"Isn't that obvious? After all, I don't have Hashirama's power within me. Only after I completely merge our Uchiha clan's power with the Senju power can we activate this power that transcends both our clans. Then we can awaken the true power of the Six Paths." Madara said in a low voice.
Yusuke smiled.
"That settles it then, that's why Indra couldn't awaken the Rinnegan. He couldn't figure out how to awaken it back then. Even though his power surpassed both the Sage of Six Paths and Asura, he still couldn't awaken the Rinnegan. The power within him simply wasn't enough."
{T/N: Because he was pure Yin, and the Rinnegan is meant to have both Yin and Yang energy.}
"This power requires an enormous amount of chakra and something even more crucial. It's not just about Indra's chakra alone — it also requires Asura's chakra. However, neither the brothers understood this at the time. Even Hagoromo didn't understand this point."
"The way the Sage of Six Paths awakened the Rinnegan was actually quite simple. He transformed directly from the Sharingan to the Rinnegan, completely skipping the Mangekyo Sharingan stage without any effort. Well, he was the Sage of Six Paths after all — it's normal for him to be a bit overpowered."
"During the trial, Hagoromo waited for both Indra and Asura to complete their tasks. Only then would he judge their accomplishments and decide which one would inherit his position."
"He chose to continue waiting, even though his elder son had arrived at the village early and successfully resolved those problems. These weren't what he wanted to see yet. He made everyone wait until all his conditions were met before announcing his successor."
"The Sage of Six Paths made a critical mistake here. By choosing to wait rather than make an immediate decision, he allowed events to spiral beyond his control. His actions would eventually turn his sons into bitter enemies, leading to their mutual destruction."
"While he waited with Indra and the villagers, dramatic changes were unfolding in another village — where Asura was. Though he didn't possess great power, he rushed without delay to his assigned village after accepting the mission."
"Upon reaching the village, Asura discovered dire conditions everywhere. The villagers had drunk water contaminated by the Ten-Tails' remnants, causing widespread illness and mutations. They had grown hostile toward outsiders and lost all hope of salvation."
"When he arrived, he questioned the villagers about their situation. Though he knew the Ten-Tails was responsible, he needed to confirm if this aligned with his mission's purpose before taking action."
"The villagers explained their predicament, but when Asura proposed dealing with the Ten-Tails tree, they stopped him. They revealed a cruel dilemma: destroying the "Divine Tree" would eliminate their only water source. With the nearest alternative water source seven days' journey away and their weakened condition preventing travel, they had no choice but to rely on the contaminated water, despite hating the tree that produced it."
"This revelation angered Asura. 'If you continue drinking this water, you'll grow weaker and succumb to disease,' he warned. But the villagers replied, 'Without this water, we die immediately. We choose survival now over death later.'"
"Only then did Asura grasp the gravity of the situation. He had arrived intending simply to complete his father's mission — removing the Ten-Tails' branches and solving the water problem. His initial plan to relocate the villagers proved impossible. Years of drinking tainted water had left them too weak for such a journey — they could barely stand. He realized he needed to devise a better solution to complete his father's task."
Yusuke said this with a helpless smile on his face.
"Asura had already found a solution: digging a new deep well for the village. Despite his limited abilities, his determination inspired the villagers, who joined him in the effort."
"After a year of persistent work, he and the villagers successfully dug the well. As they watched fresh water flow, their faces lit up with satisfied smiles. This well, built through their combined efforts, represented their hope for the future. With this achievement, Asura finally completed his father's task."
"Then he set out again, preparing to return. But he discovered several villagers had chosen to come back with him. As they continued their journey back, gradually about one-third of the villagers chose to follow Asura to the ninja clan's place. At this time when he returned, his father nodded very satisfactorily."
"Hagoromo had seen exactly what he wanted from his son — the power of unity. Though Asura's abilities weren't exceptional, he possessed a heart that could unite people. This quality made him worthy of becoming the successor."
"The Sage of Six Paths promptly named Asura as his successor. When the decision was announced, Indra became furious and immediately challenged his brother to battle. As you all know, the outcome was tragic."
Everyone nodded after hearing his explanation.
"This story..." Hashirama spoke softly, his eyes distant, "It explains so much about our own struggles. We were just repeating the same cycle, weren't we, Old Dog?"
"Hmph." Madara crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful, "To think our conflict was predestined by such ancient history. The power of both Senju and Uchiha... I spent my entire life pursuing this truth."
"But we broke that cycle, didn't we?" Hashirama smiled warmly, "When we founded Konoha together, we proved that unity between our clans was possible."
Madara's eyes narrowed slightly, "For a time, yes. Though I wonder if the Sage of Six Paths would have approved of our methods. We achieved through battle what Asura achieved through cooperation."
"Perhaps that's why we needed both approaches." Hashirama mused, "The strength to fight and the wisdom to know when to extend a hand in friendship."
"Your optimism never changes, Old Sucker." Madara said, but there was a hint of fondness in his voice.
"You've uncovered truths that even my grandfather didn't fully understand." Tsunade said, her honey-colored eyes reflecting both pride and concern.
Beside her, Konan's expression remained serene, though her hands tightened slightly around his, "The cycle of hatred, peace through understanding... These were Nagato's ideals as well."
Everyone else, regardless of who they were, was shocked by this story, finally understanding everything that had happened.
But at that moment, Yusuke looked up at the sky for a moment before smiling at everyone.
"Well, that concludes today's story time. I believe you all fully understand what you need to do from now on." He looked at the individuals across the table, "You'll go to Konohagakure and settle there. It would also be good if you could look for Black Zetsu. I'll return to Kiri with the girls."
"Alright." Hashirama smiled at him, while Madara just nodded.
After that, everyone went their separate ways.
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Kirigakure, midnight.
Yusuke stood in front of the glass wall, looking toward where he had been the day before, in the Land of Grass.
Behind him, the expansive bedroom featured a massive bed occupying nearly half the space. His lovers, including Mei, lay scattered across the luxurious silk sheets. Their peaceful expressions and the gentle sheen on their skin spoke of deep exhaustion from their passionate night together. In the moonlit room, the rhythmic rise and fall of their breathing created a serene scene.
Glancing briefly at them, Yusuke took a deep breath and slowly left the room.
Once outside, he disappeared in a flash.
Flying Thunder God Technique!
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Land of Grass.
Back at the same place as before, with the wooden table and chairs still in the same spot, Yusuke looked up.
There was a crack in the sky.
He noticed this crack appearing as soon as he completed the story. Concerned by this development, he quickly dismissed everyone, sending them back to Konohagakure and spending the probably last night with his women.
Gazing upward at the mysterious crack, he could sense another world beyond it.
[ Ding! Congratulations host on completing all tasks in this world. ]
[ About to begin a new journey. ]
[ The next world mission is the One Piece world. ]
He slowly nodded and stepped directly into the crack.
❆❆❆❆❆❆❆❆❆❆
Upon entering, everything plunged into darkness.
Yusuke carefully checked his body. Finding everything intact, he sat up. All his abilities remained under his control.
He appeared to be in a dark, damp cave.
As he absorbed his new memories, a strange sound emerged behind him.
"...Who's there?"