By now, Amegakure had lost all signs of prosperity. Most villagers were still putting out fires, but many knew the gods and angels were fighting the enemy. Judging from the massive fire waves moments ago, the opponent was far beyond their ability to handle.
So some villagers didn't dare approach. Even after Uchiha Madara had left, the sensor ninjas confirmed that the Rain ninjas could only rescue people from the outskirts of the battle.
"Water Release."
Hyuga Mirai condensed the nearby rain and descended. He didn't even consider the technique's name; now equipped with mastery over all seven nature types, he could summon a downpour over the entire village without concern.
Finding Konan and Nagato, he first lifted Konan from the rubble, then carried her to Nagato and helped him regain consciousness.
"Nagato… are you okay?"
Seeing the hollow where Nagato's eyes had been, Konan realized his Rinnegan had been taken. She also didn't know the severity of his condition.
"He used Rinne Tensei… he's barely holding on. If you have anything left to say, now is the time."
Hyuga Mirai assessed Nagato's condition and added, "The mental shock is immense. He probably believed peace was within reach, only to have it destroyed. Such despair leaves him feeling life is meaningless."
"A child's psyche can falter like this—listless, hopeless—there's almost no treatment," he added.
Mirai spoke plainly. He had no intention of saving Nagato. A few days ago, he had planned to unite other villages against the Federation but was outmaneuvered by Madara. He regretted it slightly; if Nagato had been able to gather Iwa, Kumo, and the smaller villages again, the Southwest mining region of the Federation would have been fully staffed.
"Who are you?" Konan asked coldly, sensing familiarity but ultimately recognizing she had never met him.
"I am Hyuga Mirai. I've also spoken to you a few times under the name Jiekang Sanki, but not often."
Konan interrupted, pleading, "Can you save Nagato?"
"You must be dreaming," Mirai shook his head. "An hour ago you were plotting against the Sand Federation, and now you beg me to save someone? No wonder you were deceived by Madara for over a decade. You're not fit to be a ninja. Take Nagato out of the Land of Rain; the Sand Federation will handle the rest."
"I can assist with the Land of Rain," Konan offered.
"Taking Nagato away is the best help you can give the Sand Federation. In fact, without Akatsuki, the civilians of the Land of Rain would live better. Face reality, Konan; this country no longer needs you."
"Civilians rely on the Jiekang Trade Association to earn a living and on the Jiekang and Uzumaki Trade Associations for goods. Amegakure only maintains order and taxes, but once the Sand Federation takes over, they'll do it better."
Mirai had no interest in further discussion. Even forming a ninja alliance, Akatsuki had lost all purpose for him. The best option now was to retreat with the dying Nagato, perhaps still witnessing peace in the ninja world—a dream not entirely broken.
With that, Hyuga Mirai left Amegakure using Yomi Birasaka. Konan, seeing his refusal, realized the truth: she and Nagato were complete failures, utterly deceived.
Konan struggled to carry Nagato to a medical room, luckily intact.
"No need, Konan. With Outer Path Rinne Tensei, there's no saving me."
Nagato refused treatment. He knew best: his life was slipping away, and ordinary medical ninjutsu could not help. At most, he could survive half a day.
"Nagato…"
Konan didn't know what to say. Learning the truth about the Rinnegan, she realized that she, Nagato, and Yahiko had all been living a life of deception. Trained by Jiraiya to believe in human understanding, she had trusted Hanzo, leading to Yahiko's death.
Nagato had sought to create a superweapon to inspire fear and bring peace, only to discover the Rinnegan was never truly his—he was merely a tool for resurrection.
Reviewing her life, Konan realized her best achievement was fostering cooperation with the Sand Federation, improving civilian conditions, providing prosperity. Yet even this success relied on the Jiekang Trade Association. Perhaps Mirai was right: without Akatsuki, the Land of Rain's civilians would live better.
Night fell. Konan did not place Nagato in the medical machine, and after half a day, his life finally ended.
Once recovered, Konan left Amegakure carrying Nagato's body.
