On the battlefield.
No one expected.
At Nagato's most dangerous moment, the one to save him was Uzumaki Naruto, the person who should arguably hate Nagato the most.
Even Tsunade found it somewhat unbelievable.
"Why did you save me?"
Nagato's hand trembled slightly, his gaze slowly settled on Uzumaki Naruto in front of him: "Uzumaki Naruto, I killed Hatake Kakashi and Jiraiya-sensei. You should hate me to the core!"
No matter how you look at it, it shouldn't be Uzumaki Naruto who saved him!
Because Nagato knew about Uzumaki Naruto's information, Hatake Kakashi was Naruto's Jonin Captain, and Jiraiya was more of a teacher and father figure to Naruto...
Both of them died at his hands...
No matter how you think about it, Naruto has no reason to save him.
Even if they now face a common enemy, can Naruto really overcome the hatred in his heart?
"Didn't you say that hatred is the most useless thing?"
Naruto shook his head indifferently, and a complicated expression gradually appeared on his face. He slowly opened his palm and said, "Though you've killed many people, honestly I want more than anyone to kill you, I really want to kill you..."
As Naruto spoke these words, he instinctively clenched his teeth, but the next moment he sighed and said, "However, Ero Sage hoped you could live."
"Jiraiya-sensei?"
Nagato's expression froze slightly.
Naruto nodded, and continued in a deep voice, "Ero Sage told me that originally he also wanted to kill you, to kill the version of you that sought to destroy the world."
While speaking, Naruto turned his head and said softly, "But later Ero Sage learned the truth, that you're just a poor guy misled by others."
"So you pity me?"
Nagato's gaze hardened, staring intently at the person in front of him.
When Jiraiya and Naruto learned the truth, were they secretly mocking him? Mocking him for claiming to be a god but actually being just a pawn!
Unexpectedly, Naruto shook his head, and said softly, "I've never thought you were pitiable, Ero Sage didn't think so either. He just believed he should correct his student's mistakes, that's what a teacher should do, even if it costs his life..."
At this, Naruto suddenly lifted his head and said, "My first teacher Umino Iruka knew I failed the Genin exam and was tempted by a rogue ninja to steal the village's most crucial Book of Seals.
Later, Umino Iruka learned of this but instead of harming his errant student, he desperately protected me... We really are fortunate to have similar teachers."
Having said this, Naruto suddenly clenched his fist tightly, his expression turning a bit somber: "The one thing I didn't expect was Ero Sage actually died by your hand... but he surely wouldn't blame you even in death."
"..."
Nagato fell into silence.
After a long while, Nagato slowly nodded, looked at everyone present, and said in a low voice, "Is that so... I see."
"That's good."
Naruto nodded, and said solemnly: "Now that you've learned the truth, the enemy we face is common to us both. Since you've survived, don't die easily, live on with Ero Sage's will!"
"..."
Nagato remained silent.
In the next moment, Nagato looked at Namikaze Minato and Senju Tobirama gathering towards them, and extended his hand.
"Even if I'm no longer a god, I will clear all enemies before me and correct the mistakes of this world!"
A vast repulsive force suddenly erupted from his hand!
A more intense battle broke out, Nagato seemed reckless, unleashing the power of the Rinnegan!
Namikaze Minato and Senju Tobirama instantly used the Flying Thunder God Jutsu to escape the repulsive force's range, dodging Almighty Push is all too easy for them!
Yet as Nagato exploded, the battle finally reached its climax!
In the distance.
Uehara Naraku was still remotely controlling everything. It was his maneuvering of Senju Tobirama and Namikaze Minato that deliberately created a scenario for Uzumaki Naruto to save the day.
"Really hasn't disappointed... Uzumaki Naruto."
Uehara Naraku rubbed his fingers against his brow and murmured, "Back then, I had Uchiha Obito expose the truth to Jiraiya, intending to evoke Jiraiya's sympathy, to try to redirect Nagato-sama, but didn't expect Jiraiya would be killed...
Oh well, it's all fine now, everything proceeds per plan, it seems even if Jiraiya is dead, his will has ultimately passed onto you!
Uzumaki Naruto, you've truly not disappointed!"
All of this was manipulated behind the scenes by Uehara Naraku.
