No matter what, Madara Uchiha had more or less figured out Rinjin's plan.
On the surface, the plan seemed simple yet direct: to become the Jinchūriki of the Ten-Tails. Both the purpose and reasoning were clear.
However, the deeper plan was to obtain his Rinnegan. As for the ultimate goal, that remained unclear.
But Madara, relying on his intuition, felt that this kid was more interested in his eyes.
After all, the Rinnegan was the pinnacle of supreme power!
Thinking this, Madara Uchiha stood up. Now that he had unraveled Rinjin's intentions, the next step was clear:
Capture the boy.
Interrogate him about how he learned of the "Eye of the Moon Plan" and how he knew about Nagato's role in the plan.
For now, the priority was to lure the boy out.
Two days passed in the blink of an eye.
Rinjin emerged from the ocean's surface once again, stepping onto the iron sand beneath his feet as he ascended above the clouds.
Taking the necklace and shirt handed to him by his shadow clone, Rinjin paused momentarily before glancing toward the eastern continent. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
"Rinjin, what are you smiling about?"
A curious voice echoed in his mind—it was Neko.
Instead of answering her question, Rinjin countered with one of his own:
"Neko, what do you think makes the best hunter?"
"Someone like me! Meow~"
Neko rolled around gleefully, shouting in delight.
Hearing this, Rinjin instinctively rolled his eyes.
Someone like you?
The one I beat to a pulp?
Or the one who sat under the Raikage's office cursing until you nearly gave the Third Raikage a heart attack?
"Be serious!"
"I'm serious! Someone like me~"
"Don't make me hit you!"
"Meow! Neko will never bow down!"
Watching Neko's nonsensical antics, Rinjin scratched his head in exasperation, giving up on discussing the matter with her.
This creature had been completely spoiled!
Think about how she used to be—short-tempered and fierce!
Now?
A total fool! Not a single serious word from her all day!
Muttering to himself, Rinjin decided to ignore the silly cat. He turned toward the direction of Kirigakure and formed a one-handed seal.
In a pitch-black, windowless room within Amegakure, Kagami Uchiha suddenly felt the movement of the Slug Sage in his arms.
A crisp voice followed shortly after.
"It's starting."
Hearing this, Kagami's frustration from being confined in darkness dissipated instantly. He stood up and quickly left the oppressive room.
Outside, Rinjin's clone leaned leisurely against the wall. Seeing Kagami emerge, the clone extended its right hand toward him.
Flying Thunder God Technique!
In an instant, the world spun.
When Kagami regained his senses, he found himself atop an iron-sand cloud, seated beside none other than Rinjin's original body.
"Has it begun?"
"It has."
"Do you need my help?"
"Heh~ Our side's combat power is already strong enough. Adding more fuel might just scare them off."
Hearing this, Kagami chuckled helplessly and quickly formed seals with his hands.
Genjutsu: Release!
"Wait, are you sure you don't nee—"
Before Kagami could finish, Rinjin's clone had already placed a hand on his shoulder, using the Flying Thunder God Technique to whisk him away.
Below, in Kirigakure.
The Third Mizukage, busy reviewing documents, suddenly froze. Beneath his right eyelid, a massive amount of chakra surged toward his Sharingan. The three tomoe of the Sharingan spun uncontrollably.
The next second, the Third Mizukage's brow furrowed deeply, and a sharp glint flashed from his narrowed eyes.
Although the genjutsu placed by Madara Uchiha had not been broken, the Mizukage's desire for power and the Rinnegan had swelled to its peak.
At this moment, his mind was consumed with the idea of rallying the entire village to capture Madara Uchiha and seize those eyes.
With those eyes, he could control the Three-Tails, launch a surprise attack on Konoha, capture the Nine-Tails, and harness the power of two Tailed Beasts to conquer the other villages.
By then, as the number of Tailed Beasts under his control grew, so would his power. He would rule the entire ninja world!
Yes, with those eyes, everything he did would become a saga sung by future generations!
With those eyes, his achievements would far surpass the previous two Mizukage, making him the greatest Mizukage of all time.
At this moment, the Third Mizukage's desire overwhelmed everything else.
Even the strongest genjutsu had its limits, but human desire knew no bounds!
Jutsu were merely tools; only desire could drive a person forward.
Understanding this, Rinjin had spared no effort in fueling the Mizukage's ambition.
Cells of Hashirama Senju, the Byakugan, the Sharingan, the Shikotsumyaku—
All these were given to the Third Mizukage to show him: Mizukage-sama, push forward without hesitation. Whatever you desire, we can provide!
Now, with Kagami's assistance, this greed had finally erupted.
Meanwhile, in the adjacent room of the Mizukage's office, Madara Uchiha suddenly furrowed his brows.
The jutsu he had placed on the Third Mizukage had been bypassed in some strange way!
A combination of external interference and the Mizukage's own resistance.
"Hmph! I haven't even made my move, and you're already restless?
Very well, I'll deal with you now and prevent any further disruptions to my plan!"
With that, Madara raised his right hand toward the adjacent room. His slightly withered palm unleashed a powerful repulsive force.
Shinra Tensei!
Boom!
A deafening explosion echoed.
The Mizukage's office, rebuilt less than four years ago, collapsed once again.
The Third Mizukage was flung backward, flying out of the smoke-filled ruins. His white eyes bulged with veins, and his hands moved rapidly to form seals.
The next second, an enraged and slightly fearful roar erupted:
Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!
From within the smoke, a calm and cold voice responded.
Fire Release: Majestic Destroyer Flame!
In an instant, roaring flames burst forth from the dust, covering half the sky.
The water dragon roared, only to evaporate into steam in an instant.
Above the iron-sand cloud, Rinjin opened his eyes slowly upon hearing the commotion, his expression calm and emotionless.
Then, a black circle-mask covered his eyes, and his hair turned green from the roots, fluttering wildly in the wind.
"The time has come. If I don't act now, he'll likely go after Rii next.
Heh~
Take a guess!
Take a guess at what I truly want!"
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
Welcome to visit my Patreon, read the early chapters, and enjoy your reading!
patreon.com/DarkGolds