Board Thread:Rebirth: Applications/@comment-24384232-20140930131125/@comment-24384232-20141001015809

Essentially yes. In this theory, the Rinnegan is based not on genetics but on the spiritual connection he has with nature. It's said that the eyes are the window to the soul. In this case the Rinnegan is just he physical representation of his souls connection to nature, visible for all to see. When people claim he is a Sage, you need only to look into his eyes to know the truth, for only Sage's are said to have these eyes.