Chapter 121: The Peace of Uruk and the Fall of the Land of Waves

The winds howled over the coastal cliffs of the Land of Waves, carrying with them the scent of salt and the whispers of impending doom. The people of the small nation, already struggling under the tyranny of Gato and his mercenaries, were about to face a force far beyond their comprehension. But unlike the oppression they had suffered, this time the winds carried with them the promise of something different—an iron-clad order under the banner of Uruk.

At the heart of this approaching storm stood Nagato, the man who now embodied the strength of Uruk, and with him, his Rinnegan eyes that could reshape the world. Yet, the Nagato of today was nothing like the quiet, introverted boy who once stood in the shadows of Yahiko. Now, he was a man of purpose, a leader carrying the weight of Gilgamesh's vision on his shoulders.

As he prepared to descend upon the Land of Waves with his forces, Nagato found himself in conversation with one of his trusted soldiers, a curious recruit named Hiro, who had heard the stories of Nagato's past.

Nagato's Transformation

"Nagato," Hiro said hesitantly as they walked along the cliffs, the army readying behind them. "I heard that before coming to Uruk, you were very introverted and shy. You didn't open up to people easily and often stood behind Yahiko, never taking the lead. What made you change?"

Nagato paused, his Rinnegan eyes reflecting the turbulent waters below. For a moment, he said nothing, simply watching the horizon where the sea met the sky. "You're not wrong," Nagato finally admitted. "I was once a different person. Someone who lacked confidence, who clung to Yahiko's dream because I believed in him more than I believed in myself."

Hiro nodded, unsure of how to respond to such honesty from someone as powerful as Nagato. But he couldn't deny his curiosity. "So... what changed? Was it Gilgamesh?"

A faint smile crept across Nagato's face, though it was tinged with a certain sadness. "Yes, Gilgamesh played a role in my transformation. But it wasn't just him. It was Uruk. Yahiko had a dream of peace, a noble dream. But deep down, none of us truly believed it could ever be achieved. Not in the Land of Rain, and certainly not in the entire Ninja World."

He turned to face Hiro, his expression now steely with determination. "But now, here in Uruk, we see that dream being fulfilled. Gilgamesh, through sheer will and power, is carving out a land where peace is possible. Uruk has existed for less than six months, and already the area under its control is one of the most peaceful in the world."

Hiro's eyes widened in realization. "So, Uruk's strength is what brought you out of Yahiko's shadow?"

Nagato nodded. "Not just strength. Purpose. Yahiko wanted peace, but he didn't have the means to make it a reality. Uruk provides that means. Under Gilgamesh's rule, we bring order, stability, and, most importantly, peace. The people of the Land of Waves may not understand it now, but soon they will."

The Attack on the Land of Waves

The army of Uruk marched relentlessly, their footsteps echoing in the valleys of the Land of Waves. The people of the land, already oppressed by Gato's criminal empire, had no idea that their world was about to be turned upside down once more. But this time, it would not be for the worse. It would be for the establishment of a new order, one governed by the absolute authority of Uruk.

At the head of the army, Nagato walked in silence, his presence alone enough to intimidate the enemy forces who had already begun to hear rumors of the "Eye of God" who wielded the Rinnegan. His mind was calm, focused, for the outcome of this battle was never in doubt. There would be no mercy for those who opposed Uruk.

As they neared the village center, where Gato's mercenaries were stationed, Yahiko's words echoed in Nagato's mind: "Peace through pain, if necessary." But here, in Uruk, pain would not be the first tool. Instead, it was Gilgamesh's unwavering conviction that would bend the world to his will.

A Warning to Gato

Nagato sent a single emissary ahead to deliver a message to Gato, the tyrant who ruled over the Land of Waves with greed and cruelty. The emissary arrived, trembling as he read the scroll aloud in front of Gato and his band of thugs.

"By order of Gilgamesh, Emperor of Uruk, ruler of the world, you will lay down your arms and surrender all authority over the Land of Waves. Uruk will establish peace and order in this land. Resistance will not be tolerated."

