Naruto: Tenseigan Eye

Among the Five Kage, the Third Raikage and Onoki's open disdain for Yagura was hard to ignore. Their targeting was relentless, and their words carried an edge that Yagura couldn't brush off.

Even the Third Kazekage, though silent, didn't seem to regard Yagura as an equal.

These old foxes!

Yagura's face darkened. Their disdain was clear, but he didn't have the power to force his will in this room. And truthfully, deep down, he was unwilling to take the risk of personally attempting the Rinnegan transplant.

But he wasn't ready to give up either.

"Perhaps we could choose someone suitable to transplant the Rinnegan instead?" Yagura suggested cautiously.

Oh? This could work.

The Third Raikage straightened up immediately, a wry smile spreading across his face. "If we need someone to test it, that's a reasonable approach. But since the suggestion came from the Mizukage, it makes sense for the Mist Village to provide the volunteer."

"I agree," Onoki chimed in, his grin sly. Despite their usual bickering, he and the Third Raikage were quick to find common ground when it came to putting Yagura in a tough spot.

The Third Kazekage, as usual, said little but nodded in agreement. He had no interest in taking part but saw no harm in letting Yagura proceed with his idea.

Tsunade glanced at Shinki, who gave her a subtle reassuring look. Sighing, she waved her hand dismissively.

"Fine. If everyone agrees, we'll proceed. But let me make this clear—Konoha won't be providing anyone for this experiment. At most, we'll assist with the surgery."

Her tone left no room for debate.

"Understood," Yagura replied stiffly. His pride had taken a hit, but there was no point in arguing further. He would send word to the Mist Village to select someone for the experiment.

"Good. Make your arrangements quickly. Time is not on our side," Shinki said evenly, his tone calm but firm.

He wasn't wrong. With Madara and Black Zetsu undoubtedly preparing their next move, there was no telling how long they had before the situation escalated.

Yagura rose. "I'll send word immediately for someone to be dispatched with a flying summon beast to Konoha."

Shinki nodded and picked up the glass jar containing the Rinnegan. "When your candidate arrives, come find me."

The other Kage had no objections to Shinki holding onto the Rinnegan. No one else wanted the responsibility—or the risk.

Later, back in the Hokage's office, Tsunade couldn't help but grumble.

"I thought we were all supposed to work together, but the moment the Rinnegan shows up, everyone starts acting selfish."

"Of course," Shinki said, smirking. "Greed is a natural human instinct. If Yagura wants to try, let him. It's not our people who'll die if it goes wrong."

Tsunade frowned. "And what if it works?"

"Works?" Shinki raised an eyebrow, genuinely baffled. "Do you seriously think the Rinnegan is as common as cabbage? That anyone can just pick it up and use it?"

Tsunade crossed her arms but said nothing further.

Shinki waved off her concerns. "Don't overthink it. If someone from the Mist Village miraculously succeeds, then we'll deal with it then."

With that, he left the office, completely unfazed.

As Shinki stepped outside, he noticed the Third Kazekage waiting by the road.

"Senior, is there something you need?"

The Kazekage approached with a rare hint of warmth. "Dinner. Care to join me?"

"Sure. Barbecue?" Shinki suggested easily.

"Barbecue works."

The two made their way to a quiet restaurant. As they settled in and placed their order, the Third Kazekage broke the silence.

"Thank you for helping us with Sasori last time."

Shinki waved it off casually. "It was nothing. He's just a child—one that can still be saved with the right guidance."

The Third Kazekage's lips twitched, a mix of gratitude and bitterness flashing across his face.

Saved? That's optimistic.

Despite Sasori's apparent change in attitude, the Kazekage wasn't convinced. Deep down, he suspected the boy still harbored hatred.

The war, the loss of his parents—it was a heavy burden for any child to bear. And under Chiyo's influence, that resentment had likely only festered.

Still, the Kazekage couldn't deny that Shinki's intervention had bought them time to address the issue.

"Can the transplant of the Rinnegan actually succeed?" the Kazekage asked suddenly, shifting the topic.