The reason the Otsutsuki clan fixates on this world is simple: it can grow God Trees. These trees produce a substance called Chakra Fruit, the same fruit once consumed by Kaguya Otsutsuki. Eating the fruit grants immense power and, equally, extends one's lifespan. Both traits are irresistible to the Otsutsuki. When Urashiki said this world was their most important nursery, it was no exaggeration. Not every space allows a God Tree to thrive, but here it not only survives—it produces high-quality chakra fruit.
This is why the Otsutsuki came here. And no, it wasn't the tailed beasts' chakra that guided them—it was chakra itself.
Chakra is foreign to this world, unique to the Otsutsuki. But since it appeared here, the clan's headquarters could naturally locate it. Tailed beasts act as beacons; with one present, the world is like a street lit by a lamp, visible from afar. Remove the beast, and the light dims—you need to approach to see it. When Akatsuki exiled the tailed beasts, it was like turning off the streetlights in most nurseries. Yet here, darkness prevailed. That meant Kaguya herself had faltered in overseeing her nursery, and as her leader, Urashiki Otsutsuki came to see why the 'light' had gone out.
Coincidence or destiny aside, if Akatsuki destroyed Urashiki, peace would never come again.
=========
"That's the story," Nagato explained, attempting simplicity. Even so, recounting the full sequence took nearly three hours. Hidan was utterly lost, yet Obito and Itachi understood the gravity. They now knew the level of crisis awaiting them.
"I've decided. Rather than wait passively for them, I'll strike first. Hiding is no longer an option. I will take the fight to the Otsutsuki world and end this problem once and for all."
Nagato made his decision. Konan's expression remained neutral, and Kita, who was merely observing, sipped her tea. Obito glanced at them and then at Nagato, asking seriously:
"Do you think it's worth it?"
A leader would normally make a grand speech here—talk about the world, lofty ideals, noble goals—stirring everyone's spirits. But Nagato was never eloquent. He could barely express a simple thought without it coming out crooked.
So he simply scratched his white hair, a boyish smile curling his lips.
"I don't know… I just feel I should do this."
That's all I can say, he thought.
Silence followed. Obito, Sakura, and Kita all listened quietly. Rarely had this rooftop—the place for jokes, laughter, and New Year celebrations—felt so still.
"Honestly, I don't fully understand their strength," Nagato admitted. "Even Urashiki alone cost us half a day. There are surely more powerful Otsutsuki ahead. This path will be perilous. Akatsuki was formed to capture the tailed beasts and conquer the world, but the world remains unconquered—and yet, we've already stirred a mess."
Nagato's words were tinged with self-mockery. Everyone reflected on the red-cloud robes they wore, the original purpose of Akatsuki. Sakura, new to the organization, remained absorbed in his story. Outside this world lies a tremendous threat, and now Akatsuki's leader, Pain, has resolved to intervene in that world.
To risk one's life for the safety of this world—is this heroism?
"As a leader, I should consider the organization's growth. But this decision is mine alone—reckless, even. Call it near-suicidal if you will. This is not an order: in a week, we'll gather here. If you come, be prepared to fight to the death. If you stay, I will not blame you. Should fate allow, we will fight together again. If not… take care. Obito, Kakuzu, Itachi, Kisame, Deidara, Hidan, Sakura, Karin… it's been a pleasure."
With that, Nagato turned and walked away.
Kita stood, watching the stunned faces of those absorbing the enormous influx of information. "That's roughly the situation. Think carefully. Going to the Otsutsuki world is near-suicidal. Staying? With your strength, you're not afraid of anything. And if you stay, you can live in the village—I've told Shisui not to bother you. That's it."
Kita started to leave, but Obito called out:
"Wait, Kita! You're serious?"
Kita shrugged. "Of course. Strike at the heavens."
Obito frowned, glancing at Kita and Nagato.
"You really don't care about dying? Is it necessary to go this far for some place like that?"
Itachi, rational as always, also questioned:
"There are many ways to handle this. As Nagato said, those guys will inevitably return. Waiting passively is an option. Besides, here the terrain benefits us."
