Chapter 180: Manipulating Ambition and Fear

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"Heh—Leader? A leader hiding in the shadows? Let's see what this 'organization' of yours is all about."

Shinnō ripped off his red headband, as if unleashing a seal. The withered muscles beneath his skin twisted and bulged, writhing with a life of their own.

"Eight Gates Released Formation — Gate of Death: Open!"

Chakra exploded from within him, his power surging to its peak. Invisible shockwaves rippled outwards, rustling the leaves beside Black Zetsu's head. "Tsk, the legendary Eight Gates—though it seems—a bit—off."

The Eight Gates Released Formation. By opening the body's chakra pathways, a Shinobi could temporarily gain immense power, a tenfold—even hundredfold—increase, depending on the user's skill.

The eighth gate, the Gate of Death, came at a cost. The user's life force would be consumed, leading to—death.

But Shinnō showed no signs of pain or strain. And the power he displayed, though impressive, wasn't the—exponential increase expected from the Eighth Gate.

Black Zetsu concluded this was—a modified version. But still—a gate opened without the usual drawbacks was a formidable power.

...

Thump—

One moment, Shinnō stood tall, radiating power. The next, he was on his knees—no, not kneeling, forced down by an unseen force, a pressure even his enhanced strength couldn't resist.

He roared in frustration, his muscles straining against the invisible weight, like a—demon trapped beneath a mountain. First his knees, then his torso, slammed into the earth, pinning him.

The true Eight Gates, fueled by life and youth, unleashed a Shinobi's full potential, a hundredfold increase in power. Not everyone who opened the Gate of Death deserved to be called—Guy.

If it were Might Guy, the result might be different. He'd likely defeat the Six Paths of Pain in seconds. But without knowing Nagato's location—he'd still die.

The Six Paths of Pain descended, their black robes billowing in the wind.

Pain, extending a hand, focused on Fūka Shūgetsu.

A clear threat. Cooperate, or share Shinnō's fate.

Fūka Shūgetsu nodded, awestruck by their power.

Shinnō continued to struggle. Pain, uttered a single word: "Shinra Tensei."

Invisible force slammed into Shinnō, driving him deeper into the earth, and cracking the ground around him.

Preta Path flickered forward, grabbing the regenerating Shinnō, and began absorbing his chakra.

"Hmm—interesting chakra…"

The other Paths landed, their gazes fixed on Shinnō.

Pain stepped forward. "Join us, or die."

Black Zetsu shook his head. "I told you, Shinnō-sama. Our leader isn't—patient. While we're interested in your—Sky Shinobi technology, it's not—essential. This…"

He gestured towards Human Path. "This is the Human Path. His Soul Absorption can extract your memories—every last one. You'll die, and your secrets will be—ours. Choose wisely."

If the Edo Tensei allowed for the use of the Eight Gates, Black Zetsu would have already had Pain eliminate Shinnō.

Theoretically, an Edo Tensei could be stronger than the original. Unlimited chakra, instant regeneration—powerful advantages.

But there were exceptions: those like Hashirama, whose natural abilities were—superior; those like Madara, whose power exceeded the Edo Tensei's limits; and those like Shinnō, whose techniques relied on—life force.

A living Shinnō was more valuable than a dead one.

Shinnō, finally realizing his—predicament, his face contorted in fear.

He'd planned to cooperate if they were stronger, using the Sky Shinobi's technology as leverage. If they were weaker—he'd destroy them, preserving the Sky Shinobi's secrets.

But now—even with the Gate of Death open, he was no match for them. And that—fat one was absorbing his chakra!

He couldn't win.

Shinnō yielded. The Preta Path released him.

He knelt, gasping for breath.

"A wise choice, Shinnō-sama."

...

Two new Akatsuki robes appeared. "From now on, you're—colleagues. We'll fulfill our promises. Cooperate, and you'll be—rewarded," Black Zetsu said.

