Chapter 44: Moryo’s Hidden Plan

How could this be?

The Sage of Six Paths furrowed his brows deeply. The Moryo before him was merely an incarnation, inheriting only a fraction of its true power. If even this clone was too much for him, did that mean Moryo had now surpassed him?

And this was despite Moryo passively assimilating the Shrine Maiden.

Seeing the Sage's grave expression, Moryo showed no urgency to attack. Its crimson pupils gleamed with amusement.

"So, what's your plan now?"

"Call that anomaly of fate over here. Perhaps there's still a chance to defeat this incarnation of mine."

The Sage of Six Paths, of course, had no intention of listening to Moryo's manipulative words. He had dispatched this clone to prevent Deidara from being lured into a trap and killed by Moryo.

But now, dealing with Moryo was proving to be a huge problem.

Even Chibaku Tensei hadn't worked. The only option left was that technique.

Was he really going to resort to it? The Sage hesitated.

But Moryo wasn't going to give him time to deliberate.

The monstrous being launched another attack, expanding its destruction beyond just the Sage of Six Paths. It began indiscriminately wreaking havoc on the village, causing immediate devastation.

There was no more time to waste!

Moryo's actions solidified the Sage's resolve. If he couldn't deal with this monster now, Deidara and the rest of the Akatsuki would inevitably return. And if they were killed by Moryo, things would spiral even further out of control.

While maintaining his Susanoo to hold Moryo at bay, the Sage of Six Paths pulled Naruto and Sasuke to his side.

"W-What's going on?! Grandpa, why did you bring us here?" Naruto and Sasuke were both completely dumbfounded. They had already been thoroughly humbled by the battle earlier and knew they weren't at this level yet.

The Sage had no time to explain. He grabbed their hands and began transmitting his power. "Listen carefully. If you want to save your village—"

"In a moment, use this power wisely. If both of you place your hands on that creature at the same time, you will be able to seal it completely."

The Sage was preparing to use the same powerful sealing technique he had once used against his own mother. But this seal required two people to execute.

While he could technically perform the seal alone, Moryo would undoubtedly be wary of this and wouldn't give him the chance.

"Got it!" Naruto and Sasuke exchanged glances and nodded. Feeling the overwhelming power coursing through them, they found their confidence reignited.

...

Land of Demons

"Hahahaha! Hahahaha!"

Moryo's laughter echoed wildly, carrying both evil and triumph. It was as if it had just accomplished something incredible.

Its crimson pupils gazed toward the Land of Rain, a sinister smile creeping across its face. "Sage of Six Paths… Otsutsuki Hagoromo."

"Outsmarted by your own schemes. In the end, you've fallen right into my trap."

"You've scattered your power once more—what will you use to suppress the Shinigami and Jashin now?"

"All I need to do next is provoke them into breaking free together, and my plan will be within reach!"

Some might question the logic: though the Sage had indeed dispersed his power, he had also sealed part of Moryo's. So wasn't it a fair trade?

Moryo didn't think so.

Because from the very beginning, it had never intended to truly participate in this war.

It had other plans!

Moryo's Summons

"Lord Moryo!"

Obito and Black Zetsu arrived at Moryo's summons, bowing their heads. However, they couldn't suppress their confusion. What had happened to make this ancient demon so elated?

"Do you know why I called you here?" Moryo's voice boomed above them as they pondered.

Both shook their heads.

One of Moryo's massive heads lowered, its crimson eyes locking onto them. Obito could even feel the weight of its breath, making him tense instinctively.

Suddenly, a dire warning rang through Obito's mind.

Danger!

He tried to activate Kamui but found his body completely paralyzed, restrained by another force.

With a single bite, Moryo tore out Obito's left eye.

"I need your Rinnegan."

Then, its gaze shifted toward Black Zetsu.

"And you… Kaguya's will incarnate."

Black Zetsu's shock was immeasurable, but there was nowhere to run.

"Don't even try. Your little tricks won't work on me—whether it's concealing your true identity or anything else."

Finally, Moryo turned its gaze toward the distance.

"There's still another Rinnegan out there… and the Ten-Tails."

"With them, I can complete the final step."

...

Secret Base

Orochimaru handed over a piece of clay. Though still white, it was noticeably more refined. It had better elasticity and moldability, and its explosive power was significantly enhanced. It also had greater resistance to various chakra natures.

This was, without a doubt, the ultimate clay—the Perfect Clay.

"I've solved your problem. Now, get out."

"And return my Mangekyou Sharingan."

Orochimaru was clearly irritated and wasted no time in showing Deidara the door.

"Of course." Deidara nodded. He was eager to leave as well.

"But, Orochimaru, there are two more things I need from you."

Orochimaru was even more annoyed. "Speak."

"First, hand over all of the Eight-Headed Serpent heads to the White Snake Sage as payment."

"Second, wear this ring. If necessary, I want you to revive me with Edo Tensei. I'll pay you back later."

Orochimaru stared at him for a moment, then licked his lips, surprisingly cooperative.

"You've brought fresh excitement to this world."

"Thanks, then!"

As Deidara and Jiraiya hurried out, Deidara clenched the Perfect Clay in his hands. With this, his power had now reached the level of the Six Paths. The only thing left was to reinforce the battlefields.

"Let's split up. Each of us will take a different battlefield," Jiraiya suggested.

That was the best course of action. Both were top-tier combatants, and whichever battlefield they joined would gain a massive advantage.

After a brief moment of thought, Deidara made his decision.

"I'll return to the village. Jiraiya-sama, you handle the Land of Hot Water."

He was still uneasy about the battle involving the Sage. Even though he had heard from Zabuza about Naruto and Sasuke's role, he needed to see it through himself.

"Hm? Not going to help the Land of Whirlpools? Uchiha Madara is there." Jiraiya looked puzzled.

But that battlefield had Might Guy!

And with Hashirama Cells reinforcing him, Guy wouldn't die after using the Eight Gates Formation.

Even if he did—so what? Edo Tensei Might Guy with unlimited Eight Gates would be completely broken.

Just as Deidara and Jiraiya were about to depart, a grim message arrived.

"Deidara, Nagato… Nagato was killed by Moryo!"

"The Rinnegan and the Ten-Tails have been taken!"

It was Konan's panicked voice.

And the bad news wasn't over yet.

"Deidara, the Shinigami has appeared in the Land of Whirlpools!"

"Deidara, Jashin has appeared in the Land of Hot Water!"

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Pls Drop some Power Stones

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