Nagato's Resolve

Thinking of Yahiko, Nagato could not help but recall the bits and pieces of the past. From the very beginning, Yahiko had always been the backbone for both him and Konan.

Although Nagato was now the leader of the Akatsuki Organization, he had always felt that he was not suited to be a leader. He lacked Yahiko's qualities—the ability to influence others and truly earn their trust.

Through the Deva Path's vision, Nagato looked at the mocking Black Zetsu on the ground, and a thought suddenly arose in his mind.

Should he... revive Yahiko?

Once that thought surfaced, it clung to Nagato's heart like a curse and refused to fade. Beside the Deva Path, Konan looked at him in confusion as he fell silent, unable to keep a trace of worry from rising within her.

Konan was worried about Nagato's condition elsewhere. His body had already been weakened beyond measure from using the Rinnegan, and after his recent defeat, it was only natural that he might be unable to hold on.

She quietly tugged on Deva Path Pain's sleeve. The Deva Path immediately turned to look at her, and only then did Konan breathe a sigh of relief and ask softly,

"Should we head back first?"

The Deva Path lowered his head and pondered for a moment before saying,

"We can, but we need to take him back too. I don't feel at ease leaving him here."

As soon as he finished speaking, the Human Path and Asura Path flashed into the cave and seized Black Zetsu, who had been pinned into a porcupine by Yin-Yang Black Rods. The Deva Path glanced at the Akatsuki members present, who were still dumbfounded, and said slowly,

"Do not go out on any missions for the time being. I need to adjust the