Chapter 506: Want to Die? Then Give It a Try

"The conditions for using these eyes are very harsh. In the entire ninja world... hmm."

Shinki paused, considering his words carefully before continuing:

"In this ninja world, there are probably only two people capable of withstanding the power of these eyes."

"Two people? Just two?"

Yagura's face was filled with disbelief.

Only two people? While the Rinnegan was legendary as the Sage's Eye, such limitations seemed extreme. Could it really be true that even the Uchiha clan couldn't handle them?

Yagura's first instinct was skepticism.

Onoki chuckled, unable to hold back his amusement.

"Shinki, I assume the two people you're talking about are yourself and Madara Uchiha, correct?"

"Exactly," Shinki replied without a shred of humility. His tone was calm, matter-of-fact.

"The Rinnegan is an organ that originally belonged to Uchiha Madara. It's a part of him, so it's natural that he can bear its power. I, on the other hand, am a different case."

Shinki explained further:

"The Rinnegan and the Tenseigan exist on the same level, but they stem from different sources. The Sharingan is a mutation of the Byakugan, and the Rinnegan is an evolution of the Sharingan.

"Given that my body is naturally compatible with Tenseigan abilities, I could theoretically handle the Rinnegan without being overwhelmed. However, the same cannot be said for most others."

He went on, "If Uchiha Madara, at his prime, were to implant the Tenseigan, he would likely be able to handle it just as well."

"Are you saying even the Uchiha clan can't handle the Rinnegan?"

The Third Raikage furrowed his brow. "Based on the records Konoha has collected, the Uchiha clan are direct descendants of the Sage of Six Paths. Surely they should be able to handle it?"

"It depends entirely on their strength," Shinki answered bluntly.

Shinki placed the glass jar containing the Rinnegan on the table and turned to the Third Raikage.

"The Rinnegan is indeed a Sharingan evolution, so it won't reject Uchiha bloodlines. However, these eyes demand an immense price. Even among the Uchiha, few—if any—could survive using their full power without being drained dry."

He gestured toward the jar.

"Feel free to test it out, if you're curious."

The room fell silent.

Shinki's calm invitation carried no malice but left no doubt about the dangers involved. Even the Third Raikage, bold as he was, hesitated.

The idea of being reduced to a dried-up husk, or "mummy," as Shinki had put it, was not appealing.

"A mummy?"

The Third Raikage coughed awkwardly, trying to downplay his curiosity. "Are you absolutely certain the cost of using these eyes is that severe?"

"Feel free to try it out, Senior," Shinki said with a faint smile, gesturing as if to encourage him. "Don't worry about me. I won't stop you."

The Third Raikage's bravado faltered. Shinki's confidence in his warning was unnerving.

He could neither confirm nor deny Shinki's claims, but the risk was too great to test them himself. Besides, the procedure to transplant eyes wasn't trivial. Unlike Uchiha Madara, who could easily swap eyes as if changing clothes, most shinobi lacked such capability.

Even if one were to implant the Rinnegan, it didn't guarantee immediate usability.

"Ahem," the Third Raikage cleared his throat, deflecting. "Mizukage, perhaps you'd like to try instead?"

The attention shifted to Yagura, who frowned deeply. His hesitation was evident—part intrigue, part caution.

Onoki and the Third Kazekage exchanged a knowing glance.

The Third Kazekage shook his head slightly, signaling his agreement with Onoki's assessment: Yagura wasn't reckless enough to attempt something so dangerous.

Though the Rinnegan's power was alluring, the risks were equally terrifying.

"Why did Uchiha Madara implant these eyes in Nagato, then?" Yagura asked, still skeptical. "Nagato seemed fine—why wasn't he affected?"

Shinki chuckled.

"Mizukage, I'd suggest recalling the Uzumaki clan's unique vitality. Their immense life force and chakra reserves made Nagato the perfect host to sustain the Rinnegan.

"If you're still unconvinced, feel free to try them yourself. Konoha has many medical-nin proficient in eye transplantation. If you don't trust them, Tsunade and I can handle it for you."

His tone was nonchalant, almost mocking.

If you're so eager to risk death, why not? I'll gladly oblige.

"Tsk!"

The Third Raikage burst into laughter.

"Mizukage, if you want the power of the Rinnegan so badly, go for it. None of us will stop you—as long as you're not afraid to die."

Among the Five Kage, the Third Raikage had little regard for Yagura. Seeing his uncertainty only fueled his disdain.

"Hehehe," Onoki chuckled slyly. "What do you think, Kazekage? Should we let Mizukage test it out first?"

The Third Kazekage raised an eyebrow but remained silent. After a brief glance at Yagura, he nodded slightly.

Yagura gritted his teeth, feeling the weight of their mocking gazes.

Tsunade crossed her arms, watching the exchange with thinly veiled annoyance.

"Honestly, are we really doing this?" she muttered under her breath.

Shinki remained composed, but his sharp eyes betrayed his amusement.

If you want to gamble with your life for power, go ahead. But don't blame me when you're left regretting it.