Chapter 81: Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan

Uchiha Itachi remained silent for a moment.

His response undoubtedly conveyed vital information to the other Akatsuki members.

The Uchiha clan's massacre still conceals a shocking untold story.

Contrary to popular belief, Uchiha Itachi is not the central figure in this saga.

The true protagonists are those who manipulate events behind the scenes.

A person who possesses the Uchiha clan's treasures should at least be an Uchiha.

This Uchiha might also be one of the central figures or masterminds.

It's plausible that even high-ranking officials in Konoha are part of this scheme.

"Heh... The corruption of dirty politics and unsavory high-ranking officials seems to plague every great village," sneered Sasori.

The others nodded silently, finding his words resonating with their experiences.

Their growing rebellion stems from the prevalence of corrupt and unethical high-ranking figures.

Deidara wanted to nod in agreement, but he suppressed the urge.

Unlike the others, Deidara joined the Akatsuki not because of coercion by Iwagakure, but due to his defeat against Uchiha Itachi.

Indeed, Onoki and the rest treated him fairly, and they exiled him solely due to his Explosive Style.

"Since we're all familiar with each other, let's adjourn."

As the atmosphere settled, and everyone contemplated today's gains, Tendō Pain, who had also made substantial progress, glanced at Sasori, Uchiha Itachi, and Kei. He spoke indifferently, "If you're in need of help and can't find anyone, use the ring to contact me."

Tendō Pain, who had been the last to appear, vanished first.

Konan followed, and the discreet Black White Zetsu.

"I'm ready. Feel free to reach out to me whenever you want," Kei added, dispelling the Shadow Clone.

Thus concluded the first official assembly organized by Kei, marking a turning point for the Akatsuki.

However, Kei's revelations had profoundly shocked everyone present.

Even seasoned Kage-level shinobi like Kakuzu had their perspectives shattered.

Evidently, the Uchiha clan's Sharingan harbored many hidden secrets.

Beyond the famed Three Tomoe Sharingan lay the even more legendary Mangekyō Sharingan, including the feared Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan that defied blindness.

This Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, a power rivaling that of Uchiha Madara, surfaced in this era, besides Madara himself.

This implied the existence of another exceptional figure, potentially second only to Uchiha Madara.

Realization struck Kakuzu—despite the vast ninja world, it suddenly seemed small.

Yet, Uchiha Itachi and Black Zetsu were even more profoundly affected.

As Sato had foretold, expanded knowledge had both its advantages and drawbacks.

Beneath the Rinnegan's gaze, Uchiha Itachi was among the select few who knew of the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan. Realizing his own deteriorating condition, he had already orchestrated events to pass on his eyes to Uchiha Sasuke. He intended Sasuke to inherit the mantle of the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, continuing the Uchiha legacy and Konoha's honor.

However, this new revelation shattered that perspective. Besides 'Uchiha Madara', another bearer of the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan emerged, posing a potential threat to Sasuke.

An unprecedented sense of urgency gripped Uchiha Itachi.

Black Zetsu too recognized the unparalleled potency of the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.

This power could only be rivaled by Sage Mode, combined with Wood Style.

Apart from Uchiha Madara and Senju Hashirama, no one in the ninja world could stand against the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.

Even Nagato's Rinnegan was only a partial match, assuming Nagato's stamina rivaled the adversary's.

To safeguard their plans, Black Zetsu and Uchiha Itachi immediately set out to locate 'Uchiha Madara'—Uchiha Obito—after dispersing the Shadow Clone.

The first to approach Uchiha Obito was the black White Zetsu, using the Mayfly Technique to monitor him closely.

"...Soul Split and Soul Possession, Second Tsuchikage and Second Hokage, Second Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan Pair—are you absolutely certain?" Uchiha Obito's voice held a tinge of disbelief as he questioned Black White Zetsu's report.

If his mask could be removed, one would see bewilderment etched onto Uchiha Obito's face.

Moments earlier, he had taken advantage of Black White Zetsu's absence during a meeting to enjoy solitude and reminisce about his past with Rin. But upon the agent's return, Uchiha Obito was informed that the world had shifted dramatically.

"His credibility is high due to his extensive knowledge," Black Zetsu responded gravely. "Given Nagato's current demeanor, such attention wouldn't be warranted without significant power."

"The possibility seems credible, considering the adversary's access to the secret techniques of the Second Tsuchikage and Second Hokage," added White Zetsu. "I've dispatched White Zetsu's clones to examine the tombs at both Iwagakure and Konoha cemeteries. The truth will surface soon."

"Can you locate this individual's body?"

As the realization that this was no jest dawned upon him, Uchiha Obito's voice dropped to a whisper.

"It's challenging. The opponent's abilities surpass even Konoha's advanced sensory techniques," analyzed Black Zetsu. "Based on the information he shared, it appears his soul can fragment, possessing both living individuals and corpses. The former allows him to acquire bodies and memories, effectively replacing identities while maneuvering in plain sight."

"Without insight into souls, distinguishing his true form from clones becomes impossible. If we don't neutralize all fragments, he may well be immortal."

Completing his analysis, Black Zetsu's expression conveyed a newfound headache.

For the first time in millennia, he had encountered someone far more devious than Orochimaru.

Uchiha Obito concurred, acknowledging the formidable challenge. Nevertheless, he issued an order, "Search for someone sharing the same name(Kei). Once located, I will personally apprehend him. Nagato can extract the truth from his soul to confirm his identity as the true body."

"Understood. White Zetsu's clones will initiate the search," White Zetsu affirmed.

Meanwhile, in Konoha, Sato, engrossed in a movie, embarked on his own strategy.

Sato had reserved the Gunbai as his exclusive weapon.

Forged from a fragment of the sacred tree, this tool boasted the ability to repel ninjutsu. Countless foes had succumbed to Uchiha's deflection.

Even the minuscule Tailed Beast Bomb wielded by Naruto in the original narrative met its match against Uchiha Madara's Gunbai.

Beyond elevating Kei's stature within the Akatsuki and obtaining the Gunbai, Sato had another objective—attaining a unique skill.

This newfound ability would enhance his perfected "Wood Release Secret Technique: Nativity of a World of Trees," rendering it a flawless masterpiece, free of any vulnerability(Chater 73: "For the next period of time, Sato immersed himself in formulating a meticulous plan to eradicate the menace of wood leaf borers").