

Amegakure, on the other hand, was still a relatively small and inexperienced village.

Obito might know the truth, but it’s not like he'd waste time educating Nagato about the various stages of the Sharingan.

"Nagato!"

Konan approached Nagato and whispered, "Let me help you. This Uchiha is very dangerous."

Even though she was just a paper clone, Konan's power was never dependent on her physical form.

She had detonating tags in the thousands—enough to level entire ninja villages.

Sure, Itsuki was powerful, but could he withstand ten thousand explosive tags?

If ten thousand wasn't enough, then a hundred thousand!

If a hundred thousand wasn't enough, then a billion!

And if that still wasn’t enough, how about ten billion?

Eventually, he would be defeated.

"No need," Pain's voice remained cold. "A mere Uchiha is nothing worth worrying about. You don't need to intervene."

He was only momentarily surprised by Itsuki’s appearance.

Fear, though? That was out of the question.

Who did he think he was?!

Could he even feel fear?

Konan frowned. "But—"

"In the presence of a god, there's no significant difference between a special Sharingan and an ordinary one," Pain declared, extending his hand toward Itsuki. "The only difference is how much longer you can last."

Itsuki chuckled, "That level of arrogance—I give it a 250 out of 10."

As the second round of combat was about to start, Konan hesitated slightly, flapping her wings as she ascended into the sky.

She had complete faith in Nagato's Rinnegan.

"Universal Pull!"

Pain activated his gravitational powers, aiming to drag Itsuki towards him.

"Oh, crap!"

---

A tree shouted loudly: "Warrior, you are truly brave! I'm so large, and yet you dare to absorb me. I’ll let you absorb me!"

He forcefully leaped, like a tiger pouncing, toward Pain.

"Shinra Tensei!"

Seeing the charging tree, Pain used his repulsive force again.

"I'll block it!"

The tree crossed Susanoo's arms in front of its chest, releasing even stronger power as it rushed towards Pain.

The repulsive force was powerful!

But Susanoo was not weak either.

Moreover, the tree's Susanoo had already reached the Tengu Crow stage.

This was the third stage of Susanoo.

The first stage: Skeleton.

The second stage: Growing flesh, equipped with clothing and weapons.

The third stage: Along with flesh, it evolves into the Tengu Crow armor, possessing fully developed weapons.

The fourth stage: Complete Form!

The complete form is a super entity that can only be achieved with the Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan, reaching a height of over 100 meters.

In other words, the Tengu Crow form is the strongest form for a normal Mangekyou.

In the original work, Itachi was considered an exceptional genius but still stopped at this stage. Only Sasuke and Madara evolved into the complete form.

Under the impact of the repulsive force, cracks appeared in the Tengu Crow's armor, and the cracks continued to spread.

"As expected of the Rinnegan, it can even break the Tengu Crow's armor," the tree murmured, "But as a man, I'm confident—I'm definitely more enduring than you."

"Crack, crack!"

Withstanding the immense impact, Susanoo burst out with even greater power.

It even grew legs and began charging forward!

It was getting closer to Pain.

"Summoning Jutsu!"

With a low shout, Animal Path Pain acted.

The Hellhound and Yata Crow were summoned, their massive bodies crashing into Susanoo.

Susanoo, already under immense pressure from the repulsive force, finally couldn’t hold on and was sent flying.

Asura Path's head suddenly opened a switch, and a laser cannon fired from its head, hitting Susanoo.

"Boom!"

In an instant, Susanoo was engulfed by the attack.

The last scene showed the shattered image of the Tengu Crow.

After successive blows, even the Tengu Crow couldn’t withstand it.

Tendo Pain withdrew his hand, his expression calm as he murmured, "I’ve already told you, in the presence of a god... Huh!"

His vision suddenly distorted.

Because a spear emerged from the ground, piercing through his body.

It was Susanoo!

"How... could this be?"

Tendo’s eyes were filled with shock.

