Naruto: Starting with Snatching the Mangekyō Sharingan

Amegakure, Land of Rain.

The name "Akatsuki" had already spread across the ninja world, leaving no village bold enough to underestimate this once-small nation.

Whether it was Akatsuki's leader, Nagato, or the girl known as Uchiha Hikaru, their strength had transcended what could be countered by mere numbers. Militarily, the Land of Rain had risen to become second only to the Land of Fire.

"Nagato, news from Konoha." Zetsu emerged from the ground, handing a scroll to Nagato, who was meditating to sense natural energy.

Reading its contents, Nagato murmured, "As expected, Uchiha Akira is about to become Hokage."

He couldn't help but recall the words Akira had spoken during their battle.

"Was Akira deliberately sowing discord between me and Zetsu, or was there truth in his claims?" Nagato's gaze darkened as he pondered.

Those words had taken root in his mind, stirring doubts he could no longer suppress.

"Perhaps I trusted Zetsu too much. Akira did kill Madara, and he may have uncovered secrets I am unaware of. Could it be that Madara's supposed 'rescue' wasn't what I believed it to be?" Nagato mused quietly to himself.

His thoughts turned to the Rinnegan. "Could these eyes be hiding something? Some secret ability I've yet to uncover?"

The conversation with Uchiha Hikaru resurfaced in his mind. Over recent months, Nagato had dedicated time not only to mastering Sage Mode but also to exploring the Rinnegan's potential abilities. Yet despite his efforts, he found nothing beyond its known powers.

"Could the Rinnegan really be limited to its current capabilities?" He frowned, instinctively rejecting the idea.

His instincts told him that these legendary eyes, said to have belonged to the Sage of Six Paths, must hold extraordinary powers yet to be revealed.

During his journey to Ryūchi Cave, Nagato learned that Indra, the progenitor of the Uchiha, was the son of the Sage of Six Paths.

If Indra's descendants, the Uchiha, could awaken unique Mangekyō Sharingan abilities, there was no reason the Sage's Rinnegan would lack its own secrets.

"Perhaps it's my own inadequacy," Nagato muttered, though he struggled to accept the thought.

Reflecting on his battle with Uchiha Akira, he realized that the Rinnegan's abilities had limitations against top-tier opponents. Shinra Tensei and Banshō Ten'in were effective only as distractions. The Preta Path was almost useless in battle, limiting mobility and having an absorption cap that couldn't contend with a fully manifested Susano'o.

"The Rinnegan's Six Paths techniques are enough to crush most Kage-level opponents, but against someone like Akira, they fall short."

Ultimately, Nagato decided, "I'll shift my focus to developing my Mokuton as the core of my combat style. Combining it with Sage techniques from Ryūchi Cave might allow me to reinterpret Senju Hashirama's Mokuton. The Rinnegan's abilities will serve as support."

Madara's legacy had provided Nagato with a complete Mokuton inheritance, including Sage Art Mokuton.

The Sage techniques from Ryūchi Cave intrigued Nagato. He believed that combining them with Mokuton could produce unforeseen results.

...

Seven days later

Konoha Heroes' Memorial Cemetery.

By dawn, a large crowd of Konoha villagers and shinobi had gathered. Clad in black funeral attire, they stood solemnly, watching as the funeral procession laid box after box into the memorial grounds.

The area wasn't a traditional graveyard but rather a commemorative plaza.

Here, a grand farewell ceremony was being held for the shinobi who had perished in the recent war, honoring them as eternal heroes of Konoha.

The somber ceremony lasted until midday, during which no one spoke, and the crowd remained silent in mourning.

When the farewells concluded, the gathered crowd showed no sign of dispersing.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, wearing his own funeral attire, ascended the podium. His expression was grave as he faced the crowd.

Though sorrow lingered on their faces, the mourners knew it was time to move forward.

Hiruzen's voice broke the silence. "My fellow Konoha citizens, today I must express my deepest apologies to all of you. It was my failure in leadership that resulted in the deaths of three thousand of our comrades at the hands of Kumogakure. As Hokage, I bear full responsibility."

With those words, Hiruzen bowed deeply.

The crowd remained silent, waiting. After a moment, Hiruzen straightened and spoke loudly.

"After much deliberation, I have concluded that I am no longer fit to serve as Hokage. Therefore, effective immediately, I will step down from this position and allow someone younger, with greater energy and ability, to lead Konoha into a brighter future!"

He scanned the crowd, then made his final announcement.

"I hereby declare Uchiha Akira and Tsunade as candidates for the next Hokage. The Fifth Hokage of Konoha will be chosen from between them!"

Though Tsunade had informed Hiruzen of her intention to withdraw from the race, he decided to proceed with protocol, ensuring everything followed the original plan.

The crowd began murmuring, the subdued atmosphere shifting into quiet discussion.

Hiruzen raised his voice. "Seven days from now, we will hold a vote among the Jōnin and conduct a comprehensive evaluation of each candidate's contributions and reputation to determine the Fifth Hokage."

"Now, let us hear from one of the candidates. Uchiha Akira, please step forward and share your vision for Konoha."

All eyes turned to Uchiha Akira, who ascended the podium in his Jōnin vest, his expression calm and composed.

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