"Sasuke, don't be impulsive."
Obito approached Sasuke, staring at him with a calm expression. "You've only just awakened the Rinnegan. I'm guessing you haven't used it in an actual battle yet, right?"
Sasuke snorted. "I just tested it out on White Zetsu."
Not far away, the real White Zetsu rolled his eyes at Sasuke in exasperation.
This bastard... White Zetsu cursed internally. The moment he successfully transplanted his brother Itachi's Mangekyō Sharingan, he used me as a test subject. Now that he's awakened the Rinnegan, he's still using me! These guys really treat me like I'm not even human.
Obito chuckled. "Well, considering White Zetsu's combat capabilities are limited, that's hardly a proper test. Think about Naruto—he's had access to the Six Paths power for a while now, but even he probably doesn't fully understand the depths of the Rinnegan."
"Besides," Obito continued, his tone turning serious, "Naruto has completely mastered the Nine-Tails. He's now a perfect Jinchūriki. On top of that, he's proficient in Sage Mode from Mount Myōboku."
"In terms of raw power, if you go up against him now, you'll be at a serious disadvantage."
Sasuke's eyes narrowed. "So according to you, awakening the Rinnegan is useless?"
Obito could see the irritation building in Sasuke, but also recognized the hesitation—it meant he was getting through to him. Time to strike with the next piece of the plan.
"Come with me."
Without waiting for a reply, Obito turned and led Sasuke deeper into the base. Kabuto remained behind, keeping Deidara and the others stationed outside.
Soon, a large stone door rumbled open, revealing a hidden chamber. Obito stepped inside, with Sasuke following close behind. As they entered, Sasuke's eyes widened in shock at the massive statue looming before him.
"What is this?"
Obito answered, his voice low and reverent. "This is the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path—left behind by the Sage of Six Paths. It's a vessel, specifically designed to collect and contain the chakra of the tailed beasts."
Sasuke studied the Gedo Statue intently. Something clicked in his mind. "So all the tailed beasts you've captured... they're inside here?"
Obito nodded. "Yes. Seven of them are sealed within."
Sasuke glanced back at him. "And why did you bring me here?"
Obito turned to face the statue. "Naruto has the Nine-Tails completely under his control now. And the Eight-Tails is constantly by his side. Capturing either of them is nearly impossible."
"More importantly," he added grimly, "thanks to Naruto's influence, the Five Great Nations have united and are forming a Shinobi Alliance. The balance of power is shifting, and not in our favor."
"These seven tailed beasts," Obito said, gesturing toward the statue, "are our only leverage—our only hope of countering the Eight-Tails and Nine-Tails."
Sasuke scoffed. "If I'm not mistaken, Nagato's Rinnegan was originally meant for controlling the tailed beasts, wasn't it?"
"You're absolutely right," Obito said, smiling faintly. "Nagato inherited the Rinnegan that Madara awakened in his later years. But after Naruto stripped him of that power, we've been at a serious disadvantage."
"You see, Sasuke, you are special—just like Madara. A true descendant of the Sage's eldest son. That's why you were able to awaken the Rinnegan on your own. I couldn't."
"You, Sasuke, are a true heir to the power of the Sage of Six Paths. With that power, you can control these seven tailed beasts. You can help me summon the Ten-Tails... and together, we can cast the Infinite Tsukuyomi and achieve the Eye of the Moon Plan."
Sasuke's expression shifted. The mention of his uniqueness, his lineage, the comparison to Madara—it inflated his pride. The Rinnegan pulsed faintly in his eye, resonating with the possibilities.
Then something clicked. "Naruto can also use Six Paths power. Does that mean he's also one of the Sage's descendants?"
Obito nodded. "Yes. He is the reincarnation of Asura—the Sage's younger son. Just like Hashirama Senju was in the past. You and Naruto... Uchiha and Senju... your destinies have always been intertwined."
"That's why I believe you shouldn't rush to fight Naruto. Not yet. You must fully master your strength."
"Madara understood this well. He inscribed a special technique into his own Rinnegan, knowing he'd one day be defeated. It's because of that foresight we're even able to carry out this plan."
"So wait," Obito concluded, "until I help you unlock your full power. Once you can control the seven tailed beasts, then you can challenge Naruto—and surpass him."
Sasuke's gaze lingered on the Gedo Statue. The thought of mastering all seven tailed beasts, of standing above Naruto once and for all... it consumed him.
"Fine," he said at last. "I'll wait."
With that, Sasuke turned and left the chamber. Outside, he found Kabuto waiting.
"You," he said, pointing at the undead trio, "come with me. I want to train."
A faint smile tugged at Kabuto's lips. Obito really did convince him.
Deidara scowled. "Who the hell are you to order me around?"
Sasuke ignored him and looked to Kabuto. "Any issues?"
"None at all," Kabuto replied smoothly.
He formed a quick string of hand seals, activating Edo Tensei's control. Immediately, Deidara, Kakuzu, and Sasori all responded.
"Tch... disgusting jutsu," Deidara muttered. "So I don't even get a choice, huh?"
He turned to Sasuke with a scornful grin. "Uchiha brat... Last time we fought, you barely survived. I hope you don't get yourself killed this time."
Sasuke sneered. "Try me."
Kakuzu chuckled darkly. "We're all immortal now. Holding a grudge seems pointless."
Sasori remained silent, his empty eyes gazing forward like a lifeless puppet.
Meanwhile, back in the chamber with the Gedo Statue, Obito stood alone, staring at the massive construct. He was healing—slowly recovering his chakra reserves—but his mind was racing.
There's no way I can let Sasuke fully control the seven tailed beasts, Obito thought. If he does, I'll become irrelevant.
Sasuke... he's useful when obedient. But if he goes rogue, he could ruin everything. I need a backup plan—one that ends with me taking his Rinnegan.
As Obito plotted, Kabuto entered quietly behind him.
"You convinced him," Kabuto said, his tone half-amused.
Obito nodded. "Time to prepare the final stage."
Kabuto's smile deepened. "So, we're moving to full-scale war?"
Obito's thoughts drifted to the summit in Kumogakure, to Naruto's impassioned speeches that unified the Kage.
"Most likely, the Shinobi Alliance has already been formed," he said. "Our plans to provoke and destabilize the Five Great Nations were thwarted by Naruto's interference."
"Now, he's earned the trust of every major village. If we keep antagonizing him, it'll only strengthen their unity."
Obito scoffed bitterly. "Naruto's been using me. He's made me the enemy that unites them all. And I've played that role willingly."
"But once Sasuke masters the Rinnegan... once we summon the Ten-Tails... their alliance will crumble in the face of true despair."
Kabuto nodded. "I'll begin deployment of the Impure World Reincarnation army."
Obito gave a short grunt of approval. "And Sasuke?"
"I've assigned Deidara, Kakuzu, and Sasori to spar with him," Kabuto said with a smirk. "He'll be busy preparing to become your perfect pawn."
---
Check out other novels
Naruto: l Aspire To Become Hokage Man
🚨🆕Haikyuu: To The Top 🆕🚨
To Get This Week Bonus Chapter - 100 Power Stones
Dear Readers
For 120 Advance Chapters Join My Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/NF25
-------
Please Support My Patreon 🥺