"Nagato!"

Floating in mid-air, Konan gasped in horror and rushed downwards.

Itsuki slowly walked out from the dust, looked at Pain, and lazily said, "You dared to act all high and mighty, so I’ll turn you to ash!"

"Clap!"

He clapped his hands together, completing the hand seals.

"Katon: Gōka Mekkyaku!" (Fire Release: Majestic Destroyer Flame!)

Blazing flames surged towards Tendo Pain.

Whoosh!

Another Pain appeared, attempting to absorb the flames.

It was Preta Path!

He was going to absorb the tree’s ninjutsu attack again.

"You think too much!"

Itsuki figure blurred, and when it reappeared, it was right in front of Preta Path.

"Boom!"

The first-stage Susanoo appeared and smashed Preta Path with a single punch.

Immediately after, Itsuki turned its gaze towards Naraka Path.

This one had to be taken out.

He had just dealt with Asura Path, but his opponent had appeared again without a scratch—clearly the work of Naraka Path.

The Samsara of Heavenly Life Jutsu!

"I won’t give you the chance."

A sharp shout rang out.

Konan!

With a wave of her hand, countless explosive tags flew toward the tree.

Crack, crack!

Susanoo quickly regenerated flesh, shielding Itsuki from the explosions. At the same time, several magatamas appeared in its palm.

"Yasaka Magatama!"

With a fierce throw, the magatamas swiftly approached Naraka Path.

"Boom, boom, boom!"

A series of violent explosions, far stronger than before, erupted.

Yet Itsuki frowned deeply.

It missed!

Human Path had appeared, using its body to shield the magatamas.

Though he was destroyed, he successfully protected Naraka Path, who could revive them all.

"Hmph, not bad. But does this really matter?"

Itsuki sneered.

Tendo was pierced.

Preta Path was smashed.

Human Path was destroyed by the magatamas.

Only Asura Path, Naraka Path, and Animal Path remained in the fight.

Itsuki didn’t consider them a threat.

Moreover!

Itsuki turned its head and looked at Konan, softly saying, "Hello, Konan."

This single sentence made Konan's body freeze.

Because the same voice echoed in her ears.

In the ears of her true body!

Please give me some votes~~~~~~

(The chapter ends here)

---

Chapter 58: Hello, Konan! (2)**:

---

"Hello, Konan!"

A simple greeting, yet it overlapped.

One side appeared in the ears of Konan's paper clone, while the other side appeared in the ears of Konan's true body.

"You..."

Konan's paper clone looked shocked.

Something was wrong!

Her true body had been discovered!

She and Nagato were clearly hiding in the deepest part of Amegakure.

...

In a dark corner of Amegakure.

Konan and Nagato, in their true forms, were staring in shock at the figure that had suddenly appeared.

Uchiha Itsuki!

He had actually found their true bodies.

Nagato sat in his wheelchair, coldly glaring at Itsuki as he strolled toward them. He said icily, "Konan, don't worry. I'm here."

"Mm, Nagato, I believe in you!"

Itsuki nodded as he spoke, "You were just outside, beating up that clone of Itsuki so badly. I could barely watch. Oh my, what if you had killed him?"

Nagato: "..."

This jerk really knows how to irritate people.

"Uchiha, you even know this place!" Konan said coldly. "You know too much."

"Bang!"

Itsuki playfully tapped his temple with his finger.

Then he shrugged and said helplessly, "I do know too much, and it’s all your fault, Konan. Why do you have to be so beautiful? It made me keep my eyes on you, and before I knew it, I found out a lot."

Konan and Nagato completely ignored his nonsense.

The two quietly prepared for battle.

This time, even Nagato didn’t dare underestimate him in the slightest.

Itsuki chuckled softly, and when he looked up again, his eyes were already in the form of the Mangekyo Sharingan.

He gazed deeply at Konan.

