[Detected: The host's Sharingan has reached a bottleneck. Initiating breakthrough.]
"Breakthrough!"
[The Sharingan has successfully surpassed its limits. Congratulations, host, for obtaining the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan!]
As soon as the system's voice faded, Kaito felt a surge of power within his eyes. Having absorbed the ocular energy from two pairs of Sharingan, his eyes had already reached their limit—but now, that power increased exponentially in an instant!
However, since his Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan wasn't obtained through transplantation, its pattern remained unchanged.
As his eyes stabilized, the chakra within his body surged dramatically, rapidly climbing to the late Kage-level!
Feeling the newfound power coursing through him, Kaito clenched his fists, exhilarated.
But he didn't immediately test his abilities—there were still two important sources of power to integrate. Without hesitation, he performed a series of hand seals, opening two scrolls simultaneously.
From within them, two radiant chakra masses emerged—one golden, the other shimmering—a mix of Ashura's chakra and the Nine-Tails' chakra!
Gazing at the powerful energy before him, Kaito asked the system, "Can I absorb these two chakras directly?"
The system promptly responded:
[Ashura's chakra contains Six Paths-level energy. Absorbing it immediately would result in excessive energy loss.]
[The system can seal it within the host's body, allowing it to integrate naturally over six years. After this period, the host will be able to fully harness its power.]
[As for the Nine-Tails' chakra, it is unrestricted. Given the host's Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, the chakra can be absorbed immediately to enhance chakra quality.]
[However, it is recommended that the host seals it as well, allowing for a gradual fusion. This way, when the chakras of the remaining eight Tailed Beasts are absorbed, the host will attain the Ten-Tails' Chakra (Six Paths).]
The system's thorough explanation made Kaito pause. After weighing the pros and cons, he made his decision.
"Then seal both chakra sources for gradual absorption. My current strength, combined with the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, is more than enough for now."
As soon as he spoke, the two chakra masses merged into his body, flowing through his arms like streams of molten energy.
A warmth spread through him, his chakra swelling once more. But soon, the warmth became an intricate sensation—delicate yet overwhelming.
When the process concluded, Kaito slowly stood up, a formidable aura radiating from him. The sheer surge of power momentarily destabilized his energy, but his Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan quickly adapted, allowing him to regain control.
When all was calm again, Kaito commanded, "System, display my status."
[Opening Status Panel...]
Host: Uchiha Kaito
Bloodline: Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan (Abilities: Mirror Space, Divine Appearance, Kotoamatsukami, Future Sight...), Primary Sage Human Body (Derived from Ashura's Chakra, naturally evolving)
Ninjutsu: Sage Mode, Wind Style: Rasenshuriken (S), Great Windmill Shuriken (S), Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu (A), Uchiha Sword Style (S)...
Chakra: Shadow-Level Peak (Base), Late Shinobi-Level (Sage Chakra), Ashura's Chakra (Six Paths, Sealed), Nine-Tails' Chakra (Early Kage-Level, Sealed)
Combat Strength Evaluation: Super Kage-Level
Seeing his evaluation, a sharp glint flashed in Kaito's eyes.
"Super Kage-Level... In the current ninja world, only a combined effort from the Five Kage or someone like Nagato could challenge me!"
He was more than satisfied with his strength. His hard work had not been in vain.
"Next, I need to regroup with Tekka and the others... and establish a stronghold."
With that thought, Kaito exited the cave. Before leaving, he formed a Rasenshuriken in his palm and hurled it, obliterating all traces of his presence.
He knew that Black Zetsu was still lurking somewhere in the shadows of the ninja world. Whether or not Zetsu had detected his movements remained unclear. Regardless, he had to proceed with caution.
Once the remnants of his presence were erased, Kaito vanished in an instant, heading towards his fellow Uchiha.
Meanwhile, in Konoha, chaos continued to stir…
"Tap… tap… tap…"
Footsteps echoed in the dimly lit corridor as Itachi moved steadily forward. His destination: Danzo's chamber.
The remaining Uchiha who had chosen to stay in Konoha had already been placed under strict watch. At Danzo's command, they were forbidden from moving freely within the village.
In the darkness, the last remnants of Root observed them closely, ensuring obedience.
Itachi, however, had come for one reason alone—his younger brother, Sasuke.
At last, he arrived before the wooden door. Without hesitation, he reached forward and pushed it open.
"Creak."
Inside, Danzo stood with his back to him. The dim candlelight cast long shadows, making it impossible to discern how many Root operatives were lurking in the corners.
Not that it mattered.
Narrowing his eyes, Itachi asked coldly, "Danzo… Where is my brother?"