Chapter 247: Chapter 247
As the words faded, Nagato's face shifted into an icy resolve. From the steel container beneath him, an ominous, black rod surged forth, hurtling towards Naruto with lethal intent.
The black rod cleaved through the air, aiming straight for Naruto's form.
They reached for the skies, and with a resounding impact, one plunged into Naruto's body.
Unwavering, he chose not to evade, stoically enduring the blow. The crimson tide flowed freely, tracing a macabre pattern upon the ground, reminiscent of scattered plum blossoms.
Once the tumult subsided, Nagato and Konan involuntarily directed their gaze towards Carnes, who reclined nonchalantly in a rocking chair at the entrance.
Despite Carnes' prior assertion of non-interference, the atmosphere exuded a palpable tension, akin to a ticking time bomb.
Nagato and Konan, though assured of his hands-off stance, couldn't help but feel an internal drumbeat of apprehension.
However, as Carnes continued to maintain his dispassionate demeanor, the duo breathed a collective sigh of relief.
The stoic figure offered no indication of intervention, and his expression remained unaltered. Nagato and Konan, finding solace in Carnes' lack of interference, exhaled with newfound assurance.
Confronting the hunched figure of Naruto, Nagato's voice cut through the air like an icy wind.
"At this proximity, my Chakra can manipulate you effortlessly. Don't worry, though; I avoided striking vital points. You're a crucial Jinchūriki, after all."
Naruto abruptly raised his head, tension palpable in the air.
Just as Nagato believed he had the Nine Tails Jinchūriki completely in his grasp, Naruto's reaction surprised them both.
In a surge of anger, the Nine Tails unleashed an overwhelming amount of Chakra that seamlessly blended with Naruto's own, triggering the emergence of the Nine tails chakra. Scarlet crosses replaced his usual pupils.
The potent Chakra surged toward Nagato, violently shaking his frail form.
It took an extended moment for Nagato to regain composure in his wheelchair, a realization dawning upon him.
Naruto had purposefully foregone dodging earlier.
With head bowed, Naruto's voice resonated in the tense silence, "I came here to talk, Nagato. Outside, Konoha ninjas are on the verge of surrounding us. Additionally, there's something I need to understand."
Nagato, fixated on Naruto and the blood flowing freely, displayed a hint of skepticism.
Naruto straightened, his voice lowering, "I want to understand my own heart. What would I do when facing an enemy? Even I'm uncertain about this."
Nagato's eyes betrayed a tremor, a chord struck within him.
Quickly regaining his composure, Nagato inquired, "So, what is your answer?"
Naruto gripped the black rod on his chest, teeth clenched, and growled, "I can't forgive you! The urge to kill you is too overwhelming!"
It was a sentiment expected from Naruto, a natural response in the face of an enemy.
Few could remain composed under such circumstances, no matter the strength of their resolve.
As the words escaped his lips, Naruto gritted his teeth, enduring the excruciating pain that radiated from his chest.
With sheer determination, he yanked out the ominous black rod embedded in his torso.
Konan, witnessing this feat, couldn't conceal her surprise. "How can he resist Nagato's Chakra at such close range?" she mused.
Simultaneously, Naruto cast the black rods aside, lunging towards Nagato with an unexpected burst of speed.
Nagato's widened eyes betrayed his astonishment; clearly, he hadn't anticipated Naruto possessing such extraordinary abilities.
However, Konan wasn't about to let Naruto assail Nagato's body unchecked. Swiftly, she advanced towards the blond-haired ninja who was relentlessly attacking.
Amidst the tumult of combat, fragments of wisdom from Jiraiya echoed in Naruto's mind, reminiscing about the moments they had spent together.
Ultimately, Naruto halted before Konan.
"Pervy Sage once spoke of a time when people could truly understand each other. Back then, I didn't grasp its significance. When he entrusted me with finding the answer, I merely perceived it as a mark of apprenticeship."
Naruto's clenched fists trembled, conveying the depth of his emotions. After a brief pause, he lowered his fists, appearing somewhat dejected.
"I felt a sense of joy at being acknowledged," he continued.
"But now, I comprehend the true weight of Pervy Sage's words. It's not a straightforward matter. My heart is entangled, torn, and in pain. Fighting alone won't resolve this."
Nagato observed Naruto and spoke with an air of detachment, "Even so, you've done well. You still can't forgive me. True forgiveness isn't that simple—it's a profoundly human sentiment."
Naruto didn't contest Nagato's observation. "Indeed, you're right," he admitted.
"What Jiraiya sensei said might seem like outdated idealism. It falls short of the harsh reality we face." Nagato interjected calmly, "You claim to want to defeat me and restore peace to the ninja world. But deep down, it's not solely about justice; it's revenge."
He continued, "You can dress it up as justice, but witnessing the harsh truths with your own eyes has undoubtedly tested your faith in Jiraiya sensei's ideals."
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