One month later
Konoha
After waiting for a long time, Jiraiya finally saw the people he had been waiting for: Nagato, Konan, Obito who was still wearing his mask, and another long-haired man also wearing a mask.
"Nagato, Konan… I never thought it would really be you two."
Completely ignoring Obito and the unknown masked man, Jiraiya's gaze immediately went to Nagato and Konan.
Looking at the two people who were both familiar and unfamiliar, even though he had already heard from Furina about their current identities, actually seeing them still made Jiraiya sigh involuntarily in his heart.
The ones who once needed Yahiko just to survive had now become the leaders of the Akatsuki organization, powerful enough to threaten the entire ninja world. Although they had not fought, he knew in his heart that the current Nagato had probably far surpassed him.
After all, this was personally acknowledged by Furina as transcendent strength. Otherwise, it would have been impossible to reach today's situation: the leader of the Akatsuki negotiating with Konoha—or rather, with Furina who represented Konoha—about bringing lasting peace to the ninja world.
"That's right, Sensei. Because of our previous ideological conflicts, I couldn't meet you in person before. But now things are different. We will bring true peace to the ninja world together."
As he spoke, a slight smile appeared at the corner of Nagato's mouth, as if he could already envision the future. Although it would not be realized by his own hands, for him that was enough.
At the very least, Furina was someone worthy of entrusting his dream to.
Seeing Nagato in such a clearly good mood, a smile also appeared on Jiraiya's face. No matter what happened in the future, at least right now what he could see was truly developing in a positive direction. Although there were some points he did not fully agree with, overall the flaws did not overshadow the merits.
Perhaps the Sage of Six Paths' prophecy had not been wrong after all. Nagato really was the Child of Prophecy meant to bring peace to the chaotic ninja world—if not for Furina's existence.
Although he did not say it outright, the fact that Nagato—who now felt unfathomably deep even to him—had personally come to Konoha to negotiate instead of going elsewhere could only prove that Furina was stronger than Nagato, and not just by a little.
Compared to her, so-called Children of Prophecy—whether Nagato, Minato whom he had once held high hopes for, or even the current Naruto—clearly had nothing particularly noteworthy about them.
The goal he had pursued for so long, the so-called Child of Prophecy, perhaps really should come to an end, just as Furina had said.
The emotions in his heart did not slow the group's steps. Soon Nagato and Konan followed Jiraiya to an open area where the Five Kage, along with Mifune representing the Land of Iron, were already seated around a round table waiting.
Upon arrival, Nagato first exchanged a glance with Tsunade, then walked forward alone.
Earlier, Nagato had already come to Konoha in disguise to privately discuss future choices with key figures such as Tsunade, Furina, and Jiraiya, and a decision had already been made in advance.
Others had also been involved in this, including Obito. The reason was simple: because Furina was tired of watching him play his illusion tricks, she directly exposed his identity, and along with it she revealed the full truth about Infinite Tsukuyomi.
Upon learning all this, Obito first felt shock, then doubt and disbelief. His long-held convictions were shattered all at once, leaving him completely unable to accept it for a time.
But reality would not change because of his thoughts, and Furina's subsequent actions forced him to face the truth.
Facing Black Zetsu, who stubbornly refused to admit anything, Furina used her perception—unmatched in the ninja world—to locate Madara Uchiha's corpse and perform Edo Tensei on it.
Although at first the revived Madara only wanted to fight Furina, after enduring a period of one-sided beatings and ultimately losing, with Furina's prompting he was forced to think about Black Zetsu.
Once he realized that a powerhouse like Furina had no reason to lie to him, when he tested it, Black Zetsu—who claimed to be the incarnation of his will—actually resisted him. For a moment he was filled with question marks.
And Furina, seeing someone in doubt, very considerately explained the matter of Kaguya Ōtsutsuki in detail right in front of Black Zetsu's terrified eyes.
Although Madara was just as unwilling as Obito to admit that his dream had merely been a stepping stone for someone else, unfortunately, according to Furina's account, every detail matched up. He had no choice but to accept reality.
"That's how things are. Now there are two paths. One is to be freed right now—I'll release this technique and let you rest in peace. The other is to use those eyes of yours right now and personally witness the world that comes after. Learn properly how to bring peace to the world."
"A cheap provocation tactic. But with your strength, you're qualified to make me stay a bit longer. Let me take a good look at this so-called peace of yours."
...
Back to the present. Looking at the few people in the distance who already seemed to be starting some conflict, Obito and Madara exchanged a glance. Neither of them cared much—or rather, with the strength of the Five Kage, it was hard for them to take the situation seriously.
They had already fully understood Furina's ideas. With her overwhelming strength as support, along with their backing, world peace was no empty talk.
According to her plan, peace—and even allowing everyone in the ninja world to live better—was not something impossible. It was genuinely achievable.
The only problem was that Furina seemed a bit too merciful. With such a good plan, could the other Kage and the rest really have any objections?
Whoever was so tactless could simply be eliminated. This was easy not just for her—Obito, Nagato, and Madara all found it effortless. If Furina did not want to do it herself, Obito and Madara would even be happy to take care of it for her.
The goal they had pursued for so long was right in front of them. In such a promising situation, if someone still did not support it, did that not clearly call for a heavy fist?
But unfortunately Furina was willing to give them a chance. Although both Madara and Obito felt it was a bit soft-hearted, the Uchiha had always respected the strong.
They were also willing to respect her strength and give the leaders of the other four villages—who they already regarded as obstacles to peace—one opportunity. But if they failed to seize it…
There would be no need for anyone else to act. Ever since returning to this world through Edo Tensei, Madara Uchiha—who had been constantly sparring with Furina, getting brutally beaten, and holding back a lot of frustration—would be the first to announce his return to the ninja world.