Even predicting the future likely wouldn't have helped.
After all, Nagato was dead set on his path, determined to see it through, no matter the cost.
Kawasaki spread his hands. "I won't go into detail about how I know these things, but you can verify them for yourself."
"I believe you've already met Kyusuke. You know that Obito had a hand in Yahiko's death."
"At the very least, Kyusuke, Daibutsu, and the others were all killed by Madara and Zetsu."
Pain's expression was a tempest of shifting emotions. Kawasaki's words had struck him with the force of a tidal wave, leaving him unwilling and afraid to believe. Yet, all the signs pointed to the high probability that Kawasaki was telling the truth.
Konan glanced at Pain with concern. She was equally shaken, and having dealt with Kawasaki before, she felt his words were very likely true.
"We've seen the pigeon," Konan replied softly.
At this, Pain gradually composed himself. "Why are you telling us this?"
Though Pain would certainly investigate the matter later, he was perplexed as to why Kawasaki would reveal such information without any apparent motive.
Kawasaki stroked his chin. "I have to admit, I actually admire you."
"Admire me?"
Pain mulled it over, never having anticipated such an answer. He was taken aback.
Kawasaki nodded. "That's right. I agree with your ideal."
Pain's eyes widened. "You know?!"
At this stage, the Akatsuki was still operating in the shadows. Aside from Obito's activities in the Land of Water, the organization was focused on recruitment and accumulating funds, functioning essentially as a powerful bounty-hunting group. No one, not even most of its members, knew of Pain's true ideal.
"Peace does indeed require sacrifice as its foundation," Kawasaki stated, sending a jolt through Konan's heart.
"Things like mutual understanding between people cannot bring about true peace. It's an outdated idealism, far removed from reality."
Pain's face contorted. Weren't these his own innermost thoughts?
"Whether or not your suffering was orchestrated by others, such things will always happen in this world. You are not the only one who has suffered."
The memory of his deceased parents, of Yahiko, of his pigeon, of Daibutsu, of Chibi…
Pain's face twisted in anguish. "Yes, that's right! Too few people have felt pain! That's why more people must feel it! Only then can true peace be achieved! I will become the god of this world!"
Watching the emotional Pain, Kawasaki sighed deeply. Nagato's life was a litany of tragedies: his parents dying early, a childhood of displacement, and his best friend dying in his arms. It was why, during his battle with Naruto, he had said, "My pain is far greater than yours."
And the source of all that pain had been a conspiracy from the very beginning.
Kawasaki had never intended to keep this secret forever.
Now that he was in this world, with the system's aid, he felt compelled to remedy some of the regrets from his past life. The Nagato of his previous world had suffered too much, dying without ever knowing the truth. The Rinnegan was so precious; did Madara truly believe he could win Nagato over with ideals alone? Kawasaki didn't buy it. He suspected Nagato might even be under the influence of some kind of control seal, though he himself had no way to remove it.
But he would absolutely not let Obito get away with it.
He would expose Obito's identity, tearing his disguise to shreds. By making Nagato confront Obito earlier or by delaying their Tailed Beast capture, he could buy precious time for the talented individuals in his own faction to grow stronger. When Madara finally appeared, they would overwhelm him with a fleet of Susanoo!
Pain emerged from his memories, looking at Kawasaki with anticipation. "Since you agree with my ideal, then join us, Kawasaki."
Kawasaki didn't answer directly. Instead, he reiterated, "Let me be clear once more: your Rinnegan cannot make you a god."
Pain's expression faltered.
Kawasaki continued, "In my view, both your Rinnegan and my Mangekyo are nothing more than tools. A tool can never surpass its wielder. Even the concept Obito fed you—standing at the pinnacle of the world and using the Tailed Beasts to create a weapon of war, destroying any nation that steps out of line—has a massive flaw."
Pain couldn't help but ask, "What flaw?"
Kawasaki held up a single finger. "Let's not even discuss whether your Rinnegan is the product of a conspiracy. Even if you successfully capture the Tailed Beasts and create your weapon, there is one obstacle you can never overcome."
"You will die."
"After your death, the world will simply revert to its old ways. Everything you accomplished will turn to dust."
Pain had considered this problem before. "I can find a successor," he answered.
Kawasaki shook his head. "You won't know what happens after you're gone. How can you ensure your successor will share your original intentions? Look at Yahiko's original intentions, and then look at your own mindset now."
Pain pressed a hand to his chest, where a scar remained—a mark left when Yahiko took his own life.
"Those who have experienced pain do not necessarily become benevolent. People grow after experiencing pain, but they don't always grow in the way you expect."
Pain's eyes flickered, deep in thought.
Konan asked, "Then, Mr. Kawasaki, how do you believe peace should be achieved?"
Hearing Konan's question, Kawasaki offered a faint smile. "There are many answers to that question, but I'll give you one that I think you can accept."
Both Konan and Pain leaned in, listening intently.
