Arc 20The Eternal Eyes Conflict
Lin Ze strengthened his bodies and allies while Ryōta and Itachi fought Obito, and Akatsuki began plotting against the Eternal Mangekyō wielders. Obito lured Lin Ze toward a meeting in the Land of Demons, while Black Zetsu revived Uchiha Hikari as an ally and the story left the villages preparing for the coming confrontation.
- Ryōta revealed his Eternal Mangekyō abilities to Lin Ze, who warned him to keep them secret, before Lin Ze experienced the Earth Dragon’s final memory and resolved to grow stronger.
- Lin Ze researched Hiruko’s Chimera Technique, created soul clones to inhabit Youying and Genbu, and successfully absorbed Hashirama cells to form a Sage Body.
- Genbu joined Akatsuki after Pain persuaded him, while Obito controlled Utakata and attacked Mei Terumi until Itachi and Ryōta intervened.
- Itachi and Ryōta wounded Obito, but Black Zetsu rescued him and nearly killed Ryōta before Ryōta escaped using Divine Crossing.
- Lin Ze agreed to friendly relations with Kirigakure and prepared to confront Black Zetsu, while Pain assembled Akatsuki and planned an attack on the three Eternal Mangekyō holders.
- Obito offered Lin Ze a chance to revive Rei Uesugi with Rinne Rebirth, and Lin Ze agreed to meet him in the Land of Demons in three months while threatening him if he failed.
- Black Zetsu freed Uchiha Hikari from a sealed dimension, used Shisui’s Kotoamatsukami to make her loyal, and learned that she wielded Yachihoko, Tsukuyomi, and Amaterasu.
- Three months passed as Lin Ze sensed a growing threat, Kirigakure allied with Dragon Release Village, and Jiraiya continued teaching Naruto in Konoha.