Chapter 95: Konan Recruits Nagato, The Gap Between Humans and Gods
Ten days ago.
The Land of Rain's mountainous terrain. Heavy clouds and white rain curtains made the barren mountains emanate cold, oppressive atmosphere.
During wartime, except for the safest western region, the rocky mountains outside Amegakure rarely saw civilians anymore.
Those with means either detoured around Earth Country and Fire Country battle lines to neighboring Grass Country, or crossed mountains from the eastern, southern, and northern regions to reach western areas, or fled the Land of Rain entirely for adjacent Bird Country.
Those without means either stayed in inhabited villages and towns hoping for luck, or hid in rare deep forests or the Land of Rain's ubiquitous mountain caves.
Nagato's family was among those hiding.
Yet even so, they couldn't escape disaster.
The Land of Rain hadn't experienced the First Shinobi World War. Even with accumulated supplies, they couldn't last two years.
Konoha's border forces advancing into the Land of Rain for wars of attrition and delay couldn't return to resupply regularly.
The Great Shinobi War was conflict between nations. Neither ninja nor civilians could remain uninvolved.
The only difference: ninja possessed powerful strength, while civilians were helpless as chickens.
In peacetime, the latter might be the former's financial backers.
In wartime, they were lambs awaiting slaughter.
Unable to breach Amegakure or return to allied territory for resupply, Konoha ninja resorted to plunder.
They prioritized villages and towns with abundant supplies.
When encountering isolated families, decisions depended on circumstances and conscience.
Nagato's family's hideout was discovered by Konoha ninja evading assassination squads at night. While scavenging supplies, they "accidentally" killed Nagato's parents, causing Nagato to unconsciously activate Rinnegan power, instantly killing the Konoha ninja before collapsing.
After awakening, his home was gone too.
One second he had both parents. The next, he was a war orphan. Nagato became completely dazed.
After burying his parents' corpses, he wandered the rocky mountains lost, not knowing where to go.
After wandering unknown duration, extreme hunger and mountain climbing stole all strength. Even raindrops felt heavy as stones. Finally Nagato collapsed on a slope.
Seeing this, Tobi, assigned by Madara Uchiha to protect Nagato, nearly went to check his condition.
But White Zetsu scolded: "Tobi, you idiot! Did you forget Madara-sama's warning again? We can't interfere with Nagato's growth."
"But... will he die like this?" Tobi scratched his head.
"He awakened Senju and Uzumaki bloodlines. How could such minor hardship kill him?"
"So we just ignore him?"
"For now, yes. Unless he truly can't endure, we help through other means. We absolutely cannot expose ourselves."
"Fine."
Tobi and White Zetsu continued observing.
Unknown time later, the starved Nagato slowly regained consciousness.
Using recovered strength, Nagato struggled upright, continuing to stagger up the mountain, wanting to cross over seeking inhabited places.
But after traveling short distance, he accidentally kicked a protruding rock, falling flat.
Struggling upright again, Nagato continued walking like a zombie.
Soon he fell again. Nothing tripped him this time. He simply lacked strength to even walk.
In confused consciousness, Nagato's blurry vision seemed to see feet appear before him.
Then the rain pounding his body like stones suddenly vanished.
Nagato struggled to look up, seeing a purple-haired girl crouching beside him, holding a paper umbrella in one hand and a basket in the other. She looked one or two years older, squinting amber eyes while showing an angelic smile.
"Want to eat?"
Konan retrieved a long bread from the basket, offering it to Nagato.
This scene would forever be carved into the red-haired boy's heart.
He didn't speak, but tremblingly raised his hand, accepting the bread and stuffing it in his mouth.
The first bite went down with difficulty. Then as though something awakened, sudden strength appeared from nowhere. He began devouring ravenously.
Konan smiled watching this scene.
But inwardly she felt disbelief.
This peer nearly starved to death possessed eyes matching the legendary Sage of Six Paths from mythology. Truly incredible.
With Yoru's warnings and teachings, though Konan marveled internally, her expression remained unchanged.
Even emotion sensors would only detect compassion from the girl.
This was an angel's kindness.
Like Haku toward Zabuza Momochi, as long as it didn't involve Yoru, Konan showed no defensive reactions.