"You probably guessed it, but the Itsuki you fought earlier was just a clone."

Itsuki looked at Nagato and sighed, "You're amazing. No wonder you have the Rinnegan. You were able to fight my clone for so long, nearly killing him. Nagato, I, Uchiha Itsuki, acknowledge you as the strongest... cripple."

Nagato’s face was so dark it seemed like ink could drip from it.

Konan suddenly said, "You came here on purpose, and now you've seen the real us. Can you reveal those secrets now?"

"Konan!" Nagato called out in a low voice.

But Konan’s beautiful eyes were locked onto Itsuki.

She needed to know those secrets.

One of them even concerned Nagato's life and death.

"Secrets? What secrets?" Itsuki asked in surprise. "Miss Konan, haven’t I already told you all the secrets I know?"

Konan coldly stared at Itsuki and said, "If you don't want to talk, then forget it. Just tell us your real purpose."

"Uchiha Itsuki, why have you come here?"

"I want to join the Akatsuki!"

Itsuki smiled as he looked at Nagato and Konan. "You guys in Akatsuki must still need members. What do you think of me? Handsome, strong, and completely devoted to Konan. I think I'm qualified to join you!"

"Impossible!" Nagato immediately refused.

"It's possible!" Konan gave a different answer.

"Konan!" Nagato turned and stared at Konan in disbelief.

He felt that something was off with Konan.

This guy is so dangerous, and yet you want to recruit him?

What are you planning to do? Worship him?

If this guy joins Akatsuki, the whole atmosphere of Akatsuki would change beyond recognition.

"Uchiha Itsuki, with your strength, you are qualified to join us!" Konan said in a cold voice without even glancing at Nagato. "However, if you want to join Akatsuki, you must show sincerity."

Itsuki burst into laughter and said, "I expected that. Here!"

---

In the midst of the conversation, Itsuki took out a piece of paper and handed it to Konan.

Konan accepted it with suspicion, then unfolded it.

On the paper, two large golden characters gleamed brightly: "Sincerity!"

Konan: "..."

Nagato, who had been secretly observing: "..."

Itsuki spoke with a serious tone, "This is my sincerity, with a golden edge."

He added, "It was hard to get. Otherwise, I would have made two pure gold tokens of sincerity, each five meters tall."

Konan stared at Itsuki with a deep gaze, saying nothing.

Itsuki gazed back at her with affection.

Konan was truly beautiful.

The two stood there, staring at each other as if no one else existed.

Nagato, standing nearby, felt his eye twitch.

He couldn't shake the feeling that something was off with Konan.

Finally, Konan relented. She lowered her head and coldly said, "Shameless Uchiha."

Itsuki pursed his lips but said nothing.

Watching a beautiful woman for free? He could do this for days without blinking, let alone just a moment.

"Sincerity has been given. Can I join the Akatsuki now?"

"No!" Konan replied coldly. "This sincerity is insufficient."

"How many do you need?"

"I need... Shut up! I don't want these things!" Konan thought for a moment, then coldly said, "I want the Five Great Shinobi Villages in chaos. Can you do that?"

"If I cause chaos, I can join?"

"Yes."

"Alright! I'll prove to you that when it comes to the chaos of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, Uchiha Itsuki has the final say."

Itsuki nodded. "But I also want to see your sincerity."

"What do you want?"

"Explosive tags!" Itsuki grinned, "Five million of them!"

Konan frowned, "That many?"

"Many?" Itsuki chuckled. "Miss Konan, as I said before, I know you very well. I really know you extremely well."

He extended his hand and gestured at Konan in various ways, making all sorts of hand signs. "I know you inside out, no matter where..."

"Enough!" Konan shouted angrily, glaring at Itsuki. She gritted her teeth and said, "Shut your mouth! I agree."

Nagato remained silent on the side.

I'm the leader! Konan, you're just a ninja assistant of sorts.

Why are you the one making decisions now?

