Chapter 67. Nagato’s forbearance

The Amegakure Village.

A gentle rain fell, casting a serene atmosphere over the village.

Despite the secluded nature of this place, the residents appeared to be faring much better than before.

Every household adorned their doors with origami angels, lending an air of tranquility.

Konan, now the nominal leader of the Rain Country, played a pivotal role in bringing stability and warmth to the people.

When she spread her wings and soared across the sky, the villagers considered it an honor to witness the presence of their angel.

However, she seemed troubled today. Her wings gracefully cut through the sky, carrying her swiftly to a tall tower at the heart of the Rain Ninja Village.

Transforming into paper, she seamlessly merged into the tower.

Upon closer inspection, she discovered that one side of the tower was entirely constructed from paper.

Nagato, with a dull expression, opened his eyes. "What's wrong? Why are you here seeking me?"

Typically, Nagato assumed the identity of Pain, and Konan would communicate with him.

Her unexpected visit to his hidden lair hinted at the gravity of the matter.

Suppressing her excitement, she spoke, "Nagato, I've found out who killed Kyūsuke and Daibutsu!"

Nagato's pupils contracted, his heart still heavy from the loss of Yahiko. Yet, their other companions met their demise on that fateful day.

In the years that followed, they relentlessly pursued the truth behind the deaths of Kyūsuke and Daibutsu.

However, the perpetrator had covered their tracks meticulously, leaving behind only traces, with no other leads.

"Who is it!?" Nagato's voice resonated with deep intensity.

"It's the masked man who calls himself Uchiha Madara!"

"They did this!?"

"Where did this information come from!? How reliable is it?" Nagato's trust in her was implicit, yet he couldn't help but worry that she might have been deceived.

Konan whispered, "Uchiha Natsuki told me."

"Uchiha Natsuki?" Nagato uttered the name.

This Uchiha deputy clan leader was well-known, and she had previously gone to recruit him.

Konan produced two scrolls given by Natsuki. "Nagato, Natsuki gave us these."

"This technique is called Impure World Reincarnation. It can summon the soul of a long-dead ninja back to the human world and resurrect them in physical form."

A shiver ran down Nagato's spine as he quickly withdrew his hand from the wooden cart. He took the scroll and read it carefully.

"Do you mean?" Nagato spoke with a trembling voice.

Konan nodded, "We only need to prepare the sacrifices to summon Yahiko."

After Nagato finished reading the scroll, a tinge of disappointment clouded his expression. "Can they only stay here for a short time?"

She explained, "Natsuki asked us to resurrect Kyūsuke and Daibutsu so we can determine whether it was the masked man who was responsible."

Nagato nodded in acknowledgment, given that he had entrusted this technique to Konan.

"Indeed, it must be them!"

She was taken aback, asking, "Have you suspected them for a long time?"

Nagato replied, "Their origins are unknown, and I don't trust them. I have suspicions, but there is no evidence."

A deep-seated hatred flickered in his eyes.

"Why did they do that?"

Konan then relayed what Natsuki had shared with Nagato.

Nagato composed himself, and a ripple of emotion passed through his eyes. "Lead me into darkness?"

Nagato took a deep breath, asserting, "No! In the pain of infinite existence, I have grown beyond mortals and transformed from mortals to gods!"

"Darkness cannot swallow me, and I will definitely bring true peace to this world!"

Nagato's tone was resolute, embodying a determination that no one could sway.

"It's ridiculous, you still want to use God! Ahem..."

Nagato suddenly coughed.

She stepped forward in concern, saying, "Calm down first, or your body won't be able to bear it."

"Huh..." Nagato gasped violently twice, gradually regaining his breath.

Enduring the daily oppression of heretic demons and controlling the Six Paths of Pain had weakened Nagato's body.

Emotional fluctuations took a toll, posing a significant risk to his well-being.

"No matter what their conspiracy is, it will be crushed under my rinnegan!"

Konan wore a concerned expression as she observed Nagato. The outcome of such a desperate move remained uncertain.

Nagato's voice deepened as he asked, "What else does Uchiha Natsuki say?"

Konan unfolded another scroll, stating, "This reveals Madara's true identity and his Mangekyō Sharingan ability."

Nagato took a glance at the scroll, murmuring, "Uchiha Obito...Kamui space...lasted for several minutes...Izanagi!"

"Why is it so detailed!?" Nagato was astonished.

The information about Madara's true identity and abilities shocked him.

What astonished him even more was how Natsuki acquired such intricate details.

For a ninja, safeguarding one's intelligence is crucial. Knowing oneself and one's enemy can lead to victory in almost any battle.

Natsuki's information not only unveiled Obito's abilities but also seemed as if it were firsthand intelligence.

Over the years, Obito had maintained an air of mystery, never fully utilizing his abilities.

Nagato had always been wary of him.

The cooperative relationship they shared lacked true trust.

In recent years, Obito and Zetsu have been respectful and diligent.

Obito even used his Sharingan to control the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, for several years, staying in Kirigakure and continuously delivering materials and funds to the organization to raise funds for the Akatsuki.

It unexpectedly improved the lives of civilians in the Amegakure.

The revelation that Obito and Zetsu had been concealing themselves so deeply, influencing the lives of their friends, left Nagato feeling profoundly deceived.

Despite considering himself a manipulator, Nagato hadn't realized that Obito was also manipulating him.

The shocking information from Natsuki had left both Nagato and Konan deeply disturbed.

"Natsuki mentioned that even if we attempt it, we won't be able to kill Obito. He suggested you meet him personally, and he'll provide more information," She added, understanding the source of Nagato's astonishment.

"Nagato, what's your plan?" Konan asked.

Nagato set down the scroll, his skeletal face revealing no discernible expression. "His time and space ninjutsu is too unpredictable, and he has a significant advantage over me. Until I gain complete control over the Rinnegan, let's not oppress them. We still need to use them to gather people and funds for the organization. I'll remain hidden until everything falls into place."

As the wall was torn open, he walked in, suggesting, "Let's start by resurrecting Kyūsuke and Daibutsu. As for Yahiko, we can wait and observe."

Konan understood that facing Yahiko was a dilemma for Nagato. Their current actions deviated significantly from Yahiko's original ideals.

...

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for greatly changing Konan's life trajectory.]

Congratulations to the host for obtaining: The Paper Person of God Technique X1

While Natsuki continued discussing matters with Rasa in Sunagakure Village, a sudden system prompt indicated that Konan's destiny had been altered.

This change hinted that Konan might not meet her demise at the hands of Obito. However, Nagato's fate remained uncertain.

Considering Nagato's newfound deified mindset, it seemed challenging to sway his thoughts easily.

Nonetheless, it appeared that a fallingout with Obito was on the horizon. Nagato, with his strategic nature, would likely make thorough preparations before taking any decisive actions.

It resembled his past decision to confront Hanzo for revenge after mastering the Rinnegan proficiently enough.