Nagato was convinced that it was the fusion with the White Zetsu that caused his Rinnegan to evolve. Not for a moment did he doubt his conclusion.
And he was completely wrong.
Half of the White Zetsu's body did not develop its dojutsu, but only provided a deeper fusion with it. At that moment, Nagato was on the verge of death: his internal organs literally boiled, and his heart was barely beating. The cells of the White Zetsu, although they possessed amazing vitality, took root too slowly. Looking at Nagato's fading away, neither Black Zetsu nor Obito believed that he would live to see complete fusion.
They needed something more— a kind of biological catalyst, whose vitality would surpass even the might of the White Zetsu.
And in this desperate situation, they took an extreme risk by implanting the cells of Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage, into Nagato's body.
Fortunately, the calculation was justified. Probably due to the unique bloodline and incredible vitality of the Uzumaki clan, the three alien elements — White Zetsu cells, Hashirama cells, and Nagato's own flesh — did not reject each other, but merged in a harmonious symbiosis. It saved his life.
But the misfortune turned into unexpected luck. Having lost half of his body, Nagato not only did not weaken, but, having absorbed the power of the White Zetsu and the First Hokage, he became disproportionately stronger. He didn't just get a Mokuton, his already enormous supply of chakra increased many times. Rinnegan has become more obedient, merging with him is absolute.
Moreover, he mastered Senjutsu without apparent effort. Nagato had expected grueling training, but he didn't even need toad oil from Mount Myoboku — he could enter Sage Mode directly. Little did he know that he owed this lightness to Hashirama's cells pulsing through his veins.
Mokuton, transcendental chakra reserve, perfect Rinnegan, innate Senjutsu... The current Nagato was monstrously strong. If he had met his old self, the fight would have ended before it had even begun.
Obito and Black Zetsu never imagined that their desperate measure would produce such a monster. If they had known about this, they would probably have breathed a sigh of relief, remembering the "insurance" — a hidden mechanism implanted in Nagato's body during the operation. One signal, and this indestructible giant would instantly drop dead.
Armed with this power, Nagato had no doubt that he would grind Uchiha Yue to powder. The only obstacle was his abnormal ability, which drained any energy. But now, with the Sealing Armor, everything will change. He will be able to come close and deliver a single, lightning strike. Yue won't have a moment to respond. He will die, and his divine eyes will become a trophy. At this thought, a predatory smile played on Nagato's lips by itself.
In addition, the intelligence brought good news: The Eternal Izanagi was not absolute. Manual seals were required to activate the technique. So, if you act fast enough, Yue will only die once. And forever.
Nagato had already stepped towards the armor, ready to immediately go into battle, when Tobirama Senju suddenly beckoned Orochimaru over. He whispered something quickly in his ear. Orochimaru's face did not change, but he immediately turned to Nagato.:
"Chief, I'm sorry. The armor is ready, but the Second One, Dono, and I have just discovered a potential vulnerability. We would like to add one new feature. It won't take long!
- what?.. Nagato's brows drew together. Anger and impatience overwhelmed him. Wait? Not a day, not an hour! Every moment of delay gave Yue a chance to become stronger. In a month or two, even the current one would not be able to vouch for the outcome of the battle. — Such an opportunity, and you suggest I wait?
—Chief, there is a critical flaw in the armor," Orochimaru explained calmly. — What if you are still weaker than Uchiha Yue in battle?
"That's out of the question,— he snapped. "You can't even imagine my current strength!
Nagato almost laughed. Defeat? This is ridiculous! If it wasn't for Yue's abnormal zone, he would have wiped him off the face of the earth long ago. Yue's own strength was not beyond the limit — even the Sage of the White Snake was able to kill him before dying of exhaustion. The problem wasn't with Yue, but with its territory. It was she who turned any protracted battle into a death trap. One could say that without this protection, he would have been torn apart by a crowd of enemies long ago.
—I know you're very strong, Chief,— Orochimaru said softly. — But... What if? What if your luck runs out during the battle? What if you fail? What is your plan for this case?
Orochimaru nodded in agreement to his own words, carefully studying Nagato's face. He did not doubt the power of the Rinnegan, although he admitted that it was only a mutation of the Sharingan, and not its highest form. And he knew that Nagato wasn't stupid. He could not rush into battle, blinded only by the thirst for revenge. There must be good reasons behind his confidence.
"Or else... A snake—like thought flashed through Orochimaru's mind...Had Yue's blow damaged his mind as well as his body? Had he really become so detached from reality? No... that would be too easy."
Nagato remained silent, lowering his head.