The psychology of commoners in great nations is fundamentally different from those in small countries. People of vast and powerful lands often carry broad minds and an inherent pride embedded deep within. Especially someone like Tsunade, hailed as the Konoha Princess—this sense of superiority isn't something she puts on intentionally; it's simply part of who she is.
In contrast, people from small nations with limited land and sparse populations tend to harbor narrow-mindedness, insecurity, and exclusion. Their cramped surroundings breed similarly confined hearts—it's also a natural trait.
When a small country faces a mighty one, or when a weak nation confronts a strong power, feelings of inferiority and humility are unavoidable—they're just human nature.
The weaker and more insecure a person feels, the more terrified they become of being looked down on. So they try desperately to hide it, seeking any way to feel superior. And if someone weak suddenly gains immense power, that old sense of inadequacy often erupts into anger multiplied a thousandfold, ready to strike out at the world.
Anya saw it clearly—if not for that conversation between Deva Path and Tsunade, Konoha wouldn't have suffered this disaster. At first, Pain had only come for the Nine-Tails and even offered cooperation. But their positions were completely opposed; they belonged to entirely different worlds. Tsunade's unwavering pride deeply wounded Nagato's hidden insecurity. Add to that the fact that both his parents and Yahiko had died because of Konoha, making such a reckless decision was only natural.
As Naruto arrived, Anya briefly sensed his presence—yes, the Myoboku Sage Art had fully awakened within him. Combined with the power of the Nine-Tails, he now stood a real chance against Pain's Transcending Shinra Tensei. Perfect. Everything was unfolding exactly as it should.
"Almost there… it's almost time."
In a corner unseen by all, Anya gripped the Blade of Indifference tightly, his face showing a rare flicker of tension.
Ever since rebuilding his body and stepping into the known storyline, Anya had played it extremely cautious, never making bold moves—until now.
This battle between Naruto and Pain must not be interrupted by anyone.
Amidst the ruins, Nian Nian felt the ground shaking beneath him, the sound of collapsing buildings all around. He wanted to run, but his legs had turned to lead—unable to take even a single step forward. All he could do was shut his eyes and wait for death...
But after waiting for quite some time, nothing happened. Unable to help himself, Nian Nian opened his eyes again and saw a massive mechanized puppet standing before him like a giant shield, keeping falling debris and rubble at bay.
Saved just in time, Nian Nian couldn't resist asking, "Who are you?"
The puppet shook off surrounding rubble with a burst of force, reshaping itself into humanoid form before simply replying, "Sasori."
"It's you," Nian Nian said in surprise, then gave a bitter chuckle. "Never thought you'd save me."
Sasori countered, "Strange? After all, you are Tenten's father."
After a stunned moment, Nian Nian seemed to grasp what was going on. His posture visibly relaxed, and with a sigh he said, "Well then... I won't interfere in your matters with Tenten anymore."
Sasori replied casually, "You couldn't anyway."
Nian Nian's face immediately showed dark lines of frustration as she let out a bitter chuckle. "Guess it's lucky someone like you is looking after Tenten… especially now that Konoha doesn't even exist anymore."
Sasori asked curiously, "Shouldn't your losses be huge? Yet you don't seem all that heartbroken."
With a carefree smile, Nian Nian replied, "Compared to death, what do those losses even matter?"
"Good mindset. No wonder Big Brother Kurotsuchi always finds you interesting." Sasori waved his hand and said, "Don't worry. Konoha will rise from the ashes—and it won't be just Konoha."
Leaving those meaningful words behind, Sasori headed toward the next location.
At the heart of Konoha's battlefield, Naruto and Pain had already begun their fierce battle.
Naruto, having mastered Sage Mode at Mount Myoboku, managed to overwhelm the Six Paths of Pain—briefly. Unfortunately, his Sage Mode had a time limit, and he soon fell into a disadvantage, eventually being completely sealed by black receivers that shut off his chakra network—he was about to be captured.
Throughout the fight, their ideologies clashed repeatedly. Alas, neither could convince the other.
Pain, losing his patience, was about to drag Naruto away when Hinata suddenly burst from the ruins of Konoha.
Seizing this moment, Hinata confessed her feelings: "I'm not afraid of death itself if it's to protect Naruto, because I love him the most."
Right after saying this, she snapped one of the black receivers piercing Naruto's body. Seeing this, Pain turned without mercy and attacked Hinata.
But the gap in power couldn't be overcome by sheer will alone. As Pain's cold, emotionless black receiver ruthlessly pierced through Hinata's body, Naruto felt as if hit by a bolt from the blue, mentally and physically shattering in an instant.
His eyes bulged with fury, glowing a deep blood-red as if radiating soul-piercing rage.
This rage shook his entire body; even his heartbeat pounded violently.
Infinite anger transformed into a swirling mix of dark violet and crimson chakra, engulfing his whole form. The power of Nine-Tails flared instantly, increasing the number of tails behind him as he entered Partial Tailed Beast Transformation.
Pain clearly sensed something different about Naruto. This tailed beast energy far surpassed that of any other Jinchuriki; its immense aura even made him feel alarmed. The power of Nine-Tails was beyond imagination.
The two began an earth-shaking battle across the ruins, going as far as to break through the underground river.
Anya stood still, watching the clash unfold with calculated patience. His Spirit Transformation Technique had already spread across the battlefield, allowing him full awareness of both fighters' conditions. By now, both were reaching their limits—it had become a contest of sheer willpower.
[Planetary Devastation.]
A sealing technique unique to the Rinnegan appeared, successfully sealing the tailed-beast-formed Naruto. However, the enraged Naruto unleashed eight tails at once, breaking free from the seal while nearing the brink of losing consciousness.
Seeing this, Anya's brows briefly furrowed before relaxing again.
The chakra of Minato, previously sealed inside Naruto, reacted to the danger and manifested within Naruto's spiritual space. With the aid Minato provided, Naruto, nearly consumed by Nine-Tails, broke free from the transformation and reactivated Sage Mode.
Without any unexpected twists, the outcome was decided.
Anya felt some of the tension in her heart ease. The most critical moment had finally arrived.
Sasori's puppet appeared beside Anya. His voice trembling slightly, he whispered softly, "Big Brother Kurotsuchi, do you really think it will succeed?"
"I don't know either. But if we don't try, I'll never forgive myself. This is what I've been waiting for all along," Anya said, loosening her grip on the knife. Her palm was already soaked with sweat. She took several deep breaths to steady herself, then her gaze turned calm and unwavering as she asked, "Is everything ready?"
Sasori nodded. "Everything's set. We're already at Pain's main body's location."
"Good, then let's go."
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