Kita merely smiled. She teased Itachi:
"No wonder you're from a great nation—Konoha hasn't fallen to a battlefield yet."
Itachi had no response; Obito, seeing the sense in Kita's words, also stayed silent. Battles of ninja mostly happened in small countries. Sakura didn't understand, but the others did. Kakuzu didn't insist on keeping the battlefield in this world; instead, he asked what Obito had asked:
"Kita, do you think it's worth it?"
Kita shook her head, then nodded.
"For some, it isn't worth it. But for those who matter, it is. Not everyone in this world is worthless. For those who accept me, who recognize me… I will protect this land."
Konan smiled, placing a hand on Kita's shoulder: "You've come a long way, my Kita. Being ANBU commander wasn't in vain~"
Kita shook her head helplessly, grabbing Konan's hand. "Stop teasing me."
==============
When Shisui returned safely to the village, Gaara was also unharmed. The future movements of Akatsuki remained unknown to the Fifth Kazekage. At least, Shukaku knew the organization intended to intervene in the Otsutsuki world to fundamentally resolve the threat.
No matter what, the Kazekage had been sent away.
Then, Orochimaru appeared. Konan endured the snake entering her home but could not forgive what Nagato had done in his second Cursed Seal form. For the first hour of Orochimaru's presence, she didn't even offer him tea.
"You really court death," Orochimaru remarked after learning Nagato's plan. His reason for being here was simple.
"Nagato… are you really going to strike the clan? My father said they're incredibly powerful—our ancestors had to unite to defeat them!" Shisui's expression betrayed worry.
Nagato smiled, ruffling the boy's hair. "Rather than wait for another attack, we strike first."
"But it's dangerous! You could die—I don't want you to die."
"Many want me dead. But the Otsutsuki alone cannot stop me."
Nagato spoke lightly, almost casually, yet the sincerity was palpable.
Orochimaru, unwilling to judge such resolve, simply asked:
"Do you really think you're a savior?"
Nagato was not confused. Risking one's life to tackle a catastrophe that seemed unsolvable… if being a savior is the term, so be it. Yet his motives were never for salvation, and he cared little for the title.
"It's not that. After fighting Urashiki, I believe I must act. Another person in my position might make the same choice. Call it 'savior'? Hardly."
Orochimaru sighed.
Few would reach the same conclusion. Normal people might prepare endlessly for such a threat, but none would dare strike at the enemy's lair directly. Perhaps this is the difference between a prophesied child and ordinary humans.
Recalling old events, Orochimaru spoke again:
"By the way… do you know why Jiraiya recruited students everywhere?"
Nagato guessed it was because they had been pitiful in front of their teacher and were shown mercy. He never investigated further.
"There's a backstory," Orochimaru said. "When he practiced summoning, he accidentally entered Mt. Myoboku. The Great Sage there had prophesied about the Child of Prophecy, who would bring change to the world. Jiraiya was the one to guide that child. Seeing your Rinnegan, he believed you are the Child of Prophecy."
Nagato poured himself a cup of tea, indifferent to the prophecy. He asked jokingly: "Do you think I'm really a savior?"
Orochimaru laughed, shaking his head. "If you don't destroy the world, be thankful. As for savior? Jiraiya's judgment has never been perfect."
Looking at Shisui, silent, Orochimaru added candidly:
"Since you asked, I cannot refuse. Go in peace; I give my word."
Nagato smiled, pouring Orochimaru a cup of tea.
"Thank you."
Orochimaru waved his hand. "No need—duty done."
Shisui, confused, asked:
"What are you talking about? I don't understand anything. Orochimaru, what did you agree to? Nagato, I thought you didn't like him?"
Nagato smiled, gently pinching the boy's sun-darkened face from the desert trip:
"Pay attention to yourself. Take care, okay?"
Shisui, stunned, murmured softly:
"Nagato… can't you not go? My father said they're dangerous, and they haven't come here yet."
"Small but fierce," Nagato mused, tapping Shisui's head. His Rinnegan radiated gentle affection. Orochimaru watched, recalling Jiraiya's drunken frustrations. Who the Child of Prophecy truly is, and whether the future is good or bad… these questions had become almost irrelevant.