Although... you making decisions is fine, but this Uchiha is really dangerous...

"Then I'll be off. Expect good news from me." Itsuki waved with a smile.

"Get lost!" Konan commanded coldly.

Itsuki pouted, "Aren't you going to see me off?"

Konan hesitated slightly but eventually took a few steps toward Itsuki.

"Konan!" Nagato couldn't hold it in anymore. He shouted coldly, "Are you going with him?"

Konan turned her head to look at Nagato and spoke in a low voice, "Trust me, I'm not as weak as you think."

She had some things she wanted to confirm with Itsuki.

"But I won’t allow it!" Nagato flatly refused.

"Stop talking nonsense." Itsuki snorted. Without hesitation, he sent a clone rushing toward Nagato.

"Bang, bang, bang!"

The two instantly clashed.

Itsuki's clone wasn't weak, either. It was holding its own against Nagato's real body.

"Let's go, Miss Konan!" Itsuki said with a smile.

Konan glanced at Nagato with concern. She coldly asked, "You won’t hurt him, will you?"

"Absolutely not!" Itsuki promised, "You’re Uchiha Konan, and he’s your family. How could I harm him?"

Oddly enough, despite Itsuki's usual unserious demeanor, Konan found herself strangely believing him.

She turned and followed Itsuki out.

Behind her, Nagato continued shouting.

"Konan!"

"Konan, you can’t leave!"

"Konan, if you go, I..."

None of them noticed that one of Itsuki's Mangekyo Sharingan dimmed slightly.

(End of chapter)

*Chapter 59: Nothing to Do with Beauty*

*Kotoamatsukami!*

The second use of Kotoamatsukami is complete.

At this point, one of Itsuki’s Mangekyō Sharingan abilities, Kotoamatsukami, has entered dormancy.

The next activation will take five to six years.

Unless he has the chakra of Hashirama Senju!

He used Kotoamatsukami twice:

Once on Pakura!

Once on Konan.

Itsuki had reasons for choosing these two women.

It wasn't because they were both beauties.

Itsuki isn't the type to only think about his younger brother's interests; he swears on the entire third generation's family that he's telling the truth.

If he's lying, may his entire family perish.

And may even their ashes be scattered.

Choosing Konan is obvious.

Six billion explosive tags—having something like that in hand would greatly aid Itsuki's plans.

Even if Konan doesn't have six billion now, she should at least have three billion.

As for Pakura...

She already possesses Kage-level strength, which is a significant help to Itsuki.

Itsuki also considered directly using Kotoamatsukami on Danzo and the Third Hokage.

If he could turn those two into his followers, he could fully implement his plan to transform the Hidden Leaf Village into the Uchiha Village.

Unfortunately!

It's just wishful thinking.

His good brother, Shisui, had already informed the four great guardian beasts of Konoha about his Mangekyō Sharingan ability, Kotoamatsukami.

This was an oversight on Itsuki's part, forgetting about this detail.

It's not his fault; his brother was just too exceptional.

Most people are helped by their older brothers.

Shisui was great, lying on the ground, hugging Itsuki's leg, dragging him back, even using his teeth if necessary.

Damn it.

The others already know, so how could they not be on guard?

Kotoamatsukami is powerful, but it's not invincible.

Itsuki is certain that if he shows his Mangekyō Sharingan to the Third Hokage and Danzo, those two will go insane and attack him without giving him a chance to use Kotoamatsukami.

Furthermore, Kotoamatsukami is the strongest genjutsu, but it's still genjutsu. Who can guarantee it won’t be broken?

In the original story, Mifune, that bald guy, somehow broke free, though it's unclear how.

Besides them, Itsuki also considered someone else for a long time.

Might Guy!

The strength of Guy, the "Might King," needs no introduction—he almost kicked the series to a conclusion with one blow.

But!

At this moment, Guy has only opened the Seventh Gate of the Eight Gates Formation.

