Chapter 109: Nagato's Defection  

Nagato's frail body, pierced by dozens of black rods, tensed up.

"Someone is coming," he said nervously.

"This chakra... how could Uchiha Sasuke be here?"

"Damn Zetsu." After a moment's thought, Nagato realized that apart from Konan and "Tobi," only Zetsu knew his specific actions.

Tobi had no reason to betray him, and Konan was even less likely to. The answer was obvious.

In the large tree hollow, Sasuke walked up the trunk step by step. Nagato did not move lightly, knowing that even the Six Paths could not handle Uchiha Sasuke. His own body was too weak.

Facing Sasuke now, Nagato thought he had no chance of winning. The urgent need was to mobilize the Six Paths.

"Look what I found," Sasuke said with a smirk as he entered.

Nagato, under intense pressure, angrily asked, "Uchiha Sasuke, what are you doing here?"

"Pain, no, I should call you Nagato. This is your real body! Look how weak you are." Sasuke then turned to Konan, "Miss Konan, think carefully before you attack me. You will die if you do."

Sasuke smiled helplessly. If Konan attacked, he would have to get rid of her, despite his fondness for beautiful women. No one was allowed to challenge his authority.

"Uchiha Sasuke, tell me your purpose," Nagato demanded, hoping to avoid conflict. He knew he couldn't face Sasuke himself, as he had no chance of winning.

Sasuke's Susanoo, as big as a mountain and burning with black flames, made him an unbeatable opponent.

"What purpose could I have?" Sasuke found a place to sit. "Nagato, I know what you're relying on."

"I'm sorry to tell you, the so-called Uchiha Madara is a fake."

"What does it matter if he's not?" Nagato replied.

"Whether Uchiha Madara's identity is true or false doesn't affect me as long as it doesn't hinder my collection of tailed beasts and my goal to subdue the five major countries."

"You're too naive, Nagato. The mere Rinnegan doesn't have enough power to support you ruling the entire ninja world."

Sasuke displayed his Rinnegan, and the powerful ocular energy swept over Nagato.

"How do you have a Rinnegan?" Nagato asked.

Sasuke calmly revealed unknown secrets. "The legendary Sage of Six Paths, the founder of the ninja world, had two sons: Indra and Asura. "

"Indra had the powerful Sharingan, while Asura, favored by the Sage, could compete with his brother."

"When their powers combine, they can unlock the universe's power. The Rinnegan is the ultimate evolution of the Sharingan. Have you ever wondered how someone from the Uzumaki clan like you could possess the Rinnegan?"

Sasuke pressed his hand on Nagato's forehead and said sarcastically, "You don't think you naturally have the Rinnegan, do you? The last person with the Rinnegan was Uchiha Madara. You should realize the Uchiha Madara behind you lacks the power of the Rinnegan."

Nagato stopped Konan with a cold look. "Are you saying my Rinnegan is artificial?"

"Hahaha, yes. You've been a pawn from the beginning, and even Yahiko's death was orchestrated by someone with ulterior motives."

"How can I believe you, Uchiha Sasuke? They don't think you're a good person either."

Sasuke knew Nagato was on the verge of a breakdown. Nagato's tragic life, from his parents' death, his wandering, the horrors of war, to losing his trusted partner, all planned by others, had led him here.

"It's simple. I'll easily defeat the Uchiha Madara you mentioned, real or fake. Because only the strongest can realize your dream, Nagato. What do you think?"

Nagato smiled bitterly. "If I refuse, will there be a way to survive?"

He couldn't refuse Sasuke, not for himself but for Konan's sake. She had suffered enough by his side for many years.

"Uchiha Sasuke, I agree to your request."

"Good, but don't recall the Six Paths Clones yet. First, cooperate with me to put on a show," Sasuke said, thinking of a plan to become the hero of Konoha again.

He even envisioned a slogan: "Uchiha Sasuke, the prodigal son, returns to the right path, undercover in the Akatsuki organization to protect the weak villagers..."

With this slogan, Tsunade would support him, and the disobedient elements in the village would be dealt with. Anyone who opposed him would be labeled a traitor.

"You really have bad taste," Konan said sarcastically, clearly unhappy with Sasuke's earlier threats.

"Bad taste? When you're with me, you'll understand what bad taste truly is."

Konan's anger was futile. Her strength was no match for Sasuke's, and arguing would only lead to suffering.