"Nagato, your path to peace is, in essence, a philosophy of intimidation. According to your plan, if you succeed, you can threaten every nation into submission. 'Be peaceful, or be annihilated.' In theory, this could work. But the one holding that threat shouldn't be you."
Konan and Pain were confused.
Kawasaki poured a cup of cool tea and took a light sip. "I told you about the Otsutsuki clan, but what I didn't mention is that they will repeatedly invade this planet in the future. The Otsutsuki are the greatest threat. With a celestial existence constantly menacing the planet, who would have the mind to start wars?"
Konan and Pain were silent. If what Kawasaki said was true… if the Sage of the ninja world, the ancestor of chakra, was merely a member of the Otsutsuki clan, and if the Otsutsuki were truly going to keep invading, then all the current wars would seem utterly absurd.
"I don't believe you," Pain said.
Kawasaki understood his meaning. "I know. You don't believe it, and no one else would either. Until the Otsutsuki actually descend, everyone will think it's just a legend. Therefore, the Otsutsuki must descend for the world to feel pain."
Kawasaki's words had come full circle, aligning with Nagato's original concept. The only difference was that the one inflicting the pain would be someone else, not him.
"As for me," Kawasaki continued, his fingers tapping lightly on the table, "I plan to create the most powerful organization, the strongest force in existence, for the sole purpose of resisting the continuous Otsutsuki invasions. If I die, my successor will carry on the fight. It doesn't matter what personal desires they may have, because the world-ending threat of the Otsutsuki is unavoidable. Only by uniting all forces can we resist them."
"Before the Otsutsuki arrive, we will be the strongest power, able to intervene in any conflict between nations. When the Otsutsuki arrive, we will become the front-line soldiers. Once people feel the threat of the Otsutsuki, a steady stream of recruits will flock to our banner, because it will be the only way for the entire world to survive. Even if I die, my organization will be passed down from generation to generation!"
Kawasaki's words shook Konan and Pain to their core. If what he said was true, then… perhaps it really could work.
Though Pain was a corpse, his voice trembled slightly. "How do you know the Otsutsuki will invade, and how can you prove what you're saying is true?"
Kawasaki shook his head. "I understand you're unwilling and afraid to believe it right now. But you can slow down the Akatsuki's expansion and stall Obito. He is undoubtedly more impatient than you. Besides, your philosophies don't align; a battle between you two is inevitable sooner or later. You can deal with Obito first, then verify the truth of my words."
"However, to suppress Obito, I will publicly reveal his identity when I return to my clan. You and Konan will be in extreme danger."
Obito sought to use the Tailed Beasts to complete the Eye of the Moon Plan, while Nagato wanted to use them to create "nukes." The two were destined to clash. This nuke plan was also an idea Obito had planted in Nagato's mind; in truth, Nagato had little understanding of the Demonic Statue's true purpose.
By this point, Nagato and Konan largely believed Kawasaki's words. But a sliver of hope remained in Nagato's heart, a desperate wish that it was all false. In any case, it was true that the Akatsuki should not reveal themselves yet; continuing to develop in secret was a sound strategy. As for danger, what corner of the ninja world was truly safe? If Kawasaki was right, and even the Rinnegan had hidden failsafes, then he had no real hiding place.
Nagato and Konan fell silent. The day's events had been a tremendous shock. Nagato even felt a sense of disorientation. If this was all a conspiracy, what was the point of his struggle?
"Although your Six Paths powers are formidable, Obito's Mangekyo is a perfect counter to you. He won't fight you head-on; he can just wear you down in a battle of attrition. Then there's Zetsu, who can easily locate your real body. And you might still have failsafes that Madara placed on you back then. I only hope you are fully prepared before you confront Obito."
Pain fell silent, recalling the immense pain he felt when Yahiko died. He had been momentarily swayed by Obito's incitement, and Obito and Zetsu had known every detail of the process of creating the Six Paths. They had even seen his true body with their own eyes.
Later, Nagato grew wary of Obito, suspecting that "Madara" was not who he claimed to be. But over the years, Nagato's confidence in his Rinnegan had grown. He believed that in the end, not even Madara would be his match.
Now, it seemed, if Kawasaki was telling the truth, that the Rinnegan was a gift from Madara, then Madara would surely have countermeasures. Otherwise, how could Nagato resurrect him in the end? The outcome of a battle with Obito was truly uncertain.
"I understand," Pain said, giving Kawasaki a deep look before preparing to leave.
Nagato didn't know what his ultimate fate would be, but that didn't mean he would let go of his past grudges. On the contrary, if the road ahead was uncertain, he would at least exact revenge on those who had wronged him first. One of the masterminds, Hanzo, was already dead. The other was still alive and well.
"Please wait a moment," Kawasaki called out, sensing their intention to depart.
Pain turned back.
Kawasaki continued, "Jiraiya is your master. His ideals may not be entirely correct, but he would never stand in your way. At least, until you and Obito have settled things, I don't want to see you two come into conflict."
