Chapter 77 : Rank O?

Self-confidence bordering on arrogance is Uchiha Madara's defining trait, but that doesn't mean he's oblivious to the limits of his power.

In the days of Hashirama's reign, when he was frequently bested and stood as the second of a Konoha Village, he knew what it was like to be outshone.

Now, facing Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo, he felt an instinctual urge to counter.

But as soon as the words left his mouth, an eerie chill swept over him, causing ripples of dread deep within his soul.

Ōtsutsuki's previous taunts had irked him, but he had listened closely, recognizing it as ancient wisdom.

Two terms stuck in his mind: "Sage Body" and "Rinnegan."

The concept of Rinnegan and an Sage Body intrigued him, and he stored it away silently.

Now, the speaker was none other than Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo, the founder of the ninja sect, hailed as the progenitor of ninja, and the creator of the Six Paths and the Nine-Tailed Beasts.

Hagoromo claimed he couldn't create the manifestation of his Will, but could Uchiha Madara?

With his unwavering self-assurance and Black Zetsu orchestrating everything to his whim, he had never doubted himself before.

However, now he sensed that things were not as straightforward as he believed.

"Universal Pull!"

Almost instantly, Uchiha Madara extended his hand towards Black Zetsu, intending to seize this enigmatic entity and interrogate it with his Rinnegan.

But in the next moment, Madara's pupils contracted.

"Why can't I activate it?"

"Wait! This sensation...!"

"You placed a control seal within the 'Sacrifice' you used as a vessel for me!"

Uchiha Madara's face contorted in anger and frustration. He had lost control over his body.

It wasn't the typical bodily restraint he'd used on Nohara Rin or Uchiha Obito. This was familiar to him because he had employed it himself.

Black Zetsu had actually orchestrated this move within the vessel that summoned him, signaling a significant problem.

"That's right."

"I implanted a control seal."

Black and White Zetsu split apart from each other, with Black Zetsu moving at astonishing speed to annihilate White Zetsu.

After completing this, it sneered and spoke indifferently, "Indra may have been the elder brother back then, with superior strength, but he lost his position as the leader of the ninja sect and became consumed by paranoia."

"But you, Uchiha Madara, are different. You were always overshadowed by Hashirama, and though you're not true siblings, there's something that sets you apart."

"Why wouldn't I be cautious of you?"

"Unfortunately, I wasn't aware of a solution to the cycle of chakra reincarnation. If I had known, I would have controlled you instead of merely restricting you."

"Madara, you believe you're in control of everything, but in reality, you're just my pawn."

"Regrettably, the Golden List revealed everything, and the disobedient sons Hagoromo and Hamura linked with the Golden List."

"It didn't go as planned."

"But I won't give up."

"We'll meet again!"

With those words, Black Zetsu began to fade away.

Ever since Ōtsutsuki first spied on Rain Shinobi Village using Giant Tenseigan to broadcast Uchiha Madara's situation to the entire shinobi world via the gold list, he had sensed impending danger and taken precautions.

He thought he had escaped, but it seemed Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo had discovered and exposed him. Curse that brother!

Despite the challenging years, he had been lurking, waiting for his chance.

He could afford to wait a few more rough years.

As long as Indra and Ashura continued to reincarnate, success was inevitable.

For Uchiha Madara, the Impure World Reincarnation offered immortality, and with Obito watching over him, he was untouchable.

Onward!

*Bang!*

Thunder rumbled through the sky.

In this perpetually weeping land, with ceaseless rain, it seemed to echo Uchiha Madara's rage.

Even from afar, those witnessing the events through the Golden List live broadcast could sense Uchiha Madara's murderous intent.

In this moment, Hashirama, the ever-jovial Tobirama, and even the diligent Minato refrained from provoking Uchiha Madara with their words.

No one knew what would happen if he lost control and unleashed his wrath upon the world.

*Exhale.*

Uchiha Madara took a deep breath, regaining his composure, and turned to Uchiha Obito.

"Why didn't you intervene?"

"You've spent as much time with him as I have."

Obito explained calmly, "I always act cautiously. I had prepared my escape plan long before, even if I had to use Kamui."

His explanation concealed the unease that had settled in him since Black Zetsu took control of Madara's body.

"Humph!"

Uchiha Madara snorted but refrained from further comment.

Obito, with his Dual Kamui, might not match Madara in raw power, but he could certainly escape.

Black Zetsu had been aware of this fact from the start.

He was a tool, to be used as long as he was useful.

"Sage of Six Paths, do you know what it means to be a Sage?" Uchiha Madara inquired, gazing up at the moon.

[Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo: A Sage is the product of the harmonization of Yin and Yang and one's own will, and the ability to become one can only be achieved at my peak (as the Ten Tails Jinchūriki). This world can create Sage as well naturally without relying on chakra and practising senjutsu. But as for you, it's my mother's method (of Ten Tails) that works the best ).]

[Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo: I can't divulge more (as it pertains to Kaguya's world-ending intentions).]

