"After hearing Indra's words, everyone became more restrained. Though Indra had spoken without hesitation, doubts lingered in his heart. He wondered why his father hadn't immediately passed the position to him, choosing instead to wait for Asura's return."
"He knew that if Asura were to return now, it would take considerable time — dealing with the Ten Tails' branches alone would keep him occupied for quite a while."
"As these thoughts crossed his mind, his expression darkened. He now understood clearly why his father had made such a choice. In his heart, he suspected that Hagoromo would likely pass the position to his younger brother. If such a scenario came to pass, how would he face both his brother and father? Indra remained uncertain about what choice he would make when the time came.
"While patrolling with his subordinates one day, he suddenly heard a disgruntled voice near his ear, coming from a bush. This marked Black Zetsu's appearance. Seeing Indra's dejected state, it emerged to manipulate him."
"It knew of Indra's desire for the village leader position and his need for his father's approval. Yet the Sage of Six Paths seemed reluctant to acknowledge him, preferring to wait for Asura's return before deciding which brother would inherit his position."
"When Indra saw Black Zetsu, his face remained impassive. As the Sage of Six Paths' son, possessing vast chakra and power, he felt no fear toward the creature — only curiosity."
Yusuke said calmly.
"He wondered how such a being as Black Zetsu could exist in this world. Unaware that it was Kaguya's third son, Indra was puzzled by this creature seeking him out. Black Zetsu then revealed its purpose: it could help him become the village leader."
"Upon hearing this offer, Indra neither accepted nor declined. Black Zetsu told him to consider the offer and promptly departed. It knew it couldn't linger — if the Sage of Six Paths sensed its presence, all the efforts would be wasted. So after delivering the message, it quickly withdrew."
"After Black Zetsu knew Hagoromo wouldn't discover it, it immediately began executing the Infinite Tsukuyomi plan. So at this time, it started finding ways to execute the plan. Because it was to wait until the Sage of Six Paths died completely. Then use the enmity between the brothers Indra and Ashura, and then he could complete his plan to revive Kaguya."
"However, Black Zetsu had overlooked one crucial problem: reviving Kaguya would require an even more powerful force — the Rinnegan, which belonged to the Sage of Six Paths. Still, it remained confident, believing it could easily guide Indra to evolve the Rinnegan. Since he already possessed the Sharingan, Black Zetsu thought just a little stimulation would awaken this greater power.
"But this plan was destined to fail, simply because Indra lacked the necessary strength."
After Yusuke said this, Madara, who sat before him, raised his right hand.
"Are you saying Indra, the Sage of Six Paths' eldest son, never awakened the Rinnegan?" He asked incredulously, "That's impossible! His power was immense, and he was the Sage's direct heir. I can hardly believe my predecessor failed to achieve this."
"I always thought I was the second person to awaken the Rinnegan. When you mentioned Indra, I assumed I was the third. But you're telling me he never awakened it until his death? I clearly overestimated him. I'm genuinely disappointed."
Madara's disappointment was understandable.
After all, it was shocking that Hagoromo's eldest son never awakened the Rinnegan. This revelation suggested his talent was merely average — not even matching Madara's own.
At least he had managed to forcefully awaken the Rinnegan, becoming the second person in the entire ninja world to do so, after Hagoromo himself.
"Indeed, he can't compare to you in this regard. I was also puzzled why the Sage of Six Paths' son never awakened the Rinnegan. But I eventually understood: despite Indra's great power, he possessed only Yin-nature chakra."
"With Yin-nature chakra alone, even if he developed his Sharingan to its limit and achieved the Mangekyō, he couldn't progress further. Just consider your own experience, Madara — after awakening the Eternal Mangekyō, didn't you find your eyes could evolve no further?"
Yusuke looked at the Uchiha before him, who scratched his head at this observation.