Chapter 308: The Incomplete Ten-Tails
Tamako stood nearby, her fingers flying across the virtual keyboard, ensuring the connection between the Virtual Divine Tree and the illusionary space remained stable. Occasionally, she glanced up at the Gedo Statue to confirm the smooth transfer of chakra.
The Gedo Statue's eyes were gradually opening.
At a certain point, Tamako spoke up:
"For the Gedo Statue to fully transform into the Ten-Tails, it requires the actual bodies of all the tailed beasts. Although the chakra of the entire ninja world, along with that of the tailed beasts, is being funneled into the Gedo Statue through the Divine Tree, it cannot become the complete Ten-Tails without their physical forms."
Nagato's gaze shifted slightly. "But based on your theory, with the chakra of the ninja world and the jinchūriki, the Gedo Statue can temporarily assume the form of the Ten-Tails, correct?"
"Exactly."
Tamako nodded, her eyes falling on the Gedo Statue's half-closed six eyes. Only three were fully open, while the rest had barely cracked open.
"But since this chakra is like a rootless source, once the Gedo Statue leaves this space, it won't be able to replenish its chakra. In this state, once the tailed beasts' chakra is exhausted, it will revert to the Gedo Statue."
"That won't affect creating a jinchūriki, correct?"
"No. The Gedo Statue is the Ten-Tails' shell. In theory, one could directly absorb the Gedo Statue to become its jinchūriki. This won't hinder the process."
"How long can it last?"
"Without detailed data on a Ten-Tails jinchūriki, I can't say for sure. But with the Nine-Tails' abundant chakra, combined with the chakra of the three tailed beasts already sealed, it should last at least half a day. However, intense combat would shorten this duration."
"That will suffice." A faint smile appeared on Nagato's face.
Act first, secure the tailed beasts later.
This plan had formed in Nagato's mind the moment he learned of Uchiha Hikari's ocular power.
By first absorbing the ninja world's chakra and creating an incomplete Ten-Tails, he could use its immense power to seize the remaining tailed beasts one by one.
With each tailed beast captured, the Ten-Tails would become more complete and its power would last longer. Once all nine tailed beasts were collected, the fully-realized Ten-Tails jinchūriki would be born!
"How much longer until the tailed beasts' chakra is fully gathered?"
"One hour."
Tamako glanced at Hikari, who remained expressionless, and replied.
Although Yachihoko could absorb chakra much faster, Tamako had intentionally delayed the process. She suspected Hikari wanted to use this time to gain control over more people.
Well then… good luck.
Tamako turned her gaze toward the Virtual Divine Tree. Its radiant branches seemed to sparkle with blue orbs, scattering against the flow of the chakra torrent and dispersing throughout the ninja world.
Through Yachihoko, the Virtual Divine Tree had connected to every human in the ninja world, completing Hyuga Fuji's grand design.
Her plan?
Wrong. She didn't need a plan.
The moment Nagato proposed this scheme, the moment Hikari decided to release Yachihoko upon the ninja world, and the moment the Virtual Divine Tree linked with the Gedo Statue, Tamako's most crucial task had been accomplished.
From here, her job was to ensure the safety of the virtual space and protect the Divine Tree from destruction during the coming battles. For a ninja specialized in genjutsu, this was her most challenging role yet.
After all, she wasn't skilled in direct combat.
"Now we wait."
Hearing Yunu's response, Nagato nodded.
Madara likely hadn't seized the Rinnegan yet because he knew the initial Ten-Tails would be incomplete.
But once all the tailed beasts were assembled—or even just a few more—he and Madara would undoubtedly clash.
Closing his eyes, Nagato pondered his next move.
The Six Paths of Pain had already been deployed to the outskirts of various nations. With the expansion of the virtual space and the signal-boosting black rods scattered throughout the ninja world, he could remotely control the Pains and summon himself at any time.
Now that the world's ninjas were ensnared in genjutsu and stripped of their chakra, once he became the Ten-Tails jinchūriki, he would move quickly to capture the remaining tailed beasts.
No one could stop him… except for a certain man with those piercing Byakugan eyes. Nagato frowned.
Once I become the jinchūriki, I should be able to defeat him… right?
Time ticked by. Though the hour would give the nations time to react, their remaining forces were unlikely to penetrate Ideal City's defenses.
Nagato believed his plan would proceed smoothly—until an unexpected complication arose.
"Several ninjas have broken out of their designated illusionary zones and entered other areas. They're Konoha ninjas, led by Uchiha Fugaku!"
Tamako's voice came as she conjured an image in the air.
In the projection, Uchiha Fugaku's Mangekyō Sharingan flared with power, easily tearing through the illusionary barriers of the genjutsu space as he moved into another region.
Tamako's eye twitched at the sight.
An ocular power specifically designed to break genjutsu?
No wonder I've never been able to gather information on Fugaku's Mangekyō abilities. He's never had to use them before. For most Mangekyō users, such a skill would be considered useless…
So, what's the power of his other eye? Another support ability, perhaps?
"How did he get in here?" Nagato frowned, glancing at the remaining time.
Half an hour remained, and now this complication had arisen.
Tamako replied, "He used the virtual space device. He just registered an account, so he must have noticed the connection between Tamako's ocular power and the virtual space. Should I handle him? I can eject him directly."
She and Hikari held the highest authority in the virtual space and could expel intruders at will.
"No need. Your focus is on controlling the Divine Tree. Let Shennong handle it. Make sure Fugaku doesn't leave." Nagato's tone was cold as he watched Fugaku's movements.
Trapping him here was actually advantageous. It would make extracting the Nine-Tails easier.
Hikari's eyes flickered as she gazed at Fugaku.
The current head of the Uchiha clan… how disgusting.
"Leader, it's time."
Moments later, Tamako's calm voice signaled the end of the wait.
The Gedo Statue's form began to shift, transforming into a beast with ten tails thrashing wildly. It unleashed a deafening roar that shook the space.
Its size, however… was somewhat underwhelming.
…
On an open platform, Hyuga Fuji stood quietly, his gaze fixed on the moon, now returned to its normal appearance.
The moon's soft glow illuminated the night sky.
A gentle breeze rustled the air, carrying a faint chill as the moonlight draped over Fuji like a silvery veil.
"So, this is a simplified version of the Infinite Tsukuyomi? It's more powerful than I expected. If a Ten-Tails jinchūriki cast this, even with your protection, we'd still be forced into the dream."
Senju Tobirama approached Fuji, glancing at the quiet Land of Snow below. Frowning, he asked, "I think we could construct a protective barrier in the sky to block its influence. Do you have any other preventative measures in mind?"
"Letting Uchiha Hikari deploy Yachihoko was precisely to set this up," Fuji replied, turning toward the platform's exit. "Come, it's time. Let's retrieve the seeds I planted."
Tobirama gave the snowy landscape one last look before following him.
(Chapter ends.)
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