Figures continued to flash across the vast screen in the sky.
[In the early stages of the Second Shinobi World War, many rogue remnants of ninja forces remained.]
[They looted, burned, and slaughtered wherever they went. One day, as they attempted to kill Yahiko—Nagato awakened the Rinnegan once again, and in an unconscious state, killed them all in retaliation!]
[Jiraiya discovered the Rinnegan in Nagato's eyes, and from that day on, began teaching the three of them ninjutsu.]
[On the surface, it was said to be for self-protection—but deep down, Nagato knew it was to help him control the power of the Rinnegan.]
[He was afraid—afraid that hatred would cause that power to spiral out of control, leading him to commit mistakes again… and the guilt would consume him.]
[At that moment, Jiraiya appeared.]
["Is it because you accidentally killed that ninja while saving Yahiko… that you feel guilty, Nagato?" Jiraiya asked, patting his shoulder.]
["At that time… Yahiko was injured. I hated that man with everything I had… then my mind went blank. When I came to, he was already dead…" Nagato curled up, trembling.]
["I'm afraid… I'm afraid that because of hatred, I'll lose myself. There must have been a better way… I didn't have to kill him!"]
[Seeing Nagato's emotional turmoil, Jiraiya interrupted firmly: "I don't know what's right or wrong—but Yahiko didn't die because of you. You protected your companion. That means you did the right thing."]
["No one will blame you," Jiraiya said with a smile.]
Uchiha Madara: "This brat actually knows how to teach students. Not bad."
Senju Hashirama: "So this is one of the Legendary Sannin, on par with my granddaughter? Hahaha! He may look a bit rough, but he's a fine shinobi."
Hiruzen Sarutobi: "Jiraiya is my student. His character is beyond question."
Danzō: "You…"
Minato Namikaze: "Kushina, see? Jiraiya-sensei teaches well. Believe me—Naruto will turn out fine."
Kushina Uzumaki: "I'll trust you for now."
Mei Terumī: "What's going on? Jiraiya's teaching seems completely fine."
Ōnoki: "Strange… very strange…"
Madara's heart tightened.
Fortunately, he had spoken first—
Otherwise, if everyone started focusing on the Rinnegan, things would become troublesome!
Black Zetsu also let out a silent sigh of relief.
As expected of Madara-sama… easily defusing a potential crisis.
If everyone had started discussing the Rinnegan—
Then things would spiral out of control.
One person guessing was nothing.
But if a whole group started piecing things together—
The truth would be exposed sooner or later.
And as for future plans?
They might as well be revealed immediately.
I'm tired… just destroy everything already…
[Over the next three years, Jiraiya taught the three of them ninjutsu. Their progress was astonishing.]
[Nagato always remembered something Jiraiya once said to him in the rain.]
["Long ago, people fought endlessly—an era far more brutal than now. In that time, there was a monk."]
["He explained the principles of chakra, hoping to guide the world toward peace. It's said he spread Ninshū and traveled the world preaching."]
["As time passed, Ninshū became what we now call ninjutsu. But ninjutsu is not just about power—it also carries teachings meant to guide people toward peace."]
["That monk was the Sage of Six Paths—a savior-like figure. Just like you, he possessed the Rinnegan."]
["And he once said: 'I am one who maintains peace and order.' Perhaps… you are his reincarnation, carrying the hopes of the next generation."]
[Nagato engraved every word Jiraiya spoke into his heart—like a mandate for peace.]
[After that, Jiraiya bid farewell to the three of them—parting in the rain.]
The white-framed screen dimmed.
At last, that segment ended.
But Black Zetsu's expression darkened instantly.
Damn it!
We were just hoping no one would focus on the Rinnegan—and you, Jiraiya, had to emphasize it?!
A savior-like figure?!
The same eyes as the Sage of Six Paths?!
What exactly are you doing?!
As expected—
Everyone exploded into discussion.
Mei Terumī: "Those eyes are too mysterious… could he really be the reincarnation of a sage?"
Fourth Raikage A: "The same eyes as the Sage of Six Paths? Incredible! There's so little recorded about its abilities—I'd love to get my hands on them!"
Ōnoki: "The Rinnegan's abilities surpass even my Kekkei Tōta. Nagato's power will undergo a qualitative leap!"
Senju Hashirama: "If I had Wood Release with those eyes… could I punch Madara to death in one hit?"
Uchiha Madara: "Hashirama, are you insane?! If I had those eyes, the first person I'd kill would be you!!!"
Senju Hashirama: "Hahaha, Madara, I'm just joking. You couldn't beat me before—even with the Rinnegan, you wouldn't stand a chance."
Uchiha Madara: "You bastard—just you wait! That Rinnegan—"
Senju Tobirama: "Madara, what about the Rinnegan? Go on, say it."
Uchiha Madara: "You two brothers are completely insane!!!"
Madara was on the verge of losing it.
He had known Hashirama for years—
Yet somehow, every conversation with him ended the same way.
Infuriating.
Teeth-grindingly infuriating.
And worst of all—
There was nowhere to vent it.