Shuimu couldn't tell what the fragments of the outer demon statue that sealed Xishuixiang and Shuimu's spiritual obsession would become in the end.

However, by simulating the growth process of the seeds of the sacred tree to modulate this thing whose exact use cannot be seen for the time being, the final result may very likely vary greatly in strength, but will have similar effects.

Shuimu has high hopes for this.

No matter how good other people's things are, they are not yours. Only tools created by your own hands can be used with ease.

Uchiha Madara's Rinnegan, when in Nagato's body, was so powerful that it could hardly deal with Uzumaki Naruto in Sage Mode. After Uchiha Madara recovered the Rinnegan, he could directly overturn the entire ninja world. This is the essential difference between borrowed things and one's own things.

After sealing each of the nine tailed beasts' chakra samples into the fragments of the Outer Path Demon Statue, the fragments, which did not show much change in appearance, were left in the Rain Country and controlled by Mizuki's physical clone, Hope. According to the plan, they were used to steal and collect the spiritual power of the Rain Country residents' devout belief in God, in order to catalyze the power that was still dormant in the wooden fragment-shaped remains of the sacred tree.

…

After returning to Konoha Village, Tsunade did not investigate Mizuki's ambiguous report carefully, but she did ask in detail whether the Akatsuki organization had really withdrawn from the Rain Country.

"In other words, this organization, which has suffered a severe blow, has now begun secret operations?"

Tsunade had a headache. The originally complete information had become inaccurate as time went by.

As for Hoshigaki Kisame, Kakuzu, and Hidan, who are more familiar with us, although the intelligence is relatively detailed and they have relatively mature response plans, these three people no longer appear in public to take open actions.

What is most worrying is the whereabouts of the most feared Zetsu and the mysterious ninja who calls himself Uchiha Madara, and they also took away a Rinnegan.

“It should be!”

Mizuki nodded.

"The remnants of the Akatsuki organization there no longer exist. I have already cleaned up the place thoroughly."

"Is Konan, the only student Jiraiya has left, gone too?"

"Nothing was found!"

This is not something Mizuki made up, but he really didn't see any trace of Konan.

The powerful Xiaonan is not only good at disguise, but can also fly. If he is not caught with clear clues, he will never be found.

Tsunade nodded.

Since Jiraiya let this female ninja go last time, Tsunade naturally wouldn't pursue her relentlessly.

Konan herself doesn't have anything special she wants to do or any lofty ideals, she just wants to stay with Yahiko and Nagato at ease.

This hasty mission was completed and Shuimu had nothing to do anymore.

However, Shuimu still has to ask some questions...

"I wonder what Lady Tsunade has decided to do with that Rinnegan?"

Originally, Mizuki thought that his opinion would be sought, but after waiting for a long time, there was still no action. Mizuki was a little curious about what Tsunade and Jiraiya were planning.

"Rinnegan? I let Jiraiya deal with it himself. After all, it was his student who entrusted him to deal with it!"

"Is that so?"

Mizuki was a little disappointed.

"Have you ever thought about making good use of it? After all, it is still a powerful fighting force!"

Tsunade shook her head:

"Jiraiya went to Myoboku Mountain, and the Great Toad Sage suggested that Jiraiya put it aside for the time being and act with caution!"

Mizuki was a little helpless. Those big toads who had been watching coldly finally began to directly influence the ninja world, especially Jiraiya's choice.

The Rinnegan is definitely more than just a powerful fighting force.

The Rinnegan and the Outer Path Demon Statue are inextricably linked.

Even though he possesses the Rinnegan, he is still far from being able to control the Outer Path Statue freely, but at least he can compete with Uchiha Obito for control of the Outer Path Statue.

Uchiha Madara had just awakened the Rinnegan and summoned the Outer Path Statue from the moon. Then it traveled all the way to the time of Uchiha Obito. With just the Rinnegan, he was able to control the Outer Path Statue in battle and became the Ten-Tails Jinchūriki.

If the Rinnegan can be used, all the initiative will be in one's own hands.

The only thing missing is whether Black Zetsu can successfully perform Yin-Yang Release, spiritual possession, and assimilation to allow Kaguya Otsutsuki to break free from the seal and revive.

As long as the strength of Kaguya Otsutsuki after her resurrection can be greatly weakened, as for the sacrifice for resurrection, it would be best if it is not the almost invincible Uchiha Madara.

…

After leaving the Hokage's office, we walked on the streets of Konoha Village after the heavy snow had just cleared. The snow on the main roads had been cleared away. The ninjas, mainly from the Security Department, were in charge of the order of the village and would not turn a blind eye to these things.

Mizuki seemed to be worried as he strolled on the road. No one came to disturb him. It was not until Mizuki came to his senses and let go of his perception that he noticed a chakra fluctuation that he had not noticed before.

"Nine-Tails... Uzumaki Naruto has returned? It is impossible for him to learn Sage Mode in such a short time. He must have been sent back to rest."

Around Naruto, Mizuki also felt some familiar chakras. Hyuga Hinata, Aburame Shino, Inuzuka Kiba, Yamanaka Ino, Haruno Sakura and Karin were all there. It should be the Hinata's birthday celebration mentioned last time.

Just when Mizuki was about to give up going to the Security Department and go home, a familiar figure in front of him called Mizuki.

"Mizuki-sensei!"

The female ninja with black curly hair and red eyes is none other than Kurenai Yuhi who has not been seen for a long time.

"Hello, what can I do for you?"

The serious injury suffered three years ago forced Yuhi Kurenai to leave the front line of combat, and the position of team leader of Class 8 was replaced by Mizuki. Although he has barely recovered his former strength, he is still not responsible for too many combat missions.

Mizuki looked at this bright female ninja and found that her belly was slightly bulging, so she must be pregnant.

Noticing Mizuki's gaze, Yuhi Kurenai stroked her belly.

"Excuse me! There are things I want to discuss with Mr. Mizuki, but you've been busy and I don't see you very often. I was just walking on the street and Chaha ran into me, so I came to bother you."

Hearing what Yuhi Kurenai said, Mizuki frowned.

Mizuki is quite familiar with Asuma Sarutobi, and is also no stranger to Kurenai Yuhi. After becoming the team leader of Team 8, Kurenai Yuhi would come to visit from time to time.

After that, when Team 8 got back on track and the three students became Chunins, the two had no contact for a long time.

Mizuki didn't think that this female ninja had anything urgent to discuss with him.

This feeling of being out of control is really annoying. I always feel like something bad is going to happen.