"Lord Shinigami, thank you so much."
"For allowing Kushina and me to meet once again."
Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki wept as they reunited, pulling each other into a tight embrace.
Once they had composed themselves, they bowed deeply to Ren behind the desk to express their gratitude before the four of them withdrew.
After the three Hokage and Kushina, it was Kakashi Hatake's turn.
He had already learned from the others that the masked man in the shinobi world was his former teammate, Obito Uchiha.
Although he found it hard to believe, Kakashi signed the contract in a state of dazed exhaustion after asking about Obito's ultimate fate.
"Please... allow me to go see my sensei. I want to talk to him."
"You may."
Ren didn't refuse the request. He ordered a nearby Navy soldier to lead Kakashi away to find Minato Namikaze and the others.
Next was the Second Tsuchikage's group of four.
These ninjas had understood their situation since that morning. They only raised a few questions regarding Ren's recruitment before readily signing the contract once their doubts were cleared.
Following them were the most renowned figures of the shinobi world: Chiyo and Pakura of the Sand, the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, Hanzo of the Salamander, and members of the Akatsuki...
The last to meet with Ren were Nagato and his two companions, finally reunited.
Nagato had agreed to Shisui's terms while he was still alive. Seeing Konan here in the Underworld City left him feeling adrift, only to then lay eyes on the long-deceased Yahiko.
The reunion of old friends who had been separated for so long—only to meet again in death—moved them to tears. Yahiko and Konan hugged Nagato in his wheelchair, crying and laughing all at once, their raw emotion filling the hall.
After the contract was signed, Shisui received a nod from Ren and called out to the trio as they prepared to leave.
"Nagato, take this."
As Yahiko pushed Nagato's wheelchair around, a glass bottle was tossed toward them. Nagato caught it using his attractive force and looked down to see a pair of Rinnegan inside.
Shisui said, "You likely learned this morning that your Rinnegan were originally transplanted into you by Madara Uchiha. His goal was for you to nourish those eyes for him..."
They had already learned of Madara's schemes—the Rinnegan, the Eye of the Moon Plan, and his eventual resurrection—from Obito's memories and had relayed this information to Nagato.
After much consideration, they had finally decided to entrust the eyes to Nagato.
"Madara Uchiha is currently in custody. You've held these eyes for half your life, and at this point, you're the only one who can truly unleash their power."
"Accept them. Do not disappoint my lord."
Looking at the purple eyes in his hand, a strange feeling welled up within Nagato.
When he first learned the eyes belonged to Madara, his disbelief had been followed by fury at the realization that half his life had been spent as a mere pawn on someone else's board.
Learning that the Shinigami's forces had suppressed Madara felt like a bit of personal revenge.
Since he was now a departed soul, the matters of his past life seemed less significant, and his turbulent emotions gradually steadied.
Nagato had assumed that once Madara submitted to the Shinigami, the eyes would be returned to him...
It seemed the Shinigami's side had other plans for Madara. By giving the Rinnegan to Nagato—who harbored resentment toward Madara—they were establishing a system of checks and balances.
Suppressing his thoughts, Nagato brushed aside his white hair to reveal the Rinnegan already in his sockets and asked in confusion, "Don't I already have a pair of Rinnegan?"
It was strange that after dying, he still manifested someone else's eyes rather than his original ones.
Shisui said, "Those eyes had too much influence on you while you were alive; their power even fused into the very depths of your soul."
"In our research, there is a theory that the body and soul influence one another. In life, the physical body provides feedback to the soul regarding its unique existence, and the soul, in turn, influences the body's development."
While a soul in life relies on a physical body, the existence of a soul after death might just be the spirit itself in other worlds. In the Soul Society, however, souls do not exist in isolation.
A soul gathers the surrounding Reishi to form a unique Reishi body, with a structure nearly identical to its former physical self.
The only difference between individual souls is the density and cohesion of the Reishi that makes up their bodies.
The Soul Society has a specific term for this: Spiritual Power Levels.
If one had a unique physical body in life, they would manifest a specialized Reishi body in death based on the characteristics of their soul.
This was true for the Uchiha, for the ability users from the world of pirates, and now for Nagato. They all retained their living abilities after death.
