It seems Nagato really benefited from losing to me last time!
Is this what they call tactical failure but strategic success?
Looking at Nagato's Rinnegan with tomoe, Shishou's thoughts raced, quickly understanding the reason behind it.
It appears that because Nagato lost to me at Death Valley, it made Obito Uchiha, that untrustworthy fellow, see no hope in the Akatsuki organization defeating me and collecting the Tailed Beasts to revive the Ten-Tails in the short term.
Scared by me and unwilling to face me directly, Obito decided to reveal Hashirama's cells and helped Nagato with the transplantation, hoping Nagato could at least fight me to a draw, allowing him to benefit from the aftermath.
Since Nagato already possessed the Rinnegan left by Uchiha Madara, combining it with Hashirama's cells, also from a Six Paths progeny, allowed him to meet all the conditions to step into the Six Paths level.
Additionally, Nagato's Uzumaki clan lineage, which is also derived from the Sage of Six Paths...
Perhaps soon, I should start calling Nagato 'Six Paths Nagato'.
That untrustworthy Obito really did a great job!
Shishou thought helplessly.
The next time he faced Nagato, it would likely be against someone with Six Paths level strength.
Considering this, Shishou looked at Nagato and said, "In that case, let's extend it to four years."
"Consider it another loss for you."
Four years later would be in the 64th year of Konoha, a year after Hinata, Ino, and their peers graduate from the ninja academy.
By then, I should have awakened the Rinnegan. Even if I haven't, I should have found a way to the moon and obtained the Tenseigan.
At that time, even if Nagato reaches the Six Paths level, I will still be able to overpower him!
Moreover, I have the Six Paths level Katsuyu as my helper, so there's no way I can lose.
Hearing Shishou's proposal, Nagato frowned, sensing a trap.
However, since he had initiated the suggestion, it was reasonable for Shishou to add conditions.
"Agreed," Nagato nodded after some thought.
Once he fully mastered the Rinnegan, Nagato was confident he could defeat Shishou in four years.
Without Shishou as an obstacle, collecting the Tailed Beasts would be much easier.
"Of course," Shishou smiled and nodded.
Just as he was about to leave, Shishou considered asking Nagato for the chakra of the Four-Tails and Five-Tails.
But then he shook his head, dismissing the idea.
Nagato would never give him any opportunity to grow stronger, so he wouldn't lend the chakra of the Four-Tails and Five-Tails.
"Konan, you really got me into trouble."
"Just wait and see how I deal with you."
Thinking of the cold and serene Konan, Shishou mumbled and left the Hidden Rain Village to find other sources of chakra.
He originally came to the Hidden Rain Village to scavenge, but this unexpected turn of events occurred.
But it's for the better.
Knowing about Nagato's changes in advance, he could prepare early.
Shortly after Shishou left, Sasori, who was replacing Konan as an assistant, arrived at Nagato's side.
"Nagato, the modifications you requested are complete."
...
Half an hour later.
After quietly devouring several giant snakes from Ryūchi Cave's hidden realm, Shishou finally restored his chakra and returned to Fire Source Castle.
Although he had half of the Nine-Tails, its chakra had been completely consumed a month or two ago, and it hadn't recovered yet.
After some thought, he decided to target the snakes in Ryūchi Cave.
"Shishou-sama!"
In Mikoto's small courtyard, upon seeing Shishou, Hyuga Rimei stood up first to greet him and eagerly offered her seat.
"Rimei is here too," Shishou smiled, sitting in Rimei's chair under the gazes of Mikoto and Kushina. "You and Hyuga Natsu prepare; we will go explore an alternate dimension soon."
"Yes, Shishou-sama," Hyuga Rimei joyfully left the courtyard.
As long as Shishou needed her, it meant she still had a chance!
Mikoto and Kushina exchanged glances, feeling incredibly fortunate compared to Hyuga Rimei.
Having changed into new clothes, Kushina flapped her wings and flew into Shishou's arms, wrapping her arms around his neck and giving him a kiss. "Shishou, have you recovered?"
"Take your time; it's okay."
Kushina knew very well that the larger one's chakra reserves, the harder it was to recover.
"Almost," Shishou smiled. "Let's continue."
Looking at Kushina, who was now over a meter tall, Shishou smiled.
After this evolution, she should be nearly mature. He needed to put in the effort.
This time, he hadn't anticipated how much chakra Kushina would consume, so he was unprepared.
Next time, he would have the necessary supplements ready to avoid today's situation.
"Okay," Kushina nodded and obediently sat on Shishou's lap.
Shishou's Mangekyou Sharingan appeared and began to spin rapidly.
In the next moment, Kushina's body grew taller again while Shishou's chakra continued to deplete.
When Kushina reached about 1.2 meters, Shishou stopped.
"Ha~~" Kushina yawned and said to Mikoto, "Mikoto, I'll take a nap first."
"Please look after Naruto for me."
After reminding Mikoto, Kushina hugged Shishou's neck and fell into a deep sleep.
[Ding! Spirit Worm Kushina has entered an evolution state. Please place her in the worm nurturing space or keep her within ten meters. Evolution time: 45 days.]
[Do not disturb during the evolution period. Cannot summon.]
"How long this time?" Mikoto asked, holding the sleeping Kushina.
She knew Kushina always slept for a while after growing taller.
"Forty-five days," Shishou replied.
He then took Kushina from Mikoto's arms and placed her in the worm nurturing space.
He kissed Mikoto, holding her face gently. "Take good care of the business in Fire Source Castle."
"I'll need a lot of money for the things I plan to do."
Shishou realized he would need to invest heavily in projects to provide energy for evolving the Phosphorescent Insect, Katsuyu, and Kushina.
"Don't worry."
"I'll visit with Pakura and Anko every month to make sure everything is running smoothly."
Mikoto smiled, wrapping her arms around Shishou's neck and kissing him again.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Just like Kushina said, Mikoto really wanted Shishou's affection today.
Feeling Mikoto's legs wrapped around his waist, Shishou carried her towards her bedroom.
At the courtyard entrance, Hyuga Rimei watched the entwined Shishou and Mikoto with a dejected expression.
"Does Shishou-sama really not like me anymore?"