"Fūka Shūgetsu, you'll work with Sasori, providing him with your chakra armor technology. When not on missions, you can return to the Land of Snow. But when called upon—you are Akatsuki."

"Shinnō, you'll—upgrade him." Black Zetsu gestured towards the Asura Path. "You don't have to—share all your secrets, but—some Sky Shinobi tech would be—appreciated."

Black Zetsu turned to Pain. "Leader, if you'll—keep the Asura Path here."

Pain nodded, and the other Paths ascended, vanishing into the sky.

The Asura Path would be—enhanced, and upgraded with Fūka Shūgetsu's chakra armor and the Sky Shinobi's technology.

Shinnō and Fūka Shūgetsu's faces darkened. They'd walked into a trap, their ambition leading them—astray.

The organization's promises—they were like—empty checks. They'd have to pay—upfront.

Black Zetsu entered the hideout, heading for Hiruko's lab.

Hiruko, engrossed in his research, ignored him.

He'd hit a wall.

The Edo Tensei's power was—limited. The bloodline limits within the resurrected Shinobi weren't—pure enough. His Ghost Bud Clones couldn't absorb them.

How was this possible?

He'd been obsessed with enhancing the Edo Tensei's power, preparing for his own—ascension.

"Hiruko, I need your help with—a few resurrections."

Hiruko, irritated, stopped his work and took the list Black Zetsu offered.

He glanced at the—non-human tags and frowned. "What—is this?"

"I don't understand it either. But this is what—they desire," Black Zetsu said, gesturing towards his notes. "Wealthy, influential people—perhaps they've—grown tired of—the usual?"

"You're joking, right?" Hiruko tossed the list aside. "Resurrecting—this? You're insulting my art!"

"I only resurrect men and women. Take it or leave it."

Hiruko's principles were—clear.

He needed funding for his research. He couldn't waste time on—this.

"They simply don't understand. They think humans—die too easily. Show them the Edo Tensei's power, and they'll—reconsider." He gestured towards a recently resurrected Shinobi.

Hiruko's modifications had—improved the Edo Tensei's—aesthetics. The bodies looked—less—decayed.

"See? This is—a proper human."

"But I still need to submit this report to our leader. And I haven't—collected the necessary—materials," Black Zetsu said, holding a—dead chicken. "I'll find the human—samples. But—could you—resurrect this?"

"The report is just—for show. As long as the money is real—it doesn't matter. And materials—Amegakure is full of them. Be discreet, and no one will notice. Or—try the Land of Earth."

Black Zetsu's eyes lit up. He had an idea.

...

Konan wasn't fully—committed to Nagato's cause. She used "protecting Nagato" as an excuse to avoid—unpleasant tasks.

Her loyalty wavered.

And this Edo Tensei plan—it was—too much for her. She wasn't—ruthless enough.

"Perhaps—I can—plant a seed of doubt."

Black Zetsu left the hideout.

Even if the resurrected—creatures were human, Konan would still carry out the mission. But—it would bother her.

His plan only involved Nagato and Hiruko.

Konan—her explosive tags were for Amegakure's defense, nothing more.

She lacked the necessary—lineage. She was—expendable.

But—as a catalyst?

Her betrayal could—fuel Nagato's emotions, unlock the Rinnegan's true power.

Nagato wasn't strong enough yet. Black Zetsu had to—push him.

And with Konan gone, Nagato would be—vulnerable.

Emotions were the key to the Ōtsutsuki's power. Not just Indra's descendants, but Asura's as well. The stronger the emotions, the greater the power.

Look at Madara. He'd done everything to gain power. And Hashirama? He just wanted to be friends with Madara, and somehow—he became stronger.

Even Black Zetsu, observing them for centuries, hadn't fully understood. Perhaps—Asura's descendants also possessed a—hidden power, amplified by emotions.

He would manipulate Nagato, guide him down a path of—darkness.

"The Fire Daimyo's Guardian Shinobi—they were recently buried. Use their bodies."

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