Naruto: Manipulation-Chapter 143: Shigen’s Plan

Konan had no words to refute.

Ever since Shigen took control of the Akatsuki, Nagato had changed. He was no longer as extreme as before, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders.

That man...

He had truly changed everything.

Shigen healed Nagato's legs, allowing him to step out of the darkness and regain his mobility.

Though...

Nagato still had some strange tendencies.

It was as if he was living in the past—treating Pain as if he were still their team leader, Yahiko, as if Yahiko were still alive, walking alongside them.

But...

Compared to his previous state, where the Rinnegan could drain his life force at any moment, this mild dissociation was something Konan could live with.

At least now...

She didn't have to constantly worry about Nagato dying.

"...If you want to do this, then do it."

Konan sighed inwardly, ultimately choosing to support Nagato's desire to avenge Yahiko. However, she still hoped he would be careful.

"But you must proceed cautiously. If our identities are exposed—"

"Don't worry."

Nagato gave a pale smile. "No matter what happens, we can't afford to disrupt Lord Shigen's plan."

"And also..."

Konan looked at Nagato with concern.

"I want to ask Lord Shigen to examine your body again."

Even though Nagato's legs had healed...

The immense power of the Rinnegan was still more than his body could handle.

Even with Hashirama's cells enhancing his vitality, those borrowed eyes continued to drain him whenever he used them—especially since he was constantly maintaining the Deva Path's Pain.

Still...

Compared to the past...

This level of weakness was manageable.

At least, Nagato believed his body was fine.

No matter what...

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Things were far better than they used to be.

Whether it was their plan to bring peace to the ninja world or their current lives, everything was better than the days of suffering they had endured.

Konoha.

Late at night, inside Konoha Hospital.

Shigen was still meticulously reviewing medical scrolls.

Nagato and his group's plan to use the Chunin Exams as a cover to assassinate Danzo had, in fact, been orchestrated by Shigen.

And...

Black Zetsu played a crucial role.

Now that Naruto had graduated and become a ninja, Shigen no longer had much reason to stay in Konoha to protect him.

When Black Zetsu approached him, urging him to stay away from the reincarnation of Asura's chakra and return to the Akatsuki's plans, Shigen expressed his desire to eliminate Danzo before leaving.

The reason was simple.

Past mistakes must be corrected.

However...

Shigen had never found the right opportunity to act.

Black Zetsu wasted no time relaying this information to Nagato's group, hoping they would stir up chaos in Konoha.

Just as Orochimaru and Obito wanted Shigen's identity as the Akatsuki's true leader to be exposed, Black Zetsu also desired the same outcome.

In fact...

His ambitions were even greater.

Black Zetsu wanted Shigen to sever all ties with the ninja world entirely.

Only then would he give up on any notion of changing the world and commit fully to reviving Kaguya.

Thus, the Chunin Exams...

Would soon become the catalyst for a storm that would shake the entire ninja world.

Unaware of these hidden machinations, Konoha's shinobi were diligently preparing for the exams, hoping their genin would stand out.

After all...

This was an era of peace.

The Chunin Exams had become a display of military strength between villages.

The only one who remained indifferent was Tsunade, who, as usual, continued her routine. She sat across from Shigen, holding a cup of sugarcane juice.

"I knew it..."

"Of course, Lord Shigen would be here."

She glanced at the scrolls.

"Huh? You're reading my medical notes? Did I make a mistake? I had Shizune double-check everything!"

"This part."

Shigen tapped a spot with his brush, his expression calm.

"This disease doesn't have just one possible complication. You wrote about it as if it were absolute, listing only the symptoms observed in today's patient. Given your reputation, future medical ninja will read this as fact and may become narrow-minded, leading to—"

"Alright, alright..."

Tsunade waved her hand impatiently.

"I'll fix it. I was in a rush today, but I'll be more careful from now on..."

"I've already corrected it."

"Shizune..."

"Is only your student."

Shigen shook his head.

"With her current knowledge, she can't catch every small error."

"These mistakes—"

"You need to learn not to make them. I won't be here forever to correct them for you."

"...I know."

Tsunade sighed in exasperation.

She rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming on.

She wasn't as naive as she used to be—she knew Shigen would eventually leave.

But...

That didn't make it any easier to accept.

People always got used to reunions...

But never to farewells.

Still...

Tsunade didn't let it bother her too much.

At least she knew Shigen wouldn't be leaving just yet.

"...That's that."

Shigen rolled up the scroll and, with a slight motion of his hand, sent it floating onto a shelf in the office.

"..."

Tsunade's gaze followed the scroll, settling on the shelf packed with thousands of others.

Her expression softened.

These...

These were all the medical records she had written while in Konoha.

The habit of compiling medical scrolls was something she had picked up from Shigen.

"...Maybe I shouldn't be so harsh on you."

Shigen's eyes also landed on the shelf as he suddenly spoke.

"Tsunade, you've done well."

"But..."

"You carry the future of medical ninjutsu."

Shigen's gaze returned to her, calm yet serious.

"So, I need you to do even better."

Perhaps...

He had spent too long as a medical ninja.

Even as he prepared to step away from that role, he couldn't help but ensure the future of medical ninjutsu was secure.

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Powerstones?

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