"Hmph, brat, did you see that?!"
In Konoha's ANBU headquarters, Tobirama Senju's mood had visibly improved. A rare smile graced his typically stern face.
"Your theory was completely wrong. How could Asura have envied Indra? Even the Sage of Six Paths left something for us!"
These past days had been torturous for him. The strained relationship between the Senju and Uchiha clans, coupled with Kitagawa Minamoto's provocative remarks, had been gnawing at him. He had even prepared to delve into family records to compile a "Chronicle of Ages," but fortunately, they had finally found what they were looking for!
"This artifact was buried incredibly deep—truly difficult to locate," Tsunade complained, while Hashirama Senju nodded in agreement.
"Indeed. It's peculiar—who would have buried it so far underground?"
"The identity of whoever buried it is irrelevant. What matters is that we found it," Tobirama replied dismissively. The existence of the relic was all that mattered!
"Moreover, it requires specific chakra to reveal its contents, just like the Uchiha tablet. This conclusively proves its authenticity."
"So such an artifact truly exists..." Hiruzen Sarutobi examined it curiously, while Kakashi and Jiraiya appeared incredulous.
Meanwhile, Might Guy and Naruto looked utterly bewildered, completely clueless about what was happening. Sasuke, on the other hand, scoffed quietly. He had initially believed the Sage of Six Paths favored his clan, but that notion had just been shattered.
"Hey, do you know what that is?" Naruto couldn't resist tugging at Sasuke's sleeve, whispering his question.
Sasuke merely snorted. "Idiot, now isn't the time for questions. I'll explain later."
"Tch," Naruto muttered under his breath but didn't press further. Thanks to his parents' guidance, though occasionally impulsive, he had become quite reasonable overall.
"I've gathered everyone here for two reasons," Tobirama announced, scanning the assembled group. "First, to examine the information contained in this relic. Second, to perform Edo Tensei. The list has been finalized, and we can now conduct proper testing."
"The Edo Tensei isn't problematic—I already have some ideas," Minamoto interjected, scrutinizing the "project" he had participated in. Suddenly, he raised an eyebrow. "Strange... why is your relic merely a piece of tree bark? Could it be—"
"Nonsense! This artifact clearly dates back over a thousand years!" Though excited, Tobirama hadn't allowed enthusiasm to cloud his judgment. Using tree bark as a relic seemed absurd, but Minamoto's insinuation that it might be a forgery was even more infuriating.
"Besides, it requires chakra to be read—impossible to fake. The nature of this material actually makes its loss more plausible."
"But can you actually see the information on it? You're both under Edo Tensei," Minamoto reminded them, though he chose not to press further when his comment was ignored.
Tobirama shook his head. "We can't see everything. Our current vessels are too weak, which is precisely why we need to test the enhanced Edo Tensei."
Neither Hashirama nor Tobirama had switched to new bodies. Partly because suitable vessels weren't available, but also because Hashirama had opposed the idea, especially since Konoha didn't currently require them for combat. This had been frustrating for Tobirama, but now he had a valid reason.
"Though finding bodies capable of bearing our full power remains challenging, at least we'll be able to access more information. Currently, what we can perceive is severely limited."
"Master, what have you discovered so far?" Hiruzen inquired curiously, while Tsunade's expression grew solemn.
"Like the Uchiha tablet, it begins with legendary tales. However, we've uncovered one crucial piece of information—the name of the Rabbit Goddess."
"Kaguya Ōtsutsuki."
Both Hashirama and Tobirama's expressions turned grave, and the revelation visibly affected everyone present. The Rabbit Goddess was a legendary figure who had nearly destroyed the world. Sharing a surname with such a terrifying entity...
"No wonder he possesses such overwhelming power!" Jiraiya inhaled sharply, seeming to grasp something significant. "That explains why the Great Toad Sage reacted so intensely upon hearing the name 'Ōtsutsuki Minamoto.'"
"Then, could their relationship be—" Kakashi began, but Minamoto swiftly interrupted.
"Their relationship is irrelevant. What matters is that such an entity has suddenly appeared—this can only mean trouble."
"Precisely. This spells nothing but disaster!" Tobirama nodded, his expression particularly grave. "Sharing the same surname as the Rabbit Goddess, especially while targeting the Tailed Beasts—our position is already determined."
"Indeed..." Hashirama sighed heavily, and a deathly silence fell over the room.
When Minamoto and Tobirama had ventured into mythology for their investigation, they had initially considered it somewhat far-fetched. But given the existence of the Rinnegan, they figured it wouldn't hurt to explore. Who would have thought they'd uncover something they least wanted to believe?
"The Rabbit Goddess..." In legend, this deity had sought to destroy the shinobi world. It was the Sage of Six Paths who defeated her, saving everything and establishing the ninja world. Now that the Sage was gone, a being as terrifying as the Rabbit Goddess had reappeared. What were they to do?
"That youth with the Rinnegan—could he possibly..." As everyone's expressions grew increasingly solemn, even Minamoto—despite his internal awkwardness—maintained the facade.
Hashirama posed the question, but Tobirama scoffed dismissively. "Don't be absurd. That Rinnegan wielder is our enemy. Besides, that boy was thoroughly defeated by Minamoto—"
Tobirama halted mid-sentence, his gaze locking onto Minamoto. Not just him—everyone present turned to look.
