Reviving the Uchiha Clan: Starting with a Legacy of Many Descendants

As the dense smoke cleared, the scene of devastation came into view. Within a radius of 100 meters, the area was reduced to rubble, and even the wooden house where Naruto had been was reduced to ashes.

The Deva Path surveyed the surroundings and said coldly, "Now… perhaps you'll calm down a little."

"Naraka Path!"

The Naraka Path pressed one hand to the ground, summoning a massive, grotesque figure with a face inscribed with the kanji for "king." The ghastly entity emerged from the earth, its enormous mouth opening to reveal a long, purple tongue that reached out and dragged the shattered remains of the Asura Path into its maw. The tongue moved back and forth as if chewing.

Moments later, the Asura Path emerged unscathed, fully restored.

Once again, the Six Paths of Pain stood whole.

"Pain, you went a little too far. What if the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki was caught in the blast?"

From above, Konan's voice rang out.

Pain raised his head, looking at Konan, who had appeared without notice, and replied calmly, "No need to worry. The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki is fine. With that man around, he won't die so easily."

As soon as he finished speaking, a strong figure stepped out of a crater in the ground.

"Heh, Konan, so you're still alive. I thought you'd died as well..."

Konan turned toward the voice—familiar yet different. It was Jiraiya, but his appearance had changed drastically. His face looked much older, and perched on his shoulders were two elderly toads dressed in clothes.

"Little Jiraiya, why is it that every time you summon us, I'm in the middle of cooking? First, it was the First and Second Hokage, and now who have you dragged us out for this time?"

"Stop complaining," Shima scolded. "You know how Little Jiraiya is—he wouldn't call us unless it's someone really tough."

Listening to the elders' grumbling, Jiraiya smiled apologetically and said in a low voice, "This time, I'm up against the Rinnegan."

"!!"

Hearing this, both Fukasaku and Shima froze in shock.

"The Rinnegan? The Six Paths' eyes? Those actually exist?"

"No wonder you called us. It looks like you had no choice."

"Still, Little Jiraiya," Shima interjected, "it's about time you learned to activate Sage Mode on your own. You can't keep relying on us old folks."

Jiraiya chuckled at himself. "Without you two around, I'm nothing but a helpless baby. Please, lend me your full strength this time..."

As he spoke, Jiraiya moved closer to the Six Paths of Pain.

The Deva Path observed him and sneered, "Jiraiya, you've been holding back this entire time, only to summon two toads? Judging by your transformation, it seems you, like Orochimaru, have unique abilities among the Sannin."

Jiraiya stopped walking but didn't respond.

Fukasaku squinted and asked, "The Six Paths' eyes—where are they?"

Shima scolded, "Are your old eyes failing you? The six men on the ground, apart from that blue-haired woman in the sky, all have the Rinnegan!"

Fukasaku focused his gaze and nodded solemnly. "Those patterns… It really is the legendary Rinnegan. I never thought I'd see so many of them."

Jiraiya spoke softly, analyzing the situation. "No, these likely aren't real. Those six individuals—none of them are alive. They're dead."

"What?" Fukasaku was stunned. "What do you mean by that?"

Jiraiya explained, "That's my conclusion. I've seen all six of them before. Some of them were definitely dead long ago..."

"I see..." Fukasaku nodded, understanding Jiraiya's reasoning. "So what you're saying is, the real body isn't here. These are just puppets controlled by the Rinnegan, and the true wielder of the Rinnegan is hiding in the shadows."

"Heh, as expected of you, Boss. Your insight is unparalleled..."

Shima, ever impatient, clapped her hands together and shouted, "Then what are we waiting for? Let's destroy these toys right now!"