Hikaru stared at Nagato, or more accurately, at his Rinnegan, as Black Zetsu sat deep in thought.
Noticing Hikaru's unrestrained gaze, Nagato frowned and said in a low voice, "Hikaru, don't you think staring like that is rather impolite?"
"It's just a couple of looks. What's the big deal? I'm just curious about your Rinnegan," Hikaru replied nonchalantly, continuing her appraisal of his eyes.
Nagato could only sigh in response. After all, Hikaru was only thirteen or fourteen years old. Despite her sharp demeanor, she lacked the maturity he had as an adult.
Still fixated on the Rinnegan, Hikaru spoke with suspicion, "You know, these are supposed to be the legendary eyes of the Sage of Six Paths. While the abilities are impressive, don't you feel like something's missing?"
Nagato blinked in surprise and asked, "Hikaru, what do you think my Rinnegan is lacking?"
Hikaru's expression turned peculiar.
"Don't you find it strange? The Rinnegan appears overwhelmingly powerful, but when facing equally skilled opponents, it lacks a decisive, trump-card technique."
"Take the Sharingan, for example. Once it evolves into the Mangekyō Sharingan, each eye gains a unique dojutsu. For us Uchiha, these abilities often serve as our aces in battle."
She shook her head, continuing, "But your Rinnegan? It doesn't have that one defining move. Sure, you've got a repertoire of incredible abilities, but they don't quite hit hard enough."
Nagato frowned, deep in thought, and muttered, "A decisive technique, you say?"
"Your Six Paths techniques are dazzling, sure, but they fall short against true elites," Hikaru pressed, her gaze sharp. "If we were to fight, would you dare to use Banshō Ten'in to drag me in? Can you absorb ninjutsu while simultaneously moving yourself? Could you handle both my Susanoo and Amaterasu with its shape transformation at the same time?"
Before Nagato could respond, Hikaru sneered, "You wouldn't. You couldn't. The Rinnegan has its limits. Against ordinary shinobi, it's devastating. Against true masters? It's not enough. Honestly, even Wood Release is more practical."
Her words struck a chord, and Nagato furrowed his brows even deeper. The more he thought about it, the more he realized she might be right. In a scenario like the one she described, even techniques like Chibaku Tensei or Shinra Tensei might be insufficient.
"Perhaps you are correct. I haven't fully tapped into the Rinnegan's potential," Nagato finally admitted with a sigh.
"By rights, the Rinnegan should surpass the Sharingan. In theory, it ought to have some sort of trump card. But as it stands now, it's a bit underwhelming," Hikaru said, clearly disappointed.
She turned to Black Zetsu, her tone impatient. "Zetsu, you've been thinking for a while now. Do you have any solutions or not?"
"I've thought of a few possibilities," Black Zetsu replied calmly.
Hikaru crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "Let's hear it."
Nagato also shifted his attention to Black Zetsu, eager for answers. At this point, he was desperate for ways to enhance his strength.
"At your level, there are only so many options," Black Zetsu began, shaking his head. "One is mastering Sage Mode. As for Hikaru, she could pursue the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan. Either would significantly elevate your power."
"Sage Mode?" Hikaru asked, tilting her head. It was clear she wasn't familiar with the concept.
Black Zetsu, with his vast knowledge, explained, "Sage Mode is a unique state that allows one to harness natural energy. It enhances physical abilities, chakra reserves, and sensory perception to extraordinary levels."
"It does sound like a powerful technique," Hikaru admitted, a spark of interest flashing in her eyes.
"Unfortunately, we don't have access to Sage training methods," Nagato said regretfully.
"That might've been true before," Black Zetsu interjected with a sly tone. "But things are different now. Don't forget, Orochimaru has joined the Akatsuki. He's the contract holder for Ryūchi Cave. Through him, you may be able to learn Sage Mode."
"Orochimaru?" Nagato murmured, his eyes lighting up. "That… might actually work."
"Orochimaru seems quite fascinated by the Mangekyō Sharingan. Perhaps you could use that as leverage," Black Zetsu suggested, his voice dripping with confidence.
Nagato nodded thoughtfully. Given Orochimaru's obsession with the Sharingan, it was a deal he likely wouldn't refuse.
"And what about my Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan?" Hikaru asked. "We don't exactly have spare Mangekyō Sharingan lying around."
She continued, "Besides, to my knowledge, no one before Uchiha Madara successfully awakened the Eternal Mangekyō. Everyone else who tried failed—and died."
Black Zetsu smirked knowingly. "That's not an insurmountable issue. Orochimaru could clone a pair of Mangekyō Sharingan. It's well within his capabilities."
Nagato, however, raised a valid concern. "Zetsu, Orochimaru's cloning technology isn't perfect. His clones are inconsistent with the original. He's tried cloning Uchiha for Sharingan, but the clones couldn't awaken the eyes."
Black Zetsu chuckled, exuding confidence. "I know why his attempts failed. Trust me. Have him create the clones, and I'll guide you on how to awaken their eyes."
"No one understands the Sharingan better than me—not even Tobirama Senju," Black Zetsu declared with an air of finality.
Hikaru narrowed her eyes. "Who's the target for cloning? Even if we solve the problem of the second pair of eyes, how can you guarantee success? After all, in Uchiha history, only Madara succeeded."
"Only Madara succeeded? What about Uchiha Akira? Didn't he?" Nagato asked, unfamiliar with the finer details of Uchiha history.
Hikaru shook her head. "No. When I fought him, I observed his eyes carefully. His Mangekyō Sharingan lacked the intricate patterns of the Eternal Mangekyō."
"Then use Madara's eyes—before he awakened the Eternal Mangekyō," Black Zetsu said firmly.
He paused, a sinister grin forming.
I know why those before him failed. They weren't Indra's reincarnation. Only such a soul can truly awaken the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
Read more than +80 chapters and support me on Patreon
Patreon(.)com/Jixo