The Eighth Gate will take a few more years!

Itsuki calculated that by the time Guy breaks through the Eighth Gate, his Mangekyō Sharingan might have recovered and be usable again.

Since that's the case, he decided to go after Pakura, this unstable Kage-level ninja, first.

Such a strong Kage-level ninja can't be kept imprisoned forever.

Besides!

His plan is already in motion, and he needs Kage-level experts to stabilize it.

Apart from the people mentioned above, Itsuki also considered Jiraiya.

As for this "Pervy Sage," Itsuki is speechless.

For most ninjas, their strength declines with age, but this old guy just keeps getting stronger.

Moreover, there's his teacher Orochimaru, with his body-swapping technique!

*Tsunade: Forcefully Keeping Herself Young*

The Legendary Sannin are incredible!

When the Mangekyō Sharingan’s Kotoamatsukami is ready to use again, I’ll definitely consider you all.

Definitely.

While Itsuki was lost in his thoughts, Konan led him to a high platform in Amegakure.

The two stood side by side, overlooking the village.

Though this wasn’t the tallest building in Amegakure, they could clearly see a corner of the village.

It was worn down.

Decaying.

"It’s just like me—after all these years, nothing has changed," Konan sighed.

For some reason, she felt very relaxed around Itsuki.

Despite him being an extremely dangerous ninja, she couldn't shake this feeling!

“No, you have changed! You've changed a lot!”

“I can’t believe that in just ten years…”

Itsuki stared at Konan, his expression serious.

Konan was taken aback and followed his gaze before cursing, “You really are a jerk! You pervert!”

Itsuki sighed, “You can blame Jiraiya for that. I got it from him. I used to be so pure, kind, and handsome... even though my high school grades weren’t ideal!”

What nonsense?

Konan didn't bother with his craziness.

She merely sneered and asked tentatively, “It’s just the two of us here. Can you tell me those secrets?”

“No,” Itsuki answered decisively.

“You…”

Konan was furious. “What will it take for you to tell me?”

Itsuki shrugged, “There are no secrets, Konan. Don’t overthink it.”

Konan looked at him and suddenly understood. She casually tossed him a scroll and said, “Here are ten million explosive tags. If your secret is worthwhile, there will be more rewards.”

Ten million!

The richest woman in the ninja world, confirmed!

Itsuki’s face instantly lit up with a smile. “What kind of secret is Konan interested in? I’ve got plenty to share.”

Konan immediately said, “The secret about that masked man.”

“Who?!” Itsuki raised his voice, hesitating. “That’s an Uchiha, Konan. You’re asking me to betray my own clan.”

Konan sneered, “Someone like you would actually care about that?”

“Konan, you’ve misunderstood.” Itsuki sighed, “That’s an Uchiha, my dearest friend, brother in arms… Ugh!”

Two more scrolls were thrown at him.

Konan said calmly, “I’m offering more money.”

Itsuki stared blankly at Konan.

That’s a quick response!

You’re not being fair!

You’re stealing my title as the 'Raise the Price Master!'

I’ve been holding back, just waiting for the final line, and you snatched it!

I can’t stand this!

I absolutely can’t stand this!

Itsuki’s eyes turned green with envy.

Konan added calmly, “That’s two sets of ten million.”

Two... ten million...

A total of thirty million explosive tags!

Itsuki’s breathing grew heavy.

That’s three mountains of money, pressing down hard on him.

“...You win!”

Itsuki surrendered, “What secret about the masked man do you want to know?”

Konan slowly asked, “He says he’s Madara Uchiha.”

Itsuki rolled his eyes, “He says he’s Madara Uchiha, so he is? I could say I’m Madara Uchiha’s father; why don’t you have him come here and bow to me?”

Konan was momentarily speechless. “So, you’re saying he isn’t?”

Itsuki thought for a moment and said, “Konan, even if I tell you how to solve the problem, it won’t mean much.”

