White Zetsu base, where Uchiha Obito, who had evacuated from the Hidden Mist Village, lived.
"Nagato was defeated?"
Uchiha Obito looked at Zetsu with a black and white face in astonishment and asked.
"Well, although it's hard to believe, Nagato was indeed defeated. Including the Deva Path clone, all six clones were destroyed."
Zetsu frowned and nodded.
"What happened? How could Nagato be defeated?"
Uchiha Obito asked anxiously.
As the owner of the Rinnegan, Nagato's strength had certainly reached the Super Kage level.
In an era where Uchiha Madara and Senju Hashirama no longer existed, Obito really couldn't imagine someone like Nagato being defeated.
"We underestimated Uchiha Fugaku too much. Fugaku's strength is no weaker than Uchiha Madara before his eyes evolved into the Rinnegan," Zetsu said in a deep voice, the black half of his face somber.
"No weaker than Uchiha Madara before the Rinnegan?"
Uchiha Obito looked astonished—it was hard to believe.
"In the battle with Nagato's Deva Path clone, Fugaku used the Perfect Susanoo," Zetsu said, a trace of shock on his white half-face.
"Perfect Susanoo… Could it be that Uchiha Fugaku has the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan?"
Obito's voice was filled with shock.
Having once lived with Uchiha Madara, he knew about Susanoo very well. The fourth form, and especially the Perfect Susanoo, required the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan to activate.
"That should be the case," Black Zetsu said with a serious look.
"But no one among Fugaku's close relatives has awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan. How did he obtain the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan?"
Obito asked with a frown.
"Maybe his bloodline has regressed to the ancestral bloodline."
Black Zetsu said with some hesitation.
"Regression to the ancestral bloodline?"
Obito was surprised.
"The Sharingan of the Uchiha clan originates from Indra, the eldest son of the Sage of Six Paths. Indra awakened the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan immediately after awakening the Mangekyō."
"But as the bloodline diluted over generations, his descendants could no longer awaken the Eternal version directly—they needed to transplant a close relative's Mangekyō."
"Uchiha Fugaku's bloodline may have reverted—like Indra, he awakened the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan instantly."
Black Zetsu shared his speculation.
"As soon as he awakens, he has the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan..."
Obito inhaled sharply.
He himself had evolved directly from the two tomoe to the Mangekyō Sharingan and thought that was already extraordinary.
But this… was even more incredible.
After a moment of silence, he said:
"Even Nagato isn't his opponent. Fugaku may become the biggest obstacle to our plan."
"While Nagato's six clones were defeated, it's too soon to say Nagato himself isn't Fugaku's match."
"Since they were only clones and not the original body, Nagato still has trump cards unused. If he unleashes them, the outcome might be different."
Black Zetsu paused.
"But Uchiha Fugaku is indeed our greatest current obstacle."
"I feel the urgency. We must begin the plan as soon as the Five-Tails is revived. Immediately after that, we move to capture the Tailed Beasts."
Obito said in a deep voice.
…
In the afternoon, Uchiha Fugaku returned home.
The sound of the door opening was heard inside, and Uchiha Mikoto, Sasuke, and Yuki no Natsu stepped out.
"Father!"
Sasuke trotted forward and greeted happily.
"Did you pay attention in class today?"
Fugaku asked.
"I listened carefully! The teacher praised me," Sasuke said proudly.
"That's good."
Fugaku reached out and patted Sasuke's head. Sasuke pouted.
"Father, I'm not a kid anymore!"
"Really? My Sasuke isn't a child anymore?"
Fugaku chuckled.
"Mr. Fugaku."
Yuki no Natsu bowed respectfully.
"Have you gotten used to school?"
Fugaku asked.
Because of her young age, she had been sent to the Ninja Academy.
"I made a few friends. But the classes are too easy."
Yuki no Natsu replied.
"In that case, I'll speak to your teacher and arrange for you to train independently during class hours."
Fugaku said after a moment of thought.
Her abilities were far beyond her peers; ordinary coursework was indeed too basic.
The main reason he enrolled her was to help her connect with others her age and build a deeper bond with Konoha.
Just then, Uchiha Mikoto stepped forward, wrapped her arms around Fugaku's arm, and smiled.
"Fugaku, I have good news!"
"What is it?"
Fugaku asked with a smile.
"I… am pregnant."
Mikoto rested her head on his shoulder.
"Really?!"
Fugaku's face lit up with pure joy as he looked at Mikoto.
It was a rare moment of genuine excitement for him, who was usually composed.
Technically, Itachi and Sasuke were the children of this body's original soul—not truly his.
But now… Mikoto was pregnant with his child. His real bloodline would continue in this world.
Such wonderful news—it was impossible not to be overjoyed.
"Yes. I haven't asked a medical-nin to confirm it yet, but I am one myself. I'm certain."
Mikoto nodded.
"That's amazing, Mikoto."
Fugaku kissed her cheek excitedly.
Mikoto's cheeks turned red. She playfully glared at him and said shyly,
"You're being shameless… Sasuke and Yuki are watching."
"I just got too happy."
Fugaku laughed.
"Look how giddy you are," Mikoto rolled her eyes.
"Don't stand too long. Sit more. Let's head back inside."
Fugaku gently supported Mikoto as they walked back indoors, fearing she might be tired.
"It's still early… You don't have to be so overly cautious," Mikoto said helplessly.
"Better safe than sorry..." Fugaku smiled like a fool. He had already decided to summon a medical-nin tomorrow. No risks could be taken.
(End of this chapter)