Watching Nagato devour food, choking several times, Konan retrieved an apple and milk bottle from her basket, placing them before him while smiling: "Eat slowly. Nobody will steal from you."
"Th... thank you."
Recovering some strength, moving from prone to kneeling, Nagato finally managed garbled gratitude.
Unfortunately his bangs hid the Rinnegan. Head bowed, his expression remained invisible.
After finishing the entire bread but holding the milk and apple reluctantly, Konan seemed to guess something. Her compassionate gaze deepened as she asked knowingly: "Are you lost? Can't find your way home?"
"I... I have no home... Dad and Mom are both dead..."
Nagato finally raised his head, revealing Rinnegan beneath his bangs. Rain or tears slid from his eyes.
His choked voice carried grief and confusion.
This scene made Konan's expression somewhat dazed, as though returning to last year's first half.
In Nagato she saw her own reflection.
If she hadn't met Yoru-sama then, current Nagato might be her future.
In fact, she was worse than Nagato. At least nobody targeted her for help.
So Konan whispered softly: "Me too..."
Nagato overheard, his expression freezing before staring at Konan as though finding his own kind.
Regaining composure, Konan's face showed that angelic smile again. She raised her hand pointing behind Nagato, gently reminding: "If you're seeking inhabited places, you're going the wrong way. You should walk that direction."
Retrieving another bread and stuffing it in Nagato's arms, Konan stood while encouraging: "Live well. After enduring, you'll discover the world is completely different."
After speaking, Konan walked uphill.
Nagato stared blankly at Konan's umbrella-holding figure, then instinctively followed.
Konan quickly noticed the tagalong, halting and turning helplessly: "I can only give you this much. I also need to survive."
"No... that's not it... I don't want food..."
Realizing Konan misunderstood, Nagato frantically shook his head explaining, his tone extremely panicked.
That emaciated body, unhealthy skin, red hair covering eyes - before Konan, who'd been well-nourished nearly two years with fair skin and exceptional development, standing half a head taller despite being peers - he didn't look like a boy but a red-haired little sister.
Konan asked with feigned confusion: "If not for food, why follow me?"
"Can... can I follow you?"
Nagato voiced his thoughts, then worried about rejection, hastily added: "I... I can do anything!"
Konan didn't immediately agree but asked: "You're also from the Land of Rain. Besides your parents, don't you have other acquaintances? Won't you find them?"
Nagato's gaze dimmed as he shook his head: "My home was very remote. I have no one left I know."
"I see."
Konan pretended contemplation, then carefully examined Nagato before suddenly smiling brightly: "Alright, I'll give you a chance."
"Really?"
Nagato's expression showed immediate excitement.
"Just a chance." Konan wagged her finger. "If you lack the qualifications, I'll only send you to inhabited places, because I have more important matters."
"Yes, yes..."
Though not understanding what qualifications Konan meant, Nagato nodded repeatedly.
"Follow me." Konan beckoned, then led Nagato uphill.
After both disappeared over the slope, Tobi and White Zetsu's faces emerged from the ground.
"Truly worthy of rarely awakening both Senju and Uzumaki bloodlines, chosen lucky one by Madara-sama. Such good fortune." White Zetsu sighed slightly. "Even in this remote place, meeting a chakra-possessing peer. Looks like we needn't help him onto the ninja path."
Underground, Tobi crossed his arms, nodding in agreement.
Konan led Nagato across mountains, from one peak to another.
Reaching halfway up a mountain, Konan halted, her gaze searching the cliff face.
Finally, her gaze settled on a flower petal pattern carved into the cliff.
Handing the basket to Nagato beside her, Konan pressed her small hand against that pattern under his confused watch.
Then an incredible scene entered Nagato's vision.
Black lines appeared on the cliff, forming vertical rectangular grids.
Rock-like colors faded. Explosive tags with "explosion" characters flew from the cliff, sticking to Konan before vanishing.
As colored cloth fell, the original cliff had become a cave entrance.
Konan picked up the cloth necessary for concealment techniques, smiling at stunned Nagato: "Come in."
Following Konan into the cave, watching her light oil lamps and reset the entrance, Nagato spoke with slight nervousness and awe: "You... are you a ninja-sama?"
"Ninja-sama? Not quite..."
