Chapter 222

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No matter the world, free things are always the most expensive. Nagato knew this, and he understood Kyomu's intentions, but he still couldn't refuse.

Pain's Six Paths were indeed powerful, but there was a significant difference between six individuals sharing the power of the Rinnegan and one person wielding the full power of the Rinnegan alone.

Nagato had settled for Pain because his legs were crippled. If he could move freely, the Six Paths would be unnecessary, and Nagato's power would be maximized, making him a true super Kage-level powerhouse.

"Let's give it a try."

"Nagato, but I'm worried Kyomu will tamper with your prosthetics."

"Kyomu will definitely tamper with them, but overall, the benefits outweigh the risks," Nagato's eyes gleamed with confidence. "He might end up shooting himself in the foot. Using the power of the Six Paths separately and using it all together are two different things. He thinks he can suppress the Six Paths, but in the future, heh."

Nagato chuckled coldly, eager to reclaim his lost ground from Kyomu, unafraid of any tricks Kyomu might play.

"Whatever Kyomu does, it will all be revealed by these eyes. Whether it's sealing techniques or anything else composed of chakra, it will end up as nourishment for these eyes."

Nagato had an unwavering faith in the Rinnegan. This was his foundation, the reason he believed himself to be a god.

"Playing tricks on a god is futile. Kyomu may be strong, but he's just a mortal," Nagato said, looking at Konan. "Once I capture the Nine-Tails, even if I share it with Kyomu, the Nine-Tails will reduce the burden of the Rinnegan on my body to nearly zero.

"And that arrogant guy, Kyomu, will never allow another creature to live inside him. He won't become a Jinchuriki. So, as I grow stronger and he doesn't, what will he use to fight me?"

Konan, realizing this logic, remained cautious, "Nagato, Kyomu won't be so careless. He must have a backup plan; he wouldn't cultivate a potential enemy otherwise."

"I know, but it doesn't matter," Nagato insisted. "As long as I grow strong enough to negate any of Kyomu's traps, his schemes will be useless. These eyes have limitless potential, something Kyomu shouldn't and cannot ignore.

"As long as I have these eyes, I am a god, and Kyomu's attempts to control a god will backfire on him."

Nagato's faith in the Rinnegan was unshakable, derived from the legends of Hagoromo. The Rinnegan was the Sage's eyes, and Nagato believed that with its full power, he could defeat Kyomu.

Konan sighed, seeing Nagato's stubbornness since Yahiko's death. He wouldn't listen to anyone. While bargaining with a tiger promised high rewards, the end result was often being devoured by the tiger.

But Konan couldn't stop Nagato; she could only stand by him, ready to die with him if necessary.

...

"Nagato agreed."

In the Hokage's office, Yugito reported to Kyomu, "He's even urging us to hurry, very impatient."

"Hmph, Nagato still believes the Rinnegan is invincible?" Kyomu smirked. "Notify Tsunade and Fugaku to prepare. We'll head to Amegakure tomorrow."

Yugito recorded this and was about to speak when Mei interrupted.

"Ryūkage-sama, Kirigakure has stabilized and now has a Fifth Mizukage. The successor is Mangetsu Hōzuki."

"Mangetsu Hōzuki, huh?" Kyomu looked at Mei. "Any thoughts?"

"No thoughts," Mei shook her head. "Kirigakure has no ties with my clan anymore."

Kyomu nodded and asked, "Tell me about the current situation of the Hōzuki, Kaguya, and Hoshigaki clans."

"Ryūkage-sama, the Hōzuki and Hoshigaki clans are doing well, but the Kaguya clan... Kimimaro's health is problematic," Mei referred to her notes. "According to Rin's initial diagnosis, Kimimaro might have Kekkei Genkai disease."

Kyomu's eyebrows shot up, and he signaled Mei to continue.

"He's been sent for treatment. According to Rin and Tsunade's plan, Kimimaro's disease can be stabilized but not fully cured."

"Is something missing?" Kyomu asked.

Mei nodded, "Kimimaro, or rather the Kaguya clan members, have congenital defects. The more talented and earlier they awaken their Kekkei Genkai, the more severe their physical defects. But the exact nature of these defects isn't clear to Rin or Tsunade."

"Bring Kimimaro to see me," Kyomu said. "And bring Hoshigaki Kisame and Haku too."

"Understood." Mei left the office, while Yugito remained to assist Kyomu with administrative tasks.

Soon, Kimimaro, Kisame, and Haku followed Mei into the office.

"Ryūkage-sama," they greeted respectfully.

Kyomu's eyes first landed on Haku. "Are you a boy or a girl?"

Haku blushed deeply and shyly answered, "A boy."

"Prettier than Kakashi as a kid," Kyomu chuckled. "How are things at the ninja academy?"

"The students are kind, and the teachers are attentive," Haku replied.

"And you, Kisame?"

