I'm Not Taking Part!

It was not that Senju Hashirama had been too weak. It was simply that Nagato, who could wield the power of the Rinnegan, was somewhat absurdly powerful.

Without sufficient strength, why would Uchiha Madara have wasted so much effort awakening the Rinnegan?

"Captain Uchiha Hiko, I'm not questioning what you said, but are Akatsuki's members really that powerful?!" Utatane Koharu asked. Realizing her question had come out wrong, she immediately explained that she was not doubting him; she simply found it hard to believe that Akatsuki's people could be so monstrous.

Hiko understood what Utatane Koharu meant. In fact, who would not be shocked upon learning such things?

With both hands behind his head, Hiko said lazily, "Otherwise, where do you think the Sage's Eyes of legend, the Rinnegan, came from? There's plenty you don't know. That's why I admire you—you dared to keep targeting the Uchiha all those years. You were lucky, too."

"What do you mean?!" The Third Hokage and the others were all rather confused.

"Because members of the Uchiha Clan can possess the Sage's Eyes of legend—the Rinnegan."

Tsunade's mouth twitched as she helped Hiko explain.

"..."

In an instant, the previously lively Meeting Room fell silent at Tsunade's words. Everyone's eyes widened as they stared at Hiko in shock. Members of the Uchiha Clan could possess the Rinnegan? What kind of joke was that?

If it were true, then back then... Quite a few higher-ups immediately broke out in cold sweats. If someone like that had emerged from the Uchiha Clan, Konoha would have faced disaster.

"But Akatsuki's leader, Nagato, isn't a member of the Uchiha Clan..." After a long while, someone raised a doubt. It was still Utatane Koharu. Hiko's words had truly frightened her.

"That's why he can't fully control the Rinnegan's power.