Bringing Nagato back to Konoha was a decision Jiraiya had made after careful consideration.
There were too many mysteries surrounding Amegakure—whether it was Hanzo's sudden betrayal, or the mysterious figure who ambushed Nagato using an unknown genjutsu. Clearly, Akatsuki alone couldn't uncover the truth behind it all.
In Jiraiya's eyes, the only one capable of unraveling Hanzo's mystery was his old friend.
It was also the perfect opportunity to transplant a new pair of eyes for Nagato.
"I wonder if Takeshi's returned yet."
Looking at the Fire Country's border just ahead, Obito sounded a little hopeful.
Over the past year, he had learned a lot of useful knowledge under that pervy sage. He was confident—this time, he'd definitely impress Takeshi!
"You two are really close."
Watching Obito casually mention Takeshi every now and then, Konan covered her mouth and chuckled softly.
"Of course! We've been best friends since we were little!"
Obito lifted his chin proudly, ready to tell Konan all about his friendship with Takeshi, but was mercilessly interrupted by Jiraiya.
"Alright, kid, time to move out!"
"Oh." Obito pouted and moved to the front of the group.
Best friends since childhood, huh...
Staring at Obito's back, Konan unconsciously shifted her gaze to Yahiko.
"What are you thinking about, Konan?"
Noticing her gaze, Yahiko smiled and asked.
"It's nothing. I was just thinking... if we hadn't met Jiraiya-sensei, the three of us would've probably died in the war long ago."
Konan shook her head and turned her eyes toward Nagato, who stood nearby, her expression full of concern.
"Konan, there's no need to feel sad for me. If anything, losing these eyes is more of a relief."
Sensing her emotions through her tone, Nagato smiled slightly.
"To me, these eyes are nowhere near as important as you two."
"You're always like this... silently protecting us."
Hearing Nagato's words, Konan sighed, her voice filled with helplessness.
Taking Nagato from Konan's hands, Yahiko forced a smile and said,
"But Konan's right. If we hadn't met Jiraiya-sensei, we probably wouldn't have survived the war. This time might've been no different."
Hanzo's strength was far too overwhelming. Even a controlled version of him wasn't someone they could handle.
...
"Nagato has left the Land of Rain."
Having monitored Nagato all along, White Zetsu immediately reported the news to Setsuna.
"Hmph, Nagato's whereabouts don't matter anymore. I have more important things to deal with now."
Setsuna didn't bother responding to White Zetsu. His eyes remained locked on Yōwan, who stood before him.
Faced with Setsuna blocking his path, Yōwan didn't show much of a reaction. He merely stared coldly at his opponent.
"Hey, boss, can I take this guy out already?"
Hidan, standing nearby, was clearly growing impatient. He was itching to sacrifice the masked guy in front of him.
"Why did you take the Rinnegan?" Setsuna ignored the restless Hidan and instead questioned Yōwan.
"I should be asking you—why let an uncontrollable vessel continue to grow?"
Yōwan tilted his head, clearly confused by Setsuna's foolishness.
"Besides Madara-sama, only Nagato can control the Gedo Statue—"
Setsuna barked at Yōwan but was quickly interrupted.
"There are plenty of Uzumaki descendants left in the Shinobi World. Many are more exceptional than Nagato. Why remain fixated on him?"
Yōwan narrowed his eyes and pointed at Setsuna.
"Isn't it easier to raise a naive Uzumaki from scratch than to change someone like Nagato?"
Setsuna fell silent for a moment after hearing Yōwan's words, then slowly replied.
"That would take too much time."
Raising a young Uzumaki and waiting until they were old enough to control the Gedo Statue... who knew how many years that would take?
Still, Yōwan's suggestion gave Setsuna a new idea.
"My dōjutsu can preserve the chakra and abilities a target had while alive. If we work together to eliminate Nagato, then control his corpse..."
"That means fighting that guy Jiraiya again, huh? One of the Legendary Sannin... killing his student right in front of him..."
Yōwan frowned, the movement tugging at the scar on his face.
"We just need to wait for the right opportunity. After all, we've got White Zetsu."
"Exactly! Surveillance is our specialty." White Zetsu chimed in just in time—only to be completely ignored by everyone.
After thinking it over, Yōwan agreed with Setsuna's plan.
"In that case, let's go with it. I have other business to attend to, so move aside."
"I'm not letting you leave with Madara-sama's eye."
Seeing Yōwan try to walk past, Setsuna reached out to block him.
"Hey, you bastard! Want me to chop off that hand of yours?!"
Hidan didn't understand a word of their conversation, but he knew one thing: this annoying chatterbox had wasted enough of his time. He was ready to lash out.
And then—
Hidan's head suddenly separated from his body.
As his body crashed to the ground, Hidan panicked.
"Damn it! What the hell is this technique?!"
"Hmm?"
Setsuna was momentarily startled too. He hadn't expected Hidan to still be capable of speech after being decapitated.
"An immortal body?"
Was there really such a monstrous ability in the Shinobi World?
A perfect counter to her Kuni no Tokotachi...
Yōwan began running through a mental simulation of the potential outcome if he fought Setsuna.
Mangekyō Sharingan versus Mangekyō Sharingan?
At this moment, Yōwan wasn't entirely confident he could defeat Setsuna outright.
He didn't hesitate long—ultimately choosing to compromise.
They would split the Rinnegan evenly—one eye each—until a suitable vessel was found.
...
A few days later.
Jiraiya finally caught sight of the gates of Konoha.
"Seriously, why does it feel like someone's been watching us this whole time?"
Obito scratched his head, utterly confused.
His comment sent a chill down the spine of White Zetsu, who was hiding underground.
Could that unimpressive-looking brat actually sense him? No way!
"What nonsense are you spouting again? We've already entered Konoha's barrier range. If anyone's watching, it's probably a ninja in charge of surveillance."
Jiraiya gave Obito a smack on the back.
After all, they were bringing three "outsiders" into the village. Of course the Barrier Corps would notice.
Jiraiya's words temporarily eased Obito's suspicions.
Their group made a beeline for Orochimaru's research bureau.
Having wrapped up the battle at Kikyō Pass, Orochimaru was finally able to immerse himself in the ocean of research he longed for.
Unfortunately, that meant misery for Anko, who had to stay by his side.
Her energetic personality made it hard to endure the dry, tedious world of scientific research. But because Orochimaru was a teacher she deeply respected, she had no choice but to grit her teeth and assist him as best she could.
When Jiraiya arrived at the research facility, Orochimaru was busy instructing Anko to retrieve a specific material for him.