He spoke softly, “Even if I tell you the solution, you won’t do it.”

“Tell me anyway!”

“Destroy the Rinnegan!”

Itsuki’s words made Konan’s pupils contract sharply.

“Impossible!”

She almost blurted it out.

“You see!” Itsuki shrugged, “I’m telling you the solution, and you don’t listen. What can I do?”

If it were the old Konan, she would have doubted Itsuki and believed he had ulterior motives.

However...

The current Konan, having been influenced by Kotoamatsukami, trusted Itsuki completely.

“Why destroy the Rinnegan?” Konan asked, puzzled. “It’s the eyes of the Sage of Six Paths, our greatest trump card.”

“You said it yourself.” Itsuki smiled, “Since they’re the Sage’s eyes, why are they in a ‘human’s’ eye sockets?”

“Don’t you think that’s a problem in itself?”

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 60: Itsuki's Mangekyō Sharingan Ability: Space-Time Clone*

*Amegakure.*

On a remote, desolate platform.

Konan's expression fluctuated, torn between emotions.

Itsuki's words had shaken her deeply.

His implication...

The Sage of Six Paths' eyes didn't originally belong to Nagato?

If that's true, then they've been manipulated from the very beginning.

Their entire lives!

Including Yahiko's death!

And more!

According to Itsuki, what does everything they've done up until now even mean?

"What exactly do you know?"

Konan stared at Itsuki, her beautiful eyes filled with killing intent.

This bastard had completely dismissed everything they had accomplished so far.

Even Yahiko's death was made to seem meaningless.

Itsuki shrugged, helplessly saying, "I know everything, but as I said, even if I tell you, you won't listen. So why bother?"

"You..."

"Will you listen? Konan, look into my sincere eyes and answer me seriously."

*Listen to you? What a joke!*

Konan couldn't help but curse inwardly.

If someone came up to you, Uchiha Itsuki, and told you that you're wrong, that you should gouge out your eyes, would you agree?

If you didn't hit them with a Water Release jutsu right in the face, you'd have some serious self-control.

"See, you don't believe me. So why should I keep talking?"

Itsuki shrugged again. "Poor Nagato, spent his entire life as someone else's puppet."

Konan's breathing grew slightly heavy.

She wanted to yell at Itsuki, to accuse him of spouting nonsense.

But deep down, there was a voice telling her to trust him.

Uchiha Itsuki was someone worth trusting.

"Then what's the point of telling me all this?"

"How could there be no point?"

Itsuki grinned slyly, "I've successfully shaken your resolve, and now you definitely have a deep impression of me. From now on, you'll think of me often."

"I've already taken a crucial step toward winning you over."

Itsuki clenched his fists, his eyes gleaming.

"Go, Itsuki! You can do this!"

Konan: "..."

This damn scoundrel!

"Here, take this!"

Konan handed a ring to Itsuki.

"Oh!"

Itsuki's eyes lit up with excitement. "Is this...?"

"Yes, this is..."

"A wedding ring!"

Itsuki declared, "This must be a wedding ring. Konan, if you've even prepared this, could it be that you've had your eye on me all along?"

Konan gave him a sidelong glance.

*Thick-skinned indeed!*

---

"Moreover, you dare to say anything."

"So? Isn’t it true!?"

Konan almost laughed out of anger: "Where did you get the idea that I would marry you?"

Itsuki suspiciously said, "For Nagato's life! If you marry me, I’ll have a reason to help Nagato; otherwise, I can only join forces with his enemies and take him down."

Konan's face suddenly stiffened.

Itsuki looked at Konan with a smile and said, "Konan, am I right? You wouldn’t want anything to happen to Nagato, would you?"

Konan, with a dark expression, replied, "Yes, you’re right."

Itsuki contentedly placed the 'Vermilion' ring on his finger.

In the original story, after Itachi accomplished the feat of annihilating his clan, he joined Akatsuki and became 'Vermilion.'

