In the ninja world, rebirth is possible, and Anya had always known this—he had strived for it.
However, his overly hasty methods had cost him dearly before. Therefore, even though he was now invincible, he remained cautious, maintaining the current balance of the ninja world precisely for this moment.
Anya silently arrived outside Konoha village, stopping beside a large tree—this was where Pain's true body lay. With all six Paths of Pain destroyed, only Nagato, their original form, remained.
Suddenly feeling disoriented as he arrived here, Anya hesitated, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. Frankly speaking, even he couldn't be entirely sure of success. After a self-deprecating smile, he murmured to himself, "I've come this far already, waited this long too—I can afford to wait one more moment. Naruto, hope your Way with words works this time."
Exactly as expected, after once again entering Sage Mode, Naruto claimed final victory and headed here.
Without hesitation, Anya used the Spirit Transformation Technique, attaching his soul onto Naruto's body, entering together with him.
The two students taught by Jiraiya finally met face-to-face, two opposing ideologies clashing intensely—but Anya paid no attention to their conversation at all, simply waiting quietly for that final moment.
After their heated argument, Nagato kept his eyes shut for a long time before finally speaking. "I'm your senior brother—we were classmates under the same master. I mentioned earlier we should understand each other, although it was just a joke, you really are amazing, reminding me of my younger self. I can't trust Jiraiya anymore, not even myself, but I have a feeling you'll have a different future from mine. So I'll give trusting you a try, Naruto Uzumaki."
Nagato formed a hand seal with both hands...
Seeing this, Konan immediately stepped forward desperately trying to stop him, saying, "Nagato, you..."
"Konan, enough," Nagato interrupted her, saying, "I've made a new choice—one I previously abandoned."
Confused, Naruto asked, "What? What jutsu are you preparing?"
Sorrowfully, Konan explained, "Those possessing the Rinnegan don't merely control all six Paths of Pain through techniques. Legends say they can transcend life and death itself. Nagato's ocular power is mastery over life and death—the Seventh Path of Pain."
With every last bit of chakra gathered within him, Nagato's body shook violently. Hoarsely shouting out, he cried, [Outer Path — Rinne Rebirth Technique!]
Just as this ninjutsu was about to activate—
A voice suddenly echoed deep inside Nagato's mind.
[Kotoamatsukami]
A fleeting sense of confusion passed through Nagato's Rinnegan as a green light flashed by. Instantly, three coffins materialized out of nowhere inside the hollowed tree trunk.
The floating green glow acted like a flash of light engulfing one coffin. Immediately afterward, Nagato's lips began bleeding heavily, his chakra rapidly depleting, his once red hair turning grayish white.
The spirit connected to Naruto's body surged into Nagato's inner realm, infusing fresh chakra into him. Soon after, two more streaks of green light emerged, covering the remaining two coffins.
"What the hell is going on, Nagato?"
Konan was horrified. According to Nagato's words just now, he must have planned to resurrect the people killed in Konoha this time—why were their souls transferred into three unknown coffins instead? When did these appear?
Before Konan could react, her entire body became immobilized, unable to move an inch. It wasn't only herself—Naruto, who had entered Sage Mode and gained considerable power, was also trapped on the spot, losing consciousness.
"Don't move. It'll be over soon," a soft voice whispered in her ear.
This familiar voice immediately helped Konan locate the speaker. She struggled to turn her head and fixed her beautiful eyes on the black-clothed man holding a blade.
Entering the tree hollow, he silently stared at Nagato for three seconds before slowly stepping forward, glancing around gently. "Although you didn't do it willingly, thank you anyway. Your village will become better in the future—that is my promise to you."
Drained of his remaining chakra, silver-haired Nagato stood there with aged weariness visible in his eyes right before death. Fully aware now of everything that had transpired, after recognizing the person before him, all mysteries suddenly cleared up.
"So, you've been watching me all along—you've waited for this moment."
Anya admitted honestly.
"Yes."
"The heavier the loss, the harder it is to accept. One tends not to accept that someone important might have been saved after all. I never imagined someone like you would carry such deep attachments. I hope you keep your word. Also, since you're Konan's master, protect her well. Consider this my final favor to you."
With those words spoken, Nagato finally closed his eyes forever, his life essence gone.
At the same time, movements stirred inside the three coffins, starting with the first coffin being pushed open.
A handsome man with long silver-white hair tied into a ponytail slowly opened his eyes.
After instinctively glancing around, he finally set his gentle gaze upon Anya, smiling broadly. "Anya, you've grown up. Long time no see."
Anya's eyes shone with amazing light. He closed his eyes briefly to suppress the storm of emotions within. After opening them again, he twirled the [Blade of Indifference] in his hand with a flourish. With the mischievousness unique to youth, he smiled lightly. "Yeah, Master. You've slept for so many years. My [Sword Art] has surpassed yours by far. Starting tomorrow, I'll teach you sword techniques—and you can call me 'Master.'"
White Fang was taken back but then smiled bitterly. "Outperforming me isn't surprising—but wanting to be my master? Let's see if you can withstand three strikes from me first."
The voice, the face, the presence, the [Sword Art]—all were unmistakably familiar.
The two exchanged smiles while each silently sighed: It's been too long.
Just then, the other two coffins also opened. A male and female ninja sat up dazedly from within. Upon seeing White Fang nearby, they reflexively asked, "Where are those children?"
Anya responded dryly, "How about you worry about your own kids before asking about others'?"
"Dad... Mom..."
Ever since entering the Tree Hollow, Sasori's puppet had stayed silent, unable to believe his parents had been brought back—until they spoke. Only then did he realize that everything before him was real.
His parents, who had truly perished during the Second Battle, had actually been resurrected as part of Anya's plan. This overwhelming shock nearly caused his fragmented soul to lose control of the puppet.
"Sasori?"
Sasori's parents immediately jumped out of the coffin and ran toward him. The three embraced fiercely.
Laughter filled the entire Tree Hollow, while Konan shed quiet tears.
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