As a behind-the-scenes manipulator, one cannot always rely on sheer strength and intelligence to coerce others. True excellence lies in controlling everything with profound emotions.
Originally, rescuing Jiraiya was simply for using him to cleanse Nagato's name, but unexpectedly, it was ultimately Uzumaki Naruto who took on this responsibility.
"Let the battle become fiercer!"
Uehara Naraku's will descended upon Uchiha Obito, Namikaze Minato, and Senju Tobirama, appearing overwhelmingly strong in their spiritual world, leaving no room for resistance!
Uehara Naraku tilted his head slightly, resting his cheek on his palm, and spoke coldly, "When you push them to the brink where they cannot resist, only then will they welcome their savior!"
Namikaze Minato: "..."
Senju Tobirama: "..."
Uchiha Obito: "..."
The three under Uehara Naraku's control were utterly speechless.
Currently, the Konoha Ninja and Nagato, along with Konan, are at a complete disadvantage against these Reanimated beings. Will there be any reinforcements to save them?
"Don't think too much of it, for I am their savior."
Uehara Naraku curved his lips into a gentle smile, "So this time, I will give you a fitting opportunity to use all your strength to oppose me!"
Uehara Naraku continued with a smile, "During this period, unleash all the anger I've controlled within you. If anyone defeats me, I might give them a chance to undo their Reanimation."
His smile sent chills down their spines.
Namikaze Minato, Senju Tobirama, and Uchiha Obito were filled with astonishment, unable to believe Uehara Naraku's audacity!
Based on their mutual understanding, all three excel in Space-Time Jutsu. Coupled with the invincible trait of Reanimation, if they go all out, they might have a decent chance even against Senju Hashirama!
Is this guy overconfident?
However, Uehara Naraku tucked his lips again, smiling as he continued, "Could one of you inform Yakushi Kabuto that he can fully use Sage Mode, so I can assess his combat prowess!"
"..."
Yakushi Kabuto was somewhat stunned upon receiving the news.
Being the closest to understanding Uehara Naraku, Yakushi Kabuto doesn't see him as insane and arrogant like others do.
Thus, when Yakushi Kabuto replied, his voice carried an anxious question, "My lord, is there anything I've done unsatisfactorily?"
"No, I'm very satisfied."
Uehara Naraku shook his head, continuing, "Don't you find it intriguing? While these individuals are desperately harming their former friends and companions, I, the one orchestrating behind the scenes, am endeavoring to save them..."
Uehara Naraku propped his chin with fingers tapping his cheek, "It's truly fascinating, wondering what their feelings will be if they ever learn the truth."
Yakushi Kabuto: "..."
Yakushi Kabuto felt their mood certainly wouldn't be pleasant. This world is astoundingly ironic!
Years ago, Uehara Naraku talked about Hanzo with reverence, yet he ruthlessly killed Hanzo of the Salamander...
He proclaimed the extermination of the Akatsuki, while secretly becoming its next leader...
This seems to be another cycle!
No one could possibly predict, right?
A person soon to walk alongside Nagato in redeeming his past and earnestly saving lives is still the black hand orchestrating this all?
"Besides this..."
Uehara Naraku softly explained further, "I need to make sure Black Zetsu continues to trust me. Conveniently, battling against you, an Akatsuki and Eye of the Moon traitor, will ensure Black Zetsu can, and must, trust me!"
"..."
Yakushi Kabuto was at a loss for words.
By this logic, Naraku-sama seems to be scheming against Konoha, Nagato, and Black Zetsu, even keeping Orochimaru in check?
What kind of brain does this boss have!
Let's just hope Naraku-sama goes easy when the time comes!
Yakushi Kabuto doesn't consider himself qualified to challenge Uehara Naraku because he understands who granted him everything he has now. He has witnessed Uehara Naraku effortlessly defeating the Third Raikage, the Second Hokage, and others.
The powers of these individuals are undeniably strong.
But in Uehara Naraku's hands, they seem to have no right to duel, except for the legendary Uchiha Madara and Senju Hashirama; no one can rival Uehara Naraku.
"Oh well..."
Yakushi Kabuto adjusted his glasses, controlling the Second Tsuchikage Mu and Mighty Guy to continue their attack, the corner of his mouth revealing a smile, "I do want to see just how strong Naraku-sama really is!"