Now, he has become the owner of this ring.

Konan slowly said, "From now on, you’re a member of Akatsuki. This ring allows us to communicate with each other, and even... later on, please help Nagato as much as you can."

"Of course!"

Itsuki patted his chest with a loud thud and said, "He is your family, Uchiha Konan. I certainly won't stand by and watch him get killed."

Such an Uchiha Konan...

Konan exhaled heavily, not denying it.

She thought for a moment and frowned, "By the way, will you betray Konoha?"

"Not now, but who knows in the future."

Itsuki said frankly; his plan was in motion, so he naturally wouldn’t betray Konoha now.

As for the future, who knows what might happen?

What if...?

If the Third Hokage makes the mistake of appointing a Uchiha as Hokage, his plan would immediately fall apart.

Though the chances of that happening are almost zero.

Konan didn’t pay much attention to this and said, "All of Akatsuki's members are rogue ninjas. This isn’t a strict requirement, but since you’re in Konoha, many things might be hard for you to handle."

Although the ring has many functions, there are still things that require the person themselves.

"You don’t need to worry about that!"

Itsuki smiled and turned his gaze to the side.

There, a figure was dragging a pile of things and walking towards them.

Konan stared intently, and her expression suddenly became shocked.

That was also a Itsuki, and what he was dragging was Pain.

"You, this..."

Konan was dumbfounded, her small mouth wide open.

All six Pains were defeated.

They were scattered and bound together roughly with a rope by Itsuki, being dragged across the ground.

"This... isn’t this your shadow clone? How could it be so strong?"

Konan could hardly believe it.

This is Pain!

The Six Paths of Pain!

The owner of the Rinnegan, a living god.

A single clone of Itsuki managed to defeat all of them?

Konan looked at the approaching Itsuki.

The Uchiha clan is full of handsome men and beautiful women, and Itsuki was no exception.

At this moment, his handsome face showed a gentle smile, but there was an indescribable allure.

His whole body exuded a dangerous aura.

"I'll tell you a secret!"

Itsuki looked at Konan with a smile and said, "Every Mangekyō Sharingan has its unique ability, and this is mine."

"The unique ability of the Mangekyō Sharingan?"

"Yes!"

Since Konan was already under Kotoamatsukami, Itsuki completely trusted her, so he didn’t mind telling her a few things.

Of course, he also needed someone to know.

Itsuki's eyes glanced inconspicuously at a dark corner.

The best way to hide an ability is to cover it with a mask.

"Time-space clone, that’s my Mangekyō Sharingan ability."

Itsuki's eyes once again revealed that strange Mangekyō Sharingan.

To put it simply, Itsuki could summon a special clone through a summoning technique.

This clone was Itsuki from a certain point in the past.

The Itsuki who had just fought the Six Paths of Pain was Itsuki from a day ago.

Konan's expression was serious as she said, "Doesn’t that mean... there are two Itsukis?"

"Yes!"

Itsuki smiled and said, "So, what do you think? Isn’t my ability powerful?"

"Why are you telling me this?"

Konan looked puzzled.

"To give you some confidence!"

Itsuki spread his hands and said, "Only when a man is strong can a woman rely on him."

"And, I want to tell you that I have the ability to save Nagato."

Konan slightly nodded, her gaze towards Itsuki softening a bit: "Then I’ll leave it to you."

"We’re family! No need to be so polite!"

Itsuki looked at Konan with a smile and said, "Aren't you going to treat me to a meal?"

"Let’s go!"

Konan didn’t mind and took Itsuki away from there.

As they left, Itsuki's gaze once again turned to a certain spot, with a strange smile on his lips.

As soon as they left, the space in the corner twisted.

A mysterious man wearing an orange ripple-patterned mask appeared there.

He stared coldly at Itsuki’s back.

"Uchiha... Itsuki!"

(End of Chapter)

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