Chapter 12: Rinnegan

After instructing the three youngsters in their training techniques, Asahi calmly observed them as they diligently refined their chakra.

Several minutes later, Nagato was the first to open his eyes.

Asahi nodded in approval. His S-rank talent wasn't in vain.

"You've refined it?" he asked.

Nagato nodded faintly. Although his expression remained calm, there was excitement within him.

"Well done. Being the possessor of the Rinnegan, your talent truly ranks among the top in the ninja world."

Asahi complimented him. However, when he mentioned the word "Rinnegan," Nagato's body tensed instantly.

Even though he knew it was impossible to hide it from Asahi, Nagato didn't know how to broach the subject.

Asahi noticed his unease and looked at Nagato with curiosity, asking, "What's the matter?"

Nagato hesitated, wanting to speak but unsure of how to express himself.

"Sensei, I... you..." Nagato stammered.

Seeing Nagato's reluctance, Asahi quickly understood what was going on.

"What's wrong? Are you afraid I might covet your Rinnegan?"

"No, Sensei, it's not like that. It's just..."

Hearing Asahi's words, Nagato became anxious and denied any such suspicion.

"I know what you're thinking, don't worry." Asahi comforted Nagato with a smile.

"How about we go outside and have a chat? Just the two of us."

Nagato didn't refuse Asahi's suggestion and followed him outside.

The night was gradually growing darker, and the sky was adorned with a bright moon.

Asahi stood by the riverside, feeling the gentle breeze on his face, while Nagato, with his red hair, stood behind him, lowering his head.

"Nagato, do you think having the Rinnegan is a blessing or a curse?"

Nagato was puzzled by Asahi's question and didn't know how to answer. After pondering for a while, he could only provide an uncertain response.

Asahi looked at Nagato and extended his hand to gently pat his head.

"In my opinion, you're somewhat unfortunate. Although you possess such a powerful bloodline limit, it must have been quite painful when it awakened in the first place."

"Even though I don't know what happened to you back then, you probably awakened this bloodline limit due to some form of trauma, right?"

Listening to Asahi's words, the memories of Nagato's childhood resurfaced in his mind once again. He recalled the helplessness and pain his parents had felt before their tragic end, and his body trembled.

Tears welled up in his eyes, and he couldn't hold back any longer. "Sensei... I..."

Nagato choked on his words, wanting to explain himself to Asahi, but he was stopped by his sensei.

Asahi knelt down and gently wiped away Nagato's tears. "You don't need to tell me. I can see that these memories are painful for you."

Nagato sobbed uncontrollably and threw himself into Asahi's embrace. Despite having toughened up during his time as a wanderer, when he found a safe haven, Nagato couldn't help but drop his guard.

Asahi patted Nagato's back gently with both hands. "Even though I don't know how you awakened your bloodline limit, your eyes now carry the hopes and aspirations of others, not just your own."

"Treasure them, and cherish what you hold dear. Their expectations now rest upon your shoulders. So, you must look at this world with care."

"You don't need to worry anymore. Although the power of the Rinnegan is formidable, your sensei won't compete for it."

"Besides, you're my direct disciple. Do you think I'm such an unscrupulous teacher?"

To lighten the mood, Asahi cracked a joke.

Indeed, Nagato stopped crying and shook his head. "Of course not, Sensei. You're the best person to us."

Nagato genuinely felt this way. Even though they had only known each other for less than a day, he could clearly feel Asahi's kindness and care for them.

"So, from now on, live a bit more carefree. Don't always pretend to be an adult. You're just a kid."

"Furthermore, don't be afraid anymore. When the sky falls, there will be someone to support it. If anyone ever targets you, your teacher won't be idle."

After saying this, Asahi lightly tapped Nagato's forehead and then walked back into the house without looking back.

"Ngh..."

Nagato, who had been tapped on the forehead, winced a little and rubbed his forehead. However, his face was filled with a smile.

"Sensei, wait for me!"

Seeing that Asahi had already walked a distance away, Nagato quickly called out and hurried to catch up with him.

Unbeknownst to the two departing figures, a white head suddenly appeared underground as soon as they left.

"Tsk tsk, this person is quite interesting. Just a Chunin, and he doesn't even care about the Rinnegan. How should I handle him? Well, I'll let the master decide when I get back."

The white head muttered to itself for a moment before sinking back into the ground.

In an unknown underground chamber, a withered old man sat in a chair. What was terrifying was that several tubes extended from his body, connecting to a massive and horrifying statue behind him.

Yes, this was the man known as Shura – Uchiha Madara!

At this moment, Madara was resting with his eyes closed, and the entire space was eerily quiet.

Suddenly, he opened his eyes.

"What is it?"

A pitch-black figure emerged from underground, none other than the obedient and devoted servant of the ninja world, Black Zetsu.

"Master, White Zetsu, who is responsible for monitoring the Rinnegan, has sent a message. It appears that Nagato has chosen a Chunin as his teacher."

"Oh? Nagato, that little rascal, chose a Chunin as his teacher? Are you sure?" Madara felt somewhat surprised.

"Yes, it's confirmed. Although this Chunin has a relatively abundant chakra, he is indeed just a Chunin. What do you think... should we do something about him?" Black Zetsu cautiously inquired.

Madara waved his hand, and the Sharingan on his eyes revolved.

"What does this Chunin think about the Rinnegan?"

"According to White Zetsu's report, this Chunin seems rather interesting. Despite having limited strength, he shows no greed for the Rinnegan. He even made bold claims about protecting Nagato."

Black Zetsu replied honestly.

"Tsk tsk, interesting," Madara revealed an amused expression.

After some thought, Madara instructed Black Zetsu, "Very well, if Nagato is not in danger, then there's no need to interfere with them. It's about time my 'eyes' get accustomed to him, and he should begin his training. A Chunin should be sufficient to guide that little rascal."

"Hehehe," Black Zetsu let out an eerie laugh.

"Yes, Master. That Chunin is quite lucky, isn't he? To become the teacher of the Rinnegan. From another perspective, he could be considered your teacher as well."

Madara raised an eyebrow as he looked at Black Zetsu, wondering if this entity was truly his own manifestation. Why did it seem so idiotic and nothing like himself?

"Alright, you can go now."

Madara frowned slightly, not saying much more, and dismissed Black Zetsu. Then, he closed his eyes once again.

In the already cramped space, silence once more enveloped everything.

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