Konan pinched her chin considering several seconds, then smiled sweetly: "According to information I've gathered, only those born in ninja villages, graduating from ninja academy and receiving headbands and ninja numbers count as true ninja. People like me who accidentally entered the ninja path without joining villages can only be called wandering ninja, or rogue ninja."
"..."
Nagato understood nothing. After confirming Konan was a ninja, he felt completely lost.
Konan comforted: "Don't be so nervous. If you have the qualifications, you might become rogue ninja like me."
"What?"
Nagato froze, doubting his ears.
Then he spoke uncertainly: "You... the qualifications you mentioned are... qualifications to become ninja-sama?"
"Correct."
Konan's expression turned serious: "I have important matters requiring no time sheltering and caring for ordinary people. If you want to stay by my side, you must become a ninja like me. If you lack ninja qualifications, you're destined to be no help. I'll only send you to inhabited places."
"I... I'll work hard."
Fearing abandonment, Nagato shouted: "I'll definitely become someone who can help you!"
"I look forward to it."
Konan smiled, introducing herself: "Let's get acquainted. I'm Konan, seven years old, born in Amegakure. Earth Country's surprise attack made me a war orphan. Currently wandering."
"You... you're only seven?" Nagato's tone filled with disbelief.
Seeing Konan stand half a head taller, he'd assumed she was two or three years older. Turns out they were peers.
Hehe... you haven't seen Yoru-sama.
Konan's lips curved proudly, happy about sharing common ground with Yoru.
In Nagato she again saw her own reflection.
Last year, learning Yoru-sama was only eleven, she'd definitely shown this exact expression.
Outwardly, Konan smiled: "After becoming a ninja with earning ability, you'll quickly become like me."
"Now your turn. Introduce yourself."
"...Yes."
Nagato recovered, hastily saying: "I'm Nagato, seven years old, born in the Land of Rain's southern region. I forgot my birthplace. My previous home was somewhere remote. Now... now I'm also a war orphan."
Speaking, Nagato suddenly lowered his head.
Both seven years old, he and Konan were completely different levels.
Konan walked over, patting Nagato's shoulder.
Watching Nagato look up at her, Konan showed a brilliant smile, yet with mischievous undertone: "From now on, you're my little brother, temporary subordinate. If you want permanent status, work hard."
Approaching the Sage Eyes' wielder, Konan had originally been extremely nervous.
Especially learning invisible, undetectable creatures monitored this wielder's vicinity, Konan worried about exposing flaws.
Before Yoru sent her back to the Land of Rain, Konan had mentally simulated "first meeting" countless times.
Now finally contacting Nagato, Konan's nervousness and anxiety completely vanished.
Like Nagato finding his own kind, Konan felt similarly.
Accurately speaking, current Nagato was the male version of herself before meeting Yoru-sama.
Current self was a super-weakened version of Yoru-sama.
Konan now knew how to train Nagato. She had complete confidence transforming this male version of herself into Yoru-sama's subordinate's subordinate.
"...Yes."
Nagato naturally didn't know Konan's thoughts.
Regarding Konan recruiting him as little brother, he felt no rejection whatsoever, only joy at finding new support.
This generation's two Uzumaki descendants both enjoyed serving others.
Kushina Uzumaki was thus. Nagato too.
Watching Nagato show no emotion-concealing awareness, Konan again saw her own reflection.
That childish mischievousness grew stronger.
So she crossed her arms, "From now on, call me 'Konan-sama.'"
"Yes, Konan-sama!"
Nagato stood at attention as though military-trained.
Watching the two children play house, White Zetsu hidden in the cliff showed rare speechlessness.
Tobi applauded exclaiming: "Konan-sama, so cool!"
Unfortunately Tobi lacked eyes. Otherwise they'd definitely shine.
Seeing Tobi's appearance, wanting to join, White Zetsu couldn't help complaining: "Truly three little kids."
Then he shared all observed scenes and collected intelligence with other White Zetsu.
Madara Uchiha's side quickly learned of Konan's existence.
His lips curled slightly: "Found new bonds so quickly? Truly a brat with decent luck."
"Madara-sama, should we investigate that girl?" a White Zetsu clone asked.
"You lack memory-reading abilities. Unnecessary." Madara Uchiha closed his eyes again, unconcerned. "Just a war orphan who luckily became ninja. If she harbors malice toward Nagato or acts against him, Nagato will automatically activate Rinnegan power. Plus Tobi protects him in secret. She can't cause waves."
