Chapter 495: Unrepeatable Makes It Rare

The three great dōjutsu of the ninja world—Byakugan, Sharingan, and the legendary Rinnegan—are well-known, even to common folk.

While the first two are readily found among the Hyuga and Uchiha clans, the Rinnegan had always been considered a myth, linked to the Sage of Six Paths.

But the truth was more terrifying: the Rinnegan wasn't just a myth—it existed.

And worse, Shinki knew exactly who possessed it.

The Third Raikage leaned forward in his seat, his sharp eyes narrowing. "The legendary Sage's Eye, the Rinnegan... You're telling me it's real? And Uchiha Madara possesses it?"

Shinki nodded.

"Exactly. The Rinnegan, the so-called Eye of the Sage, is not exclusive to the Sage of Six Paths. Under certain extreme conditions, it can manifest in someone else."

The Raikage's lips twitched. He glanced at Shinki skeptically. "Let me guess: it's an advanced evolution of the Uchiha's Sharingan?"

The implication was clear. If the Sharingan could evolve into the Rinnegan, the possibility of obtaining such power became tantalizing.

Shinki smiled faintly. "You're correct. Uchiha Madara's Sharingan evolved into the Rinnegan. However, let me be clear: the conditions to awaken the Rinnegan are extraordinarily harsh. Since the birth of the Uchiha clan, Madara is the only one to achieve it."

He added, "Even if someone obtained the Sharingan and infused Uchiha blood into themselves, it's practically impossible to replicate the Rinnegan. Madara is an exception, not the rule."

The Raikage's brief flicker of greed vanished. He sighed, frustrated. "Tch. Figures. If it were that simple, you Konoha wouldn't even bother sharing this information."

The Raikage straightened up, his tone more serious now. "So Madara has the Rinnegan. What does he want with the tailed beasts?"

Shinki sipped his tea before answering. "According to the Nine-Tails, the Sage of Six Paths once sealed the Ten-Tails within himself and later divided its chakra into the nine tailed beasts we know today. In other words, the Sage was the first and only Ten-Tails Jinchūriki."

The Raikage's eyes widened slightly.

Shinki continued, "Madara's goal is to reunite the tailed beasts, resurrect the Ten-Tails, and become its Jinchūriki. In doing so, he hopes to surpass even the Sage of Six Paths and dominate the ninja world."

The Raikage's fists clenched. "If he succeeds, it would be a disaster for everyone..."

"Exactly," Shinki agreed. "This isn't just Konoha's problem. Madara's ambition threatens all five great ninja villages, as well as smaller ones like Taki Village."

The Raikage exhaled sharply. "I finally understand why you want to convene a Five Kage Summit. This isn't something one village can handle alone."

The Raikage hesitated for a moment, then asked cautiously, "About the Rinnegan... Where is it now?"

Shinki chuckled, his expression unreadable. "Senior, do you really think I'd tell you that?"

The Raikage huffed but didn't press further. It was clear Shinki wouldn't share any more details until the Five Kage Summit.

After their conversation, Shinki got up to leave. With the Raikage already in Konoha, the next step was to notify the other villages.

He handed four invitations to ANBU agents.

"Deliver these invitations to the other village leaders as quickly as possible."

"Yes, sir."

The ANBU operatives split into pairs, each team heading toward a different destination: Sunagakure, Iwagakure, and Kirigakure.

The Raikage's presence in Konoha had saved them a trip to the Cloud Village.

Back in the Hokage's office, Tsunade leaned back in her chair, arms crossed.

"The Raikage's arrival was convenient. Now we just need to wait for the other villages to respond. Are you sure your ANBU teams can handle this?"

Shinki nodded confidently. "They'll manage. Each team has contracted flying summoning beasts. Even for Mist Village, it won't take more than two days for them to make the delivery."

Tsunade sighed. "Good. Let's hope the other Kage don't drag their feet."

A knock at the door interrupted their conversation.

"Come in," Tsunade called.

The door creaked open, and Jiraiya poked his head in, scanning the room before stepping inside.

"Tsunade, do you need me for something? If not, don't bother me—I'm on vacation."

Shinki raised an eyebrow, amused. Jiraiya's "vacations" usually involved either wandering the countryside or writing his novels.

Tsunade's expression was unusually serious. "Actually, I do need you, Jiraiya. This is important."

Jiraiya's playful demeanor disappeared. "What's going on?"

Tsunade glanced at Shinki, who gave her a small nod.