With the threat of execution lifted, Konan's voice finally relaxed. She explained everything that had happened after Fujimoto Tōma left: Black Zetsu's sudden appearance, the theft of the Rinnegan, and the grotesque moment when a Sharingan emerged from Black Zetsu's body, activating Obito's intangibility technique.
Tōma listened quietly, then nodded in understanding.
"So it was Black Zetsu after all…"
If it was that thing, everything made sense. Even Nagato, with the Rinnegan, failing to sense it wasn't strange. Black Zetsu had hidden itself for generations. It had even deceived the Sage of Six Paths. Tōma had no illusions that his own perception surpassed that level.
"Transfer Seal," Tōma muttered, unsurprised by the description. "A Sharingan-based technique, but not something unique in principle. Just… never fully researched."
His mind briefly wandered. If sealing techniques like that were refined, they could revolutionize shinobi tools. Stored techniques. Instant communication. Chakra-based relays. Entire systems built around shadow clone feedback loops.
Not now, he decided. Research belonged to peacetime. Konoha didn't have the luxury to indulge curiosity yet.
"The Rinnegan is gone. That's done," Tōma said calmly. "I'll treat Nagato first."
Konan's eyes widened. "Th-thank you."
Tōma examined Nagato carefully. The longer he looked, the deeper his frown became.
"…This body's been drained far beyond its limit," he said at last. "You've forced yourself to use chakra your body couldn't sustain. Repeatedly."
Konan lowered her gaze. "Yes."
"Say it plainly," Jiraiya said quietly.
"Damage like this can't be reversed," Tōma said. "Even with Uzumaki vitality."
Nagato paused. "Uzumaki?"
"You didn't know?" Tōma glanced at him. "You're Uzumaki. If you weren't, you wouldn't have survived using the Rinnegan at all. For an ordinary shinobi, activating those eyes once would have meant death."
"…I see," Nagato said slowly. "So that's who I was."
"And your hair," Tōma added. "Bright red, originally. That color is a clear marker. Anyone with it is almost certainly Uzumaki."
Nagato scoffed faintly. "And what did that save us? The clan was wiped out anyway. Weak nations don't survive, even when they cling to stronger ones."
Tōma didn't respond with words. He raised his hand and knocked Nagato lightly on the head.
"Enough," he said flatly. "Twist everything into your theory again and I'll stop treating you. And Konoha won't help either."
Nagato froze, stunned. Konan hurriedly held his arm.
"Please, Nagato. Don't say anymore."
Tōma nodded, satisfied. "The Uzumaki weren't completely erased. Their leader scattered survivors before the fall. There are still a few left."
Nagato blinked. "So… my mother was one of them?"
"Yes. In Konoha alone, there are two others. Uzumaki Naruto and Uzumaki Karin. With you, that makes three."
Nagato let out a quiet breath, then stopped himself from speaking further.
"Your chakra reserves and vitality kept you alive," Tōma continued, "but even so, your body's worn down. If this continues, you don't have long."
"I see," Nagato replied calmly. His life had never mattered much to him.
"How long?" Konan asked, her voice trembling.
"If you keep using chakra like before, a few years," Tōma said. "If you stop completely and recover properly… maybe another ten or more."
"That's enough," Nagato said quietly.
Konan clenched her hands but said nothing.
"So stay with him," Tōma said gently. "Get a wheelchair. Take him around the village. You might call it false peace, but Konoha's atmosphere isn't bad."
Konan imagined it, then smiled softly. "Alright."
Jiraiya sighed. Ten years… maybe more. He'd still be here then. The thought weighed heavily.
"One more thing," Tōma added. "Your eyes were removed improperly. Even with transplants, your vision may never return."
"That's fine," Nagato replied without hesitation. "Losing them feels like freedom. Everything that went wrong in my life started with those eyes."
"…Power," he muttered bitterly. Power that couldn't even defeat a single man.
Konan smiled faintly. "Then I'll be your eyes, Nagato."
Tōma watched quietly, choosing not to explain the truth of the Rinnegan. About fate. About manipulation. About how Nagato's life had been planned long before he understood it.
"Jiraiya," Tōma said at last. "Prepare two rooms near your place. I'll bring them after treatment."
He handed Jiraiya a marked kunai.
Jiraiya nodded and left without argument.
Once he was gone, Nagato spoke again.
"So… now that he's gone," he said softly, "is there something you wanted to say, Sixth Hokage?"
Tōma raised an eyebrow, faintly amused.
"…As expected of the man who once led Akatsuki."