In the end, Shin abandoned the idea of completely absorbing the Gedo Statue. At least, until it had absorbed enough chakra to transform into a divine tree, he wouldn't consider it again.
Just like the Hashirama cells, the chakra within the Gedo Statue carried a unique property that could induce lignification in people. Perhaps only through the addition of tailed beast chakra could it manifest in a more animalistic state.
[A/N: Lignification is the process of converting into wood or woody tissue. I want to call it 'woodification', but it sounds terrible.]
Even with the power of his Devil Fruit, he couldn't entirely absorb the enormous entity. If Shin forcibly consumed the Geto Statue, his life form would alter, shifting him into a tree-like state. Though his strength would increase dramatically, he wouldn't remain human. Such a transformation wasn't a path he'd willingly walk.
However, Shin's sage body and chakra had surged even more by merely assimilating the sage eyes, especially his Wood Release Jutsus. Its power had nearly reached that of Hashirama Senju.
In fact, Shin believed that if he mastered Sage Mode, the power of his Wood Release would likely exceed even Hashirama's.
Just as Madara Uchiha's Hashirama cells had enhanced his own Rinnegan, Shin's sage body had evolved after absorbing Nagato's Rinnegan.
Moreover, Shin's physical endurance was formidable, given his enhanced physique from the One Piece world. Previously, his chakra refining had resembled coal burning in a thermal powerplant. After absorbing significant amounts of Otsutsuki's legacy, his chakra processing shifted to something akin to nuclear power.
An ordinary Otsutsuki descendant might handle the energy of one or two tons of nuclear power. Still, with Shin's robust physique, he was burning the equivalent of one hundred tons.
Yet, even with the improved bloodline, he fell short of the true Otsutsuki ancestors' power. Though vastly enhanced, his strength was still below that of the Sage of Six Paths, comparable perhaps to Naruto and Sasuke in their prime.
"This level of strength is sufficient," Shin noted, feeling the abundance of chakra within. He opened the dark dimension with a slight smile, releasing Jiraiya, Nagato, and Konan, all of whom were unconscious inside.
Once emaciated with black rods protruding from his back, Nagato looked much better now. Though still slender, he no longer appeared frail. Even the black rods, symbols of his debilitating illness, had been removed, and his once brittle red hair now gleamed with life.
In time, the three began to regain consciousness. When Nagato opened his eyes, he was no longer blind. Instead, a pair of sharp, falcon-like eyes looked out from his sockets.
Initially, Nagato seemed disoriented, believing himself to be doomed. But Konan's cry of "Nagato!" jolted him fully awake. Hearing her voice, Nagato quickly took in his surroundings, his expression shifting to surprise.
Jiraiya, however, recovered faster than the other two. With his years of experience, he remained composed, watching his surroundings with calm acceptance.
Seeing them awake, Shin gave a faint smile. "Looks like everyone's back. Ready to hear me out now?"
The three exchanged glances. Ever the pragmatist, Jiraiya chuckled, "Sorry about that. I thought you might kill Nagato."
"Jiraiya-sensei…" murmured Nagato, his tone tinged with emotion.
Nagato stood, marveling at the vitality flowing through him. He felt as though he had been transported to a different world.
Now lacking the Rinnegan and the overwhelming power it once provided, Nagato's overwhelming sense of omnipotence had dissipated. With his life no longer on the line, his mind was remarkably clear.
Initially, Nagato had harbored hostility, assuming his enemies would never let him live. But fully healed, he could feel his chakra reserves swelling anew.
He didn't understand the sacrifices Shin had made to heal him, but it was clear Shin could have killed him with much less trouble. And Jiraiya, his former teacher, had defended him—albeit ineffectively.
Now, far calmer, Nagato felt a deep sense of resignation.
"How do you feel?" Shin asked. "I've restored your body, merged numerous Hashirama cells, and transplanted eyes I've previously used. They're no Rinnegan, but they grant excellent distance vision and dynamic tracking."
Nagato tested his movement and found himself without any lingering wounds or stiffness. "I feel incredible… Thank you."
For Konan, however, the transformation was overwhelming. Seeing Nagato healthy, her eyes filled with tears.
Once they had calmed down, Nagato turned to Shin. "You saved me. There must be something you need. I'm willing to help as long as it doesn't involve Konan or go against my principles."
Shin had spared his life for a reason. In Nagato's mind, the least he could do was offer his service, and he was grateful for this chance to experience a healthy life.
Konan, however, was quick to protest. She grasped his arm, "It was the same last time. Do you see me as a child, Nagato?"
"I won't be a burden to you forever!"
As their debate heated up, Shin rolled his eyes. "Relax. I don't need anything drastic from either of you."
He paused. "I just need Konan's help, and it's nothing dangerous."
Hearing this, Konan and Nagato paused, redirecting their attention to Shin.
A dense black mist emanated from Shin's body as he vanished into the dark dimension. Moments later, he reappeared as a limp figure with dry red hair, a skeletal frame, and numerous black chakra rods embedded along his back.
*******************************
BONUS CHAPTER: 50 Powerstones achieved
For each power stones milestone—25, 50, 100, 150, and beyond—I will release a bonus chapter.
If you would like to gain early access, you can join me at www.patre on.com/bookbattalion