After hearing those words, Indra fell silent for a long time.
His eyes lowered as he instantly pieced together all the crucial details. Then he spoke coolly, his tone steeped in utter arrogance and disdain.
"Only the weak need to band together for support."
"The truly strong stand at the pinnacle on their own. One man can match an army. Why would he need anyone else's support?"
"Only someone as mediocre in strength and weak in spirit as Asura needs to win others over and cling to a group just to find his footing."
Ever since childhood, he had trained on his own, gained understanding on his own, and crushed every opponent with his own strength.
He had never needed followers, never needed anyone else, and certainly never needed their pity or support.
Strength was his only source of confidence.
"You certainly are incredibly confident."
Black Zetsu shook his head lightly, deliberately striking at his most vulnerable point. "But Indra, your greatest flaw is believing too strongly that strength can determine everything."
"Don't forget, neither Ninshu nor this world has ever been governed by your strength. What matters is your father's personal preference."
"The Sage of Six Paths has championed acceptance all his life. Everything Asura has done aligns perfectly with his wishes."
"Within Ninshu, his word is absolute. Whoever he says is qualified is qualified. Whoever he names his successor will become Ninshu's next leader. No matter how strong you are or how perfectly you complete your mission, none of it matters."
"Because you're not yet strong enough to break the rules the Sage of Six Paths has laid down."
Those words were blunt and cruel.
Yet Indra remained entirely unruffled. He merely shook his head, a cold sneer curling his lips as the last trace of respect for