Just Like This

"Yahiko died, and afterward, I took Yahiko's place as the leader of Akatsuki." Nagato looked at Naruto, who had lowered his head in silence, and continued recalling, "Then countless more comrades died in the war. So many, so many people kept dying. The people of the Land of Fire, immersed in the illusion of peace, relied on Konoha's meager commission fees to fund the war. So many people of the Land of Fire knew they were contributing to the war, yet kept shouting hypocritically about peace. The peace of you great nations is built solely upon the sacrifices of small nations. Your peace is violence against us."

Naruto remained silent, because he had no argument to offer.

"As long as people live, they harm others without even realizing it. As long as people exist, hatred will continue to exist. In this cursed world, true peace simply does not exist." Nagato spoke coldly. "Everything Master Jiraiya said was nothing but fiction. I've finished telling my story. Now let's hear your answer."

Naruto pulled out a novel. It was the serious ninja tale Jiraiya had written in his early days. Looking at the cover, he said calmly, "That may indeed be true. I also think things may be just as you said."

"Is that so?" Nagato replied calmly.

"I understand you now. Even so, I still can't forgive you!" Naruto said with his eyes tightly shut in pain. "I really do hate you!"

"Then let's settle this!" Nagato's tone was casual. Sure enough, no one could escape the curse of hatred.

"But..." Naruto opened his eyes and stared at the cover, his voice grave. "But Master Jiraiya believed in me and entrusted everything to me. So I'll try believing in what Master Jiraiya once believed in with all his heart. That is