"If that's the case..."
Shinji hurriedly flipped through the magic circle illustrated handbook again.
With Shion's talent, creating a 'Magic Ring' within a year or two should be a sure thing. Since that's the case, Shinji naturally wanted to put some thought into Shion's 'Magic Ring'.
Because the focus of the 'Magic Ring' mainly depended on the magic circles fused inside by the mage. If offensive magic circles were more numerous, the created 'Magic Ring' would naturally be offensive. Conversely, if defensive magic circles were more numerous, the created 'Magic Ring' would focus more on defense.
Currently, the biggest threat to the Ninja World came from the Fear Hegemon outside the spatial barrier, so the hypothetical enemy to deal with was the Fear Hegemon. Therefore, Shion's 'Magic Ring' had better lean towards spiritual defense, such as being immune to or weakening fear emotions, strengthening will, dispelling pollution, etc.
With a train of thought, Shinji's selection became simple.
He marked on the handbook and soon selected ten high-level magic circles. Without exception, all these magic circles were auxiliary and defensive types, not a single offensive one.
His positioning for Shion's 'Magic Ring' was support and defense. As for offense, leaving it to him, the Ten-Tails Jinchuriki, would be enough.
Inside an underground base.
In front of a massive instrument, a figure was anxiously waiting for the result.
Soon, a red light flashed on the instrument.
Seeing the red light on the instrument, the figure sat dejectedly on the chair, hands drooping weakly.
At this time, Jigen appeared behind him: "Amado, conducting your boring cloning experiments again?"
Hearing the voice behind him, Amado was startled and hurriedly got up: "Lord Jigen!"
Jigen didn't waste words, directly instructing: "Follow me!"
"Yes!"
Amado bowed respectfully, then followed behind Jigen.
Not long after, the two arrived at the laboratory previously filled with jars.
Casually pointing to the jar containing Nagato, Jigen said: "I discovered an interesting guy recently!"
Amado went up to check. When he saw the appearance of the person in the jar, he instantly froze on the spot: "Akatsuki... Akatsuki Organization Leader!?"
Because of the Ninja Alliance's wanted order, the appearance of Akatsuki Leader Nagato wasn't a secret in the Ninja World. Even the reclusive Amado knew.
Precisely because of this, when seeing the Akatsuki Leader who made the entire Ninja World tremble with fear actually being put into a jar by Jigen, one could imagine how shocked he was inside.
Jigen said: "As expected of the character who started the Great Ninja War, physique and will are even more outstanding than I expected!"
Amado asked nervously: "What are you going to do to him?"
Jigen put away his playfulness and instructed: "'A' seems to have noticed me. Not much time left for me. I need you to conduct a comprehensive assessment on him, testing if he can fully withstand my chakra!"
Amado instantly realized: "You plan to make him your 'vessel'?!"
Jigen was noncommittal: "That depends on whether he has that qualification!"
Amado nodded. Although not long since joining Jigen's organization, he had experienced quite a few things. He knew people who could withstand Jigen, or rather Isshiki Otsutsuki's chakra, becoming a 'vessel', describing them as 'one in ten thousand' in the Ninja World wasn't even accurate.
Because just the corpses he saw with his own eyes being thrown out of this laboratory were already countless.
Soon, Amado moved Nagato out of the jar. Noticing the 'Karma' mark on Nagato's palm, his pupils contracted sharply.
Among all 'vessel' experimental subjects, ninety-nine percent fell at this first hurdle of implanting 'Karma'.
And Nagato was actually still alive after being implanted with 'Karma' by Jigen, which meant Nagato was extraordinary. Considering Nagato's identity again, Amado suddenly had a premonition. Isshiki Otsutsuki, this ghost hiding in the Ninja World for a thousand years, was probably really going to resurrect!
Despite all kinds of uneasiness in his heart, under Jigen's gaze, Amado dared not reveal any abnormality. He carefully transferred Nagato to his own laboratory, connected instruments one by one, and began testing.
Land of Fire.
Haku, Neji, and Kimimaro, disguised as a group of merchants, walked out of a black market in a town.
Because the Ninja Alliance lost the Ninja War, the black markets previously suppressed by the Five Great Ninja Villages became much more active during this period. Many black markets opened openly in towns and cities, which saved Haku, Neji, and Kimimaro a lot of trouble.
Neji said: "Looks like this monk named 'Jigen' is indeed not simple. His figure traveling appears in various countries, but no one can say clearly who exactly he is!"
Haku said: "To make Leader wary, the opponent's strength should be extraordinary. I'm afraid we have to be mentally prepared."
Neji nodded. Just as he was about to continue saying something, Kimimaro aside suddenly stepped forward, protecting Haku and Neji, assuming a defensive posture.
Haku and Neji reacted instantly, looking at the figure walking towards them in unison.
"You are...!?"
Haku was stunned for a moment, seeming to recognize the person in front.
The other party lifted the hood at this time, revealing her appearance. She was none other than Konan who escaped from Jigen's hand not long ago.
Scanning Haku, Neji, and Kimimaro, she asked coldly with a gloomy face: "Why are you inquiring about 'Jigen's news?"
Haku reacted immediately. It was because the three of them inquired about 'Jigen's news in the black market that they were targeted by the other party. After all, they all used 'Transformation Technique' now, ordinary people really might not be able to recognize their identities.
Thinking of this, Haku tentatively asked: "You have his clues?"
Konan emphasized her tone: "Tell me, why are you looking for him!"
Seeing Konan ready to attack, Haku worried about accidentally injuring residents in the small town, so he said: "Please don't be impulsive, I am Akatsuki 'C'!"
Neji and Kimimaro stood apart left and right, ready for battle at any time.
Hearing Haku was 'A's man, Konan instantly rejoiced: "Where is 'A'? Take me to see him quickly!"
Haku was somewhat puzzled: "What exactly happened? Why are you so anxious to see Leader?"
Konan said: "Nagato was attacked and abducted by Jigen!"
"What!?"
Haku, Neji, and Kimimaro were all shocked.
Even if the Rinnegan was taken by Shinji, in their eyes Nagato was still one of the strongest ninjas in the Ninja World.
Konan said urgently: "This matter is also related to 'A'. Jigen approached Nagato wanting to join hands with Nagato against 'A'. Nagato was attacked by the other party because he refused Jigen!"
Realizing the seriousness of the problem, Haku said immediately: "I understand, please come with us!"