Minamoto's decisive victories against Nagato were well-established. Three years ago, and even now, Nagato—despite possessing the Rinnegan—remained no match for him! Moreover, Minamoto's extraordinary talents were evident to all. His remarkable abilities were undeniable.
"Could it be that Minamoto is the key?" Hashirama voiced what everyone was thinking, prompting unanimous nods of agreement.
Jiraiya sighed deeply. "No wonder Minamoto declined to visit Mount Myōboku and even showed disdain for the Toad Clan. The Great Toad Sage was willing to offer complete support—he must have 'foreseen' something."
"And Minamoto's talent is unparalleled," Kakashi added. "Whether it's Dust Release or Wood Release, he masters them effortlessly."
"His willpower is exceptionally strong," Guy affirmed. "He perseveres through the most grueling training regimens without faltering."
"And despite his achievements, he remains true to his original aspirations," Hiruzen concluded with a sigh. "Minamoto truly is unique. He's our most promising candidate to confront Ōtsutsuki Minamoto!"
Though this sentiment had been lingering in their minds, this was the first time it had been openly acknowledged. After all, Minamoto's track record was undeniably formidable!
Even Naruto and Sasuke nodded in agreement. Though they found him excessively arrogant at times, he genuinely seemed like a good person. And from every perspective, he appeared to be their only hope.
Meanwhile, Minamoto himself felt increasingly awkward—was the concept of "fighting myself" now officially sanctioned?
"Um, could we change the subject?" Minamoto suggested after a moment's consideration. "Does your tree bark contain any additional information?"
"It advises Asura to approach Indra with a peaceful mindset to achieve harmony," Tsunade replied, refocusing on the topic despite her lingering emotions. "As for the rest, I can't discern it. Like Sasuke and Kakashi, my strength is insufficient."
"Which is precisely why we need the enhanced Edo Tensei—to restore ourselves and uncover more information," Tobirama explained, glancing at his brother. "Not just to access more information, but also to prepare for future actions. The enemy is too formidable!"
"Tch," Hashirama scoffed softly, though this time he didn't argue.
Minamoto stroked his chin thoughtfully. "So it only advises your ancestor to approach Indra peacefully? Nothing else?"
"No."
"Then doesn't that suggest Asura envied Indra, leading to conflict? Otherwise, why would the Sage of Six Paths counsel Asura rather than Indra?"
"..."
"Moreover, Indra's relic is a stone tablet, while Asura's is merely a piece of tree bark. Isn't that clear favoritism?"
A tense silence fell over the room. The three Senju exchanged uncomfortable glances. Could it really be interpreted that way? Upon reflection, it seemed disturbingly plausible!
For a moment, Tobirama regretted everything—regretted unearthing this relic, and regretted not being powerful enough to silence this impudent youth!
Sasuke, meanwhile, couldn't suppress a satisfied smirk.
"Also," Minamoto continued, "I have a suggestion for Edo Tensei—summoning Sasuke's parents."
"What?" Sasuke froze, while Tobirama's fists clenched tighter.
Minamoto, however, remained unfazed. "Sasuke has defeated Itachi Uchiha, so he should report this to his departed family. Additionally, this serves as a home visit. I have certain matters to discuss with Sasuke's parents."
As he spoke, Minamoto's gaze swept over Sasuke, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "After all, restoring the Uchiha clan's glory is Sasuke's solemn duty!"
At that moment, Sasuke's expression darkened instantly. He finally understood what this manipulative bastard was planning.
Meanwhile, Minamoto suddenly looked skyward, his expression turning peculiar...
Near the Hyūga clan compound in Konoha, Obito Uchiha had already assembled his forces.
"I believe you all understand today's operation," Obito stated calmly, gazing at the moonlit sky. "I need you to create a significant disturbance. Only then can we draw Kitagawa Minamoto here. And don't worry about casualties—you're all under Edo Tensei!"
"Tch, resorting to such methods," Sasori muttered, though he didn't object further. Kakuzu, however, seemed displeased.
"Even under Edo Tensei, confronting that man won't be easy."
"I don't mind," Raiga Kurosuki remarked with a sinister smile as he gazed toward the Hyūga compound. "I've always wanted to deal with the Hyūga clan."
Jūzō Biwa nodded in agreement. "The Hyūga were a major force in battles against Kirigakure. And they reportedly maintain close ties with the Kaguya clan."
"More conflict?" Only Itachi Uchiha shook his head quietly. This wasn't the situation he had hoped to face.
"Enough discussion," Obito declared after glancing at Black Zetsu and receiving a confirming nod. He took a deep breath. "Begin the operation. This is our critical opportunity!"
With those words, Obito vanished. He still needed to retrieve the Senju relic.
But his gaze lingered on the moon—something about tonight's moonlight felt distinctly wrong.
Elsewhere, a monk-like figure also raised his head, eyes fixed on the luminous moon. After a moment, he closed his eyes in meditation. When he abruptly opened them again, there was a gleam of realization.
"Not far from here... Though different from before, this appears to be an even more suitable vessel than Cizen."
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