Chapter 53 : Project Tsuki no Me?

Uchiha Ran, unburdened by guilt over causing numerous issues for Aizen, turned to Haku and inquired, "So, all six moves are mastered, huh?"

"Yes, Lord Ran. The mastery of these techniques comes with training experience, and I have a firm grasp of it," Haku responded with respect.

Even though Haku now wielded Zanpakutō with Kage-level power, he maintained a deep respect for Uchiha Ran.

Curiosity burning, Uchiha Ran finally posed a question he'd been holding onto: "The source of your Zanpakutō's power, is it the Reiatsu or Chakra?"

"It's Chakra!" Haku explained earnestly. "The Golden List comes with instructions for rewards. It falls under the Yin Release category, capable of inflicting physical attacks or directly damaging the soul."

"Soul, spirit, Yin Release" Uchiha Ran mumbled inwardly, nodding in understanding.

The exchange between them, however, left many with a sense of foreboding.

A power capable of directly attacking the soul – did that mean it could obliterate even souls from the Pure Land?

"This Zanpakutō is your nemesis," Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo said solemnly to Ōtsutsuki Hamura.

While they'd shed their physical forms, their Chakra spirits endured eternally. It was even possible to condense into spiritual bodies to walk the world, like Uzumaki Honoka in the Summoning Island. This alternative form of immortality was known to them.

Now, however, Haku's Zanpakutō had the power to utterly obliterate them.

"Brother, I believe it's wise for us to temporarily return and participate personally in the Golden List Rankings," Ōtsutsuki Hamura proposed logically. "Higher ranks bring better rewards, and the world's power has grown more unpredictable. We need to keep pace, or we'll be left behind."

The former Ninja world was uncertain, but after mingling with different worlds, everyone's potential had expanded limitlessly.

"I'll consider it," Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo responded, his Rinnegan showing gravity.

"Zanpakutō, the power to slay souls!" Uchiha Madara couldn't help but be stirred.

The sudden emergence of the Golden List was reshaping the ninja world, exerting an increasingly potent influence on his Project Tsuki no Me.

In this context, he doubted if Obito and Black Zetsu had managed the situation well.

"If push comes to shove, I might need to prompt Black Zetsu to revive me sooner and gather the tailed beasts myself."

Uchiha Madara pondered with a furrowed brow, anxiety gnawing at him.

Beyond the variable of the Golden List, he harbored another apprehension about a specific individual.

[Uchiha Madara: @Uchiha Ran, young one, are you truly interested in learning extensively about the Shinigami world?] Uchiha Madara's question seized everyone's attention.

When Uchiha Ran conversed with Tōshirō earlier, they'd all been attentively listening, privy to the exchange.

Uchiha Ran possessed a deep understanding of the Shinigami world, surpassing even native Tōshirō.

And it seemed Uchiha Ran knew... of both the past and the future?

This gave rise to much concern.

Was Uchiha Ran's knowledge limited to the Shinigami world, or did it span across various worlds?

Did he comprehend the past and foresee the future of the ninja world?

These questions stirred within the hearts of many.

[Uchiha Ran: I indeed possess a profound understanding, far beyond anyone in that world.]

[Uchiha Madara: How did you attain it?]

[Uchiha Ran: No comment.]

[Uchiha Madara: Is this how you treat your ancestors?]

Madara expressed his displeasure.

[Uchiha Ran: Hehe, Ancestor, would you be intrigued by a project known as the Eye of the Moon?]

[Uchiha Madara: ....., I advise you to tread carefully!]

[Uchiha Ran: Is Ancestor issuing threats?]

[Uchiha Madara: No, considering the public setting, I'm offering a reminder.]

[Uchiha Ran: Very well, Ancestor~~]

"Dammit, boy!"

The soul of the elder Uchiha Madara was boiling.

Someone dared threaten him.

Even the passionate person had their limits.

"But how does he know about Project Tsuki no Me?"

"Perhaps his Mangekyō Sharingan is activated?"

"No, the Mangekyō Sharingan reveals less than the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, and only the Rinnegan allows one to glimpse Project Tsuki no Me. At my age, I can perceive everything. Otherwise, those Stone Tablet would be an open book."

"It appears he truly possesses significant intelligence on the ninja world."

Uchiha Madara's unease in the face of Uchiha Ran was growing, yet his frustration was laced with a sense of powerlessness.

What could an aged soul possibly accomplish?

Meanwhile, in the Land of Rain, Uchiha Obito and Black Zetsu exchanged uneasy glances.

"Uchiha Ran is aware of Project Tsuki no Me!?" Uchiha Obito's countenance darkened. "Madara doesn't seem to have disclosed it. How is this possible?"

Only Madara knew the details of Project Tsuki no Me. Obito, its executor, possessed only a limited understanding. Even their instrument, Uzumaki Nagato, who'd just conversed with Uchiha Ran, remained oblivious to the plan. Nagato aimed to collect the tailed beasts and bring "nuclear tranquility" to the ninja world.

"This Uchiha Ran knows of Project Tsuki no Me, could he be aware of his mother as well?" Black Zetsu mused further.

Madara's junior was but a tool in his eyes.

If solely Uchiha Ran was privy to the truth of Project Tsuki no Me...

"However, he's already mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique. Eliminating him would prove quite challenging!" Black Zetsu's hope wavered.

If necessary, he'd have to remain patient, awaiting an opportune moment.

But could this enigmatic Golden List present that chance?

"I hope my mother can be on that list. Freeing herself from the seal would resolve everything!"

...

"Nagato!"

Within the Akatsuki base, Konan confronted Uzumaki Nagato.

"It seems the fake Madara concealed something from us," she revealed.

"Should we eliminate him?"

"No need. Gold List introduces too many uncertainties. Let's observe for now. We'll continue the tailed beast collection, cooperating with him in that aspect. As for conspiracies, they're futile before God's eyes."

"Agreed, Nagato. I've actually met Uchiha Ran."

"When?" Uzumaki Nagato's gaze sharpened.

"A year ago, he mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique. He moved freely in the Land of Rain, stating his desire to collaborate in our endeavor to make the world experience pain," Konan replied honestly.

Uzumaki Nagato nodded slightly, his Rinnegan gleaming with penetrating insight.

"It appears he knows much..."

"Find an opportunity to converse with him!"

...

Simultaneously, the term "Project Tsuki no Me" echoed throughout the ninja world.

A term that prompted Uchiha Madara to withhold his anger and reluctance to challenge Uchiha Ran.

Conspiracies swirled!

And Uchiha Ran grew ever more enigmatic!

"Boom!"

Once more, the chime reverberated, capturing everyone's attention.

The rewards of the Golden List intrigued all, particularly the Myriad Realms lottery, which held promises of countless treasures.

A holographic image materialized – a youth with dark blonde hair, blue eyes, and black eyeliner. Hair covered his left eye, and on the exposed right index finger gleamed a "green" ring.

As the image transformed into an avatar, the name and lineage information appeared.

Fourteenth place: Deidara (Master of Explosion Release Bloodline Limit)

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