Inside Shinji's apartment.
Mumei dispelled the sensing of 'Yachihoko' and stared at Shinji in a daze. "Shinji, who exactly are these people?"
Though most of her life had been spent imprisoned or sealed, as the Uchiha clan's 'weapon of war' back then, Mumei was no inexperienced shinobi.
She had once used 'Yachihoko' to mark every Uchiha clansman who had awakened the Sharingan, as well as foreign shinobi captured by the Uchiha clan, so she was well aware of the average chakra strength of typical shinobi.
In her understanding, the Uchiha clan's shinobi were essentially all elites, among the most formidable in the shinobi world.
After all, in a dojutsu Bloodline Limit clan like the Uchiha, awakening the Sharingan practically guaranteed at least Jonin-level strength.
In contrast, the strength of foreign shinobi varied widely. Even the Uchiha's rivals, the Senju clan, fell short of the Uchiha in terms of average ability.
Yet the people Shinji had her mark with 'Yachihoko' today, in terms of chakra alone, were at the very least elite Jonin level. Even among the Uchiha clan of old, they would have been considered the cream of the crop. As for the strongest among them, they completely surpassed her expectations, shattering her preconceptions!
"They're more or less my subordinates!"
Shinji didn't conceal anything.
Since Mumei not only knew he had awakened the 'Rinnegan' but would also be deeply involved in his 'backup plan,' there was no need to hide these matters.
Mumei couldn't help but marvel. "To have such powerful chakra at their age is rare even among our Uchiha clan! Shinji, how did you manage to recruit them?"
Shinji smiled and explained about the Akatsuki organization.
Upon learning that there was a powerful shinobi organization called Akatsuki in the shinobi world, and that Shinji had secretly formed another Akatsuki to oppose it, Mumei asked, "Shinji, are the people you've been wary of part of this Akatsuki?"
"More or less!"
Shinji nodded.
Mumei's expression darkened. "That Uchiha Itachi, the one who slaughtered our entire clan, is in the hidden Akatsuki, isn't he?"
Shinji hadn't expected Mumei to bring this up suddenly, but he nodded.
"I understand!"
Mumei instinctively activated her Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, a flicker of killing intent flashing through her crimson pupils!
Shinji, sensing her murderous intent, said, "Don't underestimate him. Though Itachi is only a Mangekyo Uchiha, those who've underestimated him have paid a price!"
Mumei replied, "I know. Someone capable of wiping out the entire clan must be strong!"
"You don't understand!" Shaking his head, Shinji emphasized, "His strength lies in his insight into people's hearts and his tactical planning. Unless it's an unexpected encounter with no preparation, don't engage him lightly."
Shinji wasn't afraid of Itachi; he was cautious.
In the original timeline, Itachi had rarely suffered a loss. The clan massacre aside, after joining Akatsuki, he instantly defeated Orochimaru, then heavily injured the Fourth Mizukage. Upon returning to Hidden Leaf Village, he used 'Tsukuyomi' to overwhelm Kakashi in seconds, and later escaped effortlessly from Jiraiya.
In the battle against his brother, he provoked Sasuke, triggering Orochimaru's emergence from the 'Cursed Seal' hidden in Sasuke's body, only to seal Orochimaru with the 'Totsuka Blade.' After being revived by 'Impure World Reincarnation,' he sealed Nagato, who had easily overpowered Naruto and Killer Bee.
Finally, he played a pivotal role in turning the tide of the Fourth Great Shinobi War, defeating Kabuto in 'Sage Mode' and manipulating him to undo the 'Impure World Reincarnation' army.
These feats forced Shinji to treat Itachi with caution.
Itachi's opponents—Orochimaru, the Fourth Mizukage—were undisputed Kage-level shinobi. Nagato in his 'Impure World' state and Kabuto in 'Sage Mode' were even stronger. Others, like Kakashi and three-tomoe Sasuke, were among the top Jonin.
And the result?
Without exception, they all fell to Itachi.
Though Itachi was only a Mangekyo Uchiha, in a battlefield he had prepared, he could unleash power rivaling a top-tier Kage.
Moreover, like Shinji, Itachi was a shinobi who loved to keep trump cards hidden.
Others might not know, but Shinji was aware that Itachi currently held at least three trump cards: the divine artifacts 'Totsuka Blade' and 'Yata Mirror,' Shisui's Mangekyo Sharingan containing 'Kotoamatsukami,' and the forbidden technique 'Izanami.'
These three trump cards were the kind that, without preparation, an opponent would easily fall victim to.
Especially the 'Totsuka Blade'—Shinji felt that even with his current 'Rinnegan,' he might not be able to withstand it.
In the original timeline, Nagato in his 'Impure World' state was sealed by Itachi's 'Totsuka Blade.'
Though Nagato was in an 'Impure World' body, his combat and dojutsu power were no less than in life, easily suppressing Naruto in 'Nine-Tails Chakra Mode' and Killer Bee.
If Nagato couldn't resist the 'Totsuka Blade,' Shinji likely couldn't either.
As for whether he could withstand 'Kotoamatsukami' or 'Izanami,' Shinji couldn't be certain. In theory, any dojutsu or illusion technique boiled down to a contest of dojutsu power, but Itachi's talent in illusions was undeniable. Shinji believed his 'Rinnegan' might grant some resistance to dojutsu illusions, but not complete immunity.
So, if it came to facing Itachi, Shinji would undoubtedly gather allies to outnumber him—otherwise, the risk was too great.
In truth, Shinji didn't know that Obito shared the same judgment, which was why Obito monitored Itachi's every move from the shadows.
To some extent, Itachi's existence restrained Obito, dividing his focus and preventing him from fully committing to battles. Otherwise, with Obito's near-invincible 'Kamui,' ordinary Kage-level shinobi would have little chance against him.
After completing the markings, Shinji and Mumei slipped out of the village under the cover of night.
Hidden Leaf Village was currently on high alert, with all sorts of sensory barriers active. If Mumei activated 'Yachihoko' to absorb chakra within the village, the intense chakra fluctuations would surely attract attention.
To be safe, Shinji and Mumei returned to the secret laboratory.
Back at the lab, Mumei didn't hesitate and immediately activated 'Yachihoko,' drawing chakra from Karin, Shion, Haku, Neji, Kimimaro, Ryuzetsu, and Chino.
In an instant, an immense amount of chakra surged into Mumei's body.
Mumei's eyes snapped open, her Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan glowing with an eerie red light as she fixed her gaze on Shinji. "Are you ready?"