"No, you probably don't," Uchiha Madara conceded, realizing he'd have to find Black Zetsu and get answers on his own.

Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo's response left everyone in contemplation.

[Orochimaru: Aren't you a celestial being, the progenitor of shinobi? Is the legend incorrect?]

[Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki: It's not incorrect. I am indeed the founder of ninjutsu, the ancestor of shinobi, but not the progenitor of Chakra.

You see, my mother, Kaguya, is the one who descended from the outer space. 

She became the progenitor of Chakra for reasons I cannot explain. She put an end to the world's conflicts with her incredible power, achieved supreme status and abilities, and, with the blessings of people all over the world, used the Yin-Yang Style to create my brother Hamura and me, imparting chakra to us.

[Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki: So, it's not inaccurate to say that Hamura and I are beings of outer space too. We did not appear in the typical way humans do, but our birth is intimately connected to those who came from the space and humanity. It's a unique bond.]

[Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki: Many events unfolded afterward, details of which you need not concern yourself with. What's important is that I came to understand that chakra is a force that binds people together. 

My goal was to create a world without war, where everyone could coexist in peace. Thus, the establishment of ninjutsu had the purpose of turning chakra into a bond among people.]

[Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki: So, it's not inaccurate to call me the founder of ninjutsu.]

[Yang Nine Tails: Hah, I can vouch for this! Kurama silently made his presence known.]

In an instant, the people of the ninja world felt their knowledge expand. 

It turned out that the mother of the Sage of Six Paths was indeed the ancestor of Chakra. 

The ninja arts they practiced were derived from this ancestor and were taught by the Sage of Six Paths himself. 

Yet, one burning question remained in their hearts...

Who was the mother of the Sage of Six Paths?

Did the Sage of Six Paths have a mother?

Where did this mysterious figure originate from?

Why did they possess Chakra?

Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo chose not to explain further, for reasons he knew.

In the past, to protect the world from his mother, he and his brother had sealed her themselves, causing a rift between them that could never heal.

They had tried to question her about the Ten Tails and the Ōtsutsuki clan, but Kaguya had remained silent, unwilling to reveal anything.

That was why they had come to doubt Kaguya's motives more and more.

However, even if they knew the truth, Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo couldn't share it.

Otherwise, Kaguya's reputation as a world-destroyer would tarnish her image.

While they had fought against her to safeguard humanity and seal her away, they hadn't been completely filial.

It was better left unsaid.

[Orochimaru: I see.]

Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo didn't say much, and Orochimaru understood, deciding not to pry further.

Smart individuals didn't push for answers where none could be given willingly.

[Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo: Toneri, that's enough. You've earned the first reward. So get it.]

"Yes, Sage of Six Paths."

Toneri nodded and made a selection.

In the next moment, golden rays of light descended from the moon, enveloping Toneri.

Everyone watched as a pair of white eyes, leaning closer to blue, appeared in his empty eye sockets.

The screen shifted and vanished.

Seeing this, everyone redirected their attention to the gold list.

According to Haku's information, after announcing the Bloodline Limit List, the gold list would reveal the date of the next release and the nature of the list.

It was essentially an early spoiler.

If one were ambitious enough, they could even strive to secure a spot on the list beforehand.

However, the wait seemed rather lengthy.

Suddenly, Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo (@Uchiha Ran).

[Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo: @ Uchiha Ran, I have a question I've been curious about but never asked. Why are you so sure about me and Hamura?]

[ Uchiha Ran: I've said I don't know. It's actually a chance. Do you believe it?)

[ Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo: ...….]

[Everyone: .....]

[Uchiha Ran: Just kidding. In fact, you only need to try @ and add your name. People who are not linked by the gold list cannot be @. "

[Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo: I tried it, but Indra and Ashura didn't work. It seems to be true and interesting. "

Doubts lifted, Sage of Six Paths disappeared again.

And Everyone has a sense of learning, and they use @ to find familiar people.

Suddenly, Onoki @ Uchiha Ran.

[Onoki: @ Uchiha Ran, Fifth Hokage, the problem that I just discussed isn't over yet. There may be two reasons why I can't be on the list. One is that the Bloodline Limit list only allows bloodline limit and not Bloodline Selection (Kekkai Tota). What's the second?"

Second?

The corners of Uchiha Ran's mouth twitched slightly.

But before he could answer, a "dong" sound suddenly echoed in the sky.

It's the golden bell.

A stereoscopic image appears.

It's not the announcement of the gold list, but someone else on the list.

Above number one… is it number zero?

Look at the face.

Sure enough, it's the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki.

Special reward 1: Onoki (Bloodline Selection Dust Style Advanced)

Reward 1: Anyone can obtain their own inheritance (including bloodline selection and development level)

.

Reward 2: Youth Card (After use, the body functions are 30 years younger, can be developed again, and the appearance can be freely selected at any stage of eighteen, twenty-eight, and thirty-eight years old,)

Reward 3: World shuttle roll lottery (one of ten world lotteries, you can travel through the world at any time to enjoy 24-hour travel)

The above rewards: choose two!.

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