Koushin: Konoha’s Dragonborn[Completed]

The group listened, their faces etched with concentration as they absorbed the new information.

"The only way to prevent this eventual blindness is by obtaining another pair of Mangekyō Sharingan from a close relative and transplanting them into oneself. This leads to the awakening of the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan," Koushin continued, his gaze flickering over the group, ensuring they were following.

"That's...intense," Naruto murmured, running a hand through his spiky hair.

Koushin nodded, his expression grave. "Yes, Naruto, it is. The Uchiha Clan is a tragic one, full of strife and torment."

"In Itachi's case, Orochimaru suggested he might have used Shisui Uchiha's eyes," Koushin shared, the words felt heavy as they hung in the air. A silence settled over the group again, but Koushin pushed through it. "Given their close bond, Itachi could theoretically replace the physical blood-relation requirement with the depth of his emotional bond to Shisui."

"Can that even work?" Kakashi asked, his usually calm eyes wide in surprise.

"We don't know for sure, but the Sharingan isn't merely a product of blood. It is deeply tied to emotions, to the heart. So, it's not entirely impossible," Koushin explained. His gaze moved to Naruto. "Think about your Rasengan, Naruto. It's not just about spinning chakra, right? You also need a strong intent, a clear purpose."

Naruto nodded, a faint smile forming on his face. "I see. It's like the Rasengan is an extension of my will."

"Exactly. Similarly, the Sharingan, especially the Mangekyō and beyond, are intrinsically linked to the user's emotional state. It is not just the eyes that change, but the very soul of the Uchiha," Koushin elaborated, his tone echoing the gravity of the information he was revealing.

The silence stretched on as the group digested the implications. Then, Ino spoke, her voice shaking slightly, "And you think Itachi is controlling Akatsuki with this... Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan?"

"It is a possibility," Koushin replied, locking eyes with Ino, his gaze softening. "Orochimaru believes Itachi might be using a potent genjutsu."

"And how did Orochimaru reveal all this if Itachi is so powerful? Shouldn't he also be in control?" Tsunade asked, her brows furrowed in doubt. Her question hung heavy in the air, echoing off the translucent dome.

Koushin's gaze fell on her, his lips curling into a mild smile. "Well, that is where Karin comes in."

"Karin?" Naruto's voice was laced with worry as his eyes flickered between Koushin and Tsunade. "What does she have to do with all this?"

"Remember our fight against Orochimaru at the Tenchi Bridge?" Koushin began, his tone steady. "Lady Tsunade arrived with Karin, and chains materialized from Karin's body, ensnaring Orochimaru for a brief second."

Nods of acknowledgment echoed his words, their expressions reflecting their recall of the tense encounter.

"Those chains," Koushin continued, "were manifestations of Karin's Adamantine Sealing Chains, a powerful technique that has the ability to suppress chakra. The strongest ones can even bind tailed beasts. Although Karin is not yet capable of that level of control, her chains were potent enough to provide Orochimaru a respite from Itachi's control."

Shock registered on their faces as they absorbed the gravity of Koushin's revelation. Karin's ability was far more crucial than they had initially assumed. She was not only an empath capable of detecting emotional states but also a potential counter to the most potent Genjutsu.

"Wait a minute," Gai finally broke his silence, his usual cheerful demeanor replaced with a serious expression. "Orochimaru divulged this willingly?"

Koushin chuckled lightly, "Not exactly, Gai. His reactions merely confirmed my deductions."

Understanding flickered in Gai's eyes, "So, you read him like an open book?"

"Not quite," Koushin replied, the corners of his mouth tugging upwards into a smirk. "More like I highlighted the parts he didn't want me to see."

Their eyes widened at Koushin's revelation. His knack for understanding and manipulating situations was always admirable, but his handling of Orochimaru was something else entirely. It spoke volumes about his mental acuity and strategic aptitude.

"And how did Orochimaru reveal all this if Itachi is so powerful? Shouldn't he also be in control?" Tsunade asked, her brows furrowed in doubt. Her question hung heavy in the air, echoing off the translucent dome.

Koushin's gaze fell on her, his lips curling into a mild smile. "Well, that is where Karin comes in."

"Karin?" Naruto's voice was laced with worry as his eyes flickered between Koushin and Tsunade. "What does she have to do with all this?"

"Remember our fight against Orochimaru at the Tenchi Bridge?" Koushin began, his tone steady. "Lady Tsunade arrived with Karin, and chains materialized from Karin's body, ensnaring Orochimaru for a brief second."

Nods of acknowledgment echoed his words, their expressions reflecting their recall of the tense encounter.

"Those chains," Koushin continued, "were manifestations of Karin's Adamantine Sealing Chains, a powerful technique that has the ability to suppress chakra. The strongest ones can even bind tailed beasts. Although Karin is not yet capable of that level of control, her chains were potent enough to provide Orochimaru a respite from Itachi's control."

Shock registered on their faces as they absorbed the gravity of Koushin's revelation. Karin's ability was far more crucial than they had initially assumed. She was not only an empath capable of detecting emotional states but also a potential counter to the most potent Genjutsu.

"Wait a minute," Gai finally broke his silence, his usual cheerful demeanor replaced with a serious expression. "Orochimaru divulged this willingly?"

Koushin chuckled lightly, "Not exactly, Gai. His reactions merely confirmed my deductions."

Understanding flickered in Gai's eyes, "So, you read him like an open book?"

"Not quite," Koushin replied, the corners of his mouth tugging upwards into a smirk. "More like I highlighted the parts he didn't want me to see."

Their eyes widened at Koushin's revelation. His knack for understanding and manipulating situations was always admirable, but his handling of Orochimaru was something else entirely. It spoke volumes about his mental acuity and strategic aptitude.

"Still, why would Orochimaru reveal all this?" Ino asked, her voice imbued with worry. She moved closer to Koushin, her delicate hand finding solace as it clung to his arm. Her wide, azure eyes mirrored her disquiet as they searched his face for answers. "Have you signed any contract? Did he ask something in return?"