Watching the crowd disperse, Nagato struggled to understand the deep disgust and fear burning in their eyes.
In the Empire, when civilians discovered you were a ninja, their eyes would shine with undisguised envy. On several missions, commoners had even tried to gift him items, desperate to curry favor or establish any kind of connection with him.
Nagato used to think the Empire was corrupt because of this—that even a lowly ninja like him could attract bribes.
But he never imagined that in this world, ninjas were so despised.
The hatred and terror in their eyes were so thick they almost felt tangible.
He couldn't comprehend it. A single Genin possessed productivity hundreds, if not thousands of times greater than an ordinary person. How could beings capable of bringing prosperity to entire regions be so loathed?
"Heh, their reaction is actually quite normal. The Land of Rivers has no Hidden Village. The ninjas here belong exclusively to the Daimyo, used solely to control and suppress the populace. Naturally, the people are sensitive to and disgusted by the word 'ninja'."
"Such a situation would be impossible in our Land of Fire. There, the common folk hold ninjas in awe and respect."
Seeing Nagato's furrowed brow, Jiraiya smiled and explained.
"As for me... well, as you can see, I am just an ordinary, humble ninja of the Land of Fire."
Nagato felt a twinge of disappointment.
So this world's "Master" was this weak? Especially after sensing the faint, pathetic chakra that leaked from Jiraiya just now—clearly, the man couldn't even control his own energy properly. Nagato shook his head internally.
In the Empire, his master Jiraiya held the title of one of the Legendary Sannin. His Sage Power was on the verge of stepping into the realm of the Six Paths. Perhaps only now, with his newly awakened Rinnegan, could Nagato even hope to spar with him.
But this otherworldly master before him... he couldn't even manage the most basic chakra suppression.
Seeing Nagato staring blankly, Jiraiya lifted his chin with a touch of arrogance, a smirk tugging at his lips.
Heh heh, scared him, didn't I? It makes sense. My power rivals, if not exceeds, some Kage. I deliberately leaked a trace of chakra just now to let him sense it. Judging by that stunned look, he probably realized that even a 'humble ninja' here possesses such terrifying strength.
Hopefully, this display will crush any thoughts of invasion...
Jiraiya was quite pleased with his little performance. Years of traveling had taught him that subduing an enemy without bloodshed was the superior path. Like this calculated display of deterrence!
"I didn't catch your name," Jiraiya asked, breaking the silence as Nagato remained lost in thought.
"Me? You can call me Nagato."
"Nagato, is it?"
Jiraiya frowned slightly but quickly relaxed.
Right, they said they were from a parallel world. It makes sense that his name and appearance match my student perfectly.
However, Jiraiya was curious about one thing. Same name, same face, similar age. Where exactly did the difference between the parallel world and this one lie?
"Nagato, the Land of Fire is very hospitable. Where would you like to start your tour?"
Facing this otherworldly master who was outwardly friendly but clearly probing him, Nagato didn't feel repulsed. Having a guide was certainly better than wandering blindly.
Moreover, this man had stepped forward fearlessly after feeling Nagato's burst of aura earlier.
Doesn't that show remarkable self-sacrifice and patriotism?
If even a low-level, grassroots ninja possesses such a spirit of sacrifice, the Land of Fire must be a truly wonderful place, right?
I was too impulsive just now. How can the savior of the world judge everything through a narrow tube?
With this thought, Nagato spoke. "I'd like to visit the Capital of the Land of Fire first, and then go to Konoha Village."
Jiraiya's heart tightened.
As expected... he hasn't given up on the invasion plan.
Jiraiya, a veteran wanderer, made a split-second decision.
He would travel with this Nagato, communicating with him along the way to see if he could persuade him—or at least extract more intelligence.
If, in the end, Nagato's intentions remained unchanged, Jiraiya would set a trap to capture him. He absolutely would not allow war and disaster to reach Konoha!
Konoha Village, Hokage Tower
The former escorts of the Second Hokage—now the "Konoha Elders F4"—were gathered together.
Aside from Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo, the two who held real power, there were Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura—two short-sighted old fossils who were essentially glorified decorations.
Their expressions were grave as they discussed the intelligence just delivered via a toad from Mount Myōboku.
"Hiruzen, are you sure this isn't just one of Jiraiya's novel drafts sent to the wrong place?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi puffed on his pipe, exhaling a cloud of smoke, his eyes cloudy with age.
"Danzo, do you believe parallel worlds truly exist?"
Danzo narrowed his eyes, remaining silent.
To be honest, even in their positions, they had never heard of parallel worlds. But given their long lives and knowledge of the Three Great Sage Regions and countless mystical entities, the concept of a parallel universe wasn't impossible.
"Based on Lord Jiraiya's demeanor, this matter is likely genuine," the messenger toad interjected. "His expression was extremely serious. And since we were at the Valley of the End, I definitely sensed three distinct, extremely powerful chakra signatures."
Because of Jiraiya, Mount Myōboku maintained good relations with Konoha.
"Fine. Regardless of the cause, since we know in advance, there shouldn't be any major consequences. After all, it's just three ninjas with 'suspected' Kage-level strength," Koharu stated indifferently.
Current-day Konoha couldn't even scrape together a single prime Kage-level fighter, yet her tone suggested that three Kage-level threats were beneath her notice.
"Danzo, you continue the investigation. If we can capture and interrogate them with minimal losses, that would be best. If not, leak the information. We cannot let Konoha bear the brunt of this so-called parallel universe threat alone," Homura added, equally dismissive.
The ninja world was in turmoil. How strong could ninjas from a parallel world be? And surely the cost of crossing dimensions meant they were weakened?
With the current tense geopolitical situation, perhaps a new external threat would help divert attention and alleviate internal conflicts...
"Leave it to me. Root will give you a satisfactory answer."
"However, since we are all here, I have a question for the Hokage."
Danzo turned his gaze, dark and sinister, toward the Third Hokage.
"As far as I know, the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki has left the village. Hokage, don't you have an explanation for this?"
Hiruzen exhaled a long breath of smoke, speaking nonchalantly. "People need to grow. Don't worry, Kakashi is watching him. Nothing will go wrong."
Thinking of Kakashi's eye and his skills, Danzo scoffed coldly.
"It had better be so. The Jinchūriki is the village's greatest deterrent against other nations. I don't want any issues. If you lack the ability to train him, hand him over to Root. I will turn him into a perfect weapon of war!"
The 'Pot Shadow' stood up and slowly faded from existence.
Hiruzen sighed, muttering to himself.
"After all, he is the son of a hero..."