Salamander Hanzo has impressed many people.
The once revered Sannin of Konoha admired him, the samurai of the Land of Iron respected him, and even Nagato, who was once a victim, now had to marvel at the magnanimity of Salamander Hanzo.
This Ninja Demigod, for the future of the Land of Rain, was even willing to pave the way for Nagato with his own death, thereby exchanging for an opportunity for Nagato to succeed as the Leader of the Hidden Rain Village.
"This Hanzo guy…"
Jiraiya's expression was somewhat heavy.
Because in Salamander Hanzo, he seemed to see the shadow of those who sacrificed their lives for the village's future.
Salamander Hanzo finally left here and returned to the Hidden Rain Village, using his title as a Ninja Demigod to stabilize people's hearts after getting Nagato's promise to be his successor.
Konan and Nagato, having been interrupted by Salamander Hanzo, no longer needed to discuss the Akatsuki Organization with Jiraiya and planned to return to Akatsuki's new base first.
"..."
Jiraiya found it difficult to ask them to stay or continue inquiring.
After all, it was Shimura Danzo, the ninja of Konoha, who caused the tragedy back then. The fact that these two disciples did not hold a grudge against Konoha was already a fortunate thing.
Akatsuki's new base.
Looking at Konan, Nagato had a hint of apology in his eyes: "Sorry, Konan, I made the decision on my own to spare Salamander Hanzo…"
"It's okay."
Konan shook her head and lowered it: "Salamander Hanzo is willing to atone for Yahiko's death with his own life, and he's always been trying to make amends for the past… As you said, even if Yahiko were alive, he would stop us from doing this."
As she spoke, Konan's gaze slowly changed, and she brought up the issue she was most concerned about: "Nagato, should we consider abandoning the War Weapon plan? Just like Yahiko said, peace can be achieved through mutual understanding, isn't this the perfect example?"
All along, Konan never trusted Uchiha Obito, nor did she trust his War Weapon plan. She always wanted Nagato to abandon this dangerous plan and stay away from Obito.
"..."
Nagato was silent for a while before shaking his head and said: "Konan, even if we guide people to understand each other as we and Salamander Hanzo did, to eliminate war, the progress is too slow…"
"One day, my life will come to an end, who else in the Ninja World will do the same as us?"
"There's no one else willing to make everyone in the Ninja World understand each other. How much can we achieve with just our guidance?"
To be honest.
Nagato did consider giving up the plan.
However, Salamander Hanzo mentioned the constant struggles of other major countries within the Land of Rain, issues not even Hanzo could resolve. Nagato didn't believe he had more charisma than Hanzo to lead others to understanding. His only advantage was Akatsuki's plan.
The War Weapon.
To collect the Tailed Beasts, resurrect the Gedo Statue, and create the ultimate War Weapon!
For the Hidden Rain Village…
A War Weapon has to be created!
"Our plan is suitable."
Nagato suddenly mentioned Akihara Kagura: "Our junior's plan is even more extreme than the War Weapon plan; at least our plan is mild, allowing the world to feel the pain of war, rather than destroy it…"
"That guy… indeed…"
Konan thought of Akihara Kagura's attitude in front of Jiraiya and sighed: "No wonder he is so confident that we and Jiraiya-sensei won't clash."
Nagato nodded, but suddenly felt a sense of wariness: "No, Kagura joined Akatsuki, his personality is too extreme, could he be planning to use our future-created War Weapon to destroy the world…"
"..."
Konan fell silent immediately.
This problem is indeed quite troubling!
Because having the War Weapon in the hands of someone who wants to maintain peace is acceptable, but if Akihara Kagura gets it, would he really not use it to destroy the world?
"His strength is also very formidable."
Nagato recalled Akihara Kagura's terrifying combat power and his age: "And he's not even that old, let's hope Jiraiya-sensei can guide him well…"
To be honest, it's quite absurd.
A member of Akatsuki being more extreme than its Leader, it's a bit unsettling for Nagato, having to rely on Jiraiya-sensei's guidance to prevent that member from harboring evil thoughts and using Akatsuki's War Weapon to destroy the world.
"..."
Konan's eyes flickered.
This could also be another path in the future.
Konan never wanted to interfere with Nagato's thoughts, her only hope was for this former companion to live a little longer.
Without a doubt.
Akatsuki's plan must be to collect the Tailed Beasts.
This would mean opposing the Five Great Countries, which would lead to battles, forcing Nagato to use the Rinnegan's power, consequently losing more Life Force.
If Konan wanted to persuade Nagato to abandon the idea of collecting Tailed Beasts for a War Weapon, she never thought she could convince him, but perhaps she could use that junior named Kagura…
If that junior's goal is to steal the future War Weapon to destroy the world, wouldn't Nagato be deterred from collecting Tailed Beasts for a War Weapon?
"By the way."
Nagato looked at the contemplative Konan, asking actively: "Konan, has that Orochimaru guy defected?"