Unlike in the original story where Nagato believed Naruto was the Child of Prophecy, this time he genuinely felt that Yoruha was right. Reflecting on the actions he had taken over the years, none seemed beneficial to the Land of Rain.
Instead, he had been depleting its resources, leaving it weaker and poorer. If not for his overwhelming power, the people of the Land of Rain might have already risen to overthrow him. Watching Nagato break into hysterical laughter, Sasuke, standing next to Yoruha, turned to him and asked, "Yoruha, what exactly are you trying to achieve by reducing him to this state?"
"Why not just eliminate him?" This was Sasuke's unspoken question, though he didn't voice it. He trusted that Yoruha had his reasons.
He fully supported Yoruha's intentions. Just as Yoruha had promised to provide an explanation for the Uchiha clan's massacre, Sasuke believed him without doubt.
When Nagato stopped laughing, Yoruha continued, "Even the Sage of the Six Paths couldn't bring peace to the entire world. Think about it carefully. You merely possess the same pair of eyes as the Sage."
"Today, Sasuke has surpassed you. Do you think there won't be another person in the future who will surpass you? Peace enforced through might is unsustainable. The longer it lasts, the more those who initially supported you will grow to resent you and eventually rebel against you."
"I don't want to waste more words with you. Your crimes, by the laws of any nation, are punishable by death and are unforgivable. However, before you die, I hope you will use your power to revive the innocent people of Konoha who were caught in the crossfire. I know your Rinnegan possesses this jutsu."
"As long as you revive those you killed in Konoha, I can guarantee that the Land of Fire will not launch a retaliatory war against the Land of Rain."
"You should understand the gravity of your actions this time. Destroying the military center of the Land of Fire is tantamount to declaring war. If the Land of Fire decides to retaliate against the Land of Rain, do you think your country can withstand it? Without Sasuke to balance the scales, the Land of Rain could face annihilation."
Nagato glared at Yoruha, "Are you threatening me?"
Yoruha nodded, "In theory, yes. But from an emotional standpoint, I'm negotiating with you." Hearing this, not only Nagato and Konan but even Sasuke twitched at the corners of their mouths. Internally, he thought, "Is this really a negotiation?"
Moreover, he was being used as a weapon. Although he didn't mind, it still felt odd. Nagato was silent for a long time before he looked up at Yoruha, "Can you guarantee no retaliation against the Land of Rain? Why should I trust you?"
Yoruha smiled, "Do I need you to trust me? What can I do if you disagree? But I believe you will agree." Nagato fell silent again, and after a long pause, he nodded, "Why have I never heard of you before? You shouldn't be so unknown."
Nagato was very curious about Yoruha. Yoruha had never displayed his strength, but Nagato knew he couldn't be weak. Otherwise, someone as powerful as Sasuke wouldn't willingly stand by his side.
"Name?" This question left Nagato speechless. "Being a Hokage's guard sounds impressive, but in reality, it's not much," Nagato stated, not to belittle Yoruha, but because it was simply the truth.
Just look at the Fourth Hokage's guards. None of them are full-fledged Jonin, and one of them is even a Chunin. It's absurd to think that the leader of Konoha Village would have a Chunin-level ninja as a guard. It's incomparable to the Cloud Village.
At least the Fourth Raikage of the Cloud Village has two guards who are standard Jonin, and one of them has even reached Kage-level strength. Such power is truly worthy of the title of a Kage's guard. Yoruha, with a calm expression, said, "Alright, there's no need to dwell on this issue. What I want to know now is what you choose."
Konan looked at Yoruha angrily and said, "You should know that using that jutsu will kill Nagato." Yoruha glanced at Konan and smiled, "Yes, he will die, but even if he doesn't die now, with his current physical condition, he probably won't live for many more years. It's better to make some amends to the world before he dies. At least leave a good reputation before death."
Konan wanted to speak, but Nagato stopped her. "Konan, don't say anything. He's right. My body can't hold on much longer," Nagato said seriously to Yoruha, "I hope you keep your promise and don't retaliate against the Land of Rain." As for the members of the Akatsuki, Nagato had already given up hope.
Not to mention that Sasuke was a formidable presence, the Akatsuki was formed with the hope of achieving world peace. With Nagato's death, the organization would essentially disband.
The Akatsuki was already almost defunct. Nagato was about to die, and Kakuzu, Deidara, Kisame, Sasori, and Itachi were all dead. Now, only Uchiha Obito and Zetsu, who hadn't revealed themselves, were left.
Yoruha nodded and said, "I still have some influence in Konoha Village." Nagato believed this, as it was evident from Sasuke's silence and lack of objection while staying by Yoruha's side that Yoruha held a high status in Konoha. However, Nagato looked at Konan and said, "I hope you can spare Konan. She has nothing to do with the current situation in Konoha Village."
Yoruha readily agreed. Konan still had a role to play in the future; it wasn't her time to exit the stage yet. "You can rest assured, I won't involve others."
Though it was their first meeting, Nagato felt an inexplicable trust in Yoruha. "I hope you don't betray my trust," he said before starting to form hand seals.
Konan wanted to stop him, but this was Nagato's decision, and she knew she couldn't stop him. Besides, Sasuke was there, and she was no match for him. Her last friend was about to die, and Konan was in deep pain, standing aside, head lowered, holding back her tears.
Yoruha glanced at Konan but said nothing. Sasuke, looking at Konan, felt a sense of empathy. When the Uchiha clan was massacred and he eventually killed Itachi, he felt the same way. In that moment, he felt utterly alone in the world.
At that time, he was devastated, losing all hope. He felt abandoned by the world. He wanted to see Yoruha, to have Yoruha tell him what to do next.
But when Yoruha brought him here and he saw the injured Sakura and heard Yoruha's solution, he realized that there were still important people in his life, not just Sakura.
Although he didn't understand the relationship between Konan and Nagato, he could feel it. Their relationship was probably like his and Sakura's.
New novel is out Naruto: Ulquiorra Cifer Template