Gato laughed—a high-pitched, ugly sound that echoed through his compound. "Who does this so-called emperor think he is? This land belongs to me! Tell your emperor he can crawl back into whatever hole he came from!"

But even as Gato spoke, the fear in his eyes betrayed him. He had heard of Gilgamesh, of the unstoppable might of Uruk's army, and of the man with god-like eyes who led them.

The Onslaught Begins

As the emissary returned with Gato's response, Nagato didn't so much as blink. He had expected as much. "No one surrenders without seeing the overwhelming power of Uruk firsthand," he murmured.

He turned to Yahiko and Konan, who stood at his side, ready to lead their own divisions. Yahiko grinned, excitement burning in his eyes. "Looks like we'll have to knock down the front door."

Konan, calm and composed as ever, nodded. "We've dealt with worse than Gato's mercenaries."

Nagato stepped forward, raising his hand. "Shinra Tensei."

The village shook as an invisible force tore through the streets, sending Gato's men flying in every direction. Buildings crumbled, the sheer power of the attack leaving no room for resistance. The people of the Land of Waves could only watch in awe as Nagato and his forces advanced, their every step leaving destruction in their wake.

Peace through Power

It didn't take long for Gato's forces to crumble. His mercenaries, faced with the unimaginable power of Nagato's Rinnegan, either fled or fell to their knees in surrender. Gato himself, once so arrogant and cruel, was dragged before Nagato, trembling in fear.

"You... you can't do this!" Gato stammered. "This is my land! My business!"

Nagato looked down at the man, his expression cold and unyielding. "Your rule is over. Uruk does not tolerate tyrants who oppress the weak."

Gato, desperate, tried to reason with him. "I'll pay you! I'll give you anything you want!"

Nagato's eyes narrowed. "We don't want your money. We want peace."

With a swift motion, Nagato silenced Gato for good. The people of the Land of Waves, who had suffered under the man's rule for so long, watched in stunned silence as their oppressor was brought to justice.

The Land of Waves under Uruk

The aftermath of the battle was swift and efficient. With Gato gone and his mercenaries scattered, Nagato's forces moved quickly to establish order. The people, who had lived in fear for so long, were unsure of what to expect from their new rulers. But soon, they began to see the changes.

Under Uruk's rule, the Land of Waves began to flourish. Trade routes were reopened, the village was rebuilt, and the people could finally live without fear. Though the methods of Uruk were harsh, the results were undeniable—peace, stability, and prosperity.

Nagato stood at the edge of the village, looking out over the newly rebuilt homes and the smiling faces of the villagers. Hiro approached him once again, this time with a look of awe.

"Nagato... you really did it. The Land of Waves... it's peaceful now. I've never seen anything like this."

Nagato nodded slowly, his eyes scanning the horizon. "This is what Uruk brings. Not just strength, but peace through order."

Hiro couldn't help but smile. "Yahiko would be proud."

Nagato's expression softened at the mention of his old friend. "Yes," he said quietly. "He would."

---

As the sun set over the newly liberated Land of Waves, the soldiers of Uruk set up camp near the shore. Nagato sat with Yahiko and Konan by a small fire, each of them reflecting on the events of the day.

Yahiko, ever the joker, grinned and broke the silence. "So, Nagato, about that introverted thing... Did Gilgamesh give you some secret kingly confidence lessons, or what?"

Nagato shot him a dry look. "No, Yahiko. I just learned that sometimes it's easier to lead when you can level a village with a glance."

Yahiko laughed. "I dunno, man. You could've at least tried a motivational speech first. You know, something like 'Lay down your arms, or I'll lay them down for you!'"

Konan, who had been quietly sipping tea, finally spoke up. "Yahiko, your speeches would just make them run faster."

Yahiko pouted. "Come on, Konan! I've got the voice for it! Maybe not as dramatic as Gilgamesh, but still—"

Nagato chuckled softly, a rare sound from him. "Maybe next time, Yahiko. Maybe next time."