The next stage of evolution was beyond mere bloodline limits.
Only by fully integrating chakra and blood could he truly reach the level of the Sage of Six Paths.
Truth-Seeking Orbs, forged by the fusion of all chakra natures, and a perfected Otsutsuki bloodline—these were the two things Uchiha Shin needed the most. One was the pinnacle of power, the other the transcendence of life itself. Both were indispensable.
In truth, he already carried the blood of Uchiha, Senju, Uzumaki, and even Hyuga. The war had allowed him to harvest more Hyuga blood, enhancing his genetic composition. He could use the Byakugan, but compared to his Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan, it was practically useless.
"What's the point of activating a broken Byakugan when I already wield the true eyes of gods?"
His goal was higher.
"The Rinnegan… I need to find a way to reach the moon."
Uchiha Shin lounged in the back garden, reclining under the midday sun. Even in broad daylight, the moon was clearly visible, a pale sentinel watching over the world.
With his current strength, he could leave the planet's atmosphere. But flying to the moon would take too long, and the descendants of Otsutsuki Hamura who remained there would notice him before he even arrived. That would bring trouble.
"No, I need to find another way, a passage."
For two years, he had sent people to search, but there was still no news.
"Our mighty emperor looks lost in thought~"
A teasing voice cut through his musings.
Kushina appeared behind him, poking his cheek with a playful smirk.
Years had passed, and with time, her figure had developed into something truly captivating. Though not as exaggerated as Tsunade's, her curves were well-defined, her body supple with the perfect balance of softness and strength. Clad in tight stockings that emphasized her toned thighs, she was a sight to behold.
"Stop that, Kushina."
Uchiha Shin sighed, too lazy to push her away.
Encouraged by his lack of resistance, Kushina pressed closer, wrapping her arms around his shoulders, her ample chest pushing against his back.
Before she could continue her antics, another voice interrupted.
"Enough, Kushina."
Kanako, ever composed, stepped forward.
"If you keep teasing him, he won't take us seriously. We're here for business, not games."
She had changed a lot over the years. Dressed in a tight-fitting maid outfit, her beauty was striking. The conservative skirt failed to hide the allure of her long, shapely legs, encased in black stockings that highlighted her mature charm.
She had developed an unusual habit, fully embracing her role as a maid. To her, serving Uchiha Shin wasn't just an obligation—it was devotion. She still referred to him as "Master" with complete sincerity, carrying out her duties with unwavering discipline.
Hearing her words, Uchiha Shin turned his attention back to them.
"Business? What is it?"
He already had a guess.
Since uniting the Land of Fire, his empire had slowly begun expanding outward. It was only a matter of time before the other nations started causing trouble.
"The other countries… are they finally ready to move?"
The world was at war again, and everyone knew he was the catalyst. His ambitions were no secret.
So far, the other nations had held back, wary of making the first move. But that didn't stop them from condemning him. They called him a tyrant, denouncing his claim as emperor. Economic sanctions were imposed, propaganda spread.
But none of it mattered.
The Fire Nation was the most populous country, strategically located at the heart of the continent. It had been a trade hub for centuries. Cutting ties with it was impossible.
More importantly, Uchiha Shin possessed the Wood Release.
A single technique could create forests, yielding vast resources instantly. While other nations struggled with shortages, he ensured his people never suffered.
Despite their sanctions, other nations continued to secretly trade with him—at ten times the usual price.
They had no choice but to swallow their pride and their losses.
So if war was brewing, he was ready.
However, both Kushina and Kanako shook their heads.
"It's not that," Kanako said hesitantly. "Lady Tsunade thought you wouldn't want to hear about it, so we weren't going to tell you…"
Kushina's usual playful expression faded.
"It's about Grandma Mito," she said, voice soft. "She's dying."
At the mention of Uzumaki Mito, both women lowered their heads.
It wasn't unexpected. Her time had long been running out.
A year ago, Uchiha Shin had brought the remnants of the Uzumaki clan to settle in Konoha City. For Mito, seeing her people regain their status as a powerful clan had been her final wish.
She had witnessed everything—Konoha's transformation into a vast city, the rise of a new era. She had lived long enough to see her dreams fulfilled.
They knew they should be happy for her.
But knowing and feeling were different things.
Despite their acceptance, grief crept into their eyes. Their voices wavered, and silent tears fell, their sorrow too deep to be contained.
Tick.
A single tear landed on Uchiha Shin's hand.
Without a word, he stood up and pulled them into a firm embrace.
"Don't cry too much," he murmured. "If it's really unbearable, I've already mastered the Rinne Rebirth. When Mito passes, I can summon her soul for you to speak to."
There was a long silence.
"…Maybe I can even figure out how to bring her back in a younger form."
Kushina and Kanako stiffened, their sorrow momentarily forgotten. Then, they looked at him with blank expressions.
"…Excuse me?"
The tension in the air shattered.
"Ouch!"
Both women lunged forward, biting his neck in unison.
"Oi, what the hell?" Shin exclaimed.
It wasn't even a proper bite. Their soft lips barely sank their teeth in—it felt more like they were marking him rather than punishing him.
They were crying moments ago, but now they didn't know whether to sob or laugh.
After a few more seconds of "punishment," they pulled back, their previous sadness replaced with reluctant amusement.
Uchiha Shin rubbed his neck, frowning.
"What? Didn't you want to see her again?"
Kushina crossed her arms. "Shin… don't mess with souls like they're playthings. You sound like a villain when you say it so casually."
Kanako sighed. "We know you mean well, but… let Mito rest."
Uchiha Shin blinked.
Were they seriously mad at him for offering to bring Mito back?
He sighed. Women were complicated.
But as he glanced at them—Kushina, still playfully sulking, and Kanako, hiding her smirk behind her usual serious expression—he supposed he wouldn't have it any other way.
For now, there were more important things to do.
War was coming.
And Uchiha Shin had no intention of losing.
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