SWNOVELXO Chapter 184: Chapter 184
If I hadn't known about Black Zetsu's existence beforehand, I might have doubted those around me and followed its scheme to gather all nine tailed beasts.
Originally, after I destroyed Uchiha Madara's Rinnegan, Black Zetsu's plan should have been completely derailed.
But I didn't expect it to turn things around with a single move!
The only problem is, Black Zetsu is still one step short. The amount of information I have far exceeds its expectations, making it impossible for it to manipulate me.
As I smirked, Mikoto and the others cast curious glances in my direction.
"Shin-kun, are you really going to do this?"
They would never oppose my decisions—only assist me.
I hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Even though I know this is all part of the mastermind's grand scheme... I still considered doing it before."
"In short, they're not wrong when they call you a devil who wants to rule the world."
"Tch, that's a given." I rolled my eyes at Tsunade.
Tsunade shook her head, sighing dramatically. "They think you're evil, but they don't realize how much worse you actually are."
"And what about it? Can't I be proud?"
I reached out and pinched Tsunade's side playfully, making her yelp. But under the effect of my enhanced physical abilities, even a light touch was enough to bring her down. She collapsed immediately, eyes glazed, mouth slightly open with a bit of drool at the corner.
Seeing Tsunade in that state, the others burst into laughter, jeering at her.
"Ahem, anyway, let's settle this—I'll be integrating the political institutions, and I will oversee the governance here."
Terumi Mei suddenly interrupted, snatching the official seal from Tsunade's desk and stamping the document before the blonde could react.
Tsunade snapped out of it, casting me a seductive glance before lunging at Mei, trying to reclaim the document. The two women grappled for dominance, their battle escalating into a chaotic mess.
I let them be. They could fight all they wanted—I had other matters to attend to. My next steps were to check on the Ninja Academy, then meet with Kanako and the others, before returning to deal with Tsunade and Mei.
"Just keep them well-fed, and there shouldn't be any issues."
Oh, right. I also needed to summon the Three Great Snake Princesses from Ryūchi Cave. That would significantly increase the combat power of Tsunade and her subordinates.
And while I was at it, I had plans to modify their physiques further. With the Sage Curse Seal and deeper genetic refinement, I could enhance their bloodlines, nudging them toward the power of the Ōtsutsuki.
The thought of them all developing white hair amused me.
But having everyone turn white-haired wouldn't be aesthetically pleasing. I planned to let them retain their original hair colors—otherwise, things would get confusing.
Meanwhile, in the Land of Grass, just a few dozen kilometers from the Fire Nation's border, Black Zetsu materialized among the mercenaries of the Akatsuki organization.
After Nagato's death, Yahiko had fallen deep into hatred. Under Black Zetsu's influence, the Akatsuki had transformed from an idealistic group into a ruthless mercenary organization, recruiting rogue ninja from every corner.
Jiraiya, who had been traveling the world, now stood before Yahiko.
The once-hopeful young man was gone—replaced by a cold, calculating warlord who had reached Kage-level strength.
Jiraiya sighed. "Yahiko... you've changed. Nagato's death—"
Before he could finish, Yahiko cut him off. "Sensei, I just have one question—will you join us to stop the Fire Nation's invasion?"
Jiraiya fell silent. He pondered Yahiko's words before sighing again. "I don't know if the Fire Nation's actions are right or wrong... but I am a ninja of Konoha. That will never change."
Over the years, Jiraiya had seen much, learned much, and thought deeply. His loyalty to the village ranked above all else.
No matter how questionable my methods were, the truth remained—I had made Konoha stronger, transforming it into the dominant power of the Fire Nation.
Jiraiya didn't wish to fight for me, but neither did he want to stand against me.
"Yahiko, you don't understand Uchiha Shin's power at all. Neither do I. But I do know one thing—Gama Sennin himself told me that we don't stand a chance against him. Even Nagato—"
"Enough!" Yahiko snapped. "I understand, Sensei. Now leave!"
Their gazes met—one filled with sorrow, the other with steely resolve.
They parted ways.
Black Zetsu, wearing a mask, watched the scene unfold with amusement. "It seems our leader is quite determined."
Yahiko shot him a glare. "Enough talk. Let's go. We need to capture the tailed beasts. We will create the Ten-Tails before Uchiha Shin does."
"Yes, yes, whatever you say, leader~"
A sinister grin formed beneath Black Zetsu's mask. Yahiko was oblivious to the true plan at play.
As Yahiko walked away, Black Zetsu followed, its thoughts filled with malice.
"You're just a pawn. Uchiha Shin might be avoiding collecting the tailed beasts, but I'll ensure the Akatsuki does it in his place.
And once all nine are gathered, we'll force him to use the Rinnegan to summon the Gedō Mazō. Once he becomes the Ten-Tails Jinchūriki... I'll finally have the chance to resurrect my mother, Kaguya Ōtsutsuki."
Everything was falling into place.
Back in Konoha, I was still in the process of refining Tsunade and the others' physiques.
Due to my careful selection, the Ōtsutsuki genetic modifications hadn't drastically altered their appearances.
But their power had surged exponentially.
Mikoto, in particular, had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan.
Her left eye's ability, [Veil of Devotion], allowed her to mark a person of the opposite sex, linking their life force. She could transfer chakra, power, and even her own vitality to them.
However, it came with a drawback—she could also transfer their pain and injuries onto herself.
Her right eye, [Heaven's Judgment], unleashed thunderbolts of destruction. It functioned similarly to Amaterasu but was faster and could be channeled through weapons.
After unlocking these abilities, the first thing Mikoto did was mark me.
"I know this ability might not be useful to you, Shin-kun... but as long as I can feel your presence, my heart will be at peace."
Hearing her sincerity, I simply stroked her hair.
Her ability was purely self-sacrificial—she could only give, never take.
Even so, when she transferred injuries, the damage was significantly reduced.
Out of curiosity, I made a four-centimeter cut on my arm. The wound that transferred to Mikoto was only two centimeters deep—about a 50% reduction.
If I enhanced this effect with the Sage Curse Seal, it might be possible to use this ability strategically in battle.
Perhaps, in a critical moment, Mikoto's power could be the key to turning the tide of war.
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