Shisui pointed to the pair of Rinnegan and said, "Those eyes have been converted into a Reishi structure. You can absorb the power within them to fully master the Rinnegan, making that power truly your own."
Nagato nodded and said solemnly, "I understand."
As the three of them withdrew, Ren had finally met all the powerhouses gathered during this excursion to the shinobi world.
After weighing the pros and cons, nearly every ninja had agreed to the contract and joined his ranks.
Once they were brought back to the Soul Society and underwent basic training, they could be slotted into the framework of the Onmitsukidō, becoming a reliable force he could wield with ease.
Seeing that no one else was coming forward, Ren tapped his fingers lightly on the desk, the crisp sound echoing through the empty hall.
Beside him, Sengoku adjusted his black-rimmed glasses and asked, "Does my King have any further instructions?"
The four of them turned to Ren. He thought for a moment before exhaling slowly and saying, "I was thinking... we will certainly need to build a great city in the shinobi world's Pure Land to maintain order, but I haven't decided on a suitable guardian for it yet."
He looked at the four people beside him and asked, "Do you have anyone to recommend?"
"Guarding the Pure Land..."
Sengoku stroked his chin, lost in thought.
"The guardian must possess considerable strength and sufficient management skills. Since the city will be new, it would be best to have someone familiar with the shinobi world—a ninja—and they must be someone we can trust implicitly."
While Sengoku was musing, Tsuru crossed her arms and leaned forward. Her gaze shifted between Shisui and Fugaku before finally resting on Fugaku's composed, solemn face.
"What about... Fugaku Uchiha?"
"Me?"
Fugaku's expression shifted as he pointed at himself in disbelief.
Tsuru nodded. "Your Uchiha clan has followed our King the longest. As the clan head, you are deeply trusted and possess sufficient power. Having managed a clan in life, you are the best candidate currently available."
"But..."
Fugaku started to speak, but Tsuru cut him off with a wave of her hand.
"I know what you want to say... that you feel your abilities are insufficient, or that you want to recommend Shisui instead."
"But Shisui currently lacks the necessary management experience. Furthermore, as the King's assistant, Shisui is far too busy to be moved easily."
"I doubt the King would let Shisui leave anyway, right?"
"Correct," Ren nodded.
He was indeed unwilling to part with Shisui. Having Shisui by his side was a massive help; whether it was mundane trifles or the darker business that shouldn't see the light of day, he could leave it all to Shisui. He was far too useful.
"But..." Fugaku still looked hesitant.
Tsuru saw this and spoke bluntly. "Fugaku Uchiha, I've heard of your history. I know you are prone to indecisiveness... Are you worried you'll ruin this massive undertaking, just as you did when leading the Uchiha clan?"
Fugaku remained silent for a moment before gritting his teeth and nodding.
"Then there's even less to worry about." Tsuru's voice dropped significantly. "The primary reason I'm recommending you is precisely because of your indecisive and cautious nature."
"You are needed in the Pure Land City as a coordinator. You are suited for it, and your personality... it ensures your prestige won't grow too high, nor will you suddenly lose your mind and attempt a betrayal."
There was one more thing Tsuru didn't say aloud: even if Fugaku were coerced into a rebellion, given his nature, it would be very easy to resolve. Just like the Uchiha clan in his previous life.
Fugaku's face instantly darkened. Without saying another word, he looked at Ren with a voice full of trepidation.
"M-My Lord, I am completely loyal to you. I have no thoughts of betrayal!"
"Fugaku, there's no need to be nervous. I have never doubted you," Ren said softly, soothing him.
Sengoku saw the atmosphere stiffen and laughed heartily, breaking the tension.
"Hahaha! Tsuru, even though you've grown younger, your tongue is as sharp as ever."
He looked at Fugaku and clasped his hands in apology.
"Tsuru is just blunt. She doesn't consider the atmosphere when she speaks. Please don't take it to heart."
Tsuru rolled her eyes at her old colleague but said nothing more. She might look younger in death, but her mind hadn't aged a day.
Ren lightly patted Fugaku's hand to ease his frayed nerves.
"Fugaku, I am being honest with you, and I hope you understand my intentions."
