Nagato's laughter cut off abruptly. His expression turned icy as he glared at Jiraiya.
"Jiraiya-sensei, you're far too naive. This world has always operated on the law of the jungle. Only through absolute power can we bring about true change. Everything I'm doing now is to build a new world order."
Jiraiya shook his head, eyes filled with regret.
"Nagato, you're walking a dangerous path. This approach will only bring more suffering and destruction."
He fixed his gaze on Nagato, voice calm but firm.
"You're being used, Nagato. Haven't you realized that yet?"
Nagato coughed violently, driven by fury.
"Used? Cough, cough... Who would dare try to use me? You're the one on the losing side now."
"I've already gathered seven of the nine Tailed Beasts. Only the Eight-Tails and Nine-Tails remain. My plan is almost complete. And you think now is the time to try and convince me to stop? Don't you think that's ridiculous?"
Jiraiya took a step forward, his eyes locking onto Nagato's Rinnegan.
"I came here today to tell you the truth."
"Nagato, you've been manipulated by Hyuga Gakuya. You're lost in the web of lies he's spun. Can't you see it? He's only using you to further his own ambition."
At this point, Jiraiya still believed it was Hyuga Gakuya who had seduced Nagato into his dream of unifying the world through force.
"Maybe you don't know yet—but Hyuga Gakuya and Chiba Mokushū are the same person. Chiba Mokushū is just another persona of Gakuya."
"And now that they've fully fused, his ambitions have grown even more dangerous. He wants to dominate the entire shinobi world. What he's after is the power of the Ten Tails. You're just a tool to him."
Jiraiya had expected shock or denial in Nagato's reaction. But instead, Nagato remained eerily calm.
"I already know, Jiraiya-sensei," Nagato replied coolly. "We've come to an understanding."
"In fact, I should thank him. He helped me identify the flaws in my original plan. His proposed federation model is far more complete."
Jiraiya grew more anxious.
"Nagato, think this through. Everything Gakuya claims is filled with contradictions. His so-called ideal world is riddled with holes. We can't let him keep controlling you."
Looking at Nagato, Jiraiya was filled with disappointment and dread. He had truly hoped Nagato would listen. But now, it was clear—Nagato was completely under Gakuya's influence, too far gone to turn back.
"You've lost yourself, Nagato. You've been consumed by Gakuya's ambition. Have you forgotten the ideals you once shared with Yahiko?" Jiraiya's voice took on a pleading tone.
Nagato looked up at him, a flicker of emotion passing through his eyes—regret, perhaps—but it quickly hardened into resolve. Even his former teacher couldn't change his mind now.
"I haven't forgotten our ideals, sensei. But I believe Gakuya's plan has the best chance of realizing them."
"You're wrong, Nagato!" Jiraiya raised his voice. "Gakuya's vision will only lead to more war and despair. His ambition will destroy everything people hold dear!"
Nagato was silent for a moment before replying slowly,
"All of it... is a necessary sacrifice for a better world. Our power will fix this broken world."
"You once said these eyes of mine—the Rinnegan—are the same as the Sage of Six Paths. Then I'll use them to change the world."
Jiraiya saw the determination on Nagato's face and knew—no matter what he said, he couldn't sway him anymore.
"You really think those eyes belong to you?" a voice interjected.
It was Obito, stepping forward.
"They were just something Uchiha Madara left with you."
Nagato scoffed.
"You think I haven't thought about that? So what if they were Madara's?"
"If you're here just to sow discord, then you can leave now," he added coldly. "Out of respect for our past, Jiraiya-sensei, I won't lay a hand on you this time. But if you try to stand in my way again… we'll meet as enemies."
"...Very well, Nagato," Jiraiya said after a long pause. "If this is your choice, I have nothing more to say. But if you ever realize you were wrong—don't wait until it's too late."
He turned and began to walk away.
"Wait, Jiraiya-sensei." Nagato called out to him. "I want you to leave this place... and never interfere with us again."
Jiraiya stopped. He turned back to look at Nagato, then let out a deep sigh.
"You have something you wish to protect. And so do I. Since neither of us is willing to yield... we'll have to settle this on the battlefield."
His voice grew heavy with sorrow.
"Nagato... War can never bring true peace. Only love and understanding can heal this world."
Nagato let out a cold chuckle.
"Love and understanding? Sensei, you're still dreaming. In this world, only the strong survive. Power is the only path to order!"
Jiraiya shook his head.
"You're wrong, Nagato. Power isn't the answer to everything. If all we seek is domination, we'll be trapped in endless war and suffering."
Nagato was silent for a moment, then said quietly,
"I used to believe that too. But reality taught me otherwise—only by gaining absolute power can I protect what matters."
Jiraiya let out a final sigh.
"...Then there's nothing more to say."
He turned and left the hidden chamber.
Watching the two part ways with no reconciliation, Obito knew his goal had been achieved. Without hesitation, he activated Kamui and warped Jiraiya into the Kamui dimension, vanishing from the spot.
...
"Everything's going according to plan..." Hyuga Gakuya whispered to himself after listening to the entire conversation.
Nagato had firmly rejected Jiraiya's plea. Gakuya's earlier revelations had also played their part. Now it was time to prepare for the assault on Konohagakure and Kumogakure.
From his pocket, he pulled out a black gemstone—one of the spoils from the battle over the Six-Tails.
This gem served as the catalyst for the secret jutsu: Fury. Once fully charged, it could unleash devastation over a hundred-kilometer radius.
Gakuya's next step was to pass this gemstone—and the secret jutsu—to Deidara. He would be a key force in the attack on Kumogakure.
Deidara's explosive clay was naturally countered by Lightning Release, but this gem would help patch that weakness.
After undergoing special modifications, the gemstone now had properties similar to sage-enhanced organs.
It would not only allow Deidara to generate senjutsu chakra, but also gather natural energy—fueling the most powerful self-detonation he'd ever unleash.
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
Fanfic is finished on Patreon (237 chapters in total.)
Patreon(.)com/Jixo (for only $4.50, read this entire fanfic)