章 34: Chapter 34: Nagato
A day had passed since Akira and his team entered the Land of Rain.
"So it was Konoha's ANBU, disguised as shinobi from other major countries, who committed atrocities here in the Land of Rain!"
Deep within a towering building, Nagato's emaciated form stood ominously, black rods protruding from his back. His purple Rinnegan eyes glowed coldly as he stared down.
At his feet lay a shinobi clad in Konoha's ANBU gear, a cat-face mask obscuring his lifeless face.
"So Konoha conspired with Hanzō to come after us," Konan said icily, a deadly glint in her eyes as her anger surged.
"Konoha…" Nagato's gaze turned murderous as he remembered Yahiko's brave sacrifice.
Konan turned to Nagato, asking, "Nagato, has the Human Path uncovered any more information?"
Nagato's lips curled into a cold smile. "Yes. Konoha's at it again. The Third Hokage has dispatched an elite team to the Land of Rain to aid Hanzō in wiping out the Akatsuki."
"Helping Hanzō to eliminate us?" Konan's expression grew darker, and her eyes filled with lethal intent. "Who's leading this team?"
"The team is led by someone from the Uchiha clan named Uchiha Akira. Other than him, the rest are not worth our attention," Nagato replied indifferently.
"Uchiha Akira?" Konan nodded thoughtfully. "I've heard he made quite a name for himself on the Konoha-Kirigakure battlefield, single-handedly taking down four members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. He's not to be underestimated."
Nagato nodded. "Indeed. According to Madara, Akira even defeated Kirigakure's Six-Tails Jinchūriki, which led to the Six-Tails breaking free and falling into Madara's hands."
"Nagato, what should we do now?" Konan asked, casting a worried look at his frail figure. "Can you handle him in your current state?"
Just then, footsteps echoed from the doorway. In strode Obito, disguised as Uchiha Madara, with the white-and-black figure of Zetsu beside him and the Deva Path Pain at the forefront.
"Konan," Pain's voice was detached, almost cold, "Konoha's shinobi have come at a perfect time. Madara has just taught me the Six Paths Technique, and Uchiha Akira will be the ideal test for its effectiveness."
"Are you sure? I heard that a full Six Paths of Pain requires six bodies. Right now, we only have Deva, Animal, and Naraka Path. It's risky going up against someone capable of defeating a powerful Jinchūriki," Konan cautioned, her gaze fixed on Nagato.
"Konan." Nagato looked up, his expression unwavering. "Trust me. With these eyes—the Rinnegan of the legendary Sage of Six Paths—I have transcended humanity. I am now a god, and no mere mortal can stand against a god."
"Nagato, let me remind you of something," Obito interrupted. "Uchiha Akira might not be an ordinary Uchiha. He may have awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan."
"Mangekyō Sharingan?" Nagato's gaze shifted to Tobi, who was wrapped in his Akatsuki cloak. "Is that similar to your eyes, Madara?"
"Hmph." Obito chuckled dismissively. "Not quite. My eyes are the pinnacle of Uchiha power—the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, far superior to an ordinary Mangekyō."
"So the Sharingan has levels too," Konan murmured, taking it all in.
"Of course." Obito smirked. "Though the Mangekyō is formidable, wielding unique abilities upon awakening, it pales in comparison to the Eternal Mangekyō. It's a force that even a Kage would fear."
His Sharingan eyes gleamed red as he cautioned Nagato,
"Don't underestimate him, Nagato. Every Mangekyō grants two powerful techniques, unique to each user."
"Rest assured, Madara," Nagato replied coolly. "No matter the abilities, they're insignificant before the godly power of the Rinnegan."
"Then, we'll await your report." With that, Obito vanished, his form fading from view.
As he disappeared, Zetsu spoke up. "Nagato, I'll handle the intel for this mission."
Then he, too, melted into the shadows of the building, vanishing from sight.
Konan watched them leave, her gaze lingering as she turned back to Nagato.
"Nagato, I still find it hard to trust this so-called Uchiha Madara. The true Madara was said to be a demon on the battlefield. It's hard to believe he'd hide behind a mask like this."
"It doesn't matter, Konan," Nagato replied, shaking his head. "Ours is a relationship of mutual convenience, and we both know it. Once we capture the tailed beasts, that's when the real confrontation will begin."
Nagato looked at Konan, his tone firm. "Madara seeks the tailed beasts for himself, and he needs our help to capture them. Meanwhile, I need his Yin-Yang Release, his Six Paths Technique, and his intelligence network."
Konan was silent for a while before saying, "Nagato, I hope you're keeping an eye on this so-called Madara. He's not to be trusted completely."
"Of course. Since Yahiko's death, you're the only one in this world I can trust absolutely, Konan," Nagato said in a low, solemn voice.
Konan's face softened with sorrow, remembering Yahiko's tragic death—their unhealing wound.
Seeing her pain, Nagato spoke firmly, "Konan, Yahiko's dream will be realized by us. People can't understand each other because they lack shared experiences and haven't endured the same suffering."
"If we resurrect the Ten-Tails and bring true pain to the five great countries, only then can they understand the suffering of small countries like ours, and peace can be achieved."
"Nagato…" Konan's face showed a hint of uncertainty as she listened to him.
After Yahiko's death, Nagato had changed, transforming Jiraiya's teachings on mutual understanding into something entirely new.
Inwardly, Konan sighed. She had long realized the ideal of peace through understanding was a naïve fantasy.
Understanding others does not erase desires, prevent conflict, or make hatred disappear.
Setting her thoughts aside, Konan looked back at Nagato.
"Nagato, in your condition, it's best if I go with you this time."
Nagato didn't refuse her suggestion. His own health was indeed in poor shape. Ever since summoning the Gedo Statue and unleashing the chakra dragons, his life force had been severely drained, and he had yet to recover.
More crucially, his legs had been permanently damaged by Hanzō's Exploding Flame Formation, leaving him unable to move without assistance.
Nagato turned to Konan. "Konan, let's go. According to our latest intel, Uchiha Akira's team has already entered the Land of Rain."
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