"Tsuru's words were blunt, but they make sense. When the great city of the Pure Land is built, I will leave it to you to guard."
"I trust you."
Only then did the panic on Fugaku's face gradually fade, returning to normal.
"By your command. I shall not disappoint you, my Lord."
Once Fugaku's firm response fell, he looked up at Ren. Seeing that Ren's expression was as calm as ever, he finally felt at ease.
He hesitated before adding, "My Lord, there is one more thing. The clan is about to carry out the executions of Obito and Danzo. May I wait until those are handled before I depart?"
Ren nodded and said, "Building a great city takes time. By the time you finish with your clan's affairs, the city might not even be finished yet."
He naturally caught the unspoken meaning in Fugaku's words. Fugaku staying with the clan wasn't just to judge the Uchiha sinners; there was someone else who was truly special to him.
Fugaku's eldest son, whom he had once held such high hopes for—Itachi Uchiha.
Whether it was a father's lingering affection or a heart full of anger and regret, Fugaku's feelings for Itachi were bound to be complex.
However, these were the private matters of the Uchiha clan. Even as their master, Ren wouldn't interfere casually.
As long as it didn't interfere with official business, it was fine.
"Alright, that's enough for today. Everyone, go and get some rest."
Ren's voice fell, ending the day's work.
"Yes."
The people in the hall dispersed. Shisui was called away by Fugaku, and they returned together to the Uchiha clan's quarters within the Underworld City.
Ren returned to his own bedchamber. After brewing some tea and waiting patiently, a soldier soon reported that Sengoku and Tsuru had arrived together.
"My King, it seems you expected us."
As soon as they entered, the two of them sat down at Ren's invitation and saw the tea already brewed.
"What, can't I just drink it myself?"
Ren poured tea for them both, but seeing their clearly skeptical expressions, he gave a small nod.
"In truth, even if you hadn't come, I would have summoned you both tonight."
Sengoku took a small sip, his features relaxing.
"Is it because of what I said earlier today?" Tsuru asked cautiously.
Ren gripped his teacup and stood up, looking out the window. His bedchamber was in the best location in the palace and high enough to provide a view of the entire Underworld City at a glance.
He was silent for a moment before saying softly, "Indeed."
"Tsuru, your words earlier weren't just about Fugaku. They also applied to the current guardian of this Underworld City."
"Edward Newgate."
As Ren's voice fell, a heavy silence descended upon the bedchamber.
He turned around and watched the two of them quietly, waiting for their response.
After a moment's silence, Sengoku set down his teacup. "You could say that, yes."
Ren frowned and asked, "You fought Whitebeard for so many years in your past life; you should know his character. He isn't the type to betray anyone."
"I know that. In this entire city, there is likely no one who understands Whitebeard's character better than I, his enemy of many years."
Sengoku adjusted his glasses. The lamplight reflected off the lenses, casting a hazy white glow that obscured his eyes.
"But Whitebeard is Whitebeard. His loyalty and righteousness do not mean the motley crew of pirates under him share those virtues."
"Pirates are a lawless lot. Even in his previous life, there were traitors like Blackbeard among his ranks, and others who would turn on him at the slightest word from another."
"As long as someone deliberately instigates it—and it wouldn't even require a particularly clever scheme—the pirates under Whitebeard could be incited to rebellion. Whitebeard himself would be dragged into it, forced into becoming the King's enemy, and would ultimately meet a tragic end."
"Speaking frankly, as his former rival, I personally don't want to see him meet such an end."
Beside him, Tsuru held her teacup, her expression grave. "I know the King has signed contracts with them, which can minimize the chance of rebellion and even allow you to sense our inner thoughts..."
"But there are currently over twenty thousand people in this city. With so many individuals, the King has his own affairs to attend to and won't have the energy to monitor this place at all times."
"Once a rebellion breaks out, even if the King can determine their life or death with a single word, the chaos will have already happened. It will inevitably impact the King's path."
"The best way is to prepare thoroughly while nothing has happened yet, and to uproot any potential chaos before it can even begin."
""],
[Reviews - Power St0nes - Comments are highly appreciated to keep me going.....(+50 chapters) patre0n.c0m/talecrafter]