Kisame, despite his fierce appearance, had a good heart. "Ryūkage-sama, the same for me. I've made several friends."

"Itachi?"

Kisame's eyes lit up. "Yes, Itachi is a great friend."

Kyomu smiled, seeing Kisame had integrated well, healing the scars left by the Bloody Mist policy.

"You've read the handbook on interacting with the Uchiha, right?"

"I don't need it with Itachi," Kisame shook his head. "I can feel his heart."

Fate had made them friends again, and this time, both their beginnings and ends would be better.

"Perform well, and after you and Itachi graduate from the academy, you'll work with me."

"Thank you, Ryūkage-sama!" Kisame bowed deeply, clearly happy.

Kyomu had saved the Hoshigaki clan. For Kisame, fighting for him was his ultimate goal, shared with Itachi.

Kyomu nodded, planning to pair Haku with Kakashi, thinking it was a good match.

After dismissing Kisame and Haku, Kyomu kept Kimimaro.

"Come here, Kimimaro."

Kimimaro obediently approached, letting Kyomu hold his wrist and let chakra flow through his body.

Kyomu's brows furrowed as he examined Kimimaro.

Kekkei Genkai disease was troublesome.

"Kimimaro, how does the disease feel?"

"Ryūkage-sama, every time I use Shikotsumyaku, my body weakens," Kimimaro explained. "But it's okay. I'll fight for you and Obito-sama until death."

"Your value lies in living," Kyomu patted Kimimaro's head. "I have two methods. I can't guarantee they'll cure you, but do you want to try?"

"I'll do whatever you say, Ryūkage-sama," Kimimaro responded without hesitation, ready to follow any command.

Among Kimimaro, Haku, and Kisame, Kimimaro had suffered most from the Bloody Mist policies and his early experiences in the Kaguya clan, leaving him deeply scarred.

Sighing, Kyomu took out a small bottle containing a Byakugan.

This was Kyomu's first method.

The Kaguya clan's bloodline likely originated from Kaguya. However, based on what Kyomu knew, Kaguya only had two sons, and Black Zetsu was an immature Yin Release creation.

Thus, the exact source of the Kaguya clan's bloodline was uncertain.

But the similarity between Shikotsumyaku and Kaguya's All-Killing Ash Bones was undeniable, inviting speculation.

Kyomu didn't have time to analyze this fully, nor would he spend ten precious gold coins to redeem the former passive skill "Universal Mouse."

So, he had to rely on his understanding.

Kimimaro's disease and Sasuke's near-miss with the same condition were due to a lack of yang chakra.

In short, Kimimaro awakened Shikotsumyaku too early and used it too frequently, depleting his body's yang chakra, or life force.

The Byakugan, in contrast to the Sharingan, emphasized yang chakra over yin chakra.

If the Byakugan were transplanted into Kimimaro, supplemented with Zetsu's cells, it might suppress or even cure his disease.

"Yugito, call Rin and Nonō," Kyomu instructed. "Tsunade can focus on preparations for Amegakure."

Yugito left and soon returned with Rin and Nonō.

"Rin, what's your treatment plan for Kimimaro's disease?" Kyomu asked directly.

"We plan to inject Zetsu's cells to replenish his yang chakra," Rin explained.

Kyomu nodded, "What's the difficulty?"

"Zetsu's cells are strong but can only be suppressed by the Sharingan. We're worried the cells might worsen Kimimaro's condition, so we haven't decided yet."

Rin's concerns were valid. No matter how improved, Zetsu's cells derived from Hashirama's cells were dangerous without balance or suppression.

"And this eye?" Kyomu placed the bottle on the table.

"The Byakugan?" Rin's eyes widened. "The one lost on the Mist battlefield?"

"Yes, that's the one," Kyomu confirmed. "I've checked its chakra composition. It's mainly yang chakra, unlike the Sharingan.

If the Sharingan stimulates yin chakra production, could the Byakugan stimulate yang chakra production?"

"We'd need to test it," Rin said. "But it's a good idea. I'm just worried about the Hyuga clan's reaction..."

"The Leaf's Hyuga have no say here," Kyomu dismissed. "Test the Byakugan on Kimimaro and see if Zetsu's cells enhance its effect."

"Alright, I'll get started."

Rin's face was alight with curiosity and determination as she left with Kimimaro.

Watching them leave, Kyomu glanced out the large window.

A faint full moon hung in the sky.

Turning back, Kyomu had an idea.

The secrets of the moon intrigued him, as did the Tenseigan.

"Let's see Rin's results first. If it works, I'll consider further actions," Kyomu decided, putting the thought aside for now.

Looking at Yugito and Mei, he instructed, "Prepare for action. Once Tsunade returns from Amegakure, we'll move."

Both nodded and left quickly.

With the office to himself, Kyomu leaned back in his chair, pondering how to divide the Nine-Tails.

(End of Chapter)