After departing, Hyuga Mirai returned to the Sand Federation, recalled his clone, and then went to the neighboring area.
Ayaka Uzumaki, having heeded Mirai's advice, decisively canceled the so-called white wedding dress and sought several qipaos instead, though she wasn't sure which suited best and often consulted Kushina.
Ayaka grew happier daily, while Kushina grew increasingly frustrated. She not only had to advise Ayaka but also listen to her gush about her romantic feelings for over ten days—exasperating.
"Kushina, isn't this… too bold?"
Seeing the qipaos, Ayaka blushed, almost covering her eyes, though curiosity made her peek occasionally.
"The slit is too high, up to the waist," she noted. The magazine's photos exposed the waist, held by mere ties—definitely unsuitable.
"This isn't for public wear, it's private…"
Kushina retrieved the magazine and grinned. "See the bold lines? Tempting. Maybe not as competitive as Kurenai Yuhi, but ahead of Kiyo Hyuga. Trust me—we're clan; I wouldn't lie."
"Also, red qipao with white socks—top-rated in the qipao poll."
Flipping through, Kushina showed Ayaka the favorable reviews. Ayaka's eyes lit up, imagining herself wearing it to see Mirai.
"Then buy two or three sets."
"Three sets?"
Mirai's voice suddenly came from behind. Both girls startled, slamming the magazine shut.
Kushina, embarrassed and annoyed, said, "Why didn't you use the door?"
"Next time…" Mirai calmed them, then asked seriously, "Where is Naruto?"
"He went with the lead jonin to the Land of Water battlefield. He followed after seeing Sasuke's message to Mikoto. Gaara went too."
"I understand. Once I bring him back, keep him from wandering. Someone may be targeting the Nine-Tails."
Mirai left via Yomi Birasaka, giving Ayaka a thumbs-up: "Good taste."
"What about Naruto?"
Before Kushina could finish, Mirai had already left through a space-time portal, making her uneasy. Ayaka comforted her: "Don't worry. Mirai will personally retrieve Naruto—no one can defeat him."
"You're right, Ayaka. I overthought it."
With strong Federation forces at the Land of Water battlefield, Naruto would be safe.
Madara's departure was swift. Two satellites scanned other areas, leaving only one covering the ninja world. By the time satellite 18 focused on the Land of Rain, Madara had already gone.
Additionally, Obito Uchiha was unpredictable. To be safe, Mirai planned to bring Naruto and Gaara back to the Sand Federation; under his watch, no one could abduct them.
Madara had a plan. After resurrecting and reclaiming the Rinnegan, he didn't immediately go to Konoha. Entering the Land of Fire, he stopped underground, creating a Wood Release space to reside.
His resurrected body, combined with the Rinnegan's absorption, best absorbed the Yin power given by the Sage of Six Paths.
After a day in the underground Wood Release space, Madara slowly opened his eyes.
"So this is the Sage's Yin Release… interesting. Reaching Six Paths, my Rinnegan evolved. Hashirama must also have the Sage's gift. Absorbing his Yang and chakra should bring me close to Ten-Tails Jinchuriki level."
He noticed the hand seal mark had vanished and his eyes had strengthened, satisfied with the result.
Using Water Release, he examined his eyes: one Rinnegan had six magatama and awakened a second dōjutsu beyond the Rinnegan.
"Next, find Hashirama. Absorbing his power should reveal the Three-Tails. But first, the internal threat must be resolved, right, Zetsu?"
White Zetsu, confused, shrugged: "Lord Madara, you mean Obito? He left with Kamui. Even my clones couldn't locate him."
Madara laughed, voice lowering: "Obito is a pawn. No matter his ambition, he lacks the power to realize it. The internal threat I mean is someone who could endanger my life. Right, Zetsu?"
Instantly, Madara appeared next to Zetsu, placing a hand on him.
Ikaga!
A dōjutsu that seals all power. Yin, Yang, or anyone's will cannot escape Ikaga.
"Lord Madara, stop! I am your will!"
(End of chapter)