Konan glanced at Pain. They had already considered this. According to their original plan, a confrontation with Jiraiya was highly likely. But if Kawasaki's words were true, Nagato was no different from Master Jiraiya—both of their philosophies were flawed.
Pain didn't speak, so Konan answered for him. "As long as what you've said is true, we will not clash with Master Jiraiya. However, we must eliminate Danzo. At that time, it might be Master Jiraiya who refuses to let us be."
As a high-ranking official of Konoha, if Danzo died at their hands, Jiraiya might indeed come to apprehend them. But they clearly didn't understand Jiraiya's character. He had no love for Danzo; in fact, he despised him. Even if they killed Danzo, Jiraiya would certainly not intervene.
In the previous timeline, Danzo rarely left the village, making it impossible for Nagato to get his revenge without launching a full-scale assault on Konoha. Though Konan and Nagato were bent on vengeance, their ideal took precedence, which was why they prioritized capturing the Nine-Tails. Thus, even if Jiraiya hadn't investigated the Hidden Rain Village, Nagato would have had to confront him to capture Naruto. Unexpectedly, he was defeated by Naruto and ultimately perished after using the Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique.
In Kawasaki's view, Nagato's acceptance of Naruto's philosophy was a reluctant one. Since he couldn't win, he might as well try Naruto's way. In the end, Danzo remained at large, and it was Sasuke who finally took him out.
This time was different. The Uchiha clan was not annihilated, so Sasuke wouldn't be hunting Danzo. With Nagato and Obito's falling out happening earlier, Nagato likely wouldn't go after the Nine-Tails if he couldn't handle Obito.
The Nine-Tails could wait, but Danzo's head had to be collected first.
Kawasaki smiled. "Coincidentally, we Uchiha have a score to settle with Danzo as well. I was wondering if you two would be interested in a collaboration?"
...
At the border of the Land of Sound.
Kawasaki claimed to have a method to deal with Danzo without bloodshed, and Konan immediately agreed to cooperate. Nagato left Kawasaki with the Magic Lantern Body Technique for communication. To be safe, Konan also gave Kawasaki a paper crane. As long as he was in the Land of Rain, he could use it to find her.
Kawasaki also handed Konan a scroll detailing the past of Obito, Kakashi, and Rin, a supplement to the information he had previously provided about Obito.
Konan and Pain departed with the other five Paths.
The moment Kawasaki turned around, the system's notification sounded in his ear.
[Ding! Congratulations, Host, for significantly altering Nagato's life trajectory.]
[Congratulations, Host, you have obtained: Outer Path — Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique x1]
Whoa! Awesome!
Kawasaki was ecstatic. A resurrection jutsu that could be used without any cost.
Let's see, who should I resurrect? There are so many strong people, I need to think this through... Hmm, it seems there are still several others whose fates I can 'farm' for rewards. I only thought of Chiyo before, who else was there?
Ding! Another crisp sound interrupted Kawasaki's thoughts.
[Ding! Congratulations, Host, for significantly altering Jiraiya's life trajectory.]
[Congratulations, Host, you have obtained: Sage Mode x1]
It seems Jiraiya won't be dying at Nagato's hands after all. Sage Mode, huh? Does it not differentiate between types of senjutsu?
Kawasaki stroked his chin. Nagato was just a pawn anyway; there was no need for a master and student to kill each other. If Jiraiya lived, he would be a powerful asset during the future Fourth Great Ninja War.
Since life trajectories could trigger a chain reaction...
A new idea suddenly occurred to Kawasaki. He glanced at the sky. He had gotten so caught up in his conversation with Konan and Nagato that he'd forgotten to check for messages today. When he was out, he didn't always keep a summoned animal with him, as they would eventually return on their own.
Summoning Jutsu!
Poof!
"Caw... caw... caw..."
A series of crow calls sounded, and Kawasaki's brow furrowed. There were multiple messages. He quickly untied the letters from the crow's leg.
After reading through the messages one by one, Kawasaki finally understood. Obito had gone to the Uchiha compound to cause trouble, only to be lured into a trap by Fugaku. It seemed, however, that Fugaku had underestimated Obito's Wood Release, and many of the clan's elite shinobi were injured. Worse, two were so severely wounded they would likely be off the battlefield for a long time.
Kawasaki was a bit speechless. He had already warned them that Obito could use Wood Release, but Fugaku probably didn't realize just how potent it was.
Reading on, he saw that Fugaku had even engaged Obito in a contest of ocular power, and both had ended up seriously injured. If Qiming hadn't awakened his Mangekyo Sharingan, the consequences would have been dire...
He shook his head, clearing the chaotic thoughts. For someone as indecisive as Fugaku to act with such ruthlessness, his hatred for Obito must run deep. A head-on clash of dojutsu... Fugaku was truly fierce.
Naruto and Sasuke getting injured was a minor issue. With the Sage of Six Paths watching over them now, they wouldn't die.