"Before this boy grows, let him enjoy happy childhood. That girl might become our chess piece in future."
As though remembering something, Madara suddenly opened his eyes, staring at the White Zetsu clone: "More than this, I'm curious about that Konoha brat who mastered Flying Thunder God. Have you discovered what he did during his absence? Why such massive changes after returning?"
"Nothing found. We only confirmed he wasn't in Konoha during absence." The White Zetsu clone showed helplessness. "Flying Thunder God seals are too small, can attach to people and animals. Seals constantly move. During absence, he might not even have been on the ninja continent."
Madara's gaze deepened: "Ninja chakra doesn't surge without reason. Either external influences or experiences caused internal energy explosions."
Madara was certain because he'd experienced both.
When Uchiha clan members awakened Sharingan, their brains secreted Yin Release chakra, also affecting internal chakra capacity.
After implanting Hashirama cells, he not only gained Yang attribute, but Yang Release and Yin chakra surged wildly.
Finally his blinded eyes not only recovered but transformed into Rinnegan.
Yoru hadn't become a jinchuriki or used physical healing to absorb Nine-Tails jinchuriki chakra, yet his own chakra quantity permanently exploded.
This was extremely abnormal.
Especially this return, displaying powerful Black Lightning secret technique. Multiple aspects showed growth.
Calling it complete rebirth wasn't excessive.
Developing secret techniques couldn't produce such massive improvements. He definitely experienced something.
Madara recalled last year's photograph from White Zetsu.
Those Flying Thunder God seals covering the ground might truly hide some secret.
This secret was why he could instantly kill fifty-five Sand ninja, and why absent less than a month caused such massive changes.
Madara didn't fear revealed super techniques. All jutsu had weaknesses and flaws.
Like his Complete Body Susanoo possessed god-like power to redraw maps, but facing Hashirama's Wood Release, he'd be wildly drained of chakra, growing weaker while opponents strengthened.
Rinnegan also wasn't invincible. Otherwise he wouldn't transplant Rinnegan into Nagato without fearing loss of control.
What Madara feared was unknown methods.
As a Warring States period ninja, nobody understood intelligence importance better than Madara.
Yoru's Flying Thunder God Technique was merely somewhat troublesome, difficult to pin down.
If Flying Thunder God combined with that unknown method, it might affect his resurrection plan.
Before dying, Madara must uncover Yoru's secret, confirm whether it threatened Nagato, then prepare countermeasures before peacefully heading to the Pure Land.
The White Zetsu clone seemed to read Madara's thoughts, asking: "Madara-sama, should we strike him?"
"No rush. Continue monitoring the Uchiha clan. Find a suitable chess piece first." Madara shook his head refusing, crimson cold light flickering in his eyes. "If this battle produces no one who discovers his sudden strengthening secret, after finding my desired proxy, I'll personally act."
Black Zetsu hidden within the Demonic Statue was quite satisfied with Madara's caution.
Unfortunately, he hadn't yet debuted as a will incarnation. Otherwise he'd definitely share his discovery with Madara.
That brat's sudden strengthening most likely came from synthesizing a bloodline limit.
That wasn't Black Lightning secret technique, but Storm Release: Black Lightning.
Precisely because of bloodline limit, that brat's chakra quantity surged. Black Lightning properties differed from Third Raikage's developed Black Lightning.
Synthesizing bloodline limit at twelve, developing powerful Lightning Release, mastering Flying Thunder God, becoming Five Great Villages' ace combatant - certainly dazzling.
But over this millennium, Black Zetsu had witnessed countless such super geniuses.
These super geniuses' fates ultimately proved identical.
Brilliant temporarily, then becoming stepping stones for Asura and Indra reincarnations.
Bloodlines limited their peaks.
Unable to even surpass Asura and Indra reincarnations, much less Madara Uchiha who completed polar unification.
Even just transplanting Madara's Rinnegan, Nagato who simultaneously awakened Senju and Uzumaki bloodlines wasn't comparable to such trash.
Forget everything else - just one basic Preta Path would make these ninjutsu geniuses despair.
Your limit is merely the ultimate dojutsu's lower bound. This is the gap between humans and gods!
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